Mother's Day

Last month I put together an article in honor of my mom. She passed away in September 2001. Since her involvement in family history and passing the information on to me I have started gathering information about her life.

The recent artilcle was about her participation in the YMCA. She was part of a synchronized swimming group called the Geritol Kids. They were featured in the paper in Anaheim, California. She participated for several years from 1979-1984. She did solo parts in different programs over the years.

I sent copies of the articles and pictures to each of my brothers and children so they could share the information with their children. The best way to remember someone is to share their life.

Our 2010 Garden

This is our new garden. With Ray's help, we have planted yellow squash, pickling cucumbers, tomatoes, and beans. I forgot the carrots, they are in the pot. The carrots and beans were started from seed. I'm not sure if the beans will do well but the rest is doing great. I have really enjoyed planting and watching them grow.

It is truly amazing what a small seed, good soil, fertilizer and water can do.

At right is our cherry tree. You can bearly see the cherries. They are the yellow/red cherries. They slight citrus taste. They aren't quite ready but will be soon. There isn't quite enough to preserve or make jelly, we just eat them...all of them. We planted a new red cherry and orange tree this year. Of course we share some of them with the birds. Our two cats have helped keep them out somewhat. They have turned out to be good bird catchers. Not that I like that very much but what are you going to do. They go after anything that moves.

I was able to freeze 30 cups of lemon juice this past winter thanks to a generous donation of free lemons. I have enough for my canning and drinking this summer, it think. We shall see. I just love fresh lemonade. If you know of anyone who doesn't want their lemons or other fruit let me know. I may be able to use it.

Jame's Birthday

We had another birthday just a few days later in April. James turned 35 years old. He's working real hard and going to school. Keep up the good work.

Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday, to YOU!

Dad's 80th Birthday

This month dad turned 80 years old. We had an open house party for him. Thanks to Anna, my sister-in-law for all her help. Dad had many visitors and phone calls over the week end. He had a real good time and enjoyed the company.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!

We Love you!

Christmas With the Family

I know, I know it is May and I am just now getting to the Christmas pictures. It has been quite a busy first part of the year. No excuse of course. We did have a nice Christmas and thought we would take a picture of the whole family. You don't get those very often. Our family has change some since then as you will notice in the future posts.

Jarom's First Cooking Class

Jarom asked to learn how to make boysenberry jelly.

So one Saturday, in August, we took out all the items we needed and started crushing the boysenberries. It was quite a job, but Jarom was ready for the task.

After de-seeding all the berries they went into the pot to heat and add the pectin. Then the sugar and ready for the jars. Jarom did the entire process except for the last minute stirring process. He even filled the jars.

He took home 6 jars of jelly. He let me keep one. Good job Jarom.

22nd Anniversary Vacation

We just celebrated our 22nd wedding anniversary recently (Aug. 28). After spending the night with some friends in Sacramento we headed up to Redding to Lake Shasta Caverns. Wow! What an experience. It was cool and beautiful. The ride across the lake was nice and the weather that day was wonderful. A short bus ride up the hill and through a heavy locked door to the caverns. The 100+ steps are not for the faint hearted. I do say I had to stop a few times even though I exercise 6 days a week.

We then drove toward the coast and stayed the night in Arcata and on to the ocean the next morning. We drove down the coast had a nice lunch overlooking the bay at Mendocino and headed inland. We have driven all of the California coast except the last 80 miles north from Eureka to the Oregon border. Maybe next time.

I love the coast, the smell of the sea air and hearing the waves. The Humboldt Redwoods were beautiful. If you get a chance, you've just got to go.