Last January Hodgepodge

 

Every week, Joyce poses a series of thought-provoking, fun questions, inviting us to delve deep into our thoughts and experiences as we respond.

Don't be left out and join. 

1. Give us a weather report from where you live. 

Cooler than it has been - in the 50's and some rain is on the horizon. 

Does the kind of weather you're having today affect your mood in some way?  

No, not at all. 

2.  Avocados, kale, cauliflower, and cottage cheese have all had their time to shine. 2026 brings us the year of the cabbage. Is this a vegetable you like? If so, what are some of your favorite dishes that call for cabbage?  

I like cabbage -  it just doesn't like me, so I don't eat it as much as I used to. I do enjoy a slaw and kimchi. Even if I toss cabbage in a soup, it bothers me. 

3. Was a Cabbage Patch Doll a part of your childhood?  

No. 

Or maybe your children's childhood? 

No, my boys never showed an interest in dolls.

However, I did have one Cabbage Patch doll during that time in my daycare that captured the attention of all the little girls. (ages 2-4) Unfortunately, the doll's popularity spiraled out of control. Tantrums erupted, tempers flared, and there were instances of biting. After about a week, I removed the doll, and it never returned. 

 What's a toy trend from your childhood you remember wanting for your own? 

I had my heart set on a Chatty Cathy, but I received a Kissy Doll instead! Though I’m not quite sure why, I absolutely adored her. With a gentle squeeze, she would pucker up and give a sweet kiss. She was the last baby-type doll I received, and even as I outgrew playing with dolls, I held onto her, treasuring the "kisses" we shared.

4. Something you've spent a lot of time doing lately? 

Organizing my house and spring cleaning. 

5. Somehow it's the last week of January...sum up your month in just three sentences. 

1. January blessed us with generous sunshine and crisp, cold mornings. 

2. In the warm afternoon sun, we worked with our dog Laydee, in her mobility wheels, but she ended up not wanting to cooperate, so they were sent back. 

3. As disappointing as that was, it didn't take me long to appreciate my yellow daffodils on the hill, totally unbothered by winter and everything else.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

January is wrapping up with a whole lot of waiting for me. Waiting to be called for jury duty, waiting for Laydee to accept her new mobility wheels. None of it went the way I planned, but God was steady in the middle of it all. And just when I needed the reminder, the daffodils on the hill bloomed anyway -  quietly preaching that life, hope, and grace keep showing up even when I’m still waiting.

Thanks for stopping by. 

Take Care, Debby

This and That and some Blogger Issues,

This is Mt Shasta in the distance, 

looking north 

January has brought us delightful weather, with crisp mornings that chill us until around 10:30. As the sun climbs higher, the air gradually warms, and by the afternoon, the pleasant temperatures invite us to throw open the windows and keep the screen door open till dinner time. 

Clover Creek Preserve is a great place for many of my leisurely walks, where you can enjoy the sights and sounds of diverse waterfowl and other birds, as well as vernal pools teeming with life. Numerous benches are strategically placed along the paths, inviting you to pause and soak in the serene surroundings. This 128-acre basin not only provides a tranquil escape but also plays a vital role in safeguarding over 5,000 acres of the Clover Creek watershed from flooding.

A great place to people watch, too! 👀

That is Mt Lassen in the distance, looking east

Looking west...

It truly looks like winter, with all the barren trees so 

It shouldn't be long before we start seeing signs of spring...

Although our rainy season isn't quite finished, we often experience brief interludes of sunshine that last a few weeks in the winter.  Without these dry spells, we might find ourselves drifting straight into the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean. 

And yes, I know, some of you might secretly enjoy the idea of California taking a dive. 😉

I've been enjoying sitting in front with Laydee - the sun has been warm and feels good to both of us.  

☀️☀️☀️

"You talking about me?"

I wish I could tell you that by now, Laydee is wheeling happily down the sidewalk. She doesn't like it. She's a bit stubborn about it and resists. I think we might have waited too long, because she isn't having it at all.

We have until February 9 to return it for a full refund. 

🐾🐾

Laydee has found a way to manipulate us - one step, one treat, and then she won't budge until she sees the treat in our hand.  Then we're back to one step, one treat. If I reverse it and give one treat first, we end up waiting for that one step, which doesn't come. 

No, no, no, Laydee, it doesn't work that way. 

Oh well, what can we do? I can't force her, nor would I want to. The warm weather has her up, and about - but long walks are out of the question. So we're leaning toward option two: a cart we would push her in. We'll see how the rest of her training goes...

The daffodils are blooming on the hill beneath the redwoods. The vinca is starting to bloom with its periwinkle-blue flowers. By summer, they will have taken over since they grow like weeds here - trying to choke out everything. 

I'd keep them, but they don't play well with others. 

The other day, I whipped up some Hamantaschen and also baked a delicious banana bread with pecans, but my husband told me he prefers walnuts.

 That's fine - MORE for me.  

A Shoe In...

It's that time again for my husband to get four new pairs of shoes from the VA. He visits a quality shoe store, selects what he wants, and the VA covers the cost, including orthotics. This year, he chose a dress shoe and a work boot, but his hiking boots and sneakers are still good, so he’ll wait on the last two pairs since he doesn’t need them right now.

