A week with the Boyd’s

What an eventful week this has been!
We departed Conconully mid-morning on Monday. We followed brother Rick behind his motorhome. The ride home was about 8 hours by the time we stopped at the fruit stand, for lunch at a road side rest area and bought fuel.. the weather was absolutely horrible, rain rain rain! By the time we reached the west side of the cascades the rain was letting up!We arrived at Rick & Lynn’s about 7pm..
Tuesday we Ron & Suzi had us for dinner.. Saw the kids, Ron & John.. Rick came by and had a nice visit..and tacos for dinner.. yummy..

Ron & Suzi VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Wednesday was a work day.. Wash the truck, trailer, laundry, etc… Thursday was shopping and get my hair cut day..  
Dinner was at the Wilkinson Eagles Lodge.. Met up with some of the campers from Conconully camping trip. Fun group!

Friday spent the day cooking.. The “boys” went golfing all day.. We invited Amy & Randy for dinner as well as Brian over for dinner. Tri-tip some marinated veggies, some bacon wrapped asparagus and some homemade potato salad.

Friday "Party" night VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Family/Friends Conconully, WA June 2012

Family/Friends Conconully, WA VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Conconully, WA 6/20-6/25

We arrived in Conconully a day earlier than we had planned. When we left Toppenish, WA that morning of the 20th of June we headed for Grand Coulee Dam and then trekked our way to Conconully later in that day we arrived about 5pm, just in time for dinner!
We had a fun time with all who were there.. I would try and recite all the names of everyone, but I might forget someone and don’t want to do that!
LaDonna Mohler deserves a GRAND “Thank you” for all her hard work and being our camp hostess! LaDonna organized all the group meals. A lot of work and a lot of getting it all together! Thank you LaDonna!
Our group had a fishing derby that started noon on Friday and went to noon on Saturday.. I didn’t win .. However my nephew Phillip and another guy Jeremy tied for first place. Split the pot of $230!! wooo hoo with their whole 17 ounce fish! It was fun.. really fish weren’t biting.. What fish we did get were fairly small.. oh well.. everyone that participated, loved it!
My brother Rick and his family were the reason we were there this year.Rick’s 3 children were there and wife Lynn.. Jesse (Jess family couldn’t make it due to sickness), Phillip his wife Kristy and their son Max and Janelle with  her daughter Cadence.
This group of people have been getting together every year now for many years at the same time. Had a really fantastic turn out! If I were to guess how many people were there?? I would guess about 40 of us! We had a fun time! We did long walks, road the quads, went out in the boat, paddled the kayaks, fished, had parties every night! Went out to karaoke on Friday night at the local bar, Tamarack’s.. Everyone that went had a REALLY GOOD TIME And those that didn’t go, had a really good time at camp..
Conconully is noted for their “Outhouse” races in the winter time as well at their “dog sled” races..
The town consists of two grocery stores (one had lots of groceries the other one is very limited) 2 bars and a post office.. cute place.. can even ride your quads on the streets there.. pretty cool.
The weather pretty much SUCKED! The first couple of days we were there, weather was almost 80.. nice.. then the clouds moved in and then the rain.. nice for Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, rain Saturday/Sunday/Monday.. Thunder/Lightening for the past 3 days.. nice huh.. Over all the it was a fun fun time! If I based our fun on the weather?? well we all know that sucked.. However if it weren’t for such a wonderful GROUP of people that made everything FABULOUS!
We encountered many different wild life.. we experienced bear cubs,  doe’s, fawns, bucks, eagles, really an array of different birds, so much to see! Gorgeous scenery!
A big Thank you also go to our fabulous hosts/owners of the campground Shady Pines Resort, Steve & Dina.. They really put up with a lot from this fun group!

Ev & Linda in Toppenish, WA

We arrived here on Monday afternoon after leaving Diamond Lake, OR that morning… Cute little community.. Indian/Mexican community. Great casino and even better RV camping!! woo hoo!
Nice moderate weather.. temps in the mid 70’s.. aaawww..

Toppenish, WA VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Toppenish a “Mural” painted town

Read about all the Murals in Toppenish, WA
We are here to spend two nights.. We arrived here on Monday afternoon.. we will leave here in the morning, Wednesday June 19, 2012.. We will be headed to the Grand Coulee Dam for one day then on to Conconully, WA to meet up with family & friends.

