THE REST OF THE STORY

 Congratulations Great Granny Grandma ! You were right on the money !

Yes the Wordless Wednesday photo is one I took several years ago.  It was in Auburn, California outside a small local Railroad museum.

The shadow is of a 22 foot sculpture of a grizzled man in a conical hat pushing a wheelbarrow.  It was created in 1972  and called "The Chinese Coolie."

The Coolie is made from 1 mile of reinforced steel rebar and 35 cubic yards of concrete.  Including his wheelbarrow, the Coolie is 33 feet long and weighs 35 tons.

Politically incorrect, or historically accurate?  While the term "coolie" may be denigrating today, it was used to describe the unskilled Asian laborers pouring into California in the second half of the 19th century.

The statue was created as a tribute to the historical significance of the Chinese worker in the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad through the Sierra Mountains of California.

To get some idea of the actual size , if you look down to the statue's leg you can see my friend Ed standing beside it.

Strength and Power

Amazing Fortitude

The afternoon shadow against the old Railroad Car 

Grateful for the men that gave us their all to create the Transcontinental Railroad, with only picks and shovels and that famous wheelbarrow.

Always be Grateful

Always be Kind

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

 Wordless Wednesday ... 

Always be Grateful

Always be Kind ... 

MONDAY MUMBLINGS

 Monday Mumbling and Meanderings,

I haven't got a lot of things to share today.  The weekend was full of rain and chilliness.

We ended up working on eBay things and I continued to go through some old photos.

I saw this photo of my Daddy and me and was struck by how much our oldest granddaughter Lauren looked like me at that age.

I believe I was about 4 in this photo.  This was one of my favorite places to be ... 

In my Daddy's lap ... being deep in conversation.

On a different train of thought ... I think the Blue Jays are building a nest in some of our trees.  When I came out of the garage this Guy dive bombed me.  Perhaps I was getting too close to his "home".

Our neighbor's rose has survived the wild weather we had over the weekend.

I just love the color of this one, and I especially like the picture when enlarged.

Well I guess I have mumbled and meandered long enough.

Enjoy your day and remember:

Always be Grateful

Always be Kind.

FRIDAY FLASHBACK

 Friday Flashback

I sure don't know where this week has gone.  Here it is ... Friday again ... 

I have spent the good part of this week plowing through old snapshots of family and memories.  I have to "blame" Red Rose Alley-Sheri for putting the bug in my brain... 😉😏

She had shared photos of her granddaughter's Pioneer Days outfit and it brought back memories of my son's Colonial Days school project.  I knew I had 3 or 4 pictures of our older son Steve in his costume and also one of younger son Mark and I in our "1776" celebrating the Centennial.  Steve was in 5th grade and 8yrs.

Of course I went down many rabbit holes looking through all of the Memories.  Time sure marches on ...and on ... and on ...

I could only find 1 photo and it is rather hard to see.  The old processing techniques make everything fade and turn colors but here it is Any Hoo...

I made Steve's outfit ...  Which I am rather proud of, since I really don't like to sew and didn't have a pattern.  I made the "blouse" and added sleeve ruffles and the ruffled ascot type neck tie piece.  I made the vest and the knickers (knickers from an old PJ pattern)  I bought the hat and he wore white tights.  Dave and I created shoe buckles to complete the ensemble.

Mark's outfit was just the same but in a different color.  I sure wish I could find the photos.  Mark was 3 years old.

On another note:

Last night we had a humdinger of a Thunderstorm.  This is quite unusual for us in the Greater Sacramento Valley.

Dave and I opened up the curtains and turned off the lights and watched a fantastic Light Show !!  No photos but Wow, it went on for 30 minutes, then the storm cell moved on.  We are suppose to have downpours and steady rain for the next 3 days.

The weeds are thrilled , but I am grateful for the wet.  It will help fill the reservoirs and keep the fire danger at bay.

Got the flashlights and candles at the ready ... just in case ... 

