From Father's Day to Lonestar

I have some catching up to do.  There are times when it feels like there's nothing new in my world and the days run together in their routine monotony.  There's really nothing monotonous about life, as each sunrise brings something new and beautiful to my life.  They just aren't always something to write about.

For Father's Day, we headed to Novato to visit with my parents and honor Dad.  I am so blessed to have such warm, intelligent, funny and generous parents.  We had a great visit with them and family, and left midday to carpool home - me and my three daughters.  I felt like I wanted to show them my old high school, and asked if they felt up to taking a walk through campus.  They were all game.  We found our way to the parking lot, discussing whether we should take staff parking during the summer on a Sunday or not.  It's funny how that seems like such a huge no-no, even if the school is closed for the day.

We got out of the car and started walking into the school campus.  As we walked past a brightly painted mural with hornets all over it (the school mascot), I said to Mandi, "Watch out!  Hornets!"  She reacted immediately, as she's allergic to bee stings, and then playfully smacked me on the arm when she saw the joke.  We wandered through the corridors, past classrooms that I spent time in with favorite teachers.  Their "ghosts" were there - whether they're still living or not - and it was a strange sense of coming home.  We headed to what used to be the "smoking pit."  The kids are still skeptical when I tell them that students were allowed to smoke on campus in this specific area.  The area has been cleared, no benches or anything at all left in the center of what really looks like a pit now.  There was a yard duty stationed nearby, not to check IDs, even though most were under the legal age to be able to purchase cigarettes, but to make sure nothing caught fire, or left the area still lit, and to prevent the smoking of "wacky tobaccy."

We wandered in a circular fashion around the campus, passing the area where most of my classes were - business courses such as shorthand, accounting, typing, taught by two of my favorite teachers, now deceased.  We peeked into the open lockers, some painted, some covered in contact paper or graffiti, others containing rotting food.  The kids were surprised that we had a pool, and envious.  I told them about first period PE and how cold it was to have to take swimming your sophomore year.  (NHS was 10-12 grades then.  What are called "middle schools" now were junior high, 7-9.)

We found our way to the front of the school where the kids wanted to take my picture at the iconic sign on the lawn.  No, I'm not sharing the results.  After that, we walked to the car.  Jessica asked if we could do donuts in the parking lot before we left.  Baaaad!  I gave a cautious yes, and halfway through the first turn asked her to stop because I was already getting dizzy!  We laughed so hard on our way out of the parking lot, as I told them about the morning I drove my siblings to school, had to stop in the line into the parking lot on the inclined driveway in a stick shift Datsun pickup, and rolled it into the car behind me.  A teacher's car.  Oops!

Becca had some adjusting to do in her freshman year in such a different environment as high school, so she started summer school on Monday.  This will be our routine for the next five weeks.  Bette and I were able to get the cucumbers into the ground finally.  They are doing well.  Next we need to finish the prep and get the rest of the seedlings in the ground, along with the corn and peanuts.  It will be interesting to see if peanuts work in this climate.

Tuesday's news to note involved small, slimy creatures.  I have a sprinkler system set up for most of the potted garden plants in the back of the house, but there are a few that need hand watering.  I headed over to the sunny part of the yard to take care of those plants in the morning and suddenly felt something cold, rubbery and wet under the center of my foot.  I immediately stepped back and scolded the banana slug that had decided it was going to travel the deck at that time.  They are more prevalent here than any other place I've lived, and I've mostly gotten used to them.  Except when I step on them.  In the evening I grabbed the watering can to take care of the plants that needed a boost after a hot summer day, and was surprised to see a tiny frog jump from the can as I tipped it to start watering.  I was grateful that it didn't land on me.

I'm still looking for a good job, and was happy to find two that I could apply for on Wednesday.

On Thursday, Becca and I decided it was time to inaugurate the barbecue for the summer.  I had taken the cover off a few weeks earlier, so it was dusty and touched by cobwebs.  I also needed to reattach the propane tank and new regulator, as we've been temporarily using those for hot water until the big propane tank is replaced.  We took all the webs off, scrubbed down the grill, and got it started up.  After making sure that it worked, we turned it off and went inside to prepare chicken and pineapple kabobs for dinner.  Becca made a delicious sweet and spicy honey barbecue sauce to use for them, and we brought everything outside to get things started again.  I noticed I'd missed a few cobwebs underneath the grill and got down to the ground to take a closer look and clear them.  Then noticed the small hornets nest attached underneath.  It appeared empty and I hoped it was abandoned, so I knocked it to the ground.  We were a little unnerved when the creature building it showed up soon thereafter, obviously confused at not finding what it had just left.  I started the grill to encourage it to go elsewhere, and it did.