 

Toppenish, WA Murals VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Diamond Lake 6/18/12

We were all packed and ready to head north from McArthur, CA when Glorianne stopped by to wish us a safe trip!! What a terrific gal she is.. Gotta love that gal! She’s the best!
We got on the road about 9am.. not bad for us..
Arrived at Diamond Lake about 3pm.. Weather was mild about 73ish and windy.. however we did decide to take the kayaks out in spite of the wind, no worries.. the kayaks did great!! so did we.. we did about 2 miles round trip.. not bad.. We took the dogs for a bit of a walk to tire them out, so we could walk over to the lodge to get internet. That walk was about 4 miles round trip.. Got our internet done, had a couple of cocktails at the lodge.. That place was a going concern! It was nice to see it so busy! We had visited the Diamond Lake Lodge in October.. it was like a ghost town.. It was a nice little visit..
We sat by the fire, had left overs from the night before and a couple of cocktails over looking the lake and surrounding snow covered mountains.. and of course when we got up this morning it was about 38 degrees!! dang cold! We didn’t lolly gag this morning we were on the road at 830am!! Most of the day the temps weren’t much more than about 55 or so.. once we stopped in Toppenish, we reached about 70 with sunshine..

Diamond Lake VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

We arrive in Toppenish, WA about 430pm today.. http://www.YNRV.com Ev is now at the casino.. hope he wins!!

Shasta Area visit with Glorianne & Stan.. :)

Now that I have some “sit down” time to write about our wonderful experience with Stan & Glorianne Weigand! I will re-write what I had previously written, as I felt that it was all “scribble”..
We arrive in McArthur, CA at the fairgrounds where we had made our reservation for the next 4 nights. I do believe Stan & Glorianne were as excited as we were to see them.. They got to the fairgrounds nearly the same time as we did.. I had told Glorianne we would probably arrive at about 3pm and she took me at my word!! And here they were! They had check on some business stuff and were coming back and saw us driving through town..how could they miss us.. our truck and trailer and Toyota and quad trailer!! hello!!??
Ev and I thought that was so sweet and cute that they were so excited to see us! and of course us too!
(little history).. We met Stan & Glorianne this past October 2011 when we were up here for our “Hat Creek” trip. They both volunteer at “The Fort Crook” Museum in Fall River Mills. They both have a very long history with this area and have donated and participated in many events as well have donated many items that the museum now has! Glorianne is also a published author of many books about the area and families in the area!! That’s all for now..
The night we arrive in town (McArthur, CA) Stan & Glorianne had invited us for dinner at their place.. She made us up some taco salad.. uumm she’s a great cook.. and we had peach cobbler for dessert.. hello! uumm the best! They showed us there place.. cute house so much talent she has, not just in writing, but her talents exceed most peoples talents in decorating! Their house is decorated in a “western” traditional motif.. However, all the “western” accents are actual artifacts they have used in their everyday life (of years gone by). The cutest western decorating that has appealed to my eye in quite some time..
Both Glorianne & Stan have experienced much in their lifetime sharing so many  wonderful stories with Ev & I!! Both of them are great story tellers and most interesting to listen to some of the GRAND adventures they have experienced! Ok.. well enough about how interesting they both, we just love them both for whom they are!! Sharing, giving, loving people! How much better does it get?
Thursday both Stan & Glorianne had a fabulous day planned for us. They took time out of their already busy schedule to show us the area.. They came by and picked us up for the day at 9am that morning..
We left the campground, and they showed us the Fall River and surround area, later we could come back and kayak.. Then went up to the Museum did some sign hanging, got a personalized tour (OMG) of all the buildings! Stan had dentist appt at 1pm.. so we had lunch at “Crumb’s” in McArthur, then Stan went to dentist.. we went back to camp and let the dogs out and picked up Stan and off we went to McCloud River.. Great day!!
We stopped at the McCloud River, I fished didn't’ catch anything.. oh well. it was beautiful.. Everyone was patient while I tried to catch a fish.. Then we went up to Mt Shasta City.. We went through some of the stores, shopped.. Then an nice Italian Dinner at Piemonts.. uumm very good! Love the family style service. Stan & Glorianne were our chauffeurs to and from.. what a wonderful day we had!
When we were driving home we planned our day for Friday. This was the 4 wheeler/quad ride day!
Friday we arrive at their home about 9am.. had our picnic lunch packed, actually left overs from the dinner the night before with some potato salad Glorianne threw together.. We took a ride up by Adin at Ash Creek.. Such beautiful country… Stan & Glorianne had a great beef cattle ranch in the area.. It was Stan’s family back to the mid-late 1860’s.. Glorianne has written books about the families in the area as well as the some of the history..
We had fun ride all over that country.. Most of the land that we rode was “forest” service land. Some really nice camping and lots of great 4 wheeler ridding!
As we were driving back to Adin to have a frosty we experienced a snake wiggling his way across the street. You will see Ev & Stan reverting back to their childhoods “playing” with the snake..
We went and had some an ice cream at the local Adin frosty.. meet some wonderful and dear friends of “Weigand’s”.
I wish I could share all the wonderful history they both shared with us through out the day.. It was fabulous!
Saturday was our day to catch up.. I am  sure that Stan & Glorianne had to do some catching up as well.. They worked at the museum all day.. Ev and I did laundry, did some kayaking, did some cooking, made some sour dough garlic/parmesan bread.. cooked up some tri tip and had the “Weigand’s” for dinner.. I am sure it was the hottest day of the year! Had a nice last day visit..
We were packing up on Sunday morning, Glorianne came by to wish safe travels (bless her heart).. Wonderful people! I feel like we have known them forever!

