FEBRUARY & CALFORNIA PART 2

On the drive up to Elk Grove, Susan found yet another state park to spend a night. It was small and fit our needs perfectly.

Settling in for a week with the family, we arrived in time to see Lucy play in her final basketball game of the season. The bonus was that her team won!!!

On one of our mornings Kate and Lucy took me for a wonderful ride around their neighborhood where we each took a turn at leading. It was a delight to ride with these two girls who have developed such good cycling skills, safety awareness and courtesy on the bike.

The following day Susan, the girls and I drove to a section of the American River Trail for a bike ride and picnic. We were welcomed to the River Bend Park by resident wild turkeys.

As we were saddling up, we had another wild life sighting of two resident deer but did not get their photo,

As we left the park we crossed over the American River.

Though we did do more than eat on this little tour, we stopped for snacks and for lunch along the way.

In addition to enjoying a great bike ride outing together, we had another objective in mind. We would accompany Lucy for her 12 miles for her 12 years ride. Lucy’s birthday is in March and we have set the goal for each of the five grands to ride their age each year. As it happened, nine year old Kate (to be 10 in October) rode her miles (plus) as well. They both went over their goal with 15 miles.

Lucy ends her annual goal crossing back over the river.

Those little legs of Kate’s were getting tired – as was Kate.

Grandma finishes with a flurry.

And we all head home.

Crossing back over the river, a Haiku came to mind…

2/22

Blue sky blue river

River moving swift and sure

Clouds float in the sky

The girls found a great tree for a perfect photo to end out day’s adventure.

We got home to Sarah’s after a fantastic day out and about, and I was able to get just one more bike ride in before heading to see Jaydon playing his trombone in his school band. The ride was short and took me through many nearby parks.

The School band… and Jaydon…

He spotted his Dad taking photos…

One more outing I was so happy for was to see Lucy at horseback riding class. Lucy loves nothing more than this.

And then, what seemed all too soon, it was time to pack up for our drive home. The first day continued with full sun and temps in the 60s. I got no photos, but — wait for it — some Haiku ;’-)

2/24

Blossoming fruit trees

Such beauty for our drive home

Orchards line the way

It’s a big bad bull

Looking for a lone girl cow

Calves are not the goal

Stately Mount Shasta

Peeking over lower hills

Her white coat shining

After that the weather started to deteriorate and as we neared home the rain began. And this morning (Monday after getting home last evening) we have a dusting of snow and some hail for the day, and possibly that mixture for the week. That indicates that I will likely have little to no other stories to add for this month so I will post this now. But how about one last Haiku from our departure from camp at Myrtle Creek Oregon.

2/25.

Awaken to birdsong

A misty morning greeting

Departing from camp

Thanks for following along with us. I love having you here.