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..




Monday, March 11, 2013

TomKats Grille Koloa, Kauai 3/11

We started our day on the beach just north of Kapaa this morning.. The weather is overcast with a bit of rain thrown in here and there and temps about mid 70’s.. very pleasant really..
Before we actually got to the beach we shopped a bit at the little outdoor market at the north end of town. We bought a shirt and a cute little cover up type dress. Been wanting to stop there for about a week.. yipee got to stop, now the day on the beach is welcomed.
Ev did some boogie boarding in the surf, while I watched and took so pics.. Then Ev talked me into coming in.. There was a strong under current and it scared me so I got out.. No more going in the surf for me.. scared me to death! We will have to find a less “wavy” beach next time.. After the beach we got back to condo and cleaned up and headed to Poipu for happy hour drinks and pupu’s at TomKats..Very good, by the way.. we recommend TomKats in Poipu/Koloa.


After having our “dinner” we decided to walk the “boardwalk” out front.. We stopped and talked with a few different people when we came upon Jeff & Brenda..

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Simply delightful couple from the Fresno area of California, farmers there. Jeff & Brenda age about early 50’s nicest people you would ever want to meet!! We started talking and they started sharing the story of their life for the past couple of years. A series of events that would change the course of their lives forever!
Jeff & Brenda married about 30 plus years ago with two grown daughters. Brenda was adopted as a baby and new this her whole life. She had such a wonderful adopted Mom & Dad and really never felt the need to pursue her birth mother..
I will try and make this incredible journey a short story. Jeff said we should sit down over a cocktail while they shared and absolutely heart warming thrilling story! I will keep this as short as I can, I just hope that I don’t skim over details that were so important..
Brenda was diagnosed with breast cancer about a year ago or so. Jeff & Brenda’s daughters both had planned big weddings already in process and her adopted Mom died two days after the first daughter’s marriage. In the meantime a friend of Brenda’s went to work for an agency that worked with adopted children. A little light comes on in both Jeff & Brenda and they asked the friend to see if she could find out Brenda’s birth Mom? Brenda probably wouldn’t have to know at this point in her life, but due to the breast cancer she needed to know if this kind cancer ran in the family. Jeff mainly pursued the search at first. To both of their astonishment they found the birth mother and she was located less than 8 hours away!! However when the contact person Jeff knew contacted her she didn’t want to be bothered.. However at this time the birth Mother had just been robbed and her identity had been stolen, so thinking that this was probably part of the crime, dismissed the call thinking Brenda & Jeff were not whom they said they were..
I think that Jeff actually was heading up this effort with out the knowledge of Brenda afraid of the rejection, making life even more difficult at this point. In the meantime Jeff (Brenda’s husband) pursued other avenues. He found Brenda’s brother via FB.. found pictures of family, etc and did share photos of the family.. after sometime (not exactly sure of the time line).. After sometime had pasted Jeff sent the brother and his wife a message through FB etc.. no contact even then.. Eventually Jeff wrote another note and this time, the brother wrote back and then Jeff and the brother spoke on the phone and verified each others identity and adoption. Brenda’ was so excited to know she had a blood brother!! and she had nieces that looked so much like even her own daughters!! And best of all Brenda’s brother went and talked to “Mom”.. It wasn’t long before really they were all one happy family! There was much much more, but mainly I just wanted to tell the story.. It took many months and the biggest worry was rejection..And there was, Jeff saved Brenda some of the disappointment (great husband!).. and Well? It has all worked out wonderfully! Brenda has finished her chemo and radiation and she is now cancer free!! YIPEEEEE!!
Her birth Mother was able to attend her “granddaughters” wedding. Brenda’s adopted family all welcomed her birthmother with hugs into their family. And Brenda’s birth Mom’s side of the family had no history of breast cancer.. How wonderful a horrible disease could bring a family together!
We enjoyed this story so much I need to share it.. Unfortunately I couldn’t relay to you the feelings and tears that went with this heart wrenching story.. I hope you can read between the lines..
I hope we have made some life long friends in Jeff & Brenda! If not it was such a pleasure to meet such an uplifting loving couple and want to thank them for sharing such an important life changing experience with us! We want to wish all of them an extra wonderful fulfilling life! God Bless you and give you much health and happiness!! Loved meeting you both! You two are awesome!!!

