Sopapilla Cheesecake Pie

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Celebrating our 7th Wedding Anniversary

Our day started quite early this morning. We had planned on going over to Jim & Shirley's this morning, but they called yesterday afternoon to let us know that they wanted to take Ev & I out to brunch on Sunday.. sounded good to us..
Jim & Shirley arrived here about 9ish..that would be in the “am”.. uummm… got up early got showered and ready for the day. I wanted to help Shirley with how to upload photos to her email.. I showed her, but not sure that I really got much accompliced..? Hope soo.. Will take care of it another day.. We had some Lady of the Lake, pear champagne, so we popped the cork and proceeded to indulge in some “toasts” for our anniversary and finished off the bottle before leaving for the Blue Wing Saloon for brunch. Jim & Shirley love listening to David Neft from here in Lake County.. David is a Jazz Piano musician.. David would be playing at the Blue Wing Saloon this morning.. We arrive and David came over and spoke to us along with another jazz musician/comedian Mike from Portland, who plays Sunday through Thursday evening 6-9pm until March 3rd.. We hope to go over one evening for dinner and music…
Today was lovely but cool. We decided to stop in at the Boat House in Nice for a cocktail and enjoy the views of the lake. On our back to “home”, we decided we needed to go to Brassfield Winery for some wine tasting. It was only about 130 and thought it would be nice way to spend the afternoon. When we arrived “Bob” our favorite person that pours was on duty.. He treated us all very well. I do believe we were there about 3 hours! We walked around the lovely grounds, enjoying the architecture, landscaping, really one of the more beautiful wineries of the day! When walking out to the car, I noticed we had a FLAT TIRE!!  Can you believe it? With all of our efforts we got the tire changed and on our way back to our house we came.. Enjoyed some “Tequila” tasting, along with a little “brandy” tasting as well..Had a wonderful and fun day with friends Jim & Shirley.. Thank you two for a FANTASTIC Day!! Love you both!

Wedding Anniversary VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Murdered at Cactus Gulch by way of Spring Valley, CA..

On Saturday morning we met with the group of people that were going to host an interactive murder mystery we were going to take part in that evening at dinner. Rob & Gayle had invited us earlier in the month to take part in a murder mystery to take place at their annual Valentines Day dinner/dance and now murder mystery!.. There were Rob, Gayle, Sonia, Lee, Laura, Sue, Mill, Gary and Everett and I.. We all tried to dress the era of this mystery, however with only about 7 hours notice?? I think we all did pretty well, you will have to check out our get ups!! We all had different characters to play and most of it is adlibbed, and sooo fun! We all carried out our parts quite well I thought considering most of us had never done this sort of thing before. When the guest all were arriving to the clubhouse, we all introduced our selves (the players in the “who dun’ it) and also welcomed them to “Cactus Gulch”, in the Arizona Territory, just south of the Grand Canyon.. The audience was well involved and did a great job getting involved and participating in the challenging event of trying to figure out who murdered “Dusty Jones”.. “Cactus Gulch Murder Mystery”, the names were changed to protect the innocent..
A very nice evening.. Thanks to Rob & Gayle for helping making this night a fabulous success!!

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Bill Hann’s 93rd Birthday at the Moose..

I am in charge of the pie table at the Moose for Friday nights fish fry. That is where someone has to drum up enough free pies/cakes/cookies/etc.. to sell for fundraising at our lodge.. Where also it is Bill’s 93rd Birthday celebration.. Greta (sweet heart that she is) picked up Bill and drove up to the lodge (Bill doesn’t drive at night). Bill sat up at the bar just watching all the people having a wonderful time. People coming by and wishing him a happy birthday, buying his “cokes” and giving him lots of well wishes. Women giving him hugs and kisses!! He loved all the loving attentions he was getting. After dinner we at the moose lodge got his cake ready and we all sang him a happy birthday!! Bill was overjoyed with all the birthday wishes, it brought tears to his eyes.. He was so happy and said that was “The Best Birthday Ever”!! He is 93.. ?? Might have had some other great birthdays too in that life span.. But tonight was extra special..

