THANKSGIVING WEEKEND

Dave asked me what I was thankful for this year so I listed the many blessings God has given us and was truly feeling blessed! You might have thought I was crazy if you could have seen us. At the time we were sitting in our Corvette, infamous for breaking down on trips, that had broken down...again. We were sitting on the side of Highway 1 just south of Big Sur having just coasted backwards about 100 yards to a turnout. We were just a couple hundred yards from the ocean but it wasn't to be seen. It was Thanksgiving Day, 2009, and we had just finished our very non-traditional dinner--a burrito--a large, delicious burrito. Sitting in a broken down dream car in the middle of nowhere means you are in a place of total dependence. We talked; we walked. Dave fumed some, but, in all, it was rather relaxing. Having faith in God's goodness is believing without seeing--right where we were sitting. Maybe we'll never see what the reason for not making it to see our friends in L.A., but, even if we don't, there's no doubt that God has shown us favor this year. A burrito for Thanksgiving dinner is not that bad.

Dave finally called AAA but had difficulty with a dispatcher who didn't know her directions. She wanted to know if we were "before or after" Santa Cruz. Then, THEN, the Supervisor couldn't find Big Sur on the Goggle map. About 5:00 p.m., just as the sun was going down, the tow truck arrived. It was no big deal, really...we had been in the same spot before.

After we arrived at my sister, Judy's, house in Santa Cruz, we helped them eat Thanksgiving leftovers. So, we got our dinner after all. The next day we borrowed a car and went to see the Pinnacles National Monument close to Soledad, CA. You'll see the pictures of them below to remind you that our planet was NOT an accident! This park is mainly for hiking, condor watching and/or rock climbing. Thought about our pastor in K.C., Fred Herron, he is a rock climber. We, fortunately, are not; but we can appreciate the beauty of them.
There was a 4.3 mile trail that we "strolled" along for about a half mile. We were going about that far or until the camera batteries died--both of which happened at the same time. The sky was intermittently cloudy and, it had rained a little just as we arrived, so our underlying goal was not to get caught on the trail in the rain. Just as we got in the car the sprinkles started again. Favor...?...!

We decided to drive back through Carmel to Santa Cruz via the Carmel Valley Drive. It took us 1.5 hrs to go 37 miles but we explored a beautiful valley with trees turned yellow, orange and red, along a low, slow river, winding up the side of the Coastal Mountains then over and down them to Carmel-By-The-Sea. We left the almost arid valley and abruptly entered into a rain forest with the rain falling gently. See the rainbow? We could see it completely from side to side and it had almost become a double. Within 100 miles such diversity was exhilerating!


My nieces were driving home to Sacramento Friday night so we bummed a ride. We sneaked into the house, slept in our own bed and crept out the next morning to see what else was out there for us to see. The car headed south toward Visalia--about 2 hrs. away. The day was beautiful! The sun was shining brilliantly, however, we were headed to the only portion of the state without sun. In fact there was a big dark cloud that covered the whole area! It didn't seem too brilliant on our part. However, even the clouds can be beautiful when God leads us!

We wound our way through the Sierra Nevada foothills to the entrance of Sequoia National Park under a dark sky. The Ranger told us that we needed to have tire chains in the car in case the weather deteriorated--which he said was only 16 miles away. We pushed upward and in and out of the switchback curves, left and right and in and out (getting woozy yet?). Dave had to open the sun roof to get some fresh air ...and he was driving! Then we hit fog and I mean we barely could see the road ahead of us. You know how it feels to be isolated in that dense, almost palpable whiteness. Which also causes the fear that someone will intrude on that peaceful solitude ... maybe even violently. The Lord kept us going through and we finally came out on top--literally--of the fog. As you can see below, you could almost imagine that we were in Heaven looking down on Earth when it was "without form".


