Day 153-January 31, 2013

     I made a to do list first thing.  I picked up all of my littered travel items and put away the groceries and kitchen stuff.  The bathrooms were cleaned and I had a good shower too.  This day was volunteer day in fourth grade helping them make rye bread for global bread sampling on Friday.  Property viewing of a new listing on Squirrel Creek, groceries , and prayer group at Linda's.  I met Eddie and Fred at Players Pizza for dinner. 

Day 150 to 152- January 28 to 30, 2013

     E'lora's Second Birthday Adventure.  I love when she asks me that precious question, "Wanna go on adventure?" her voice rising ever so sweetly at the end.  GrandMuM rose early to shower and be on the road before 7.  I dropped of Xene at the shop, picked up a rental car, and headed to Home Goods for birthday shopping.  The OLD Radio Flyer wagon of the boys was already packed in a blanket for the journey, a special surprise for Colin.  I found perfect little gifts, a practice baby sister doll with her own potty, warm "ba," and big girl panties; puzzle cards matching animals with their sound in words; an owl bank; and a perfect book, A Home for Bird.  I arrived just before nap time, Cora headed on a lunch date with Candy before she needed to head to work.  I baked the cake.  We had some time for party decorating too.  Papa Bear took a l-o-n-g nap.  He headed to a meeting after we shared stuffed peppers.  I decorated E'lora's owl cake after she nestled in for the night.

GrandMuM was up past midnight.  Twas fun though.  I got the idea that shredded wheat would be good nest material, then I thought perhaps All Bran.  The cupboards provided rice sticks to go along with the pretzels.  A nice nest.  Grampa's Christmas Milk Duds were the pupils and beak.  I toasted coconut to add over the chocolate frosting, and I carefully placed almonds on the white buttercream.  I baked the cake in large and small pyrex bowls.

     Tuesday morning someone dressed in pink for her party. Ten adults and four year old Ava celebrated this special little one.

After supper with Ruth, Papa Bear and Mama Bear and Ruth headed to the movies.  GrandMuM finished reading Life of Pi  before diving into dreamland.  

     Wednesday morning we gathered around the kitchen table for Flour Garden sweet bread.  We headed out to Spring Lake for a vigorous walk and some playground time.  GrandMuM got the glow on.  It was probably close to three miles for our stroll.  I headed out at 12:30, picked up Xene, delivered the rental, and spent $200 at Trader Joe's.  Fred had a lovely steak dinner with mashed potatoes and green beans for me and Scott and Savannah when I got home.  

Day 149-January 27, 2013

     Morning adventure, a motorcycle excursion looking at property for the kids.  I headed out Long Valley Road so I could see the venue for Scott and Savannah's wedding.  We continued on the route for Rex Reservoir taking the off road journey under Highway 20 to our house.  I love new roads.
     Afternoon adventure, a bicycle ride starting at Champion Mine.  A little almost six year old fella was riding his new mountain bike with his dad and he fell into the NID ditch.  He was soaking wet.  I first passed the two on an uphill.  Later while waiting for Fred, they caught up to me.  I could see the brave little guy was awfully cold.  I offered to stay with Garrison while his dad hurried ahead to fetch their truck.  I tried to give him my warm gloves, I encouraged him to move about to warm up a little.  He was hesitant to make eye contact.  I'm sure all that was in him was trying not to cry.  A brave little fellow, that one.  His dad did his level best.  He'll have a good story to tell forever.  On our return from Nevada City, Eddie led us on a rocky trail leading from Old Downieville Highway to the crest on Newtown near Prince Rainier.  I love new trails.
     I telephoned my best friends, Lori, Kathleen, and Sharon.  I made us Beth and Dustin's stuffed peppers.  I kept seeking inspiration for the bathroom project.  I didn't pack enough for my Santa Rosa journey.  

