Welcome to the Rainy Season, Shasta Style

 

I just want to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who offered their prayers. Your prayer support means a lot to me, and I genuinely believe it makes a difference.

This storm brought heavy rain due to a stationary convergence line that lasted about twelve hours. Our region, influenced by nearby mountains, is susceptible to such storms. Although we've seen these convergence lines before, this one was significant, resulting in nearly eight inches of rain, varying by location due to local microclimates.

Another Atmospheric River storm will be here tomorrow, adding a minimum of 3-4 more inches - 

Oh well. 

We faced quite an adventure when our sump pump failed, and the rapidly rising floodwaters in our backyard submerged the electrical components, blowing the circuit  for our outdoor lights (which could have caused a fire had he not figured it out)  Thankfully, my husband replaced it today, and everything is now working perfectly! It's such a blessing to have a handy husband who knows how to get things done, all in a calm manner. 

As the floodwater crept over our patio and began to move toward the sliding glass door, I realized we needed sandbags. Unfortunately, we didn't have any, as this situation is quite rare for us. Today, we purchased innovative sandless bags that expand and divert water effectively. Given his back, we opted for this hassle-free solution over the traditional method of shoveling sand into bags in the pouring rain, then hoisting the heavy bags into the van. Though more costly, they prioritized his well-being without sacrificing his back. We couldn't ask our sons for help; they were facing their own flooding challenges, just trying to get home from work. Sara was at the hospital. 

One funny thing that had us splitting a gut was how we had decorated the patio for Christmas. It's now a muddy mess, and it will stay that way. 

 Funny how your perspective changes. 

I was in an adrenaline rush from all the excitement, and I never got stressed - I had a hard time getting to sleep. Thanks to a calm husband who knows how to get things done and isn't afraid to get out in the pouring rain and get his hands muddy!   We were both clear-headed, and we had to stop a few times, belly laughing at our situation, which is the best stress reliever, and it felt good. 

Since I'm not on social media, my son let me use his Facebook to access important information, which irritates me because I didn't want to join in the first place. However, it does offer the best, most up-to-date emergency information. Then, I remembered I do have an account that I used a few times during some past fire seasons, so I had to find it and make a new password - UGH! I need to get a new emergency scanner. 

Here are some photos I copped off Facebook.

The interstate, before it was closed, was like a river in full flow, almost like rapids. Now that would have me concerned. 

My son's area

It was evening when we began hearing reports of people stranded across the area, with rescues underway. One man drove his vehicle through a flooded section, and the floodwaters overtook him, where he drowned. 

Brenda texted me at midnight and said, A flash flood came through their master bedroom, the sunroom, and the garage. I talked with her this morning, and they are understandably distraught; however, they have a close-knit family support, which is good. 

We were supposed to go to the last candlelighting, but, obviously, we couldn't. You don't want to leave your home only to be unable to get back. 

It's funny because I had everything ready for over a month, and I was on top of it. I left the deli meat and the fresh produce for purchase tomorrow, but since another storm is moving in, I went out today to pick up the last of our Christmas Eve dinner. 

Many prayers for all those less fortunate than we were, especially for the family of the man who drowned, and my heart goes out to the many dogs that escaped during the storm, and the farm animals that needed rescue last night. They had to rescue a horse stuck in the mud. One thing I love about this area, from all the fires we’ve all faced together, is that it’s a strong community, and everyone helps in their own way. 

Until next time - 

Debby

The Light of the World

All my ladies showed up yesterday for our last class of 2025 to turn in the Christmas cards and to share a favorite scripture, a doctrinal truth, and a prayer. We’ll plan for a fellowship in January - December gets too hectic, and January could use a little extra joy.

The winter semester begins on January 7. 

Time really flies, doesn't it?

I have jury duty on January 21. While I'm always called, I’ve never been picked for a jury, and I’m eager to be part of a criminal trial before I'm too old to make a difference.  My fascination with criminal justice and courtroom dramas, thanks to Perry Mason, makes it all the more interesting.

Aren't these napkins just adorable? 

My husband picked them up for me, and they’re almost too cute to use!

I still plan to add fairy lights to the windowsill. 

As you can see, we've been experiencing some rain, which is typical for this time of year. It’s officially our rainy season, and it’s just getting started. During the early rainy season, snow levels are generally higher, but this weekend they are expected to drop to 6,000 feet or lower. There’s a lot of optimism for another fantastic year of snow and rain in my region of California, which serves as the state’s watershed. While some may spread fear, I trust that God is sovereign and has everything under His control.

My husband’s old Hanukkah menorah is a family heirloom. 

