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Epic Wind Storm

A couple weeks ago a very strong wind storm blew through.  My phone, and the TV, were both broadcasting tornado warnings (one step more serious than a tornado watch:   https://www.weather.gov/safety/tornado-ww).  I didn’t go down to the basement, but stayed on the first floor ready to run to the basement if I needed to.   In the meantime, I had the front door open so I could see out through the storm door.  The rain was literally horizontal and I have never seen wind like that before!  It was a miracle that I didn’t lose power!

Here are some photos of what I woke up to the next morning:

The wind was so loud that I didn’t hear any of the trees come down!

A few days later, this happened:

I lost 2 maples and 1 oak.  Very lucky that none of the downed trees hit anything!

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Art Class! Project #1

I signed up for an art class!  I know I’ve been posting my paintings for a while now, but, I found out about a place close by and thought it would be fun to do.  Plus, I haven’t had an art class since high school and I want to improve my art.

The first class was yesterday.  The first task:  draw an apple using pencils.

Here’s the apple:

The teacher looked at what I was doing and said I needed to make it darker, so she suggested I change the photo to black and white to get a better idea of how dark some of the parts are:

Each class is 2 hours long.  I can’t believe I worked on that apple for 2 hours and I’m not even close to being done yet!  And I’ve learned so much already!

So, here is the unfinished apple.  I’m thinking I’ll finish it by the end of next week’s class.  I thought I’d let you follow along with my progress!

I just can’t believe that’s 2 hours worth of work, and it’s not done!

Each session is 7 classes long.  I suspect I’ll sign up for another session when this one is done.  I’m the only ‘new’ person in the current session.  Some are in their 4th session, so there’s a lot of different stuff going on in class, which makes it fun too.

Anyway, until next time …

UPDATE:
Here is the final product.  I’m not 100% happy with it, but I learned a lot.  Total time in was 3.5 hours!

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Some Music-y Things

For those that can read my Facebook posts, this will be a repeat.  I’m just pasting it here verbatim:

OMG. I’m listening to the Light Classical station and the song they’re playing is the song my washer and dryer play when they’re done! Liszt “Die Forelle/The Trout.” I was sitting here thinking ‘that sounds so familiar …’ That is so hilarious! Who knew?

I just couldn’t get over that!  And if you’re wondering what the tune is, here you go: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjJrM36w9RM

Anyway, I’ve heard a couple of outstanding and brand new to me songs that aren’t new at all.

First is ‘Continental Drift’ by the Rolling Stones.  Wow!  Take a listen when you have time to just sit and listen – don’t listen if you’re going to be distracted:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Z5kjqJSV1Y

Here’s more info about the song.  The harmonies are so cool!
In 1989, The Rolling Stones went to Tangier, Morocco for 3 days to record this song with the Master Musicians of Jajouka led by Bachir Attar for the Stones’ album Steel Wheels. After the recording sessions, Mick Jagger visited the village of Jajouka, which Brian Jones had visited in 1968. This song marked a return to the world music The Stones experimented with in the ’60s.
The squeal at the beginning is Keith Richards scraping a knife against a bicycle wheel.

Second is ‘Daydream’ by Robin Trower.  Wow again!  Again, listen when you’re not going to be distracted.

That’s all for now people!

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Back in Cali Again – Part 3

OK, I need to wrap this up.  Here goes.

My last post ended on the first full day all of us made it to South Lake Tahoe (SLT).

So, here are some more photos!

First up, I got up early Tuesday and went with Jay and Bob the Dog to the dog beach for a little walk.  It was a beautiful morning!

Then back to the hotel to clean up.  Went for a walk and saw this:

Then off on a little roadtrip to Fallen Leaf Lake and some places on the way.

These views are from a ridge we drove over on the way.  I didn’t even realize it was a ridge until we drove back over it on the way home.  It was a little intimidating having drop offs on both sides and no railing!


