Getting the, This and That's out of the way

It's been a while since I have done a This or That - which, for me, is just a bunch of little things that add up to one big THAT. 

Meet my Co-Pilot

A couple of weeks ago, we replaced our computer. This one has what is called a "CoPilot," which is a built-in AI. I call him Maverick. 

 Like it or not, we all use AI every day. 

If you have a smartphone, guess what? You're using AI all the time! Even a simple Windows or Mac computer incorporates AI. Every time you browse the internet, you’re interacting with AI, and even when you check out at stores like Walmart or Costco, AI is working behind the scenes. Plus, these days, all standard cars come with AI safety features. Banks also rely on AI to keep your accounts secure. 

You might not think about it, but even everyday appliances use AI, like smart thermostats that learn your routine or doorbell cameras that spot motion. We have a smart refrigerator, and so I hadn't really thought about it. My son's home is run by AI. His sprinkler systems, lighting, and his new stove they recently bought -

AI is already part of so many things in our lives:

- our phones

- our computers

- our cars

- our banks

- our TVs

- our shopping experiences

- our home security systems

AI is everywhere, quietly making things easier for us!

And you know who pointed this all out to me???

Yep, my Co-Pilot, Maverick.

 

I just realized that Mother's Day 

is this Sunday! 

It always sneaks up on me. 

Everywhere you look, there are beautiful flowers and potted plants, and it’s really tempting to bring them all home. I did grab one plant already, and I want to stop by again to pick up an African violet before the weekend. I chose #4, a cute little plant in a coffee cup, for my garden window. I can’t remember what it was called, and right now, I don’t want to bother Maverick about it!

Isn't this a cute idea? I saw this at a gift shop - a good gift idea. 

Susie is doing well these days! Since Laydee passed away, she’s made some changes to her eating habits and is actually eating more. It seems like she’s finding her groove! She used to turn her nose up at wet food, but now she’s taken a liking to it. You just never know with her! I can't tell you how many times I've stocked up on wet food, only for her to enjoy it for a few weeks before completely ignoring it. Then it goes to my grandcats, Ed and Harry!

For the first time, we had a full house; birdhouse, that is. We’re not sure what kind of birds they were, but we heard the babies, and boy, were they loud. Then one day, silence. Last evening, we spotted several tiny birds on the Twin Cedar.

My husband dug out the area beneath the living room window, where we’ll lay a weed barrier, install drip lines, and add rocks.

We plan to put in roses in a pot. We already know roses grow well in this area. 

The rocks were delivered about a week ago, and I immediately noticed they looked a different color, like an ugly brownish, which had me frustrated, thinking I’d just have to “live with it.” But once my husband hosed them off, it turned out to be nothing more than rock dirt.  Who knew rocks could get dirty? The ones I have already never look dirty. Must have been at the bottom of the rock pile. 

I picked this up at Costco; it’s sturdy and not plastic, so it should finally be strong enough to hold my ceramic bird bath. We searched everywhere for just a pedestal, but the few we found were ridiculously overpriced. At $39.99, this was a bargain. We’ve set it in place, but haven’t put the bird bath on it yet.

I think I’ve accomplished my goal by tackling a few items that had been sitting in my This and That file.

🍉🍈🍇🍅🍒🍓

Tomorrow is going to be a busy food day with back-to-back fellowships! First, I’ll be at our last leaders' fellowship brunch, and I’m bringing a plate of cottage cheese topped with fresh strawberries and blueberries, along with some crunchy Chia seeds sprinkled on top. 

After that, I’ll be heading over to Kim’s place  -  she’s the new leader taking over, and she’s preparing a BIG, fresh salad of greens for everyone. We were asked to bring some veggies, so I’m contributing green onions and a mix of sliced red, orange, and yellow bell peppers, plus, you guessed it, some more Chia seeds! 

I know this is a lot more food than I usually eat, but it just worked out this way. 

Thanks for stopping by. I always appreciate it. 

You all take care. 

Debby

A CHATTY this and that on a Monday

A new week is here, and I’m working on getting back into a more consistent blog schedule. You can probably expect a new post from me every Monday—at the very least—until I get back into the swing of things… unless something crazy happens!

😙 Okay, okay… You all wore me down. Here is my little cotton eyelet dress. It was perfect for our 90-degree weather: light, comfortable, and surprisingly cool. There’s a slip lining underneath, but the bottom tier is unlined, which lets the air flow through those tiny eyelet openings at the hem. A small detail, but it made a big difference. 

I’m definitely not one to stand out in a crowd! My son Michael once joked that I dress like a communist, which made me chuckle. I used to stick with neutral or muted colors.  I'm a San Franciscan - that's what we wear. It tends to be foggy and cooler than the rest of California. 

So anyway, after he said that, I realized I should try to brighten up my wardrobe a bit, so I've made an effort to add more colors. But honestly, black and white have always been my comfort zone. And I just adore wearing white during the summer, and I'm not in San Francisco anymore. 

 So there! 

My shoes have about a 2-inch cork-edged platform, and yes—that is Susie’s tail making a guest appearance in the photo. I can also wear these with capris, which makes them a versatile little addition to my closet. There’s even a tiny rhinestone in the center of each daisy… something I didn’t notice until after the event! Thankfully, they’re subtle.

Oh, and I forgot to add the little sweater wrap that I pretty much wore the whole time. I can wear that any time. The AC in these hotels gets cold. 

I was honestly surprised by how comfortable these sandals are. I’m at that stage where I can’t just throw on any old flip-flops anymore— I need support. I stood and walked in these for a few hours and did just fine. They’ll definitely get a lot of use. And they're vegan if that matters. 

The difference between faux leather and vegan leather. 👇

From what I’ve read, faux leather has traditionally been made from synthetic materials such as polyurethane (and formerly PVC) and is often used in fast fashion. Vegan leather, on the other hand, is more about intention - avoiding animal products while also aiming for more environmentally conscious practices. 

🦶👣🦶👣🦶👣

Speaking of changes… have you ever noticed how our feet change as we get older? I’m no longer a size 5. These days, I find myself in a 6 or even a 6½, and my feet definitely feel wider. I’ve read that as we age, we lose some of the natural cushioning in our feet, and our ligaments lose elasticity. Even menopause can play a role.

The one upside? Shoes are much easier to find now! It wasn’t always easy tracking down a size 5. Still, I can’t exactly brag about wearing the same size I did in high school anymore. My mom, by the way, wore a tiny size 4½.

On a completely different note, I won this Survivor game at Christmas during our Secret Santa exchange (along with another game and a pretty puzzle), and last night Char came over for a BBQ, so the three of us gave it a try. It’s a Survivor-style game, and it’s definitely more fun with a bigger group (and it helps if everyone knows the show). It was still good and necessary to spend that time together.

Char is going through a difficult season right now, and even though the game didn’t quite land, being together mattered more than anything else.

Laydee's new ride. 

And then there’s Laydee.

We had some trouble with the other cart we bought, so we decided to bite the bullet and repurpose it to haul heavier items, gardening supplies, and picnic supplies when we go to the lake, etc.

 This new one arrived just a day after I ordered it - so quick! It feels much sturdier, which gives me peace of mind. It also has two handles for better maneuverability and is at a comfortable height for both of us.  The last one had her trying to leap out, and that was more than a little nerve-wracking.

This one has three entry points: front, back, and even a top opening. She can walk right up the ramp, settle in, and step out easily when she’s ready. It’s a thoughtful design, and she seems to enjoy the ride.

But if I’m being honest… this part is hard. 😥

Caring for an elderly dog who isn’t quite ready to go, but also isn’t who she used to be at times.  It’s a tender place to live. We had “the talk” yesterday, getting on the same page about what this season may hold. It feels like this may be her last Spring and Summer.

I wish that weren’t the case.