We stopped at about 7,000 feet (altitude) and hiked about .5 mile from the parking lot which was a steep slope down about 241 feet (altitude) in that short distance. This was all to see the-- HUGE is the only adjective that comes to mind--(well, maybe COLOSSAL too) General Sherman tree. Such beauty! We headed back up the path. However thin air, aging bodies and minds that think we're still in our 30's were working against us. Determination and practicality kicked in and we made it. Yea!!!! (Dave went out this morning to walk to increase his stamina. ;o})

There was some snow (the reason for the clouds) and the temperature was about 32 degrees. Lots of people had put on their chains because they don't know how to drive in snow. However, the worst of it looked like a Kansas City residential street that has been plowed after a snow--barely enough to know it had happened. Personally, I was glad that John Q. Public had their chains on!

We got down off the mountain about 4:00 p.m. but it was too late in the day and the wrong season to go on to see King's Canyon National Park. Maybe we'll get that done yet. We stopped for soup and chili at Marie Calendar's and drove home under a clear, star-studded sky. A great weekend!

Sunday we stayed home from church (I know...!) and devoted some time to Grandmother to celebrate her birthday. We took her to Kohl's just after they opened so the crowds were be less and before she got tired. She looked at lots of watches (thanks to Bob & Debi) and wanted one that had lots of "bling". Dave talked her out of the sparkling ones and she finally settled on one that has a pretty gold (stretch) band and a crystal that has magnification. Now she can see what time it is and the date too! Don't ask me why, but it is important for her to know this.

That evening we then went to Cool Hand Luke's about a block from our house for dinner. They are always saturating the air with abundantly fragrant odors so we went to partake of the food to see it was as good as it smelled. It was outstanding! Grandmother did try to take the stage with her dramatics but kept our heads and Dave only had to "walk himself" once.

We are thankful for a restful weekend wherein I didn't overdo with holiday cooking and Dave didn't take so many naps that he couldn't sleep at night. Life can again be entered into with gusto!

The couple that has been coming to stay a couple of days with Grandmother, John and Cathy, has stepped up their hours to 4 days a week. Also, Cathy wants to learn how to cook so she is fixing dinner for us the 4 nights they are at the house. I make out a menu and tell her where the recipes are and oila! I can relax when I get home. It is so helpful! It forces me to look ahead, to compile a grocery list and to relate to people after a day of relating... which could be the most difficult thing for me.

Hope you have been rejuvenated by the holiday and remembering what it is all about. May God continue to bless you with His love!

Well, we had quite a night last night! I was in the kitchen and had just called Mom to come to the table for dinner. All of a sudden she called out my name and I turned just in time to see her go down behind the couch. When I got to her, she was bleeding and moaning. The doctors later kept asking if she had lost consciousness but I don't think she did. Anyway, she had a laceration down the middle of her forehead where she had hit the bookcase. I was able to get a good bandage to hold it together until someone could figure out how bad it was.

I moved the couch and tried to get her to stand up but I couldn't budge her. If it hadn't been a difficult situation, I could have laughed at her. She rolled to her stomach and laid there with her face in the carpet and her arms beside her saying, what do I do now? I was able to get her to her knees and holding on to the couch when someone knocked at the door. What terrible timimg! (However, I think that it helped Mom get up because she didn't want to be seen on the floor.)

Well, it turned out that the person at the door was the son of our neighbor, but I saw him as an angel. He had come to remind us that our sprinkler (which was broken by the gardener) was shooting into his parents' yard. We talked a minute and just as he was leaving, I asked if he could come in and help me get Mom up and into the car. It turns out he is a former paramedic and now a police officer. Also, his mother-in-law had Alzheimer's and had lived with them for 5 years. He knew exactly what to do and how to get her to do what he asked her to.

I got her to the Emergency Room and, because of her age and the wound being on the head, they pushed her up the line. They asked the same questions 3 times by 3 different people before we got to a bed. They took a CT scan and x-rays, blood and urine specimens and even fed her just before we left. She hadn't had dinner and was getting hungry although not shaky. A dinner meal had been brought for another patient who left before eating so they gave it to us. It was a chicken with pasta and broccoli entree which she likes and, I think, we won't even have to pay for it!