Day 148-January 26, 2013

      Most of the day was spent looking for inspiration for our bathroom redo.  The guest bath is overdue, it has been labeled "Mens" for years, but it has gone beyond that disclaimer.  Actually, it's not that bad.  I feel like my ideas are coming together.  I want to carry the materials and colors from our fireplace into it somewhat.  I fancy a rectangular sink.  Fred and AJ will do the work.  I hope I can be helpful.  The internet is a great source of ideas, we talked to the tile store fella for a long time too.  Perko's senior hamburgers for lunch, tasted like In and Out.  
     Laurie prepared a lovely birthday pizza dinner for her mom, Alice; Fred and Eddie.  The chocolate mousse cake and strawberry cheesecake were intoxicating.  The girls gathered around the computer for Pinterest while the fellas watched a bicycle DVD.

Day 146 and 147-January 24 and 25, 2013

     I picked up Alexa at 8.  She and I drove to check out a newly back on the market house on Bubbling Wells.  After two more visits and some phone calls, the house ended up going back into escrow that day with a cash offer.  It was a good deal.  Bless her heart, Alexa's loves GrandMuM's classical music in the car.  We look for horses and other interesting sites as we drive.  We had a nice visit to the library too.  There was rain for part of the the day on Thursday.  
     On Friday morning we had our maiden voyage in the new jogging stroller.  We'll need to give it a name.  We walked up our road, then on down Rocker.  It was grand.  She got muddy and wet again.  She loves to play "outside."  While Alexa napped, I had my teeth cleaned.  After nap time we all went back to town, dropped Fred at the gym, and we went on another walk.  Jen got off at 4, then I headed to Save Mart to get ingredients for E'lora's owl cake for her second birthday, also a present for Gramma Alice's birthday.  I forgot to get missing ingredients for Thai Spicy Chicken Soup, so we had the old standby, burritos, for supper.  

Day 145-January 23, 2013

     It was delightful to wake up and make crepes for Scott and Savannah.  At 11 we met Scott and Mark at Empire Mine for a bicycle ride.  After a brief stop at the grocery store, we headed home and I began preparations for family dinner.  
     Dinner for nine, the kids, the six folks and Uncle Eddie.  Fred barbecued salmon and tri-tip.  I made rolls, scalloped potatoes (I should have sauteed the onion and garlic first), broccoli, and oatmeal cake.  Lots of laughter, some wine, and a little Apples to Apples.

Day 144, January 22, 2013

     I whipped up an apple pie first thing because Scott and Savannah were arriving this eve.  Karly and I had our walk while it baked.  Today's Tuesday morning walk was our three mile Bridgeport loop with Jacque, Denise, and I.  We had a gentle pace, the sunshine was lovely, the bird songs grand, and we even think we saw an eagle at Defiance Point.  When I got home I got on Google Earth for the first time.  I was trying to find a route on the back roads from here to Penn Valley.  I think I found one, but we'll check it out on the motorcycles soon.  I'd like to bicycle down to Penn Valley, but I don't want to ride that section of Rough and Ready Highway.  I also signed up for Pinterest.  I just don't know how it works, like so much of the computer stuff.  
     I picked up Eddie and the old Radio Flyer wagon at 2:30, then we met Fred, Mark and Susan Walker, the realtor, at the Turtleback Hill property that Colin and Cora are interested in.  We looked about and inside, it will need some work.  We all agreed the price was high, but we'll investigate further because it does have some potential.  We headed out the snowy escape route down Honeysuckle, onto Rock Creek Road, and out Lake Vera-Purdon, then straight to the 'Ol Republic Brewery for beer.  Laurie joined us and we had tasty chicken sliders for dinner.  Bar nuts were a great appetizer!

Day 143-January 21, 2013

     We woke up to a long seizure with Karly, our fragile dog. I knew I should stay near her today.  She was ready for a walk at about 10 and was eating well and holding her food down fine.  The news channels were focused on the inauguration.  A especially enjoyed hearing the presidential speech, I did not like Beyonce's embellishment of our national anthem.  It was a patriotic morning.
     I completed the quest of researching and selecting an over the range microwave for our Partridge rental.  I bought local at Hills Flat Lumber, Amana and on sale.  I also found a Kelty double jogging stroller on Craig's List, I picked it up in Alta Sierra for $120-between the $90 I had to spend the and $150 she was asking.  It folds up nicely and fits in the back of Xene.  I excite!  
     For my afternoon exercise I rode to the post office to get Saturday's mail.  It was Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, so no new mail.  

