Retired rural grandma, caregiver, and dog mom to a sweet lab named Summer. Love to bake and gift to friends and family. Happy in my garden. Living a quiet life on the north coast of California. Please don't private message me asking for money if I don't know you. I already found the love of my life, too. Mean comments aren't necessary or welcome. Please be kind.
Public Key
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2026-07-22T13:58:11Z Event JSON
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Last Notes npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 Me too. npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 Because he isn't strong enough to travel we are meeting via video. Hopefully we can get him strong enough to travel for the next steps. npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 The sun is shining. A perfect day by Humboldt county standards. Watering of the garden got done. Got to see a quail family with lots of new chicks. Not much is cuter than the little guys. Summer and I carted water down the hill to 'the raised beds and barrel of beets. I took photos of dahlias for my husband because he isn't able to walk that far yet. Feeling very lucky that our Stanford surgeon can see us tomorrow. Very lucky. https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/919/811/841/275/833/original/cb6d4e563c27caf7.jpg https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/919/811/853/524/567/original/b7dd9d26dc209120.jpg https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/919/811/879/159/274/original/e3ddad4c5d05fcb2.jpg https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/919/811/901/745/972/original/fc8a71b1a53c6c3f.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 Last update for today. The ER doctor we talked to was very concerned that my husband would need surgery that was too complicated for our small rural hospital. We agreed that I would send all of the test results and his opinion to my husband's surgeon at Stanford ASAP. I also agreed to bring him right back to the hospital for additional hydration if he can't keep fluids in his system. We also decided that I could care for him at home if he didn't need IV fluids again until tomorrow. We will all rest better safe at home with Summer. She was so happy to see us. I cooked her a late night supper which she wolfed down. Thank you for adopting us into this ever so special community. Support systems or lack of are deal breakers when things get dicey. We feel very supported. Thank you again. npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 All the good wishes, prayers, healing vibes and heart emoji thingys are working! Lab tests were good enough to get a CT scan with contrast. No sign of infection!! More and more IV fluid is planned to try and motivate his kidneys to do their thing. His diagnosis is severe dehydration. I think he is going to have to spend the night at least. I keep telling the staff he is still very sharp mentally but just very sick. He couldn't remember his birthday so they are skeptical. We are so tired I'm not sure I remember my birthday either. Summer is still doing great except she won't eat. I said not to worry that she will be fine. I will feed her when I get home no matter what time it is. We are finally getting somewhere. You are just the best virtual support system in the universe. We thank you. npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 Update My husband refused the ambulance the VA wanted to send to fetch him so I drove him to the emergency room. The waiting room is crowded. We are the only mask wearers. After three hours of waiting we finally got a bed. Life saving fluids are on the menu. Now we wait for a scan and test results. He is feeling perkier already. Summer is with her favorite dog sitter. Thank you for all the well wishes. npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 Summer and have the same look of concern today. As much as we would like to get back to our regular schedule and actually know what the next hour might bring. Well. That isn't our reality right now. As soon as we have a glimmer of good news we will share. For now we hope something breaks our way. If we are quiet. That's the reason. Love you all. https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/913/380/839/804/763/original/1eb5f6d6a2eb2fb1.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 I am here all the time. It makes it easier to respond to the moments I can tell he is feeling sort of defeated. Summer is perfect because she loves following demands and she always brings a smile doing little tricks. He is always trying to figure out why this or that is happening to his body so I do a lot of listening. npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 I took Summer out to inspect her property early this morning. She walks the line and looks for any sign of incursions. Thankfully our MAGA neighbors are staying on their side of the fence. Summer has zero tolerance for intolerance so she keeps an eye on them. She is a good girl. Since we are staying home again this morning we thought that some spirited Frisbee chasing would wake us up. My husband's health continues to improve, with no fever, but he is weak and needing the encouragement that Summer and I are enthusiastically dishing out. We are on encouragement overdrive on this Saturday morning. Good morning, Mastodon. #Summer #DogsOfMastodon https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/902/221/858/562/793/original/4035a82732866fdf.jpg https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/902/221/854/616/978/original/b705fae0900565d3.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 I probably should have noted Napa, California. Wine country. npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 The last week has been challenging. Outside chores are backing up a bit. Summer and I put our heads together and decided to worry about one thing at a time. No guilt allowed for things like food spoiling while we were to sick to eat. We took a compost bucket right to the fridge and cleaned it out. Ready for a fresh start. Literally. Laundry is almost all washed and dried. The never ending chore. Beds have fresh sheets. Next was to assess the state of the garden. Yikes. Summer watches over me the whole time. Her most serious look. The good news is that as long as we water before the end of the day and find time to pick blueberries we are good. Summer says that as long as we are feeling healthy we are doing things right. She always makes me feel better. She is a glass half full kind of dog. https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/886/817/565/667/859/original/ba843a90d212a31d.jpg https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/886/817/686/022/129/original/b8050620f0636672.jpg https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/886/817/713/350/399/original/16b0019a1d138811.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 In my opinion my county has too many nonprofit entities. I get it that the government used to provide services that have been defunded and people who managed those programs want to keep doing what they do. I wonder how this trend of creating even more top heavy nonprofits is going to help an already struggling rural community? I wish my community was coordinated enough to get behind the best service providers and consolidate. I fear not though. It is painful to watch our tax dollars that should be paying for services misused.The competition for donations and grant funds must be brutal. The best paying job I had when I was working was as a director of a nonprofit. In today's world I would have cut my own salary. It might not be a popular opinion but I think we need to try harder to direct funds to immediately help those in need instead of hiring even more directors. Just my thoughts on the matter. npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 I was going to bake a berry pie yesterday but it didn't happen. Some days it feels like only so much fun is allowed and I used mine on Summer's morning adventure. As a result I ended up with thawed berries in the fridge and a husband who doesn't think he feels well enough to help me eat a pie. What to do? Since the grandkids have a recent hankering for cobblers I cobbled up the berries. Smells really good. I hope they like it. #Baking https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/880/221/515/907/804/original/1c5942867143d6a4.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 My husband will move to the sofa so he can hold her close. She really wants to be touching him. npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 Summer is ever so sensitive. npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 Summer is having a happy dream. #Summer #DogsOfMastodon https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/863/190/464/920/231/original/37c032a8794e4707.mp4 npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 I turned eighteen in 1976. Becoming an adult as opposed to an immancipated minor. I felt like I had accomplished much. Every day since giving birth to my daughter as a fourteen year old I told myself that keeping us both safe and housed for four years was my purpose. That goal superceded all others. Success that was mine while the rest of the country celebrated 200 years of dubious unity. Being Wailaki I understood that America didn't want my kind of person yet we survived. I would grow up in America because America was the victor who forced my surviving family to assimilate. Sort of. Now fifty years later I celebrate the diversity of today's America. It's clear that those who want an all white country will eventually have to accept their total fail. You only need eyes to see. There is no going back. Overcoming this current assault will mean a new beginning. The opportunity to be a better country for all. These flowers in our garden are a promise yet to be revealed like the new America that is coming. https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/863/064/903/944/004/original/e3ea619dd0c289e9.jpg https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/863/064/906/063/475/original/a889f4edc4bb8f12.jpg https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/863/064/907/740/479/original/2051a9d97e42f26b.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 Oh no. The house just up the hill has just started shooting off major fireworks. I thought it was still July 3rd. Summer says no fair to make this a two night noise pollution and fire hazard event. npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 Sweet peas hold a special place in my heart. The whole wall of my childhood home was covered with garlic growing side by side with sweet peas. The blossoms extended above the single story roofline in a brilliant display of mixed colors. My mother didn't know much about mothering but she could grow flowers like a champ. Our old Victorian house (no gingerbread) was very tall but there was a single story addition built when we got a real indoor bathroom with a giant bathtub and a washer. Perfect for growing sweet peas. She trained them on cotton strings. We were the last house on the block to give up the outhouse and well. We even had a hitching post until we got a sidewalk. I'm not sure if this implies that I'm really old or that we were really poor. Probably both. Last year I tried to replicate that sweet pea display without the garlic. It was beautiful. This year I am trying again and am off to a good start. https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/854/616/537/592/984/original/5cd3e0ca1b7a9d97.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 One step closer to the oven. #Baking https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/841/575/805/849/296/original/87c77c3d49ee8bf1.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 We are having a really good day. My husband has decided to take a break from deck demolition. Thank goodness. Summer had a lovely swimming adventure. Her groomer said she was the best good girl for her spa appointment. I am baking which is one of my favorite things to do. A hint from a friend who said that she missed my cinnamon rolls. A husband who said oooh that sounds good was enough to get me started. A dozen rolls will need to rise one more time before the oven. Here's six of them right before they get covered and perched on the dashboard of the truck in the sun. The warmest spot for rising. I wish I could share with all of you. #Baking https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/841/426/204/930/739/original/c50fed47ea0653f1.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 Our youngest grandson has started messaging me online. This is a new development. I'm thrilled. He sent me a photo of Jasper. One of their three cats. #CatsOfMastodon https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/836/549/701/767/202/original/4c3f1b74c2c3e96d.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 Too busy to toot today. My husband is feeling his oats. Once in awhile he feels really good. He feels briefly like his old self doesn't only exist in the rear view mirror. Summer is his co-conspirator. He wondered if we can try to snow ski this winter. I give that a hard no. Maybe we can go see some snow and reminisce instead? Now he is trapising out the back door saying he should do something about the deck. Time for me to run outside to intervene before they start taking out the supports. Yikes! Might be a long day. Good morning, Mastodon. npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 Summer says life can't be all work and no play. She brought me the purple Frisbee. What's a grandma supposed to do? Throw the Frisbee. Of course. #Summer #DogsOfMastodon https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/829/169/090/420/886/original/f73d3bc67d235f5d.jpg https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/829/169/200/319/349/original/9ed47a33d2eeb688.jpg https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/829/169/220/652/339/original/f74b68b45646808c.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 Oh my goodness. We slept almost nine hours last night. Must have been tired. So relieved that my husband was comfortable enough to sleep the night. Summer has been extra attentive even bringing him her toy chicken and flamingo. Her current favorite toys. Today feels like a good day to chill and bake a treat or two. Summer will lead the way. She's the boss. Good morning Mastodon. #Summer #DogsOfMastodon https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/822/834/941/753/431/original/317cdee14944c8fc.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 We left the house at 5 am. Ran into some road construction between here and San Francisco but still arrived at the VA hospital early. My husband's surgery was successful and he was feeling comfortable enough to head back home post haste. We got back in record time. Tired but today went as perfectly as we could have hoped. Going to unwind and make it an early night tonight. Our flowers are blooming and a welcome sight coming up the driveway. https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/819/032/167/209/220/original/9ae068a851f11148.jpg https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/819/032/169/423/663/original/21c3246097ed858d.