I need some new shoes this year, and with the money saved from not buying his expensive ones, I can treat my tired feet to a nice pair, or two. 

Blogger is giving me issues again. I can't leave comments on your blogs or reply to comments on mine, which is really frustrating.

Until this issue clears up, I'll answer comments here. 

I've been facing issues uploading images, and my blog theme is acting up, similar to when my blog went POOF a couple of years ago. 

I'm convinced Blogger hates me. 

To Janice and Carla, who asked how my folks landed in San Francisco. 

My parents followed a job offer when my dad's army buddy, a successful general contractor, mentored him. A few years later, he got his contractor's license. 

❓❓❓❓

I believe that's all the "This and Thats" I needed to share. I hope everyone keeps warm with the snow system and dropping temperatures coming your way. I'm not very well-informed about it, but please stay warm and be cautious. I assume you all are very accustomed to it and know how to manage it effectively, or else you wouldn't be living there. 

I would gladly embrace some snowfall here - It was approximately 5-6 years back. And we all enjoyed it.

Daffodils, Feline Disciples and a Tuna Tale for the Ages.

Every January, you can almost always count on the daffodils starting to bloom around here. At least, that’s the case for mine. I transplanted these overachievers from the front of the house to our hill in late summer, and I really thought they for sure would have thrown a fit about the move, but nope, they bloomed as expected. I suppose my daffodils are simply programmed to open up in early January.

Things are fairly low-key here - 

but in a good way. 

I met a new woman named Debbie who needs a ride every Thursday for our church Bible study. She lives close to me, so it's not out of my way.  During our 30-minute car ride, I learned all about her, her husband, their finances, and her various ailments. I just nodded along and enjoyed her company.  She showed the same enthusiasm at Bible study.  I always enjoy observing the group dynamics when new personalities join. 

While I was re-watching my BSF lecture online, Susie curled up next to me, enjoying the experience. This kitty really loves the Word of God!

It was such a sweet moment that I felt compelled to send a photo to the teaching leader delivering the lecture.

She replied with a photo of her cat, Sammi. 

We concluded they are disciples, spiritually united in their feline quest for more Jesus! 

Sara's birthday was on Friday, and I took a photo of her present mainly because I loved that wrapping paper. It reminds me of the wallpaper in my childhood bedroom. Only, instead of posies (or whatever they are), mine were red and pink roses. I know, different flowers, but maybe the colors are what triggered my brain.

We delivered her gift on Saturday, and then, Navy and Sara shared their harrowing experience with scombroid food poisoning. Last week, during game night, their friends brought over seared ahi tuna steaks, traditionally cooked lightly on the outside and raw on the inside.

 The first casualty was their friend, Bob.  Within 10 minutes, he developed a flushed red rash, had difficulty swallowing and breathing, along with a severe headache and stomach pain. Fortunately, Sara is a nurse and promptly gave him Benadryl. Bob and his wife then went to the emergency room.

While they were leaving, my son was the next one to fall ill, with the same symptoms. Unfortunately, Bob's wife had taken the entire bottle of Benadryl, leaving Navy in a miserable state. He experienced "the works,"  and without the antihistamine, his symptoms would persist for 10 to 12 hours or more.  Fortunately, Sara connected with Bob's wife, and they brought the bottle back for Navy. He was unwell for the rest of the evening and the next day and still suffered through the vile symptoms. 

Now he says he is swearing off raw fish - probably a good call, especially since they eat all that raw food. I'm actually surprised he got as sick as he did. I suppose it was bound to happen. 

As for me? It's a BIG NO THANK YOU. I'm content to stick to my totally old-school, cooked meals, and I'm fine with that.  We have several restaurants in town with nothing but Raw foods. I just don't have the passion. 

Meanwhile, poor Carrie, who is a picky eater to begin with, witnessed all the drama and has now sworn off all things raw.  She did take a bite before all the drama broke out, after a dare, and somehow dodged the bullet and didn't get sick.  The thing that boggles my brain is that Navy said it tasted funny, yet he kept eating, as did his friend Bob. Yeah, I don't get that at all! 

Navy asked me, 

"Wasn't there a rock group called Bad Tuna?" 

No, dear child, that would be Hot Tuna. A relic of the 60s San Francisco psychedelic music scene, part of the Jefferson Airplane family tree. It struck me as funny, but honestly, there could have been a band with that name... 

Obviously, Hot Tuna never ate BAD tuna. 

PS. For years, I collected vintage Fillmore West/Avalon Ballroom Posters, and my sons knew of the old bands that played in my era. I sold them years ago on eBay, which was a plus since all mine I acquired were free. I now wish I hadn't...

But what's done is done. 

Friday, Laydee received her mobility wheels, and we have been working with her gradually. Progress is progress. The Vet suggested we give her special treats only for training, so she learns to associate them with the positive.  So far, she has taken 2 steps, and her tail was wagging like crazy.  I believe she gets it! 

We're very hopeful.  

To be Continued...

I'd best be getting off - I'm dressed and ready for church, and as soon as my alarm goes off,  I can leave in time. Husband is already there, playing the conga. 

Thanks for dropping by. 

Debby