The day before the big party

Today is Phyllis' real 70th birthday, the big party is tomorrow. Phyl's older son Greg came by.

Carol (Phyl's sister) and Jerry are here from Bakersfield. Time for beer and cigars on the patio under the new cover Dave finished just in time.

It sure looks like Jerry is telling a whopper of a story, but that's so unlike him, right?

Happy Birthday to me

#65 - celebrating with family at a local restaurant.

Rio Linda Elverta Country Faire: afternoon festival

Depot Park and the community center grounds were filled with a variety of venues.

Kids zone with crafts and bounce houses.

The results of the Peace Garden planting.

This was Phyllis' class.

There's Phyl in the middle row at the teacher's right side.

There were stage acts scheduled all day. Bands later in the day,

In the morning a magic act for children and families.

Inside the depot building, historical displays where

Phyllis spotted her older brother Chuck in one school photo.

Rio Linda Elverta Country Faire: morning parade

Last year's centennial celebration was so successful, local volunteers organized a similar event this year.

Grandpa Bob!

The local county supervisor rode in Old Betsy, Rio Linda's first fire truck.

Pirates walked behind their flagship.

Riding with her daughter is KJ, a local teacher and friend. I first met KJ as her mentor when she and another phase 3 student teacher were assigned to a 6th grade class for the last half of a school year because there was no already-credentialed person to hire. Many years later, we worked together at Westside Charter School. Most recently she guided our CELDT testing team at Orchard School. And ... I was her husband's 4th grade teacher at Rio Linda Elementary.

Babysitting Sophia and Avery

Sophia knew exactly which board in the fence to move so she could talk to the girl next door.

Celebrating Justin's birthday

Justin's choice of restaurant but I'm wary.  This will my first time to have sushi.

Uncle Justin!

Lenin suggested we order a sampler platter. I tried one of everything. I liked almost everything. Salmon with avocado was my favorite. Least enjoyed involved a small slice of eel.

It was pretty much impossible to get everyone looking at the camera at the same time. Justin is holding the glass he won after spinning the birthday prize wheel.  

Happy 38th, Justin!

Sandy's retirement party

Archie and Sandy have lived "forever" in Rio Linda.  Archie and I worked together in RLUSD and mostly recently he was our team leader for the CELDT team I've been working on. Archie's brother, Ken (far left below) also worked in RLUSD for a long time.  Sandy (sleeveless blouse), until her 65th birthday today, worked as a hair dresser.  Tonight family, friends, co-workers, and clients came to celebrate.

The party was a couple of houses down the street

at Jim and Lucy's.

Neighbors from G St: Jerry and Susan.

Master griller Jerry.

Sandy is now going to have much more time for her horse and competitions.

The finale was a fun magic show (despite the terrible picture).