Vacation Bound!

Sutter Buttes ~ near Yuba City, California

For 34 + years the view from our ranch was The Sutter Buttes. We will be visiting daughter in nearby Sacramento for the month of June; and, visiting our friends who live near the Buttes. The Buttes are open at various times for Hiking, Biking, and Horseback riding groups. Also, Yuba College (JC) has treks for photographers, and students taking Geology classes. A favorite of mine was to take a 'quick' picnic and drive around the base...parking at an area view point.

The foreground is a rice field (paddy). Rice, Peaches, Plums and beef cattle being the main products of this area of Northern California. A lot of rice and miles of orchards. Yuba City has a population of about 80,000 + and is only 45 minutes from Sacramento. It is a nice place to raise a family with diverse cultural and ethnic population; good, family-oriented churches, cultural offerings: The Prune Festival, Annual Punjab parade and festivals, Bo Kai Parade (Chinese), the PrCA Rodeo, and Scottish Highland games. Oz Fest is held at the big amphitheater complex in Yuba County, across the Feather River.

While we won't be taking in any of the cultural events, I will be visiting with my daughters, perhaps a bass boat fishing expedition on the Delta, or even attending a River Cats game!

Mostly I'm looking forward to ~ Grass! Green Grass is scarce in the high desert with the cost of water...but my daughter has a lovely back yard with a Koi pond and pergola hanging with grape vines and plenty of green grass. Mostly, I think, I will be tatting; and, perhaps meeting other Sacramento area tatters if there is time. Just eating at our favorite restaurants will be a treat! I've heard rumors there may be a grandson or two around ~ and since Bekah is in the area ~ I'm sure I will see her on my birthday! This is a combination business/vacation trip.

Excitement nearer our present home includes armed security guards patrolling the perimeters of our property while we are gone. Seems there have been threats against our nearest neighbors (we share a low rock wall) because of the Copper Mines closing or laying off work force. The company has hired a security force to protect those in management ~ including our neighbor's family. It is surreal; like something from a TV program! It is worrisome for the neighbor, of course, but a curiosity up here on the ridge. They are a lovely family and I pray no harm comes to them!

I posted a copy of a card I made from a Practice Piece at the right side bar. I'm also working on Jane Eborall's, Funky Monkey and a couple of other projects; at least two butterflies (Including another Georgette's Butterfly, now that I have the complete instructions on how to do the 2 antennae in Victorian sets, using two shuttles that lead to a split ring! . . . and I must at least begin my first doily. After looking at Beatrice..it may be a second doily...as I want to tat the "Sheep May Safely Graze" for a daughter, if I can collect the thread size and colors and get them packed. I completed my UFO's, including the counted x-stitch piece for my cousin! I have less than 40 motif to go on the table runner; it should be completed by BB's birthday. Before I leave, there are a couple of envelopes and a box that I would like to get in the mail; but, that's rather dependent upon my DH who is my postal person. There should be more tatting posted by July!