Beautiful Clearlake in California

Beautiful Clearlake in California
Pacific Ocean/Mendocino Feb 2016
Update: March 6th, 2016.
After a very very long year of learning to live a new life with my most recent handicap. I am getting movement in my arm!! :) It started the end of August and has been progressing, slowly. My issues with paranioia and depression are also getting better. I am confident that things will continue to progress. However, loosing a whole YEAR of my life is devastating to say the least. However, keeping a positive attitude for the most part has been a huge challenge, but I do it. I am grateful to all my family and friends that have been so encouraging and helpful. Thank you..




Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Time Spent with Long time Friends

I am sure I have known Phil &Toni Brooks for most of my life. My brother Rick and Phil were best friends in High School and I knew Toni from school as well. So we are talking  back in the early 70’s!! Ok, Ok… yes a very long time ago!
Well as the years would have it, everyone had their own lives and families, we all took different roads, however it seems now we are nearing the same road! Smile Kids all grown, we  have grandkids, retirement, etc.. aaawww how the time has flown by!
So as fate takes a step in brother Rick was visiting in April. Of course he contacted his “old” friends Phil & Toni got together with them and shared stories of a lifetime, I am sure. We were all in Petaluma that weekend because we were having a “mini” family reunion, and and and.. Rick invited Phil & Toni over for Sunday breakfast at sister Kim’s place and that is when “we” (me & Ev) got to chit chat and get reacquainted! So I do believe the next day Toni and I were friends on FB and catching up with what is going on in each of our lives these days.
Toni emailed me a couple of weeks ago and said they would be at Blue Lakes at the Narrows if we wanted to meet up with them?? I said we would love it! So as the time grew closer we made plans to visit them on the Monday 8/27 at Blue Lakes.
We packed up the kayaks and off we went and spent a fun day catching up on things that were going on in our lives and sharing stories.. Toni is quite the quilter!! OMG some of the quilts she has made are incredibly beautiful! Very artistic and very talented.. Maybe one day I will be a proud owner of one her quilts?? Smile  Gorgeous!! See below!

toni quilt  

     Wedding quilt belowtoni quilt_2

Toni & I did take a little tour around Blue Lake with the kayaks.. she was a bit apprehensive but soon felt at ease with the very stable kayaks.. We took our time and floated along, leisurely paddling our way about the lake. We spent about on hour paddling around.. Smile
We were all sitting on the beach in the shade and Phil said he would like to come over and fix us one of his “world” famous tri tips! Phil is quite the chef.. He and Toni cater many events around Petaluma. We were thrilled that he wanted to cook for us! So we set it up for Tuesday the next day…
Tuesday Phil & Toni and “fur kids” arrive about 2 hours early! OMG.. I was still preparing my share of the dinner!! I was in the middle of making a Lemon Meringue pie! For which then I put in the oven and FORGOT about so then it looked like “mocha” lemon meringue pie!! Tasted fine.. thank God!
We spent some time out front enjoying the view from the front of the house, the “golden” rolling hills of California..Smile
Then went out on the deck when it started cooling down to enjoy the beauty of the view of the hills and lake..

Phil started the tri tip.. Toni was chasing after her “fur kids”.. The dogs were great! and very well behaved. They were Jake, Mick and JR.. Toni helped me get things ready for dinner.. Wasn’t long and we were all sitting down at dinner. uumm of course everything was great.. Not sure my pasta/rice salad was the best.. experimental cooking doesn’t always come out.. Smile No one complained, but I thought it wasn’t the best. oh well.. everything else was delicious!
Not long after dinner Phil & Toni packed up with their puppies and some garden goodies we supplied them with.. Garden tomatoes galore!! and some home grown onions and other veggies.. Phil needed to get back to camp so he could go to bed!! He was getting up early to go fishing!! Of course!

