About Me

The mountains are calling and I must go...Got the t shirt in Georgia one year and this is our calling! We'll see y'all down the road!

Thursday, July 30, 2015

I will be back

Just quick note because I am on a tablet.  waiting on new computer because somebody in Sacramento County thought they were entitled to my stuff in my car at Folsom Outlets the other day..in broad daylight..uhhhhhh...so taking care of expensive business...

Tuesday, July 28, 2015

We're home and gone again!

Had a good trip to Turtle Rock County Park for 2 nights and then moved on to Bridgeport and the Honeymoon Flat Campground for 1 night.  Aaron has to be home today to visit with his best friend who is moving to Tennessee tomorrow.  I'll update highlights tonight after running the kids home.  Here's hoping to pick up my car and all goes well.  

Thursday, July 23, 2015

A busy and expensive week!

How time flies!! Russell and family got here around 1930 or so..Russell and Jacob decided to ride the main attractions in Vegas (not me)..so they all got a late start..Actually worked well for us as they ended up spending the night!  They (Russell and Lori) haven't been here in about a year and a half so we were really glad to have them.  

Tuesday am we got up and got ready, got out of here to pick up the  car and then pick up kids. Picked up the Patriot, all ready to go ($1300.00 later) ...Jacob and Aaron rode with me..just as we're heading up the hill after just entering CA..I got into the middle lane to pass a truck and stepped on the gas, nothing...what?!!  I'm watching the gauges go down, down, down...So after a few cuss words, I was able to get over to the side of the road and park..it had just started raining, and I was almost at the weigh station.  Called Ken and turned the car off for about 5 min..started back up and was able to get through the agriculture station, made a u turn and headed back to Carson City..uhhhh...amazingly no more problems!  Left the car and we headed back home.  

Wednesday, Jacob and I left about 0730 taking the Tundra to head over to CA...gee this seems familiar..stopped a Walmart for a couple hundred buy..and then we headed over.  Got to Rocklin about 1300 and picked up Miss Mia..headed to Georgetown and then home.  

Ken said Carson City called and they found the problem..a pump on the intake rail..means nothing to me..except a $533.00 fix..so they're ordering the part.  Coincidental that we had it in for servicing..who knows..all we know is it's broke and I love my little car.  

So looks like we'll be home today (Thursday) and hopefully head out to somewhere tomorrow for a few days..we'll see..


Chelsea's first day as 2nd LT in MO.
Looks like a nice little home she has for
the next 6 months or so...

Russ and Lori's new car at our house..

Russell, Aaron and Ken..this doesn't happen too often..

Highway 50 coming into Tahoe area...

and look who's driving...he did really good!

Sunday, July 19, 2015

Two more days of hula hoe and relaxing Sunday afternoon..

Spent the last two mornings doing the HulaHoe..did the side of the property and then out front up and down the driveway..thank God the kids are coming!  That way I don't have to do this anymore...just kidding...wasn't all that bad and looks so much better!  3 1/2 hours yesterday and 3 today..

Ken worked on the Jeep yesterday, went to get a water pump for it and can't get it till Tuesday..darn..that really put a hitch in his giddy up!  Oh well it''ll happen..

Ken bar b qued some awesome country pork ribs yesterday, so we had pork, corn on the cob, mashed potatoes and mixed beans..yummmmmmm...

Today after finishing the yard work, we headed for Yerington and decided to go out to lunch. Pioneer Crossing had the salad bar for $2.99 so that's what I had, Ken got the Chef Salad and he really liked it..quick trip to Scolari's and he went to the auto parts store and True Value and home again...to do nothing...we watched a couple of stupid Shark Week movies but just enjoyed a nice quiet afternoon.  

Leftovers for dinner and in bed about 2000...beautiful sunset out the window.  

Tomorrow Russell and Lori will drop off the boys for the week and then Tuesday i'll pick up Mia after picking up the Patriot in Carson City.  


Eric's family went to Folsom Lake today...Looks like fun!






Aaron's team 5 out of 10 in the championship...
Obviously you can tell Russell's on vacation by the beard



Friday, July 17, 2015

More yard work and working on the Jeep....

Got up about 0500, had our coffees and computer.  I was outside about 0730 to start some yard work again.  Spent 3 hours on the tumbleweeds and it looks so much better..Thinking i'll be out there one more day tomorrow..

Ken spread the rest of the gravel from the trailer today.  I know that was hard, backbreaking work..but it looks so much better.  

The gravel half way done or so..it was just sand..

Here it is done!

The rock around the outside fire pit...looks so much better
than just the sand we have all over...

Was wondering if we had any quail families..we do..there is daddy
watching over his big family in the tumbleweeds..
they are well hidden though..