Saturday, March 9, 2013

Last Day Saturday for kids 3/9/13

This morning the kids all packed up and ready to go. They dropped off their extra food.. Sad looks from them all.. Wished they could have stayed longer..?? but they had to get home.. We really had a GREAT week! Everyone pretty much did their own thing while here! So everyone really did enjoy their vacation!! We all ate dinners together in the evening and had cocktails at the pool.. Fun was had by all!! We will miss you guys! Be safe.. We love you!!!
Here are misc pictures we took during the week..

These photos below are the sunglass shots, check out the reflections…Smile

Cesar’s Birthday Celebration! 3/8

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Above photo is Cesar after we sang Happy Birthday to him.. I do believe a tear or two came to be..
Jeff made reservations for all us at the Japanese Restaurant here in Kapaa, Kintaros! Cesar was in heaven.. He loved all the Japanese food!! Being he is from the Philippine's himself.
It is too bad that the restaurant itself was so poorly run. The rudeness from the woman who seated us to the bartender and the servers! I couldn’t believe these people were all so rude..The server made the comment “you all tight” because we had separate tickets! One of the other servers said to me “I heard you the first time”, because I wasn’t sure Rich had order the right saki.. wow.. I wasn’t too much on the food.. Everyone’s food seemed to be mediocre at best. Of course being that the staff was all so rude probably made the food not so good either.. I will write a comment on “Yelp”..

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Kuilau Trail 3/7/13

Ev and took a drive on Thursday morning up to Opaeka Falls and then continued on to the Kuilau Trail where we hiked.. It was gorgeous!! We hiked about 4 miles round trip..

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Cutest Japanese Girls 3/6

The first night we were here we were in the Hot Tub and met the cutest girls from Japan.. Soko, Kyoko and Koto (Katie) (spelling of all names??). So sweet and very friendly. We would see them here and there and all over the island.. I could hear in the background “Linda” and I would look around and here were my new friends.. Soko fell in the rocks on the beach and broke her foot!! poor thing.. We hope you have a very speedy recovery!
Kyoko was the chaperone I believe.. All were so very nice!
We wish you all safe travels!!
www.kahuna-j.com
ipgmoriya@msn.com

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Kauai Monday & Luau 3/4

Monday was a “hang out” a the “condo” day.. meaning beach and pool time and quite a few sunburns. Monday evening we were all going to the “Smith Family Luau”!! Fabulous Luau! We have been to several luau’s over the years and I do believe this one was the best! The food was actually wonderful! The grounds were gorgeous and the hospitality was outstanding! Entertainment was very unique. You will have to go when you come to visit!


Ev and I are doing a morning walk as soon as we get up in the morning.. This morning we walked about 6 miles!!! OMG!! Ev was tuckered out… I decided to go shopping with Rich & Judy for the afternoon.. I got two new dresses.. Judy & Rich bought me one for making all the travel arrangements, very nice of them.. Love both my new dresses!! Then they took me to drinks and lunch.. They spoiled me this afternoon.. Judy bought some really cute blouses too! Had a fun day!!
When we got back late in the afternoon, Ev was relaxing watching tv.. He had a nice relaxing day.. he took a nice walk..
Stay tuned more to come!!!

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Tim & Melissa and kids visit

We had Tim & Melissa and kids, Kassandra & Demetrio over for dinner tonight.. Ev and the kids played “corn hole” out front while we all visited inside.. Then the kids came in watched a movie and we watched the Oscars..
Got two announcements tonight.. Big news Melissa is going to have a baby.. Smile, due October 10th this year.. And the other news is sad for us but happy for them.. They are moving to Oklahoma the end of July.. Better opportunities for them there.. awww.. Sad smile  We had a nice nice evening..

Tom & Heidi Throw a Mardi Gras Party in the Keys!!

 

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Fun time had by all who attended the Mardi Gras Party! Our host & hostess kept the drinks pouring! Lots of hors d'oeuvres, fun people and good music! Great Party!!

