30 August …

 Earlier this year, the doctor who has been our primary care giver for many years dropped his private practice and became the local VA doc.  I’ve told you that before.

However, because of that, my first appointment with a new care giver is early tomorrow morning. That is the reason this is being posted on tuesday.

~~~

New York family left about 1700 friday evening.  They will be moving west sometime in the next three years.  Mark wants Paul to go to school in Mt Shasta.

As I was straightening up I realized the house was soooooo empty and quiet.  I get the same feeling when John leaves after a couple of days.  This was a bit more intense.

But I slept well that night in spite of the empty quiet.

~~~

Here are a couple of pictures taken while my younger grandson and I were spending time together.Nuna and Paul

Time is precious when you become a grandmother this late in life.  I’ll be lucky to see him graduate high school. 

At least I can create memories.

~~~

My computer has been giving me trouble for a few weeks.  Booting up was taking longer and longer.  One day last week it took over two hours to reach usable condition.

Mark did as much as he could under the circumstances since he had holiday expectations (he worked with the local Masonic Lodge serving a dinner for all the local Law Enforcement head men on thursday, had an evening with a high school friend, and  friday was packing day for the return home) and he did not have the correct tools available. I was able to make a full backup of my information with the exception of back emails. 

To address my problem,  Mark and John got together and John arrived saturday evening with parts and tools to do the repairs. 

I’m computer challenged, so I can’t tell you what happened or how it was fixed with the exception that there was an extra hard drive in the tower (of which I had been unaware and which wasn’t obvious until the side was taken off) which seems to have suddenly begun confusing the start up operations.

At any rate, I am once again able to use the computer as I have been accustomed to doing.

A hearty thank you to both my sons.

~~~

Gene Wilder died last weekend. A friend posted a short video from one of his movies in which he leans out of a train door and blows a kiss.  I teared up.  Mercy journey, Mr. Wilder and thank you.

~~~

AC

 

AC is one smart cat.  He has learned the sound of the front door closing so when I go out to feed him, he meets me half way.

I have learned something as well. 

When he meets me he is not sure which way I am going so he sticks close to my feet making the chance of a stumble or stepping on him pretty good.  So I picked him up to carry him part way until he is on known ground.  I picked him up by putting my hand around his torso just behind his front legs.  He fought and twisted.  Then it dawned on me that is the way a predator would grab him.  A mother cat carries kittens by the nap of the neck.  So the next time I pinched the skin on the back of his neck to carry him … and he curled up and started to purr … loudly.

Interesting …

~~~

While he was here, Mark smoked several racks of ribs.  But I already told you that.

Ribs

My point is that we enjoyed bacon and one great meal before they left, there are several meals waiting in the 7-11 freezers,  and my kitchen still has a lovely aroma.

 

~~~

We once again have two functioning vehicles.

George (and Mark) got the Toyota running again.  They were able to get the replacement axle in place by pounding on it with a rubber mallet and it drives well.  The brakes still need a bit of tuning (we won’t be using it regularly until that is done), the front seats will either have new covers or be replaced, and it needs to be thoroughly vacuumed. 

~~~

It’s fire season. Humidity today was 14% and there was wind.

Four fires …

Grade fireThe first was two miles north of Yreka in the Hawkinsville area. It got big, took out some buildings, and was too far north to offer any danger to Cold Comfort Farm.

Gap FireOne is down river between Seiad and Hayfork which is too far north and west of us to be a worry. But it is the big one. Nine thousand acres so far.

Another was over the mountains to the west in Scott Valley near Moffat Creek … closer but also no danger since the wind has never come at us from that direction.

And one, which could have been a problem, was to the south near the Mt Shasta Resort and Lake Siskiyou. Winds from that direction and the lack of “developed” land between there and here put us on alert.  But the Forest Service, CalFire, and local volunteer groups hit it hard and fast and it was controlled in less than four hours.

Smoke

Last night the wind shifted and this morning we had smoke from the Gap fire down river.

~~~

The cycle of the year is becoming very noticeable.  It is still dark at 0600 and the sun is gone by 1830.  It seems just a couple of weeks ago that I didn’t go out to close in the chickens (and feed AC) until a few minutes before 2100. Friday evening I went out at 2000 and the chickens were already in. Tonight I went out at 2000 and it was almost too dark to do without a flashlight. Tomorrow I go out at 1950.

It won’t be long before we are back in the time of year when it is still dark at 0800 and is again dark by 1530 . I will soon have to move AC’s living quarters near or in the barn in anticipation of bad weather … probably when the hens move back to the winter house, i.e. in with the pullets (who are due to start laying in about two weeks).

~~~

And finally … I found this some time ago and now seems like a good time to share. 