They didn't stitch the cut because it was superficial--they glued it! Check out the mug shot. The doctor tried to reassure her that it would be less noticeable because it was right in the middle instead of off center. It will be awhile though before it isn't noticeable.

We left for the hospital about 6:30 p.m. got home about 11:00 p.m. But, hey! I didn't have anything better to do with my evening anyway. We will go see her primary doctor today at 11:00 a.m. The ER doc thought it was one of her meds that was making her heart rate slow too much which caused dizziness. We'll see. That's what they usually do after her being in the hospital--change the meds.

Dave was up in Klamath Falls, Oregon, about 8 hrs away. So, he will be in tonight. Since I did not have a POA (Power of Attorney) for her, it could have gotten sticky without him there. I didn't think I would need her living trust with me because I didn't see a need. It could have come up though. The doctor asked about a pacemaker or possible other remedies. Must give this some more thought.

Life goes on and we make adjustments so we fit into it better. Or, you could all go "kaysi" with me.

Family Reunion

Well, Nancy and Bob and Debi came for a long weekend. It was so fun! We laughed a lot and talked a lot (and loudly) and ate well.

We spent a day going to, in and around, and returning from the City (San Francisco). There is so much to see and one day just hits the high spots. However, we were blessed with a clear sky, 75 degrees and moderate traffic. Just as we went over the Golden Gate the fog rolled into the Bay and made the bridge and city look like they were high in the clouds. We got some wonderful pictures and then the fog dissipated. The rest of the pictures were so clear you would really wonder if it was San Francisco.

For dinner we ate seafood on the water at Half Moon Bay. Afterward we went to the marina and watched a seal family teach their baby to catch fish. It was fascinating!

Bob has taken up photography and he got over 300 pictures a day of everything there was around. Sometimes it's hard to remember the beauty specifically but not with his pictures around!

We took another day and went to Yosemite National Park. The waterfalls aren't running right now because the rivers are so dry. They will start up again in late October. We may go back and hike up to the top of Yosemite Falls. Dave and I will probably have to do some conditioning to be in shape. Carrying around all this weight does not get you in shape!

Their last day here we went to Knight's Ferry where there is the longest covered bridge west of the Mississippi. The river there is so clear and it has big boulders to climb on or just admire. Western beauty is so unique! We had lots of fun seeing it with Debi. She thought California was all like LA--full of houses, people and office buildings. The orchards, rivers and rolling hills left her speechless with wonder. I loved being able to share it with them.

G-Mom went with us to Yosemite but was very uneasy the whole time we were gone. Another aspect of her disease came to light--when she is away from "home", she feels vulnerable and unsafe. That was good to find out. Although she doesn't like being alone, at least she is not as fearful when she is at home.

Well, I hope you enjoy the pictures and the summary of our weekend. The enjoyment that comes from being with family cannot be explained. Episodes are funny that wouldn't be if by yourself; food tastes better when shared; and life seems to be fuller. That's what we experienced for 3 full days--life at it's best. It goes quickly but, if relished, can remain for a l-o-n-g time.

A FRIEND LOST

Two days ago we lost a great friend, Don Lichliter. If Don could hear all the praise and comments on what a wonderful person he was, he would push it aside with true humility and talk about someone he admired. He was enthusiastic about everything, even the things he didn't like. Always honest, though sometimes brash, this guy was lover of Jesus Christ. He followed to the point of acknowledging his mistakes and confessing them openly. His efforts to be what Scripture said he should be were refreshing and a model for even long-time Christians.

Dave wanted to observe Don's reaction when he met Jesus. Truly a wonderful event! We mourn because we have lost a good friend now but also rejoice that it won't be for eternity. When we catch up with him in Heaven, he will have it all scoped out. What a joy to anticipate! Will you be there too?

Changing our Name

Well, it has become official. Dave has accepted a transfer to the East Coast which will not begin until June 1, 2010. Guess we'll have to change our name then. The territory just north of Kristi and Matt became available and we jumped to be able to be closer to our sweet grandboys. My parents stayed in California and missed out on a lot of my kids lives. Don't want that to be our legacy.

