Pooks Canyon

I knew something was up when, on our way to Balandra Beach one day, we were passed by multiple trucks, laden and stacked, wrapped in brightly covered vinyl.  Some were stacked so high with stuff they looked like they might spill over in a corner.   It turns out these trucks were the Carnies, exiting the ferry and making their way down into town. Over the next few days the main street along the beach transformed.  The road was lined on both sided with wild colored carnival tents, selling food, toys, games, and excitement.  Dirt lots crammed with giant Ferris Wheels, Carousels, and all the other rides you see at fairs in the states.  Only they could pack a fairs-worth of rides into an acre.  And there were at least 3 such lots. The theme of this year's Carnaval was el jeugo de la vida- the game of life.  We saw a lot of playing-card themes, chess themes, dice themes... but I am not sure of the theme of this float.  Ideas? Carnaval m...

This year Axel and I went to Country Pumpkins in Orland to get Halloween decor for the front doorstep.  I wanted the reddest pumpkin I could find so it would match my front door.  Yes, I admit to that. I ended up purchasing a red Cinderella pumpkin.  At the checkout, the kind sales lady asked what I was going to do with it.  I told her that I was planning to put it by my door to look pretty.  She chuckled and said that Cinderella pumpkins make the most delicious pumpkin meat for cooking. I am so glad she said that because I might not have thought to cook this intimidating-looking squash. This was as red as it got at Country Pumpkins Fast forward to last Thursday when Mom came over for a visit.  She admired the pumpkin and I told her I was going to roast it soon.  "Oh, yes," she says, "Good idea. There is going to be a pumpkin shortage this year." "Really?" I said, a bit dubious on the notion.  Sounds like something the pumpkin lobby co...

Tonight we attended the Sherwood Montessori Christmas show. No slipping out early for us- having a child in the youngest grade and another in the oldest grade. No matter, though, the show was entertaining, that quintessential mix of proud, embarrassing, and adorable moments. Axel's class sang a song called "We Are the Mosaic" which was very cute. Leah played the lead villain, Wolfgang, in Little Red Riding in the 'Hood . She is quite the budding actress, though I'm sure she'll kill me for writing that. Good thing she never reads my blog. Axel looking handsome in his grey vest. He was nervous before the show so I told him to picture the audience in their underwear. He later reported that he did just that. He loosened up talking with his blond classmate. Here's Leah, ahem Wolfgang, before the show, in the green hoodie. Wolfgang strutted around the stage and got several laughs from the audience. The other children are members of Wolfgang's gang. We...

Moving back to California held many promises for me, time with my family being the foremost of these. So with pleasure, this weekend, the Chico Bakers embarked on the annual Christmas Tree Hunt in Lassen National Forest. We were guided by Dad (aka Forester Frank) and Mom (bringer of cocoa and Santa hats). Three generations of Christmas Tree Hunters. Our native guides. Mom, looking cute. Leah played video games in the car. This one says "No Cut" so we'd better keep looking. Watch the antlers! Our little tiger helped drink the cocoa and find pine cones. A large piece of Lassen National Forest installed in our family room. Needles to say (pun intended) I have not yet begun to decorate!

Last year we took a walk around Bruges on Christmas Day with Grandma and Grandpa so we thought this year we would repeat the tradition. Though all the shops were closed, the restaurants and Christmas Markets were hopping. We checked out Markt Square and Simon Stevin Plein. I had a glass of champagne, every one else had waffles. The kids on a ride at the Arcade in Simon Stevin Plein. Jon and Leah in their matching coats. He's still just a baby! At least to me... My other baby looks so grown up! Here she is sporting a new hat and a cup of Warme Tomaten Soep. We decided to put Axel in the Medieval Playpen again, for old time's sake .

Axel enjoyed the hunt, you could say he was a good egg. When dad and I were hiding the first eggs we found a small lizard and caught it. We decided to put the lizard into a plastic egg, write Special Prize on it, and hide it a nice shady spot. Desi was the lucky recipient. She picked it up and said, "Oh, Special Prize!" and promptly pried it open... I barely had time to point the camera to snap the look on her face as the lizard jumped out. Priceless. Here is Leah and Dez holding "Special Prize"and his Easter home. Leah seemed to like Special Prize more than Dez. Axel was oblivious and continued on the hunt for eggs. Note the size 6 outfit from Mexico Grandma and Grandpa brought back. Fits him perfectly! Dez isn't too old for egg hunting and recovered from her surprise nicely. Leah found an egg floating in the pool. We hid some so well that we had to retrieve them ourselves. Special Prize found a warm home on Axel's head. He continued to be oblivious....

Grandma Robbin sent a great kit for Leah to assemble homemade Valentine's cards. Emma helped Leah while the grown-ups had cocktails and Aunt Elisabeth's delicious bar snacks.

Yesterday, while driving back from Paris with Jon, it occurred to me that it was Thanksgiving Day. I said, "Happy Thanksgiving." To which Jon replied, "It isn't Thanksgiving yet, is it?" Hmmm, none of the usual turkey decor, workplace time off, and trips to see family were there to clue us in. I had remembered TG earlier in the week and mentioned to Emily (the hairstylist at La Belle Frisee) that Thursday was an American holiday. She asked if it was one of those American holidays with presents. Explaining Thanksgiving, I said it is a time to have a feast with your family. Besides family, people also open up their homes to friends that have nowhere to go. Before eating, it is customary to give thanks for all the things you have gratitude for throughout the year, but may not express. Wow, America came up with this? And regardless of the "Day After" shopping and Christmas onslaught, the actual Thursday is pretty pure. I know that some people say...

He ate mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and avocado. Then he had some milk and passed out on Aunt Elisabeth's bed.

This morning we had Easter festivities with the family (plus one plumber checking a possible gas leak, but he was from "Brother's Plumbing" so I guess he was like family). Tonight we are going to Aunt Elisabeth's for Easter supper and good times with my little cousins, Emma and Arthur. Leah went on a clue hunt to find their baskets while Axel napped. The moment the baskets were found, he woke up. Must be his kid-sense kicking in. Axel got an orange rubbery toy, Leah got a chocolate bunny and some Easter-y themed pencils, pens, stickers, etc. Leah ate this pancake, even though it looked a little bunny. The duckling was actually part of Leah's basket, but Axel commandeered it. His MO? Once he drools on it, it's his!

Shown here is Leah proudly displaying her marbled Easter Eggs (easiest egg coloring we've ever done). In the background, the icy forest where tomorrow's hunt is scheduled to take place. Maybe we'll hide them under the snow.