Recovering

I deleted the post about Lula's attack.  Last Tuesday she was mauled by two vicious dogs.  Animal Control is working on it.  Her wounds are healing well.  I had some scratches,  scrapes, and nicks, as well.  We are both relieved it wasn't worse. 

We've been staying home at the cottage.  Until these dogs are impounded or euthanized, I don't feel safe staying up at the cabin.  It really shook me up.  I've been making a lot of mistakes and wrong turns when out driving.  It's strange how a close brush with death affects you.  The owner of the Rottweiler and Mastiff is still not answering the door.

Thank you for all of your comments and support.  I've been talking with friends and neighbors, and that has helped a lot.  It will be a relief once we have the hearing, and Animal Control decides what to do.  I am trying not to think about all of the "what ifs"...

I am so thankful that I didn't sell my cottage.  I have so many kind neighbors here.  You can't put a price on that; I've lived here for over twenty years.  I chat with many of my neighbors on a daily basis.  That routine is what makes a community.   

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Lula Is Healing

Thank you for all of your comments about Lula.  She is healing well, and I am thankful that her injuries weren't worse. 

Here are a couple of photos of the cabin.  I was up there doing some work today.  Lula stayed home.

The details and decor are so rustic.   I will be back to comment on your blogs soon.  Right now I have a few more tasks to complete with the home purchase and Lula.

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Escrow Closed Today

At 5:45 p.m. today I received the call that escrow had closed on the cabin.  Phew!  It was a long roller coaster ride of emotions.  There were some unexpected challenges, but I held my focus.  I kept imagining swinging on the swing on the deck, and walking Lula through the neighborhood.

I met with the seller and her son over the weekend.  She went through the home and showed me all of the little details.  She also explained the history of the cabin to me.  It was built by a man from Germany.  You can tell.  The craftsmanship is just incredible.  There are so many fine details.  It is really a labor of love.

I am excited to be able to walk to town.  That will save gas, be good for the environment, and also keep me in shape.  It's a beautiful area for bike riding, too.  Once the weather is cold, it will be too icy.  I can still bike at the pink cottage year round, though.

I found a train station with a park and ride, as well.  So I could leave the car halfway.  I love using public transportation.  We have a great system where I live.  It makes me feel better to take the train, the bus, or to ride my bicycle.

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Dr. Edith Eger on supersoul Sunday with Oprah talking about her book Th...

Closer To Closing on the Cabin

 
Tomorrow I am going up to the cabin to meet with the seller and to learn the details of the home.  I think it's so sweet of her to offer to show me around, and to explain how everything works.  I have a few questions.  I didn't really understand the combination traditional/gas fireplace when the inspector showed it to me.  I also need to learn how to turn on the sauna.  I can't wait to use it! I feel like a little girl anticipating Christmas morning.

I sent in some more paperwork to escrow by Docusign today.  It's exciting how easy it is, now that you can sign your paperwork online.  Yesterday I had a notary come to the house, and she talked me through a huge stack of papers.  I drove to Fedex and had them returned to Victorville.  There are so many details to remember.

I had the water, gas, and electric all put into my name and  turned on today.  The insurance agent sent me a quote. I plan to use the free wifi at the library and local cafe.  I spend most of my time in nature when I'm up there, anyway.   

Today I took my bicycle in and had the pedals replaced.  This bike is the latest one that I bought used.  It's in excellent condition, but the plastic pedals were falling apart.  I got a much sturdier pair, and they feel so much stronger.  I plan to take a bike ride tonight with Lula.  I have a front light and a tail light.  It's exciting to coast down the street when there isn't much traffic.

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More Photos Of My New Haven In The Mountains

My favorite trail so far is this one.  It takes you deep into the forest.  I always pretend that it's the 1800's when I am walking there.  I can just imagine what it must have been like on horseback.  It's so still and quiet. 

Lula and I stopped at this cute little cafe.  I had a bowl of cream of artichoke soup.  She was given a bowl of fresh water, which she knocked over and spilled on the deck. 

This older cabin has so much personality. There is a lot of stone work on these buildings. I love the detail.  It takes me back to a different time and lifestyle.

They sell plants for $2.00 at the pizza place.  I am excited to buy things locally.  We are far away from the Los Angeles traffic up here.  It's a slower, calmer pace.

I love the shape of the trees.  They emit such a  healing energy.  Every cabin seems to have a large deck where you can gaze at the mountains and commune with nature.  As I get older, I need more of that time.

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Van Life | Portlandia | Season 8

Photos of the New Neighborhood

Today I drove up to the cabin again.  It's so much fun to walk Lula around the neighborhood and to see all of the beautiful cabins and houses.  The backdrop is just incredible.  Here are some photos for you...

The nearby lake where I love to take a refreshing swim

view through my windshield

 

my parking space: I have six of them!

 

 

It's a short walk to town

There are bear signs everywhere

We stopped for an Italian ice.  The cafes and restaurants are very dog friendly.

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How Much Television Do You Watch?

