Embrace Contentment

This past weekend

Life presents us with various seasons, and I’m currently navigating one of those seasons now.  The nearby fire and smoke have compromised the air quality this past week, and I'm trying to remain optimistic. It's fascinating how something as simple as sharing a morning coffee on the patio with my husband and our dog has been put on hold. While I miss those moments, I'm having to prioritize my well-being and discover new indoor activities, as if any indoor activity could replace the outdoors! 

Hallelujah

We woke up to good air quality this morning, making it the perfect opportunity to sit on the patio and enjoy a walk outside. After a week without a good walk, I truly appreciated every moment of it! 

And mall-walking doesn't do it for me!

We’re both navigating inside a "funk"  right now! 

While we still have the back of the house to paint and rocks to order, we’re forced to pause and reflect. As a couple who enjoys working with our hands, making our home a sanctuary for us, we truly thrive on working on projects. For us, too much leisure time seems dull. In times of fire, we always choose to stay near home. The unpredictable nature of the wildfires can send them raging in any direction, and our beloved animals are inside, relying on us to keep them safe. Being close to home gives us peace of mind and the ability to act quickly if needed. 

Today, my husband seized the opportunity to paint the trim around our greenhouse kitchen window, taking advantage of the moment while we can. 

Source: U.S. Forest Service - Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Currently, the Green Fire is at 15,438 acres

13% containment

Interestingly, I've learned that the current fire strategy is to mostly let the fire burn itself out, which initially sounded surprising to me. Given the challenging terrain—high elevation, steep slopes, and deep canyons—it makes sense. There aren't any roads, and fighting the fire head-on would put our brave firefighters at severe risk. 

This forest area benefits the environment from periodic fires, which are essential for the forest's health. They’re strategically using Shasta Lake and the Pit River to keep things under control.  While the fire might continue until fall, it's reassuring to know that this plan is aimed at protecting both the firefighters and the ecosystem.

 So I have to accept that the smoke will be a price to pay for everyone. 

Boy, that fence needs painting. 

During these times, it is hard for me to accept these types of challenges, as they show me how little control I have. It also shows me how selfish I can be - I want it my way. I don't want to be inconvenienced. 

I must recognize God's sovereignty and embrace His contentment in these situations without complaining. 

Just as a fire must burn through its fuel, so too will everything else in life find its path to resolution. The painting will get done eventually, and the rocks will find their place as well. Trust the process; it will all work itself out in its time.

Here's to clean air and a much-needed walk!

Debby

Hiking Weather

 

The weather has been fantastic for the past few days! We've enjoyed warm temperatures, reaching over 80 degrees, with yesterday being the hottest at 84. However, we're expecting rain to start tonight around 10 p.m. and it will continue into Sunday and Monday.

So we were not going to let this good weather go to waste...

this is hiking weather! 🥾

This is the bike trail we did not go on - 

We live and "recreation" on the ancestral land of the Wintu people, a local Native California tribe. 

Source: Outbound

On Wednesday afternoon, after I returned home from my Bible study group, we decided to go for a hike—my first one of the year. It wasn't a long hike, as I had to turn back at the halfway point. As I made my way up the trail, I quickly realized that I was pushing myself a bit too hard for this 71 year old body.  Although I had to hike back down, the good news was that the path downhill was easier. If I had continued on, I would have had to make a long trip back up, and I just wasn't up for that challenge. I took my time and was extra cautious because there were some muddy spots along the way.

I had a great time, but I felt disappointed in myself. When I mentioned this to my son, he replied, "Mom, you really need to prepare for those hikes, especially if you haven't been climbing steep inclines." 

Yeah yeah yeah - 

We didn’t encounter anyone else while we were out. When we arrived home, I was completely exhausted, and I slept very soundly Wednesday night. 

On Thursday morning, I woke up to the sounds of birds chirping. While my back felt sore, my legs and feet were doing just fine. To help ease the stiffness, I decided to take a walk behind our neighborhood. It's not a long walk—about 2 miles. I find that if I keep moving, I don't get stiff.

There's a piece of land for sale where this pond sits, and we couldn't help but imagine what it would be like to buy it and build a home with a view of the pond. It would be such an easy move—just 0.4 miles from our current house!

 I'd stock it with fish! 

Decades ago, this area was for cattle ranching and there are many of these cattle ponds back here. 

Typically, there are goats on this property - I did hear some donkeys in the distance. 

