Ranch Life at the base of the Sierras

A friendly bear in the breakfast room at the hotel.



The miner's shack , which has been repainted, re-roofed since I lived in this little house.




the apartment, my first home when I first moved to Carson City, Nevada.

   Second Floor left end was mine.


A storm cloud up at North Shore



Lake Tahoe in all its beauty




Son John standing in Mike's trailer, so much bigger and nicer without the second small bedroom.  Mike put in that floor.




Mike showing us around the ranch




Surpirse, the new pony born on a very cold morning in January




The garden area where we had some fresh asparagus which tasted better than any I have ever had.

 A lovely area and some great ideas on making outdoor garden 'boxes' for growing vegetables.    There are lots of apple trees around too.   

Our only complaint was the heat...it was hot, hot, hot, dry and hot, hot....hot...do you get the idea I have lost my sense of body heat up in those high desert areas...well I have so when we got close to home and saw the fog rolling in, the air cool ...aah!!!!

I'll recheck the pictures as see if I missed anything 'good' . . . if so I'll put them on ...but....I think I've taken care of most if not all.

It was fun to share my outing with you.    Hope you find a way to go and visit the California valley and go on up to the Sierras and enjoy Nevada and all its beauty.     I'll give you a short rest.   Bye for now.  Hugs to all.

HIGHLIGHT PICTURES FROM A CAR AND HOME



Heading into the Illinois Valley where there are curvy roads for the first few miles, then the valley and flat lands, a small town called Cave Junction where we usually make a stop and have breakfast and then on to more curves and slide areas. 




After days in heat we are not used to, the sight of a fog in the valley was more than welcomed.




We passed through an area that must have had a tremendous fire as there was acres of burnt trees and brush.




Another slide area.   Couldn't get the big ones as they were on curves which were like a snake coiled and ready, one after another turning left and right with arrows showing the way.




Just one more curve in the road and the highway to home.




Son Michael gave me a beautiful red rose for Mother's Day and one of the restaurants passed out white roses.  
A lovely reminder of a trip I'll treasure.

I hope you enjoyed the pictures of the trip.     The Sierras, Tahoe, Carson City, Gardnerville, Medford, Brookings  . . . the California valley and some of our highlight stops.    It was fun to share them with you.  Now, get busy and plan a trip of your own and send me a few pictures so I can enjoy your outing.    Have fun and be careful on the road as there really are so good drivers but then there are a few who think they own the road and create a bit of havoc on their way.   Remember  to keep your attitude positive and enjoy each second of your day.  Hugs to all.



Day Four -Pictures from a moving car.



Heading for Susanville then into through two  forests and wind our way home.  




The last of Reno and the buildings of the shopping center which goes back streets;  a far cry from the one mall when I lived in the area over ten years ago.




Honey Lake which used to be all the way out to the highway and now miles away, maybe a long wet winter will bring it back.




Miles and miles of forest land, beautiful pines all sizes and shapes and some trees that are so tall you can hardly see the tops.




I must have taken a dozen shots trying to get Mt. Shasta pictures.    It peaked in and out as we drove through the miles of forest and finally I got the chance and snapped quickly.  There is nothing wrong with being big and beautiful!




Here are some of those tall trees I spoke about.   I had fun tyring to focus as we drove sixty miles an hour or better .  At the base of this highway is Mt. Shasta and I kept seeing it at a distance but then it would disappear.  We finally got to a point where I could get a shot at it as you see in the picture above.  Of course if I had waited until we actually got closer I could have had a much better picture as we passed it when we turned into the highway heading home.




We stopped to get some water and the car next to us had this real live lizard on its dashboard.   The young man was very friendly and told us about his pet loving to bask in the sun.    I looked but didn't touch....pretty thing really.

A note of thanks to all of you who sent such lovely loving cards for my birthday.     I enjoyed my son and two daughters yesterday as we had a very laid back day and caught up with ourselves.    We were all tired from our miles on the road and it felt good to relax and not have to do anything that led to a long ride in a car.   Daughter Patricia got through the MRI and now awaits the report as to whether or not she can have the new medication in pill form rather than continue with the M.S. shots;   say a prayer.   The news is that it is helping some and God knows a pill is easier than a shot;  so hopefully the companies will get the pills manufactured and out there for the M.S. patients.   Daughter Christine leaves us today to return to Port Orchard.    She will be back to watch over me and the dog come June.   I will enjoy her company as I didn't get to see much of her this trip.     For those of you with small children driving you crazy with their antics, remember they do grow and they absorb all of your teachings so that one day they become loving, caring and wonderful adults who shower you with smiling eyes and lots of hugs and a gift or two .   You should see my beautiful flowers, my new tops.   If the old adage of 'what goes around come around' then this is a time in life that you learn what real love is all about.  So start today sharing YOU with those you love and shower them with patience, understanding and lots and lots of hugs.    Hugs to all.



Day Three Vacation -Pictures From A Moving Car.



What would we do without a laptop to keep up with family and friends while on the road.    I loved having the mouse as I cannot make the little square work with my heavy fingers.    One touch and the screen disappears.   



The beds were very comfortable.  The spreads very different than anything I have seen before as they were all crinkled and had a soft covering with lumpy within, not sure what but it was soft and warmth without weight.   



In the morning as we were leaving to 'hit the road' the jack rabbits came out to say goodbye.    We met a couple from Texas and the gentleman told us he came from Jack Rabbit country, then told a story of having jack rabbit stew and jack rabbit chili and paid twenty cents for the stew and twenty five cents for the chili.    He added they ate allot of stew. 




All through the California towns and country side there were wide open fields , some with new plantings, some with pickers already in a rich field of full growth although I do not know what was planted.   We passed some fields of well manicured grape fields as well as many apple orchards.   The valley stretches flat and wide and goes on for many miles.




Here are a few palm trees.  




A road well traveled and open fields on both sides.




We got to Lincoln and found a casino.   The Indian Casino takes up blocks with its huge hotel and the casino.  It is massive, a resort all by itself and the inside is filled with the latest penny machines which can go from forty cents to five dollars a push....house machines....everything from Betty Boop to the latest television series.  




We had breakfast here in the lovely dining room and were the only customers early in the morning.   The waitress was happy to see us and we got her undivided attention.  The food was excellent and I asked if she would let me take a picture from the dining area out to where the machines are.   The big wigs frown if you take pictures on the floor where the machines are.  




This is the latest hand dryer in the ladies room.    I had no idea what it was and neither did three other ladies who were walking around looking for paper towels to dry their hands.   One of the workers happened in and saw the dripping three some and pointed to the holes and put her hands in to show us how it worked.    A blast when you put your hands in and it feels like you are about to lose them.   Two ladies declined and air dried....smile.    We old timers just are not up to date on all the latest gadgets.




This was my rest stop outside of a huge mall which I had walked and found I no longer have the energy to walk both floors filled with all kinds of stores.   I was lucky to make it from one end to the other, you know J C Penny's was at the long end of the mall.   I did pretty good but tired mid way, rested, walked on and on and wondered if I'd make it around the store.   A necessary stop as I had forgotten to pack panties and one cannot go around without the most important item of clothing.   I was not happy with an eight dollar and fifty cent tag though.    Inflation is with us as they used to be priced at $3.50 and I thought that was high.   I window shopped and walked into a shop where two young ladies were giving fee facials.  I should have had one but had a conversation about their products to find they had a special creme for $61.00.  She had to be kidding right?  Nope, that was the price for a tube of creme and the cheaper one was $37.00.  I was given a tiny sample to try and if I find it works miracles I can send for it and they will be happy to mail some to me.   So far it hasn't touched the wrinkles and the rosacha is as bright as ever.    My shopping days are over.  I just hope I do not change size or shape and my twenty-year old 'stuff' keeps going.  Sixty-one dollars for face creme . . . what is this world coming to?

 Okay, start singing . . . it's my birthday . . . eighty-nine today, now I can say tomorrow I am ninety even though I have the whole 89th to live through.   I'm bragging as I never thought I'd live to be eighty.    Each decade brings along something wonderful.    As you age you stay 'forty' forever inside;   the outside changes according to what you do, so remember to take good care of your body and your mind each day, every day, so when you get to be 'of age' you can get around and do all of the things you really want to do.    The mind will stay alert if you feed it the right combination of thoughts and aspirations, while the body needs good fresh fruits and vegetables and exercise.  Keep your bad habits but reduce them in size and remember to work on your attitude every single day.    Your faith will see you through;   Your smile will be your 'umbrella on a rainy, rainy day';  look up and look out and be that special person you are.    My thanks for the beautiful lovely cards and I received a surprise silver dragonfly in the mail yesterday . . . wow, a beauty and I'm wearing it today.    How lucky I am to have family and friends like you . . . thank each and ever one of you for the smiles, the hugs . . . I'm am truly blessed.     Hugs to all.

Day Two California Trails



There are lagoons in this area, actually just one huge lagoon .  When I saw the first sign and saw the small lagoon, I didn't think much of it until we rode on and on and so did the lagoon...it is massive.




just another shot of the lagoon at its wide point, an amazing sight.




There is a row of trees, all tall, almost leafless and a strange color of tan.    I said banyan tree in my mind but I have no idea what they are.  Interesting though.




Always curves, large hills and foothills to see.




Look what I saw.....and thought son John would bypass it but he didn't.  This was my Mother's Day, Birthday and our first trip together in a very long time and he was going to make sure he filled in all the interesting things I liked or participated in...gaming....yeah....he actually stopped and this is what we found.....



a very tiny casino in the backwoods.  Now I know where the old machines go.  They had a room full of them.  I played a keno machine and got seven dollars back for my five dollars. 

