Sunshine -- Finally!

Rob and I have conversed in the past about how we enjoy variety in weather, and that sometimes it can get monotanous in SoCal...sunny all day all week...no clouds (except for the smog haze). Well, I've certainly had my need for rain fulfilled. I decided I'd just say it was a wet snow. Since I miss snow at this time of year, and under the street lights at night it resembles wet snowfall. Dec. 27th - Jan. 10th = 15.9 inches of rain...a record breaker. And now it is sunny here from my second story office looking to the north, with puffy white clouds billowing just above the hills. Ah!

The dogs are outside . Samson was the first to announce dry land, in true Ark fashion. He burst indoors this morning, after a visit to the back yard, with a fern branch in his teeth. Not an olive branch, and a bit early for Palm Sunday.

The kitchen and bathroom floor had dark pathways of tiny working ants this morning. Ugh. That bugs me (pardon the pun). They made it to the top of the stove this trip, so our housekeeping has improved as of today. They are persistent at getting inside in search of dry ground and a snack. Ashley typically eats anything off the floor. Ants are where she draws the line. Bummer. I could use the help.

I'll be driving north for a homeschool appointment today. I am anticipating a grand vista of clean air, delightful clouds, and an awesome view of the neighboring mountain range with white caps. Another benefit of being out of the traditional classroom.

Steve - I am really enjoying the photos. Thanks. Loved the raft picture.
Dave and Rob - got a land line yet?
Garth - happy "5th" birthday.
Beth & Audrey - survive that rainy day schedule! It will pass.

This book looks interesting

Did you happen to see Jim Wallis on any of the news shows during the election? He was supposedly representing the Christian community without the baggage of the religious right. He realy makes sense to me.



I have read his magazine, Sojouners for a number of years.

Wet, wet, wet

So far we are staying mostly dry inside.

So Cal Weather

Thought this might come in handy. Beth is concerned that you might have to upgrade to ark. We do have some room for refugees, but there is a lottery system.

24 hrs later

My grandfather's store 24 hrs later. No snow here. Long wet weekend ahead.

Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head...

...but that doesn't mean that I shouldn't get out of bed! Cozy, dark, and cool here in rainy Southern California. Stayed in today to do paperwork. Tried to keep the dogs functioning indoors...an occassional romp in the front yard (no mud and less small ponds to trot through) to find relief and use some energy, a game or two of tug-on-the-towel between Ash' and Sam for strength training, and dry time spent napping in the crate and laundry room respectively, since I have to "go to work" upstairs. They are water dogs, so being outside won't harm them. Perhaps I just tire of buffing them up when the soggy doggies come back inside. The way the water has been coming down lately, it won't be long before mallards and their families take up residence in the backyard. By then, a couple of retreivers with cabin fever could come in handy for some sporting events.

The hills will green nicely and the air will be crisp and clean at the end of the storms. I've been one to brag how I bore of endless sunshine, being from the midwest --- the land of puffy clouds and the home of weathermen who do work for a living. I have almost gotten my fill of the gray precipitation, although I may never grow weary of building a fire and reading. This is that kind of weather! Classroom teachers must be going crazy with the rainy day indoor schedules. Smokers must be wearing out their umbrellas, since few can smoke indoors in our state. Enough complaining. It's not a tsunami.

VHS Blowout @ WCP

World Cycling Productions is having a blowout sale of vhs s with prices down to $4.94 in many cases. See them here.

No Seventh Tour for Armstrong?

Lance Armstrong said in a November interview, "I am not planning to take part in the Tour," but rather focus on the spring Classics instead. However, he still might be at the Tour de France in July because he hasn't really decided about the Tour yet (as far as he'll tell us). This wasn't actually new information because he already said that.

My Grandfather's Pharmacy

This is the Fairhaven Pharmacy. My grandfather owned this store for most of his adult life. It was established in 1889 by Robin Johansen. My grandfather worked for him as a delivery boy and when Mr. Johansen retired he bought the building and pharmacy. Snow is predicted for Fairhaven and Placerville tomorrow, a momentary connection of sorts.

And here's

one with Steve in it!

New Years Day Snow

We woke up to snow this morning. Melted by noon, but more is forcast for tonight.

Jonah, Shawntea, and Brianna had a foot of snow and no electricity. So they are here this afternoon for warmth and hot food.

Happy New Year 2005

Cindi, Luanne and I had a snack between movies at the Uptown Mexican Cafe. Then we came home to watch another Johnny Depp film, Pirates of the Caribean, while I finished up the cupboard hardware cahnge over.

Cindi's friend Luanne left at 5:15 AM to see the parade this morning.



We are hanging around at home with snacks, the TV, the dogs and our friends Erica and Jeff Amann.