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Our 8th Wedding Anniversary

ev_linda

8 years ago today I married the most wonderful/loving/caring man! oops I almost forgot UNDERSTANDING!! I am the "storm" Ev is the Calm :) We are each other's best friends! We work and play together. We encourage growth in each other, we TRUST each other! We have made our life together fun/adventuresome/challenging!
I LOVE EVERETT WITH ALL MY HEART AND BEING! Happy Anniversary Huny!!! — with
Everett Swesey.

Sunday, February 17, 2013

Our Friend Bill Hahn turns 94!

Bill Hahn celebrated his 94th Birthday today, yesterday and the day before yesterday!! Poor guy he is done in.. Had a wonderful time as you will see in the pics.. Tonight’s party was held in Orchard Shores at Clearlake Oaks. Bill had a wonderful turnout of family/friends!! He received some wonderful cards with congrats as well as 94 scratchers tonight.. He also had a party at the Moose on Saturday afternoon!! Goooo Bill!


Happy Birthday Bill!!

~Eventful Saturday!~

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After getting home Friday afternoon I started cooking right away for the “Sweetheart Brunch” on Saturday morning at the Moose. Tina a new member is thriving to helping the lodge get more participation!! She has some great ideas! Smile
I made up a Hash brown Casserole and an Enchilada dish for our contribution to the brunch. There were many delightful dishes!! Unfortunately we didn’t get a fabulous turnout. Will just have to try harder next time! We might have had about 25 people.. sad huh? Thankfully the food was mostly all donated, so the Moose did probably make a few dollars.
This is my cooking weekend!! I also made up a extra Enchilada dish for Sunday night over at Orchard Shores in celebration of a friend Bill Hahn’s 94th birthday.
Monday night at the Moose I will be cooking up some
Hearty Italian Chicken Soup with egg salad sandwiches!! Smile

We have dinner plans with Rich, Judy, Larry and Lynn to go to dinner at TJ’s in Lakeport, meeting at Rich & Judy’s at 3pm.
Us girls wanted to do a little shopping before dinner so that is why we left a bit early.
We did a little shopping before dinner, not much caught my eye, however Lynn found a nice jacket.. We then met the “boys’ at the Clearlake Club where they were patiently waiting for us to finish up our shopping..

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From here we went to TJ’s for dinner… geez no wonder I can’t loose any weight, we are always out to dinner!! Oh well.. Hawaii will have to take me as I am.. a bit chubby..

Saturday, February 16, 2013

HAPPY 8th ANNIVERSARY CHRIS & LINDSY

lindsy

My daughter Lindsy married her best friend/soul mate February 16th 2005 on the island of Maui! Truly there isn’t a better union than Chris & Lindsy! As Lindsy’s Mother I am so very very proud of what a wonderful and beautiful young woman she has become! Lindsy is the best daughter I could ever imagine!
I Love her with all my heart and being! Her husband Chris is a great son-in-law, Lindsy made a very good choice and Chris didn’t do so bad either! We love Chris so much!! And of course the newest member of the family is our grandson Colin, whom is now 6 1/2, not so new, but a blessing for sure!! We love you all so much! We are looking forward to celebrating your 8 year anniversary as well as Ev & me’s 8th Anniversary with you in Hawaii!!

Love Mom & Ev

Happy Birthday Maryann!!!

Happy Birthday my dear friend! We had such a fun time with both Mike and Maryann!
We had been planning since before Christmas that we were going to get together for Maryann’s birthday at Valentine’s Day (her birthday) in Reno.
Our first night there Maryann had a beautiful table set for dinner with us as guests and longtime friends Kathy & Phil..
Mike served up some of his famous stir fry.. Not like any kind of stir fry you have ever eaten! He is a fabulous cook!!
Maryann did a delicious spinach salad with a nice light homemade concoction she made up.. Great company great food, what more could you ask for??


