Strange Sighting In Fort Bragg, California

You just don't see these anymore...

Testing The Waters

Lucerne, CA

Now that I've been widowed for over four years, I've begun pushing myself into doing things outside my comfort zone. Taking short road trips (by myself) is one step.

Lucerne is a(nother) small town I just love. Its not a fancy place, but is a lovely hamlet along the north shore of Clear Lake. I definitely want to explore the area further...

Does Anyone Even Blog Anymore?

Me, just yesterday

Yes, its been awhile. Not much has changed in all this time... still retired, same house. Same, same, same... except...

... and this is where I decided to self edit. I believe I'm ready to begin blogging anew, and this post was just a tad too personal!

Sorry about that!

PJ and the Nativity Scene

We lost the Baby Jesus from our tiny Nativity Scene years ago.

I chose to replace Him with a teensy Santa Claus. I feel it apropos to both my own celebration, and the typical modern American holiday.

Grandson PJ feels that Santa residing in the manger is just not right, so he periodically hides the little bearded elf.

Recent Conversations Overheard At My House...

idea stolen from Sylvana


So, I'm working out on the property and feel the need to call my daughter.
"Hey Smurfette, its mom... did you see that baby deer leg about 50' from your door?"
"Mom, that's not a deer leg, its a goat leg!"
{silence}... "Oh, okay..."


The grandson loves to pop out of nowhere and try to scare me.
"Jesus PJ, don't do that! You'll give grandma a heart attack! What would you do then?"
"I'd get a hammer!"
"Why would you get a hammer?"
"To make sure you're dead!"


PJ is aware his PapaDon was cremated, knows that is my wish too, and claims he wants the same.
"Grandma, you know how I want to be cremated too?"
"Yes???"
"Well I have a question... what kind of cream do they use?"
"Oh honey, they don't use cream. They put you in a box and shove you in an oven."
{unbelieving stare and silence ensues.}
"Its okay honey, they make sure you're dead first."
"Do they use a hammer?"

Merry Christmas!

me & my brother, a looooooong time ago

Hope you all have a wonderful holiday!

Busy, busy, busy!

ongoing project...

No, I haven't dropped off the face of the earth! Thank you all for checking in!!!

Since my last post, I've both hired out and been a do-it-yourselfer with various home projects.

I've painted, chainsawed, chipped branches and leveled out ground for an above ground pool.

Hired out some plumbing, heating, and electrical work... bringing me to my latest pet peeve project, shown above.

I never liked the entry to my house. Since the actual front door entrance is around the back of the house, the first door encountered is the dining room slider. Originally, one would walk from the gravel driveway straight onto the deck and then take an educated guess as to whether you were in the right place.

There was a small pergola lightly shading the area, which gave me an idea. Why not create an entry-patio? Good idea, bad choice of contractor...

The work this guy has done is great. He built aggregate curbing where there was previously railroad ties. He sanded and stained the entire deck, replacing boards as needed. He built the steps shown above, with lighting beneath. He added to the existing pergola, giving much more shade. He poured the patio too.

This work was completed 5 weeks ago, today.

The trouble is that he has more work to do... clean off the aggregate patio, build one more large section of curbing for a flower bed, and build steps down to the patio from the driveway.

He's been warned he needs to come and finish. Several times.

He must intend to return, as he's left lots of tools and his portable cement mixer. I'm tired of waiting.

I piled some of his tools in the mixer. I have several bags of concrete mix. I'm thinking about mixing a load of cement, with his tools inside the mixer, and letting the whole thing dry.

That'll larn him!!!