There are quite a few coyotes in this area. We've lost 2 outdoor cats to coyotes. If you live in a rural place, you might already be familiar with this, but it's something I've learned over the 17 years we've lived here. Donkeys can be really helpful in keeping coyotes away! These friendly animals are great at protecting their space. It might sound a bit unusual, but there's a good reason for this. Donkeys make deep sounds, known as brays, that coyotes find unpleasant. Because of this, coyotes prefer to stay away from areas where donkeys are present.

Sometimes we will be sitting on our patio and hear donkeys. Now that's a sound you don't hear in San Francisco! 

The road is on the left - 

We're still within city limits - it feels like we're in the country.

I love that I live here. I have easy access to nature while still being close to town. 

You can see the pond from another angle, but it really needs a lot of cleaning. People have thrown away all sorts of things there, including sofas and other trash. I even spotted a TV sticking out of the water once! We also noticed broken fluorescent light bulbs, which are dangerous to the environment. I tried calling the city, but this property is considered county and it is on private property. 

There has been some cleanup done, but we still have people who camp in that area, make campfires, and leave their trash behind.

I continued my walk - on this dirt road. 

My goodness, these cheery tree blossoms were gorgeous. 

I loved this curly type of cactus. I'm not sure if it is a ribbed cactus.

On Friday, I went grocery shopping with my son and took care of some errands. Meanwhile, my husband and his daughter went for a hike near the Keswick Dam, and he sent me some photos from their adventure.

The city and county use goats to help clear vegetation—it takes a herd a day to clear 14 acres. It looks like these three wandered away from their designated area and ended up in a parking lot.

pyracantha bush

Initially, I mistook these for PVC pipes, entwined within the flowers but it turns out they're actually the white branches. 

They're known as Bookbrush.

These are interesting, too. This is a species of willow. 

By Friday afternoon, I started to feel some discomfort in my mid to lower back. I've noticed that sometimes it takes a full day after a strenuous hike for the soreness to kick in.  Despite that, I couldn't just relax because we had plans to meet my son and his wife for our monthly Double Date Night! We both were celebrating our February wedding anniversaries. 

It was their turn to choose, so we met up at Cattlemen's Steak House. By the time we got home, I was completely exhausted. I changed into my pajamas and barely made it to 9:30 PM!

Foodie texted me this older photo of Mt Shasta from his many hiking treks up that way. 

Today, I have been resting and finishing up my bible study (Revelation 17) 

It is a lot cooler today at 74 and those wispy white clouds are moving in. 

Wow! I just realized today is March 1st. Happy March, everyone! And Happy Spring, too! I hope you’re all feeling cheerful and well!

 Until later...

Debby

Extra Extra Read All About it - Volcano Eruption

 

Benjamin Franklin Loomis is the amateur photographer who took most of the photos of Lassen Peak's initial eruption on June 14, 1914.

I took the opportunity to explore the eruption of Mt. Lassen more thoroughly by utilizing my Newspapers.com subscription. This allowed me to access a wide range of newspaper articles from across the country, during that time period. I wanted to read firsthand accounts from individuals who directly witnessed events, rather than relying exclusively on contemporary analyses from those who were not yet born at the time. This way we can gain insights and a deeper understanding of the experiences and perspectives of those who lived through significant moments of Northern California history. 

Join me as we travel back to

 May 23, 1915...

On May 22, 1915, a powerful explosive eruption at Lassen Peak, the southernmost active volcano in the Cascade Range, caused widespread devastation in nearby areas and scattered volcanic ash as far as 200 miles to the east. This eruption was the most significant event in a series of eruptions that took place from 1914 to 1917, marking the last volcanic activity in the Cascades until the 1980 eruption of Mt. St. Helens. Lassen Peak is the largest of more than 30 volcanic domes that have erupted over the past 300,000 years within Lassen Volcanic National Park.

As reported by those in Redding, CA, where I live now...

Incredibly, no one died from the Lassen Peak eruptions, but there were some close calls. 

Scripture does not explicitly mention volcanoes, yet it offers vivid imagery that can inspire us to consider the power of God's Creation. In Exodus 19:18, Mount Sinai enveloped in smoke and trembling with the presence of the Lord evokes a sense of awe. Here, we can reflect on the extraordinary and the wonders of creation. 

I hope you enjoyed our little trek back in time. 

Have an awesome evening and a blessed Sunday! 

In Christ, 

Debby

Trying to be normal on a Thursday

Today, I decided to leave the house. When you're not feeling well, it often requires some motivation to get moving. A roast chicken deli sandwich on Dutch crunch bread was the incentive I needed. We took our lunch to the nature preserve.

 Clover Creek. Isn't that the cutest name? 

I remember when this place first opened to the public about 15 years ago—there were no houses on the ridge. In the distance, you can see the Mt Lassen Caldera. That was one BIG volcano until it blew back in 1914 and 1921. 

Steam issuing from summit of Lassen Peak from head of Lost Creek following mud flow. Large boulder or "Hot Rock" in foreground. Photograph taken a few hours prior to second major eruption and hot blast. B.F. Loomis May 22, 1915 Archive VI-PH-C1.63

I love this stuff. 

Steam issuing from summit of Lassen Peak from head of Lost Creek following mud flow. Large boulder or "Hot Rock" in foreground. Photograph taken a few hours prior to second major eruption and hot blast. B.F. Loomis May 22, 1915 Archive VI-PH-C1.63

Okay, back on track...

It was around 63 degrees at noon with a cool breeze. 

Laydee was with us, enjoying the fresh air.

I found a bench and sat down in the sun; it felt so nice.

the view of the southern part of the Shasta Cascades 

We drove out to Shasta Lake near Jones Valley. 

The scenery was breathtaking—the hills were lush and green, dotted with goats and cattle. I wanted to stop and take a photo, but the narrow, winding country roads made it difficult to find a safe spot to pull over. Unfortunately, I never found a place where I felt secure enough to stop.

From last year! 

I drove out to the boat ramp to check on my favorite bench. The waterline has not reached the bench yet. I completely forgot to take my camera with me. Just driving out there, seeing all the houseboats lined up and getting ready for a good season, made me excited for spring and summer. 

It was nice to escape, even if only for a few hours.

I’m feeling better—I had an excellent night’s sleep. However, I still don’t feel quite like my normal self. Then again, what is "normal"? 

That's it for me: this late Thursday afternoon post. 

On to Friday...

Debby

Three Dams and Two Lakes and One Mighty River

 

As many of you may know, we experienced significant rainfall last week. I compiled information from various photo sources, including X, the local news, and my own observations. Here is a photo of the swollen Sacramento River at Lake Redding Park. The gentleman sitting on the bench is actually a statue.

Did it fool you?

The Salmon Fish Ladder is covered...

Just a little swampy! 

For safety reasons, it is advised to refrain from walking by the river until conditions are deemed safe.

The water level of the Sacramento River is high at the Sundial Bridge with just a few feet to spare

During periods of heavy rainfall or increased water flow, the dams located upstream operate their release valves to let out excess water. This process is crucial for managing water levels and preventing potential flooding. The sheer volume and power of water being released can be quite significant, highlighting the importance of proper dam management in ensuring safety and stability in downstream areas.

This is for you Ginny 

Let Your Light Shine 

I always think of you when there is a sunset! 💖

The above photos took place on Saturday night.

After Sunday services at church, I found myself curious about the events happening upstream and felt compelled to investigate further. With my trusty magnifying glass in one hand and a pipe in my mouth, I donned my sleuth hat and headed upriver to confront the main culprit behind these occurrences: Ah HA!

The Shasta Dam! 

Turn your speakers up to hear that power - 

I drove up to Whiskeytown Lake to explore a different kind of dam: an earth-filled dam located on Clear Creek, a significant tributary of the Sacramento River. This area is part of the larger Trinity River system, highlighting the diverse engineering approaches used in water management in the region.

I should have taken a video -  no spillway on this Dam - just a Glory Hole. 

Not just any Glory Hole - President JFK dedicated the Dam in Sept 1963. 

The Glory Hole appears significantly large when compared to the surrounding individuals. In the image, you can see President Kennedy addressing the crowd from the podium. I was living in San Francisco at the time and was unaware of this event until we moved to the area 17 years ago. 

Today, the Kennedy Memorial Plaque commemorates a significant moment in local history. Additionally, we have a recording of his complete speech, providing a valuable resource for everyone, particularly younger generations who can hear his words on this area. 

A Memorial Plaque

Then we drove on to yet another Dam - Keswick, which is part of the watershed area that feeds water to our farmers and provides hydroelectricity. 

We have a lot of water up here! 

When there are significant water releases, minor flooding can occur downstream. It's important to trust that those in control understand the complexities of the system. Water is being managed for hydroelectric power in the far northern part of the Sacramento Valley, while also being distributed to the farmlands to the south.

We are sunny and drying out. The snow on the mountains makes it colder. Another big rain system is on its way—possibly for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday! 

Thank you, God, for the abundant rain you have bestowed upon us. We trust in your divine design of seasons and weather. Though we may not always express our gratitude for the conditions you provide, we seek your forgiveness. Help us recognize the blessings in every season, cultivating a deeper appreciation for your bountiful gifts.

Lord willing, I will see you all tomorrow. 

Debby