Laydee, Storage containers, 400 miles of Fog and a Video

It's time for a 

this or that post... 

🐾🐾🐾

I recently came across a cute doggy scarf and immediately thought of our elderly Lab, Laydee. We're thankful she's still with us, and we appreciate her presence. In March, she started receiving her monthly Librela injections to help with her arthritis. She was doing well until the temperatures dropped recently. It's been in the mid-40s and 50s, with a lot of valley fog, and that cold, damp weather has been challenging for her.

🐕‍🦺🐕‍🦺🐕‍🦺

Fortunately, she isn't in any pain—I know her signs: panting and a certain look in her eyes.  Thankfully, she hasn't shown any of that. However, she has become unsteady on her feet. Once we get through the holidays, we're planning to get her a set of wheels to help her move around more easily and play.

🐕‍🦺🐕‍🦺🐕‍🦺

Everyone who meets her loves her. It’s always difficult to see an animal age or struggle to walk. She was at the vet yesterday for her injection, and he gave her a thorough check-up. Fortunately, she is doing well. They even brought out a rug for her to lie on while she waited. While we were paying the bill, the vet came out, knelt down, and kissed her on the forehead, telling her she was a good dog! My husband and I nearly broke down in tears. That’s the kind of veterinarian who truly cares for the animals he treats.

I was driving through town when I saw a building under construction made from shipping containers. It looks like they are finishing it with exterior-grade cement particle board. I am curious to see how it will turn out.

👷👷‍♀️👷‍♂️

I really enjoy this type of construction. I appreciate repurposing everything, especially when it's used in building projects.

We finally finished decorating the Christmas tree a few days ago, and we're happy to have it done!

Yesterday at my Bible Study, I brought in blank Christmas cards for our group. Each person took a card home to write ✍️ something meaningful they learned from our study, share a favorite verse, and include a prayer for the recipient for the new Year.  They will bring the cards back next Wednesday, and I will hand them out.

We will be starting Esther. 👑 Then off for two weeks! 

400 miles of dense fog - From Shasta Lake City all the way to the Grapevine, we have been engulfed in tule fog - at times, visibility has been reduced to just 20 feet ahead. It's cold and it's damp, creating a dreariness reminiscent of my childhood in San Francisco and Pacifica. However, that fog was coastal fog, which is a specific kind that comes in the summer months. This Valley fog we usually don’t get it for long here in Shasta Co. - maybe a couple of days, and it arrives in the winter months, but now we’ve had two weeks of it. Sometimes the fog clears in the afternoon, but it reappears at dusk, and before you know it, visibility is impaired as it embraces everything in its sight. Plus, this damp cold has been bothering my joints, but what can you do? 

Yesterday morning, as I was driving out to my bible study, I got that freeze warning on my dashboard - it was only 3️⃣9️⃣degrees. Yowza!  When I arrived, it didn't take long to realize the church's furnace had broken down, so the sanctuary was freezing. The big wood stove wasn’t lit. We could have really benefited from that nice wood stove!  My group meets in the gym kitchen, which has its own heating unit, and it's connected to the Gym, so once we were in there, it was warm. 

Today as I was going to my other study, it was 4️⃣0️⃣degrees then it cleared and the temperatures went up 10 degrees! That fog is freezing cold.

It's that time of year again, when my husband drags out all his ugly Hanukkah sweaters, and he doesn't get embarrassed one bit. He wore this one today on the college campus.  

He was a hit! 

Last Friday night was the official opening of the public market. It reminds me of a mini Pike Place Market in Seattle - with really cool little restaurants, ice cream, a specialty grocery store, pizza, smash burgers, a bar, a wine bar, a noodle shop, a bread butcher, a local brewery, and different places to sit - inside or outside with those sliding window doors. There's a fire pit - 🔥

I get so disgusted with Blogger. For years, I have been able to upload videos - 

so now I can't. Grrrrrr!😡

So if you want to see how small towns do Sleigh Bells... 🛷🛎️

You'll have to do it manually...

https://youtu.be/ovuwPxYv8VQ

That's it for now. Time to focus on dinner and just relax for the evening. I hope you are all well and enjoying this special season. ✝️

.

Tuesday and Thunderstorms

One of my son's photos. 

Last night we experienced a significant thunderstorm with intense rain and lightning. I’ve never encountered anything like it, and at one moment, it felt like the storm was right above our home. While I worry about the trees, it isn't enough to make me want to remove them. 

