Tuesday Morning By a Babbling Brook - Ashland

At least the heat was not completely oppressive yesterday in Ashland and it cooled down to a manageable degree, so I was able to sleep with the bedroom window open - and oh, the beautifully relaxing sound of the babbling brook only about 15 feet from my pillow.  And it was relaxing, but I didn't fall asleep until after midnight - reading, listening to the babbling, playing electronic games with friends... so the chime of my cell phone woke me up this morning.

"Good Morning," said John, my ex-husband!  I thought he was calling from the Bay Area and had no clue why.  As the sleep-induced cobwebs cleared I realized he was saying that they (he and his wife, Gail) had spent the night in Ashland, on their way to Portland and points beyond, and that they'd like to come by to say 'hi.'  He must have spoken with Jeff, who probably told him I was here.  They should be here any time ....


11AM

John and Gail, who live in the San Francisco Bay Area,  stopped by after enjoying Ashland yesterday and last night.  They brought me a beautiful basket of home-grown tomatoes, grapes and pears.  I didn't mention to them, but had planned to go to the store this morning to replenish my fresh fruit supply - now I don't have to - and there's nothing in the World like John's tomatoes!  He has a magic touch and loves every minute of caring for his plants and crops.  It was nice of them to stop by; they're traveling with their Golden Retriever and a new Rat Terrier 5-month old puppy that is absolutely adorable.  John was born and raised in Bremerton and Seattle so this trip, for them, is to visit some childhood friends of Gail and some of his old haunts.  I shared that I'll be heading in much the same direction, although my itinerary is only a work in progress and could change at any time.  After bidding them 'farewell' I turned and noticed that Petunia is ready and able anytime I want to jump in and take her for a spin ...

Also this morning I received a call from Joyce (Richard and Joyce are a very interesting couple I met in Guatemala last November), asking if I'd like to go to their ranch this afternoon for a swim and chat.  They evidently live very close to this RV park; Joyce said she'd walk over and take Lacy and me home for a swim.  This is just what I love about traveling - old and new friends, introductions to regional cultures and activities and just plain enjoyment.

More later ...

FOUND! AGAIN!

6:3PM:  Yes, once more, Lincoln has returned to the fold.  I was really a little concerned this time because, at the time he escaped, we hadn't actually parked the rig where it's to stay for the next week; so I didn't know if Lincoln would be able to find us, what with all the dogs and people he'd have to avoid to get here.  And, to him, Floribunda isn't yet a completely known home.

Lacy and I have returned to the blackberry bushes on the other side of the park three or four times this afternoon; I called and Lacy sniffed.  This time he just walked right out from the same bushes in which I'd seen him last.  The little rascal has done quite well walking on a leash but is very fearful of people and dogs and of course I'd just taken the leash off when he darted out.  In the past I've taken him out on walks when we first settle in a new yard, but today I hadn't had a chance yet.  I'm also going to have to expose him to more people so he won't be so afraid.  One of the 'problems' in finding him is that, although he 'meows' when I call him, he doesn't seem to have a 'voice;' I only know he's meowing when I can see him.

Now, we're ready to relax and get used to the sights and smells in this new yard.   This RV park appears to have several long-term renters, several tent camps and even a couple of Euro-vans, as well as  every flavor of motorhomes.  We'r parked in a shady spot right next to a little stream that bubbles along peacefully - hope I can hear it tonight when I go to bed.

That's all for now.     Here's a floribunda rose - called Ebb Tide ..... Mmmm, pungent and spicy scent!

I LOVE WEED .... California That Is! And, on to Ashland, Oregon

Monday morning ,,,,, after an uneventful (thank Goodness) 85 mile trip north on I-5 yesterday afternoon.  I began to really feel the wonders of this beautiful Country as Miss Floribunda climbed upwards and we crossed over Lake Shasta, and even though the lake is low at this time of year, there were all those houseboats and ski boats out there living it up and enjoying what, for some, would be the last weekend of Summer vacation.  Kids return to school in August!!!

But, I get ahead of myself.  The whole weekend was special for me even before I stepped in the driver's seat to really begin my solo adventure .....