Day 142-January 20, 2013

     Twas a beautiful day for a motorcycle adventure.  Destination, Sierra Nevada Brewery Taproom for lunch in Chico.  John Meyer on his new Ducati and Jacque and Mike on their FJ met us at Taco Shell at 10.  We took the back roads, including a new one for me, Robinson Mill Road heading out of Bangor, I think.  We climbed up over Tabletop Mountain and down on Honeyrun, both twisty scenic rides.  Lunch was outstanding!  
     We got home about 4:30.  I took a nice long walk after feeding the chickens and gathering eggs.  The sunset was colorful again.  I enjoyed a nice long chat with Auntie Carol.  We watched a great Daniel Day Lewis film, "In the Name of my Father."  I did a little correspondence and bills plus some house chores, so I feel pretty caught up.

Day 141-January 19, 2013

     A thrilling trek walking about the North Star Mine 760 acres of private land.  We were with about 60 other people on this Bear Yuba Land Trust adventure.  Jim Simmons, the property manager, was our tour narrator.  He's a retired high school teacher, 77 years old, and still an avid hiker.  He was inspiring to me.  Also my new friend, Pete.  He's perhaps nearer 80, hunched over with two walking poles, a permanent smile on his face, and many tales of old to tell.  Our slow-paced 5 mile journey's highlight was the base remnants of the 40 stamp mill, a huge concrete and rock structure being enveloped by the forest.  It's just off of Allison Ranch Road.
     For the late afternoon I gave Fred his first weekly hour birthday massage.  We grilled up steaks for Eddie's birthday.  He's finally feeling better.  He brought a present for Fred, The Dude and the Zen Master.  We watched a great Tommy Lee Jones movie set near the border and in Mexico.  It was a great day.

Day 140-January 18, 2013

     I spent the morning getting ready for my noon time yearly doctor visit.  Long overdue glamour time, ripping the hair out of my legs, shaving the armpits, painting my toenails, and shaping my fingernails.  Oh, and I put my hair up in rollers after I washed it.  I got to cross two things off of my "to do" list. 
     For the first time ever, I had high blood pressure at the doctor's office.  That kind of overtook the visit, and I forgot to ask all of my other questions, especially about my hurting hips.  He asked me to check my blood pressure at different times of day, and while doing different things.  He said he never makes a big decision based on one reading.  My moles looked fine to him, and breast exam was fine.  
     I looked at a Pasquale Road property for the kids.  I looked for a property on Burning Bush.  It wasn't accessible from North Bloomfield.  It's probably a good 40 minutes out of town.  I picked up Alexa from preschool.  She is so excited when I arrive, and she repeats, "Goodbye friends, goodbye teachers, goodbye Shelly."  We picked up rent money then went to the bank.  It was cool to her that there were "ponies" at the bank.  Wells Fargo is a good fit for her.  At home she wanted to got outside.  Exploring ditches and sticks is exciting, but the highlight today was the big pile of leaves in the drainage by our bridge.  Her wet muddy shoes dried out by the fire and the bathtub was her next stop.  Our rubber chicken is her favorite toy here right now.  She was also very excited to try out the new crib.  She asked to go to sleep at about 7.  Sleepovers are grand.

Day 139, January 17, 2013

     I love getting up before the sun.  I started stew before Karly and I took our morning walk.  I wanted to cook it and cool it, before reheating it in the eve.  Today's secret ingredient was parsley from the garden.  I went to town with the vaccum.  I drug the hose upstairs and also cleaned the valances up there.  It was laundry day too, I'd worn those bicycling pants enough days.  The junk drawer got a cleaning.  Goodness, there are so many more drawers and cupboards that would like attention too.
     I managed some glamor time before heading to Bell Hill to help.  I enjoyed tutoring Tristyn and Caleb in two digit multiplication using the distributive property and an array model.  Their biggest problem is rushing and making simple mistakes in this multi-step process.  Also helping them think about how the model could help them think about the problem.  I loved helping.  
     I stopped at Big 5 for a return on my way to Alice's for prayer group.  We talked and talked and prayed too.  I got home after 6.  Fred had warmed up the stew and leftover quiche.  Oh, a wonderfully satisfying dinner.  Big Bang mindless TV, while I tried to take up my knitting project.  I'll need to do some knitting You Tube viewing to get going again.  I've taken up Life of Pi to finish before I start my next book club selection.  If this book is supposed to have a deeper meaning, I sure don't get it.  A kid on a boat with a tiger just seems to fanciful to me.  The hyena was just eaten.  I'll keep reading though.
      
     

Day 138-January 16, 2013

     Fred's 57th birthday, so first tasks were to wrap his present and bake his requested carrot cake.  As he left for work he said, "Well, I guess the house will be nice and clean when I get home."  Book club was meeting at our home.  When he left I decided I'd rather cook for the girls than clean.  I baked a quiche and apple betty.  I did clean the bathroom.  
     Susan, Cyn, Denise, and I had a lovely talk about our book.  We talked about our lives, we talked about other books.  This was our first meeting together.  They loved the food.  I offered some of my homemade beverages too, GrandMuM's Comfort Tea, grape juice, and allspice liqueur. Our next book is Wild, by Cheryl Strayed.  As soon as they left, I checked the library website.  I'm 46 in the queue.  
     Fred, Mike, and I looked at a property on Turtleback Hill Road for Colin and Cora, two places, something to consider at maybe a lower price.  Then we hopped on our bikes at Hirschmann's Pond trial.  Boy was it muddy.  We cut up Wood's Ravine trail and popped out on Indian Trail Road.  We stayed on the pavement looping back via Old Downieville Highway.  We found some new roads, American Hill and Chief Kelly.  We rode out through the co-housing project and landed near the truck.  It was a great adventure. I made Fred and healthy and tasty pasta dinner while he soaked in the hot tub.  His cake turned out great!

Day 137-January 15, 2013

     Today, Tuesday, was the day to finish Casual Vacancy.  Book club is Wednesday morning.  The book traveled with me all day.  After Karly's morning walk, I headed out to Empire Mine for our Tuesday walk.  It was 26 degrees!  I was the first to arrive in the parking lot, so out popped my book.  I waited for a chapter, and headed out for a solo 90 minute walk.  It was rather lovely, alone with my thoughts and much more aware of surrounding sounds.  At the top of Osborne Hill I heard the drums of a marching band.  I think is was Gilmore's band, a sweet sound drifting all across town, over the freeway, and up the hill to me.   
     I had a 11:00 date to help Sharon's class make pasties, so I quick stopped at a thrift store looking for wedding hurricanes, then bopped over to Wooden Spoon for Eddie's coffee mug birthday gift and my Christmas spatula that Fred forgot to get.  I read more pages while watching the first batch of pasties bake in the oven.  It was delightful to help the kids make their own little pie, they are such needy little urchins, so many of them.  Boy, were those pasties good.
     I grabbed a pastie and headed down Highway 20 to look at a property in Big Oak Valley for Colin and Cora.  I lovely setting on 10 acres, 125K, a definite piece to gather more info.  Back at home I kept reading.  I finished the book at 11PM.  

Day 136-January 14, 2013

     We rose early.  I had two tasks on my mind today, completing a requested letter of recommendation and shampooing the carpet.  One bank errand to retrieve my debit card left at the ATM on Friday was my only reason to go to town.  I decided to ride my bike there.  It was a two hour round trip including a stop at our local post office for our mail.  It felt good, a good workout, not overtaxing, but bonafide.  I'll do that again.  I made a healthy Thai chicken satay dinner, we watched some TV.  I do need to finish my novel for bookclub!  My hair is clean and in rollers.