Shasta Area VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

I wanted to include the photos that we took inside Stan & Glorianne’s home.. Decorated beautifully!! Very homey and cozy in a western motif..

Stan & Glorianne's Home VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

The Wedding of Carrie & Jason

 

 

Carrie & Jason's Wedding 6/10/12 VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Flowers for the Wedding, pick up day

Today Ev and I got up early to venture down to Santa Rosa to pick up the flowers for Carrie & Jason’s wedding on Sunday.. I am so excited! Now the fun part starts.. Now I can get creative and be an artist.. This is my favorite part..

Really wedding flowers are a very long process, let me give you the break down..
First of all living in Lake County almost 2 hours from the nearest wholesale house is a long way to travel.
Due to I have not done a wedding in a few years, I had to make 2 trips to Santa Rosa for supplies..

1. Meet with the Bride/Mother (sometimes bride/mom come to me other times we meet, depends on how far away they live, sometimes it could just be internet/emails).
2. Discuss what they would like in the way of flowers, styles, etc.. usually takes about 2 hours plus.
3. Now the hidden work comes in to play. When I get home from the meeting I spend about 2 hours or more, typing up the order, be sure I have every name is listed to whom each bouquet, corsage, boutonniere, table arrangement, cake flowers, decorations, etc.. and list everything.. Then I need to figure out exactly how many and what kind of flowers will need to ordered. How much ribbon, tulle, wire, corsage water stems, floral tape, bouquet holders, vases, etc.. a lot to think about..
4. Then comes the order, call the wholesale house, order everything (flowers only), sometimes they don’t have what you want! Then you have to call the bride/mom and explain to them what happen. Could they choose another type of flower? or sometimes the bride/mom call and want to change or add things to the order. Most of the time the wholesale house has what you need, however, not always can they get them. (Sometimes I like to “shop” for prices, takes extra time)
5. Before you even pick up the flowers, you will need to pick up the tulle, ribbon, vases, etc.. Make up the bows for the corsages, ribbon bows/tulle bows, other decorations that can be made up a head of time. This time I have more than 5 hours in just making bows, etc.. and the trip to the wholesale house for the stuff.. You see how fast the hours can add up!
6. Pick up the flowers (that was today) Got up early, drove to Santa Rosa (try to make the trip count, so try to do other shopping as well). Get home prepare the buckets for the flowers, then cut all the stems on all the flowers in this case there were 13 bunches (25) in each bunch, 8 bunches of mini calla lilies (10) in each bunch, then the filler, ferns, other greens, etc.. It is a long day! Put them all in water!
7. The day after you bring the flowers home/work, now the creative part starts.. In this case I will design the corsages & boutonnieres, and refrigerate them. I will probably also do the table decorations, vase flowers (12) w/fern, roses, filler, and more greens.. trying to be sure each and everyone is perfect. (about 6 to 7 hours of working time).. Packaging everything so it looks impeccable! Naming each one! Being sure not to over look anyone! (STRESS!!)
8. On Saturday I get to design the bouquets.. My favorite part.. I have 7 bouquets to do.. They all will be gorgeous! Again the working time will be about 6 to 7 hours. Also packaging everything so it looks wonderful! Naming each one..
9. The day of: aww here is they real test.. I will be delivering this wedding.. Now here comes the tricky part.. packing it in the car, so it doesn’t get damaged.. how fun is that??!
10. Now comes the part where you need to be ON TIME! Time is an issue here! Hopefully it isn’t hotter than hell, and I would be sooooo worried about the “wilt” part.. No matter how great you are being sure about the hydration?? There is always the possibility of the “wilt” happening.. Have to be prepared and have extra just in case.. have extra flowers,  ribbon, tulle, pins, you name it, you may need it! If you don’t, then it is a for sure thing that you should have BROUGHT IT WITH YOU! So go prepared. Get everything set up.. Stand back make sure everything is absolutely perfect.. put extra flowers on the cake table, just in case.. put your other stuff back in the car.. and go get dressed if you are attending the wedding! This is also the time, if you like to have a “BRANDY”, this would be the time! And now you are confident that everything absolutely PERFECT!! WOOO HOOO and your day is your own! Enjoy the wedding..
Below is the beginnings of the next 3 days.. I will share the finished artistic creations when I am finished..