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 Today I met with my husband's highschool girlfriend. He didn't feel up to going to see her. She seems kind. I gave her his phone number so the can chat when he feels better. I decided that today is the day to clear the weeds out from under our deck. Since there is only three feet of clearance I feel bad about asking my tall grandsons to help. Digging out huge ferns is a bugger. I got about a fifth of the space cleared for now. Had to be done before it dries out and becomes more of a fire hazard. Summer is my faithful helper bring gloves, tools and even an extra pair of shoes. Just in case. Today she picked my 86 47 hat for me to wear. Our power is out now so I'm not sure what the rest of the day will look like. https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/812/755/684/201/640/original/256865783dbc09b1.jpg https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/812/755/684/774/066/original/a820402cfaa7654c.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 Summer is uncharacteristically fussy this afternoon. Her pal is struggling to adjust to a medication change. We each managed about 4 hours of sleep last night. Hiding under this dusty foot rest is her way of taking a break. We are keeping things easy until bedtime. My husband wanted Frosted Flakes for dinner. I said sure. There is a small store just down the hill. We will eat healthy tomorrow. Don't worry Summer didn't opt for Frosted Flakes for her dinner. Me either. #Summer https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/808/854/413/992/045/original/995a1cdc9ec4086b.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 Our grandson spent the afternoon with us. He did some of the heavy garden work. We talked and talked. I was able to give advice because he asked and I won't burden my family with my opinions without an invitation to do so. One of the good things about being my age is that I have learned much. Mostly the hard way. I am positive that I was able to help him sort things out. Summer did her part by dispensing hugs and kisses. He left with a lighter heart. Grandma is the best job I've ever had. https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/802/116/954/085/251/original/baf7331ef5561fe9.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 I got a couple of no Summer photos on our morning adventure. We both needed the get out of the house time and fresh air. I got a major mood reset today when I drove to town with three bags of food for the free pantry. This time I filled a bag full of fruit and vegetables not local but from Costco because it was easy. A woman using a walker found me stuffing the shelves. She waited until I unloaded all three bags before she started thanking me. She asked if she could take my grapes because they are her favorite. I told her that they are her grapes now. I asked what other fresh food might be a treat and will try to bring her some strawberries and peaches next Monday. It feels good to share. It's as simple as that. I love where I live. Not fancy schmancy but that's why I feel like I belong. I helped her to load up the bag attached to her walker, we stuffed her pockets and we tied the loaf of bread to the other handle. There is no substitute for that kind of good feel. https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/796/899/273/279/372/original/a6f36bc459bad454.jpg https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/796/899/301/432/271/original/433d168b6fc1c01b.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 This is what we call an open face peanut butter and jam sandwich snack. A piece of homemade banana walnut bread slathered with organic peanut butter and peach apricot jam. We also call this snack mandatory taste testing before we give any of the new jam away. I filled a half pint jar halfway just so we could conduct this exercise. The rest went into sealed jars. The jam tastes more peach than apricot. It is jelled perfectly and pairs just right with peanut butter. I'm happy. I told my daughter it is good enough to send a jar to her house. Peach jam is her favorite. I should probably stop cooking for the day and finish on a high note. https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/790/562/953/698/212/original/26a591b53b569838.jpg https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/790/562/970/740/882/original/daea2408d00b356f.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 Neighbors gave us a bag of ripe apricots. Not enough for jam. What to do? I had ripe peaches on hand so I decided to experiment with peach apricot jam or maybe apricot peach jam. Either way this is my first rodeo trying this combo and hope it sets up without turning to leather. It smells heavenly. I froze the leftover apricots to add to future fruit and yogurt bowls or smoothies. Peeling peaches and apricots isn't my favorite but Summer and her pal scooted outside before I could ask them to help. Here's hoping it turns out. If it does muffins and jam will be on tomorrow's breakfast menu. https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/790/153/394/412/770/original/573a59fc51541cfe.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 Lots of flowers on the beach trail today. #BloomScrolling https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/777/842/271/701/584/original/a39eaa98c06d3c70.jpg https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/777/842/219/894/028/original/82297259f0dd6f2a.jpg https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/777/842/258/859/170/original/445c807e4d819717.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 These blossoms are different and they came from the same packet of seeds. I just noticed that they are all unique. In a good way. Summer said just like us! Today I went to meet with my primary care provider to go over lots of test results. I had been in a panic because I tried to decifer the reports myself and found them scary. It turns out that I should stick to baking where I have some level of expertise. My cholesterol didn't worry her at all. She pointed out that if you look at all of my test results they balance out to me being in excellent health. She said that according to her calculations I have less than a 5% chance of having a heart attack in the next ten years. I had also misinterpreted my bone density results. I thought my neck was bad but it was the neck of my femur and not so bad. She told me to stop worrying and to tell my husband to stop worrying because he is stuck with me as far as she can tell. I guess you all are stuck with me too. As far as I can tell. https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/768/101/729/884/251/original/cdaf6a26a5064780.jpg https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/768/101/730/806/253/original/02fcd7cd82df4a8a.jpg https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/768/101/735/743/508/original/1a220b464b4aaa35.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 More garden photos. https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/762/432/533/688/116/original/90a4133cc1a392ad.jpg https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/762/432/492/625/672/original/d3cdd2a919b5cec1.jpg https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/762/432/555/116/751/original/831e6bc709618658.