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

 

The weekend and What's Ahead for This Week

 

As the season unfolds, all types of events and happenings are popping up everywhere!  I will have to prioritize the truly special ones.   

What an exciting day yesterday was! Our wonderful Christian community came together to celebrate the upcoming opening of a new Pregnancy Care clinic set for January. Back in March, a call to action was called to many the churches, to raise one million dollars to purchase this building and support operations for the first year. 

Thanks be to God, they were able to purchase the building and the 2 acres with an all-cash purchase. Now that is a God-job and a definite reason to celebrate!

In one special room, inspiration flowed freely as we were invited to unleash our creativity and write on the walls. The space buzzed with energy, encouraging us to leave our mark in vibrant words and thoughts.

The facility is absolutely fantastic! It will feature a spacious boutique filled with free maternity and infant/toddler clothing, equipment, toys, diapers, and more. 

Strolling along the Sacramento River Trail on a warm Fall day is a delightful experience. What a perfect backdrop for a refreshing escape into nature. 

The hills are showing signs of recovery from the 2018 Carr Fire in our town.  It’s good to see nature bounce back - 

I’ve been meaning to fill you in on the latest about my husband’s tooth - 

He visited an endodontist who confirmed that the tooth pulp was not dead. The infection was successfully cleared, and a temporary crown was placed. Now, he awaits the new crown from his primary dentist in December. Best of all, he's pain-free and grateful he went to the VA for antibiotics, which truly aided in his healing. 

On Saturday morning, I woke up at 4:30 am feeling queasy, similar to morning sickness. After vomiting, I felt tired but by the afternoon, the nausea vanished. I woke up on Sunday feeling refreshed and completely better!

How peculiar! 

And to think, this all happened before I set foot in the Pregnancy clinic.

Pretty little mushrooms all around - 

I’ve finished my Christmas shopping and am waiting for deliveries to wrap everything before Thanksgiving. Prices are higher this year. 

We have Thanksgiving all set - it will be at Navy's and his wife's home (6 miles from us), and it will take place on Friday. Sara has been scheduled to work at the hospital on Thanksgiving. She wants me to bring two of my son's favorites - an Asian slaw that my son loves and a zucchini bread. 

I can do that! And I'm doing Christmas at my house. 

Foodie will be celebrating his 45th birthday on the 23rd, and he’s excited for his beloved “Man vs Wild” weekend! He’s set to embark on an adventurous four-day backpacking getaway.  

Once, he had an unforgettable wild trip in the Trinity Alps when an atmospheric river brought flash floods. During that time, he found refuge at a hunter’s camp, where their outdoor canvas canopies kept him dry by a huge campfire. He even enjoyed some good fellowship and delicious venison while waiting out the storm! 

So his adventure wasn't a complete washout!

Not Much!

 Right now, I don't have anything urgent on my calendar.  My husband has a few appointments, and I have BSF this Wednesday. We'll be volunteering in the Children's program, which is always fun. 

Tomorrow is Veterans Day, and my husband is excited for a free meal out! It’s great to see events honoring veterans this week. While we missed the parade at Shasta Lake, we’re looking forward to another ceremony tomorrow at 11am, featuring veteran speakers sharing their stories and live patriotic music. The weather looks good, and we're hoping my veteran son will join us this year. We love celebrating and honoring our veterans. God bless them!

Have a GREAT WEEK AHEAD! 

 

The last couple of days...

Can you see it? ☝☝☝

The air is beginning to take on that autumn vibe. Well,  kinda-sorta! The last few days have started to cool, and the leaves are hinting at their vibrant transformation that is to come.  I can feel the fall season creeping in, and soon, I'll be able to see it! 

We experienced a few days of gentle rain, where every dribble and drop, every bit of drizzle and glistening dew, contributed to the rainfall amounts. Each tiny speck of moisture played its part!

🦷🦷🦷🦷

Since Sunday, the husband has been battling a persistent and painful toothache, a discomfort that has now become unbearable. Frustrated, he reached out to his dentist for an emergency appointment, but the earliest available slot is not until the 22nd. He then decided to visit the VA urgent care clinic. There, the doctor examined him and suggested that the pain could be indicative of an underlying infection. He was prescribed a course of antibiotics and advised to keep his dental appointment the following week, hoping for a swift resolution to his dental woes.

Sunday afternoon was the day that Flight Nurse, Suzie came home. We walked to the overpass near us to watch as the procession to the funeral home went by. 

An overwhelming presence of emergency vehicles flooded the area, a testament to the respect they all had for Suzie. They came from the UC Davis Medical Center, by the Reach Air Medical Helicopter; the company Suzie served with -  their journey to the Red Bluff Airport. From there, they made their way 29 miles, finally arriving at the solemn destination of the funeral home. 

I never get a chance to stand at the overpass to look out. Pretty nice view...

The crowd came together, forming a long line as they waited the arrival of the procession. A profound silence enveloped the scene, and not a single eye remained dry- people filled their cars and lined the roadside, united in a moment of shared emotion.

The second vehicle carried Susie, closely followed by her husband, RJ, in the black vehicle, who waved to everyone on the overpass. As family and friends followed, a procession of emergency vehicles, including police, fire, ambulances, and sheriff's vehicles, accompanied by Cal Fire, passed by next.  I saw two medical helicopters soar overhead. 

Every overpass for 29 miles was adorned with flags and filled with people expressing their love and gratitude for Suzie and her family.   

As I mentioned earlier, the primary employer and leading industry in this area is the medical profession. This tragic event has connected us all, as everyone knows someone who was touched by her, even if we didn't know her personally.

 It’s not often that someone leaves me in awe, but her unique qualities and experiences resonate with me. Her courage for Christ and her willingness to put others first are qualities we should all aspire to emulate. 

In this world, increasingly consumed by the relentless mantra of "self" and "me me me", 

We all lost a really good one. 

 

Up Up and Away

 

This upcoming week will be hectic, with a packed schedule ahead. Due to the tight timeline and numerous commitments, I will be making some cancellations because I need downtime. I don't need to keep up that pace anymore. I disliked it when I was young, and I dislike it now. 

This morning started off spontaneously. My husband's friend has a small business that trains pilots and certifies small aircraft before they can fly. So he had three planes he had to service. He called and asked my husband if he wanted to go to Columbia for the day. 

The battery in the Beast, our trusty old van, and the vehicle my husband uses, was completely dead. We had planned to visit Costco this morning to purchase a new battery, but now we’ll have to push that errand to tomorrow. I quickly put on my clothes, hopped into the car, and drove him to the Airfield.

In the distance, you can see the Sierras

No no no, not that Colombia. 

Columbia, CA in the gold country. 

It was founded as a boomtown in 1850 when gold was found during the California Gold Rush and was known as the "Gem of the Southern Mines."

Rather than providing me with pictures of the town, he has been sharing photographs of aircraft instead.

Friend Eric is on the ground - checking on the engine. 

Columbia has a population of about 2000. 

This aircraft is my husband's favorite model.

This is what I want to see - 

I get this instead! 

No, I'm glad he is having a good time with his buddy. 

Meanwhile, I have had the day to myself. This morning, I took a walk at Clover Creek with a friend and had to stop at the store for milk, bread, and butter.  

Meanwhile, I noticed the Scarlet Pimpernel in my yard - an invasive weed that grows rapidly in this area. While my husband likes it, it has certain drawbacks. Notably, it attracts flies, which I recently learned. As a result, it must be removed. I am not fond of flies. 

It's a picture-perfect day. 85 degrees and lovely. 

It looks like it will be a beautiful week.

He just texted and said he was on his way home. It's about an hour and a half from Redding.