No, we didn't stay long.   It had taken us time to find the casino itself as there was a sign leading to it but there were off roads that led into a forest area and after winding around a few of those we decided to forget it but on the way out there was a bigger sign that did lead us into the casino itself.  I wonder how many locals come and spend their pennies.  

I wish I had a California map beside me so I could remember the names of all the towns we were in and out of.    We made good progress and tomorrow you will see more pictures as we headed for Loomis and John's visit with his friend. It is decided I will spend some time at the big mall and give them some time to catch up with each other.    I can hardly wait to visit all those fancy stores and maybe I'll find a shoe store and a pair of shoes.     It will be good to walk around the mall and be out of the car for awhile.    The miles go back quickly and the scenery is beautiful, interesting and the stops welcomed.    Traveling is expensive and I try not to think of the eight gallons of gas for $33.00; or the hotel bill for a night.  John knows it will be my last trip through some old highways and roads that I have traveled many times over my life time.   We stop for a stretch or two and have a snack as we ride on an on to our destination for the day.

John had a mouse on his lap top so I could use it.   I got to read my e mails along the way.    I have some catching up to do and a few thank you cards to send out.   It felt good to cook dinner at home last evening and a pleasure to sleep in my own bed.   Vacations are wonderful but I think you all agree that coming home after a week of a road trip brings a sigh of contentment yet a little regret that vacations do end.  

Did I tell you I missed you and hoped you were all 'minding your manners' and having a good time while doing it.    I hope you are keeping healthy and happy and back to reading the blog.     More tomorrow.   Make your seconds count today and do some one thing that will bring a big smile to your face.    Hum through the 'stuff' and know that you can beat the world with one hand tied behind our back.   Hugs to all.

Day One Into The Redwoods



Of course it is summer and the repair crew is out in full force . . . wait . . . stop . . . go . . . wait!




Into the redwoods heading to south on 101 early in the morning, aah . . . cool.




Slow going, caution flags, traffic ahead but who cares, look a the redwoods and smell the pine...aah!!!




Riding into the mist.




Turning around a corner and there you have the wide open ocean




There are cows in the field




The road winds and the trees change shape




and just when you think that the fog has gone you see before you a pea soup fog and you drive into it and wonder at the eerie mysteries surrounding you.

 Good morning.   We are back from our six day jaunt and you are seeing pictures from a moving car.   I have a plan to do a series called just that . . . Pictures From a  Moving Car. . . and I have already started a collection and will add these to them.   I plan to put words with the pictures as I do my story poems telling you all about where they are and what you see.

Meanwhile this was the very beginning of our trip early Wednesday morning, last week, when we started off in a rental car that was more van like and very posh as it was comfortable with plenty of leg room.    These pictures are 'old hat' to my children and me as we have covered the miles many times.    Living in Brookings, Oregon , a rather isolated location, we have to ride either north, south or east to leave the area and it is always a good two and a half hour ride through mountain areas, along the width and breath of the ocean beside you.   Riding in and out of fog is like  a silent ghost movie as you see the shadows and shapes of all that surrounds you.  

We were going to stop in Eureka and check out Costco, not to buy anything special, but have a chance to stretch our legs and have our first look around to see what is new and different.  It felt good to get behind a big basket and push it around the store and exercise the body.    I saw lots of things I'd like to put in the car but maybe on the way back when we have a list of necessary items;  but, who knows what we will find in our travels.

We are going to go towards Loomis, California, where John has set a date to visit a friend.   We drove many miles through California wine country, small towns, and eventually reached a town called Williams and settled there for the night.   You will see pictures tomorrow.

I've missed you....missed the blog.....for a second or two....remember it was vacation time and I had many people and places on my mind.   My it's good to sit here and tell you a tale as I get ready to turn in after our trip back to Brookings today.     I hope you have all been doing good deeds and helping yourselves to fresh fruits and vegetables and 'minding your manners'  with a happy smile on your face and a lot of love in your hearts.   See you in the morning with more pictures.  Hugs to all.  

Signs of the Time

Good morning,  I had to leave you with something to read . . . I'm off riding along the highway watching the sunrise.   Hopefully no big traffic ahead and our first stop will be in Sacramento.  I may see the tiny little dollar pine tree I planted by our old house .  The last time I got a look at it , the palm fronds were sticking out at eye level.     On to Lake Tahoe, can hardly wait to visit some of the old stomping grounds.    On to visit son Michael and enjoy some of our seconds together.   A visit to a friend in Carson City by weeks end and then home.....

Stay healthy and happy.   Keep yourselves busy enough to keep your muscles supple but not so busy you do not have time to relax and enjoy each other.    Give a friend or two a verbal hug if you cannot drop in for a cup of tea and a cookie.     Invite someone in for a meal, or meet at your favorite restaurant and go dutch.   Order a glass of Oregon wine, you won't be sorry.     I'll be back.    Hugs to all.