help for the helpless

I have been studying train schedules on line and trying to determine if there is any way I can go from Colfax to Bakersfield - and what would it cost? So, I started filling out a form and messed up immediately - and so I tried to determine how to undo the mess up and failed - so I was frustrated and departed the train schedule. I know I would have to change trains in Sacramento. I would probably go on this journey in July and perhaps be gone 4 or 5 days. Anyhow, if any one or all of you would tackle this and then develop a simple step by step instruction sheet - I would be so grateful! My hopes are high! m-g

Sentimental

I find that I am quite emotional about graduations - even shedding a few tears at Greg's. Somehow, seeing an era end brings my emotions to the fore - perhaps, it is looking back and recognizing that the HS years have some very special memories - but, those years are really just another chapter. Obviously, I am having difficulty with finding the right words. I have also shed tears at college graduations - starting with my sister, Jeanne, who graduated from Iowa State while I was still in HS. Enuf of that!

Anyhow, it was a special weekend - lots of fun with Shellie, Rich and Chris. Ended up too weary to go on up to Incline Village for a couple of days with friends at there time-share. Just as Greta Garbo was famous for saying "I want to be alone" I found that was what I most needed. As it turns out - being alone has meant tackling the weeds in my backyard - very healthy weeds - and very stubborn about being pulled from the ground.

The Rains Came

It seemed like the hardest rain ever - the cul de sac looked like a river as it was entirely covered by a couple of inches of rushing water. Then there was the ligntning and thunder - spectacular. The first episode was around 10:15 - and there were at least two more during the night. Weird! But it does mean that I didn't need to to the watering I did yesterday - and that I do not have to finish the watering today! What is so rare as a wonderful thunder/rain storm in June?

A longggggg day

Up at 5 AM so I could join Jennifer in Auburn to head for the courthouse in South Tahoe. Once there we slowly discovered that her time in court did not start at 8:30 per info she had but 10:30 - so we sort of flopped around while visions of lost sleep danced in our heads.
Anyhow, the moment finally came and worked out somewhat better than it might have - that was good. I was quite impressed with the judge and also with Jennifer who had to talk about the situation. She was so calm and sincere - if that makes sense.
Once again, I really enjoyed the time with Jen and I had a nice nap once home and am ready to ramble - but have no place to ramble.

memorial day

 

Memorial Day

 

All three of my brothers were in the Army during or just after World War II. Although Howard was the oldest, Ralph was the first to go in. I believe he was drafted when he was nineteen. About all I know is that he was in the "Battle of the Bulge" and claims he was behind the front lines because by some stroke of good fortune he was a "radio man". Howard, the oldest, was not drafted because he was working on one of my Dad's farms - at some point, though, he did end up in the Army. He was stationed at Beale Airforce Base and was enjoying a night on the town in Grass Valley when he and others discovered there was no way back to Beale - so they "stole" a bus and Howard got them all back on time. He also spent time in the Pacific war zone but I believe the war was over by then. Don dropped out of HS and enlisted in the Army - both of my parents were quite distraught. I really know nothing about his time in the Army - the war was over so there was no battle duty. Shamefully, that just about covers my knowledge of my brothers service days. One more memory, my shock at the picture that Ralph sent home in which he is smoking a - CIGAR!! Ever so shocking!!!

bird spiders

Terry and I were learning all about "bird spiders" when Tommy came crawling up and tried to climb up my legs to join us - so I managed to find space for him and we all were enjoying "bird spiders" when Jen decided that a picture was in order - hopefully, it will be included in this blog.
And, by the way, you might enjoy reading all about "bird spiders". My neighbor, Richard, told Terry about them yesterday morning - yow! They are huge! We found a short film in which one of those creatures caught and was merrily eating a mouse.
Yep, more than you ever wanted to know. Terry, of course, thinks it all quite wonderful.