A visit to Uncle Justin's

A little wood splitting

and machine operating.

As soon as I took this picture, Kellen looked up and with an earnest voice said, "Don't put that in the blog."  But, Kellen, you let me put a picture of a giraffe licking you in the blog. Why not a pig? "No Grandma." 

The finale: a tractor driving lesson.

Uncle Justin is the best.

Dill Pickles 101

Hurray! Merrilyn offered another cooking class today.  Everything was ready when Phyllis and I walked through the door.

Into the clean jars went garlic, a sprig of  dill, dill seed, bay leaves and exactly 6 peppercorns although Merrilyn said, "You can put in 7 if you're feeling naughty."

Fill with hot salty vinegary water and process in the oven. Wah-la!  Dill pickles.

Phyllis and I were all finished and needed to move on to the rest of the day's errands.  The second class of students arrived. Christy (far right) brought the daughter of her godmother and another friend.  Again, HUGE thanks to Merrilyn for providing all of us with a rich learning experience.  

Doctors and softball

This week Dick has been meeting his new Sacramento area doctors. On this particular day, he rode his bike to his appointment from E Nicolaus, about 35 miles.

And then felt so good, he rode about 15 miles back to Rio Linda.  Dick's recovery is going quite well, by the way.  Dick, "I'm in better physical condition than I've ever been in. Even though there's some nerve damage, memory loss, confusion, and disorientation, I'm happier and more content than ever."

We went to watch Doug play softball with the Local 340 union team. 

From a faithful blog follower

What a wonderful surprise to find a letter from cousin Glenn in Regina. Not only a handwritten letter (how rare is that nowadays?)and pictures of his grandson Romen, but also news clippings. Glenn has printed out every blog post I've written and keeps everything organized in binders. The Lafleche motel that burned to the ground is where we stayed from 17-20 July 2010. Target is soon opening a store in Regina.

Backpacking trip

This morning, Dick drove Mike and Nicole to a trailhead in the southern Sierra Nevadas. He will spend the night, then drive home. Mike and Nicole will spend 10 days hiking the John Muir Trail going northward.

A quick visit to see Justin's pigs.

Drive safely.

Sunday Picnic

Dick organized a family picnic on a Sea Ranch beach.

From the bottom going uphill: Anthony, Aurora, Sophia, Mike is carrying the watermelon.

L-R: Nicole, Brady and his girlfriend, Mark.

Mark and Carolyn (Dick's sister).

Eric and Dick enjoy the grand finale - Rio Linda watermelon.

Celebration at Sea Ranch

After the baptism, Grandma Carol hosted a celebration at Sea Ranch.

Dick with brother Tom.

At left, Kevin (Tom and Julie's son) and Tom talk to Dick's sister Carolyn.

The bartenders Paul and Mike.

Luke Abel's baptism

Grandparents Tom and Martha and Uncle Andrew greet Father Mike.

Greatgrandmother Leta.

Grandmother Carol.

Not a very good picture, but the only one I've got of the embroidery I did on the christening gown.

Dad Greg, Granpa Dick, and Luke.

Father Mike welcomed everyone at the front door and gave the first blessing. Mom Nicole is to the right of Greg. Mike and Nicole are the godparents.

The professional photographer eventually assembled the entire group.