💓Love is in the Air ~ 🥚 Egg Watch

 

It's February, and that means we're all watching and waiting for some eggs. 

It's day four of egg watch, and the excitement is definitely building. We're all on the edge of our seats, eagerly awaiting what's to come…🥚🥚

The incubation process usually lasts between 30 and 45 days. 

Liberty and Guardian have been getting ready for weeks - getting the nest built just right, and Liberty has been eating well.  

Liberty has been in the nest for 2 nights in a row while her mate, Guardian, tends to her every need, so it might be getting close. He brings her food. He instinctively perches himself close to the nest to protect her. When they see each other in the morning, they do what is called trilling, which is a form of communication and affection between the eagle pair.

They continue mating during this, but usually off camera. 😮

 

Birds do it, bees do it
Even educated fleas do it

All of this is normal behavior for Liberty and Guardian as they approach egg-laying.

They know what they're doing.

💓

Bald Eagles engage in an aerial courtship display, where they will fly together and lock talons mid-air, before falling towards the ground and releasing just before impact.

Spectacular if you are fortunate enough to witness this. 

Stay tuned...

👃Where did the word, PU come from?

 Source: COR

 I thought this was such a pretty drone shot of my town. 

The work week has come to an end, and I'm excited to relax and enjoy the weekend. Although I plan to stay home and do some more cleaning, I just finished a thorough monthly cleaning job that I used to do more frequently. Since I've been away from home and haven't been doing as much "house-wifing," I'm a bit embarrassed to admit that my refrigerator has been neglected.

A couple of years ago, I became frustrated when the city announced that we needed to recycle our leftover food. Food waste is no longer allowed in the garbage cans; it must go into the green waste bins with yard waste instead. Rather than complaining about the new rule, I decided to embrace it and do my best to adapt. After all, you can't fight City Hall. 🥊

So I bought this container that sits on my counter. Isn't it cute? Looks like an old tin garbage can. I use the recyclable bags we get in the store in the produce section that biodegrade - (don't store your fruit and veggies, or they will begin the dying process in your vegetable bin). We're in the groove - whatever leftover food we have on our plates goes into this little can. It can be a bit overwhelming during big family dinners because we (usually Sara and I) do all the raking, then layer it into the compost bin using yard waste. It has actually worked out well. 

When I cleaned out the fridge, all those little leftovers, in containers that get taken hostage to no-man's land in the back of the fridge, had to be emptied into a double-wrapped paper bag and tossed into the compost. The freezer had some freezer-burned roast beef that really bothered me. I was planning to use that in a soup this week. I absolutely hate to waste anything. 

I need to improve! My parents, from the Depression and WWII era, taught me better.

It is recommended that we get a professional garbage can cleaner that comes out on garbage day and cleans your can, which we are seriously considering. Since the state mandated this, so many small businesses have met the stinky can's demands and are popping up all over. It's a buyer's market! So getting the best bargains are out there if you look! 👀 

For 4 cans, it's $35 a month or we can choose every other month or quarterly. 

This is their process: 

"Cleaning your trash bin only takes 30 seconds. Our 360 cleaning heads remove dirt and debris from every nook and cranny of your trash bin. Blasting water at over 200 degrees, paired with a disinfectant, kills all festering bacteria, promoting true cleanliness. After your trash bin is sanitized and disinfected, we hand-deodorize each container with the scent of your choice."

In our 105+ summer heat, it can get awfully smelly if you're not layering properly. So far we are doing fine, but on the days they do garbage - PU!

Where did the word PU come from? 

It's not an acronym; it's likely derived simply from the pronunciation of its parent word. Dating back to the early 17th century, a common exclamation of contempt for foul odor was "pyoo." As English spelling had not yet been standardized, this word was also written as pue, peugh, pew, and pue. Although each variant was correctly pronounced pyü, in practice, particularly when expressing outrage, both syllables were stretched out as pē-‘ū (pee-YOU), which, over the years, has been shortened to PU.

When it comes to the Super Bowl...🏈

Is it happening this weekend? 

Honestly, I wouldn’t even know anymore. I’ve come to be very comfortable in my individuality and enjoy being a bit of a nonconformist in a sea of followers. It’s hard to believe there was a time when I was a die-hard football fan, completely swept up in the excitement and frenzy of it all. While my heart still holds a soft spot for baseball, I no longer feel the need to obsess over any sport. 