In my area of California, outside the mountainous areas that tend to experience dry lightning in the summer, our thunderstorms generally occur in transitional seasons, such as Spring and Fall. 

In my imagination, I envision a vivid contest between summer and autumn, each season vying fiercely for supremacy. Summer doesn't want to give up its reign, whereas Autumn knows it will prevail in the end. During this contest, the air is charged with vibrant energy as the warmer rays of summer's sun clash with the crisp, cooler air of Autumn. It's quite a dramatic struggle, with booming thunder and hail. And that is what we had last night and supposedly again tonight. 

Bottom lineup, there's just no stopping Autumn. 

I used to share this story with my boys and the little ones at daycare, sparking their curiosity about the seasons.  It made me once, consider writing a children's book on the subject, though it feels like a niche interest. I wonder if such a book exists, filled with adventures among clouds, storms, and rainbows.

My knee is feeling better, and I'm being careful with it. I've realized that I tend to take longer strides when walking casually, which isn't necessary since it causes pain. Therefore, I'm making a few modifications. If all goes well, I plan to go swimming tomorrow after my class.

I canceled my Facebook account in 2021. However, I know that most of you are still using that platform. Therefore, I believe you are all aware of the settlement. I got an email about it yesterday:

 The distribution of settlement benefits will commence in September, and payments will be sent in batches over the following 10 weeks. You will receive an additional email notice approximately 3-4 days before your settlement payment is issued. Please continue to check your email during this time period. 

I needed to verify the legitimacy of a claim I submitted after the data breach of 533 million Facebook users, which involved leaked names, phone numbers, and other personal details. Unfortunately, class action lawsuits often yield few results. My son found out the total is $30, so I'll just go out for lunch.

We'll see if I really get it. I won't hold my breath.

I'm glad I exited Facebook and let go of the need to stay connected with everyone. It felt like a waste of time. I had some withdrawal symptoms at first, but it’s been worth it.

Did anyone else get that email? 

Lastly...

 

A nagging sense of forgetfulness lingered in my mind until a OneDrive notification appeared, prompting me to view photos from this date. As the images flashed on the screen, my heart sank at the sight of my sister. It struck me that today, September 8, marks the anniversary of her passing in 2015.

The bond between sisters is special. Growing up, we shared countless moments, and losing my sister meant losing both her companionship and the keeper of my childhood memories. Her stories often contrasted with mine, offering a different perspective that I cherished. Now, with just my own recollections, those memories are fading like old photographs, blurring the important details we once cherished.

I miss my sister. Our relationship was complicated since we were complete opposites, but we loved each other and were starting to reconnect in a new way.

Donna. 

Four years now have passed. (ten years) 
No, my heart's still not whole.
Yes, pieces forever will be missing,
But your life...it changed my soul.

Catherine Lamberton. 

"Pieces Forever Missing."

Dry Lightning

As the sun dipped below the horizon on Thursday evening, we were treated to an electrifying display—a dry lightning storm rolled through, a spectacle all too familiar here in the West. These summer storms are both awe-inspiring and a source of worry, especially with our rugged, mountainous landscape. Each flash of lightning brought with it an awareness of the potential danger lurking in the dry brush.

They’ve recorded over 5,000 lightning strikes! So far, thankfully, no major fires have been reported. However, it often takes a few days for a fire to reveal itself. 

I sent Navy some of my photos, and he’s on the other side of town—about six miles away—he shot back some pictures of his neighborhood. The skies served as a breathtaking backdrop. 

As usual, thunder sends Laydee into a panic. Since she was just a puppy, she’s never been able to handle the booming sounds of a storm. Other dogs I have had could handle it much better.  Even with her calming doggy meds, she still shakes with anxiety. She trembled so violently that by midnight, I felt a wave of motion sickness creeping in. With her curled up at the foot of our bed, I finally had to abandon ship and move to the sofa. 

It was a long night for both of us!

__________________

 

Char had been on the hunt for a new job since quitting her job at Wal-Mart. With a little help from a county agency that partners with those with developmental disabilities, she landed a part-time job at a daycare facility that caters to adults with more severe disabilities than her own. 

Each day, as caretakers and parents drop off their cherished ones, they're greeted with a day filled with adventure and activity. They receive breakfast and lunch, and often have a packed day with field trips, art projects, and various activities. 

