Saturday, May 30, 2026

A short Update From My Shasta Home





I thought I’d pop over with a short little update about what’s been going on this past week, if you haven't yet ventured over. 

From My Shasta Home on WordPress.

We enjoyed a few adventures around the area, including an old one-room schoolhouse in Yreka and the first Catholic church in Scott Valley from the 1800s. On Memorial Day, we visited the Northern California Veterans Cemetery, where a Gold Star mother shared a heartfelt message that added meaning to the day. We also attended a Mushroom Festival in McCloud and visited a charming artisan bakery in town. Plus, we’ve been working on our new roses and gathering outdoor decor for our nation’s 250th birthday, which we haven't put out yet. Remember, June 14 is Flag Day. It commemorates the adoption of the American flag on June 14, 1777, by resolution of the Second Continental Congress


Have a wonderful weekend. See you in June! 

Debby

The posts from this week. 


frommyshastahome.com/2026/05/29/rebuilding-in-may/

frommyshastahome.com/2026/05/28/together-thursday/

frommyshastahome.com/2026/05/27/362/

frommyshastahome.com/2026/05/26/mushrooms-anyone/

frommyshastahome.com/2026/05/25/memorial-day-2026/

frommyshastahome.com/2026/05/24/faith-preserved-in-the-mountains/.

frommyshastahome.com/2026/05/22/a-one-room-schoolhouse





Wednesday, May 27, 2026

What's in a Name Hodgepodge

 






1. Do you like your name? 

It's okay 

Are you named after someone (grandparent, etc)?

No. 

 If you have children, how did you choose their names? 

I have three sons. 

I picked their names long before I had them. I always knew what the names would be and the order. 

2.  A piece of red velvet cake, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a slice of blueberry pie? 

You can only have one...which will you choose?

 A scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream 

If you could pick any red, white, or blue dessert other than those listed here, what would you choose? 

Luscious strawberries, New York-style cheesecake, and I can't think of anything blue...


3.  What's a job you'd like to try for just one day?

 I can't think of any. 


4. Any patriotic decor in your home currently or coming up this summer? 



My husband placed a string of patriotic flags on our front patio, but we need more, and I can't remember where I bought these?? 

Dollar Tree? Target?? 


5. It's the end of May, so let's exercise our brains. Sum up your month with an acrostic using the word MAY. We can do it!!  

M - Moving on from one place to volunteer at another

A Arranging my home, cleaning, and minimizing

Y - Yes to WordPress. I'm thrilled to finally embrace the WP platform. I never thought I would be able to pull it off, yet I'm doing it. Wow. 


6. Insert your own random thought here. 

When I thought about May, I realized that I had many big changes within the month. 

I'm particularly pleased that I finally took the plunge and embraced WordPress. There were two previous occasions where I attempted to dive in, only to retreat in frustration. However, this time, I was resolute in my determination to push through the challenges. I am so thrilled that I overcame that mental barrier. 

It wasn't easy, but I kept at it...This has reaffirmed for me that age does not equate to a slowing mind. After the first two failures, I was just believing that I wasn't capable (due to age). BUT I am still fully capable of tackling complex subjects and expanding my knowledge, proving that the desire to learn remains alive and vibrant within me. It's been a big WIN for me. Conquering something new, but most of all, it's given me back my confidence. 

Some people work puzzles on their phone - I started a WordPress blog! 


Pardon the plug for my new WordPress blog, From My Shasta Home 

Think of it as this blog’s 2.0 version. After dealing with plenty of frustrations on Blogger, I’ve decided to keep this one for light and fun linky-type posts, while moving my other writings over there.

I’m still tinkering with all the knobs, handles, and levers, making little tweaks here and there, but at least the blog is finally up and running.

Thanks for dropping by - Until Next time...

Debby




Tuesday, May 26, 2026

Tuesday Four ~ Four Seasons, Four Questions

 



Welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4...


Join here. 

1. Do you have a favorite day of the week and how about  a favorite month of the year? Why?

I  love Mondays! A brand new week always looks so good to me.

There's something about the Autumn months that makes me so happy. The cooler temperatures feel refreshing, and I can't help but look forward to a cozy, rainy winter after we’ve had such a hot and dry summer. 


2. What’s the most beautiful or magical thing about each of the four seasons?

We start with Spring, which heralds the arrival of new life, as vibrant blooms burst forth and the world awakens from its slumber. Our new life is found in what Jesus did for all of us - awakening us from our slumber. 