We're looking in the north-of-Baltimore area so, if anyone has feedback of a good place for us to land, send it along. We've driven through and visited D.C. one summer but that doesn't give us much to go on. Dave got to go out for a weekend and Kristi brought the boys up to see him. It was "meet and greet" time for him and Gabe. What can I say? Dave fell in love with the little one and renewed his relationship with Ben.

In the meantime, we are plodding along with Grandmother in tow. She has her days -- some good and some not-so-good. We have applied for in-home care from the state but, with all the cutbacks, that doesn't look good. It would be beneficial to her (and us too) if we could have someone come in for a couple of hours a day just to talk and take walks with her. Her memory is getting worse. She can't remember how to set the table without guidance. It is a sad thing! Life goes on and she is getting left behind and feeling very lost. This disease, like a funeral, makes you consider your mortality and quality of life. Take care of yourself now! It could catch up with you before you're ready for it to.

G-mom still prays for her kids and grandkids though and reads her Bible each day. She even prays when her hair is blown in the wind while riding in the convertible with the top down. Pretty funny! I left my cell phone at work last Friday and, not wanting to leave it all weekend, Dave drove me back to get it. G-mom was napping and it only took about 30 min. However, she was awake when we got back and very upset. She had been trying to call us and couldn't get it done. She was sitting at the desk with the cable remote in her hand and asked in frustration, "How do I call you on this?" Even techno-tarded Dave had to laugh at that.

Thank God for the "funnies" of Grandmother. Bless you all until I get time and events enough to write again.

Almond Blossoms

Dave and I went out to take some pictures of the almond blossoms today. Most of the orchards are almost at peak and we're having rain! That means the bees can't get out to pollinate the blossoms; pray for some sun for us. What is really cool is when you can look out over acres of white flowers with the Sierra snowcaps in the background. It's hard to get it with a camera though. In the next week the two varieties of peaches will be in total bloom. They have two different colors of pink so we'll try to get them for you to see.



Our apricot tree in the backyard is almost fully bloomed. We had three 5-gallon buckets full of them last year. This year we'll probably thin them out some so the fruit will be bigger. Mike and Mary Ellen Wright came for dinner a couple of weeks ago. It was great to catch up with them. Anyway, Mike thought I was remiss in not making some pies and didn't comprehend that there wasn't time to make them. Guess that is a challenge for me this year! He said I could become his favorite aunt if I made one for him...?

Remember, this was taken the last day of February. My azaleas are in bright color too.

The G-Mom is not doing well. Most of the time she is trying to leave to "go home" and finds it difficult to comprehend that this is her home now. One day a couple of weeks ago Dave felt that the Lord directed him to go the long way home. Coming into Riverbank, he saw her walking alongside the highway about half a mile from home. Since then, we have had to keep the doors and gates locked. If he hadn't come home that way, we would not have known where to look for her! Add to that the busy (2 lane) highway she was following and no ID...you see what I mean!

On yeah, I got a job! When Hershey left Oakdale, the Sconza Candy Company bought their building. I worked with the buyers for several months while they were doing their due diligence and got to know them pretty well. Now I'm working for them! Not only that, I'm sitting at the very same desk I worked at for Hershey. It is very strange...but definitely a God-thing. I had been sending resumes and applications for 2 months when I had the urge to send an e-mail to them to ask about a position. I knew they had a Job Fair back in August and had over 2,600 people fill out applications for about 80 jobs. Well, it turns out that the HR Director is the former Hershey HR Director and she knew me (having worked some for her also). Long to short--I applied for the Operations Assistant (to the VP, Operations) position. It was not available before because the incumbent got pregnant and didn't want to drive to Oakdale. (If she does come back, it will be in a different position.) I was almost a "shoe-in"! Really a God-directed-thing. Thanks for any prayers you said for me. It helped me hold on with less stress this time than the 2 former times I was unemployed in 2008. God is faithful!!

Well, thought we would send a touch of California your way. Miss our friends from the Midwest but love the weather here! Y'all come see us out here. We have lots for you to see--besides just us.