Day 135-January 13, 2013

     Sunday morning, time to worship.  "Praise God from whom all blessings flow..." I sing.  At 11 we're dressed for a snowshoe up at White Cloud.  Jacque and Mike, and Mark join us.  Karly is ready for a celebratory frolic in the snow.  We do a nice two hour loop, the conditions are fabulous, still some snow clinging to the pines.  Fred, Mark, and I are reflecting on our film experiences from the previous day.  It is a blessing to be in the wild and scenic this day, and just moments from our homes.  We settled in early at home, I made an early dinner of chicken and brie sandwiches.  Vigorous activity lends itself to good sleep.

Day 134-January 12, 2013

     Laurie treated us to Wild and Scenic Film Festival tickets for Saturday.  We rose early, Karly and I took a brisk walk.  All puddles are frozen today.  The first film was feature length, "Go Gange," an adventure log of two fella's journey down the full length of the Ganges sacred river in India.  It was very engaging, but both fellas and their cameraman were very sick at the end, dysentery.  We treated for lunch at South Pine Cafe, and we did some walking about town to stretch.  The afternoon session featured Acey's film, "Riding Bicycles."  I was so excited for him, and Stacey too, and Acey's travel companion, Davin.  Their 18 minute film showed a portion of their bicycle trip from Nevada City to Mexico.  The film ended when they reached the whale lagoon in Baja.  The lesson learned of living with less, and the joy of the journey were his themes.  Other adventure films, mostly with kayaks, filled the afternoon.  It was thrilling.  The first film showed the summer job of tree planting in far north Canada.  That was harrowing.  Waiting in line for the afternoon session doors to open, we ran into Ken Guy, fellow retired teacher.  We shared "joy of retirement" stories.  He's enjoying himself just as much as I am.
     Fred turned on the 49ers football game when we got home.  We took Karly for a walk before it got dark.  I got distracted at the computer, so Fred grilled up our chicken, made a salad, and cooked up baked potatoes.  We watched "Moneyball."  You'd think we were done with movies for the day, but it was great to just relax and watch the TV.

Day 133-January 11, 2013

     E'lora loves the sleeping fort I made for her.  I layered pillows on the sides of the double bed in the girly guest room.  I laid a sheet across and positioned her pillow in the middle.  Grampa's motorcycle blanket is her covering.  I needed to invent something when Cuzzy Alexa was here too.  The new crib wasn't yet set up.  She loves to open the door and come on out when she wakes up.  "GrandMuM?"  I hear sometimes, but she usually calls for Mommy.  Cora said when they were snuggling Thursday morning, E'lora said, "Wake up, Papa Bear, wake up.  Pink ogurt?"  Ogre yogurt is a new business idea.  She loves bacon and sausage too.  I cooked up some sausage this morning and baked some bran muffins.  The precious ones headed back to Santa Rosa at about noon.
     I visited brother Eddie on his birthday, he's still feeling under the weather.  I took him some fresh eggs and muffins.  We'll celebrate when he feels better next week.  I picked up my big bonus check from my retirement incentive and deposited it in the bank, but accidentally left my ATM card in the machine.  I'll need to pick that up on Monday.  I dropped some books at the library and returned the duplicate PJs I bought for the girls at Pennys.  I found earrings to go with the beaded necklace Colin picked out for me.  For exercise, I moved some firewood and took another brisk walk.  Alexa didn't come over today, Jen stayed home with her after her immunizations on Thursday.  The house was awfully quiet Friday eve.
     

