Brandy Creek Hike

 

On Saturday, we planned to hike around Brandy Creek at Whiskeytown Lake, my favorite spot nearby. I also like Lake Shasta, but I prefer hiking here since it’s less crowded. We usually start early in the morning.

I was standing on a footbridge overlooking the creek. The snow is melting now that it’s 80 degrees, but the water is still very cold. 

Today, the temperature is expected to reach 90.

The footbridge

Spring hasn’t fully arrived here yet. Just 20 miles from where we live, it's been spring for several weeks. (it's the micro-climates we have here in California)  It should come this week with the warmer weather, since I can already see some green shining in the sunlight.

Okay, here we go...

Pretty pink flower growing out of the rock. 

I had to cross a bunch of boulders and rocks (very carefully) to reach the creek.

It was definitely worth it. The water was so clear. I have a video that I’ll upload to YouTube since Blogger won’t let me upload it from here. I plan to share it on Wednesday, Lord willing.

We met a nice couple our age and stood talking to them for over an hour. They are from French Gulch (I just love the names of old mining towns... Horsetown, Clear Creek Diggings, Coffee Creek, etc.).

Anyway, their house, which was on the historical registry, burned down in the 2018 Carr Fire. But they had a second home in town that they rented out, and now they live there.

I love meeting new people and chatting. We had so much in common, but somehow we walked away without exchanging phone numbers. They should be easy to find, since French Gulch has only 192 people. His name was Mark, and hers was something like RoseMary, RoseMarie, Rosalie, or Rosalyn???

Nice people.

This is my youngest son, Navy. He was fishing at a lake in Shingletown on Saturday.

He REALLY loves to fish. 

Right now, my husband is getting his fishing license and a burn permit for wilderness campfires. 

There were more rocks and boulders ahead. I had to move slowly and watch out for rattlesnakes that are coming out of their winter sleep. (Brumation)

Rattlesnake season usually picks up from March to early fall on trails, canyons, and open areas. They’re not trying to cause trouble. Hmmm,  I keep reminding myself of that so I don’t get too freaked out. 

It's always a good idea to stick to clear paths and avoid tall grasses or rocky crevices! I realized that on Saturday when I was out exploring. I tried to be careful as I made my way down, but I thought to myself that if I spotted any snakes, I'd definitely want to be a bit quicker getting back out than I was going down. 😱

The best thing is to stay alert, respect wildlife, and give them their space.

I noticed an interesting cloud pattern that looked rippled - 

Husband took this photo, and we left for home for our lunch. 

Such a lovely day. 

Well, obviously, I’m back. When you catch yourself mumbling and drafting a blog post in your head while in the shower, it’s probably time to return. 👍

I'm looking forward to a great week ahead. Nothing special planned, but it's still wonderful to be alive, don't you think? I hope you are looking forward to the week ahead as well. 

Until Next Time, 

Debby

1. Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers,

2. but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night.

3. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.

Psalm 1:1-3

A Sunny Saturday

We drove up to the Northern California Veterans cemetery before noon to help with the Wreaths Across America - 

My husband and I will be there one day. 

Beautiful day - no fog!

That's the Chapel in the distance.

Combat Santa - in his Christmas camouflage. 

Note: this former retired Green Beret parachuted in. 

I've reached a point in my life where I can walk through the cemetery and recognize many names - my father-in-law, my parents, and some good friends.

This afternoon, I finally finished up with the decorations - 

My mom's paper doll house - 1940s. 

That's all her mother could afford. When I was 10, she gave me all her paper dolls and this cardboard dollhouse. The furniture and paper-doll family that came with the house didn't last long because I had a little sister! After that, she wasn't allowed in my room while I was playing. 

The two Santa Boots my sons made in kindergarten. 

The Merry Christmas sign was the first wood craft I ever made -late 70's. It's been outside, inside - tucked in poinsettias, hanging on my dad's sled.  For some reason, I still like it.  

🎄🎅🎄🎅🎄🎅

I had 2 bins that I didn't use, and I will try to go through them to donate. I would hope I can eliminate at least one bin/possibly two.  That would be a gift I give to myself. 

Last night, as we waited for the Instrumental and Vocal Jazz Ensemble. It was delightful. You certainly can't beat the price $5 each for us and 2 hours of good music and singing. 🎶 

We were planning to go to the Nutcracker and the Garden of Lights, but we'll do that next year. Shopping is done, I'm almost done decorating, and now I want to bake, stay home, and savor the season. I also have a few decorations that need repair...

🍕🍕🍕

It's pepperoni pizza night - a time for me to put my feet up while the husband makes and bakes the pizza, all the while listening to Italian opera! He even knows how to toss the dough high into the air. He hasn't dropped the dough once! 

He's so funny and always makes me laugh. 

That's all I have for now. I'm tired and hungry, and tonight we've got a date to watch White Christmas - Came out in my birth year of 1954. No wonder it is a favorite of mine. 

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

 

My Introverted Saturday

 

Here it is, Saturday once again, and I find myself nestled comfortably at home. I’ve never really been one to embrace the traditional Saturday routines, out and about town, shopping endlessly. No, not for me. Not that I don't enjoy doing those things, but I'd rather do it mid-week.  Before I married my second husband, I enjoyed having dinner get-togethers with my girlfriends, filled with laughter, good food.  We would spend Saturday nights singing our favorite tunes at karaoke bars. Those vibrant times now feel distant. Time has taken its toll; three dear friends have passed away, another moved to Nevada, and one to Kansas. The only friend still around is caring for her mother.  Life has changed, leaving behind echoes of what once was.

Within my soul, is the quiet yearning for the solace of home.  My heart is drawn to the comfort of my own space, where I can recharge and indulge in the simple pleasures of the day. I mean, for me, what could be better? 

I know, I know, BORING to most but not to me, I call it contentment. 

Then there is...

My extroverted social husband is always eager to be on the go, bustling from one adventure to the next. I must admit, it can be quite exhausting—not in a physical sense, but mentally.  As an introvert, my essence thrives on moments of quiet reflection, the comforting embrace of home, and the pursuit of creative or intellectual outlets. When I don’t carve out enough of this cherished downtime for myself, I begin to feel overwhelmed.

We complement one another, honoring each other's unique personality needs. He brings his strengths to the table, and I do the same, creating a balance in our relationship.

At church, I tend to embrace a "behind the scenes" role, preferring to observe and support from the sidelines, while my husband takes center stage. He immerses himself in the rhythm of the worship team, skillfully playing the conga drums and occasionally picking up other percussion instruments like the bodhran. He thrives in his element, immersed in what he loves, while I sit back, soaking it all in and enjoying the moment.

 What exactly defines an introvert? 

Introverts thrive on solitary reflection, valuing personal space and quiet over social interactions that may leave them drained. They prefer tranquil environments and the beauty of nature, excelling in deep thought. Their communication style is thoughtful, often weighing words carefully and favoring internal processing before expressing themselves.

This sentiment doesn’t imply that I harbor any dislike for people; rather, it reflects a fundamental difference in our social needs. While some thrive in the bustling energy of social interactions, I find them somewhat draining. Plus, let’s be honest, who doesn’t revel in the warm companionship of their dog over that of other people? 

Okay, fine—perhaps those who aren’t fond of dogs or don’t have one of their own might disagree. You got me there!

I find it utterly fascinating how God intricately crafted each of us with our own unique personalities, including those who identify as introverts. Each individual's essence plays a vital role in the divine tapestry of life, serving His purposes in remarkable ways. In Ephesians 2:10, it beautifully states, "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them." God has designed every one of us with distinct gifts and temperaments, each tailored to fulfill the meaningful tasks He has envisioned for us. Our diverse personalities are not merely random; they are part of a master plan that calls us to contribute to the world in ways only we can.