Now, as I gracefully embrace the wisdom that comes with age, I find myself drifting further from the noise and clamor of mainstream pop culture. Instead, I’m drawn to quieter, more meaningful pursuits and simple pleasures that spark my curiosity, capture my attention, and bring me joy.

And with that said, I offer you all a blessing...

May your chips stay crunchy, your wings stay saucy, and your team wins. 👏🏻

Debby

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2

Everything is waiting for you, Downtown

Last week, we had a wonderful time at the soft opening of our new public market! This Friday, we’re excited for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, which coincides with the city tree lighting. It’s sure to be a nice community event, and we’ll be enjoying a fun "date night" with Navy and Sara as well.  

I absolutely love this Market! It’s a unique specialty grocery store filled with Northern California produce, meats, cheeses, and so much more!

Perfectly timed for holiday entertaining.

Given the prices, it will just be my husband and me savoring these delights on special occasions.

Conical Cabbage - a milder cabbage

Swiss Chard

Downtown in the 30s and 40s was a bustling hub! During that time, the Shasta Dam was being constructed, enhancing our area with essential water storage, flood control, and renewable hydroelectric power.  Then it faced challenges during the timber wars of the 1990s, which had a significant impact on our logging community. Many towns struggled, and sadly, our downtown fell into disrepair with closed businesses.

So I’m excited about the stunning restoration of historic buildings, paired with beautiful new construction. Our town is truly experiencing a vibrant renaissance. We have lived here 17 years, and this is the first time I have ever seen so much going on. 

I liked this tile work, with its vibrant colors and pattern.

I thought this chandelier was pretty - its lights beautifully casting a warm glow across the room. I bet it looks really pretty at night. 

How would you like to live in one of those condos to the side of this market?

I don't know...

Today was my husband's birthday, and I nearly let it slip my mind! Thankfully, a friend texted him, and it jogged my memory. I confessed, and he was completely understanding. His birthday always sneaks up on me. 

So we went out for brunch - 

I’m excited to return to BSF tomorrow and can’t wait for Isaiah on Thursday! Our church fellowship meets every other week, and this Wednesday evening, we’ll dive into Acts. Yeah, it's a lot of studying. It is not by accident that all three studies blend into one another, so it has actually given me more insight. I do enjoy it. 

Keeps me out of trouble!😏

Just a couple of minutes ago -

My husband put up the outside lights - 

The tree will probably go up on Thursday. 

So, I've already taken command and said NO to two upcoming events. 

As the holiday season unfolds, a whirlwind of sights and sounds clamors for my attention. I focus on what feels right for me! I’ve already said NO to two evening Christmas Parties that just didn’t spark my excitement - Although those gatherings are nice,  I prefer daytime events, if I'm driving alone in the dark, in the country with no street lights. NO thanks!

Just a couple of minutes ago...

I'd rather be home with my husband anyway. 💓

I'll close with this: I just finished Ezra 7-8, and we were asked this application question: 

What truth about God from this week's lesson resonates with you? 

His sovereignty, faithfulness, guidance, grace, and call to holiness inspire us to trust in His abundant provision. Embracing His will, confident that He is continually working for our good and His glory. 

See you when I see you...

Debby

 

Lets go out to eat...

Hopefully, you will hear more from me in the coming week! I've been missing in action from posting and commenting, and am awfully behind, for which I am sorry.  I have a week off from both my Bible studies for Thanksgiving, so, Lord willing, I can catch up. 

THINGS AROUND TOWN...

💒🎳🎪🏠🏨🏫🏡

My area is seeing business growth with the upcoming Amazon facility in 2026, new housing, trolley cars, and marketplaces with many new franchise eateries. I prefer to support local restaurants, and they face tough competition from these places. 

We're seeing too many unfamiliar franchises in town. While it's curious at first, after a while, many turn out to be just "lazy food" places with no real cooking - I'd prefer to cook at home instead! 

I hope this California twist means fresh, healthier foods, although I don't understand chicken and waffles❓❓❓

 This is the biggest business growth we've seen since we moved up here in 2008! 

Some of the Southern food on the menu

fried green tomatoes

chicken and waffles

fried okra

Some of the dishes served are called:

The Mississippi,

Dixie Land Skillet

The New Orleans,

The Riverboat,

The Cajun

Louisiana catfish

Southern-style fish and chips (catfish) 

and "N'awlins" sandwiches

Bayou chicken, 

Monte Christo

Shrimp Po Boy

A Hamburger called, Bubbas

and one of the sides is Jambalaya Rice. 

