Washed out...

I seem to be getting into a pattern, one of being behind on this blog of mine. However, I have been a few places since we last chatted.

Over Memorial Day weekend, I visited California for a family reunion on my Dad's side of the family. This took place in Cedarville, which is in Surprise Valley. I'll let you figure out where it is. It's always great to see the relatives, especially the older ones, because you never know if it's the last time. My Dad and one of my Aunts took my Mom and I on a drive to the north end of valley stopping by various homes they used to live in, telling stories of events that transpired, etc. Of course the envariable
I-had-to-walk-9-miles-uphill-to-school-in-a-snowstorm story had to be shared (I'm exaggerating the "9" part), but it's always good to hear that story for a laugh . I've been to Surprise Valley on numerous occasions, but there's always a new story to hear, or a variation on a previously told one. I hadn't seen most of the relatives for a minimum of four years, some much longer, like 20 years.

We stopped and visited the Lake City cemetary, where there are several great-great-grandparents buried. I got to thinking about it. From all the cemetaries I've visited, that one has got to be the most pretty. It's situated on a hill with the Warner mountains behind it, and overlooking the valley in front. Very picturesque in my opinion. Just a querk of mine - I like visiting cemetaries and reading tombstones to calculate age at death and then to surmise the cause. In addition, the epitaphs can be interesting and revealing as well.

The drive there and back provided a cornicopia of wildlife. I saw antelope, deer (almost clobbered one standing in the middle of the road), a beautiful coyote, a Golden Eagle, a group of pelicans, ground squirrels by the dozen, a ground hog, and a variety of other birds. I'd forgotten what the weather's like at 5000 feet elevation. Can we say chilly at times? I came dressed like I lived in Florida or something....

Speaking of Florida, the 2005 hurricane season started five days ago. From June 1 through June 12, various hurricane supply items such as batteries, flashlights, two-way radios, coolers, etc. can be purchased tax free. I guess they're trying to push us to prepare early. Initial forecasts aren't rosy, with 3-5 major hurricanes slated to hit the east coast this year.

Summer supposed starts June 20. Well, we started summer about a month ago. The daily routine is highs in the low to mid 90s, with the afternoon thunderstorm/rain. And boy has the humidity kicked in. Free sauna, what can I say?

Well, I'm going to finish laundry and do some reading, have a wonderful week, will catch you on the rebound!