the forest through the trees in northern CA

South of Crescent City, CA

Today we drove home from Amy's Sister's place. It was a very nice drive filled with scenery like this. Once we got home, we un packed the cars, fed the cat and then went to celebrate my Birthday with a nice quiet dinner at Black Angus.

Waves of Oregon

Brookings, Oregon

I haven't been to this part of Oregon or Northern California for about 13 years. So Amy and I went for a drive today. We first went to a light house, then a campground. We saw surfers and the US Coast Guard at work before just getting an eventual taste for Oregon while we were there.

Sugar Plum Ring (minus the plums)

Crescent City, CA

Keeping with my families tradition, Amy and I made a sugar plum ring for breakfast this morning. Unfortunately the dough wasn't ready to be shaped until the afternoon so it wasn't technically for breakfast but it was still good.

the presents have the tree surrounded

Crescent City, CA

In a big change from my personal life, Amy and I drove up to Crescent City today to spend the holidays with her huge family (It's actually not that big except for people like me that are used to spending Christmas with just my dad). Hopefully the next few days won't be too over whelming for me.

Kissie Kissie Time

Oakley, CA

There is mistletoe that grows every year out side my office.

Temples at Costco?

Antioch, CA

I was getting my tires rotated tonight and wondered Costco while I waited. I was surprised to see a book on temples at Costco. It had some good pictures in it.

pea fog

Oakley, CA

There was a time in Idaho where I didn't see fog for two years. For the past two weeks I've seen it every day.

I make fire

Vallejo, CA

I don't remember who I started this tradition with but I try to have a bar b q on the first day of winter every year because of a scripture in the Doctrine and Covenants. Tonight was tri-trip.

getting friendly with each other

Vallejo, CA

Robin, Jeremy, Amy and I were hanging out at a Michael's tonight while we waited for the movie to start. Are imaginations got the best of us.

(BTC - the short hike)

Wedding balls and cakes

Fremont, CA

I over came my fear of wedding receptions and went to the first one in over 5 years tonight. I took Amy and Robin with me. They both knew the groom. I not only have known the groom for 8 or 9 years, but I've known the bride since she was born. Additionally, the reception was attended by people that have known me since I was 2; People I adopted as mom after my mom died; people who helped get me my eagle or taught me how to build roofs. And many of these people I haven't seen for a year at least. So it was nice going "home" again to see friends from the past and watch a union for the future.

(a note on the cake - each layer was a different flavor and my friend Barbara made it. She went to a culinary school and is probably the best pastry chef I know.)

Abandon School

El Cerrito, CA

I had to go to El Cerrito for a meeting today. It being my first time in El Cerrito in the 30+ years I've lived in CA, I went out at lunch and toured the town. I came upon this abandoned school where children used to shoot hoops but now the weeds reach toward the hoops.

Soup at Lumpy's

Antioch, CA

Today at lunch I had a soup and sandwich. It was really good. It was so good that I bought a little extra soup and took it to Amy's tonight for dinner.

A Day in the Life of Sean

Preventing homicide

Brentwood, CA

As seen on the back of a car at the Michael's Craft store. I LOVE my anti depressant so I feel this is a cause worth supporting.

--
In an unrelated item - Welcome Home Melinda!

Amputated Sugar Cookie Men

Oakley, CA

I don't want to sound demented or anything, but when I saw last night that there were two amputated cookies I just knew I had to bring them into work. I work with severely disabled children.

Christmas Cookie Tradition

Near Vallejo, CA

I'm spending Christmas with Amy's family where I will be introduced to her family's traditions. Tonight I introduced her to one of four traditions my family has of making and giving away Holiday Cookies.

going grey

Near Vallejo, CA

Amy has this beautiful black hair. However, today as we building a ramp at her house, the rain was drizzling in. Add to that the sawdust and her hair started turning different colors to the point she almost looked gray today.

(BTC - the ramp in waiting)

White Elephant

Antioch, CA

I'm going to a white elephant gift exchange tonight.

Service Giftafied

Oakley, CA

Yesterday at work there were two people in the building struggling with some software. They struggled for 90 minutes before coming over to the therapy unit and asking for my help. I fixed their problem in 10 minutes. They were both so grateful. One brought me in a half loaf of Pumpkin Bread. The other brought me this. I'm so happy I'm so loved.

(BTC - I'm fatter than Santa)
(BTC- Random act of Violence)

I endorse these potatoes

Antioch, CA

I finally got to talk to the head chef today at Lumpy's. Scotty confirmed for me that these potatoes come from Idaho. So I fully endorse these potatoes.

the snow is still here

Antioch, CA

The snow remained.

(BTC - Pano)

Antioch, CA

Last night the temperature dropped and we got snow. That isn't all that significant, but the fact that we got snow at about 500 feet above sea level is rather significant. We NEVER get snow that low around here.

I will try to take a better shot tomorrow, if it doesn't all melt away.