Then we transition into summer, it’s a time to relax and savor the warm weather - enjoying long, sunny days.

Autumn arrives, painting the landscape in rich colors of orange, red, and gold. A season of abundance that brings harvests and a sense of gratitude for the year’s blessings. 

Finally, winter comes, blanketing the earth in glistening snow, and for us on the west coast, we see our winter rain. We also get to pause and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.  This is a time for rest, contemplation, and the joy of cherished moments spent with loved ones, as we celebrate the blessings life offers us.

3. Summer is coming... what does this mean in your life? How will things change, stay the same,etc?

I’m retired now, so life hasn’t changed too much, but I do find myself coping with those scorching 105+ temperatures and keeping an eye out for forest fires nearby.  It’s that time of year when we get our “go packs” ready, check that we have new hoses that work, and turn on the Watch Duty fire app on our phones for real-time notifications. Also, make sure we have our neighbors' phone numbers as well. We don’t venture too far from home during the summer months because we have a cat at home. However, we really enjoy the beautiful mornings outside, and by noon, we’re grateful to be cooling off indoors with the AC on! In the summer, we get up just before dawn so we can have as much outside time as possible. 


4. What do you look forward to in each season?

It is a new beginning, and every season brings something different to each of us. 

Thanks for the FUN! 
Debby

Visit my new WP Blog From My Shasta Home



Monday, May 25, 2026

Memorial Day Remembrance ~The Pacifica boys

This is a repost. 






Our town was rocked when the first young man was killed in Vietnam in 1966. 

I was 11 years old and I remember seeing my dad cry for the first time. 

My dad had served in Korea - and he knew...




18 years old at the time of his loss


 Lawrence Eugene Foster

Private
D CO, 1ST BN, 9TH MARINES, 3RD MARDIV, III MAF
United States Marine Corps
Pacifica, California
June 23, 1947, to May 22, 1966


Lawrence was in the Marines, for less than a year and he was a Rifleman.









21 years old

Robert Erven Curry
Lance Corporal
FLSU 1, 3RD SVC BN, FLSG ALPHA, FORCE LOG CMD, III MAF
United States Marine Corps
Pacifica, California
August 06, 1945, to December 31, 1966






It is said a man hasn't died as long as he is remembered. This prayer is a way for families, friends, and fellow veterans to remember our fallen brothers and sisters.

Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not there, I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning hush, I am the swift, uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight, I am the stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there, I did not die

_______





21 years old


James Stanley Bernard Childers
Lance Corporal
HMM-263, MAG-16, 1ST MAW, III MAF
United States Marine Corps
Pacifica, California
August 29, 1946, to February 15, 1967


Stan was nicknamed, "Stan the Man" as he was a popular high school athlete at my high school.  I did not know Stan personally, I did know his younger siblings and cousins.

  It was starting to get very close to home. 







20 years old

** Medford Adarine Chrysler **
Private First Class
1ST PLT, A CO, 1ST BN, 9TH MARINES, 3RD MARDIV, III MAF
United States Marine Corps
Pacifica, California,
January 25, 1947, to July 02, 1967



 It was a beautiful July morning - everybody was out in the front yard when we saw a black limousine slowly drive past - looking for an address. My Mom instantly knew - the neighbors gathered in the middle of the street - Then we heard the most awful sound I have ever heard - Med's mother let out an anguished wail. He was her firstborn son. 

I was good friends with his sisters - he was part of our neighborhood gang of kids  In the summer we would all play hide and seek, knock on doors and run away or sit in the back of a pickup truck and talk.

We had just seen him in December - I still have that last time etched in my memory. 


His was the first military funeral I had ever been to. It made a lasting impression on me as well as my other friends. At the cemetery, his mom threw herself on his flag-draped coffin -

You just don't forget something like that. 

And then it just continued...







21 years old

James Edward Walker, Jr
Private First Class
D CO, 1ST BN, 7TH CAVALRY, 1ST CAV DIV, USARV
Army of the United States
Pacifica, California
February 26, 1947, to April 29, 1968


"They grow not old, as we who remain to grow old, age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn, at the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we shall remember them. We shall remember them."








19 years old 

George Angelo Cabano, Jr
Private First Class
G CO, 2ND BN, 26TH MARINES, 1ST MARDIV, III MAF
United States Marine Corps
Pacifica, California
July 25, 1949, to October 03, 1968



In Loving Memory ... PFC. GEORGE ANGELO CABANO, JR.