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 Every hour I try to go outside to walk up and down our driveway a few times. I always ask Summer if she wants to take me for a walk. She rarely turns me down. Today we took the scenic route so we could share some garden photos. It really is a perfect afternoon. Summer reminds me to breathe deep and drop my shoulders. I try to be more like Summer. Always happy. Always relaxed. #BloomScrolling https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/762/422/043/747/955/original/8bf2893c18279dde.jpg https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/762/422/070/135/237/original/ce547bfd6bc4d8b9.jpg https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/762/422/094/216/145/original/fb3d89e5b99ba113.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 More Summer adventure photos from this afternoon. #Summer https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/762/023/899/219/793/original/95e895666e344023.jpg https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/762/023/939/373/454/original/5382be7358052f99.jpg https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/762/023/947/517/863/original/9163626beee6f1f4.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 It seems I'm the one to get the bad news today. My cholesterol went up to 241 instead of down and my A1C was just barely into the prediabetes level. At least it wasn't the 300 number it was six months ago. I see my doctor tomorrow. I don't understand why but it is what it is. When my husband got home from his appointment he wanted to cheer me up and go for a walk. The doctor asked him to try walking short distances. We drove to our regular trail but didn't go all the way to the beach. A beautiful day for a walk. So says Summer. #Summer #DogsOfMastodon https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/762/001/217/888/134/original/a7d3abe40f9f1a8b.jpg https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/761/999/428/577/768/original/5717a1802d67e2e3.jpg https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/761/999/438/349/998/original/4078c74233846d5f.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 I've been bad. I was supposed to go get a blood draw on June 1. I didn't. Last Friday morning I got an email reminder. Friday afternoon it was a text. This morning it was a phone call. My primary care provider is persistent. I couldn't resist the caring and encouraging voice reminding me to take care of myself so I can keep taking care of my family. So I changed into my going to town jeans and embroidered jacked and drove to the clinic. I confessed that I didn't fast but they said no problem. It wasn't that bad. She said that they had a courier coming to pick the sample up to process before my appointment on Wednesday. I expect that the ice cream and blueberry cobbler will sink my chances at a good cholesterol number. Darn. Everytime I promise I'll be good for the rest of my life I have my fingers crossed behind my back. npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 For reasons I don't understand I struggle to say what I want to say sometimes. When meeting new people I immediately know if I want to talk to them or not. I just know and have learned to listen to my instincts. Sometimes I am trying so hard to not say something inappropriate I fail to say anything at all. It's hard. Lucky for me Summer's communication skills are top notch and she doesn't mind helping me out by being our voice. She likes some people more than others too but mostly she wants to love everyone. We have that in common. So when Summer toots it's really for both of us. Today she wants to tell people to have a happy day. She tried to get the message out earlier but I forgot to toot this photo. Better late than never. #Summer #DogsOfMastodon https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/750/497/009/376/740/original/53cb0781e50e08c4.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 Shopping is done. Breakfast is served. It's laundry time! Not everyone gets excited about laundry but Summer isn't everyone. She loves, loves sorting and transporting. She is particularly fond of moving washcloths and socks from the upstairs laundry baskets to the downstairs laundry room. She considers herself an expert at this maneuver. I would have to agree. #Summer #DogsOfMastodon https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/749/974/764/384/810/original/6a247aa0a0594952.jpg https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/749/974/781/432/621/original/4764e39adee38eaf.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 #SilentSunday https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/749/065/121/333/491/original/2a38463159cefeca.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 I think I might have secured my most favorite grandma status for the immediate future. Lunch was a huge hit. Dessert was even better. My new recipe for blueberry cobbler is a keeper. Such a good time. Now they want to come out every other Saturday for an encore. I don't have to worry about leftovers because they took them all home. We feel loved and cherished. Doesn't get better than that for us. https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/745/204/065/724/604/original/cce2a86db104ce67.jpg https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/745/204/075/919/156/original/d4f5de557c525a30.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 A few more photos from our early morning adventure. We didn't get pictures because I was driving but today we saw herds of deer, a bald eagle and a weasel. Summer didn't even bark. Unless they dare to trespass into her home territory she doesn't bother with them. We walked and walked. A good time for both of us. #Summer #DogsOfMastodon https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/744/164/116/636/931/original/0209c0b9cc5c6c64.jpg https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/744/164/185/255/057/original/d7b67dc15ecc488f.jpg https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/744/164/218/730/872/original/fabde894098c61ed.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 Summer and I were late getting down the road. The parking lot for the trail to the beach was full. We decided to mosey on to Humboldt Bay. The fog had lifted. The mosquitoes were abundant. Summer was full of good energy and happy vibes. The bestest companion for a morning walk. We needed to get done and get home so I can be at the pharmacy when they open. The insurance made us get down to one pill before they would renew my husband's prescription. I don't understand because it's not even anything remotely fun to take. Oh well. Good morning, Mastodon. #Summer #DogsOfMastodon https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/738/108/827/179/200/original/d6ef08b7c99a8255.jpg https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/738/108/807/683/968/original/bb463e00e14e7543.jpg https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/738/108/821/167/477/original/40a8603d2761146d.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 It appears we have a new neighbor. I was outside cleaning up behind Summer when our neighbor chased a doe out of her yard. I was surprised to see the fawn running behind. This is a new development. The fawn won't be able to get over our fences so I don't have to worry about Summer getting territorial. Cute bouncy little critter. https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/732/956/507/522/137/original/07b8817dcb96b4f6.jpg https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/732/956/877/976/412/original/a1c035e91fd8bda9.