Monday, August 27, 2012

Mother Daughter Weekend :)

I called Lindsy on Thursday to see if she would be busy over the weekend? She said she had to work on Saturday till about 1 o’clock ish, and then she could meet me for lunch at BJ’s in Santa Rosa Coddingtown Mall. uum sounded good to me. I had some errands to fun anyway and lunch sounded good about one-ish.
By the time I left here and got all my errands done, it was nearly 130 and Lindsy was good with that.
We met up at BJ’s where the World Series of Little League was on and our little home town team of Petaluma was in the running!! TV’s were lit up with people rooting for P-town to win! We had an exciting lunch break at BJ’s!
Lindsy and I both had “Fish” tacos, my first experience with them and they were pretty darn good, I would have them again! Smile 
After lunch we went shopping first to Penney’s then Macy’s. While in Macy’s we could hear the roar of people rooting for P-town boys!! Well with our curious nature we had to go and see how the boys were doing!! OMG they got 10 runs in one inning!! They were now tied with the Tennessee team!! 15 & 15!! We were now inside Sweet River Saloon  rooting ourselves for the boys! Sitting on the edge of our seats we decided we probably should have a beer. We did and then the Tennessee team started pulling a head again.. nerve racking! We decided to go back to shopping because it was just too painful to watch!! As it turned out the P-town boys lost that game, however they are real winners!! Our little town of Petaluma Little League made it to the World Series of Little League!! The P-town boys came in 3rd in the world! 2nd in the Nation!! I think they are real WINNERS!
We found lots of treasures at both Penney's and Macys.. Got home about 5pm ish.. We ordered Pizza out.. and had an early night.. Sunday we were up early and met Kim, Sharon, Marlene and Danielle for breakfast at the 101 casino. We had a fun visit.. Hadn’t seen Marlene & Danielle in sometime.. Danielle is going to SF state this fall, started the next day, Monday!! Wish her all the BEST! She wants to be and “Editor”.. pretty ambitious!! After breakfast Lindsy and I went and had a pedicure.. Smile Very nice.. From there we did a little more shopping.. couldn’t resist! Plus had to hit “Ross”.. got some really great deals!! Thanks Linds for a great weekend.. Thanks to Chris and Colin too for letting “Mom” & “Mom” have sometime together!! Love you all so much!

Saturday, August 25, 2012

On the Lake with Pam & Doc

It seemed that Pam & Doc weren’t gonna be able to come with us on the lake, due to Pam’s and Doc’s busy schedule on the Moose Lodge. Ev and I had originally planned on going on the lake on Thursday, which was the ladies meeting at the moose so we would have had to come in early off the lake to get dressed and then go to the meeting by 4pm.. As it turned out Ev and I didn’t go out on Thursday and decided to go on Friday, which seemed to work better for everyone, especially Pam & Doc. Smile
They arrived here on Friday morning with bells on (play on words) about 1030ish.. We loaded up the boat with coolers, towels, etc..
Oh the lake was pretty nice.. uumm beats the heck out of staying in the house all day cause it it is too dam hot to go outside! But, now on the lake?? aww gorgeous.. not to hot, just nice.. We showed Pam & Doc around the lake different places. For the 6 years they have been here they haven’t spent much time on the lake. We went to Konocti Vista Casino for a potty break.. Ev knee boarded, Doc was the “spotter”, had to remind him to hold up the flag!! LOL
We had lunch/dinner (330pm) at Richmond Park over in Jago Bay.. We took them over to show the Lake House and then headed for the boat ramp to load the boat up and head back up the hill. Doc helped with loading the boat, got a little “green” but we washed him off with the hose when we got home!! LOL It was a pretty awesome day!!

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Garden Harvest August 22, 2012

Lots and lots of tomatoes!! This years harvest will well surpass last years! Last year would have been lucky to get 50#s! This year will be over 400#’s!!
Pictured are a roma tomatoes, big boy, beef steak (don’t do well here) and heirloom tomatoes. Zucchini, scalloped squash, yellow squash, bell peppers (doing GREAT this year), pickling cucumbers, lemon cukes and what is left of the string bean crop.. A few cantaloupe (most are volunteers) We will take today’s harvest to both the Moose and Keys Club to share in the bounty.. Smile

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Not pictured yet. We still have gourds galore this year!! Pumpkins large to small!! I guess cause we had so much HEAT this year it just promotes more growth! We had radishes,lettuce and about 300 onions early on..

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Ripley one month post op

It has been a month today since Ripley had his knee surgery. Dr. Ryan DePaul at the Modoc Veterinary Center in Alturas, CA was his doctor. Dr.Ryan did a FANTASTIC job! The office staff at both the Alturas & Adin offices are great too! Everyone cares.. Smile

Ripley is walking on his rear right leg. He seems not to have any pain and I can tell when I run my hand down his back that he is so much more relaxed. He is still healing and doing great! He is our “baby” boy.. I know it is a little over the top, but you know we love him so much!