LESSONS FROM NOAH’S ARK

Don’t miss the boat
Build on high ground
For safety’s sake, travel in pairs
Stay below deck during the storm
Don’t forget that we’re all in the same boat
Don’t listen to critics – do what has to be done
Plan ahead – it wasn’t raining when Noah built the ark

Stay fit – when you’re 600 years old, you might be asked to do something REALLY big.

So … ’til next week …

 

24 August …

 

Family has been here for nearly two weeks. Busy times. 

At the radio club meeting last week, we all went, even the young one who knows how to use his parents’ radios as a “third party”.

Interestingly, he sounds older and more mature on the radio than he does otherwise.

Thursday we all went to Sacramento. Mark (the younger son) had an interview so he dropped the rest of us off at the Railroad Museum. He was interviewing for work since he plans to relocate back here within a year or so.

DSCN0762

 

 

At the museum, George and I took it easy, but Kamille was on the go full time keeping an eye on Paul. DSCN0770Four-year-olds love trains.

Mark was back in time to share lunch and an afternoon session in the museum. Then we headed north.

DSCN0775We were able to meet John (the older son) and his partner, Michael, at a great restaurant in Marysville for dinner.  It was a comfortable meal what with sharing stories and laughs … and some of the best Chinese food I’ve had in a long time. If you like Chinese, real Chinese, and are in the Marysville area … go to the20160818 181355 8 copy

The area is a bit rundown, but the food, the atmosphere, and the service are excellent.

We got home late.  The chickens were all in and on the roosts, but AC was alert and waiting for his evening meal.

~~~

Friday was a quiet day.  Everyone was pooped and the weather was still hot.

Saturday was a different story.  DSCN0849

 

We made tamales.  

DSCN0851

We did make our monthly trip to the retinologist on monday. Weather was warm, but not as hot as it had been.

George and I had decided fish and chips sounded good so we went to McGrath’s Fish House for dinner.DSCN0998

(Why are people obsessed with posting pictures of meals and food?)

While we were in Medford, we went by the restaurant supply store and got thirty pounds of ribs which Mark spent yesterday smoking. He will finish them up today and we will feast on smoked bar-b-que ribs friday. In addition, there will be ribs to share with neighbors at dinners and meals for George and I all winter. The freezers in the 7-11 are stuffed and the kitchen smells delicious.

~~~

I forgot to tell you that at the radio meeting we decided that if there aren’t more participants at the Run for the Arts than there were last year, we are going to decline to spend time with that event.  Last year our operators outnumbered the runners in the half marathon, and the 5k goes through town where there is little chance of getting lost. We’ll know about that event as soon a they have their planning meeting.

We will be doing the other two events … the Biketoberfest in McCloud and the Headwaters marathon. Then we will be done for this year.

~~~

I just saw an article about the solar eclipse next August.  The radio club had done an event a couple of years ago when we were in the path of a solar eclipse.  So we will be discussing the possibility of doing another.  And this coming one is to be closer to full when seen from this area.  That is something to anticipate.

~~~

Only two more days with the family.  They leave friday evening. Of course I am looking forward to when they relocate and we will see them at least once a month.

Having both sons and their families near has always been a dream.   

~~~

DSCN0604The Mountain is looking a bit ragged, but still beautiful.

~~~

Read  the following sentence out loud     

     opportunityisnowhere

Did you read it as “opportunity is nowhere”

or as “opportunity is now here”    ???

 

So … ’til next week …

 

 

 

 

17 August …

 

The New York crew arrived just before midnight last saturday. Everyone went right to bed.

Mexican Fiesta Sundays are a tradition with the NY family. So we are doing it here as well. The day after they arrived we did huevos rancheros for breakfast.FiestaThen chicken tacos, California cheese and chorizo enchiladas, tomatillo ensalada, Oaxaca black beans and lime dessert with whipped topping. The rest of the day and evening they were on their own looking for leftovers.

I’m already planning next sunday’s menu. I can only hope it will be cooler. Last sunday was the hottest day we’ve had this year.

The heat isn’t bothering the New York folks too much. They had been having heat … but with humidity. At least here the heat is dry.

Paul and AC

 

Monday was a further recovery day.

 

Paul went out to meet AC.

 

Tuesday was still pretty warm (read hot), so it too was a quiet day.

Tonight is the radio club meeting.  Since all four adults are hams (AB6UE, AB2LI, KD6WZC, and KD2JLY), we’ll be going to the meeting after spending some time in the city park. Maybe it will be cooler there.

~~~

I recently made contact with another distant genealogical cousin. My grandmother was her great-grandfather’s sister … so her grandmother was my father’s cousin. I keep finding these folks whose great-grandparents were my cousins or some such.  Talk about feeling old …

But it is fun to make connections.

~~~

Didn’t think I’d be watching the Olympics … but I had been a swimmer when I was young and the possibilities caught me. I’m glad I got to see some of those races.