Saturday morning I spent time, again, rearranging things for convenience (I'll bet I'll be doing that the rest of my life!) before the terror heat, up to 105 in the afternoon got the best of me.  But, did that heat stop my soccer-playing granddaughters, you ask?  No way.  At 6PM their team scrimmaged with their coach's alumna team; now, Malia and Samantha's team is made up of 13-14 year olds, the alumnae were strong, soccer-playing women in their 20s, some with their own families.  In the horrendous heat they tied 2-2, playing at the Redding Soccer Complex, a beautiful park setting, dedicated to soccer, with about ten fields.  It's the girls' home field and it's really something.

After the game Jeff treated Alice, myself, the twins and two friends to dinner at our favorite Redding Mexican restaurant, Guadalajara on Cypress Avenue.  It's always fun for me to be able to practice my Spanish and the waiter was happy to indulge me.

 Malia, with the ever-present iPhone, and friend Kaylen, who just moved back to California from Anchorage, Alaska.

And, Samantha with friend, Paco, or is it Taco? - aren't they all adorable?

Yesterday morning I spent a relaxed time preparing for launch:  stowed items, hitched up Petunia and readied all for take off.  Durango RV Resort management agreed that I could stay a little past the check out time of noon,  so Jeff picked me up to go visit my father-in-law and his girlfriend, Ursula, one last time before I head out.  Although I've been divorced for over 20 years, I still think of Spence as my father; he's a wonderful man who's had, and is having, a fantastic life.

Jeff had prepared a nice picnic lunch, which we all relished - a deli spread that he 'threw' together so Spence and Ursula wouldn't have to 'entertain' us.  Spence met Ursula, a widow, about 4 years after the loss of my mother-in-law, at a Thanksgiving dinner at my house in 1987 and they've been together ever since.  At almost 99 years young, Spence still drives between their two houses, one in Red Bluff and the other in Silverdale, Washington every couple of months!  We talked a little about the fact that when his drivers license comes up for renewal in November, he'll be required to take a vision test; if the result is 'no license,' Ursula will do the driving.

Oh, how I love that man.  He's an inspiration for how I'd love to spend the next 30 years!   After his wife passed away in 1983, he continued traveling around the Country, making lots of friends and doing lots of fishing.  At home he potted and painted (he's a fantastic artist), fathered, grand-pa-ed, great-grand-pa-ed, gardened, decorated and cooked.  And, all along he's been an avid reader;  yesterday the end table next to his favorite chair was stacked high with all kinds of best sellers, classics, history - novels and non-fiction.  His body has become a little frail but his mind is completely intact.  I know that each time I see him may be the last and I love every second of it.

 L to R:  Jeff, Malia, Spence, Samantha, Alice and Ursula

Same group minus Alice plus Mimi

I just love this pic - Spence 'face-timing' with the triplets in El Dorado Hills while his grandson, Jeff looks on.  He's one heck of a Grandpa.  My ex-husband, John, always called his dad, 'Pater, so the grandkids and great-grandkids call him "Grand-pater"

BTW, when my great-nephew, Doug, and Christie deliver later this month, Spence will become a great-great grandpa.  And, another interesting tidbit:  Ursula is the mother of Spence's grandson's wife, so she will be the great-grandma of the new baby.  

[That's another story!]

Jeff drove me back to Floribunda and we took off, Jeff behind me for a few minutes; then we waved 'good-bye' and the kids and I are on our own.  The "Friendly RV Park" here inWeed is east off of I-5 only a couple of blocks, nestled in a grove of redwood trees, a small but clean and friendly place - $33 for a full hookup (which I didn't need).

Flower baskets outside the office at the Friendly RV Park

So, today it's off to Ashland, Oregon - only 55 miles - for about a week there.  Hmmm, I wonder what adventures we'll find!

2:30PM  Arrived at Glenyan RV Park in Ashland about an hour ago.  Upon arrival I found that the pull- through reserved spot is mostly sunny all day long and it's still hot here; so I asked if I could move to a back-in space in the shade and if somebody could usher me into it.  The host was not only willing to usher me, but volunteered to park the rig for me!  So we unhitched Petunia and he parked Floribunda while I drove behind.  Everything worked out great until the host left the door open and Lincoln left too!  Now he's holed up in a bunch of blackberry bushes; I'm going to have to be patient and just keep calling for the little sweetheart to come home to momma.