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Won’t be long and he will be running around “full” blast. Smile

Lake House visit with Family/Friends

Most of the day Friday I spent cooking getting food ready for both Don McMahn’s memorial at the Moose on Saturday. And Chris & Lindsy’s visit at the Lake House.
I made up some delicious marinated zucchini/summer squash/yellow squash with olive oil/itialian seasoning/special seasoning/salt/pepper, then bb-q’ed it and topped with parmesan.. uumm.. Also made up some fresh green beans with bacon. That same day on Friday made some fresh salsa, put up 6 jars of pickled green beans and 6 jars of pickles and a strawberry torte. I was “cook crazed”!
Not sure what time the kids all got to the Lake House I know it was later than Ev and I wanted to do. So we just met up with them on Saturday morning. We met down at the pool and then we left for a short time to go up to the Moose for the memorial service for Don.
By the time we returned to the pool they were all (Lindsy, Chris, Colin, Jeff, Cesar and Julia) about ready to go back to the house. They had partied the night before, so were feeling a bit tired after being up till the wee hours of the morning.. Smile Ev and I stayed a bit longer at the pool with Julia. After about an hour we packed it up so we could get home to change and get over to the Lake House for a barb-q that Chris & Lindsy were putting on.. Tri-tip & Ribs.. uumm.. both my favorite.. Some other friends of Lindsy & Chris’ also joined us for the evening, Mike & Shelley and daughter Maddi. Charles came to enjoy the party too..
It had been a pretty HOT day! We have been having scorching temps for the past month! It had hit 100 plus earlier in the day. However this evening was pleasantly warm. The lake was gorgeous! Sunset was awesome! With the recent fires in the northern counties there were lingering smoke clouds which made for very colorful sunsets.

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Dinner was great! Fun time was had by all!


Sunday morning I got up early and headed over to the Lake house to have coffee with everyone before some of them were leaving.. Jeff, Cesar and Julia were leaving this morning to head home, some people have to work Smile. We had couple of drinks of coffee, coaxed Lindsy to go out in the Kayaks for a little ride. She wasn’t sure she would like them? She was pleasantly surprised after we paddled around out on the lake for about an hour! Now she wants some!! After taking Lindsy out, Chris joined me for a paddle over to Pirates cove..met James in the cove. He recently purchased a foreclosed home there. Nice young kid (28 yrs old). Soon after chatting it up with James, Chris was truly bored and wanted to get back to the house to say good bye to his friends that would soon be leaving.


We said our Good bye’s to Jeff & Cesar and Julia..
We sat on the deck for a little while longer then decided to go over to the pool. I called Ev to join us. We hung out at the pool for a couple of hours (HOT, 100 plus again). We were all invited over to Mike & Shelley’s for dinner. So we packed up our things and went home to get ready for the evening and dinner.


We met up by the Moose lodge and then carpooled out to Spring Valley where Mike & Shelley live.
We drove through the charred area in which the fires from last week had devastated. Fortunately Mike & Shelley’s home wasn’t damaged.


Mike & Shelley have a lovely custom built home on about 9 acres!! Mike was busy making dinner while Shelley whipped up some margaritas! Kids were having a ball, running and “SCREAMING”  through the house..
Dinner was delicious! Mike is a heck of a great cook!!
Didn’t take many photos .. too tired I guess. We left about 10pm.. just too tired from the festivities of the weekend.
Sunday morning I was up early and off to have coffee with Lindsy & Chris before they headed home. We sat on the deck over looking the lake, so peaceful.. enjoyed some stories we shared from the weekend. Before we knew it, it was getting late so I helped them pack up. In the meantime Chris and Colin had gone fishing a caught a few, but tossed them back..
Everyone got home safe and sound!! Had a GREAT time! Thanks

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Wrap Turkey Avocado Cranberry Mustard Recipe

http://www.clearlakevacationsonline.com/recipes/turkeyrollup.pdf

turkeywrap

Printable Version>>
http://www.clearlakevacationsonline.com/recipes/turkeyrollup.pdf

Yogurt Cheesecake

http://www.clearlakevacationsonline.com/recipes/yogurtcheesecake.pdf

yogurtcheesecake

PRINTABLE VERSION>> http://www.clearlakevacationsonline.com/recipes/yogurtcheesecake.pdf

Mohoff Visit on a very Eventful Weekend!

We invited Mike & Mary Ann down for the luau before we left in June on our vacation to come down for the Comedy Show and Luau we were putting on at the Moose.
They arrived here late afternoon on Friday 8/9. The weather was HOT (over 100) so we decided on a light dinner. I made up some turkey rollups for dinner along with a small salad..

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I also made us a cheesecake for dessert, topped with fresh blueberries/strawberries.. uuummm.. Recipe to follow..
Saturday we had a “camp” breakfast as we usually do, another job well done by Mike Mohoff. Then off to the Moose to get ready for the Luau Saturday evening.
Sunday we went to the Rob Rob Golf & Country Club for brunch with our Philosophical Society group. First time for Mike & Mary Ann, I believe they enjoyed it. We also met one of the comedians from the night before Bob Johnston and wife Vita.. sweet sweet couple. I do believe they too enjoyed their time with us.. We had Pam & Doc at our table.. Larry & Lynn were socializing with other members at another table. Rich & Judy didn’t make it, cause Judy was under the weather..


Brunch was delicious as usual. However, we did get some “bad” news that the Rob Roy will be NO longer doing brunch due to they are in financial difficulty and are probably going to close or hopefully sell and stay open..
We then went over to the Rancheria to do a bit of trying our “luck”, which none of us had, so we came home. We were just settling in for a nice rest, when I got a call from our neighbor Jane telling us of a fire that had just started down by the Moose Lodge..It was approx. 4pm Sunday afternoon.

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This was just the beginning of the nightmare to come. Soon the fire was growing and we weren’t sure which way the fire would move, if it came west, then we would be threatened! However it headed northeast, thank God. Then a second fire further down on Hwy 20 going east started up. It wasn’t long and we saw bombers in the air, sirens and more and more fire fighters coming. Soon we heard that Spring Valley was being evacuated, about 450 residents. Among the residents of Spring Valley are our friends Rob & Gayle. We were very concerned about other friends we have there as well, however there was no phone service. We tried calling but no answer no answering machine either.. We did call Gayle & Rob’s cell phones.. We were so worried as we really didn’t know the extent of the fire at this point. Soon we heard from Rob & Gayle and soon they were here safe and sound. We were all worried about what the fire was doing and it seemed difficult to get updates on what was burning and it what direction it was headed. Very limited info. Thank God for FB, everyone was posting photos, and updates. The Moose was said to have burned down, but turned out to be false and then the Moose became the evacuation center. Lots of Spring Valley residents were there with household items, they dogs, cats, horses, etc.. The heat was horrible!! This continued all they through Monday.. There were a couple of homes that did burn to the ground that were close to hwy 20. We did know the families of the homes.
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Sad times..
On Sunday night we all sat down to dinner, Mike, Mary Ann, Gayle, Rob and us. Talked about the day’s events.. Kind of a grey time.. I can’t even remember what we had for dinner…?
Sunday morning we all sat down for yet another “camp” type breakfast.. A group effort. Mike cooking bacon and the eggs, Mary Ann setting tables, cooking toast and me outside on the barb-q with the sausage.. If nothing else everyone should be very content with all the “comfort” food we all ate.. Smile Ev on “kp” duty..
group monday

Another day of “not knowing” much of anything. Hwy 20 is closed in both directions and Spring Valley residents are still hanging out at the Moose or in a motel.. no word yet of what’s going on. And the weather? HOT! Over 100 degrees!
Mike & Mary Ann headed home across Hwy 20. When they got to the “y” they were escorted to past all the fire danger. Gayle and Rob were still our guests to what would be one more night. On Tuesday morning the residents were allowed back at their homes.
Fire is still going and hope it will be totally under control soon. These fires are suspected “arson”.. The heat wave we are having I am sure it s a contributing factor. On Monday 8/13 the high was 110 degrees! The heat is suppose to stick around till over the weekend.. Sad smile
Everyone (our guests) is now home safe. Thank you Lord for keeping them all safe..