“Blessed are You, Lord our God, Ruler and Creator of the Universe, who has put Your Holy Spirit in all who are born again in You to teach and guide us, in keeping with Your Word, and to be Your lights to the world."

"Blessed are You, Lord our God, Ruler and Creator of the Universe, who performed and still performs miracles for the Jewish people, the nation of Israel, and all those who love and put their trust in You." 

"Blessed are You, Lord our God, Ruler and Creator of the Universe, who has kept us alive and brought us to this season." 

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”  John 8:12

This beautiful beaded box, where my husband stores the candles, 

has always been one of my favorites.

Santa Claus came early for Laydee! I purchased her a human-sized dog bed that’s about the size of a twin bed, so we can lie beside her and cuddle. She loves to snuggle and even wraps her arms and those big paws around us, patting us on the head! 

This bed is orthopedically beneficial for her achy joints, and honestly, it’s super comfortable for us too.

 I almost drifted off to sleep with her beside me. 

There's nothing like cuddling with a big dog!

I recently came across something special while going through the Christmas boxes - Pops passed away in December 2020. That year, we found this card he had written for us, but never had the chance to give it to us due to his stroke. 

This one is definitely a keeper!

I’m a weather geek, and one of my enjoyable pastimes is checking out all the fire and weather cameras here in the North State for scenic views I can't get on my own. 

This was taken a couple of weeks ago when a stubborn fog bank covered the valley for about 400 miles.

Mt. Shasta has been getting more snow this season, though the south-facing side typically has less.

I’ve been in a blogging slump lately, focusing more of my energy on Substack, where I now have 187 subscribers! I’ve finally found my niche, and I am enjoying it very much. 

I hope you're all enjoying this season of peace!

Until Next Time,

Debby

Laydee, Storage containers, 400 miles of Fog and a Video

It's time for a 

this or that post... 

🐾🐾🐾

I recently came across a cute doggy scarf and immediately thought of our elderly Lab, Laydee. We're thankful she's still with us, and we appreciate her presence. In March, she started receiving her monthly Librela injections to help with her arthritis. She was doing well until the temperatures dropped recently. It's been in the mid-40s and 50s, with a lot of valley fog, and that cold, damp weather has been challenging for her.

🐕‍🦺🐕‍🦺🐕‍🦺

Fortunately, she isn't in any pain—I know her signs: panting and a certain look in her eyes.  Thankfully, she hasn't shown any of that. However, she has become unsteady on her feet. Once we get through the holidays, we're planning to get her a set of wheels to help her move around more easily and play.

🐕‍🦺🐕‍🦺🐕‍🦺

Everyone who meets her loves her. It’s always difficult to see an animal age or struggle to walk. She was at the vet yesterday for her injection, and he gave her a thorough check-up. Fortunately, she is doing well. They even brought out a rug for her to lie on while she waited. While we were paying the bill, the vet came out, knelt down, and kissed her on the forehead, telling her she was a good dog! My husband and I nearly broke down in tears. That’s the kind of veterinarian who truly cares for the animals he treats.

I was driving through town when I saw a building under construction made from shipping containers. It looks like they are finishing it with exterior-grade cement particle board. I am curious to see how it will turn out.

👷👷‍♀️👷‍♂️

I really enjoy this type of construction. I appreciate repurposing everything, especially when it's used in building projects.

We finally finished decorating the Christmas tree a few days ago, and we're happy to have it done!

Yesterday at my Bible Study, I brought in blank Christmas cards for our group. Each person took a card home to write ✍️ something meaningful they learned from our study, share a favorite verse, and include a prayer for the recipient for the new Year.  They will bring the cards back next Wednesday, and I will hand them out.

We will be starting Esther. 👑 Then off for two weeks! 

400 miles of dense fog - From Shasta Lake City all the way to the Grapevine, we have been engulfed in tule fog - at times, visibility has been reduced to just 20 feet ahead. It's cold and it's damp, creating a dreariness reminiscent of my childhood in San Francisco and Pacifica. However, that fog was coastal fog, which is a specific kind that comes in the summer months. This Valley fog we usually don’t get it for long here in Shasta Co. - maybe a couple of days, and it arrives in the winter months, but now we’ve had two weeks of it. Sometimes the fog clears in the afternoon, but it reappears at dusk, and before you know it, visibility is impaired as it embraces everything in its sight. Plus, this damp cold has been bothering my joints, but what can you do? 