Kenn wanted to see what everybody else was looking at!

Next we made a stop at Angora Lakes.  It’s a cool place.  They have cottages you can stay in, and a cute little general store.  Very peaceful!  We had a little picnic there.


The big grey rock in the middle – lots of people try jumping off of it into the lake.  The sign below this photo shows some of the consequences of doing that


And here are some photos of Fallen Leaf Lake.  It was an epic drive to get there.  Single lane road but with two-way traffic.  Somebody was always having to pull over to let somebody else through.

The next day was supposed to be very windy so thoughts of doing a big hike were put on hold.  Jay, Carolyn, Bob and I went to check out the Rainbow Trail at the Taylor Creek Visitor Center:
https://tahoesouth.com/events/taylor-creek-visitor-center-ranger-programs-rainbow-walk/2018-07-01/


And then we hiked over to the Tallac Historic Site.  It was pretty cool!
http://www.tahoeheritage.org/events-and-programs-2/tallac-historic-site/

Check out this cool sink!  Look at the divider!

Next day Caroline and I went to visit the Vikingsholm.  You have to park up by the road and hike about a mile down.  Keep in mind we were at altitude.  The walk down was easy.  The walk up wasn’t real hard, but it wasn’t trivial!
http://vikingsholm.com/

Here are my photos.  First up are photos I took during the hike down.

The beach in front of Vikingsholm.

This is Selma the clock lady

After the house tour we hiked along the edge of Emerald Bay for a bit

This is the boat we had lunch on earlier in the week!  (I think I might have posted this already – sorry!)

This is another road on a ridge – another nailbiter!

Next day was a day at the Spa at David Walley’s resort
http://www.davidwalleys-resort.com/

We had a great day and then we had to leave the next day.

I drove back to the bay area – passed a wind farm

For the past couple years I was wondering why I always had to walk such a long way to get my bags, and why the terminal I flew out of was so small.  Now I found out – SFO had been working on a mega-redo of the terminal and now it’s open!

Kenn bids a fond farewell to SF!

Not sure where this was …

This was New Jersey, approaching PHL

So, that was my last trip.  I’m looking into the next one now!  Not sure what will be next – I found a bunch of options!

I guess you’ll have to get used to reading some ‘Random Stuff’ posts for a while :-).  Until then!

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Back in Cali Again – Part 2

For the last week of my trip to Cali, I drove up to South Lake Tahoe where I was meeting a bunch of the guys I grew up with (same reunion as last year, when I went to Boise).

Stopped by to see my cousin Roanne’s house in Tracy – she and her husband have 40 acres, some of which they lease out, and she gave me a bunch of fruit and veggies to bring up.

Here is a photo of her house.  If you look closely you can see her in front:

Then on up to SLT – I needed a restroom break so stopped at Carson Pass.  Beautiful!

And then, I got to my room at the Hotel Azure!  We picked that hotel because it was right across the street from an RV park, where some of our group was staying

This is my view.  Not great, but you can still see Lake Tahoe!  It was also a little noisy, but it was a great room – good size.

Next day everybody else arrived and we had dinner at Jay and Carolyn’s RV.  Yum!

Next day we took a ride on a boat out onto Lake Tahoe.  Lunch was included.  It was a great day to be on the water!

Here is Kenn talking to Charlie on the bus ride to the boat!

Saw some parasailers!

Ship’s captain posing for me
Headed to Emerald Bay

This little island has a tea house on top.  It was owned by the same woman who owned Viking House (you’ll see what that is later)

The house in the middle is Viking House.  Build in the tradition of Norwegian Houses, designed by a norwegian architect.

The boat we were on used to be a corporate retreat boat.  It was pretty nice!

And then we were back at the marina.

I think I will do a ‘Part 3’ post for this trip – I have too many photos to still add!  Until then, dear readers!