Next morning was up early 7am, got our sweats on and out the door for a 5 mile walk!!! And yes I do go and it was wonderful.. Brisk (23 degrees) walk to the 7-11 for coffee and back. M & M have some dear friends that own the 7-11, so every morning (most of the time) they walk there and get coffee and come home.. Smile 
Mike made a gourmet breakfast for all of us. While he was cooking I got my shower and was ready for the day.
Soon after breakfast Maryann and I went shopping to TJMAX/HOMEGOODS and I found a wonderful “carryon” for travel to Hawaii in a couple of weeks.. Smile
M & M bought a tent trailer a few months ago, brand new from the factory. Mike hadn’t opened up yet, so I was up for the challenge and coaxed him that we should find out how worked!! Maryann said “I knew when Linda got here she was going to want to get that trailer opened up”, and she was right! Bless her heart, she is so cute..Love that girl!!
Mike & Everett pushed the small tent trailer out into the driveway.. Now it was time for set up.. Ev, MIke and I were getting the stabilizers down, checking out how everything works.. Now that we have it secured we started opening up the trailer itself.. It is amazing how fast this went up.. Nice quality material, very light, aluminum construction. With a few minutes we had it all up!! Pretty cool.. Now the hard part starts taking it down.. uummm..?? funny how fast you forget the steps you take to put it up and now taking it down.. Well there is the youtube video, yipeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!! No problem got it all down and put away in no time.. aww.. Smile

Mike planned a nice evening out for Maryann’s birthday and Valentines day for all of us. He/they treated us to dinner at the Eldorado Buffet and a lovely magic show also at the Eldorado, “Magique”.
The Buffet was the busiest I had ever scene!! I will say for the first time ever going out on Valentines Day the food was very good, considering how many people were there! We were lucky to get seated pretty quickly.. If we had gotten there a few minutes later our time in line would have been much more! We needed to eat and get to the show that was starting at 7pm.. We made it!! Smile What a nice show it was! Gorgeous costumes! Chorographic wonderfully! Music numbers were not long and drawn out. The illusionists were very convincing and entertaining! Overall a very nice show!

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We had a really fun couple of days with M & M!! We left early (early for us) about 9:30am and headed home. We did make a stop at Winco.. GREAT PRICES!! We got home safe and sound about 4pm Friday afternoon..
Started cooking as soon as we got home.. Moose is having a “Sweetheart Casserole Brunch” on Saturday morning!

Monday, February 11, 2013

Fun Filled Weekend!!

Started Friday night at the Moose. Judy DeWolfe was doing a dinner for the lodge. I was her helper.. Smile Baked Chicken/Rosemary Potatoes/green salad/corn/garlic bread/dessert all for $8!! Doc did most of the dishes, bless his heart!! Ev & Rich did their share too.. Lynn took the money, she is very good with it!! Larry supported the kitchen staff by buying us a drink.. Thanks Larry!! Smile

On Saturday we had plans to meet Cully a newer friend that we have known for a few years through the vacation rentals. Cully and Annie (girlfriend) and Cully’s Mom, Lynn came up here for a drink before dinner. We have plans to go to the Happy Garden for dinner.  Ev & I had not had the pleasure of meeting Lynn (Cully’s Mom) before, so that was a nice treat. Mom & Cully are entering into partnership of buying a home here at Clearlake Oaks on the lake. They wanted to “pick our brain” about the vacation biz.. And we had so much fun doing it!! From here we went to Happy Garden for dinner. Annie and I went to the bar and had a “Grey Goose” martini..
Then joined everyone back at the table for some wonderful Thai food! Thank you guys for a very nice evening!!

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Since I put the pictures in, I pick the one that looks the best of me.. Smile Sorry Lynn, your eyes were closed..

Sunday was our Philosophical Society Brunch.. I get to call my self the “President” because I do all the arrangements in setting up our brunch each month. We have been alternating between the Greenview Restaurant at Hidden Valley and Riviera Hills Restaurant in Kelseyville. I do believe next month our group will vote on one specific place to hold our meetings every month. I do believe the Riviera Hills will win out.. Kevin at the Riviera Hills is very accommodating/personable/comfortable, as well to making us happy as a group. It’s just not all about head counts and the money as we all feel at the Greenview.. We all have enjoyed the food at both places. We are a fun group and if you have to deal with a manager that arrogant and intimidating (he lurks around and is doing head counts, and makes it all about the MONEY)it kind of takes the fun out of it,. You know that feeling of anxiousness, feeling like if you don’t have the EXACT head count he wants to charge you extra! So that is the main reason for making a decision for probably not going back to the Greenview. Our meetings are fun and we want to keep them fun!! Smile Great group!!

