Last week of freedom for kids, back to school next week

Redding kids enjoy summer fun at Caldwell Park
Some teachers are going back to school this week, and the kids start next week. Summer went by fast. It always does….
Redding kids enjoy summer fun at Caldwell Park
There’s lots for kids to do all summer here. The Aquatic Center is a great place to spend a day. We’re lucky to have it. Redding is such an idyllic place to live if you are a kid, or just a kid at heart. Sorry about that approaching school thing, kids! (and teachers!)
Redding kids enjoy summer fun at Caldwell Park

A trip to the Farmer's Market leaves Karry speechless.

Today’s sojourn to Redding’s Certified Organic Farmers Market next to our City Hall was fruitful in several ways. Here is some of our haul. I love those Thai Peppers, but a few go a long way. These few yellow onions represent the last of the Walla Walla onion season, we’re told.
Food from Redding's Farmers Market
We needed some Olive Oil, so we stopped at the Olinda Ridge guy’s booth. He insisted we try several varieties from tiny cups on bits of bread. To tell the truth, a lot of the subtlety was lost on me. Grassy, buttery, whatever. Its all good. We liked the idea of the Pomegranate Vinegar. A couple of funny parts: One variety of oil he said was Doni Greenberg’s favorite, and he asked if I’d heard of her. In fact I have. Who knew she was endorsing olive oil?

At one point, he turned to Karry and asked, “ So what do you think of that variety?” A bit of silence ensued. I looked at her face and realized she had swallowed it wrong or something, and temporarily couldn’t speak. That’s when 30+ years of marriage kicked in.

“That works great. I’ll take a half gallon of whatever she had.” 😉

When the going gets hot, the hot go to Lassen.

We are so blessed here in Redding. When it gets a bit too hot in the valley, we can head for the hills. It’s not far at all to Lassen Park, maybe an hour or so drive. Once there, you will find tourists from all over the world enjoying the scenery and volcanic splendor. We took these shots on Friday.
Lassen Park near Redding CA
Lassen Park near Redding CA
Lassen Park near Redding CA
Lassen Park near Redding CA

Happy Birthday Art Hop images

The Art Hop Birthday Bash was a huge success, from all we saw. There were lots of people out and about, and so much to see and do. We went for quality over quantity, spending time at Kimberly Nicole, and also catching a set of Just Married at the Discovery Shop. The Redding scene continues to evolve…
ArtHopKimberlyNicole

ArtHopErin
Redding's Art Hop imagesArtHopKimberlyNicole2
ArtHopJewlery

ArtHopShoes
You know it’s a mild July day in Redding when Hula dancers can perform barefoot on asphalt while the sun’s still up in the sky.
ArtHopHula
And of course every performer’s dream gig is a corner in a secondhand store, but sometimes certain things just fit comfortably in Redding, and you are compelled to go with the flow.
JustMarried
Yes, they are Still Married, and they offer their authentic CD’s for a mere $5. How can you go wrong on that? A perfect Art Hop birthday present.
JustMarriedCD
Thanks Art Hoppers and shoppers!

Much Prayer Needed for President Obama’s Safety

I spotted this car yesterday with this big sign taped on it. Not something you see everyday. Certainly, the sentiment was thought provoking. As we sat at the light in front of Trader Joe’s, I snapped this from my cell phone camera. The sign is a bit hard to read here, but is plain enough in person. As we waited for the light to change, I wondered why the driver felt so compelled.
ObamaSafety

Every president is endangered. Obama more so than others, for reasons we don’t need to go into here. I see in the news today, the Obamas are in Europe. On reflection, I find I share the driver’s unexpected concern, and extend my prayers to members of his security team as well. It’s a shame this is so, but it can’t be ignored. Godspeed Geo Metro driver, and know your prayers are echoed.

4th of July 2009 Mt Shasta style

We went up to the city of Mt Shasta for 4th of July. While this is not ‘Really Redding,’ it is typically cooler up here and filled with Reddingites anyway, since it’s just an hour north. They have a terrific 5 mile run, and 2 mile Fun Walk. We chose the fun. So did many others…
4thCrowd

4thFamily

4thStart
There’s all kinds of entertainment and food along the way.
4thNymphs

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4thNymphs6

4thOldFolks
And since it’s always good to name-drop on my blog, here’s KRCR Accuweather-Ace Mike Krueger, along with the youngest Krueger.
4thKrueger

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A good time was had by all. Have a happy and safe Independence Day wherever you are!

Doe and fawn

Yesterday, I happened upon a doe feeding her fawn.
Fawn

Fawna
Click. Here you see, she noticed me.

She thinks it’s better safe than sorry. Time to move along.
Fawn1b

Fawn1a
Are you coming?
Fawn1
Fawn2
Photos by Skip. All deer reserved.
Fawn3

Sundial bridge time is correct once a year

Yesterday a group of folks gathered at the north end of Redding’s Sundial Bridge to observe the Solstice, and perhaps to verify that their cell phones report the same time as the planet. Noon. Yep.
Solstice

Solstice3
There was a band, and some booths. At one of the booths you could look at the sun, but there were no sunspots or flares, so it pretty much looked like just a bright disk.
Solstice4
Solstice2
Redding lays claim to the tallest known sundial on the planet at 217 ft. We humans have a history of building large and relatively permanent structures to observe the planetary movements.
Stonehenge

Hopeful message spotted on Redding sign

Methodist

Happy Father’s Day to me, and to you and/or your father. I spotted this sign a few days ago and it made me smile. This is the Methodist Church on the corner of East and South Street in Redding. The church is a handsome and utilitarian building in a classic Redding style, and the thoughtful sign is appropriate today. I went looking for them on the web, and they are a very interesting church. Check it out HERE.
Methodist2