ROCK PENJING


The intersection of art, nature and horticulture is the ancient Chinese art form, Penjing. They are marvelous miniature landscapes that capture that country’s soaring mountains and unique greenery. These amazing landscapes are currently on display at Turtle Bay’s arboretum. Viv and I recently discovered them on an early morning beat the heat walk. They are like magical little lands. So if you live in the area -- you should check them out. I believe they will be there until October. Gosh, I sound like an advertisement, you think I could get a pay check?

Around the World in 30 minutes


Friday evening the Turtle Bay Museum had an event to kick off their “Hungry World” exhibit. It began with a photo tour of incredible pictures of families from all around the world. The posed with the food which the family would normally consume in one week. The families and their food were also described. It was totally fascinating -- as some eat simply to live and we in America eat also for pleasure. Some countries had western products, the most common was pepsi!

Later, we sampled food from different countries. It was my first experience with sushi and wasabi, so I had quite an experience--as my head burst into flames and cracked wide open! Actually, in a small amount it would be quite good. Also good was the Mexican Mole’ and a South American red pepper cracker spread. Oh, and I mustn’t forget the Cuban mojito, which we enjoyed as we watched the dancing demonstrations from different countries.

112 Degrees!!

Well, this IS Redding, CA on July 4th! However, just coming back from San Diego -- it is an adjustment. Luckily, I got up early and fed and sprayed the roses, and did my treadmill before the heat got unbearable. Thank goodness, my nephew, Norman (with Ruthie and twins) came by and hung my new shade screen, it definitely helps! Unfortunately, I forgot to get out my camera. Later, I did remember when Ken, Vicky and the kids came by. So I quickly put together a July 4th treat of strawberries, blueberries and vanilla ice cream with an American flag in each. I also pulled out some silly glasses. So all and all a pleasant day.

Chapter 4 S.D.

Despite the many hassles and difficulties, we had some great group cooked meals, listened to some music, watched some videos and played some games. Does any one remember when I said I wasn’t going to take anything? Well, I believe that I am having 11 boxes sent home!!

Chapter 3

To relax, we agree to have a day off and spend Friday on Coronado Island. We visit a shopping plaza first, and then have an incredible lunch over looking the ocean.

Chapter 2

As the days go on -- our muscles get sore and our tempers get short. However, for the most part, we held it together and hung-in. Some goofiness did occur as we tried on some of the old clothes. But, as the week grew short, we came to a stop on the storage unit. There are still the boxes of papers and personal items that are in my sister’s garage, which we must put off for another year, as they will not be sold and our time and energy were limited.

Chapter 1
San Diego

On June 20th, Alison and I joined my sisters -- Clover (from Texas) and Pat (San Diego). First, we were joined by Don, (Pat’s husband) for a tastily Mexican restaurant dinner on a patio, before facing the task at hand. We had come to attempt to clean out our parents’ storage unit, 62 years of memories and belongings. It was daunting to say the least. Old stories and tears flowed abundantly. Each day we arrived early at the storage unit, lifting a sofa bed away from the doorway to enter. We worked our way towards the back slowly, pulling out boxes to take fill two vehicles and take back to the house to go through, item by item! Marking the ones we wanted and then drawing straws for the ones marked by more than one. Later, returning the remaining items to be sold, the next day. Finally, after the boxes had been gone through, we had bids on the remaining boxes and furniture in the storage unit. So many years, so many memories, and not much value today!

The Aliens did it...

Well, it does make sense. On a hot Friday evening, four lovely RETIRED ladies headed over to the outdoor
Turtle Bay Cafe to enjoy some music and libation. Coincidentally, this particular evening was also the introduction to a new museum exhibit on
extraterrestrials. So, when the outdoors light show began we joined over 200 other people on the north side of the Sundial Bridge to watch. We carved out our spots on the lawn and breathlessly awaited the big show! What a huge disappointment! A third grader could have put on that light show, and the music could have been good, but it was poorly executed with lots of starts and stops. The sad thing was that some people were from out of town and had been expecting something special. However, on the way back across the bridge, due to the numerous people on it, we had (as Patty said) an “E” ride. It swayed so much that no one was able to walk straight, we were practically falling over. (And we’d only had one glass of wine). Anyway, the next morning I awoke to find my right rear tire flat! Therefore, it must have been the aliens! So goes life in Redding.

thought of the week:
Boldly going nowhere.

A Taste of Redding

Yes, food and drink, but for me it was the music! What a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon. The venue was the Civic Center (new City Hall) sculpture garden.
There were twenty seven food tents with samples. Also, a wine and beer area. Unfortunately, (or maybe as a Godsend) I lost my food ticket after only a few samples. The wine area was near the country music, so I opted to forget that and head directly to the jazz. What a pleasant time, great music, a beautiful day and with a gently cooling breeze and young girls could be seen dancing and twirling in their summer dresses on the lawn. Two of my favorite groups performed: Allison Skull and Victor Martin (I even met Allison’s twin sister, who was here celebrating their birthday) and Montuno Salad Latin Jazz, who kept us rocking!

As I wandered among the tents I saw a Charlie Chaplin character and a balloon man. There was a magician, but I missed seeing him. The area was full of interesting diverse sculpture and beautiful flowers. I did run into some friends of mine and some friends of Chris’. You Redding folks need to do this next year -- so much fun!

Three More Join the Flock


Yea!! Two down and one to go, well that is retirement parties! Yes, this past week two good friends had great retirement parties. Mary is leaving town, so her party will not be until sometime later. Donna’s party was lovely and held at a local golf club with nice dinner, a lot of praise and much roasting!! Which she took well. I enjoyed seeing some friends from my past.
Patty’s party was a total SURPRISE to her, which really made it fun! Another nice dinner at a fellow teacher’s house with so many friends to visit with. After dinner, they even had a magic show...(not dorky) this guy was amazing and funny. He had previously been in the class of two of the teachers there.

Memorial Day 2007

As it was indeed Memorial Day (or the day chosen to celebrate it) I went to visit my late husband’s grave, he was a Viet Nam vet. Then I decided to head out to see the new National Cemetery which is near Redding. It was a long drive (I didn’t figure out the shorter way until coming home), but well worth it. The cemetery sits on the top of a hill with gorgeous green trees and surrounding hills which seem to touch the blue sky. It was an impressive and emotional sight as the numerous flags waved in the breeze. I thought of my father, grandfather, husband and all the brave men and women who are or have ever served in the military. The families of the fallen, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, loved ones and children. I hope someday that there will be no more wars in which to loose or maim our young, strong, bright people.
The day ended with a fun barbecue at Vicky and Ken's.