Many times after our brunch meetings there are invitations to different members homes afterwards. Yesterday was one of those days where we were invited to Milton & Ellen Health’s home just outside of Middletown.. We had a lovely time. Ellen the gracious hostess gave us a tour of her and Milton’s home.. Absolutely lovely!! Milton had the bottomless wine bottle going.. MIlt was our tour guide around the grounds of the house.. Just beautiful.. I was the only woman that went with Milt, Ev and Jim..oh well.. Nice cement walkways for the  most part winding around on the property.. we got to see one of the mines that were on the property.. Didn’t realize there were several mines in this area at one time, Mercury I believe.. It was fun.. We got back from our walk around the grounds and it was time to go..

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We were invited to go to Jim & Shirley’s for one last “birthday” drink.. Smile Today was her actual birthday, however we had been celebrating it for nearly 2 weeks now..
From their house we decided we should have a bit to eat. We drove into Middletown to the pizza place and enjoyed pleasant dinner with Jim & Shirley.. Had another great time!!

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Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Camping at Jim & Shirley’s

At Christmas when Jim & Shirley were here visiting, Jim offered to put a pantry in one our cupboards in the trailer..I was so excited that he offered to do it.. I was excited because I know particular he is. I knew it would come out perfect!!
We were with the Walsh’s for Shirley’s pre-birthday celebration (her real birthday is 2/10) and discussed when would be a good time for this project. We decided it was going to be this week on the 5th! So excited..Also this would be our first trip out of the driveway with the new trailer.. eecckkk, was stressing out thinking I wasn’t going to make it.. BUT?? I did!! yipeeee yahooo!! Ev has been down trimming the bushes for months now.. So when we did pull it out we could take some extra ground for those turns!! His hard work paid off!!!! Actually went very smoothly…aaww relief.. Smile 
So off we went to Jim & Shirley’s in Middletown.. We didn’t get there as early as Jim would have liked.. He was all set up  and prepared to work.. he even recruited his brother Dennis that is a fabulous carpenter as well.. Geezz got two for the price of one (the whole job cost us a dinner I cooked), not bad..the best part was the company.. And to add to the great time we were already having, Rudy & Faith joined us for dinner too!!

trial run 008

My camera is still being a “stinker” so my pictures are fewer..

Not only was the pantry put in the cabinet.. Dennis also reversed the closet door (apparently at the factory someone put the closet in upside down, therefore the door was opening into the bed). Can’t even tell where the hinges were!! As you can tell we are just thrilled!!
Wednesday morning Jim & Shirley cooked us a very nice breakfast and even some gin fizzes!! Smile After breakfast we took a walk around their property for couple of  hours.. Then packed up and headed home.. Jim & Shirley followed us so we could stop for lunch at the Happy Garden.. Smile

Got the Trailer out of the Driveway!!

YIPEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
The biggest challenge of taking out the trailer was getting it out of our driveway. Our previous trailer was 23’ this new trailer is 26’, however the pivot point was the same, but nonetheless it was pretty intimidating until I actually got it out! After getting it out I was in tears with joy after months of stressing about it. Our driveway is a horseshoe type and not much room to really maneuver in the actual parking area on top. Backing it into “its spot” is about it. When taking it out we pull it straight out down the back side of the horseshoe which is step a 35% grade at the steepest part I would believe then a sharp left turn around the island onto a level narrow frontage road with lots of brush that my husband as been trimming back to give just a little more room for a turning radiance.. At any rate I am very comfortable taking it out of the driveway now..
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trailer

Saturday, February 2, 2013

Celebration of Lynn’s Birthday

We celebrated Lynn’s birthday on Friday this week at Simona’s Italian Restaurant in Ukiah. Lynn’s birthdate is January 28th..
We started out by going shopping to Kohl’s and Penneys. Found a few treasures.. First we had a cocktail at “The Office” above Simona’s. Lynn had fun opening her gifts.. Fun evening…

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