I LOVE WEED .... California That Is! And, on to Ashland, Oregon

Monday morning ,,,,, after an uneventful (thank Goodness) 85 mile trip north on I-5 yesterday afternoon.  I began to really feel the wonders of this beautiful Country as Miss Floribunda climbed upwards and we crossed over Lake Shasta, and even though the lake is low at this time of year, there were all those houseboats and ski boats out there living it up and enjoying what, for some, would be the last weekend of Summer vacation.  Kids return to school in August!!!

But, I get ahead of myself.  The whole weekend was special for me even before I stepped in the driver's seat to really begin my solo adventure .....

Saturday morning I spent time, again, rearranging things for convenience (I'll bet I'll be doing that the rest of my life!) before the terror heat, up to 105 in the afternoon got the best of me.  But, did that heat stop my soccer-playing granddaughters, you ask?  No way.  At 6PM their team scrimmaged with their coach's alumna team; now, Malia and Samantha's team is made up of 13-14 year olds, the alumnae were strong, soccer-playing women in their 20s, some with their own families.  In the horrendous heat they tied 2-2, playing at the Redding Soccer Complex, a beautiful park setting, dedicated to soccer, with about ten fields.  It's the girls' home field and it's really something.

After the game Jeff treated Alice, myself, the twins and two friends to dinner at our favorite Redding Mexican restaurant, Guadalajara on Cypress Avenue.  It's always fun for me to be able to practice my Spanish and the waiter was happy to indulge me.

 Malia, with the ever-present iPhone, and friend Kaylen, who just moved back to California from Anchorage, Alaska.

And, Samantha with friend, Paco, or is it Taco? - aren't they all adorable?

Yesterday morning I spent a relaxed time preparing for launch:  stowed items, hitched up Petunia and readied all for take off.  Durango RV Resort management agreed that I could stay a little past the check out time of noon,  so Jeff picked me up to go visit my father-in-law and his girlfriend, Ursula, one last time before I head out.  Although I've been divorced for over 20 years, I still think of Spence as my father; he's a wonderful man who's had, and is having, a fantastic life.

Jeff had prepared a nice picnic lunch, which we all relished - a deli spread that he 'threw' together so Spence and Ursula wouldn't have to 'entertain' us.  Spence met Ursula, a widow, about 4 years after the loss of my mother-in-law, at a Thanksgiving dinner at my house in 1987 and they've been together ever since.  At almost 99 years young, Spence still drives between their two houses, one in Red Bluff and the other in Silverdale, Washington every couple of months!  We talked a little about the fact that when his drivers license comes up for renewal in November, he'll be required to take a vision test; if the result is 'no license,' Ursula will do the driving.

Oh, how I love that man.  He's an inspiration for how I'd love to spend the next 30 years!   After his wife passed away in 1983, he continued traveling around the Country, making lots of friends and doing lots of fishing.  At home he potted and painted (he's a fantastic artist), fathered, grand-pa-ed, great-grand-pa-ed, gardened, decorated and cooked.  And, all along he's been an avid reader;  yesterday the end table next to his favorite chair was stacked high with all kinds of best sellers, classics, history - novels and non-fiction.  His body has become a little frail but his mind is completely intact.  I know that each time I see him may be the last and I love every second of it.

 L to R:  Jeff, Malia, Spence, Samantha, Alice and Ursula

Same group minus Alice plus Mimi

I just love this pic - Spence 'face-timing' with the triplets in El Dorado Hills while his grandson, Jeff looks on.  He's one heck of a Grandpa.  My ex-husband, John, always called his dad, 'Pater, so the grandkids and great-grandkids call him "Grand-pater"

BTW, when my great-nephew, Doug, and Christie deliver later this month, Spence will become a great-great grandpa.  And, another interesting tidbit:  Ursula is the mother of Spence's grandson's wife, so she will be the great-grandma of the new baby.  

[That's another story!]

Jeff drove me back to Floribunda and we took off, Jeff behind me for a few minutes; then we waved 'good-bye' and the kids and I are on our own.  The "Friendly RV Park" here inWeed is east off of I-5 only a couple of blocks, nestled in a grove of redwood trees, a small but clean and friendly place - $33 for a full hookup (which I didn't need).

Flower baskets outside the office at the Friendly RV Park

So, today it's off to Ashland, Oregon - only 55 miles - for about a week there.  Hmmm, I wonder what adventures we'll find!