You may be gone, no longer living on this earth; but you will live on - in the memories of your family and friends. There will always be a part of you living in your family and those who knew you and loved you. You will live on because we remember you!







20 years old





Robert William Compton
Sergeant
C CO, 3RD BN, 1ST INFANTRY, 11TH INFANTRY BDE, AMERICAL DIV, USARV
Army of the United States
Pacifica, California
August 02, 1949, to May 12, 1969


Robert William Compton was serving his country during the Vietnam War when he gave his all in the line of duty. He had enlisted in the United States Army. He began his tour on December 6, 1967. Compton had the rank of Sergeant. His military occupation or specialty was Tactical Communication Chief. Attached to 11th Light Infantry Brigade, 3rd Battalion, 1st Infantry, C Company.

This was his 2nd tour. 









22 years old

George Francis Patterson
Specialist Four
A TRP, 1ST SQDN, 11TH ARMORED CAVALRY, USARV
Army of the United States
Pacifica, California
December 26, 1948, to April 01, 1970



Cause of death: Hostile, died. Small Arms Fire. Gun or small arms fire. George Francis Patterson was killed while at an artillery firing position when the area came under attack by a hostile force. / On reconnaissance patrol. Engaged hostile force in the firefight.







19 years old


Johnny Bryan White
Private First Class
154TH TRANS CO, 4TH TRANS CMD, ARMY SPT CMD SAIGON, 1ST LOG CMD, USARV
Army of the United States
Pacifica, California
January 21, 1951, to April 16, 1970



In Vietnam not even a full month 

CASUALTY DATA: Start Tour: 03/19/1970 Incident Date: 04/16/1970 Casualty Date: 04/16/1970 Age at Loss: 19 







19 years old

David George Mc Kay
Specialist Four
B CO, 53RD SIG BN, II FIELD FORCE, USARV
Army of the United States
Pacifica, California
March 04, 1951, to June 04, 1970





_______









21 years old



John Al Premenko
Sergeant
CCS, MACV-SOG, 5TH SF GROUP, USARV
Army of the United States
Pacifica, California
August 11, 1949, to August 14, 1970



Sgt. Premenko was a Green Beret (Special Forces). That was quite an accomplishment. He also had a wife, an 18 month old son and a 4-day-old son. 


_______









TOGETHER AGAIN. 







Medford and his parents are buried together - they share the headstone - Medford on the front, his parents, Adarine and Vivian on the back.






















Saturday, May 23, 2026

No Canyon Jump Required




I want you to know I am not slamming the door. I am trying to build a bridge rather than making you all leap across a canyon. 

I changed my blog theme (lord willing for the last time. I was having more issues with the font, and the background color on my cell phone was orange.) Oi Vey, it's never-ending.  

I attempted to place the WP blog on a Blog List to the side, but it never updated, and it was 2 days. 

I'm still here with Tuesday Four, A Hodgepodge, Wordless Wednesday, and an occasional "This and That." But the new writing will happen on my WordPress Blog. https://frommyshastahome.com 

You can always reach me on WP. I’ll also be around, commenting on your blog. 


I’m feeling at peace about everything, and it’s all starting to make sense, and I’m happy about that. I’m enjoying experimenting over at WP and learning as I go. I’m glad I’m beginning to understand it, something I thought I wouldn't be able to figure out.  Though I had to push myself to get there. When I run into something I cannot figure out, the support I get walks me through it. Mostly, it’s about how the blog looks and how I want it arranged. The actual writing part on the blog is as easy as Blogger. 

I hope you are all enjoying a nice weekend. 

Until Next Time, 

Debby




Friday, May 22, 2026

The Hodgepodge on Friday



Okay, so I might have missed opening day (Wednesday), but the Hodgepodge is still rolling out the red carpet for all of us fashionable latecomers.

Join here. 


1. What do you make more complicated than it needs to be?  

I don’t intentionally try to complicate things, but sometimes I do, mostly in the past. I've learned that when that happens, it is usually because I am sticking my nose in where it doesn't belong. I don’t do that anymore, or at least I try. 


2. What impresses you?  

The more I learn of the character of God, the more impressed by Him that I am. I am impressed by individuals who have overcome difficult lives, including addiction and crime, and have become warriors for God. It's amazing to me, not just because they accomplished it, but because God continually shows me how He works in the lives of His people.  

