Winter is Trying to Hold on a Bit Longer in Washoe Valley

It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade. ~Charles Dickens

Hi Friends,

With Spring about to take hold of our weather, we found Winter trying to hold on for just a bit longer this morning. Yesterdays wind and blue skies have changed to cold wind, grey skies and snow today. It has taken the horses by surprise and has left a pretty white covering on the plants and lawn ornaments. In addition, we were forced to postpone a trip to Medford to get away from work and all this weekend.

It sure is pretty and as we have discovered, it is not so bad to get snow in March because we know that next week or the week after it will be almost 70 degrees again.

And so we will venture out and enjoy all that this day has to offer us. Enjoy this little video we made, it makes for some fun looking back and saying, "wow, remember when it was cold and snowy?"

Peace, Love and Bliss,

Don & Brenda and The Critters

Have You Seen Our Mailman?

Hi Friends,

Sure it snowed here at Casa Tucker and has been on and off since about the 18th. But it has been about a week since last we saw any new mail. It probably is not much, a couple of bills, maybe a magazine and then those wonderful paper things that we toss right into the trash. Still we do always have that outside chance that a check for a million dollars or free tires or a free soda coupon.

Today I took a walk out to the mailbox just to check and see if the mailman had stopped by. Nope, still nothing... our mailbox is still empty and cold... and lonely.

Have you seen the mailman in Washoe Valley? Actually, I did see the mailman yesterday. She drove down the road just passing our mailbox and then she stopped. Was she going to back up and fill our mailbox? Nope she paused looked around and then continued down the road. Oh well, maybe tomorrow I will mail myself a letter or card and see if she picks it up.

Stay tuned for more. But until we find out about tomorrow, enjoy this video I made today.

Peace, Love and Lost mail,

Don

Trucking Over Donner Pass Again ... Big Snow Storm

Snowflakes are kisses sent from heaven.

Hi Friends,

We are in the middle of one of those late Winter almost Spring snow storms that seem to come around this time of year. It is leaving it's white fluffy goodness all over the place, and causing the usual backups and craziness.

Work caused me to make a slippery, slushy trip over Donner Pass on Thursday as well as in the Reno area on Friday. It was full of surprises and fun so I took the Flip video camera out to document the adventure.

I actually was stuck on Donner Pass on Thursday just before the summit. I had moved over to the hammer lane to pass a stuck truck and car and oops where did my traction go. I called for the Cal Trans pusher truck but got no answer. So I did my best working the truck back and forth looking for just a bit of traction, and there it was. Just a bit of traction but just enough to get me moving again. I was out of the fast lane and thankfully was not holding up traffic any longer.

It was a 7.5 hour trip from Reno to West Sacramento and just as long back to Reno. Got home late and warmed up just enough to get me through Friday.

So glad the week is over and I am sure looking forward to a view of the snow from inside the house where it is warm and dry. Hope you are warm and dry too.

Peace, Love and Bliss...

Don

Winter Wonderland?

Hi Friends,

We woke to more snow this morning. Brenda is really getting tired of it, but it does make things look pretty. Brenda is still reminding me that she hates the snow, but is either getting used to it or is starting to give up on my ability (or interest in) changing it. She would Love to live in a tropical place with year round warm sun and light breezes so she can ride horses every day.

The chihuahuas don't much like the snow either. They are so much shorter than the snow drifts that they just might get lost in the little trails Brenda builds for them.

I am sure we both dreamed of riding the horses last night and thought this snow might be a dream. We were disappointed when we woke up to find it still in the driveway, with mote added overnight.

Oh well we are off to the bookstore and some shopping and then we will see what develops.

Took another video this morning to share.

Peace, Love and Bliss,

Don and Brenda
and the critters!

Todays Snow Storm Follow Up

Hi Friends,

Just wanted to pop in and share this short video of the snow in Washoe Valley last night and today. Spent the morning plowing the driveway and then resting my sore back. Oh well it was sure pretty.

Peace, Love and Bliss

Don & Brenda

Snow Falling in the Valley

Hi Friends,

We have enjoyed a really warm and dry New Year so far. Or at least up until last night.

Old man Winter has added about a foot of snow in our driveway and the horse pastures. The horses are not grumbling yet, but I am. And Brenda has reminded me the last couple of days, how much she hates snow.

Well, back to shoveling the driveway. Thought I would share this picture I took before the shoveling started this morning.

Stay warm...

Peace, Love and Bliss

Don and Brenda
and the critters too!

Some Thoughts on Turning 50

Hi Friends,

50 years: here's a time when you have to separate yourself from what other people expect of you, and do what you love. Because if you find yourself 50 years old and you aren't doing what you love, then what's the point? ~ Jim Carrey

I just turned 50. Yup, that is pretty much what I thought of it too. But I did want to write down a few thoughts, mostly for me to look back on, but also to share these thoughts with you.

I started to get the AARP mailings when I was 49. They actually will sign you up when you are 49 1/2, so I did that early to get it out of the way. Mostly for the discounts, but every time I have showed my card I get a look like, "you are not a senior." No I am not a senior, but I get some of the nifty discounts.

So on December 29th I turned 50. I really don't feel 50 unless I need to get out of some work I don't wish to do at the moment. But I am now 50 nonetheless. I still feel about 20, younger at times and am accused by Brenda that I act no older than 14 and at times 5 years old. I feel like I have followed many of the dreams I that have appealed to me over the years. Talk about dreams, I have crewed for a balloon team, crewed for an air race team, been in a great band and am married to the most wonderful girl in the World. The other dreams have been passing fancies, but the girl is still here even after almost 29 years. I am looking forward to all the dreams yet to come. Those that I will have the benefit of years to appreciate more.

I enjoy friends more and their company if it uplifting.

I am finding it hard to remember many little thoughts and some big thoughts, and that drives me crazy at times. But that is fine, they migh not have been that important. And because I can't remember them, I won't miss them.

It seems like 50 is not really that big a deal, when you look at people living to be 80 or 90 years old. Betty White is going to be 89 and is still beautiful and full of life. I can see living to be 90 years old and living a wonderful life with Brenda at that age. Our neighbor was riding horses and living a pretty full life well into her 80's.

Brenda really spoiled me (and ribbed me quite a bit) on my birthday. Had a wonderful cake with fireworks candles that sparkled and popped. Brenda treated me to pizza (my favorite) as well as a Nook e-book reader and some cool stuff for Pete. She also got me a great book by Dr Seuss called "You're Only Old Once, A Book For Obsolete Children." It was a great day! Make no mistake, Brenda also got some good jabs in about me being an old man. I am sure she held back a bit because she will be turning 50 at some point in her journey and paybacks are a bitch.

I am still learning new things and enjoying life every day. I have the knowledge to skip housework if the opportunity arrises to take Pete out for a long ride instead of cleaning the bathroom. I enjoy the sunrises and sunsets more all the time. This year I am learning how to play the banjo and getting some new tools to help in my understanding of horses ... and people. I know there is probably more, but I probably forgot what it was.

Peace, Love and Bliss

Don