I believe introverts, characterized by our reflective and contemplative nature, possess a unique ability to be used by God in truly profound ways, but are often overlooked by churches who want us all to be the busy-worker-bees-types and are missing out on what we introverts can bring to the table - our natural inclination toward listening deeply to hurting people without talking, and demonstrating empathy, and engaging in thoughtful prayer behind the scenes. You can always count on an introvert to pray!  In 1 Samuel 16:7, I'm paraphrasing here, "The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance of introverts who appear to them as withdrawn, shy, with no social skills, but the Lord looks at the heart." 💓💓

This paraphrased verse reminds us that introverts, like all believers, are not only cherished by God, but are also uniquely equipped to serve in His kingdom. Our quiet strength and ability to connect on a deeper level allow us to contribute in ways that are invaluable and extraordinary.

Famous Introverts

Abraham Lincoln, Mahatma Gandhi, Eleanor Roosevelt, Rosa Parks, Bill Gates, Elon Musk, Meryl Streep, Harrison Ford, Vincent van Gogh, Maya Angelou, Marie Curie, J.K. Rowling, Albert Einstein, Dr. Seuss, Steven Spielberg,  just to name a few. 

Biblical Figures

• Moses: Often portrayed as reluctant to speak publicly, relying on his brother Aaron to address the people
• Mary of Nazareth: Described as contemplative and reflective, pondering events “in her heart”
• Paul: Known for his extensive missionary journeys and powerful letters, Paul showed many introverted qualities in his approach to ministry and teaching.

Tomorrow or Monday, I plan to delve into the fascinating world of extroverts. Did you know that approximately 50-70% of people worldwide identify as extroverts?  

So are you an Introvert or an Extrovert? 

Just for fun - https://introvertdear.com/introvert-extrovert-test-quiz/

Failure as a Stepping Stone

This week has been challenging as our Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) is selecting leaders for the upcoming year. I’m happy to report that one woman from my group has been assigned to the Children’s Ministry, which I believe she will excel in. I also submitted three names for consideration, with two candidates standing out as exceptional leaders.

However, there is one individual I wouldn’t recommend. She has approached me multiple times about wanting to be a leader and expressed hurt about not being asked in the past.  While I like her, I don’t believe she possesses the qualities needed for effective leadership.  Her confidence in her experience as a retired educator doesn't align with BSF's focus on facilitating biblical discussions rather than teaching. We have teacher leaders who do that - with weekly lectures. 

What concerns me is that she has not shown a true sense of calling to shepherd the women in our group; her motivations seem based solely on her background as a teacher.  I did inform the Administration Team of her interest but regret not voicing my reservations earlier. In hindsight, I realize I inadvertently placed my Administrator in a tough position by not sharing my concerns before submitting her name. 

I found myself in a tough situation, as well - unsure how to navigate this.  I didn't want to hurt her feelings, but I also felt caught in a difficult position where I knew the issue with her needed to be addressed, while other group leaders in the past just ignored her, which caused her more confused and hurt feelings. The thought of discussing her behind her back made me uncomfortable; I value our friendship too much for that. Looking back, I realize I completely dropped the ball on this. I wish I had taken a different approach. Whatever that would have been. 

Definitely, a lesson in all of this for me. 

No one likes to fail, and I have to remind myself that my successes and failures don’t define my worth. Failure can be a chance for growth.  I can always turn to God for His guidance during setbacks, trusting that He is fulfilling His purposes in me (Philippians 2:13). This perspective helps me view failure as a stepping stone in my faith journey, relieving the pressure of perfection. I acknowledge the actions I took, and there's no way to change the past. I’m still waiting for an update on whether the Admin has discussed the situation with her; hopefully, that will happen later this week.

My Sweet Gum Tree welcomes Spring with its delicate green leaves shimmering in the gentle breeze. It won't be long before it unfurls its vibrant canopy, offering refuge from the blazing summer sun. As it grows, it will become a bustling sanctuary, providing cozy nests and shelter for the birds.

The top photo is the Shamrock plant that has been blooming since January. 

That's it for me - on this Saturday. 

Keep your eyes on Jesus...

Debby