Bill Hann's 93rd B-day VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Viva Las Vegas!! 2012

                                   Wink and a Smile Harry Connick Jr  http://youtu.be/TIwqw_2J6H8 

Viva Las Vegas!! Lindsy & Chris and Ev & I left for Vegas on Saturday 2/11/12 to celebrate our 7th wedding anniversaries! We stayed at the Desert Rose Resort. Nice place.. We stayed in the first two nights and had barb-q and stayed in those nights. Enjoyed the hot tub and pool on Sunday evening..
On Monday we met up with Rich & Judy in Laughlin for the day. We all enjoyed lunch together, did some gambling a little shopping. Rich & Judy were only in Laughlin for a couple of days and then back to Lake Havasu for some nice warm weather.. It was a short lived day, due to the long drive from Las Vegas to Laughlin about 94 miles..
Tuesday (our last day) Lindsy & Chris went their way and we went ours.. Ev & I did a nice long walk in the morning (2hours) walked up to the Welcome to Las Vegas sign and got our photo taken (above), walked through the Mandalay Bay Resort.. what a gorgeous place!
When we got back to the resort we cleaned up and then walked down to the Flamingo to meet up with  Mike & Maryann. M & M were there celebrating Maryann’s birthday and Valentines Day!! It was great to see them both! We went to see a comedy magic show at the Flamingo, Nathan Burton.. He was pretty funny and his “illusions” were fabulous! All of us then went over to the Paris to have a nice romantic dinner at the Paris (buffet).. Oh my it was soooooooooo good! Of course the French are known for their delicious pastries/desserts!! soooooooooooo good.. This was our last night in Vegas and had a long day on Wednesday with travel so we said our goodbyes early about 930pm..

Viva Las Vegas 2012 VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Dirt Ranch Dinner

Gayle & Rob called us this past week to ask us out for dinner, for which we gladly accepted. We picked up Lee & Laura our way out to the “Dirt Ranch”. When we arrive Gayle & Rob were out to greet us all smiles and giggles. Gayle had already been hard at work cooking/barb-q’ing a Cajun Turkey.. uummm uummm good! They had their dinning room all decorated in the Valentine motif.. sooo cute.. Love it! We all got to sit out on the deck before it got too cool.. So peaceful and quite there. Of being that it is winter everything is pretty stark and grey, but the fresh air was wonderful. Not to mention the fun company we were enjoying.
As soon as the turkey was cooked we all went inside and helped get the food on the table.. Soon we were all sitting enjoying the fine food Gayle & Rob had put before us.
Great evening, Thanks you guys had a great time! We will be happy to come back again!!

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Make Your Own Vanilla Extract

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'Bon Appétit Y'All

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Crab Feed at the Moose Lodge 2/4/2012

Our 6th annual Crab Feed at the Moose Lodge in Clearlake Oaks. We had a whopping 160 plus people who had reserved seats at our crab feed this year! Thomas DeWalt our new (2011) Administrator with the help of many other volunteers did a fantastic job of organizing a very successful crab feed! We had another GREAT kitchen crew. Thomas, Gil, Eric, Irma, Steve, Ed, Jamie. Thomas & Jamie’s children, Josh & Casey,more help always by John & JJ (this guys help so much!!).. Bartenders, Tommy and Donna.. Cocktailing by Amanda and Jamie!! Thank to our Senior Regent Peggy Seifert! And so many other donated items that we are all so grateful for.. Thank you all!! If I have forgotten anyone?? sorry.. You all did such a fantastic job and we all Thank You!!!We had Charles as our live auctioneer! Charles always does such a fantastic job. He has the talent of getting everyone involved to participate!! He gets enormous amount of money for desserts! Sometimes in excess of $100!! Charles does a fantastic job!!!
Larry &Lynn are the “ole” faithful of long standing setting of the tables, taking the money for tickets at the door, plus the many many other jobs they do with out be acknowledged!! Thank you all for all you do! You are appreciated! HONEST!We had fabulous participation with donations of baked goods, thanks to Judy DeWolfe who called people to get the donations! We also had several donations from other Moose patrons, as well as some very sexy gift baskets. Everything was donated in the baskets, they were silent auction items.
We had great participation from our guests! Thank you all for making this evening such a GREAT success!!

