April 25-May11 - life will never be the same again

First day home, feeding and changing diapers - we are all learning together. It’s been a long time since any of our grandkids needed their diaper changed but it all came back. 

This is Carl’s mom, Jutta, Avery’s Oma. 

While Avery’s Oma and Nana Peg cuddled with Avery Bill worked on his projects. No rest for the weary!  Carl and Bill added another access to the fenced-in backyard. So much more convenient. Next, they built a wood shed. Carl said it was too nice for wood. Maybe he’ll make it a climbing gym!  

In between those projects, Bill helped Carl add knobs and handles to their kitchen cabinets. Again, much more convenient to open doors and drawers. 

Drew and Erin came to visit. It was great having us together one last time beforehand we left. 

Last project Bill had for the Alsup’s was a wood box for Shan to have easy access to wood when Carl is working nights at the hospital. 



After Oma left, NanaPeg spent more time cuddling Avery, washing clothes, running to grocery store and cooking. 

I did have a little time to set up my sewing machine for some quilting and sewing projects. 

Avery also went on her first hike on the ditch trai, behind their house and to Scott’s Lake just up the road from their house. 

Down the hill to Sacramento for one last evening with Drew and Erin and for Bill to finish a project there. We  had a very special dinner with Drew and Erin’s friends,  Lorena, Boye and their daughter, Fina. They cooked us an authentic Nigerian meal that was delicious. 

Bill and Fina played checkers and then Fina helped us learn Spanish. A fun evening for our last one in California. 

April 15-19 - No baby yet. More hiking and more projects

It rained almost the whole day so there was some lazing around, reading and discussing what was the next project. 

I was able to get a shot of the full moon above our camper. 

Tuesday we were back down at Drew and Erin’s so Bill could install a new outside receptacle so Erin could put up outside lights. 

Bandit and Lenny played and I spent the day basking in the sun!

Wednesday we got some hiking in on the Tribute Trail with Shan’s friends. 

Then Thursday came and Shan wanted to finish tiling their backsplash. 

Yep, that’s Shan 9 months pregnant crawling around on the counter. No words, other than, it’s finally done and really finishes the kitchen. 

Also went to the gym to swim with Shan. She sure is active. Guess she’s trying to get that baby moving!

Friday was another day of hiking to Scots Lake. It’s only about 5 miles from Shan and Carl’s house. What a beautiful lake with emerald colored water. The dogs had fun in the water. 

Tomorrow we move the RV down to Sacramento for Easter with Drew and baby D-day on Tuesday. Cannot wait!

April 8-14 - no baby yet, hiking and projects

This week has been busy with projects at Shan’s... switching out receptacles and washing baby clothes!  

After a great Kodiak cake breakfast, we hiked the Stevens Trail in Colfax. Wildflowers are beginning to bloom and lots of running water. 

This one of my favorite invasive CA trees, the Manzanita. They are beginning to flower. 

Drove down to Drew’s Thursday night to get ready for an electrical project on Friday. When HGTV’s Yard Crashers did Drew’s backyard, they didn’t do the  electrical connection to the outdoor lights very well. So that was Bill’s job. He got it done and Drew and Erin had a party outside that night. They were so appreciative. 

Their backyard was really nice before but now it’s even better with lights that actually work at night. 

Saturday we were back up at Shan and Carl’s so Bill could help Carl put in a new mailbox post. The previous one was a white bucket with a pole stuck in it. Not the most beautiful but you could tell where to turn because no one else had one like it. 

More hiking on the ditch trail behind Shan’s house. The ditch is a way California provide  irrigation to houses. The snow melts off the mountains and runs into these ditches. And it’s also great hiking trails. 

We went to church on Palm Sunday at the UMC in Nevada City where I’ve gone before. They treat me like one of there’s which really makes me feel welcome. Today’s reading of the Passion was very stirring. The keyboard player sang the song from Jesus Christ Superstar, Gethsemene. Very powerful singer. 

Apri 3 - April 5 - Settling in at Shan and Carl’s place.

On the way down from Truckee (where we stayed last night), there was LOTS of snow. It was beautiful but glad we won’t see much if any at Shan’s. 

Pulled into Shannon and Carl’s Tuesday April 2. Set up camp on their property. We’ll see how long till they kick us out. Bill set up our Solo stove so we could roast Andouille sausages and s’mores. First we’ve used our Christmas present to each other because of fire bans across U.S. 

Had a few issues with electric and blowing of fuses. But Carl and Bill got it figured out well enough for us to have lights. Will probably put in a 20 or 30 amp if we’re going to do this again. 

Shannon and I were excited to open her gifts the Greater Buffalo Run Valley choir gave her at our Granny Shower. Here are just a few of the gifts. Shan was thrilled with everything. Lenny particularly like the stuffed animals. 

April 3 - Shan had bought tickets to see Cats for my Christmas present so Thursday we set off for Sacramento to see Drew and Erin and go to dinner and the theater. This was the set. Very colorful. 

We stayed overnight at Drew and Erin’s because Shan had a dr appt at UC Davis Hospital. 

They hooked Shan up to a monitor that checks the baby’s heart rate. They are checking to make sure it goes up several times. This lets them know she’s happy and doing well. She and baby Lucky passed with flying colors. 

After shopping in the Big City, we headed back up the hill to home to start organizing baby things- so glad I’m here to help. Loving every minute. 

While we were coming back up the hill, Carl and Bill started on the list of projects - changing out receptacles and a new light. 

In the midst of all this, Winter and James we’re getting a pop up camper from Cathy and Ron Hostetler. They are so excited to get it set up and use it. 

Carl and Shan made us a pork chop dinner with beet risotto. Yum Yum. 

Tomorrow it’s off to Baletto Winery.