I am always amazed when disaster hits, how so many many people come together to help one another. Gives you faith once again in humanity.
To our fire fighters and other personal, thank you for yet another job well done! We are forever in your debt. God Bless.

Sunday, August 12, 2012

August Comedy Machine/Luau 2012 Moose

About mid-week before the Luau, started to get kind of crazy. I was busy trying to get my salads made that I was responsible for. I had already made calls to some of the women of the moose and ask them to make salads up for the event. Over all got a pretty good response.
On Saturday morning before luau we were down at the Moose finishing up the decorations of the tables, etc.. Thanks go to our friends whom were visiting from Reno, Mike & MaryAnn. I don’t know what we would have done without them, Unfortunately we didn’t get much help from our membership.
The people I did have were Thomas DeWalt who came the night before w/family and camped out to cook our pig. Stayed up all night, slaved out there in the heat. Jim Brisco who cooked up the Salmon (tasted delicious) and Rich DeWolfe who did whatever anyone needed in the kitchen. We had a paid dishwasher Spencer who did a great job as well. Shannon was also helpful in the dinning room helping out. A big Thanks goes to all of you whom were such a great help to us. Smile John Zimmerman for a great job on the music during dinner and also for letting us use his “sound system” for the comedians! A BIG thanks also goes to John, we couldn’t have done with with him.. A big thanks also goes to Lynn for taking the money at our event. Also wanted to Thank Pam, Doc, Rob & Gayle for helping put the food away. I hope didn’t forget anyone.. ?? Smile
Our comedians were a bit starting.. seems as one of the three was lost.. Soon found his way and they were on stage.. a bit late.. Sad smile Lost a few guests (past their bed time), however a fun fun show! All the comedian did a great job and we thank them too for all their efforts and great “lines’.. Smile
Comedy Machine >> http://www.comedymachine.com/
Our fav was Bob Johnston.. He and his wife Vita joined us for brunch the next day at the Rob Roy on Cobb Mountain on Sunday..

Sunday, August 5, 2012

Ev’s Birthday Celebration August 5th

Just before we were walking out the door this afternoon, Charles and Craig came by to drop Gidget (the dog) off here so she wouldn’t be by herself. Charles & Craig would be joining us for the days festivities.
Rich & Judy were our chauffer's for the day. We met Rich & Judy at their house, and went with them in their car. We picked up Larry & Lynn on our way. We had all decided earlier in the week we would go to see the local play “Congress your fired” a the senior center over in Lakeport. Charles and Craig were to meet us there. We arrive about 45 minutes before the play was to begin, so we got front row seats. Had a glass of wine, met some new people and did some “networking”. Networking because we have the luau coming up next Saturday, I guess you could call it “promoting”. Charles and Craig sat behind us during the play. Judy & Lynn had a terrible time with their red wine.. seemed as though they were wearing some of it and they had light colored clothing on.. Not a good combination. However, things worked out and they seem to get it under control before intermission.. uumm..
Ev was thrilled when the girls from the play came up and flirted with him a bit and posed for a picture with him for his birthday.. cute..  We all enjoyed the play and afterward we headed over to “TJ’s Grill & Bar” for our dinner.. There were 8 of us.
We had a drink at the bar and Charles got everyone to sing Happy Birthday to Ev.. then we went to our table and all enjoyed our dinner together.. Then the staff came out with birthday cake/candle and sang again to Ev.. He should be feeling mighty important by now.. He received some very nice gifts from everyone.. I think he had a really good time.. I know I did.. Smile 

After dinner the 6 of us that rode together decided to go to Robinsons to get a our “FREE” $10 and try our luck.. no one was particularly lucky.. Sad smile Didn’t stay long.. and headed for home, not without stopping at Foster Freeze in Lucerne for an Ice Cream..
Charles & Craig headed for home from the Restaurant, they don’t gamble.. It was fun to have everyone together for an afternoon to celebrate Ev’s birthday..  Thank you all for a fun fun day! Always nice to spend time with friends..

Ev’s actual birthday is August 6th..

Saturday, August 4, 2012

Comedy Show/Luau Moose 8/11/2012

Coming up this next week, a week from today we have a huge event planned at our Moose. We are hosting a comedy show and luau. We hired the Comedy Machine as our entertainment for the evening. Should be a big hit! Hope you can make it!!
Flyer made by me.. Smile

MOOSELUAU2012