After lunch Ken went outside to work on the Jeep a bit.  Guess he got it running smoothly...but he heard a whining and attributes it to the water pump going out..so he pulled the radiator out and now has to replace the water pump...

My car is done, but we probably won't pick it up until Tuesday when I head over to pick up Miss Mia..

Thursday, July 16, 2015

The 76 Jeep is running!

Decided to pitch in a do a little yard work this am...it was so hot!  I don't like summer for those of you who don't know!  The tumbleweeds are taking over so I thought I should help out..looks much better out front.  Figure i'll try to do a bit in the mornings when we don't have anything planned.  So that'll work as  long as I don't see any critters out there..

Ken worked on the 76 Jeep today and got it running this afternoon!  It's been sitting for years and in our living trust we gave it to Russell.  Figure whenever he wants it he can have it..Just like the 61 Impala went to  Eric and he's had it  a few years now.  Figure why wait till we're gone!? Right...


Yeehaw!  Jeep is running!




Not much else going on today..we're thinking we would have got a call on the Patriot, but not yet..no biggie..

Today is our friend Alex Real's birthday..we called him this evening but probably out to dinner.  I met Al as one of the first volunteers at the Service Center so it's been a long friendship...since 1993! Love ya Al and hope you had a wonderful birthday!!  

Russ and family headed for Vegas today for Aaron's basketball tournament for the next few days..
Aarons Basketball team..Aaron top left..crazy kids..and coaches..
Eric and family were headed to the State Fair today..looks like they had an awesome lunch today and then headed to Sacramento.  Haven't been in years and have no desire to go..but glad Eric and family went.  Daddy used to take the boys every year..even up to the last Fair before he passed away in 1990..at that point I remember Bryan really didn't want to go...but he did..because that's what his POPO did..It wasn't cheap then and daddy would save $$ just so he could take them..awww...memories..I remember when Bryan was about 4 months old or so and daddy wanted to go..I didn't really but we did and that was the start of the tradition!  Love that man..and so miss him!  
Tuna melts and zuchinni fries for dinner! Yum..

So sad today, 4 Marines shot in Chatanooga...for no reason..by what they are calling a "domestic terrorist"...makes me so sad..our hearts break for them and their families..


Camp Pendleton Marines praying...

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Home all day except a quick trip to Scolari's and Ken went to the dump...

Couldn't sleep last night so was up from about 0130 to 0330...then of course back to sleep and not awake til 0700..uhh hate it when that happens.  So by the time we got done with coffee, exercise and showers it's like 1000...I got ready and ran to Scolari's for a few things.  Checked out the local thrift store for some long sleeve shirts for Ken..but like the last time I was there none!  Thinking all the Mexicans buy them to work in the fields..as they are covered from head to toe..so guess we'll try Big R next time we're there.  

Ken went to the dump with household garbage..he takes six full cans and it only costs $10.00.  Nice to be able to do as when we're not home we don't pay..so he goes once a month or so.  Nice easy day here at home.  

I ordered a new griddle to keep in the trailer full time.  With the grandkids and cooking pancakes I need something huge!  I'll pick it up at Walmart next week or so when we're there.    

Not much new here...weather is really warm in the 90's.  

Ken bought a new fuel pump for the 76 Jeep..he bought a carbuerator last week, and is intent on getting it going.  Eventually it will go to Russell, when they're ready for it. 

Carson City Jeep called last night and looks like we'll be spending a bit of $$ on the car..but again, we've spent virtually nothing on it since we bought it in 2008 other than tires and oil changes.  Services will be done and new brakes.  Probably pick it up Thursday or Friday.  

Stole this pic from FB..Dau In law Lori and her friend Heather took a 8 mile round trip hike today...

Lori and Heather....no way would I be up there! 

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Got the yard art moved!

Well today I stayed home all day!  A first in a long time it seems.  So I had a good day of cleaning and getting things back in order.  

Ken took the truck and flatbed trailer to the rock place Cinderlite and got a couple of tons of rock for around here.  He proceeded to work on the area that I wanted my horse drawn disker to end up.  We've had it probably a year and a half, brought it from Tennessee but with everything else going on and as fast as time marches on..we got it done today..guess I shouldn't say "we" as he did all the work.  He cleared the area of sagebrush and weeds, put black plastic down and then spread the gravel all in 90 something degree heat.  After it was done we were able to lift the disker and pull it into just the right spot!  I love it!  


5300 lbs of 3/4 crushed rock washed...

The box he made for the flatbed trailer

The area we're putting the disker..

Done!  I love it!

Another view of the disker



It's a warm afternoon and getting ready to call it an evening.  

Stole some more pics from Facebook or our kids trips in San Diego and Ft. Bragg..looks like all of them are really enjoying.  