Day 1 of Day 4 wedding flowers VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Now is Saturday June 9, 2012.. The flowers are done.. View Flowers below..

Carrie & Jason wedding flowers VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Bea & Leonard’s Party at the Keys 6/2/2012

Bea & Leonard Blaisdell threw a great party at the keys club on Saturday afternoon! A friend of theirs from Oregon, Tina did most of the cooking. Leonard did the barb-q’ed tri tip uumm delic! and everyone else brought hors d'oeuvres..
Music by John Zimmerman accompanying him on occasion was Jill Fierro from Oregon. Really quite a treat for us!
I do believe the party was a “smashing” success!! whoo hoo thanks Bea & Leonard!! It was GREAT to see Bea back to her fun self! You go Bea!!

Bea & Leonard's Party VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Watch the video of Jill singing with John Z
watch below or view
http://youtu.be/VLMX7330djY 

Chuck & Judy’s (Ev’s brother’s place in Sac)

Chuck called us early this week and asked if we could stay with them for the weekend. We said we can’t stay the weekend however we can come Friday and leave by noon on Saturday. We had a prior engagement for later Saturday afternoon..
We arrived about noon on Friday. OMG, the house is gorgeous!! They did “good”! Chuck & Judy lived in Walnut Creek for many many years and then decided to move to Natomas.. Their house  and grounds are close to being “estate”.. Lovely place. I could go on and on, but then you would be come bored and not read the rest!
When we arrived Judy was excited and waiting on the bench out front.. Cute.. She was so thrilled when we drove up and greeted us with incredibly passionate HUGZZZZZZZZZZ!!
Judy invited us in to their lovely home.. We just loved it.. However I think the back yard was almost the best part of the whole house!!! HUGE yard (almost estate type grounds)! All lovely landscaping in the back. Waterfall, sections of flowers, sections of lawn, lovely trees.. Covered patio with built in fireplace (oh come on!!) Loved every bit of it.. The house has a wonderful open floor plan 5 bedrooms/3 baths.. 2 stories.. most all the living area is all downstairs.. upstairs is like having “your” own private suite!! We loved it..
After chit chatting for a bit, Chuck came in, we chit chatted more.. Then nephew Kevin and girlfriend Courtney came over and we all decided we should go wine tasting down to Bogle Winery on the Delta and have a picnic.. So we did!! Fun fun!!
We did some wine tasting, had a picnic on the lawn area. Had lunch a bottle of wine and visited.. Really enjoyed ourselves..
After our picnic Kevin & Courtney had plans so we parted ways.. Chuck, Judy, Ev and I went back to C & J’s place and sat out in the backyard till 11pm! Drinking wine of course!
While we were visiting out on the patio a neighbor of C & J’s came by, “Jen”.. oh she is such a darling woman!! So cute.. She joined us for a couple of glasses of wine..
Great evening.. Thanks guys! We need to do that again soon.. It’s great you live so much closer!! 
C & J took us to the “Pancake Palace” for breakfast.. This place is the best “greezzzzzzy spoon”.. terrific home cooked FRIED food ever! We just had a fun time with y’all.. Thanks again so much!!

Visit to Sac VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

C & J's Humble Abode VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL