Fat Gal in a Little Boat

 

Yup - that's me in a little boat! I finally took my basic rowing class - or sculling, which refers to a boat where rowers each have two oars. So in other words - I have both oars in the water. Ha!

 

The hardest part was getting in and out of the boat. This was the part I dreaded most. I really didn't want to make a spectacle of myself and dump right by the dock. We had to perform a swim check the first evening. Water was cold, but refreshing. My swimming skills are far superior to my rowing skills.

 

There were four of us in the class - 4 nights for 2 hours. There was so much terminology to learn. I was ready to quit after the second night and switch to kayaking - which is waaaaayyy easier. But I stuck it out and have the bruises and sore muscles to prove it (bruises from oars hitting my stomach, and carrying the boat). There is a ton of finesse to stroking the oars - when to "feather" (blades flat on the surface), when to "catch" (the actual stroke when the blade is squared in the water), how to "check it down" (blades flat in the water after a stroke to stop the boat), and how to "wain-nuff" (stopping and resting with blades flat on the surface of water). There is a whole rowing language all by itself.
It was a fun experience and totally delightful to be out on Lake Natoma - dammed part of American river just before Nimbus Dam. The weather was perfect and the scenery beautiful. Our last evening, we rowed out about 1km upriver and there were geese flying overhead - one landed on the water, just a few yards from me. Sunset was gorgeous. Rowing is an odd sensation, once you learn to use the seat, and roll forward. You have the feeling you are not moving on the water, until you look at the landscape going by. I will definately go out again, but I need someone to go with me, so it will be more fun (Andrea?).
Oh yeah - I came up with lots of spiritual analogies while rowing. You are facing backwards and can't see what is ahead, so you have to select a spot on the horizon to focus on, to keep a straight course. The slightest deviation from that course will put you in harm's way ( buoys, shoals, other boats). And . . . did you know there are traffic lanes on lakes and rivers?
A Big Thank You to all my fam who contributed to my lessons! I like knowing I now have a skill none of you possess-hehe!

Meet Roy the Rooster

 
By special request, I am introducing Roy the Rooster to the world. Some of his friends have asked to be included, as well - they are named after Roy - Royene, Royale, Royette, Roydon and Roymona. Roy holds a special place in our home; he is the heart of the kitchen. As mentioned by Micah, he is the guardian of keys, cell phones, sunglasses and other loose items commonly found about the kitchen. If someone despairs over a lost item, they are told to check with Roy. I must also say, there is no kitsch in my kitchen, nor is there a strand of raffia to be found. There are no rooster potholders, nor rooster dishtowels. Having such items would be an affront to Roy. He reins supreme. Roy is a lovely fellow with luscious plumage. He has never swallowed a shoelace, nor been to a tropical bird vet (see Runyan post July 13th). He did have his cockscomb broken once, but bravely tolerated a hasty repair. I have friends who often inquire as to Roy's well-being. He has made our home his domicile for over 10 years. He is welcome to roost with us for as long as he wishes. Feel free to leave a comment and send Roy your best wishes.
 
 

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I Was Born on A Farm Down In Iow-ay

I was born on a farm down in Ioway

A Flamin youth, so I had to have my way.

I packed my bags and I took my Saxophone, phone

A Rooty Toot Toot!

Yes, we spent some time in Iowa with Josh and his fam, and we took his saxophone to him, since he's got a big new house now. I suppose he will begin having some weekend band gigs now, rather than moonlighting at country hospitals.







We also spent a day with Bud's dad in Omaha. He is well taken care of, content, and in good health, but life in a nursing home is pretty dismal.






We had a great time, and enjoyed the peaceful life of Iowa. It was semi-muggy the last day we were there - just the reminder we needed for why we live in CA. Bud got out of the shower one morning and said to me before I took my shower, "good luck drying off! I forgot about this part."

We did lots of fun stuff while we were there, and even took a scenic drive to the Bridges of Madison County. The rolling green hills of Iowa are lovely.






Thanks to Josh and Courtney for being such good hosts. And congrats on finishing the long haul of med school and residency. You surely deserve to enjoy the fruits of your labors (ie nice home, big yard, the good life).