Here is a photo of the new cabin.  I took a picture of the real estate flyer.  It's not a very clear shot, but it gives you a little preview.  I am so excited to have a getaway where the weather is cooler.  This summer has been pleasant, but sometimes we have intense heat, depending on the year.  I have always dreamed of a cabin in the mountains where the air is fresh, and I can BBQ outside.  There's a wonderful swing on the deck overlooking the pine trees.

Today I watched a documentary on the gymnastics abuse scandal on HBO.  I have a free trial with them.  I initially got it to watch a television series called Years and Years. (which I won't be continuing to watch.)  This documentary made me feel sad.  So much of television and media today seems to be centered on abuse.  I try not to focus my mind on it, because then I seem to attract those types of people into my life.  What a shame it took so long for him to be caught.

I have a subscription to Amazon Prime, but I rarely use it.  I may cancel everything, and just stick to reading, writing, watching Youtube, and being in nature.  My family and I used to watch shows like Mary Tyler Moore and Bob Newhart when my Aunt Mary would come to visit us.  We also looked forward to Lawrence Welk.  I loved the music, singing, and dancing.  Those shows were so entertaining and well written.  Maybe I will go back to watching them.  I related to  the characters, and the stories. I watched several television shows a week in those days, and loved all of them.  Things have really changed in the media.

Maybe at this age I am more interested in things that are uplifting.  I am getting back into cooking, now that the weather is a little cooler.  The pomegranates are almost ripe.  It will be a bountiful harvest this year.  I am reknitting an alpaca blanket for my bed.  Lula has gotten her collar caught on it in several places, and it looks very loopy and messy.  This time I will keep it under the duvet, instead of laying it on top of the bed.  I shouldn't let Lula sleep on the bed, but she convinced me.  She sneaks on it when she gets cold, and leans her body against mine.  It makes me laugh.  I am definitely a dog lover.

Back to my original question, How much t.v. do you watch?  Do you find it depressing or uplifting? Is it worth the cost to you?

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Exhausted From Hiking and Swimming In The Lake

Today I decided to drive up to the cabin with Lula.  I was dying to go swimming in the lake!  I packed a lunch of a cold chicken breast with BBQ sauce, homemade popcorn topped with grated parmesan cheese, and a piece of leftover yellow cake with chocolate truffle frosting.

I had a couple of mugs  of hot French roast coffee at 6:00 a.m., and chomped on a handful of salt and pepper pistachio nuts and a banana.  The drive up there always passes quickly.  It's such a relief not to have to deal with traffic.

The lake was quiet and peaceful.  There was just one fisherman there.  I sat at a picnic table in the shade, and enjoyed my delicious lunch.  I gave Lula a couple of dog biscuits that I had packed for her.  The water was sparkling, and the view was gorgeous!

We drove up to the cabin.  I parked up above where I soon will be spending much of my time, and walked Lula down through the neighborhood.  We took a different route this time.  The houses are absolutely lovely.  The neighborhood is what I've always wanted, yet the homes aren't ostentatious.  They all look so homey.  It seems like the people who live there really value nature, home, the mountains, and a quiet life.  I feel very comfortable.  Everyone is so friendly, too. The vibe is healthy and relaxed.

I found a new trail that was exquisite.  It was high up in the mountains, deep in the thick of the Jeffery pines.  The narrow trail  was so wooded and special.  I felt like we were far, far away from civilization.  The fresh air really fills your lungs. I can see why people recommend living at a high altitude for health reasons.  It makes me feel like a different person, more energetic and excited.  Drugs and addiction seem like they are left behind in the city.    

This website    has a great article on moving to the mountains by Linda Jo Martin.  The article is called How I Moved to a Cabin in the Mountains.  She lived in Happy Camp, California, as a single mother.  I really enjoyed reading about her experience there.  She didn't earn much money, but she loved the location and the people.  I can really relate to her description of where she lived before she moved.  Location is so important.  The people around us really affect us.  The energy of depression is very heavy.

On the way home, I followed some signs to a farm that sells fresh peaches and plums.  I bought a few baskets of fruit.  Everything looks spectacular! The peaches this time of year are incredibly sweet.  I was impressed with the prices, too.  I also bought some Gala apples.  There is no need to go to the grocery store this week, except maybe for some greens.  

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Baking A Birthday Cake

Yesterday I baked a birthday cake for a little boy I know who was turning five.  He is just adorable.  I asked him what kind of cake he wanted, and he answered, "White, with chocolate brownie frosting."  I giggled at his description.

I found an old vintage recipe for a cake made with butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, flour, and baking powder.  My electric mixer had finally died, so I stirred the batter by hand.  I used a wooden spoon, like they used to do before everything went electric.  My chicken has been laying again, so I used two of her fresh eggs.

The frosting recipe that I chose is a truffle frosting.  It has whipped cream, melted chocolate chips, and Karo syrup.  You simmer all the ingredients on the stove.  After chilling it for two and a half hours, you whip the chocolate mixture.  It's really divine!

The cake was a hit.  I gave pieces to several friends and neighbors.  One sweet little two year old girl said to me, "Thank you, Grandma," as she smiled and ate her piece.  It was so cute!  I have never been called Grandma before; no wonder grandparents fall in love with their grandchildren.  It's so enjoyable to share the simple things with them.  We sang "Happy Birthday" and watched the birthday boy blow out the candles. 