Yesterday morning, as I was driving out to my bible study, I got that freeze warning on my dashboard - it was only 3️⃣9️⃣degrees. Yowza!  When I arrived, it didn't take long to realize the church's furnace had broken down, so the sanctuary was freezing. The big wood stove wasn’t lit. We could have really benefited from that nice wood stove!  My group meets in the gym kitchen, which has its own heating unit, and it's connected to the Gym, so once we were in there, it was warm. 

Today as I was going to my other study, it was 4️⃣0️⃣degrees then it cleared and the temperatures went up 10 degrees! That fog is freezing cold.

It's that time of year again, when my husband drags out all his ugly Hanukkah sweaters, and he doesn't get embarrassed one bit. He wore this one today on the college campus.  

He was a hit! 

Last Friday night was the official opening of the public market. It reminds me of a mini Pike Place Market in Seattle - with really cool little restaurants, ice cream, a specialty grocery store, pizza, smash burgers, a bar, a wine bar, a noodle shop, a bread butcher, a local brewery, and different places to sit - inside or outside with those sliding window doors. There's a fire pit - 🔥

I get so disgusted with Blogger. For years, I have been able to upload videos - 

so now I can't. Grrrrrr!😡

So if you want to see how small towns do Sleigh Bells... 🛷🛎️

You'll have to do it manually...

https://youtu.be/ovuwPxYv8VQ

That's it for now. Time to focus on dinner and just relax for the evening. I hope you are all well and enjoying this special season. ✝️

.

Let's Chill

That is the sentiment of today - 

Let's chill at 51 for a high and 42 as a low. 

This little pup has the right attitude for 2025 - 

I began packing up Christmas last week, but the pot holders and tablecloths must be washed before I pack them away - and then, of course, there are always a couple of overlooked items.

I think I have everything...

Susie has to inspect everything. 

This morning, it rained while I went grocery shopping. Since I'm focusing on using what I already have in the freezer and cupboards for meals, I only spent $43 at the store. My purchases mainly included laundry detergent, dishwasher detergent, and bleach. I also bought milk, bread, cheese, olives, and orange juice.

The current cost of eggs in my area is close to $9 for a dozen. This seems consistent with last year, but I'd like to know if it is just seasonal or a result of the impact of avian influenza on chicken populations. 

What are you paying for eggs? 

The other day, I snagged my favorite jeans on a nail and tore them. Since the tear isn’t in a seam, I had to buy new ones. The current pair I wear is too big for me—I look like a waif! I went to Kohl's and got two new pairs, one black and one denim, along with some black ankle boots. Plus, I’m down another jeans size, which is a win!

I haven’t been dieting; I’m just eating less and moving more as I approach 71 in March. I’m not a big eater, and I don’t have a sweet tooth, but lately, my weakness has been warm crusty bread with butter and mint chocolate chip ice cream!

Oh my!

On New Year's Day evening, we lit the final candle. We invited some like-minded friends to join us, which was a lot of fun. I prepared some finger foods and finished off the evening with jelly donuts. I was too tired to make latkes since I had just cleaned my stove and didn't want to deal with the mess again. It can get quite oily on the stove and on the floor! 

We're having nachos for dinner with meat and refried pinto beans, which I have been cooking all day. Yum, it smells so good!

Enjoy your evening. 

Debby

This and That on a Monday

Today has unfolded beautifully - 

It's amazing how my perspective on Mondays has changed since my husband and I embraced retirement; they now feel like a refreshing start rather than a frantic beginning to the week.

The oranges I brought home from a neighbor’s tree are truly a delight. Each bite reveals an explosion of juicy flavor - hands down, the best oranges I’ve ever tasted! I even incorporated them into the Orange Cardamom olive oil cake, I baked on Christmas Day. 

All before noon, I made a quick trip to the store - I dashed in to get a much-needed haircut and also picked up a calendar from the Dollar Tree to mark up with appointments. 

In 2025, I will join Pamela and Ginny as they showcase their monthly calendars on their blogs on the first of every month. I figure, why not? This year, I find myself having several calendars instead of the usual one.

I like to keep a magnetic notepad on my refrigerator, so I picked this one up at Dollar Tree. It doesn't "wow" me—they were picked over, and I could find none that I really liked, but I needed one as I used the last sheet today. Then I found out that the magnet on the back doesn't even hold it up. I will take off the other magnet and glue it on. 

You can do it - yeah I guess I did. 

Christmas has been tidied away, and this year, I kept it minimal with just one tote. The outside nativity and the decorations inside are gone, along with the stockings that were hung with care and the Santa boots. 

The house is a mess. 

Yet, what remains is Jesus. 

May He always be front and center in our lives, and not just for a season.