The kabobs were delicious!  Afterward, Becca surprised me by making ice cream sundaes with fudge sauce, fresh garden ripe strawberries, and banana slices.  Perfect end to a fun evening with her.

Friday night we had something special planned.  We regretfully did not make it to family dinner, as Lonestar was playing at the local SonoMarin (Sonoma and Marin) Fair in Petaluma.  What I love about this fair is that all of the attractions are included in the price of admission.  Yes, it's a little more, but all concerts are available to everyone at the fairgrounds, and the rides are all free, too.  We met Amanda and Anthony and their friends at the fair, and because we got started a little later than we'd expected and the lines were long, didn't have a chance for the kids to go on the rides (I generally don't do them at county fairs).  We got some food (the egg rolls on a stick are half the size that they used to be!), wandered the shops and carnival area, and then headed to the concert pavilion to grab a beer (OMG - something with Shark in the name and it was soooo good!) just as the band started.

I normally stay back or find a seat on the bleachers, but Mandi and Anthony took us to the front of the stage, where we stood and had a blast watching a band that is still going strong at their 20th anniversary year.  Energy, humor, and a tremendous amount of talent.  Along with their standards, every now and then they'd break into a mainstream hit from an earlier era, just a few lines, which puzzled some of the youngsters and made us older folk laugh with joy.  We had a ball, listening to all of their old hits, plus some new music.  I had to sit down for a little bit, because my feet hurt.  (I've been having problems with plantar faciitis.  New gel insoles were helping with that, but I'd forgotten the new cowboy boots weren't 100% broken in yet.  Not a good choice for walking the fair.)

At the end of the show, the crowd applauded and whistled loudly, but didn't ask for an encore as enthusiastically.  It took the band coming back on stage to wake them up again.  I was really puzzled.  Was it the crowd, or have people become so accustomed to encores that they just expect them without feeling like they need to ask for one?  It felt awkward for a few moments.  The drummer started a beat and we were invited to clap along.  It felt familiar.  Then the guitarist started playing and I turned in shock and delight to Amanda.  "Ohmygoodness.  They're playing Pink Floyd!"  It took several bars and the rest of the band joining in for the crowd to recognize what was coming, and the energy shot to the stars again.  The band went through a medley of about five or six similar songs, Beatles, a little AC/DC, and ended on a KISS classic, "I Wanna Rock and Roll All Night."  I didn't expect that, which I guess made it more fun.  These guys are amazing musicians, and it was great fun for me to be able to watch their performance and skill.

Becca stayed with her sister and brother-in-law to end the evening on the carnival rides, while I hobbled to the car and home to milk goats and get everyone settled in for the night.  On the drive home, I felt the car pulled slightly to the left and though maybe I'd lost a balancing weight when I went barreling down the driveway earlier and hit a bump too hard.  Der - I wasn't thinking clearly, because a balancing weight wouldn't have caused that sensation.  I took it easy going home, did the chores, and then drove to town to meet up with Amanda and bring Becca home.  They'd had a good time on the rides and playing carnival games, and it was about 1:00 am when I picked her up.  I had a bit of trouble with bicyclists, of all things, at 1:00 in the morning on Westside.  I thought there were two cars close to each other with their high beams on, and they weren't turning them down as I approached.  I flashed mine to get them to knock down the light volume as it was really blinding me, and I slowed to a crawl.  As we passed, I noticed they were bicyclists in their reflective spandex gear and was shocked anyone would ride at that time of night.  I suppose everyone likes a midnight ride now and then, but it seemed even more unsafe on what's already a treacherous road to ride on.

We got home and settled in finally about 1:30 am.  Saturday morning, when I woke up and took the dogs out to do their thing, I saw why the car was pulling.  Um, I had a flat tire.  Not completely, but significant.  It was time to clean out the trunk anyway, and time to get new tires for the front.  I suppose I can't put it off any longer.


The next section of the 2006 road trip log will include several photos, so since this is a rather long post I'll wait to add that until next time.

Memorial Day Week

Monday was the Memorial Day holiday.  We flew the flag.  We meditated on what it all means.  Well, although I was mindful of the reason, meditation meant that one of us slept in, and the other ended up taking a nap on the couch in the afternoon.  You guess who did what.  It was a lazy and relaxing day, with just the usual things that needed to be done.