Crab Feed Moose Lodge Feb 4, 2012 VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Fishing on Clearlake 2/2/12

While I was in the kitchen about dinner time I looked out to see that we had another spectacular sunset! So I rushed to find the camera so I could take the shots you will see below. I never knew Clearlake had so much to offer, very diverse, before moved here in 2003. We have world renown wineries, best bass fishing in the USA (WOW), Clearlake is one of the oldest lakes in the world (can you believe that? true). Click on this link >>“Fun Facts about Clearlake” to learn more about Clearlake.
A terrific amount of outdoor activities to enjoy. We just love it here! Of course if “shopping” is your thing, you won’t have much to select from. However day trips to Santa Rosa, Ukiah or Vacaville are from about an hour to 2 hours drive.. not bad, you get used to it. The positive about living here, is the peacefulness, the serenity and nothing surpasses the beauty.
A friend of mine commented, "These are stunning frame worthy pictures. Love them!" Sandy Waddell.. Enjoy the photos..

Fishing on Clearlake VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

These photos were taken at sunrise 2/2/2010. This was the most fog I have seen over Clearlake since we have been here.

Pork Carnitas

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Down Under from Washington State

Lynn & Maddi arrived on time at the “new” Sacramento airport Thursday late afternoon. Ev and I had a hard time finding our way around, because everything is new I guess?? However whoever designs the airports must think we are “rats” and need a maze to run around in!! Guess we are stuck with it now, it is pretty well all built, no room for changes now.
Our first stop?? “Costco”.. where else? Of course “Costco”. We filled up with fuel, got something to eat.. Lynn & Maddi had a slice of pizza and Ev & I had a polish..
We spent a relaxing evening visiting once we arrived home.
Friday I started getting Mexican food ready for Saturday’s Mexican food dinner and celebration for Lynn & Maddi’s visit here in California. Going to slip in Lynn “R” birthday too..  
Late morning Friday we all went to Walmart. Don’t you always have to go to Walmart? Seems like we do.. Lynn & Maddi needed some slippers and a few other things. After a bit of shopping we went up to Brassfields Winery, probably one of the most beautiful wineries in California. And it is in our back yard!!
In the afternoon Lynn, Maddi and I packed up and went down to the Moose and Keys Club to visit some of the people Maddi got to visit over the summer while here. Unfortunately, not many of those warm blooded people were out.. think it was too cold? We did get to visit with a couple of friends.
Saturday morning was a bustling time! Trying to get everything in place for our festivities later in the day.
Lindsy/Chris/Colin were the first to arrive. Ev took out the “Bean Bag” game (in the south it is known as “Corn Holing” this is a very serious game in the south!) Soon Charles followed by Larry/Lynn and then Rich/Judy soon after Rob/Gayle arrived. Now we were all here!
CHOW TIME! Got the Pork Carnitas ready, had some refried beans, cooked up some tortillas and we are ready to chow down! Everyone loved the Pork Carnitas! They did come out great if I do say so myself .
We had a little birthday pumpkin bread w/cream cheese frosting for Lynn. Soon after we retired to the bar area where some of us indulged in some karaoke. LOL.. It’s one of those things, you should have been here to appreciate. We will leave it at that. Moving right along.. Evening went till about mid-night, most everyone left before 9pm, then there were those of us that were staying here all night that sang and entertained each other, very well I might add! Maddi was the best singer of all!