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Back in Cali Again – Part 1

Went on another 2.5-ish week trip to Cali – half for getting my parent’s house ready and half for fun.  I stayed with cousin Beanie again and got some workouts in by walking the mile down and back up to her house – whew!

Here are some photos:

Here’s Kenn waiting for our flight to board

Saw this in the trash can in the airport ladies room – ha ha!

View from the front door of dad’s house- that’s my rental car – a Hyundai Tucson – same car I had when I drove from LB to Santa Fe!

Next day I went for a hike with sis to look for a filter thingie for her camera that she had dropped previously.  We didn’t find it …

Stopped at the Mountain House after the hike for a drink and a snack.

Neil Young filmed his video for Harvest Moon at Mountain House!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVi0UvFu8Yo

Next day Beanie and I went to San Francisco to have lunch with her mom.  After a very filling lunch we felt the need to walk some calories off, so we found some stairs near Auntie Donna’s house to walk.  Kenn came along too!

Next day we went to the Half Moon Bay Distillery for a tour.  It was pretty interesting.  For one, vodka is distilled until it is 95% alcohol.  That defines it as vodka.  So, when some vodka makers advertise “Distilled 5 Times!” it has no effect on the quality of the vodka – it just means it took 5 distillings to get to 95% alcohol.

Also, HMB Distillery pours off the first xx gallons of distilled liquid because the first ones are very harsh.  They use the pour off to clean around their distillery!  Since they are a small batch distillery, what they pour off doesn’t amount to a huge loss.  Other larger vodka makers may not do the pour off, and that’s why they are most likely less smooth.

Here are some photos.  Kenn came too!

 
The distillery makes both Vodka and Gin.  We got to sample both.  Purissima Vodka is awesome!

Afterwards we walked around near the distillery


Then Beanie and I walked out to Mavericks – site of a big surfing competition in the spring.
 Then we walked over to the fish market and got fresh ahi tuna and oysters.  We saw this little guy (about 3″ total across) when we were walking. 

And, I learned how to shuck oysters!

Next morning a walk down and back up.  This sign is next to the El Granada Post Office

Then time to head over to the house to do some stuff.  Afterwards we had Peruvian Food – this is a Pisco Sour decorated using bitters.

Next up was a day with my cousin Ted.  We went to see China Camp, where he volunteers, and then we went cheese tasting in Marin County!  First up, China Camp:


You can see where El Granada is, and Mavericks!

Then on to cheese tasting!


I’ve never seen wine in a can like this.  It was pretty good!

Those are all abalone shells!

Somebody looking for a place to live …

Then it was time to head back.  But took a little time to check out the Golden Gate Bridge!


I never walked underneath it before!

That night I had dinner with my high school friends.  Passed this place on the way.  Nice duds (?)

Next day, more sorting.  Came across some of my old toys:


UPDATE:  I thought this doll was Chatty Cathy but it is not- you pull the ring (left side of neck) and she talks.  She still works!

Here’s the real info:
1961 Mattel Sister Belle the talking girl doll, 16″ tall, red stuffed cloth body with lower arms flesh colored and plastic painted face, yellow yarn hair with bangs and ponytail, battery operated pull string talker; she says 11 phrases: 1. It’s time to eat. 2. Let’s play house. 3. Sing me a song. 4. Please take me with you. 5. Is it bedtime? 6. Do you like me? 7. I’m glad to be your friend. 8. Will you play with me? 9. Let’s draw a picture. 10. I love you. 11. I think you’re nice., was wearing a cotton blue and white diagonal ^ striped dress with appliquéd red mittens on front, red short sleeve shirt and black cotton shoes.

This cracked me up when I found it – an old See’s Candies box that had an Easter Egg in it, that I turned into a horse barn for my toy horses (not sure where they were).


Kenn found some new duds to wear too!

Next day I did another long walk down the hill, but took myself out for breakfast and walked along the coast before walking back up the hill!