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 I have so many random thoughts. When I was a young teen mom (14) I worried about my lack of education. My schooling options were limited as I was considered a bad example and not allowed to attend regular classes. Instead I attended night school where I could take classes mandatory to earn a diploma. I did that while setting out to educate myself through reading. I asked my local librarian for book suggestions as well as trying to read my way through a list of classic literature. I still own the dogeared paperback dictionary that allowed me to decifer words beyond my vocabulary. I'm not sure any of that effort paid dividends. Some authors like Steinbeck haunted me and others baffled me at their aclaim. Now that I'm old random plots and passages come to mind out of the blue. I saw a man carrying a heavy load up a hill today and thought Pilgrim's Progress. I probably should have saved my memory storage capacity for something more useful. https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/721/992/867/037/671/original/42ef5b4ed49ad971.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 I think our potato plants are happy. Hopefully there is as much happening under the dirt as is happening above. Summer and her pal love watching them grow. They look more robust everyday. Exciting stuff around these parts. #Gardening https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/718/325/375/294/157/original/fffb74fd6bd16b40.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 Another weekend is almost done. This one's been a doozy but because we have managed to make the right choices things have worked out. Sometimes I wonder how we know the right things to do. Even our doctors wonder sometimes. My husband's oncologist tells me I missed my calling by not seeking a career in medicine. Little does he know that for me, college was out of reach. The good news is that my husband is feeling better. He felt well enough to feed Summer tonight while I picked raspberries and covered a newly planted raised garden bed with netting. I finished just as it got too dark to see. Tomorrow will be rainy so there was a sense of urgency. I didn't want to waste a half gallon of ripe raspberries. This week will bring more tests and doctor appointments but I am happy as a clam that my husband is eating, pain and fever free. Summer is happy as a clam too. Thank you for all the supportive toots. It helps https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/712/605/358/081/599/original/c84ca0ff410a8bf9.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 This morning didn't turn out to be a beach going morning. Summer says that she understands. Today we will see our oldest grandson who wants to set my phone up so he can locate me in an emergency. Since I walk Summer by myself in the middle of nowhere almost every day it will give him piece of mind to know how to find me if I need help. It is interesting to flip from being the emergency contact for family to being the person who might need to be saved. Time marches on. Even people weilding great power can't stop the aging process thank goodness. Summer has around the house plans for today and a long list of chores. She says cardboard and sorting laundry are her favorites. Good morning Mastodon. https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/703/774/705/401/220/original/6427ddb8975c9f17.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 I don't know where Summer gets all this early morning energy. She doesn't even need caffeine. Grandma on the other hand does. #Summer #DogsOfMastodon https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/698/181/232/145/290/original/5af0bf1ad7b94b49.jpg https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/698/181/204/952/569/original/18f8da1e205f31d9.jpg https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/698/181/218/854/459/original/fcef78f44720becf.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 An agate in the wild. We had so much fun on the beach. Non locals sought us out asking for help finding agates. I gifted some of mine to a couple from Pennsylvania who also got a do your own agate picking lesson. It is fun so see someone make their first find. I can't tell you how many tourists I've sent home with a handful of Humboldt agates in the last fifty years. A perfect afternoon. https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/694/853/735/729/545/original/e185489c24dd28a5.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 I used to take the grandkids camping a couple of times every summer. Sort of. We would rent a cabin and roast veggie hot dogs and make s'mores. Not roughing it exactly. This time they rented the cabin. Even though I won't spend the night I will be able to spend the afternoon with them. So they will have a treat for breakfast I baked some blueberry muffins. #Baking https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/688/723/639/676/289/original/8b5375b6fe69f110.jpg https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/688/723/663/623/384/original/6a19fbf85a7c47ab.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 More Summer morning adventure. The weather was really gray and overcast but no wind and not too cold. Perfect for walking. #Summer #DogsOfMastodon https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/687/040/292/226/372/original/e2e1516f86433485.jpg https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/687/040/288/229/369/original/4e1f773836577a8c.jpg https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/687/040/325/353/348/original/99d30ec73a40d707.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 I went to the post office this morning. Yikes. I don't know what I was thinking when I ordered all of these postcards and stamps. This doesn't even count the 100 Texas cards I'm already working on. Oh wait. I was thinking that I need to help get people to vote for positive change. Yikes. 500 cards will take me a minute to write. I think Summer needs to learn how to print. Happy Tuesday Mastodon. https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/682/173/221/929/021/original/8cb680f822cafa14.jpg https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/682/173/230/872/134/original/467a071ee53bc2fe.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 A few months ago we had a gate mishap. My husband backed into the gate and damaged both the gate and the truck. We bought a new gate and the grandkids helped us to replace the broken one. All this time I've kept the broken gate. Today I decided to try to replace an ancient wood and wire gate that I had to lift and drag to open. I got to use power tools! Considering my limited experience in this realm it might have gone sideways. But it didn't. The sawzall cut the third of the gate away that was crinkled. The battery chainsaw took care of the old gate. The posthole digger was manual and I had to take a break and come back to finish but it worked. The battery drill made the holes for the hinges. It's almost done and it cost nothing. Summer is wondering what I'm doing but I'm patting myself on the back. We are tuckered. https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/678/333/320/085/419/original/ef19f49dcd857460.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 One more chore crossed off the list. Banana walnut bread is out of the oven. It's getting late in the afternoon but still time to get some gardening in. #Baking https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/677/199/539/033/348/original/ee832760433503a0.