2:30PM  Arrived at Glenyan RV Park in Ashland about an hour ago.  Upon arrival I found that the pull- through reserved spot is mostly sunny all day long and it's still hot here; so I asked if I could move to a back-in space in the shade and if somebody could usher me into it.  The host was not only willing to usher me, but volunteered to park the rig for me!  So we unhitched Petunia and he parked Floribunda while I drove behind.  Everything worked out great until the host left the door open and Lincoln left too!  Now he's holed up in a bunch of blackberry bushes; I'm going to have to be patient and just keep calling for the little sweetheart to come home to momma.

Enjoying the Good Life, RV Style and the Red Bluff Bluff Round Up

We're starting to gear up for our next jaunt - all the way to Weed, CA tomorrow.  I'd thought of parking at Jeff's in Cottonwood for a day or two but it's so darn hot, I'd have to run the generator 14-16 hours and that's a lot of gas consumption, as well as noise pollution if anybody's near.  I've decided to drive only as far as Weed (about 85 miles) - one of those places I've passed through innumerable times but never stopped to get the lay of the land.  Maybe I'll take Petunia out for a spin around town later tomorrow if I can stand the heat.  I know, you think I'm talking like a wimp; I guess I've just had TOO MUCH HEAT for one year - after wintering in Mexico and traveling the Southwest during April and May; then almost three months in the San Joaquin Valley.  I'm ready for temperate!
I checked on two Passport America parks in the Weed area, the first doesn't honor the discount on weekends and considers Sunday night part of the weekend.  The second has stopped their affiliation with PA; so, I chose the less expensive of the two and will pay $33 for tomorrow in Weed - full hook-up pull through with all the trimmings.

I have some more photos of the Floribunda Flair "face-lift" accomplished a couple of days ago ........

I'd seen this father-son-daughter-in-law team around the park doing several RVs.  I sauntered over and asked what they'd charge to "do the works" on my rig.  Papa said, "Right around $250-300."  I responded, "I'll think about it and let you know."  He said they'd need a day's notice if I'd like to make an appointment.  An hour or so later the camp host stopped by and assured me they're a reputable operation and do a fantastic job.  So, I decided to go for it as I knew I'd never get to the whole rig the way they can with their equipment.

They arrived Thursday morning at about 9:45 in this rig that they parked next door - it has all they need to do the whole job - even water, although that wasn't necessary in our case.  And away they went = to work.  The daughter-in-law wasn't with them - just Pop and son.

Junior immediately climbed the ladder and started power-washing the roof - yippee, no leaks were noted!

Boy, did these guys work hard in heat from about 80F. when they started up to about 103F. by the time they finished four hours later.  That's 8 hours of labor and I was there the whole time - no breaks were taken!  I did notice they were drinking JOLT or the likes - must have been a caffeine high!

Here's the dad finishing up the last window - Whew!

And, now Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present Miss Floribunda Flair with her face-lift.  She's glowing and so ready for our adventures.


Back to another subject - Red Bluff photos from the other day ...

The following two photos are of the Tehama County Courthouse and the park-like surrounding area.

 Remember I mentioned I'd lived in Red Bluff in the late 80s and early 90s.  I worked for Saint Elizabeth's Hospital as Assistant Home Health and Hospice Director.  The reason that I bring it up in reference to these photos is .....

A very popular yearly event in Red Bluff is "The Red bluff Round-Up" week with all kinds of activities, celebrations and high-lighted by the rodeo of the same name, a famous stop on the National Rodeo circuit.  Top notch cowboys from all over come to compete - it's quite a show - and has been going on since 1918.  It's really fun for all ages.

Well, during the week of festivities, it is illegal to frequent any locale in the town of Red Bluff without wearing Western garb.  I was warned beforehand my first year here that I could be 'arrested and taken to jail' if I appeared anywhere in town without the requisite attire.  Since my business attire was just that - business attire - I had to scamper around to make sure I'd pass inspection by the law.  I wore red cowboy boots, denim dress and western scarf - and the like, each day of that week.  Walking into the bank, for instance, I was greeted by tellers dressed as dance-hall girls, the bank manager as a sheriff.  All over town, hospital included, people followed protocol (the law) and sported all sorts of western attire.