Proposition 8 in California

Today, I would like to give a big "Shout Out" to Yuba City, specifically Tierra Buena, which truly lived up to it name - Good Earth. We were out walking our neighborhood, as we've been asked, to inform voters about the Protection of Marriage Initiative on the November ballot. We had overwhelming support, as we talked to folks at their doors. It seems that voters are fed up with their votes being negated by a few Supreme Court Justices. It was a pleasant surprise to be so warmly received at the door. The majority of our neighbors thanked us for getting out and knocking on doors. Only a few were undecided, and only one, on Saturday, wouldn't accept our brochure and said she felt as long as folks had a good relationship that was what mattered. We still have several more streets and a few more hours to go, before we are done with our routes.
Last night, Wally Herger, our congressman who is also LDS, spoke at a fireside at our stake center. It was well attended. He gave a good speech, as he talked about the foundations of our great nation. He spoke about the Capitol Building in D.C. and how much of the artwork depicts a nation founded on moral, and Christian principles. He said, as you stand on the congressional floor you have the Ten Commandments displayed behind you, and a painting of Moses with our founding fathers in front of you. Yet, we have Supreme Court Justices removing God and Christian principles from our daily lives.
The California State Supreme Court voted in March, by a margin of 4 to 3, to overturn a law passed in 2000 by 61% of the people which stated, only a marriage between a man and a woman is legal and valid in California. I am enraged that 4 Justices, whom I could not vote for, have overturned a law passed by the majority of the voters in the state. It almost doesn't matter to me what the law is about. I am furious they have the power to invalidate what the voters want.
Those of you who read my blog and are not Californians, take heed, as you will also be soon forced to recognize the marriages performed in California, should those persons move to your state. Many folks are coming from out of state to be married in California. The problem will be on your home turf all too soon.
Congressman Wally Herger said we can't know all the legal ramifications of same sex marriages, but he did speak about some of the statistics in a few European countries which have legalized same sex marriages, since the 90's. For one thing, only 2 % of same sex couples have had marriages performed. That is surprising, but what is more shocking is the number of children born out of wedlock, since the legalization of same sex marriage - 71% !!! And for first time mothers, the number is 80% of children born out of wedlock. To me, that speaks of the demise of marriage and the total breakdown of the traditional family unit.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has asked its members to give of their time and means to support Proposition 8. Facts prove that, all things considered, children do better when they come from a home with both a father and a mother. We owe it to our children to give them our very best effort when we bring them into the world.
Again, I want to applaud Yuba City. I get frustrated at times at our backwardness, or should I say our lack of forwardness. I mean, sheesh, we can't even get an Olive Garden (but we do now have an In and Out Burger). We are a strong, family oriented, conservative community. I was nervous about knocking on doors, but overall, it has been a wonderful, positive experience. I do not envy our Church members who are going door to door in more liberal communities. They will be in our prayers.
Vote Yes on Prop 8!!

Veggie Tales

Summer has been busy and crazy, and along with all the busy and crazy our trees and garden continue to produce. There is no scheduling when stuff ripens, so we have to deal with it in the middle of busy and crazy. Since we don't have anything exciting going on right now, my excitement consists making salsa and spaghetti sauce. We planted several varieties of tomatoes this year, to see which we prefer most. Needless to say, we have kept the neighborhood, family and ourselves abundantly supplied. In June, I bottled 9 quarts of plum juice. I made a couple batches of plum syrup, and some jelly - all of which has been given away. The bottled juice will be turned into more jelly and syrup at a convenient time. Our strawberries did well this year, and I have a couple of frozen bags of whole berries in the freezer and made freezer jam. Also not pictured are the blackberries we ate in cobblers and the few bags of frozen berries waiting to be made into cobblers. We only planted one zucchini plant this year, but from that we've had plenty for the table, some for grating and freezing and I put some in the salsa and spaghetti sauce. The salsa ingredients came exclusively from the garden - tomatoes, red onions, green peppers and jalapenos. Jared enjoyed fresh jalapenos on his eggs when they were here in June. This was my first attempt at spaghetti sauce. It was easy, but takes a long time to boil down. The house smells so yummy while it is cooking - imaginings of visiting Tuscany. Fresh spaghetti sauce is almost too good for words. I ate what I couldn't fit into the freezer containers on a piece of bread - Man O' Man! Now you would be really impressed if I told you it was fresh French Bread from the oven, but it would be a falsehood. I haven't done this much canning/freezing for years, and I probably haven't made french bread in even longer or ever! Reminds me of the many years my sister and I would can peaches for an entire day - 96 quarts one time. It was exhausting, but gratifying to see the 'fruits of our labors.'
Tomorrow we are having bacon and tomato sandwiches for dinner. Come on by and we will share. And no - the bacon isn't from our pig. We are city folk!

Big Family Photo

Here is a photo of the whole gang in the loft of one of the cabins, and one of Grandma and Grandpa and all the kids. We are soooo blessed!!

Ah! The Family Reunion

WOW! We had a great time. Let's do it again next week. Soda Springs is awesome. The cabins were great (except we had to be split apart into two houses). The view fantastic. It was so cool to just walk out the back door and hop in a canoe or kayak! We loved the talent show - Tripps singing, Micah's debut on ukelele with Sarah singing, Runyans making us laugh with funny legs and torsos, Jared and Debbie with the Lyons in their rendition of Cotton Eyed Joe, Josh's family sharing their talents via PowerPoint and popping their surprise on us (Josh you totally lied to me when I asked you earlier). The rocket launch was a hit. You guys are the best.
The food was delicious - thanks everyone for pitching in. The kids were all adorable and well behaved. Looking down on the fireworks display at Donner Lake was totally memorable. First time I have ever been "above" the fireworks - even if watching atop granite boulders at 7600 feet was a bit scary. I am sad it is all over! What will dad and I do for the rest of the summer?? Oh yeah - maybe relax a bit :)
I don't know if I can wait another 2 years
for a reunion. I have an idea - let's do Disneyland next year? Who's up for it?
We sure love all ya'll. You are the best. We are overwhelmed with gratitude for our family. What a team!!