Her mobility is declining, and aside from little bursts of energy now and then, she doesn’t go far. The past couple of days, her appetite hasn’t been great either, which we’re watching closely. She still loves to sit outside in the sun and watch the world go by.  Even with Char here, she just didn’t seem like herself. Tired. A little withdrawn.

Maybe I’m reading too much into it… We know our animals. We notice when something shifts.

That doesn’t mean this is the end. Not today.

Just a couple of not-so-good days. And truthfully… we all have those.

So for now, we’ll keep loving her, caring for her, and enjoying each good moment as it comes. 

This week I have a few things on my plate, and the weather has been so nice. Oh—and I have to tell you this. While we were eating dinner last night, we looked out onto the patio and saw two lizards… mating! It gave us a good laugh. And then this morning, as I was sitting on the back covered patio, I saw something jump up onto the fence—and it was a rat.

Yes… They’re back.

I only saw the one, and maybe he was just passing through, but my husband is now officially back on rat patrol.

I hope you all have an enjoyable week, taking in the sunshine, listening to the birds, and just being grateful to be alive.

“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.” — Luke 12:6

Debby

See you on Friday for my Genesis book review. 

https://myshastahome.blogspot.com/2026/03/the-bible-in-66-reviews.html

And So, I Remain Grateful

Almond Blossoms

My husband and I have been amazed at how God has filled our retirement days. We prayed for purpose and direction, and He answered in a BIG way.

I feel I am living my best life right now, and I couldn't be happier.  I’m grateful for every opportunity we’re given, knowing that there will come a day when our energy, strength, or health may limit what we can do. My only regret is not stepping into this season sooner. I always had an excuse for not taking on more risks.  I wish I could have more good years to pour out what God has so generously poured into me.

Sure, there are times when I think we should be traveling, after all, that was the original plan. But to be perfectly honest, it doesn't interest me at this time.  I did pray to God, that I wanted to serve Him in bigger ways than ever before. I finally wanted to step away from excuses and step into what He wanted. More of Him and less of me! 

Two days of the week feel like a gentle whirlwind with my husband and I. We're like two ships passing in the night, crossing paths briefly in the morning before heading in two different directions with purpose. 

 It's all good.

Isn't this fun?

This week at Bible study, the ladies surprised me with an AI-generated cartoon made from a photo they took of me. It took barely a minute; there it was, and it pretty much captured me right down to exactly what I was wearing. So sweet of them. I love these women God has placed in my life. 

I’m truly grateful for my Thursday carpool with Debbie! Each week, we share an hour together—thirty minutes each way before our Isaiah study.  Her engaging conversations keep me interested, but I really need to pay attention to driving.  She joked that she has a “directional disability,” and yes, this is true. The other day, she had me switching lanes at the last second in busy traffic. By God’s mercy, we arrived safely.  

 

Rosemary in Bloom

With so many bushes, trees and flowers starting to bud and bloom, I’m starting to envision time spent in the garden this spring and summer, although the blessing of rain continues to dominate the forecast. Yesterday, the windows were open, fresh air moving through the house. Next week promises daily rain. 

For Valentine’s Day, the husband and I are leaning toward a brunch, skipping crowded restaurants and leaving evening reservations to young, blossoming love. Brunch feels fitting for us. (much cheaper!) We had hoped to go on a hike, but the weather may force us to switch to plan B. 

(whatever that is) 

And then woven through all of this is a sorrow that never fully fades.

A photo of my grand-niece and nephew at their mother’s gravesite breaks my heart.  Nina, my niece, passed away in November 2020, and now I only see her children through pictures shared by my former brother-in-law on social media that my son grabs for me. 

I wonder if they ever think of me? 

I am the only one left. I keep a suitcase filled with Nina’s little treasures, photos, and such, and also with my sister's things that I know she would want them to have. Perhaps, one day, they might look for me. Hoping they will want to know more about their maternal family through the small tokens they have left behind.

I can’t visit her gravesite in Sacramento due to their strict guidelines, and that is best. 

It's just a grave. 

Isn't that just the way life is for some? You have your good, and then you have sorrow, and all of it rests safely in His care. I will remain grateful. 

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend doing whatever you want. 

Until Next time, 

Debby

This and That and some Blogger Issues,

This is Mt Shasta in the distance, 

looking north 

January has brought us delightful weather, with crisp mornings that chill us until around 10:30. As the sun climbs higher, the air gradually warms, and by the afternoon, the pleasant temperatures invite us to throw open the windows and keep the screen door open till dinner time. 

Clover Creek Preserve is a great place for many of my leisurely walks, where you can enjoy the sights and sounds of diverse waterfowl and other birds, as well as vernal pools teeming with life. Numerous benches are strategically placed along the paths, inviting you to pause and soak in the serene surroundings. This 128-acre basin not only provides a tranquil escape but also plays a vital role in safeguarding over 5,000 acres of the Clover Creek watershed from flooding.

A great place to people watch, too! 👀

That is Mt Lassen in the distance, looking east

Looking west...

It truly looks like winter, with all the barren trees so 

It shouldn't be long before we start seeing signs of spring...

Although our rainy season isn't quite finished, we often experience brief interludes of sunshine that last a few weeks in the winter.  Without these dry spells, we might find ourselves drifting straight into the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean. 

And yes, I know, some of you might secretly enjoy the idea of California taking a dive. 😉

I've been enjoying sitting in front with Laydee - the sun has been warm and feels good to both of us.  

☀️☀️☀️

"You talking about me?"

I wish I could tell you that by now, Laydee is wheeling happily down the sidewalk. She doesn't like it. She's a bit stubborn about it and resists. I think we might have waited too long, because she isn't having it at all.

We have until February 9 to return it for a full refund. 

🐾🐾

Laydee has found a way to manipulate us - one step, one treat, and then she won't budge until she sees the treat in our hand.  Then we're back to one step, one treat. If I reverse it and give one treat first, we end up waiting for that one step, which doesn't come. 

No, no, no, Laydee, it doesn't work that way. 

Oh well, what can we do? I can't force her, nor would I want to. The warm weather has her up, and about - but long walks are out of the question. So we're leaning toward option two: a cart we would push her in. We'll see how the rest of her training goes...

The daffodils are blooming on the hill beneath the redwoods. The vinca is starting to bloom with its periwinkle-blue flowers. By summer, they will have taken over since they grow like weeds here - trying to choke out everything. 

I'd keep them, but they don't play well with others. 

The other day, I whipped up some Hamantaschen and also baked a delicious banana bread with pecans, but my husband told me he prefers walnuts.

 That's fine - MORE for me.  

A Shoe In...

It's that time again for my husband to get four new pairs of shoes from the VA. He visits a quality shoe store, selects what he wants, and the VA covers the cost, including orthotics. This year, he chose a dress shoe and a work boot, but his hiking boots and sneakers are still good, so he’ll wait on the last two pairs since he doesn’t need them right now.

I need some new shoes this year, and with the money saved from not buying his expensive ones, I can treat my tired feet to a nice pair, or two. 

Blogger is giving me issues again. I can't leave comments on your blogs or reply to comments on mine, which is really frustrating.

Until this issue clears up, I'll answer comments here. 

I've been facing issues uploading images, and my blog theme is acting up, similar to when my blog went POOF a couple of years ago. 

I'm convinced Blogger hates me. 

To Janice and Carla, who asked how my folks landed in San Francisco. 

My parents followed a job offer when my dad's army buddy, a successful general contractor, mentored him. A few years later, he got his contractor's license. 

❓❓❓❓

I believe that's all the "This and Thats" I needed to share. I hope everyone keeps warm with the snow system and dropping temperatures coming your way. I'm not very well-informed about it, but please stay warm and be cautious. I assume you all are very accustomed to it and know how to manage it effectively, or else you wouldn't be living there. 

I would gladly embrace some snowfall here - It was approximately 5-6 years back. And we all enjoyed it.

Just a little this and that

Source: FORE

Guardian 

They’re back! 

Our Redding eagles 🦅 have arrived.  At this time of year, coming off their summer vacay in the high country, they're back home, cleaning up their nest - hauling in sticks to cozy up their love shack. This is where they will commence their mating rituals, and, well, you know... I never realized how passionate they could be! They really are the epitome of love birds. 

Egg laying won’t commence until late February through March.

Liberty returned to the nest for her first night - 

 Imagine, she comes into the nest and sees a mess! Probably wondering what the heck happened in here during her absence - the flurry of other birds and critters that have ventured into her nest - violating her carefully cultivated sanctuary. 

I know I wouldn't like it!

Without a doubt, her mate, Guardian, has quite the to-do list of 'honey do's' to tackle before the exciting journey of egg laying can begin!

Max the apple-head chihuahua

On Saturday, we attended "Civil War" days at a nearby park. They even had reenactments happening. It was my first experience with this. I’ll write about it in a couple of weeks. I still have a lot of posts and photos saved in my drafts. Just haven't found the time...

This adorable chihuahua was just the cutest. Although I'm usually a fan of larger dogs, this little fellow, Max, was incredibly soft, well-cared-for, and so affectionate. As a child, I had an apple head chihuahua named Sassy, whom I loved dearly. My sister and I would often dress her up. I recall she would bark quite a bit, was very protective, and was sassy.

No, this isn’t my latest picture - while taking our late afternoon stroll the other day,  we stumbled across a house that was adorned with an extravagant amount of Halloween decorations.

It's not really my preference, but it was fascinating to see all that they had and the lengths they went to for their decorations.

A unique fence - designed for establishing a graveyard. 

It’s funny to remember that my mom would stick up three cardboard cutouts of two jack-o'-lanterns and a witch! She used the same ones year after year. 

That was all there was to it, back then. 

Simple. 

I came across this information at BSF regarding Susie’s upcoming memorial. It has since been made public. I'm unsure if I will go. Events like these tend to make me quite emotional, and I prefer not to display those feelings in public. I'm sure it will be wonderful, featuring live Christian music and attendees from various places. Everyone cherished her.

I’ve added two more ladies to our BSF group, and that’s it. We meet in the Gym kitchen, and we’ve reached our limit. Too large a class, and we lose that intimacy. 

Our first winter storm is approaching this weekend. While we'll experience only rain, areas at 5000 feet and higher in elevation will see snowfall, which is typical. Both Mt Lassen and Mt Shasta are currently covered in snow. It's always a lovely view, typically seen in late September or October.

We really enjoy our rainy seasons up here! Following a long, scorching, dry summer, it's what rejuvenates our region after 7-8 months without rainfall. 

I'm planning to make some chili and bake. After this storm passes, we're looking at sunshine and mild temperatures until the next one comes in. 

There's magic happening on my backyard hill as the leaves of this tree start to transform. Meanwhile, the sweetgum trees in front of the house are still holding onto their green, waiting for their moment to shine. 

This tree is about to shed its leaves any moment now, likely right after this weekend's storm hits with the wind gusts. 

In the backyard, some flowers are still blooming. 

I never take them inside. I leave them there through the rainy season and will repot them in the spring. I've had this plant for several years now. 

My gerbera daisy always pleases me. 

A massive tomato plant is trying to choke out the Roses; however, we won't allow it to suffocate them. The tomato will get cut back.  The roses have been here for at least 25 years. They've endured more challenging times...

The last of the lavender for this year. It bloomed 3 times this year. 

Can you see the bee?

Yesterday, my husband went to the dentist about the tooth pain. So we're waiting on a referral to an Endodontist -  the nearest one that takes our insurance in Chico, about 50 miles from us.

When loyalty to country becomes loyalty to a lie, one teen risks everything to expose the truth. With the Gestapo closing in, he must decide what it really means to be a good German.

A couple of my friends from my BSF study recommended this movie, especially since we've been having discussions about persecution and suffering, so my husband and I decided to purchase tickets to watch it last night. It's a true story. Although we don't often go to the movies, we support films like these that educate and enlighten.