Have a great weekend

Always be Grateful

Always be Kind

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

 Wordless Wednesday

Always be Grateful

Always be Kind

Happy Easter Monday

 I hope you all had a wonderful Easter weekend.

We did ... very low keyed and just what the doctor ordered ... 

Dave and I were again invited to our friends home for a great afternoon at their "Ranch-ette".

Beth and Wes were among the best friends of our son and daughter in law when we attended Bethel Christian Church in San Francisco.  This was when they were in High School.  Dave and I were close friends with their parents too.  That goes back to more than 40++ years.  Many of us moved up here to the Greater Sacramento area and have kept in close contact throughout these many years.

Now its the "kids" inviting us oldies plus their friends to enjoy time together.  Marriages, new babies and the chance to renew friendships are the memory makers for all of us.

I took NO photos this year.  The way we were scattered around their property just didn't make it feasible.  But, we ate GOOD !  Planned potlucks are the best.  It makes it easier for all of us.

The weather was perfect .  In the mid 70'sF.  No bugs and plenty of birds twittering and their horses, goats and chickens added to the delicious sounds of nature.  I loved sitting outside and just drinking it all in.

No one did much moving except for our mouths 😊....

All I can say is AHhhhh ... 

The  next few photos are from 2 years ago, same place and same activities ... 

Chatting and Eating !!

This is Beth and Wes's property.   It is magical being so close to suburbia.

Sitting out under their big trees was delightful.

Now this baby is 3 years old and full of spunk !

I thank God for Friends and the heartfelt moments we shared together.

Always be Grateful

Always be Kind.

IT'S FRIDAY BUT SUNDAY'S COMING !

 Jesus Paid IT All

All to Him I Owe ...

It's Friday

But

Sunday's Coming ... 

THANKFUL THURSDAY

 Thankful Thursday

I was reading Shug's blog post this morning.  She was talking about April Showers and that made me think about a figurine that I have and cherish so much.

It is titled "April Showers".  The figurine is the very First of the Walt Disney Classics Collection.  

" Until a character becomes a personality, it cannot be believed, " Walt Disney once said. "And without personality, a story cannot ring true to an audience"

The whole Classics Collection was created to capture the beloved characters and timeless moments from The Classic Disney films in beautifully crafted sculptures.

My sweet little mouse is from "Bambi" and the movie scene "April Showers".  Suzanne Lee created this sculpture way back in the early 1990's.  It was the first of many challenges to sculpt something so delicate  like the rain drop starting to fall into the mouses' hands but not touching. 

When I look at this piece I can hear in my mind the song from the movie about the dripping of the rain showers.  "Little April Showers" ...

This figure sits proudly in our curio cabinet for me to enjoy.

I am thankful for our Treasures and for the April Showers we experienced over the last 2 days.

Everything is bright and shiny after the rain and now the sun is adding to the sparkle of Thankful Thursday.

Always be Grateful

Always be Kind

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

 Wordless Wednesday

Always be Grateful

Always be Kind

MONDAY MEANDERINGS

 Here we are at the start of another week.

I haven't got a lot to share but ... I'm up and breathing... 

The world seems to be tilting at a crazy angle.

The only thing that I can do is put my Trust in the Living God.

I am just doing the same things that I have been doing for weeks, weeding and trying to sell on eBay.

I really like how the morning sunlight kissed our flag this morning.

Have a wonderful day.

Always be Grateful

Always be Kind.

FRIDAY THOUGHTS

 Awww ... thank you all so much for your concern for my Dr. appointment.

It was for my annual check up and things went so well.  My doctor came to the conclusion that I no longer have diabetes.  Which I haven't had for a long time.  All of my stats are in line and since I lost over 80 pounds quite a few years ago.  I am living the good life now.  Its taken years but I am forever grateful.  

We had a wonderful time with our Small Group get together last night too.

