Tomatoes

There are mountains of tomatoes on the bushes at KH's house. A few weekends ago I decided I would clean off some of the branches. I made a strong start Friday evening. But once it started to get dark I thought it best to save the rest for Saturday morning.

Saturday morning came, and I went out to the bushes, only to find a HUGE and rather frightful spider had spun a web across the front of the tomatoes. 

I didn't really need any more tomatoes, ever.

Roommate KC came home a week later and proposed the removal of the spider. She caught it in the pool net and pushed it down to the bottom of the pool, a good 9 or 10 feet. Said spider did not like it. You know a spider is big when it's at the bottom of a pool and still looks huge.

I still have not mustered any further interest in the tomato plants.

Random Happenings

 These are some of the lovely things that have been going on:

C & I went to the YSA Conference. I love attending stuff with her and hearing her perspective on things.

My friend T was a doll and took me to dinner for editing her book manuscript. A lovely dinner at a French restaurant here in S.

I attended a marvelous 60th wedding anniversary celebration out in W.

C, J, and I went to a presentation on California during the Civil War at the State Library. 

People dressed up in uniforms and refreshments were picnic coordinated. It was a great presentation, sadly the sound system wasn't working so it was difficult to hear. I always love the Night at the State Library events.

Book Binding

I'd love to be able to do this. A future hobby in the works.

Clearlake

Mom, G, and I went up to Clearlake to visit the grandparents at the end of July. It was soon after we found out Papa is having his second go-round with cancer. P was exhausted, but I did get to accompany him on a brief "walk" around their concrete yard. Many childhood summer memories revolve around the lake. Sleeping on the deck, being covered in algae after a swim, family reunions, fishing...

Lately visits involve boxes. Boxes, boxes, and more boxes. Equal parts overwhelming and hilarious!

Papa in his garage man-cave.

Warthog

Before we left for camping I went out to the barn to grab a tent. I nearly fell over as I rounded a corner pile and was greeted by this sight.

I almost died, for a brief instant I may have thought my family was drying out a giant carcass in the barn. It is obviously not real, but an excellent prop replica for the local play C1 was doing production for. Never a dull moment in the barn!

Pescadero Beach

On our homeward journey from Memorial Park we stopped at Pescadero Beach so G & L could visit a tree they were both enthusiastic about. I preferred to stay near the ocean.

There must have been some sort of building competition, as the beach was littered with driftwood domiciles. Pictured is a piece of gorgeous beach front property, 3 rooms, plenty of natural light, and fresh air.

Camping

Growing up Dad and the S Grandparent's would take us camping at Memorial Park near Pescadero almost every summer. This July D hitched-up the ancient tent-trailer and we headed down the coast with some family friends.

I plopped down in the lawn chair first thing and admired the trees. The smell of redwood is fantastic.  

Grandpa & Q

J & Q

L & G

B found a 4-leaf clover

Dinner

Q - up close and friendly with the dirt

Local banana visitor

It was a quick trip and I was getting over being sick, but lovely none the less. I should spend more time in forests.