I think having a slice of homemade cake brings out the child in all of us, even seniors.  It's been years since I had tasted a freshly baked cake.  The parties I attend usually order a cake from a bakery.  It was worth the effort.  Do you still bake cakes for birthdays in you family?  

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No Power Last Night: A Blackout

Last night our power went out at 9:00 p.m. I was right in the middle of carefully placing some homemade chicken broth in the refrigerator.  I changed my mind, and transferred it to the freezer.

Fortunately, the electric company had warned us in advance that the power would be turned off from 9:00 p.m.until 7:00 a.m. the next morning.  To be honest, I had forgotten. Still,  I felt prepared.  I lit my hurricane lamp, and it illuminated the living room nicely.  My gas stove is from the 1950's, and it works without electricity.  I find it so convenient.  The other one I had used an electronic ignition.  It makes such a difference to be able to cook, bake,  and make coffee in a power outage.

I went out to the car and fetched my large red flashlight that my mother kept in the car that I inherited.  It has a siren, radio, solar cranked light, and comes in very handy.  I thanked her out loud for being so prepared.  I also have a Red Cross flashlight in my nightstand drawer that is a smaller version with the same features.  It's a relief to have plenty of light.  Lula was very happy to see the flashlight beaming into the backyard.

I lit my beeswax candle, and kept it on the nightstand.  It's amazing how dark the streets get during a blackout.  I kept the living room lit up with the hurricane lamp all night, while I slept.  It just made me feel safer.  There were a few families walking down the street together with flashlights.  I think maybe they were going to friends' houses who didn't have flashlights or supplies.  Most of the homes were completely dark.  The outdoor solar lights make a huge difference by lighting the area around your front door, too.  I plan to  invest in some of those for the future.

This morning, when I got up at 7:00 a.m., the electricity still wasn't working.  Fortunately, I had ground some coffee beans and stored them in the freezer.  I scooped them into my French press, heated up the water on the gas vintage  stove,  and made a fresh pot of French roast coffee.  It felt very calming and satisfying to be prepared.  The mountain cabin has an electric stove, so I might have to work out an alternative.

I had moved the container of half and half into the freezer.  Everything stayed fresh, and I made a chicken, tortilla, and cheese casserole this afternoon.  I had assembled it last night.  What a relief that no food was spoiled or wasted. My neighbor, who's also a single woman, told me that a she went and stayed with a friend.  It felt good to be cozy, well provided for, and safe.  It was so dark before bed that I couldn't find Lula.  Unbeknownst to me, she was out in the front yard.  We were both a bit disoriented with so little light.  Do you have the supplies you need for a power outage?  Has it ever happened in your area?

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Staying At A Friend's Cabin

While I was in Vegas for the reunion, Lula and I stayed at my friend Georgie and her boyfriend's gorgeous cabin up in Mount Charleston.  It was so luxurious!  We met at her house, and drove there together.  It's only thirty miles from Las Vegas, where they live.  The difference in the two locations is dramatic.  Las Vegas is stark and dry,  Mount Charleston is filled with pine trees, gorgeous rocks, and breathtaking views.  I can only imagine its beauty in the winter.  Georgie said that it looks like a Christmas card.

The weather is twenty degrees cooler, and the air is fresh and clean.  The desert is SO HOT!  I always forget, until I return.  I guess people acclimate, but I never was able to adjust to that summer heat.  I remember opening the door of my apartment to go outside, and it felt like an oven.  It was worth it, to dance in the shows, though.  Plus, for the rest of the year, the weather was very enjoyable.  Still, I always knew that I would return home to California.

Staying up in the mountains was wonderful and healing.  Lula was in her glory, and received lots of love, hugs, and kisses.  She had her own dog run, and was able to go inside and outside while I was at the party.  She behaved herself very well.

We took a hike that started just down the road from Georgie's cabin.  The trail was well marked, and the views were spectacular.  Georgie and I enjoyed a sauna and relaxed in her fabulous hot tub.  I got to sing some show tunes while Jay played from a songbook at the piano.  The music was exquisite.  It was a wonderful time.  I am looking forward to returning the favor, and having them come stay with me at my new cabin.  Have you had any visitors over the summer?

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Back Home From Las Vegas

I spent the weekend visiting my friends in Las Vegas.  We had a big bash to celebrate our assistant company manager's eightieth birthday.  There were all kinds of show people there.  It was such a fun event.  The food was delicious.  We were all so happy to see each other again.

This is my friend Georgie.  We met when we were first starting out in our dance careers as teenagers.  Now here we are, over fifty!  The man is a familiar face, but I can't remember his name, unfortunately.

Here's another photo with my friend Jan.  We sat and had a long chat.  It's so great to catch up with friends that you knew when you were in your twenties. It was like no time had passed.

Lula was able to come with me and stay at the cabin.  She loves an adventure.  There was a tremendous amount of traffic on the way home. I left early Monday morning, but many other people had the same idea.  Still, we made it safely, and it was a wonderful trip.  

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