We made up for things on Tuesday.  After Bex got up I said it was time to put the chicks outside, and suggested that we integrate the flock today.  As usual, Chilly was on Becca's shoulder and was going to go in last.  I put the first Rhodie in with the Americaunas, and Zeus immediately started making noise and chasing it around.  I had expected this and knew that the four new chicks "against" the two - or possibly even just Zeus - would work things out.  Becca Freaked Out.  She was so upset and uptight that I decided to wait and educate her further on what was going to happen, and how I expected it to play out.  I reminded her that she was upset when Lily and Salsa fought as kids, and she said, "Salsa is STILL mean to Lily!"  Yes, but they've worked it out.  This is going to take more time for Becca than I think it will for the chicks.  I may have to do this on my own when she's away with a friend, or when she's with her sisters for an upcoming concert.

Yes, you might say I am a pushover.  But I know how to pick my battles, and this was one that wasn't worth "winning," and wouldn't have taught anyone anything.  I think it's as important to the chicks that we be calm and confident as it is for Becca to have that same calm confidence.  Anxiety and fear is contagious.  That's the last thing animals need when adjusting to a new situation.

The next thing on the agenda was to shave Duncan.  Well, not exactly shave him, but take the clippers and trim his long Scottie locks.  He's recently started pulling his hair out again, and because his diet is stable I don't think it's allergies, but perhaps the heat.  We put him on the milk stand (just as a table, we didn't put his head in - his legs are too short!), and took the shears to him.  He is such a good boy about grooming, having obviously had regular experience before becoming a country dog who isn't pampered as much.  I'd share a picture of him, but the bald spots on his sides are too hideous to preserve for posterity.  Let's just say that I didn't butcher him badly, everything looked close enough to even, and he seems happier.

We then took a run to Sebastopol to help my brother out with some gas.  It's hard to deal with a holiday weekend when you've lost your job, the unemployment check is a day late, and you have a job interview but not enough gas to make it.  I'm not in much better shape, but had a little more wiggle room and could lend him a hand.  Isn't that what family is all about?  We take care of each other.  While we were in Sebastopol, I discovered that the Frizelle-Enos feed store had organic chicken feed for much less than I've been paying elsewhere, so we picked some up.  We also took a run by the grocery store and then headed back home for more ranch adventures.

No wildlife on the driveway this time, though we did see a turkey take flight and then glide across the driveway ahead of us as we left.

Becca bathed the dogs.  She did it outside.  They were not so thrilled with the cold shower, though I'm sure it made them feel better overall.  At least I hope it did!

Luna got her head caught in the fence again, so while Becca got her out I installed the new battery.  There's lots of oomph in that fence now, so I noticed all of the goats were staying well away.  Good goaties.  For those who don't know, that electric fence doesn't zap like a horse fence would (and those are scary), but it's more like a strong static SNAP.  Since goats explore first with their noses, it does tend to get them to stay away.

We took the 25 pound bag of chicken feed and put the contents into its container.  I asked Becca to throw the large brown paper bag away while I fed the chickens, and she decided to ... put it on her head like a hat and make the dwarf goats run around.  I love watching the goats run, especially Moonshine, who bounds like a deer.  At one point she asked if I had scissors handy, and I said I didn't.  Then I told her about the Unknown Comic, who used to wear a bag over his head with holes cut out for the eyes and mouth.  She said, "That's what I wanted to do!"  Ah, the simple pleasures of life.  The things those with a youthful spirit can do with a paper sack ... or box ... or anything that just requires a little imagination and joy.

We had too much scheduled on Wednesday (Becca got to visit with a friend for the afternoon) to integrate the chicks, though I wanted to - soon!  I want to be home for the entire first day so I can intervene if any of them get hurt.  We will probably do it this weekend.  Even though they are only in the house overnight (for their safety), that is still too much.

Thursday morning, bright and early, I started to move the chicks outside and discovered that they had dumped their water overnight, soaking the bottom of the cardboard box.  I needed to transfer them to another box before taking them outside.  At this point, I am REALLY looking forward to flock integration!

We had a big afternoon planned for Thursday - my niece's high school graduation at Analy High School in Sebastopol.  We left early and were able to get there in plenty of time to find a good parking spot.  It was close to the wire when my oldest daughter and her husband arrived, but they were able to find a spot near us.  And near the livestock.  I've mentioned Analy before, but I am always happy to visit there.  The solar panels over the student parking lot are a reminder of how forward-thinking this school and district is, and I love the livestock area where students keep sheep, pigs, chickens, goats, and even a calf.  The calf spent a lot of time "talking" loudly as we stood near the pen and watched the animals.

