This and That (Family)
We've been enjoying some lovely Spring days lately! However, it looks like rain will be rolling in tomorrow evening, and guess what? It's all because my husband is painting the trim around the garage door! It’s like clockwork—whenever we wash windows, paint, or plant seedlings, the rain always shows up.
It's just part of the fun, right?
Not only is spring for gardening, but it's for outdoor adventures.
This morning, my husband wanted to go to the Redding Outdoor Sports EXPO - booths with hunting, fishing, camo wear for men and women, knives, guns, rock climbing equipment, backpacking, freeze-dried backpacking foods, private fishing clubs, boats for sale and hunting lodges, off-road vehicles, river rafting, etc, he signed up for a bunch of raffles (only the free ones). They had fishing for the kids bungee jumping and rock climbing.
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Whenever my husband wears his USS Constellation cap, it’s like he has a special magnet for people who come over to thank him for his service. Honestly, I feel like I’m with a VIP! He’s been meeting up with more veteran groups lately, and it’s heartwarming to see how they all connect instantly—like one big family!
I spotted this talented woodcarver and couldn’t resist snapping a photo for Navy—he’s a fan of Bigfoot!
This one's for Sara, who loves collecting gnomes!
I spotted this pretty Magnolia flower at the Expo
On Thursday, I went to the dentist to get a 60-year-old filling replaced! The dentist discovered that the old filling wasn’t even attached to the tooth anymore, which definitely explains why I had been feeling a lot of pain whenever I ate or drank anything hot or cold.
But the good news is, everything is feeling great now!
At the Expo, I saw the booth for the Lake Shasta dinner cruise and was recognized by the guy there from my last visit—when I passed out and needed an ambulance! We laughed about it, but it was scary at the time. Thankfully, Sara, my DIL, and some RNs and EMTs took great care of me.
We’re planning to go back in June when it’s cooler. I've learned my lesson: no sun exposure, no wine, and I’ll stay super hydrated! Plus, I’ll take the shuttle instead of hiking that steep hill!
Foodie just returned from a three-day, all-expenses-paid trip to Sacramento. As a union steward at his care facility, he's been negotiating contracts every three years for 13 years. He called me yesterday, sounding happy and relieved that everything was going well and they were almost done.
My stepdaughter, Char, left her job at Walmart because she struggled with the register and handling cash. Although the supervisors were nice to her, the customers, were not as patient and some were verbally abusive and would yell at her for mistakes, which made her even more nervous.
Char applied for the cashier position to challenge herself, and I admire her effort, even though it wasn't the right fit. Thankfully, she receives SSDI, which helps a lot. She's working with an agency that supports individuals with developmental disabilities, assisting her with finances and a weekly allowance. She’s exploring entry-level job opportunities, but finding the right fit can be a challenge for those with developmental disabilities. She has some cognitive and memory issues that are not getting any better.
The day after Easter, my sons, Foodie and Navy are planning a backpacking adventure to the Lost Coast.
The Lost Coast is such a special gem along California's North Coast, nestled in Humboldt and Mendocino counties. Its stunning, steep terrain and the unique challenges of the coastal mountains have kept it from being developed with highways or major roads. Because of this, it remains California's most untouched and remote coastline. The small communities here are isolated, accessible only by narrow mountain roads, which adds to the charm!
I’m so excited for them to explore this beautiful place! They’ll get to enjoy the gorgeous black sand beaches, watch the huge elephant seals, admire the majestic Roosevelt elk, and maybe get in some whale watching. It’s quite the adventure, and they’ll be back at the end of the month, ready to share their stories! You can be sure I will be swiping their photos to show you all.
🍕😄 🍕😊 🍕😄 🍕😊
It's Pizza Time! The husband is in the kitchen, happily listening to some Italian opera while he makes his delicious pizza. That's his little secret for creating a perfect pizza pie—
As I wrap up this post, I just want to take a moment to express my thankfulness for the day that’s gone by and to thank God for His presence and guidance along the way. Wishing everyone a restful and refreshing sleep, and some yummy pizza for me!
Debby
Your roses are so gorgeous! Char's boss should be ashamed of themself! Goodness, what did you pass out from on the cruise, were you dehydrated? I have been learning more and more lately about how the older we get, the more important is to stay well hydrated.
ReplyDeleteThat was a typo that I fixed. Walmart was gracious to her - it was the customers who were not patient with her. She was unable to do the task at times without always asking for help. One time I went in on a Saturday and she had a long line at her station. It was too much for her but no, Walmart tried to accommodate her the best they could.
DeleteAs my day is definitely winding down, I'm so glad I could be inspired by your words here this evening, Debby. I love how you have brought the natural beauty of California in focus for us who don't know about it and share your sons' love for the outdoor exploration of what is in their back yard, so to speak. I'm praying that you will get the better leadership and guidance in your state that all of you deserve. God bless you!
ReplyDeleteThat would be nice if we could get better leadership but I honestly don’t see that happening. We need to DOGE the whole state of California!
DeleteYour flowers are so pretty! Love seeing everything pop and bloom.
ReplyDeleteThat outdoor show looks like fun. I love the carvings.
I'm so sorry it didn't work for Char. People seem to be less understanding and more impatient.
I hope your next cruise goes well!
Oh I’m sure the next dinner cruise will be much better! Time to get back on that saddle.
DeleteThe flowers are so lovely; and also the wood carvings. It is sunny here, no rain; but still very cold.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you and your family always.
Sunny is good. It will warm up soon. Thanks for stopping by, Victor. Blessings to you and yours as well.
DeleteHope your sons enjoy their trip. Looks gorgeous from the pics. Folks should go up to your husband and thank him for his service. He sacrificed to ensure the rest of us our free. Here's hoping your next dinner cruise is a better one as I do remember your last one. Janice
ReplyDeleteI’m excited for them. I’m sure the next dinner cruise will be much better!
DeleteMy wife went to high school in Redding and her dad lived there much of his life. It's very possible that your husband knew her dad as he too was in the Navy having joined in '56. His last name was Hoatson. That area and parts north are my favorite parts of California.
ReplyDeleteHi Jim. Wow what a small world! We’ve only lived in Redding for 17 years this May so no we don’t know your wife’s dad. There are a lot of veterans in Shasta County -
DeleteI have always liked this part of the state too!
You had me at homemade pizza!
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry that Char's customers didn't put aside their own selfish impulses and instead, offered her encouragement. It only takes a few words to crush a spirit, this I know. Lifting a prayer right now that she'll soon discover a new, better fit.
Love the stunning flowers ... each like pretty young ladies.
Putting aside the rude customers, it just wasn’t for her and let’s face it, Walmart is a business. The other jobs she had before were ones that allowed her to be as slow as she wanted. That’s not the way it is in the real world. Last year, California slashed all those job contracts for the developmental disabled and they’re all now trying to fit into the regular jobs. For Char, it isn’t working due to her diminished cognitive issues.
DeleteThat pink rose sure caught my eye. So very pretty. I totally understand the situation with Char. Bless her heart...I know she tries. The right thing will come along for her to be able to do and to feel accomplished. Many of my niece's friends (who have some disabilities) work some very rewarding jobs. How exciting for the guys to be able to do this backpacking adventure. hope they taking some amazing photos of things that most of us don't ever get to see. This cruise sounds fun and hopefully this time it will be more enjoyable for you...Gorgeous flowers Debby.
ReplyDeleteThe dinner cruise last time was fun, until I stepped off the boat! This time I know my limitations
DeleteI have to say that the flowers were so beautiful. Loved the seal. Loved the gnomes. I am sorry about Char's job and hope she can find something better. You said it would be cooler in June? Not here.
ReplyDeleteYes June is much cooler than August. I’ll take 90 degrees over 111 in August anyway!
DeleteIt sounds like you had such a delightful day and oh my...homemade pizza...yummm
ReplyDeleteYour sons will have quite an adventure. That area is simply gorgeous. Haven't been that way in years but I have fond memories of that part of CA.
I'm so sorry for Char and pray she finds a better and fulfilling job fr her. We have a step granddaughter with the same difficulties and unfortunately doesn't have the same drive to work. Her consular tries to guide her but it is a difficult situation.
Looks like we may have a bit of rain tomorrow, Monday. I'm so over the icky weather.
Sue
Wow so you’ve hiked the lost coast? Awesome. I always wanted to but doesn’t look like I ever will. It doesn’t appeal to me to hike miles and miles to get to one of those black sand beaches!
DeleteChar needs a job where it’s not busy. She worked in the thrift store and that worked for several years - sorting clothes and sweeping. Working with the public gives her anxiety plus she is unable to count back the money to customers - she just gets the money and the bills and hands it to them. Apparently her register was coming up short because she was too rushed to give back the correct change. Walmart was very patient with her.
My niece would love the gnome carving.
ReplyDeleteJim and I drove into Shelter Cove one time on our way home from Eureka. After the long and winding road in and out of there Jim said he did not want to ever drive that again! lol.
Sorry to hear your step daughter left her job but so understanding these days. Customers are not nice anymore. 40 or so years back I worked in customer service and even though I had a few encounters with not so nice people there was never anything like you hear about today. People getting violent, having a complete melt down because they got the wrong fast food order. I hope she can find something that fits her needs and she can feel happy and fulfilled with.
Home made pizza sounds so good.
My son has a four wheel drive and is looking forward to the adventure of those roads. I’m sure I would be nervous.
DeleteI worked at Macys 40 years ago and I enjoyed it but every once in a while, there would be some mean customers. It’s all part of the job when you deal with the public.
Hi, I love that your boys continue to take adventures together. Ours do too.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing all the flowers. :-)
I am sending prayers for Char.
Their friends can't keep up with them, so they have to do these trips together, but they enjoy it as their "brother time." As they get older and one is married, they don't spend as much time together as they used to.
DeleteIt sounds like a lovely day. I feel for people like Char, who struggle to fit into the 'real world'. The grocery stores here hire quite a few developmentally disabled individuals to be baggers and stock clerks.
ReplyDeleteWell, the thing is, Char doesn't want bags or stock. I had suggested that as well.
DeleteAll the flowers are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThat's too bad that people weren't more patient with Char. Hope things work out better at the next place.
The outdoor event looks like fun.
It was fun and got us both all pumped up for more activities.
DeleteThe flowers a so pretty, a sports expo would hold no interest for me as I have zero interest in sport. I really should do a homemade pizza I use to make them often
ReplyDeleteYou wouldn't have liked it at all. I was raised in all of that, so while I may not do any of it anymore, I still enjoy being there and seeing all the new stuff they have now
DeleteOh my gosh, you have the same pink roses at your house. I love that soft color. That carved Bigfoot is delightful. When we had breakfast on my trip, the waitress was wearing a Bigfoot t-shirt. She said they sell them for each holiday. I've never even heard of The Last Coast. That will be a neat trip for your son's to take. Your husband's homemade pizza sounds delicious. I'm still in awe over your rose pictures haha.
ReplyDelete~Sheri
Oooops, I meant the Lost Coast; was typing too fast. ; )
DeleteThat place for your sons to visit/hike looks wonderful! I can't wait to see the photos! I am learing so much more about your part of California by knowing you...I never knew anything about it before. You have such beautiful flowers...I love the roses and the irises. Oh, that woodcarver is good! And your hubby's pizza sure sounds yummy. We buy Digornios and add stuff to it. That's as good as it gets here. LOL. But my hubby loves it, so that's okay with me! Hope you have a wonderful week.
ReplyDeleteOf course, as soon as you start a project it decides to rain. That sports expo sounds like fun. I love that people thank him for his service. Those carvings are amazing. Great shot of the magnolia flower. Glad you went to the dentist. Something I need to do. Glad that Foodies trip went well. Sorry to hear about your step daughters job. However, she did try and she should be pleased with herself for that. Hope that backpacking trip goes well for them. Hope you enjoyed your pizza.
ReplyDelete