Day 132-January 10, 2013

     The kids headed off to meet with realtor Susan Walker.  E'lora and I headed to Raleys for crab and Pennys for big girl undies.  We waited in line for crab, we wanted to make a surprise birthday dinner for Uncle Eddie.  Pennys had nothing, but I found a shirt for Fred and a sleeper with elephants.  I thought it looked familiar.  Auntie Carol had already purchased the same pair for both girls.  Amazon came to the rescue and I ordered Fruit of the Loom all cotton briefs that will probably arrive at Irwin Den before the Bear family does.  During nap time, GrandMuM and Grampa had a rest too.  I made everyone's favorite buckwheat cookies.  Unfortunately, Uncle Eddie still is recovering from the flu, he doesn't want to spread his germs.  We enjoyed a nice crab feast and watched "Demons and Angels."  The temperature keeps dropping as the jet stream dips lower.  There was snow in town from last night's precip.  Our cozy fire, happy dogs, and warm hearts make for a toasty winter den.

Day 131-January 9, 2013

     All grown-ups took turns with the cuzzies.  Grampa took the girls for an early walk which included swinging.  An overcast sky kept the temperatures warmer than normal in the morn.  Papa Bear took the precious ones for a frolic at the playground.  They were worn out for nap time.  The wild rumpus resumed at 3:37.  I loved hearing, "A-yexa, A-yexa, A-yexa."  It was so funny, Alexa was playing with blocks and simply ignored E'lora.  They opened their special crayons and art supplies from Aunt Beth and Uncle Dustin.  Aunt Cora supervised one-at-a-time coloring.  GrandMuM needed a walk.  As the rain started to fall, Grampa and I went to Linda's to pick up the two cribs her grandkids have graduated out of.  One is for our home, the other I'll set up at the ranch until Scott and Savannah may be ready for it.  Colin and Cora made us a lovely grilled chicken dinner.  We watched "Mrs. Harris" with Annette Benning and ate popcorn.  The clouds passed making way for a cold frosty night.

Day 130-January 8, 2012

     So, when shall the wild rumpus begin?  I decided to pick up Cuzzy Alexa after nap time.  Colin and Cora headed out for house hunting before noon.  Colin was up early with E'lora, he joined us on our morning walk.  Karly is doing better, although I still haven't seen her poop!  I made romano cheese crackers and lemon bars.  I got in an Iron Man workout while E'lora was napping, then took a quick shower before we toddled off to pick up Alexa at preschool.  The cuzzies chattered all the way home, they also were on the lookout for horses and "sheeps" and cows.  I took another walk with Karly while Cora supervised the girls.  Alexa is physical, supervision is important.  By 8 when we got them down to sleep, I was pooped.  I curled up with my book.  There was some fussing during the night, and I got in some more late night reading time.  Blissful, but exhausting.  

Day 129-January 7, 2012

     GrandMuMMinG to the max all morn, then off to the courthouse to sit in support of neighbors seeking a restraining order against a toxic neighbor.  It has always been a worthwhile learning experience to sit for an afternoon.  Understanding the legal system, I wouldn't call it a justice system, a bit better is the regular outcome.  Steaks were on the barbie when I got home.  We shared Cora's first viewing of "Parenthood," that old family favorite, and some delicious chocolate to round out the eve.  My heart soars like a hawk.  That old ditty, "I've got that joy, joy, joy down in my heart...." rings in my ears.

Day 128-January 6, 2012

     Pointing to a picture of E'lora on the fridge, I asked her, "Who's that?"  She replied, "You!"  It was precious.  Precious moments describe the day, a brisk morning walk, swinging with smiles, nap time with a book, a pot of butternut squash soup, and househunting for the bear family near AJ and Jenn.  I took leftovers to Cuzzy's and we had another spaghetti feast.  GrandMuM's hips hurt, so a soak in the hot tub ended the day.

Day 127-January 5, 2012

     We have poop!  Karly remains on a mild diet, I noticed she is eating some grass.  Hopefully her tummy is well on the mend.  So, a reason to celebrate.  Dinner for 13, spaghetti and chicken cacciatore.  Colin and crew arrived at dinnertime, the DeMartinis, Turners, and Mike and Jacque were all ready for New Year's round of Catch Phrase.  The day included a nice pedal from Newtown to Nevada City.  We shared crepes at Calla Lily's and Ol' Republic beer at Mateo's, an eight mile journey.  Uncle Eddie is still feeling puny, we miss him.