Last set of photos for this part of the trip!  This breakfast was delish!! (No, I didn’t eat the whole thing – I left some potatoes)

After this part of the trip, I headed to South Lake Tahoe for a reunion with the guys I grew up with.  I’ll save that for the next post …

Until then dear readers!

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Musik Fest

This past weekend I went to Bethlehem, PA for the 35th Annual Musik Fest.  Basically, there are about 12 stages/venues to see different musical acts.  All music is free.  There are several food and drink vendors.  You can buy a Musik Fest mug, and then get it filled up at various places.

Because Brian and Jen were staying at the Hotel Bethlehem, and that hotel is right in the middle of the action, I decided to stay there too.  We made our room reservations back in March.

The night before I planned to leave, I got on the hotel website to see if my room had a mini fridge or not.  While looking over the site, I discovered that the hotel has 4 ghosts, one of which resides in a specific room and who has been known to be quite disruptive.  I believe you have to specifically request that room – I don’t think they would just give it to you (but, I’m not sure).  Anyway, I was a little on edge about the ghosts but didn’t feel anything ‘unkind’ so no worries.  And, yes, the room had a mini-fridge.

Here is a photo from the bar:

So, Friday I left the house around 11am, with a small suitcase/bag, some snacks, some alcohol, and stuff to read.  I didn’t bring my computer because I figured I’d wouldn’t be sitting around much to make it worthwhile to bring.  I think I was right, although I did miss it a few times.

Brian and Jen got there before me and they were waiting for me to pull up – so nice!  I left my luggage in the car for the time being since I was there fairly early before check-in time.  So, we walked down to the main area with music to check things out.  I bought my Musik Fest mug and got some food tickets.

The mug lights up!

First we went to the polka tent to check things out.  Then we went to another tent and saw The Howling Tongues – they were pretty good!

We wandered around for a bit and came upon a band called KALO from Oklahoma City.  They had a female lead singer who shredded on guitar – both lead and slide.  We stayed til the end of the set and I bought their CD.  Then I went up to the stage and told her she was my f*ckin’ hero and she held out her hand, as if to shake my hand, and then she kissed it.  Needless to say, I caught crap for that from my friends for the entire weekend.  They were just jealous!  I did a couple video recordings of them but unfortunately the files are too big to upload here.

But here is a link to her site, with some music samples:
https://www.kaloband.com/listen/

I didn’t realize it at the time but she is Israeli.  But check out her music – she really rocks it!

After that we saw a band called Church Girls.  I liked them a lot and bought their CD also.  Here’s a link:
http://www.church-girls.com/

Later in the evening, if I remember correctly, we saw ‘Soulsha’ – they play Afro-Celtic music.  Here’s the link:
http://www.soulshamusic.com/music/

They were a lot of fun.

I think after that band, we walked around to a few different stages before having a ‘philosophical’ discussion and then calling it a night.

‘Calling it a night’ means you get off of Main Street before 11pm, as a team of mounted policemen form a line from 6 to 8 horses across, basically herding people out of the street and onto the sidewalks.  They are followed by policemen on bicycles, and a few police vehicles to boot.  They don’t mess around!

Next day we caught up with friends Chris and Liz, and later on friends Darin and Kelly.

I listened a little bit to Louie Bello (he was just okay in my opinion).  We walked around a bit more, checking out the crafts area etc.  If I remember right we saw The Groove Merchants.  Later on, everybody wanted to see different music than I did, so I went to see Heather Gillis.  She’s 24, from Atlanta, and has played with the Derek Trucks Band.  Boy was she good!  She played a two-hour set.

Here’s a link to her website:
https://heathergillisband.com/

When I walked to the venue, there was an empty chair next to an older guy.  I asked if anybody was sitting there – no – so I got a good seat.  He and I started talking and I found out his name is Po.  Turns out his Italian father was fighting in WW2 and was captured by the Germans.  He was taken to the Po River region and thought it was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen.  So, later, when he was released and began his family, he named his firstborn son Po.  What a cool story!  This map shows where the Po river runs across Northern Italy.  Anyway, Po and I enjoyed each other’s company and when the concert was over we hugged and he drove back home to his wife about an hour and a half away.

