A Special Birthday~A Special Wedding~A Sad Farewell

October 17, 2010

One of the many reasons I decided to head to the East Coast in October was my Aunt Veedee Sue (Veneda) was turning 90 and I knew it would be a family reunion of sorts.  Pretty in Pink in this picture is my auntie.  All but the guy is blue (Dan) her nephew and the girl in red (mauh) her niece on her husband's side) are her children.  And not all were there.  Missing are Roger, Terry, Robin (hope I got all of them).  It was a great day and I saw many I hadn't seen in years and met the new.  Food was wonderful and I think she enjoyed herself immensely.  It was too busy to get a huge group family picture.

While in my hometown, I was also able to see some high school friends...we met for lunch at (where else) Appleby's and we had a great time.

Michigan is never complete unless I go to Ann Arbor to spend time with my ex-husband and his wife and family.  I did and it was nice as always.  While in Ann Arbor I also was able to meet up with some cousins on my mother's side, some of whom I had never met but had a FB relationship with.  Her (Aimee's) mom I had met as a young girl at a funeral and probably a few other times...but so long ago.  And it was wonderful meeting them briefly for dinner. Then......

the sad part of the reason for coming east....My good friend, Cindi, for 45 years was in her 2nd year with ALS...that awful and hateful disease.  She was in her last days and I went to Bloomfield Hills to say goodbye.. it has one of the hardest things I've ever done.  Here's how I did it.  Several of our friends were there along with her husband.  I was just there for a few hours.  When I left, I kissed her and said goodbye and left crying like a baby.  Had to stop driving a few times as I couldn't see for the tears.  Ran back to Ann Arbor and wrote:

I wrote this Cindi,..knowing I wouldn't see you again in this world. I know you knew how loved you were/are....by all who know you. Me...for 45 years with our ups/downs and most special memories. ~~~I know your time is near~~Oh that I could take your body to mend~~ I know that soon God will be your closest friend~~ I said goodbye as you slept~~I kissed your forehead gently~~My dear friend  Cindi you will be missed~~ I thought as I drove away, if only you could be healed I would vote Republican so I could make you happy." ~~~

Pat & TaZzi and Cindi & Jack Black after church..the year before she died.  I miss her so.

A week in Upper Michigan at their home to tell Cindi how much we love her..she's the beautiful one in yellowish in the middle. circa 2009

  After Michigan on to Louisville, Kentucky "happy".  My cousin, Jennifer's wedding and more family reunion.

Jennifer, the lovely bride.  Love this picture and I took it!

Pat & Carlene (aunt of the bride) my cousin & forever friend

My aunt Veedee Sue and Pat

Robin (Jen's Mom)

Pat and Jen

Now....on to D.C. for the Ralley.

Meanwhile....back at the Ranch...Gizdich

 October 2, 2010


Girl time is always fun!  This is the time of the year when pumpkins, apple pie, cider, orchards, and jams just seem to call my name.  Yesterday the name calling included Gizdich Ranch.  In my past it is usually a trip that includes grandchildren and their friends.  They are now grown and in different places....so I go with the adults....and we act like kids. 



Corrie, Deanna, Deanie and I spent the picture-perfect-weather-morning yumming out on Apple pie, ice cream, and coffee at the ranch. 

 Lots of kids and moms, dads, teachers, and dogs were there.  I left TaZzi at home...for a change.

With the continued beautiful weather-day, we drove the richl California Central Coast (Steinbeck Country) to Castroville in search of fried artichokes. 

We found the most famous one.

We ordered a mish mosh of items...including  fried artichokes, quesadillas, salad, and we were deliciously satisfied.





Us being a little too satisfied



These cute lil gals let us take their pictures w/daddy's permission





So satisfied, we decided to go antiquing.  We found a really nice store and spent a bit of time there.  Long enough for Deanie to find something she couldn't live without.

A day well-spent, we giggled our way back home.

Annual Oktoberfest~Tyrolean Inn

September 29, 2010

My autumn isn't complete without Octoberfest.  When I'm in Santa Cruz, the best one around is at the Tyrolean Inn.

This year, I went with my friend, Susan and we had a festive time listening to the great polka bands, eating the authentic Bavarian foods, with a huge selection of beers.

Whitney, the always very busy, owner and long-time friend.

One of our delicious selections of food for the occasion.

Just some of the people at our table.  We all had a great time in this beautiful redwood setting.

See ya next year, Whitney and Chuck.

Okanagan Valley Country in the Fall

September 25, 2010

Some place right near Kelowna, in the Okanagan Valley, Helen and I found this great place.  I think it was called Cider Works.  The hot cider was delicious and we had more than one still warm doughnut, then we took a tour around the orchards.  As you can see, TaZzi got to go.  

Helen enjoying her cider and doughnut a little

Raven Ridge Cidery is a market leader in Iced Ciders. Raven Ridge Cidery is dedicated to sustainable production, using only locally grown fruit. Our Iced Ciders represent the best of the Okanagan.  I could only afford one bottle and I will take it to Baja with me and share with Althea....I bought a white and that's what she likes.alley

Hardy Falls Regional Park is a hiking and sightseeing destination located on the south end of Peachland, BC, Canada in the Okanagan Valley. The waterfall park includes a salmon spawning river named Deep Creek and a well maintained hiking trail leading to the falls.
The walkway is approximately 1 kilometre long. The pathway is made of gravel and boardwalk and crosses over the creek many times on the way to the falls. The walking path to the falls is wheelchair accessible.
There are a few wooden boardwalk foot bridges crossing Deep Creek on the trail. It should take no longer than 15 minutes to complete the hike from the parking lot to the falls.

After we finished the scenic hike (it was easy and we saw no bears) we discovered this Parrot Island Sanctuary.

Parrot Island is a unique sanctuary for exotic birds run by Ray Parkes and his wife Valerie. They have devoted their lives to the preservation of these beautiful animals for the benefit of all.

Ray and Valerie also run a program whereby birds are matched up with individuals in the Okanagan Valley that could benefit from the love and companionship of one of these amazing birds. Both end up benefitting from the mutual love and affection they both share.

Because my computer crashed on this leg of our trip, some of my photos are out of order and when I went back to recreate...the ole memory just wasn't there.  I can just say the entire area is so beautiful and we had an incredible time.  Pretty soon heading back to Santa Cruz by way of Bend, Oregon to visit old friends.