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 I know this isn't a big thing to anyone but me but. These hiking shoes finally made it out of my closet and on to the trail. I have been wearing a pair of boots that supported me hiking hundreds of miles in national park adventures for years. I kept wearing my old boots long after they were worn out. Hanging on to them even when I could feel every sharp rock through the soles. Summer finally asked what I was saving the new shoes for? She gently reminded me that treating my feet to new comfortable shoes is a good thing and not wasteful or indulgent. So this morning my feet are much happier and I am reminded that there's no good reason to save anything for a special occasion anymore. Waking up everyday is a special occasion. https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/675/832/127/882/994/original/8e3714edf774405d.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 So many good things about this Monday morning. I woke up to Summer's smile. The best way to start the day. The sun peeking around the window shades is her inspiration to get a move on. So we are all inspired whether we want to be or not. At 6 am we were motoring towards the trail. Clear and nippy but no wind so it's a perfect morning. Good Monday morning Mastodon. #Summer #DogsOfMastodon https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/675/673/660/002/429/original/d66c84732dff40b2.mp4 npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 A cautionary tale This might happen when you cut the first piece of pie when it's still warm. It sort of falls apart. I've decided to eat it for dessert anyway. My mother would have said that will taste the same no matter how it looks. https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/666/814/303/054/267/original/c073a2beac0cb744.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 Summer and I threw together an apple pie while we were waiting to mow. It smells scrumptious. I'm not sure what I'm cooking for dinner but dessert is covered. You probably can't tell but there are butterflies venting the top crust. #Baking https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/665/989/652/721/739/original/e09619651752ce50.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 I set aside my novel to read Andrew Weissmann's new book Liar's Kingdom. So far It's really interesting. If anyone in the US would like to read it when I'm done I would be happy to mail this copy via USPS book post at my expense. Our little free library in town doesn't want politics or religion. Let me know if anyone is interested. https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/660/996/480/944/076/original/b8816d8da8c3c3c1.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 We have Optimum and it seems to be old fashioned cable. npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 The fog was thick. The drizzle was wet. The air was cold. The quiet was eerie. No bird or animal sounds probably because the fog was so dense. Summer said it was a beautiful day for an adventure. That's Summer for you. #Summer #DogsOfMastodon https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/659/016/200/588/280/original/3b78698e30bd27e5.jpg https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/659/016/200/500/219/original/d49b42a1e29d8623.jpg https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/659/016/228/033/676/original/474c7d8556d231e7.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 I tooted a very short video of Summer early today. Her tail is wagging like crazy. It is pretty much always wagging with enthusiasm. Just like that. I told her that we should figure out a way to harness all of that energy to power the house. All of the sudden Summer was nowhere to be found. I finally found her hiding under the footstool again. I told her that I was just kidding. I'm not sure if she believes me. I said I would never. Really. She crawled out to give me a kiss. We're good again. Whew! #Summer https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/656/452/247/170/295/original/15d8db7b91289d7f.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 Today felt upside down and backwards. Too much stuff. My husband watches television a fair amount. He has cable plus other streaming options. The cable box programming disappeared. After troubleshooting via chat for ninety minutes I had to drive the box to town. They gave me a different box. I brought it home but it didn't work either. This time I talked to a phone customer service rep. After two hours I was told that this type of box is old and no longer supported. It was broken besides. So I headed back to town. They said the only option is refurbished old boxes. By this time I am worn out. I called our middle grandson who ran interference for me and got the box to work mostly. After working on this all day we are back where we started. Besides that they charged me for both boxes. If I was a drinker I would have a drink. A working television is important to my husband so I am making them send a real person to our house on Thursday. Ugh! But these roses are by the front door. https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/644/330/344/360/989/original/cbc83a3eb8b4b90c.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 I did. npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 Breakfast of champions. With coffee of course. Good morning, Mastodon. https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/641/668/869/573/776/original/a5d59426a0ab8381.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 I have to confess that I have never tried rhubarb. Never even tasted it. npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 From garden to table. Our berry pie ended up very berryful. It overflowed just a little. Raspberry and blackberry pie is my second most favorite with lemon meringue first. The house smells heavenly and dessert is something to look forward to. We even have vanilla ice cream on hand. #Baking https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/637/828/403/648/128/original/d3a01ce9a124ac84.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 I saved some of those little berry baskets so I can fill some for the free pantry. We can't eat as many as we harvest. I still have berries from last year in the freezer to turn into jam. My daughter grows the seedless blackberries. npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 First raspberry picking for this season. Enough to mix up with some blackberries from the freezer for a smallish pie. Now that my husband is eating again it's time for a treat. https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/637/088/764/561/641/original/b09c30a3731fa0e9.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 Our friend the great blue heron is back. It appears we have been adopted. The buffet of large slugs in the fields seems to be the attraction. Gophers and mice are on the menu too. To call Summer territorial is an understatement but she is giving the heron grace because we asked her to. #BackyardBirds https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/636/308/955/914/696/original/9f90c43f6fd272f9.jpg https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/636/308/953/928/156/original/14d2c6a3a69dc5cf.jpg https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/636/308/954/185/154/original/0e4df29b478a2f50.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 I was at our Costco parking lot and spotted a rare kinetic sculpture in the wild no less. Granted this isn't one of the fancy schmancy ones but it was the real deal. Humboldt is consumed with kinetic madness as it is every Memorial Day weekend. The most purely whimsical and frivolous pursuit for the young and young at heart. A race that isn't really a race but something so much more. Powered by the people and the artists. I am old enough to remember the glorious founder Hobart Brown who was a gifted artist with an imagination that lives on. He was a genuine character. May he rest in peace and perpetual kinetic glory. After all it's all for the glory. https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/632/262/954/835/712/original/54a9cad0d9ef43a1.