Now that's IMPRESSIVE! 


3. On a scale of 1-10, how picky of an eater are you? (1=extremely picky and 10=not picky at all) If you had to eat a meal made entirely of one color, what color would you choose?  

I used to be less picky, but I'm becoming more so, mostly due to my GERD. I would rate myself a 6-7. 

My preferred colors for a meal are reds or greens 


4. What does balance in life mean to you? Does your life currently feel 'balanced'?  

Once one becomes enslaved to something, life can feel unbalanced and hard to manage. So the opposite would be freedom from all that would keep us from our purpose. 

Yes, I feel my life is balanced. But take your eye off of it, and it can can a turn...


5. If you could travel the world for a year, what would be your first destination?  

 I am content right where I am and wouldn’t really care to travel for a year. So I'll take a hard pass. 


6. Insert your own random thought here.





I snapped this photo of a little cement elephant playfully shooting water from its trunk at the garden center.  Later, while looking at the picture, I noticed what seemed to be a Pacific lamprey. Do you see what I am talking about??? 

It's not - because it is at a nursery and this is a koi pond, so...

Freaky nevertheless. 







Okay, so what is a Pacific Lamprey

They are an indigenous West Coast species that historically occurred in nearly all salmon‑bearing rivers from Southern California to Alaska. 


Pacific lamprey have occupied the West Coast, including California, for thousands of years. They are culturally significant to many Indigenous tribes and ecologically important in river systems. 

While native, their numbers have declined sharply due to dams, habitat loss, and water management. Some southern California populations have been lost, but they remain present in many northern rivers, including the Klamath, Trinity, Eel, and Sacramento systems. 

I had no idea such monstrous river creatures existed. All those years of exploring and fishing, and not once did I hear of anyone encountering them. But one quick Google search, yikes! There are videos of them biting people. No thanks, I’ll pass on watching that. 

Did you notice it has prey within its name? Lamprey?

And that, dear friends, is precisely why I now stick to the safety of a nice, clean, sparkling swimming pool.


Until next time,

Debby


New Post WordPress

A one-room schoolhouse – From My Shasta Home

Thursday, May 21, 2026

Just Moving to the Next Town Over… Slowly



I'm not leaving yet. In fact, I'm thinking of keeping this blog for the Tuesday Four, Hodgepodge, and all the familiar weekly fun. I'll keep it here until it totally shuts down, and honestly, that might not ever happen.  But at least now I have an alternative for my writing, where I know my hard work is actually going through.

You all have been too good to me throughout the years. I won't abandon you. The friendly connection we've built here isn't going anywhere. I'm just moving to the next town over.



I can't explain or even make sense of why Blogger seems to be picking on me lately. It never used to be this way. Around 2021 or so, I started running into more and more issues. During that time, I tried two times to move to WordPress, but I just couldn't get it. Truly. It was like I had a mental block. One attempt took nearly the whole summer before I finally threw my hands up, gave up, and came right back here again.

This time has given me hope. Like my old brain finally gets it. Which is a plus when you're in your 70's! It's giving me the confidence that I can make this work. 

Ironically, I’ve had a genealogy research blog since 2007 using my regular email and never once had an issue with it. But I don't want to transfer this blog over to that email.  A new email? No, thank you. At this stage of life, I'm actually trying to minimize things.

Although when I stop and think about it... Having a Substack and now two blogs isn't exactly simplifying, is it?

But hey... I love to write. 


https://frommyshastahome.com/


Go ahead and give it a try. See if you can leave a comment. You shouldn’t need to sign up. You’ll just have to enter your name and email, but like on my computer or notebook, those are saved, so it’s not an issue. I follow and comment on a couple of WordPress blogs myself, and I’ve never found it hard. 

It’s different, but definitely not difficult.


When reading this blog on a computer, the WordPress blog feed appears on the left-hand side. 

➡️➡️➡️➡️➡️➡️

I don’t think it shows up when using a phone or notebook.


That’s it for the day, buried waist-deep in the chaos of my craft/sewing/storage room, while the husband wraps up his grand rock project in the front yard. Work, work, work. Apparently, we find this sort of madness enjoyable. 

Thank you for all the support. 

Debby



A short Update From My Shasta Home

I thought I’d pop over with a short little update about what’s been going on this past week, if you haven't yet ventured over.  From My ...

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