Hmm, doesn't sound very California to me. 🌞

I think they just throw in an avocado and a nut and call it a Californian? 😁

Another totally weird thing -

Huckleberries is moving into the long-standing IHOP location! While construction is still underway, I’m pleased that the building will be repurposed instead of torn down.

Two struggling franchises (Applebee's and IHOP) have decided to join forces, inside Applebee's, but they may be on a path to failure together. 😐 This new collaboration is something I have never heard of before. 

All in all, it's good to finally witness the resurgence of new restaurants after the challenging times brought on by government shutdowns, which saw so many good local restaurants close, including the franchise Red Lobster. 

I’m curious if these hybrid restaurants are a trend nationwide! 

Have you come across Huckleberries or Raising Cane’s?

 Are you spotting any new franchises in your area you've never heard of?  

Do you like Chicken and waffles? 

My son just set off for his annual Foodie vs. Wild camping trip, and I’m thrilled that his brother, Navy, will be joining him for a night. It warms my heart to see them continue to nurture their brotherly bond and create a real friendship without any nudging from me. 

It's his 45th birthday on the 23rd!

🎂

That's it for me - 

Until Next Time,

Debby

 

The Little Nursery with a Big Vision

I hope you had an enjoyable Saturday. 

Here, the sun was warm and the skies were blue. Tomorrow...rain! 

So it was a day I wanted to get out, out and about. 

This morning we were up and out of the house at 9am - went toy shopping for a little girl, ages 1-4. This was for the toy donation drive, Operation Blue Santa. They were having a drive-thru, drop-off. 

⬆️

Afterwards, I wanted to visit this charming new non-profit training center I had been hearing about, for underserved populations seeking employment in horticulture or food service.  These populations include individuals who may face barriers to employment, such as people experiencing homelessness, former foster youth, and those with disabilities like my step-daughter, Char.  It does this by functioning as a Boutique Nursery and outdoor café - called PLANTABLE. 

Source: Instagram

A really neat, funky place. 

They took an old, blighted structure...

Source: Instagram

AND fixed it up, and now it is a cool place to shop for nursery plants, grab a panini, soup, salad, or freshly made beignets, and, every Friday night, they have live music and food trucks. Free! Of course, you pay for your food and drinks. The staff there were incredibly knowledgeable and genuinely took the time to answer all my questions. While the prices were a wee bit higher than the big box stores, they are absolutely justified by their wonderful cause. 

The nursery is located in downtown, an area that is being revitalized. This change is bringing new life to the once-rundown neighborhood, with busy cafés, art galleries, and improved public spaces. We're still waiting for our Redding Public Market to open. I'm really excited about that. 

Source: Instagram

I fell in love with these structures - made with recycled metal pipes and wood slats. 

This was in October - we hope to make it this Friday night, weather permitting. 

I took a few photos of the plants and flowers. If I didn't name it, I either didn't know what it was, or I forgot the name...

Maybe you can help me?

#1 

I think I know, but could be wrong...

you tell me...

#2

A grapefruit

#3

Who knows? I sure don't! 

#4

Pomegranates 

Their recycling container. 

Red Roses

Bougainvillea 

#5

Azalea

They have many sitting places where you can eat or just relax. 

Arbutus 'Marina or Strawberry tree. 

Check out what Sue from Photowannabe  shared on her page! She captured some stunning shots of this tree in her yard that totally outshine this one. 

Quick Facts

These showy little trees are often stars of the garden! They’re well-adapted to this area's climate and loved by many! Though the name can be confusing, the Arbutus Marina’s fruit is not the traditional strawberry in grocery stores or desserts.. Though it is edible!

#6

Kumquat? 

We enjoyed our delightful lunch right here! I savored a tasty ham-and-pepper jack cheese panini with pesto, while my husband relished a salmon panini topped with pepper jack and homemade mayo. Sitting amidst the birds and basking in the sunshine made for a very nice lunch. 

Just some nice flowers by the paths...

I can't wait to return to this amazing place. I'm looking forward to their spring and summer! The photos I’ve seen from those seasons are absolutely beautiful, and I can’t wait to enjoy them! 

On the road to home...

Until Next Time...

Debby