Char takes on the puréeing of meals for some of the participants. With each puree she creates, her confidence blossoms, and she takes immense pride in honing this new skill.  Working three days a week, she goes in one day a week to the Cal Veterans home, where she plays pool with the Veterans. 

 

Char unloaded  gifted her dad an elliptical machine that she had purchased but barely used. Unfortunately, it ended up as a pricey coat rack in her living room! So, he took it apart and brought it home with him. I really didn't want it sitting around in the house, gathering dust and clutter. Plus, we're short on space, so to make it work, he's clearing out a spot in the garage, planning to use it when the cooler, rainy months roll around. He doesn't need to use it now. It's a bit frustrating, though—I'm trying to declutter, and he's bringing more stuff in!

__________________

It looks like we’re gearing up for a weekend at home! With no fixed plans, the possibilities are wide open—who knows what adventures might come our way?

A weekend challenge - 

Tell one person you don’t know that “Jesus loves them."

Don’t force it—

let it come from a place of peace. 

Make it your best weekend ever! 

Debby 

WHY is My Town one of the Hottest cities in California?

On July 6, 2024, Redding set a record with an unprecedented temperature of 119 degrees. I braved the scorching heat to experience it, similar to stepping into a fiery furnace, with intense dryness. It reminded me of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! 

How can such high temperatures occur at 40°N in summer?

California has a BIG valley in the center of the state, with the coastal left side and mountainous right side creating different climates. Most of the state enjoys a Mediterranean climate, while the highest mountains experience an alpine climate. The desert, like Death Valley, is the hottest place on Earth at 282 feet below sea level. The state's diverse climates, from beaches to mountains, offer unique experiences for everyone, all in one state!

Redding is situated at the far northern end of this big valley, surrounded on three sides by high mountains, forming a horseshoe shape.

WHY is My Town one of the Hottest cities in California? 

Redding's inland location limits the cooling effects of the Pacific Ocean, while surrounding mountains create a "compression" effect that warms the air. The gentle breezes from the Sacramento River Delta does not reach our town.  

William H. Brewer's journals from 1860-1864 noted significant temperature variations in California, including Shasta County, with recorded extremes reaching 150°F in the sun. He also noted the dramatic daily temperature changes in California, with nighttime lows dropping to 46°F, resulting in a remarkable daily range exceeding 100°F.

Redding experiences hot summers and mild winters, with average lows in the mid-30s. Rainfall increases in the fall and winter, while summer remains dry, unlike other states.  These factors contribute to Redding being one of California's hottest cities, especially in summer.

Never say never 🌞🌞🌞

Growing up, my family took annual summer camping trips here. It was always so hot, unlike my cool, foggy summers at home. I promised myself I'd never settle in that “godforsaken place.” Yet, here I am, defying that vow. 

Life has a funny way of changing things, and a good air conditioning system helps.

Some Flowers and Some Smoke

It looks like we're in for a scorching day, with temperatures potentially reaching 110! To top it off, the smoke from the Green fire is rolling in, making it a tough day to be outdoors. 

5916 acres - 0 containment

Many members of the community are expressing concerns regarding this wildfire that was ignited by lightning. The fire has been burning for approximately one to two weeks, during which time it has not changed significantly in intensity. Recently, the U.S. Forest Service (which has jurisdiction and not Cal Fire) adjusted its strategy for combating the fire. This situation does not reflect on the brave efforts of our firefighters, but rather on the decisions made by their command regarding fire management tactics. 

It looks like they are going to let the fire burn itself out. They are only manning the perimeters and steering the fire toward Shasta Lake. I get that, the rugged uneven terrain is one of the reasons, and for the safety of the firefighters, it's just frustrating. 

Old Glory. 

 

Gerbera Daisy. 

I always think of my late sister, Donna 

Desert Willow flower 

While I do not have any crepe myrtles of my own, I'm fortunate enough to enjoy the stunning display of my neighbors’ blooms. The vibrant red ones are among my absolute favorites!

😷😷😷😷

This morning, I made the decision to hunker down indoors, as the air outside was thick with smoke, and the heat turned wearing an N95 mask into quite the struggle with claustrophobia.  I can't stand wearing them, and when it's hot, it's killer. Instead, I’m having to embrace the cozy vibes of home while a bigger part of me wants to spend the day outdoors by a body of water.  I'm cleaning, dusting, tackling the laundry, reading, and lounging.  I'm on the lookout for a place we can escape to this weekend, away from the smoke. 