We laughed so much and got caught up on Life that has happened in the last 4-6 months.  So glad we can still be on contact through social media ...  But there is Nothing like in person hugs and talking face to face.  We have met for the past 14-15 years so we are truly like Family.  Distance has never kept us apart for long.

Well, I guess I had better get off the computer and get busy doing "Stuff"... there's always "Stuff".

Do You Know Your Hymns?

Always be Grateful

Always be Kind

THANKFUL THURSDAY

 Thankful Thursday

I have to say that I absolutely loved all of your comments for my Wordless Wednesday.

You really seemed to enjoy the "what was this all about".

I especially liked MadSnapper aka, Sandra's comment.  

The photo was taken several years ago at Fort Point which was built under the Golden Gate Bridge in the late 1800's.  We visit it often and there is always a sense of mystery about it.

I have a busy day today, a doctor appointment and company coming this evening, so I had better get busy.

Thankful for doctors helping us keep healthy.

Thankful for the beauty I see in our neighbor's yard.

Thankful for all of you.

Always be Grateful

Always be Kind

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

 

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

Always be Grateful

Always be Kind

MONDAY MUMBLINGS

 There is not too much to chat about on this Monday, just a few Mumblings to say hello to a new week.

There was a gorgeous sunrise yesterday and the air was fresh and warm.

Dave and I ended up having a rather lazy day after church ...  After all isn't Sunday suppose to be the Day of Rest?

And that we did !  That recliner of mine seems to be set on automatic sleep mode!

No yard work and that was just fine with me. 😃

Saturday we finally got our new iPhones 17e.  It was time to have something bigger than our mini iPhones with more of everything.  We are so grateful to be on our younger son's plan and he did all the ordering etc.  The cost is staying the same for bigger and better.  Our other son Steve and his wife came over and helped set the whole thing up for us.  These old brains Needed... and ... Need all the help they can get!

Forever grateful for our sons and their families.  They are so kind, generous and very patient with us.  Love them with all of our hearts.

So now we need to get used to the phones and will probably be asking the kids questions galore ... but we are thankful that we can feel free to ask them.

That photo of the sunrise is the first one taken with the new phone.  I think I am going to like using it.

Now on to trying to sell some things on eBay and doing a few errands.

Happy week

Always be Grateful

Always be Kind

PROGRESS !!!

 We are finally making some visible Progress around our backyard.

Lots of hard work for us Oldies but Goodies.

There is so much more to be done but I am happy with the progress being made.  

Our poor weed whacker got a workout and finally gave up the ghost.  There will be a pause until we can get the part needed.  

But it is Onward and Upward.

Here's photos of where things seem to stand now.

Always be Grateful

Always be Kind

THANKFUL THURSDAY

 Thankful Thursday:

Explanations first of all for my Wordless Wednesday ... 

I really love everything about the photo of my son and Lake Tahoe.  Steve is a professional photographer and I was thrilled with the results of my capturing him in a pensive melancholy mood.  There was no manipulation to the shot.  Those amazing bands of color were right out of the camera.  There is just something about the stillness of the water and the color tones that fills my soul.  I am thankful for my sons and being able to do things we all enjoy together.

Thankful for my walk on the Wild Side yesterday.  "Wild" as in being out in the backyard again and pulling more weeds.  I think they are laughing at me.  They are never going to let me catch up !!!

This shows how much more needs to be done... it will get done !

Thankful we are seeing the first beautiful Asian Apple blossoms appearing on our very old tree.

I was also so happy to see the buds getting ready to pop on our pear tree.

I can almost taste that sweet fruit now.

So Thankful  ... 

Always be Grateful

Always be Kind

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

 Wordless Wednesday

Always be Grateful

Always be Kind

MONDAY MEANDERINGS

 Good Morning

There is no rhyme or reason to todays post.

Missing going to my beautiful Lake Tahoe.

Instead we are plodding along Weeding ... Weeding ... Weeding !

It seems that sometimes doors are shut where we think they should be open to us.

I often wonder when a new door will be opened.

Trusting and waiting.