The little one in pink..Brookie, blue, Lexie the little one in front
of Lexie Jordyn..(Miller's girls)..Jacob on the paddleboard and Aaron
looking at the camera..Mission Bay..

Mason on the left, Christina and Seth..at Point Cabrillo
Lighthouse

Eric, Mason and Seth

Family pic....

Heather Miller on the left and our Lori on the right

Today's sand sculpture....Jimmy..

Seth and Mason...
My Tundra and the tinting...This is legal in NV..Nephew Dusty just got
a ticket on wife's car because they had tinting on front window..no no
in CA....


Monday, July 13, 2015

Carson City trip and surprise window tinting for the Tundra...


Russell and Lori at Sand Diego's Seaport Village!



Love this picture of Russ and Lori!


From the left Aaron, Jacob, Lori and Russell..
We used to spend quite a bit of time there when
Russell was in the Marines...

One more from this evening....
Mission Bay Cruise and fireworks...awesome!


Eric's Family is at Fort Bragg CA this week!


Mason on Glass Beach...

Eric and the boys made this sand creature..
Pretty cool don't ya think?!

Seth on the rocks!
We left this morning and headed for Carson City to drop off the Patriot to get the service work done.  After we did that we thought we'd go by Sun King Window Tinting and make an appointment for the Tundra to get its windows done.  It came from the factory with some tinting, but we wanted to go darker. 
Walked in and the service guy said they could do it right then..guess all the rain last week kind of detoured people from making appointments..well, works for us.  So he said give them about an hour and half so we walked to Pizza Hut and decided to have their salad bar..which was nothing to write home about..would never go back.  Sam Adams in the bottle was $4.75..no thanks..a glass of wine that had been sitting out..$6.50..are u kidding me..so we both had water..better for us anyway..huh..finished and killed a little time and then walked back and the truck was done..Love it!  In Nevada the front windows can be tinted to 35%..the back windows were darker already so we went with 20% and can't believe the difference that made..Love it and they do such excellent work. 

After that we headed for Walmart and picked up a few things in Gardnerville, then headed home and killed another day!  

Talked to Russell for his birthday and sounds like they are having an awesome time.  Being the CEO of Sacramento Beer Enthusiasts seems to help alot when u visit the breweries..apparently they hardly spent any money and had an awesome time.  Tonight they are heading out for a boat peddle cruise on Mission Bay from 2000 to 2200 and there's fireworks...gotta admit that sounds like fun!  I remember years ago going with the volunteers to Florida and we took a sunset cruise at Key West...very much one of my special highlights!  


Home Again! Happy 37th Birthday Russell!!

Got the kids ready and fed, left Linda's house yesterday about 1030...got halfway down the road and decided to go back and close the bathroom door and the lid on the toilet..got thinking that little tank might decided to drink or something in the bathroom, fall in the toilet and then who knows what...my how my imagination flows..

Back on the road about 1045, dropped off Miss Mia at her mom's in Rocklin and then took the boys home to Cool.  Eric had made a trip to Folsom to pick up some, hubcaps (don't think that's what they are actually called though) for the 61 Impala..they are in awesome shape and one day will look incredible on the car! 

Headed home on 49 to Sly Park exit and went home over 88..Love that highway!  They were working on the road, so no stopping to take pics (not that I haven't taken them before).  It was a great relaxing drive, had the Tundra so had Sirrius radio.  Nice! 

Got home about 1700 and just enjoyed the rest of the evening not doing much.  

Today, July 13th is our youngest son Russell's 37th birthday!  He and family, along with friends are in San Diego for the week enjoying sun, fun and breweries.  They leave on the 16th for Las Vegas as their youngest son, Aaron plays in a basketball tournament.  They will drop the boys off here for a week on their way home!  We will call and talk to him in person later on today!  

Ken and I are headed to Carson City to drop of my Jeep Patriot for some service and probably new brakes.   We bought the car new in 2008 and really haven't put any money into the little thing except oil changes and tires.  So can't complain that at about 120000 it needs a little work.  It has the lifetime powertrain warranty so don't think we'll be getting rid of it anytime soon.  They have had to replace the transaxle twice under warranty, which has been done at no cost to us so we're happy!  

Saturday, July 11, 2015

Fun afternoon at my sister Linda's house..babysitting dogs..

Yesterday am we were treated to this lovely sight before we left Yerington...