Take Care and enjoy the weekend. 

Debby

Summer Evenings

Feel the cool breeze? Turn up your speakers...

I hope everyone is enjoying the lovely summer evening! I've got dinner simmering on the stove...

Tuesday evening, we visited the lake after dinner to enjoy the cooler evening air. The atmosphere was serene, with no one else around, creating an environment that felt almost private. We drove back to town and decided to stop at the local Dairy Queen for a soft-serve ice cream cone. Unfortunately, the chocolate dispenser was not functioning, a recurring issue. In the 17 years we’ve lived here, I’ve only had two chocolate soft serve cones due to this ongoing problem. My cone was enjoyable, but the portion size seemed inadequate. Considering the price, it might have been a better value to purchase two containers of ice cream instead.

While there, a little dry lightning storm accompanied by a temperature drop and wind came through. We watched as lightning struck from cloud to cloud, sometimes making a direct ground landing.  They recorded 11,965 lightning strikes!  It was not surprising that by Wednesday daybreak, we heard the familiar sounds of planes and helicopters flying above our homes, on their way to surveying the Shasta and Trinity mountains and making their early morning water drops due to several spot fires that had developed overnight. 

There was always something about those summer rainstorms when we would travel back to Tennessee, Indiana, or Ohio as children, with that tantalizing blend of earthy aromas and the sound of thunder. Since we don't have summer rains here (except the mountains). We miss out, but I figure God knows what He is doing when He created our varying climates.  

Yesterday, I visited the new grocery store nearby and purchased some watermelon. After that, I went to Costco to buy beef dinner franks and sesame seed rolls for my dogs.  They're doing chicken wings. We plan to arrive around 3 PM to enjoy some games, which are a favorite activity for Sara. This morning, she texted me to say that they had a stove fire last night and now a new electric stove is in her future.  Yet she still wishes to host the gathering on the 4th. 

💓💓💓

Tomorrow marks a full week since I’ve been tethered to this EKG monitor, and let me tell you, it’s been quite the journey! The first couple of days were a breeze, but then I encountered an unexpected challenge: a raw spot developing under one of the monitor modules in a rather sensitive area. Ouch! To make matters worse, the clip that attaches to my waist has become my nemesis. With this heat, I've developed a rash from the metal rubbing against my skin. Just what I need. 

Oh, and let’s not forget about the charging - this thing needs to be juiced up twice a day! At first, it felt like a major inconvenience, but I’ve come to appreciate the break it gives my skin. It’s a win in disguise!

I’ve become obsessed with monitoring my blood pressure, taking readings at all hours of the day per the doctor's instructions.  I can’t help but notice the fluctuations that start to drive me a little nuts, even though I feel perfectly fine. A side effect of my new routine? A bruise on my upper left arm from the BP cuff. 

Honestly, am I just dealing with sensitive skin, or is this a common issue that occurs as we age? Either way, I’ve made some interesting observations. My BP seems to run low in the morning, but after my beloved coffee, it spikes up to 135/79. The rest of the day, it generally stabilizes. I can’t shake the feeling that my anxiety is contributing to those higher numbers.

Thanks for letting me vent a bit and get it off my chest 👈 a little pun there. My husband insists I’m just being obsessive, which I admit I can be. Ugh! I guess I’ll embrace my quirks - I have a week more to go. 

That's all I have for you. My dinner is ready, and I'm hungry. 

Until next time,

Debby

Whadda Week

 

One morning this week, as I was watering, an unsettling sensation crept over me—a feeling as though I were being watched,  just out of the corner of my eye. Glancing over, I noticed a clever disguise camouflaging a hole in the fence. 

 Honestly, I’m starting to really like it!

🫧One and a Two and a Three...🫧

On Wednesday, I finally went to my long-awaited cardiologist appointment, which I had been looking forward to since my unsettling ER visit on May 9. Although I thought my issues were just GERD, the doctors stressed the importance of caution, especially for women.

yeah yeah yeah. 

To my surprise, they scheduled me for a nuclear stress test the very next morning. A couple of friends informed me about the radioactive substance they inject into the veins, which made me anxious. And of course, everything you read online is to scare you; however, I found the procedure and technology fascinating once the technician explained it. My fear of the unknown had caused my anxiety to get the best of me but the technician's kindness helped ease my nerves.

And the good news - I am not even glowing...