Lynn & Maddi's Visit VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Sunday morning everyone seemed to be up bright and early.. I got breakfast going.. Bacon, some eggs, a bowl of fresh fruit, some toast, wala.. Got everyone feed.. Lindsy/Chris/Colin would be on their way home right after breakfast. That way they could have sometime to rest before getting ready for work on Monday.
Over all Sunday was a relaxing day for me.. I haven’t been sleeping well and then with all the activities it was my time to do “movie” day.. Ev took Lynn up to the casino for a few hours and did some gambling.. Maddi was here with me.. She was watching her programs on tv in the front room.. aaww nice day.. We all enjoyed some left over Pork Carnitas and some beans.. We were good to go..
Monday was a travel day for Lynn & Maddi.. Travel home.. , short lived vacation. However, good time was had by all!
Dropped them off at the airport about 11am.. said our good byes and off they went. Got a call about 4pm all home and safe..

Lynn’s Birthday at Simona’s in Ukiah

Rich & Judy picked us up at 2pm this cloudy Wednesday afternoon and then on to Larry & Lynn to pick them up and head to Ukiah to do some shopping and to celebrate Lynn’s birthday! Of course on the way driving over there, you would have thought that none of had seen each other for months! When actually it was only a couple of days. Chit Chat going on like crazy!
Rich & Larry dropped us off at Penneys’ and asked them to pick us up at Ross at 430pm, that would give us about 90 minutes of shopping.. woo hoo and here we go! Ev decided to come with the girls and shop. The other boys went to “The Office” for a drink.. Of course when it was time to picked up? The boys were late?? Imagine that one.. Their “story” was that they went to Kohls to pick us up and sat there and waited.. aaaww huh.. a likely story.. When I finally saw them while standing in front of Ross they were parked in front of Penneys and Larry was walking out of the building.. I do believe they weren’t listening when we told them to pick us up at Ross. We had all been getting some worried that they had some kind of accident? NOT.. thank God..
We got back to “The Office” sat down and had a martini along with other assorted drinks. We then went down stairs to Simona’s Italian Restaurant..   Simona’s Italian Restaurant was expecting us and had our table ready and waiting.. We all had a wonderful dinner!

Lynn Birthday VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Hashbrown Casserole

This is my cousin Dawn’s recipe.. uumm so good!!

Hashbrown Casserole
http://www.clearlakevacationsonline.com/recipes/hashbrowncasserole.pdf

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Grandson Colin/emergency room visit

Got a call Tuesday evening from Lindsy, asking me if I could come and stay with Colin for a few days.. I said yes and I would be there in the morning. She was concerned that Colin would be in “day care” for too many hours after all the problems with his neck from the week before and he wasn’t totally healed yet.
I left early Wednesday so I would be sure to be there by the time he was out of school at 11:35.. The drive was nice and easy did some shopping on my way down. Once I arrived at Lindsy & Chris home I up packed and went over to get Colin from school.. We had a nice day together.. We took a walk and he rode his scooter.. I had asked Lindsy if she wanted to have Jeff & Cesar over for dinner, I was making Fried Chicken/Mashed Potatoes/Gravy and corn for dinner and homemade pear/apple pie.. She said that would be nice to have everyone over.. Everyone arrived on time.. Jeff’s Dad Mel was visiting here from Boston. Fun evening..