Yesterday around dusk, we went downtown because the Chabad Center from Chico came to light the Hanukkah menorah in our town. A large group of them drove up with their children and brought latkes and sufganiyot (jelly donuts) to share for free with the public. There was some dancing and music as well.

You might already know that they are Hasidic Jews, especially if you live on the East Coast.  They follow Orthodox traditions, and the men typically wear tzitzit, dark clothing, and often a hat. We don’t have many Hasidic Jews here in California; you usually find them in cities with large Jewish populations, such as New York City or Philadelphia. 

Definitely not in Shasta County!

The Rebbe (as Hasidic Jews refer to their Rabbi) and his wife have nine children! They were very friendly and welcoming. We met up with some members of our Tikvah team and a few from the Synagogue.

It was windy, so they had to tie the hanukkiah to a heavier one. This one was made from PVC piping. And yes, the boy is dressed up like a dreidel. 

FYI

A Chabad is a vibrant Hasidic outreach organization dedicated to providing spiritual support and connection to non-observant Jews. These centers often serve as vital hubs for Jewish life, particularly in areas with a significant population of Jewish students, such as college campuses. 

Typically, a Chabad house is located just off campus, where a Rebbe—a spiritual leader and teacher—along with his family creates a welcoming environment. These houses serve as a sanctuary for Jewish students seeking community, offering a variety of programs and activities designed to foster a sense of belonging and cultural identity. 

The Rebbe and his family open their homes to students, hosting Shabbat meals, holiday celebrations, and engaging and informative educational classes. This warm, familial atmosphere makes the Chabad house a cherished place for many, providing a comforting "home away from home" where Jewish students can connect with their heritage, seek guidance, and build lifelong friendships. 

Whether it's through festive meals, study sessions, or simply a place to relax and socialize, Chabad houses play a crucial role in bridging the gap between less observant Jews and their cultural and religious roots, enriching their college experience with meaningful Jewish engagement.

Getting ready to pack up. 

I spoke with the Rebbe's wife, who highlighted the challenges in Chico and the Bay Area, especially on campus after October 7, 2023. Despite being in Chico for 17 years, they’ve faced security concerns, feeling the absence of supportive neighbors. 

This is why, as Christians, we must stand united with our Jewish brethren, regardless of the cost!

Years ago, I watched movies and historical documentaries that depicted Europe in the 1930s and 1940s, illustrating how people turned against the Jewish community during that time. I remember thinking that I could never be part of such behavior, and I'm sure many others have felt the same way.

Yet, here we are in a critical moment in history where we must not bury our heads in the sand. We must remember that "Never Again" is a call to action that must be heeded today.

After we left the gathering we went out for Mexican food for dinner. 

Today was a beautiful, sunny, and clear day. Although it was a bit chilly with some cool breezes, the high reached 56 degrees. Brrrr, but it felt nice in the sun! It looks like there won't be any rain this week, so we can dry out from the rain we had last week. I wish it was like that all winter - rain one week and dry the next.  

Tonight, we're grilling BBQ chicken on the patio.

We have no plans for New Year’s Eve other than doing what we always do. I’m perfectly fine with my husband and me being “old farts.” We’ll probably watch a movie and enjoy some ice cream!

I hope you are all doing well and looking forward to a wonderful New Year. I know I am, and I can’t wait!

Hugs,

Debby

 

Margie's Potato Latkes

This is the kind of old-school recipe that, once you do it successfully, you can experiment with to make it your own. I've added fresh garlic to the potato mixture when it was just family. Not everyone likes garlic like we do. 

Margie's Potato Latkes' 

6 large potatoes grated

2-3 large onions grated

2 well-beaten eggs

2 tbsp. flour

1 tsp salt

pinch of pepper

4 tbsp. of shortening (I use a vegetable oil) 

 Peel the potatoes 

 Soak in cold water - 1 hour in the refrigerator

Remove from water - grate potatoes and onions and drain the excess starch and onion juice

 Add well-beaten eggs

 flour 

 salt

 pepper. 

Mix well by hand or wooden spoon.

Meanwhile, have skillets sizzling hot with oil. 

Drop a large spoonful of the potato mixture and fry to a deep brown and both sides. 

*The Oil must be sizzling HOT, or they will be greasy and soggy. I pretty much keep my cast iron on high-medium heat. 

Don't be stingy with the oil -  

 it is Hanukkah!

Traditionally, it is served with applesauce or sour cream

*Throughout the frying, skim the skillet of crisp pieces or they will burn and smoke

*If your smoke alarm hasn't gone off, your skillet isn't hot enough. (JK) Turn on fans, open windows...

*I work two cast iron skillets at the same time when I am making them for a crowd.