The next day we had Sunday Brunch at the Bethlehem Hotel.  It was buffet style.  They had so much food!  The food was really tasty though.

Then off to listen to more music.  First up was a band called Serene Green – really good bluegrass.

Then off to a different venue to see Making Movies.  Wow did I like them!  Two brothers from Panama and two brothers from Mexico, that oddly live in Kansas City, MO now.  I danced about 2000 calories off!  I also bought their CD and a T-shirt where ALL proceeds go to reuniting refugee children with their parents.

Here is a link to their site:
https://mkngmvs.com/

After that it was a walk over to the South Side of the festival.  This is where the old Bethlehem Steel plant is.  Pretty cool venue.

They light the structure with colored lights at night, and there is also a ‘high line’ type walkway so you can get up close and personal with the ruins.

We listened to a bunch of different music.  Nothing all that notable for me, and then we staked out our place to watch the closing fireworks.   I was standing next to an older man who had a drink in hand.  So, I asked him “Whatcha drinkin’ ?”  Captain and Coke was the response.  Refreshing!  So, he and I start talking and he asks me if I tried the Aw Shucks Corn.  I said no, but the Island Noodles were really good.  Well, it turns out this guy’s name is Dave and he founded Aw Shucks Corn!
Here’s their link: http://www.awshucksroastedcorn.com/about-us/

Anyway, we had a great conversation, we all watched the fireworks and then it was time to walk the roughly 1 mile back to the hotel.

Overnight it rained like a Mo Fo, and it was raining pretty hard in the morning.  Watching the news I saw there was all this flash flooding all over the place, including where I was going to have to drive home. I got lucky – most of the water had receded before I got there, and it only rained on me a little bit.

And that was my first Musik Fest experience, at Musik Fest Number 35!  I’m already planning to go back next year!

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Weird Animal Stuff

Seems like lately I’ve been encountering some weird animal stuff.  I’ve had more deer in my yard than ever, including very cute little spotted babies.  That’s not all that weird, just seeing them more than usual.

But the other day, I was sitting on the couch, and all of sudden I noticed a face peering through my storm door.  A groundhog!  He had walked up the walkway, and up the steps to take a look!  I had to leave soon and was worried about him being near my car when I left, so I went to the storm door and started clapping my hands and telling him to move on.  He stopped at my planter with flowers and looked like he was going to eat them.  I yelled at him again, and then he politely took off.

And then, the other day I went down to the basement and was startled by the sight of a dead mouse.  (of course I screamed)  I decided I couldn’t face moving it that day, but that I would do it the next day.  So, the next day I put on my thick, high gardening boots and walked down to the basement.  Lo and behold, the mouse was gone!  I posted this on FB and I think the consensus is that I have a snake friend living in the basement.  It’s probably a black snake.  I’m not afraid of snakes so that’s OK.  But, if I come across him unexpectedly I’ll still probably scream.  We’ll see.

And, this isn’t a weird animal thing, but I stopped to get gas today.  I was just putting the pump back on the holder, and this guy pulls up on the other side of the pump and says ‘Hola’ to me.  I am learning Spanish but I didn’t really feel like I was dressed in a Hispanic way (whatever that means – ha ha).  He wasn’t hispanic.  But, he seemed a bit creepy.  Things like this are why I don’t buy gas at night anymore.

Anyway, just a quick check in.  I’m still planning my next trip.  So far I have a one-way ticket to SFO, a hotel booked in South Lake Tahoe, and confirmation from my cousin Beanie that I can stay with her again.  Trying to see if I can fit Mount Rushmore in somewhere.  Again, we’ll see.

Until then!

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Rent A Friend?