Jeff and his father Mel and Cesar

Thursday the phone rang after Lindsy had left for work and I answered the phone and it was Colin’s doctor calling from Kaiser. I told her Colin was doing well.. and Lindsy had already left for work, she said she would call Lindsy at work.
Long story short, doctor called Lindsy (about 4 times) told her she needed to get Colin and take him for a CT scan in Santa Rosa ER, right now as it could be “LIFE ALTARING”!! Doctor had insinuated that it was possible that Colin had a spinal injury!!!.. As you can image the chaos was on! I went to get Colin from school, Lindsy called Chris to meet us at the ER in Santa Rosa.. We arrive before lunch.. Got checked in.. Took us right away and into the room we went! Doc came in just before noon.. Doc looked like he could be Richard Gere’s brother (only Doc was better looking ).. Doctor was very pleasant with a nice bedside manor and started talking with Colin as soon as he came in, as Colin sat and played his hand held video game.. Doc studied Colin put his hand on his neck and commented to Colin.. “Seems young man you have a slight case of “WHIPLASH”.. A long way from a SPINAL INJURY!! The doctor explained to us if it were a spinal injury there was no way Colin would sitting there playing his video game.. He did order another set of xrays, everything proved to be as the doc said.. and now life returns to normal.. However in my opinion, I think that the pediatrician Colin has been seeing should do another internship in an EMERGENCY ROOM someplace, so she can make a better educated guess other than to think the worst! And scare the “SH-T” out of the family!!
I did recommend that maybe they might want to check into getting a more “seasoned” pediatrician for Colin..  

Colin at the ER in Santa Rosa

Fire Down Below

This morning about 1130am, Ev spotted smoke billowing from down below us about half way between us and town.. He called 911 to report it. The fire crews took awhile to arrive about an hour, but when then did, boy did they get going. Chopper in the air with a bucket taking water from the lake, about chopper dropped of some guys and then loaded their water bucket. In the meantime a huge truck with a dozer on the back came driving up Alta Vista (the street below us). Parked up by the house up there and unloaded the dozer and they all went to work to get that fire under control. Several other trucks joined the force as time passed. Once they started it wasn’t long and they had it out. Probably about 2 hours total.. Some of the crew stayed behind to be sure the fire was out.. Amazing to have a fire this time of the year, January!! We have had very little rain this season. Last measureable rain was probably the first of October 2011.. Since that time we have been kind of blessed with a really nice late fall and early winter, no rain or snow and temps in the high 60’s and low 70’s..
We are all safe and the fire is out.. Hopefully on Wednesday the 18th our rainy season will be here, that is our forecast..

Fire Down Below VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Diversified Week

This week has been quite diverse..
Charles called early in the week and asked us over for dinner on Wednesday at his house.. Dinner at 6pm..We arrived and Charles was the perfect “host”.. He invited us into his warmly decorated home, still lingering with some Christmas decorations, giving his home a well lived mood. Charles proceeded to pour us a drink.. Me with my usual brandy and Ev had a vodka/cranberry with a splash of grapefruit a little different spin.. We chatted probably way too long before it was time to get the dinner actually going.. Instead of barb-q we did broil… Guess that kind of tells the story.. We all sat down at the table and enjoyed dinner together. Of course the drinks were taking their toll by this time for me anyway and soon to be on our way home. Seemed as soon as we got home it was time to hit the “hay”.. It was already past 10pm.. OMG past our bedtime!! It was real treat for us to have Charles cook for us.. He really did a great job and the food was good!

 

 
Before I was awake fully I could hear the phone ringing.. Oh I was not ready to get up and it was only about 7:15am.. However I jumped up to answer the phone, but had “rung” out.. checked the caller ID and it was Lindsy/Chris.. I was really awake by now, think I hope all is ok.. Called them back.. Lindsy answered and she was stressed and she informed me that Colin had been up all night with pain in his neck.. Chris was going to take Colin into the doctor at about 930..Lindsy’s big boss was coming in today and Chris had major stuff going on and they wanted to know if I could come down and watch over Colin.. He had a terrible stiff neck, “wry” neck, was the diagnosis..?? Guess you will have to look it up..He was in a terrific amount of pain.. poor little guy… Good thing for pain meds.. By the time Lindys & Chris got home, I pretty much everything under control.. I had the hose ready to squirt the dog with, if she started her barking fits. Colin was sacked out on the couch, comfortable with his pain meds.. Dinner was almost ready.. Made us some of my Easy Enchiladas..Had enough hamburger I also made up my Meatloaf for another nights dinner.. I had also got the house in order so Lindsy wouldn’t feel the least overwhelmed after such a stressful day with no sleep, Chris too was relieved that things were in order and dinner was ready to eat when he arrived home.. We all had a cocktail, relaxed for a little while then sat down to eat dinner, the Easy Enchiladas..Early evening, everyone was tired.. Friday, Lindsy & Chris back to work and me and Colin hanging out.. Still he was not feeling well. We went to McDonalds for a treat and then stopped at Kmart and then he was done.. we went home. Chris was home, so I went back out so I could visit my friend Linda Madden who was here in Petaluma to take care of her mother’s estate. Linda’s Mom passed in mid-dec.
 
