Califortieth

When Nel turned forty, she always wanted to take an elaborate trip to Europe, but things don't always turn out the way we plan, and instead she took a grand California camping road trip, and she called it Califortieth.  I shared some of the time and pictures with you when she visited me in the mountains, but she went to many other great places before.  Jess and her family joined her, and there were some interesting sites they saw along the way.  These were taken at their first stop.

The next camping spot

On their way to the Humbolt Redwoods campground, and I love this picture of Renecke and Nel by the fire pit.

Nel has read so many books in her lifetime that I thought this picture suits her.

At the Waterfalls

 Jess taking a picture of me taking a picture.  ; )

I'm glad they were able to climb down to the rocks at the base of the Waterfalls.  When you look up, it's magnificent!

I LOVE this picture and want to frame it someday.  Francesca is looking through all my jewelry and trying everything on.

On their way back, they stopped at beautiful Carmel.  This is somewhat of an expensive area, but one must visit here when in California.

This is the garden and pathway to the Thomas Kinkade Gallery.

I have always loved his art, and have a painting above my mantel that looks wintery with all the snow.

Nel bought this pen with the birthday money I gave her.  She was journaling the whole trip, and the two pens she brought ran dry.  She was so glad to buy this pen so she could record the rest of the trip.

Here's Mia at the restaurant eating caviar for the first time.  Nel didn't think she'd like it, but she LOVED it and asked the waiter for more.   He thought that was so funny and brought her a second helping.  Nel told me, "baby has expensive taste." haha

After Carmel, Jess and Brian took a detour and went to Santa Cruz, an area that holds a special place in their hearts.  While I love the mountains, they long for the ocean, and here is Francesca surfing with Papa.

Well, that's some of the happenings on Nel's Califortieth journey.  She said it really was a lovely time all around.

~Sheri 

More Family Time In The Mountains

While my family was here visiting, we ate in, but we also ate out.  And the first night, we went to a pizza eatery right in my town.   It really is one of the best pizzas that I've had.  We got one pepperoni and one combination.

The next morning, Jess made a simple breakfast of bacon and eggs and coffee.  She makes the best breakfasts, always cooking slow and steady.

I found the original popsicles at the store that we used to have when we were kids.  They enjoyed them, and what kid doesn't love popsicles on a hot Summer day?  

They spent a long time playing with my vanity, and were fascinated with the jewels and colors and trinkets.  I don't wear jewelry that often, but I told Jess that I should get more jewelry just so they could play with it.  They had the best time trying things on and looking through it all.  

We drove to Mount Shasta....Nel wanted to visit her Grandma at the cemetery, which I thought was a lovely idea.  It was a sentimental moment for the girls, as they miss their Grandma very much.  

A few years ago, I found a little accordion angel, and it reminded me of my mother-in-law because she used to play the accordion.  It was the perfect time to put the angel on her grave site and let her know how much I miss her.

Driving, we saw Mount Shasta in the distance, and it was the first time that I haven't seen snow on this mountain.

Mount Shasta is one of the most spiritual mountains around.  It's 14,179 feet, and Nel has climbed it twice!  She wants to climb it once again with Mia when she's older.....and I believe she will!

I will leave you with one of my favorite poems, Glorious Mount Shasta.

Shasta! O Mount Shasta! What Secrets do you hide,

What dwells within that Heart of Yours, What Light does There abide?

Beneath your snowy peaks so bright What Blessings do you hold,

What Knowledge do you guard so well From those who seek too bold?

I think I hear you speak to me From your pure heights above.

I feel and hear your answer now; "There's just one way - through Love!"

To him who knows that 'Presence' well And lives It, too, beside,

My Secrets are an open book, From him I've naught to hide.

Learn well that Golden Key of Life, It opens every lock;

With It you may fling wide my Door, For Love ne'er needs to knock.

"O sons of Earth who seek more Light, Learn first Love's Great Command!

Pour out Its Healing Golden Streams, And in my Heart you'll stand."

 

CHANERA

I hope my family enjoyed their time in the mountains.

  They will be in my heart until I see them again.

 

Family Time In The Mountains

My family visited last week, and it was soooo good to see them.  There were lots of hugs and kisses from grandma, and playing and talking and also some traveling.  When they first got here, I had a seven layer bean dip and chips ready for them, along with some potato salad and lemonade.  The little ones know me as cookie grandma, as I'm always baking cookies for them when I see them.

I bought two pink lawn chairs for the grandgirls, and placed two BIG teddy bears on them to greet them when they pulled up.  These were my kids' bears when they were little, and they are very special to them.

I found goodies here and there to fill their cabinet so they would have something to play with.

Remember the glass jar I bought at the home store?  I filled it with peanut M&M's, Brian's favorite candy.

The first day, we traveled to see some beautiful Waterfalls.  These Falls are amazing, and people come from all over to see them.  We talked with families that were traveling from Huntington Beach and other states like Florida and Texas.  Here are some pictures of the Falls.

An old man taking a rest with his loyal companion.

Little feet going up the steep walkway (Francesca).  It's quite a hike to get to the top of the Falls.

There is a cool little shop there that we went to and bought some water and snacks.  They sell t-shirts and cups and other items.  Here is Mia outside the shop standing next to a huge tree, which looked very much like a Christmas tree.

We walked so much, she was pooped out at the end of the trip.

It was such a fun day, and I was so glad to see my family again.  I'll show you a little more of their visit next time.

~Sheri