This morning, I had my third appointment to set up a heart monitor, which I’ll wear for 14 days. I can remove it for 90 minutes each day to charge it, making showering easier. I appreciate that I can communicate with the technician if I feel anything unusual. While the gadget might become irritating, I’m kinda- sorta enjoying the novelty of it.

Looking ahead, they scheduled an ECHO in August, followed by the moment of truth a few weeks after that. 

Apparently this morning, we had a 3.6 magnitude earthquake that struck at 3:57 a.m. We slept through it. It was described as a sudden jolt then a crashing sound. Foodie said it woke him up. The epicenter was west Redding near my church. I didn’t even know we had any fault lines here. I know any seismic activity is usually from the volcanic activity of Mt Lassen. 

Foodie and I started our Friday with my doctor’s visit, then went to the butcher, where the smell of grilled meat filled the air. They were getting ready for the lunch crowd - tri- tip steak sandwiches! After running some errands, including dropping off his rent, we headed to the grocery store. Prices are fluctuating, with cereal now over $5, but steady egg prices, finally. 

While I heard the news of dropping gas prices elsewhere, in the country we’re looking at an increase in California gas tax rising to nearly 0.65 per gallon starting July 1. So we’re looking at $6.00 a gallon and more when they close that second gas refinery in SoCal.  I’m grateful that we can still weather the times. We still have to watch it but we’re fine. 

I had initially planned to host Fourth of July celebrations at our home, but Navy and Sara offered to host instead, which I’m perfectly fine with. After all, it’s the time spent together that truly matters.

The Heat is on… 

Last weekend, a brisk cold front swept through, bringing a refreshing chill that was quite a contrast to our typical summer temperatures. However, this week, the sun is shining bright and our familiar summer weather is returning full force.

I found the ombre effect on the sun faded patio curtain to be attractive. 

This weekend, we’re likely going to keep things low-key. Maybe drive up to the snow in Lassen.  The thought of wearing this monitor in the sweltering heat just doesn’t sound appealing to me, unless it's early morning. 

That’s all I have for you, as I close up shop this Friday. Take care and have a beautiful weekend sharing it with those you love. 

Sorting, Sifting, and Purging...

I'm currently in the midst of organizing my back room, and I've come across some interesting finds that I thought I'd share.

My mom and grandmother (her mother) were both very skilled in the arts of crocheting, embroidery, and tatting. I believe that many girls and women from their time learned these skills in school.

*Hand Knits for Babies*, 

published in 1946.

 It's a bit sad that no one makes these beautiful sweater sets for babies anymore. They used to create such lovely gifts for newborns. 

Were you ever the recipient of a baby sweater set or booties from an older Aunt or Grandmother? 

*Campus Classics for knitters* - 1944

They offer patterns not just for sweaters, but also for vests and gloves.

These two works were published in 1942.

The Jack Frost Handbags and the Blue Baby Book, 1945. 

The Babies and Children is from 1953.

The McCall's Needlework published in 1955-1956, while the Floral Dollies were from 1950.

McCall's Needlework, published in 1974-75, and another edition from 1969.

Although there is no specific date, in the past, the San Francisco Examiner featured a craft section that showcased various patterns, including sewing, embroidery, crochet, and knitting. My mom would send away for these patterns.

Embroidered kitchen linens

It is clear that this is the cost for bulk rate postage.

I couldn’t find a publishing date for “Babies.” 

As for “Mon Tricot American,” it is a French publication. Published  December 1974. There are some sweater patterns in it that I would love to buy already made from a store.

On Etsy, I found it priced at $10.83. Hardly worth my time unless I bulked them all together. 

What should I do with these items?

I'm considering selling them on eBay or Etsy. I’ll likely sell them all in bulk since they aren't particularly valuable. Like many antiques and collectibles, their worth is determined by what a buyer or collector is willing to pay.

From my observations, these items are a dime a dozen. I'll be checking though...

Yesterday, the temperature reached 104 degrees, and today it is expected to rise to 106 degrees.  We had planned to barbecue yesterday, but we scrapped those plans when it was 102 degrees at grilling time. There was also a church potluck yesterday, and the temperature reached 100 degrees by noon and there was no air conditioning in the basement, where the kitchen is located. For those serving and cleaning up, it was HOT!

My husband, who often jokes about being half-lizard, was outside today hauling rocks to another part of the yard.

Well, it's back to the sorting, sifting, and purging...

Stay COOL 😎

Debby