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 I think it's a hint. Somebody want to play fetch on the stairs. Maybe? #Summer #DogsOfMastodon https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/630/626/147/699/148/original/daae55a63ced0688.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 We are trying to get down the hill as early as we can. This morning was cold and misty. Summer's joy is beautiful to watch. We hiked to the beach and ran into the same dog owners we encountered yesterday. They gave us the right of way because we were there first. I don't think they want to leash their dog so they keep their distance instead. I leashed Summer when we were in sight of them anyway. It all worked out. Tomorrow we might give ourselves more of a headstart. For some reason I had a panic attack just as we got in the car. I don't understand why but will listen to my mind and body and chill today. Maybe some baking would be fun. Here's to sharing some Summer joy with our friends. Good morning Mastodon. #Summer #DogsOfMastodon https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/630/495/657/954/235/original/ffc44bde839bec58.jpg https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/630/495/685/310/764/original/80af4991cda3d9ef.jpg https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/630/495/700/360/251/original/0868a46f5d91c60d.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 I'm crawling around on the ground under our netting to weed the blueberry bushes. My phone alerted me to a text from the grandkids that they will come out tomorrow to take a truckload of green waste to the recycling center. I stopped to thank them again for being kind caring human beings. Yesterday our oldest grandson sat down with my husband to ask what he knew about the local Bigfoot legend since we lived here when the Redwood Creek video and all the hoopla that followed was happening in real time. They had a lively conversation with stories of Bigfoot days festivals and how much fun we had with a reason to party in sunny Willow Creek California. That extra attention to an elder doesn't take much time but reaps big returns in his well being. Summer says they are good kids and she approves of this message. Looks like a good crop of blueberries this year. https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/620/484/404/040/240/original/45e1c5c6dcbe8296.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 I grow all of my dahlias in containers and they do well. This is the only one blooming right now but in the summer I will have dinner plate size blossoms. I have thirty two pots with sprouted tubers this year. https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/619/842/366/125/641/original/6be0ecc39eb971b4.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 More Summer morning adventure. #Summer #DogsOfMastodon https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/607/985/488/491/580/original/477cd207baf3bbbb.jpg https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/607/985/402/411/628/original/d0bdf814ad2644c9.jpg https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/607/985/473/209/495/original/9d435ebf3102d654.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 Summer does love a good adventure. She patiently waits for me when I slow down slogging through the deep soft sand. Climbing the dunes is slow for me too. Almost like skiing downhill but backwards sometimes I have to zigzag to get some traction. We always, always throw sticks, breathe deep and have a boat load of fun. Summer is a happy but tired dog. #Summer #DogsOfMastodon https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/607/948/701/943/836/original/89947416c9c7ecc5.jpg https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/607/948/691/427/780/original/f1e1a7b52b19516a.jpg https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/607/948/714/950/617/original/42eaed5921fed6be.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 Our oldest grandson has been the only family member interested in our family history. I think his interest was sparked by our indigenous roots. Lucky for him I knew where to access information already researched by relatives on both the native and white branches of our family. Surprise to him my father's family has been here since pre revolutionary war and my mother's family even longer. According to JD Vance pre civil war citizenship makes us truly American. I say BS to that. I explained my view of our family's pursuit of the American dream. We have managed to be blue collar, property owners of various levels of education for centuries. Two steps forward and two steps back over and over like groundhog day. Not to say we aren't happy people. The generations I know have been mostly hard working, generous people who were not bitter about our lot. Probably we will be what ever passes for working folk centuries from now. A rose from our garden today. https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/597/166/043/446/163/original/de515695a64fc422.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 A couple of no Summer photos from our walk this morning. https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/596/589/235/812/318/original/7a15592a7d529114.jpg https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/596/589/241/112/055/original/2028d821cb4e1ae0.jpg https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/596/589/245/548/480/original/ee7397a55a4e5015.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 More Summer adventure photos from our walk this morning. #Summer #DogsOfMastodon https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/596/579/643/751/551/original/ee2035230e010a63.jpg https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/596/579/631/592/500/original/ad0d1f01ff689e74.jpg https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/596/579/681/723/417/original/05a35de6a80276d9.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 This is a rare week with no medical appointments on our calendar. Yay! Summer thought she needed to pester me for a walk by bringing a hat for me to wear but I was way ahead of her with the water bottle filled and boots on already. Today is a picture perfect day here on the north coast of California. We started out early and even asked my husband to come along but he decided he's not quite ready even if we scale back our adventuring. Maybe tomorrow we can take the truck to get him on the beach. This really is a good morning Mastodon! #Summer #DogsOfMastodon https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/596/564/140/959/571/original/dbfb076cd5f87aa7.jpg https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/596/564/156/801/905/original/51fa2ec5919d6549.jpg https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/596/564/061/549/352/original/4277fc3f988cb38d.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 I bought too many blueberries. It was either scones, muffins or a pie. The consensus was to bake muffins for the freezer. One was damaged as it was extracted from the muffin tin. Oh my. I can't tell you how often this happens and someone has to eat the clinker. It always happens to just one? I made the sacrifice today. #Baking https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/592/736/914/128/749/original/543ca97e1016cb24.jpg https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/592/736/948/506/264/original/57955a4fd8b0df4e.