And from there I got caught by the gymnasts.

A cousin is a tract aficinado so then I found myself there. We’ve been watching on NBC. All that time spent and I’m not really a “sports” person.

Oh well …

~~~

Hummers

 

The hummers are here is full force.  So far, I’ve been able to get a picture of only two at a time even though there are times when seven or eight are active overhead.

 

~~~

Last year, when he was here, Paul got really involved with the clock at the foot of the stairs.  It has always been a favorite with his siblings. It chimes every fifteen minutes.  George and I don’t hear it unless we are listening for it.  But for the first couple of days he is here, Paul hears it every fifteen minutes. 

On the Stairs

 

Sometimes he sits on the bottom step … waiting.

 

 

~~~ 

Had a bit of a problem with the water system tuesday. The pump stopped pumping.  Gave me a bit of a scare.  At the moment we are without an extra pump.  That will be remedied SOON so we don’t get caught.

The problem, rather than being a bad pump, was a single connection.  George got it fixed quickly.

Then, a couple of hours later, it happened again. Again fixed easily and quickly.

Third time it happened, I was getting a bit concerned (again) and also a bit upset that the fixes weren’t lasting.  But that time it got really fixed.  I don’t know electricity and its ins and outs, but I am told wires got scraped, re-twisted, and sealed. All has been well ever since.

I still don’t know why it came undone repeatedly. Oh well …

~~~

Today will be a busy day, so I’m getting this done early. The sun isn’t really up yet.17 August 2016

And that’s it for now …

 

Those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music.”      –Friedrich Nietzsche

 

 

So …’til next week …

 

 

 

10 August …

 

Found this and thought it was a good fit … particularly today …

“Welcome to my blog. Straight jackets are to the left.  Meds are to the right.  And keep your hands off my crayons.”

~~~

Now … let’s see who or what I can blame.

The initial indicating the day on the supplement box isn’t readable.

The calendar is so cluttered I couldn’t see the blog reminder.

George didn’t remind me.

BakingI was focused on making breakfast bread and baking cookies.

I need to get the shopping list ready so there is food in the house for the company arriving this weekend.

The sun is coming up later.

They were playing the Pastoral on Sirius.

The sand cranes in the meadow were flying and calling.

That’s all I can think of right now. Just don’t blame me …

Onward !!!

~~~

The radio event last saturday was worth the time.

Tech SwapGeorge was able to transfer ownership of three pieces of equipment to others who will enjoy it,

Conversationand I enjoyed the conversations (those which weren’t too technical) and the people. 

The food was good and plentiful … two salads (one Israeli and one tortellini), cocktail sized pigs in blankets, cheese spinach pastry rolls, chips and dips, bar-b-que beef, and garlic bread). 

We gained two new hams to help work on events.

The weather was just right.

A good day.

But there may be trouble ahead for the club. It turns out three events, for which we have in the past done communications, have scheduled their events one right after another … the last two saturdays in September and the first saturday in October.

There would seem to be an interesting discussion ahead at the next club meeting and some hard decisions to be made.

~~~

The plans for the New York family visit morphed suddenly. They will be flying and renting a car rather than driving. Time restrictions caused the change. It works for us because we’ll have them here for a full two weeks rather than fewer days because they would sightsee had they driven.  Nice.

They will arrive the 13th.

~~~

Between the 1st and the 7th I was able to be at home all day just once.  I’ve got to plan better.

And plans for next friday changed as well.  We won’t be going to the fair this year. Other obligations have gotten in the way. I am looking forward to hearing what happens at the TEC booth. Getting the County to give the TEC working money was my “baby” and watching where that program is going is a bit possessive.

In addition, I will sort of miss the Indian tacos the Karuk make. Maybe I will try to do some fry bread outdoors and make our own while the New Yorkers are here.

~~~

I found some lovely material at WalMart last week and am in the process of making a couple of new tablecloths if I can remember how to seam the material to fit my table. It takes a bit more concentration than the last time I did this.  The “essential” tremor makes it less settled.  But they are turning out well.