Days 125 and 126-January 3 and 4, 2012

     Thursday morning Karly still was awfully sick.  She wasn't vomitting anymore, but she wasn't peeing or moving around much either.  Dr. Fassino called with the news that her blood work did not show pancreatitis.  His suggestion was an ultrasound or exploratory surgery.  About noon I began giving her water.  She was keeping that down and by evening was peeing.  Fred and I decided no surgery and that we would treat her with a laxative to help her digestive system work through.  I felt so sad, and wanted to make sure Karly wasn't suffering.  Watching closely, moment by moment, was our decided course.  I gave her a small amount of cottage cheese in the evening.  She kept that down.  
     During the night, she climbed the stairs when I was reading on the loft.  She seemed to be feeling better.  In the morning I gave her yogurt with her laxative.  She enjoyed her normal morning routine of exercising her nose on our morning walk.  Now we're waiting for poop.  Small meals all through the day adding rice to the cottage cheese in the afternoon.  Still waiting for poop.  She had peed in the hallway  Thursday night, so she slept in the laundry room  Friday night.
     I picked up Alexa Friday for the afternoon.  Karly was happy to see her.  Homemaking chores and paperwork filled the time not devoted to caring for them.

Day 124-December 2, 2013

     I took Karly to the vet at 10:30.  He did an X-ray and blood work.  He is treating her as having pancreatitis.  She just kind of lays about.  Between Karly care, I took down most of Christmas and vacuumed up a bunch of pine needles.  Boy, was that tree dry!  I pondered the blessing of family and friends as so many little treasures were placed back in their boxes.  I had a sweet conversation on the phone with Colin and E'lora, and with Jenn too.  I checked on Karly during the night.  She was nestled in the hall, at first I thought she was already gone, but then she stirred.  Understanding the cycle of life and our roll in it is difficult.

Day 123-January 1, 2013

     Happy New Year!  With a nod to my Gramma Holly, I turned on the Rose Parade.  I remembered going with her to see the parade when I was young.  Exciting times, but it is the crowds that I most remember.  At noon, although it was still cold, we jumped on the motorcycle and took an adventure ride out Perimeter Road and around Camp Far West.  Our destination was Crepeville in Sacramento to join Cokie, Javon, Jade, Jen, and her new beau, Trennie (spell?).  We had a delightful visit.  Jade is very excited about cheerleading and Javon is anxious to attempt his first model car.  Jen and Trennie were off to San Francisco to catch a plane to Texas before returning to Japan where they are stationed in the Navy.  We got home just after dark.  Karly got sick during the evening.  I was up with her during the night, I could tell she was hurting.  

Day 122-December 31, 2012

     New Year's Eve----Grand Adventure.  I started out a busy bee doing chores.  Fred asked if I wanted to go to Kubich Lumber Mill to look at some wood for Stacey and Acey's wedding bridge.  I have wanted to go to Kubich just as long as I've wanted to go to Deer Creek Falls.  I dropped what I was doing and hopped in the car with a book not knowing what the journey would hold.  
     We picked up a truck full at the DeMartini's, Mark and Laurie, Jeremy and Stacey.  What an interesting place way down a dirt road in the creek confluence of Slate Creek and Deer Creek.  True local work continues in this working man's world.  It made me smile.
     After depositing the lumber near the oak tree wedding site, Fred and I picked up Old Yeller for a pine needle pick up at Partridge.  A quick lunch when we got home, then we mounted our bikes with Mark to find...believe it or not...Deer Creek Falls.  We followed the NID irrigation canal off Garden Lane to the upper falls.  It was absolutely spectacular.  I grinned and gasped with delight.

     We got home about 4:30, enough time to fancy up for the neighbor's party at 6.  It was nice to meet some new folk.  We found a motorcycling couple about our age.  I chatted with a gal about books too.  Fred and I slipped away about 11 and watched the ball drop on TV at home.  Happy New Year!