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 Still working on my denim jacket. Yesterday I added a California poppy on the right sleeve. https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/590/575/570/050/786/original/e74906bb1e3c8bc1.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 Soon. npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 Warm banana chocolate chip muffins for breakfast. Extra for the grandkids and the free pantry. Blueberry muffins for the freezer next. Good morning, Mastodon. #Baking https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/585/204/284/038/436/original/e8c788b9db0adf3e.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 I haven't been able to get out to protest in person lately. Needing to be physically present for my husband has to be my first consideration. That doesn't mean I'm giving up or less engaged. Piles of postcards are getting written and will be mailed before the midterm election. Working on Georgia and Iowa right now. Phone calls are happening. Maybe some protesting can happen too. Hoping to get out this weekend. Not giving up. No matter what. https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/580/425/970/397/478/original/57f6035cdca2e97e.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 Just a random picture of Summer, as she played in the house, while her breakfast was cooking. You can't see him but my husband was playing with her. I really like this photo of her for some reason so decided to toot. #Summer #DogsOfMastodon https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/580/346/644/948/868/original/f3e54580833a4adf.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 This blacktail doe decided to slow us down as we drove home from this morning's adventure. She sauntered along in front of our car all the way to the end of the road. Summer was fascinated. I told her that we had the time to be patient. It worked out. https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/579/696/346/359/333/original/60bdd7fd11195363.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 A few more Summer adventure photos from this morning. #Summer #DogsOfMastodon https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/579/657/154/434/042/original/df3a534dd5425301.jpg https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/579/657/164/452/654/original/39c64f125b445147.jpg https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/579/657/170/602/360/original/694a62e5b14870b0.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 Howling the wind was our constant companion on today's adventure. It was too early for other dog walkers so we had the trail to ourselves. Summer was so, so happy to run. #Summer #DogsOfMastodon https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/579/641/197/965/200/original/0a6e2b7326ecf3b2.jpg https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/579/641/154/886/866/original/f7aae7dbf9dd1184.jpg https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/579/641/185/691/230/original/b07fe7d4a09bc03b.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 The last couple of days have been a bit of a challenge. The pollen count at our house is high as gauged by how much is covering our vehicles. My sinuses don't like it one bit. Yesterday, I finally caved and started taking an allergy pill. I had to look through our supplies to find a bottle that will expire the end of this month. It still worked. My headache evaporated and I slept last night. Summer says this means we can hit the trail this morning. She brought me three hats to choose from. I picked my Tigers hat and told her load em up and move em out. Good morning, Mastodon. #Summer #DogsOfMastodon https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/579/482/044/648/727/original/9fbb591fdfb85473.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 Oh my. Between my husband and I we ate a quarter of the pie for dessert. It was still warm. So good. Hopefully I can muster some restraint before it looks good for breakfast tomorrow too. npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 Threw together a couple of apple pies. One for the kids and one for us. https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/570/121/632/220/881/original/19430877c776df7c.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 I had to confess something to my daughter. I told her that one of the fancy schmancy dahlias we planted didn't come up. I figured that one out of thirty one was actually pretty good. The name of the variety was Sarah Mae. Fabulous daughter, that she is, she found me a new tuber already sprouted and ready to replace the dud. She has connections in the dahlia world. When I dug up the dud, to put the new tuber in it's place, it was growing. Yikes. Now, I have two fancy schmancy dahlias that will be the same. She says she is going to keep me anyway. Whew! I thought she might put me up for adoption. npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 I heard a commotion and was awake in an instant. It was early and not very light. Poor Summer woke up with a stomach upset. She actually tried to run for the shower but didn't quite make it. So the rug cleaner got started even before the coffee maker. Laundry and rugs were rolled up and deposited in the laundry room. It's all good. After the clean up I came downstairs and could hear my husband telling Summer that he loved her and that everyone has accidents. I asked him if they were ok and he said that he just wants her to know that she isn't in trouble and is loved. They were cozy together wrapped into a sweet hug. Summer didn't want to leave me out so now it's my turn for some sweet Summer attention. I suspect Summer knows that she is loved no matter what. Good morning, Mastodon. #Summer https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/562/305/753/016/267/original/471893d030025cd9.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 I added to my jacket. This sleeve is a tribute to my son. When he was just a little guy he didn't want to learn to read. To interest him I leaned into providing comic books and video games that required some reading to play. He eventually embraced both reading and gaming. We played Zelda together for hours on end. Those were happy hours. We vanquished evil more times than I can count. Now I resist evil without him. https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/557/929/507/232/933/original/232b0f968c9cf185.jpg npub15w9ua3g8jqqnpltwc9na6lafggq54ykq0et0u5hpl2l75990eh7qp02huq Norcal Gma 2 Since my husband is feeling stronger today I'm working on getting him on his feet a little. I told him and Summer that if they joined me for some on the stairs games there might be treats afterwards. My husband perked right up. He took the upstairs position and I took downstairs. Summer's job was to run the toys between us. The toys got lots of air time, Summer got to run, her pal laughed out loud and I got some photos. I agreed to bake a pie and they agreed to share a piece. I think we were all the winners. While he was upstairs we chucked him in the shower. This day is going my way so far. We will be all cleaned up for when the grandkids arrive to lend a hand this afternoon. #Summer #DogsOfMastodon https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/551/814/491/168/020/original/2e17b9d30052ac29.jpg https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/551/814/543/839/461/original/712e8770761faf55.jpg https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/551/814/568/098/931/original/021005e06e9a0310.jpg https://files.sfba.social/media_attachments/files/116/551/814/570/913/795/original/e88a65a1841f0997.jpg