I’m not sure how I came across this, but there is a website called ‘Rent A Friend’ where you can, indeed, rent a friend.

Here is the link: https://rentafriend.com/

It is not a dating site – it’s a site for you to find somebody to do stuff with.  Like if you have an extra ticket for an event and can’t find somebody to go, or you’re travelling and in a town you’re not familiar with.

I think I might give it a try when I’m in a ‘stopover’ city on my travels.  You can look up people for free.  I did some trial searches in Fargo ND, Truth or Consequences, and Devizes UK just for kicks.  There were friends available at all of those locations!

Anyway, I will update you if and when I do Rent A Friend somewhere.  But it seems kind of a cool idea.

And, I added two paintings to the My Artwork page.  Check ’em out!

In the meantime, I am planning my next trip.  I’m tentatively thinking it will be a trip to the Bay Area, then South Lake Tahoe (that’s the only part cast in stone at the moment), up to Portland, OR and then maybe catching the Empire Builder Train to Chicago, then home.  Starting to try to fit the puzzle pieces together now.

Until next time!  (oh, and by the way – I am still coughing and still a little bit hoarse from my yucky illness!  Sheesh!)

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A Year of Reterriment

Hard to believe but it’s been a year since I retired!  I started thinking about what I’ve done over the past year, and decided it would be fun to do a summary of the past year here.  So, lucky you, you get to read it!

My last day of work was July 28, 2017.  The next week I had visitors for about a week.  Later in August I flew to Reno and then drove to Bend OR to see the total eclipse.

Over Labor Day weekend I took my first road trip, to McMinnville TN via Roanoke.  Saw the Coffee Pot House, Dinosaurland, Natural Bridge.

Later in September I flew to Boise, stayed there for a week, then rented a car and drove through Reno and Truckee on the way to the Bay Area.  Stayed in the Bay Area for a bit, then up to Truckee for 2 nights, then back to the Bay Area where I caught a flight to Phoenix.  Got home in October.

November did the Hike Across Delaware.

The rest of November-December, did stuff around the house.

January flew to England.  Early February flew to Norway and took a 6 day cruise in the fjords.  Flew back to England.  Flew home in mid-February.

March FINALLY replaced the original upstairs carpet!

April had a visitor.

May trip out to Cali.

July – well, you probably just read about that trip …

Sorry – I got tired of putting the summary together, which is why it ended up so terse at the end.  You can always go back and re-read previous posts if you want more details! Ha ha!

Anyway, I just learned about something so I’m going to tell you about it – Tesloop – https://www.tesloop.com/.

With Tesloop, you ride in a Tesla like a shuttle.  They are driven by ‘Tesloop Pilots.’  Right now the rides cover the areas around Los Angeles, San Diego, and Palm Springs.  You either pay for a seat in the car, or for the entire car.  There are quite a few pick up / drop off locations.  I might have to try this when I am out in Long Beach next year!

I think that is all for this post.  Talk to you soon!

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Santa Fe and … a yucky illness!

UPDATE:  I went to my doctor today and found out I did not have Strep Throat (good) and I can stop taking the antibiotics the Urgent Care gave me (also good).  Still sick (not so good) but getting better (good).

As I mentioned in the last post, I headed to Santa Fe NM from T or C, making a stop at the Very Large Array.  My throat was feeling a little scratchy, but, having done a lot of spiritual and emotional work that seemed to swirl about communicating, it didn’t seem out of the realm of possibility that my throat would be sore. Continue reading “Santa Fe and … a yucky illness!”

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On the Way to Truth or Consequences … and Beyond

So, as I said in my previous post, I sadly left Miraval and was on my way into New Mexico.

On the drive, I saw a bunch of little billboards for a place called ‘The Thing.’  I had also read about The Thing in Roadside America.  And, I needed gas and I needed to pee (I know – TMI) so I figured I’d stop in and see what’s what. Continue reading “On the Way to Truth or Consequences … and Beyond”