The ceremony was what you would expect.  I was surprised that there wasn't much new offered in the way of speeches.  I suppose the high school experience hasn't changed much, or maybe tradition dictates what people talk about at these events.  The band was good, and the choir amazing.  I was very impressed, and it made me want to be in a choir again!  The students tossed tortillas and pitas like Frisbees from their seats during the event, as well as beach balls and, yes, the inflatable doll.  Overall, it was a fun time and we were happy to see Kaila through this rite of passage.

We'd realized while we were at Analy that we'd forgotten to put the chicks inside before we left.  Their pen is not very secure and I don't feel comfortable leaving them outside after dark.  I would hate to come home to see feathers everywhere and the carnage that would be waiting within if that happened.  Chilly also has this bad habit of sticking her head through the fencing to peck outside the enclosure.  We had 1 1/2 hours to get home, take care of business, and then get over to Santa Rosa for dinner reservations at a Japanese steak house style restaurant.

We took the back roads from Sebastopol, through Forestville, to home.  There's a bridge built in 1902 on the way - one way traffic only - named Wohler Bridge that crosses the Russian Ruver.  It is a picturesque spot, and my own daughter and her then fiance (now hubby) took some of their engagement photos on it.  They walked out onto the bridge and moved over when vehicles needed to cross.  Now let me tell you what happened Thursday.

We pulled up to the bridge and paused to check for traffic before going across.  There was a truck on the bridge.  It was slowing.  A woman was walking from a nearby parked car, camera in hand, onto the bridge.  It's a classic pickup truck, totally restored, cherry red and white.  Out from the driver's side comes a man in a tux, salt and pepper hair and beard.  Out from the passenger side comes a woman in an ivory lace wedding dress. Probably a second wedding, congratulations.  Hurry and get your shot, and have a good life.  They strolled to the front of what is probably the groom's pride and joy.  The photographer took her sweet time, taking shots, walking over to them to show them the shots, then taking more.  They started walking and I thought, "Good.  They're done."  They walked past the truck doors and beyond the truck to mid-span of the bridge.  Now I'm getting annoyed.

A convertible blue Mustang pulls up behind me with two men in it.  Okay, now the pressure is on as traffic is building.  I can see another vehicle on the other side of the bridge wanting to cross.  The Mustang pulls up next to me and I explain they're taking wedding photos.  These guys had NO patience.

BLAAAAAAAAAAAAAST goes the Mustang's horn.  BEEP BEEP BEEEEEEEEEP!  "Come on!  If you want to stop traffic, get a Sheriff!"  BEEP BEEP BEEEEEEP!  The groom smiles and waves.

Then the couple starts walking again.  "Good.  They're done."  They walk to the OTHER side of the bridge and the groom sits on the railing.  We are 10 minutes into this at this point.  This makes the guys go ballistic.  Curse words start flying from the Mustang and threats to "f--- something up if I have to come out there."

Two more cars pull up behind us.

I am thinking it would be kinda funny if the groom fell off into the river, but then his truck would still be blocking the roadway.

He gets off the railing and promptly trips over his bride's train.  I giggle a little.  I can't help myself.

"Good.  They're done."

They walk to the front of the truck for more shots there.  OMG!  We are 15 minutes and counting.  My time to get to Santa Rosa is seriously dwindling.

They FINALLY get into the truck and pull most of the way off the bridge.  Groom leans out the window, smiles and says, "We just got married.  Thanks for waiting."  I grit my teeth as I think, "It's not like you gave us any choice," and have to squeeze my way by him to get onto the bridge.  The vehicle on the other side isn't waiting, and he doesn't enter the roadway until I'm mid-span, so we have to squeeze by each other on the one-way.  The Mustang is behind me, and they turn left onto Westside while I turn right - we both wave as we leave.

We had serious problems getting everything done in time to make it to dinner for our reservations, and we just couldn't move fast enough to make up the lost time.  While we're on the freeway, my mom calls Becca to find out what we want to order.  Thank goodness I'd checked out the menu beforehand, so I knew - and she was able to place our order for us.  We finally arrived at Kimuri, which is a Japanese steak house type of restaurant, where the focus is the food prep at the table.  The two men preparing the meals were entertaining and funny.  We had a great time celebrating Kaila and Shane's graduation, and Kaila and Timothy's 18th birthdays.  Everything worked out after all!