Just some thoughts rolling around in my head today.

Its a beautiful day in the neighborhood ... 

Always be Grateful

Always be Kind

SAD DISCOVERY

Good Morning ... 

This morning I made a sad discovery.

I was looking at things in our front yard and saw these patches of fluff.

At first I thought they were bird feathers but I think they are probably cat fur.

There are no other disturbances around or evidence of something happening.

There have been so many sightings of coyotes in our area, which is very suburban.

Many people have said their cats have gone missing and the 3 that used to roam around checking out our yard haven't been seen for months. Tad , across our street said his beautiful white fluffy cat has disappeared.

There is a lot of new homes being built in the area that used to be wild and a place of safety for the critters.  Now their habitat has been disturbed and they are roaming the streets of our neighborhoods.

Its very sad to see pets becoming some animal's lunch.

I know its the circle of life but it makes me sad.

Always be Grateful

Always be Kind.

THANKFUL THURSDAY

 Thankful Thursday

Tis a beautiful day here in Northern California.

There will be some on-going yard work being done before it gets too hot for me to pull those "darn" weeds.

I just wanted to make some further comments on my Wordless Wednesday post from yesterday.  The photo was taken at the California State Fair about 8 years ago.  I love when I can see a story in just one shot.  The man was sitting reading a Fair newspaper with his face hidden and the clincher was the small sign attached to the quilt hanging behind him.  I am thankful for the humor I saw in that shot.  I would never make fun of someone and never print it publicly.  To the anonymous person who is ALWAYS so critical of my posts I say: To each his own, I did no harm and I found it to be annoying. 

If you don't like something at least say who you are...

That being said I am Thankful for all of you who look at my blog and comment.  I love that we are family.  I just needed to get that off my chest.  I won't change what I do and sometimes I see things differently but isn't that what makes us all unique?

I will end this post with a beautiful sunset from 2 nights ago.

Thankful for God's magnificent sunsets that are new every evening.

Always be Grateful

Always be Kind

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

 Wordless  Wednesday ... 

Always be Grateful

Always be Kind

MONDAY MEANDERINGS

 Monday Meanderings.

Happy Monday ... Hope you all survived the time change to Daylight Savings Time.

Sometimes it can be a bit rough.  Dave and I had a little nap yesterday and I have to say that it really helped.

There are times that I feel like this windmill, just going round and round without accomplishing anything.

I went out in our backyard this morning.

It seems the grape vines have exploded over night.

I love to see the New Life popping out all over.

Hopefully there will be some fruit from all of this activity.

Happy meandering through your day !

Always be Grateful

Always be Kind

IT'S BUNNY TIME !

 I think it's time to put away my winter bird and bring out the Spring Time Bunny.

It makes me feel like Easter is right around the corner.

That's about it for the Spring time decor but at least it's something ... 

Always be Grateful

Always be Kind

THANKFUL THURSDAY

 Thankful Thursday

First of all, thank you for all of the delightful comments on my post yesterday:

Wordless Wednesday.  I agree with Chatty Crone that the title should be "Forgotten".

I took that photo up in the California Gold Country at a seldom visited cemetery.

Most of the plots were from so long ago that I do believe they are totally forgotten.

Now on to other things.

I am truly thankful for the lovely weather we have been enjoying the last few days.  Temperatures hovering right around 70F.  Perfect for working in our backyard.

The clouds came billowing up like it was going to rain but that didn't happen.

I noticed that there are buds springing up on our grape vines.

We didn't get them pruned this year so I don't know what the grapes are going to be like this season.

Apple tree buds..

Even our Wisteria is showing its face and welcoming Spring.

When picking up a pile of weeds to put them in the green waste I saw this charming little critter.

He was only about 4 inches long and quite pretty as he slithered under some leaves.

He's a harmless Racer snake, the first one I have seen in a very long time.

Thankful for it all and thankful that Hubby and I had enough umph to work out in the yard for the last few days.

Always be Grateful

Always be Kind