Well, the fun wasn't really babysitting the dogs..but they're all right..Got here yesterday afternoon after picking up Mia at her mom's house in Rocklin.  Mia swam quite a bit and I dangled my feet..should have gotten in I'm thinking but oh well.  Had a nice night's sleep in Linda's bedroom..great bed and nice cold air conditioning, along with an over head fan...heaven!  
Miss Mia in the pool


Got up about 0530 had some coffee and just enjoyed the am..Mia and I ran to Winco and picked up some provisions as Eric, Chris and kids along with Aaron, Angelina, Wendy (who doesn't eat anything) Cheryl and Adam were coming for the afternoon..got some deli sandwiches, fried chicken, potato salad and I made a salad and Linda had left some chicken breasts for me to cook...all in all a nice afternoon of swimming and catching up.  I'm sure Eric would have enjoyed having a few beers with his dad this afternoon, but Ken stayed in Yerington for the weekend.  
Tina missing her mommy

Adam, Seth and Eric

Eric and Seth..all the background stuff is from Dusty's house in
the hills that they have decided to sell

Cheryl and Adam enjoying lunch

Mia out of the pool

Aaron and Angelina (mouse...as Ninny has called her since she
was a baby)...

Eric playing with the hose with Tank...

Mason and Mia this evening in the pool

Mason kept saying on vacation he wanted his head shaved...well
Dad obliged him...

I hardly ever see Wendy so it was great seeing her and catching up.  Love my sisters!  

Sounds like Linda and family are having a good time in the Russian river area.  They visited Lagunitas brewery today..thinking it's the first time Linda and Bobby have been to a brewery.  

Seth, Mason and Mia are here for the night..I'll run them home tomorrow and head back home. Linda and family will be back tomorrow, and I think their doggies will be happy to have them back..

Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Arco ID to LaMoille Canyon, near Elko, NV then home!

We left Arco Idaho on Monday am after breakfast knowing we were heading for LaMoille Canyon near Elko, NV about 300 miles.  We were taking a chance on getting a campsite but figured since it was after the 4th we would probably find one.  Had a nice drive, lunch at Jackpot, NV and then headed on.  


From our campsite at LaMoille Canyon, NV
The trail at the end of the road we started up



The three who were headed up!




Such an awesome place!


Beautiful wildflowers everywhere...want to come back next
June, as most were already done..



The boys this am after spending the night in the rain..

We arrived at the campground around 1700.  Found a nice site and settled in.  The boys wanted to sleep out under the stars and of course we had a little rain, but it quit and the stars were shining by the time they went to bed.  Tuesday, am Adam and Seth headed out on a trail near the campground.  They were gone a few hours and it looked like some awesome views, from the pics they took (supposed to get an email, but not yet)...After lunch we figured they were done, but we headed to the end of the road where there are some trails, all headed up!  

They decided to take on to LaMoille Lake..Ken and I started out behind the three boys and that's where we stayed..behind...so at one point we turned around, went to the parking lot and waited..we had seen some people on the trail and they said the boys were going at a pretty good clip...we did drive back to camp and grabbed an ice chest figuring they'd be thirsty when they came back..they had water with them but you can't ever be sure..
So after a few hours they made it back (much to the relief of this grandma)...and they had an awesome time..Mason did have a blister on a toe...there are several trails up and up over 10,000 feet .  The one they did was 9740..hoping to come back next June and do some trails then. I believe this area is the most beautiful spot in NV!  Mountains, wildflowers so pretty! 

Back to camp and Ken bar b q ued some awesome pork, and we had mashed potatoes and veggies with it.  It looked threatening all day and no rain, until the kids were getting ready for bed...so they still wanted to sleep outside, we put the ez up down to the lowest point and it appeared they'd be ok..of course after going to bed it sounded like it was raining harder...they had a tent they could go in, or come inside if they wanted to...but didn't see them till this am.  Mason has been sleeping on the couch so it was just the two older boys. 

Got up this am, breakfast and clean up and we were outta there..it did look like the clouds and rain would have come in earlier today, so a good time to go.  We got to Winnemucca about 1300 and headed for our favorite Mexican place, Las Margaritas and took the boys out to a great Mexican lunch!  Got caught up with Jasmine and her family.  

HIt some weather near Fallon, windstorm and rain...lightening..got home about 1800.  On the way between Schurz and here, we could see we must have just missed a downpour, rivers were flowing we had never seen before!  Incredible!  
North of Fallon, NV


Sandstorm near Fallon, NV..

Thought this was funny..brought Adam's suitcase to the porch
so he opened it, got his stuff out and left the suitcase on the
porch...boys!

Little blurry, but Mason captured this beautiful flag today
in Lovelock, he tried to send it via email, but didn't work, so
I took a picture..


Great trip with the kids...amazing how they are growing and turning into such good travelers!

The news was showing how the last several days there has been flooding all over Nevada..amazing..

We'll be here till Friday am, then run these guys home and i'll be a Linda's house till Sunday.