How does that have anything to do with the Courthouse?  Glad you asked.  Well, during Round-Up week, one has only to drive by the Courthouse - right where I stood to take these photos - to see, right on the front lawn, a JAIL, built every year just in time for this week's activities - everyday of Round-Up week it's possible to stop in front and see the incarcerated villains!  It's a hoot.  The police 'arrest' offenders and haul them to jail (in their patrol cars or on foot), where they remain - having lots of opportunities for photos - until they can get themselves released on "bribe,"  I mean "bail."

I'm photographically challenged .....

I took lots of photos yesterday - without the memory card in my camera!  I'd been learning a little about  the Photoshop Elements 11 application I'm trying out for free before buying it and decided to use the memory card to upload photos from day before yesterday.  Well, as often happens, I got side-tracked and forgot to reinsert the card in my camera ..... lots of shots with no proof!  Here's the only shot I got of the team detailing Floribunda yesterday, right here in the RV park ...

And, here's Lacy, in her camping hairstyle, watching the process.

I'll take more photos of Floribunda's return to beauty today and post them later.  Yes, the memory card is in the camera!

Look To This Day ... Red Bluff, California

Dawn in Puerta Encantada, Venezuela

Look To This Day 

Look to this day

For it is life, the very life of life.  In its brief course

Lie all the verities and realities of your existence.

The bliss of growth,

The glory of action,

The splendour of achievement

Are but experiences of time.

For yesterday is but a dream

And tomorrow is only a vision;

And today well-lived, makes

Yesterday a dream of happiness

And every tomorrow a vision of hope.

Look well therefore to this day;

Such is the salutation to the ever-new dawn!

  by Kálidása          Thought to be the greatest of the Sanskrit 

                                                       poets and playwrights, he lived in the 4th and 5th 

                                                       centuries C.E.  Of humble beginnings, he's said to

                                                       have married a princess, who challenged him to write

                                                       poetry.

Wednesday in Red Bluff .....

I lived on a ranch 10 miles North-East of downtown Red Bluff in the late 80s and early 90s. Originally, my husband and I bought the 37-acre ranch as a weekend get-away from the San Francisco Bay Area; after a couple of years of driving back and forth almost every weekend (200 miles each way) I moved to the ranch full-time and worked for Saint Elizabeth's Hospital Home Health and Hospice Agency in Red Bluff as Assistant Director.

During this latter part of my marriage, several relatives from my husband's side of the family relocated to the area; now, years later, I love to come back to visit friends and family.  So, I'm enjoying the first week of my NA adventure in some old haunts, so to speak.  

Today Lacy and I went to Home Depot, which wasn't here when I lived here, to buy some laminated shelving material and brackets to 'remodel' a Floribunda wardrobe closet into a pantry.  While we were out and about, I decided to drive through the downtown area to see what's happening with some of the lovely old buildings and houses.  Red Bluff is not what one would call the "in-stopping-off-place" along I-5, but if one takes the time, it's a lovely little town, population ~8K (1960), ~11K (1990), ~13K (2012) that hasn't changed too much, save for the popping up of a Walmart, Home Depot, etc.

I remembered that I'd visited a really exquisitely restored and decorated home way back in about 1990, so I thought I'd drive around to see if I could find it and came upon this beautifully restored home on Washington Street, there always has to be a Washington Street in small-town America.  I decided to jump out of Petunia Smart Car and take this photo of a truly gorgeous home, every detail done to perfection.

As I was standing in the street admiring it, the lady of the house came out to talk.  Lo and behold, this is the house I'd visited all those years ago.  My friend, Nancy, knew of this lady who'd done this house all in red, white and blue, inside and out.  I recall that she'd done all varieties of art work, quilts, house and furniture restoration.  "Babs" has now redone the same house in this magnificent new rendition of the Victorian look.  We had a nice conversation and she even invited me in - which I declined for today as I had Lacy with me. I gave Babs my card and encouraged her to look for her house on my blog.  And, here it is!

This is exactly the type of experience I'm longing to have all over this Continent.  I love meeting people and Babs is the kind of people I look forward to meeting.

She suggested that I go 'around the corner' to take a look at a Victorian that's in the restoration process right now ....

Each of these Victorian homes has an historical plaque identifying the year of the original construction.  I believe Bab's house is from 1889 and this one from 1890.

A couple of blocks down the street I found this captivating specimen on a corner lot ....

Check out the gorgeous window curtains.  It's obvious in all three of these examples that there is much love and pride put into these magnificent specimens of another era.