~~~

10 August 2016Weather has been a bit cooler (or rather a “tad” cooler as our new tv weather person says), but they tell us it will top out over 100° again in a few days. Got to get as much baking as possible done as soon as possible.

~~~

… and finally …

 

If you never admit that you are wrong, you are saying that you are no smarter now than you used to be.

 

So … It was my memory glitch that made this week’s blog late. Sorry.

 

… ’til next week …

4 August …

 

Last friday I received a Jury summons. I reported for the jury cattle call tuesday after noon. The temperature was in the 90s but it was cool in the courthouse.  There were about 75 of us in that group.  There had been a similar group in the morning. We sat through the explanations (civil vs criminal cases, duties of jurors, duties of lawyers and the judge, etc.) and the beginnings of questioning. At 1630 we were sent home and told to be back in the courtroom at 0900 wednesday. That’s why there was no blog yesterday.

Wednesday was all day in the jury selection process.  It is a boring affair, but you need to pay attention all the time because you might be called next and knowing what has been asked and said could be very useful. It was 1625 when they finally had their twelve jurors and three alternates.

I did have some interesting conversations during the day and a half.

One with a man who works for the railroad as a radio repeater repairman and who obviously has Graves disease (his eye balls seemed to be completely out in front of his bone structure).  He was a joker, making jokes about everything and everyone. As we left the courtroom, he wanted a fist bump.

Another was a woman who currently works as a back office nurse (RN) for a doctor I know and who said she remembered me from her shift as a student in the Emergency Department about 20 years ago.  She was in the first upgrade class at COS of nurses moving from Licensed Vocational Nurse to Registered Nurse. She had some interesting things to say about the nursing instructors at that time.  She was excused from the call because her absence left the office with no back office coverage.

There was a woman who is the manager of a bank in Etna and who desperately wanted to be chosen for the jury because she had been unable to take a vacation and would like the time “off”.

There was a scruffy-looking man who was hoping to be called to questioning because he is involved in a lawsuit against the Sheriff’s Office and another against one of the Superior Court judges and would have liked the chance to sound-off.

And there was a young man who was so far out (hair braided in random direction, not re-done recently corn rows, with acne, but driving an obviously expensive sports car) from whom people were moving away as far as possible. I sat down next to him after lunch yesterday and asked him a question about my emergency cell phone.  He was soft-spoken, polite, and seemed pleased to have been asked.  If I’d thought of it yesterday, I’d have asked for a ride in his impressive wheels.

And there was a man who when called to questioning opened his identification with “I wouldn’t believe anything a Sheriff or other law enforcement officer said.”  He’d been in the jury pool with me two years ago and said the exact same thing.

The case was a criminal one. The defendant is charged with imprisonment, assault with a deadly weapon, and assault with a threat to kill. The weapons involved are claimed to have been a long knife, a fireplace poker, and a piece of fire wood. Might have been interesting, but this is a busy time of year so I’m not sorry I wasn’t chosen.

And that’s the explanation of why this week’s blog is a day late.

A cousin noted that in her county they take you off the list of possible jurors when you turn seventy. Oh well … not in this county.

It has been years since George got a summons.  I get one every other year. We haven’t been able to come to any logical reason why.

~~~

It has been HOT !!!

4 August 2016

This morning the sun through the trees is bright, but it will be a cooler day.

It has been over 100° here in the past, and I didn’t enjoy it then either. I realize this is not the only place dealing with this situation.  However, it is the place where I am.

Sleeping without any cover at all helps.  I was still sweating most of the nights until last night.

As a result of having my nose frost-bitten and having had a heat stroke (not at the same time … one in Mt Shasta thirty-some years ago and the other years earlier in Gila Bend, Arizona), my comfort zone is between 55° and 80-85°.

So I try to get an early start on each day during summer weather, “cook” as little as possible, and just veg.

In addition, the days are noticeably shorter in just the month since solstice. I can count on the ladies and the pullets being in by 2030 instead of closer to 2100, and I let them out a bit after 0700. Equinox is about 60 days away.

~~~

Canning report … in spite of the heat …

5 pints of Royal Ann cherries with thyme …  6 half pints of corn relish …  11 pints of apricot jam …  8 pints of peach jam …  2 pints of peach-melba jam …  and 2 quart bags of frozen peach pie/cobbler fixin’s

Winter is going to be delicious.

~~~

The Siskiyou Golden (County) Fair will be next week.  Mark and at least part of his crew from New York will most likely be here. I had agreed to work the Tobacco Education Council booth for four hours on friday.  I am no longer on the Board, but they needed volunteers to help with the facial morphing booth.

I will tell you about the fair and the TEC experience in a couple of weeks..

~~~

We started this week with a Castle Crags bicycle event follow-up meeting last monday.

Good event. 

Good follow-up meeting.

They really appreciate us.

They noted that they cleared $17,000 this year even with the bad weather and resulting low registration. That’ll buy a lot of books for kids and fund a good scholarship and who knows what else.

~~~

 

AC 4 August 2016

 

Cat report …

AC, the little black cat, is always hungry (or at least always wants to eat when I go out), always has a round tummy, and isn’t growing as much as I think he should.

 

~~~

This morning I need to do some shopping.  There is to be a radio club swap meet and potluck on saturday.  The swap meet will be George’s event.  I’ll take a big salad and some fresh challah and just sit around and watch (or take a book and read).

~~~

Found an interesting Bible quote last week when I was researching Abigail, one of David’s wives. It made me thing of this election.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.             Philippians 2:3-4

 

So … ’til next week …