It had been a few years since I had visited with Linda and it was nice to see her. We visited and talked about her Mom and life in general.. Our visit was short and sweet.. It was great seeing her!
Got back to Lindsy’s and heated up the left over Easy Enchiladas.. Chris went back to work, and Lindsy and I sat down to watch a movie.. When there was a knock on the door.. It was Julia (Colin’s step Grandmother, Nama) coming by to see how Colin was.. She ended up staying for a few hours so we didn’t get to watch our movie.. there was always Saturday night..
Saturday the kids (Chris & Lindsy) too Nonni (Me) out to lunch at Applebees.. Colin was feeling a bit better.. After lunch Lindsy and I went shopping for a few hours while Chris watched over Colin at home. Colin still didn’t feel well.
We got home just in time to put the Meatloaf in the oven and get the rest of the food ready before Chris had to leave for work. Just as we got dinner ready, Jeff, Cesar and Jeff’s dad Mel came by to visit for a little while.. Jeff’s dad Mel is 82 and visiting here from Boston. Mel was delightful to listen to, he had many many stories to share. We all had a nice visit, everyone snacked on the Meatloaf..

Jacob House VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

After all the company left we got to WATCH OUR MOVIE!! Very relaxing.. awwww….early to bed..
Sunday work up about 7ish, took a shower and was on my way to my sisters place to visit her for breakfast.. She had me pick up a bottle of champagne while I was at Trader Joes. I had no idea that the champagne was for us!! We cracked the bottle open and drank to whole bottle!! Kim fixed us a nice breakfast and then I was on my way home. Had to make a few stops on the way home.. Got home and happy to be here!! Poor Evee was so lonely without me.. He was home with the dogs and I was with so many people.. I was so happy to see him too!!

Artichoke Frittata

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Artichoke Frittata
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Girls just “wine” a have fun!!

What a glorious day we all had on Sunday. We had our Rob Roy Philosophical meeting earlier in the day then stopped by Faith & Rudy’s for some of their St Helena wine from their vineyard! What a nice treat. The day was sunny and warm! The guests were bright and fun! Host & Hostess are so gracious!
Met Faith & Rudy at Walmart..a few years back. Purely by accident.. Everett saw Faith in the paint department and had to comment on her “hair” and how lovely she was..and he wanted her to meet his wife (me) our hair color was similar! So that was the beginning of our friendship and as they say the rest is history.. Now we met on the second Sunday of the month with the Philosophical Society each month. and sometimes in between.
Last night we enjoyed dinner with the Rudy & Faith and Jim & Shirley at the Brewery in Middletown.. Had pizza, GREAT PIZZA!! and more wine..
Meeting Jim & Shirley was another qwerky meeting..
We had been at a Christmas Party at the Moose (same year we met Rudy & Faith). We were leaving and Ev saw this couple going to the car (we never had met Jim & Shirley at this point). Ev proceeded over to them saying “Are you two busy New Year’s Eve, would you like to come with us to a party:? Can you imagine??.. and they said YES they would love to join us!!??They never saw us before in their lives!! And so they say the rest is history! We have been friends ever since! And then it turned out that Faith & Rudy and Jim & Shirley were already friends, so we all spent New Years Eve together!! Great people and lots of fun!

Girls just "wine" a have fun!! VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL