My son Josh's and DIL Becky's place.
You see that swing up on the front porch? Well, Josh went and got the cushions out for it after the rain stopped, and then he invited his mama to sit down and take a load off.
Now, I have my own garden swing here at my house, and my springs seemed to be a little more heavy-duty than these springs, but Josh assured me that these would hold up to 600 pounds. 600 pounds Mom, so these will hold your weight - sit down!.
So I sat down. Gingerly. But Josh said "C'mon Mom, just relax". So I did.
Because I trust him. Then the Old Guy came along, saw me sitting there and just plunked his arse down.
And Kaboom!
The whole seat part crashed to the ground, scaring the living daylights out of me! I was laughing and shaking so hard that I was doubled over, and it took both Josh and the Old Guy both to get me up off the porch. So Josh decided to double-check the weight limit on the springs... SIXTY pounds... not 600!
Lawdy Mercy Son... you could have killed me!
Our little home away from home.
Josh and Bed converted the 2 car garage on their property into living quarters, and man, did they do a good job! We had everything we needed, it was warm and cozy, and the best part was that Draven Griffin and Brandon were constantly coming down to spend time with Grummie and Grumpy... and Jen too, of course. Because those boys took to Jen, like a duck takes to water. But they love me better.
Sherri? This will be your "home away from home" next month... Cool, huh?
Becky's lilac bush. The poor thing took a real beating with the snow, so we were out there constantly, shaking the snow off so that it wouldn't break. I checked around while we were there for another lilac for Bec - she wants a white one as well - but I didn't have much luck. So if anyone in that vicinity knows where I can find one for her, please holler out. Bec doesn't ask for much... so I want to find her one!
Ahhh... I decided that in order to save the kids the cost of drying our clothes in the drier, I would ask Josh to put up a clothesline for us. Smart move, eh?
Josh and Jen at Murphys Park
My youngest grandson Brandon, (aka Mr. Clean) with 2 of my dear friend Chris' beautiful grandchildren in the background - Noe and Kenia.
Bec, Josh, me and the Old Guy at Big Trees.
And if you think I look "round" in this photo, just wait!
Me (the one with the double chin), Jen, Bec, the Old Guy, Brandon and Josh in Mercer Caverns. We got there on a slow day, so our tour guide - Monique - (not pictured, but Lordy, I've known that girl since she was just little!) took us on a personal tour, and she did a fantastic job!
Murphys Hotel.
Yep, the same one in the photo at the top of my blog, except this one shows the new neon sign, which is a replica of the old neon sign in front. The old neon sign was originally attached to a tree that stood out front of the hotel, but when the tree blew down years ago, the county wouldn't allow it to be replaced... Until townspeople petitioned to have it returned.
Murphys Historic Hotel website says: In continuous operation since 1856, the Murphys Historic Hotel is a quaint and charming piece of yesterday in the heart of the picturesque California Gold Rush town of Murphys in Calaveras County. This registered National Historic Landmark has hosted such notable historic figures as Ulysses S. Grant, Mark Twain, Horatio Alger, Susan B. Anthony, JP Morgan, John Wayne, Sunny Ficus, and Charles Bolton, a.k.a. Black Bart the “Gentleman Bandit.”
Baby face... you've got the cutest little baby face...
LOL! We were sorting through some old clothes and came across baby stuff. I put this headband on the Old Guys head, and told him to smile...
And this one? This is my oldest and dearest friend Chris and I.
Chris and I hadn't seen each other since Parkside Junior High - 42 YEARS ago - but it was like no time at all had passed! I recognized her straight off, and man... I love her dearly!
Now... Okay,I know that you're looking at my fat stomach.
Admit it.
But it isn't what you think. I had a beach ball under my shirt. Ermmm... a birthday present. Yeah that's it... a beach ball birthday present for my grandson, and I was hiding it from him.
Or maybe it's just all the birthday cake, blue cheese dip, and other nibbles that I stuffed myself with all day.
Yeah...That's probably it.
Unfortunately.
Okay, so I'm well-padded, okay?
Deal with it.
I've learned to.
16 comments:
What great pictures!! We don't get to see much of you, so nice to see some pics of you (hidden birthday present and all).
OMG! The house looks so much better then that pukey green mom and dad had. They tried to blend it in with the brush and trees. And WOW! The garage looks beautiful. When we first bought the property, we lived in a trailer that was right behind the garage. I guess it's on the hill now. Then we moved into the garage until dad finished building the house. My room was upstairs in the garage along with my 2 sisters and my brother. Bec wasn't even a twinkle in my daddy's eye then haha
I can't wait to get home and see all the changes they have made. It looks absolutely wonderful. BTW the lilac, is probably as old as Bec when mom planted it.
Sherri, doesn't it look GREAT? Yep, the p[ink trailer is up on the hill, but geez... how did all of you FIT in it? I think it would still make a nice little "holiday house", but guess where most of the garage stuff went? lol! And the white lilac I want? There's one growing on Jones St, just down from the cemetary. If you can get a pinch, I'll owe ya one!
Robert and I were in the actual bedroom part of the pink trailer. Mom and dad were on the hide-a-bed in the living room and and Angie and Sue's were in the Scotty camp trailer next door. It wasn't so bad, we had all those woods to run around and have fun in. That's one of my most cherished memories of my childhood. Living in the trailer :) I think I might know where your talking about with the white lilac. If I can remember I'll go cut a slip ;)
Oh I LOVE all these photos and that I know how each of these places looks in person!! It seemed kinda crazy coming that day - 4 hrs each way - just to stay for two hours and say uh, "HI! I'm Robynn and this is what I look like and this is my husband and son and nice to meet everyone and I can see you're busier than a one-legged man at a butt kickin' contest and you have a beautiful family and I'll see you later!" But hey, we CONNECTED! Yay! And if you move back to the States, as you are now required to do, we'll expand it to a THREE hour visit and I'll bring Bo, too! And the Lord's chips!
Their house looks great and I love the little cottage they made! Great idea! So glad you were able to see some great friends while you were there. I have lots of padding too, I've gave up on trying to get rid of it!
Here comes my dreaded ego.... but I'm soooooo glad that I WASN"T in any of Jens photos. I would rather remember my visit in my imagination where I'm always thin and looking younger than my age.
You know what I mean with the Witness Protection Program and all. Please honor this request when you get your memory cards from Josh.
Loved the photos, but I didn't see your grandsons with any beach ball.
How I loved reading this post and looking at your (Jen's) photos. Beautiful house. The garage apartment looks wonderful. That is one grand hotel to be in business that long! Your son looks a lot like you! I'll bet he's as wonderful as you are, too!
But even better was finally seeing more pics of our dear Katie! Well-padded, eh? Aren't we all? I've been hiding beach balls under my shirt lately, too! But as a 'dear blogging friend' told me recently, "People who love you, love *you*, and anyone who does differently, isn't worth worrying about anyway!" Sage advice, Katie, and now I'm giving it back to you! :-)
We love *you* Katie! Hugs!
Love the pictures and the little glimpse into your fabulous visit:)
Your digs looked very comfortable too. Except for the work in maintaining the place, I would love to have something like that. To lazy to do all of the work though.
Looking forward to more pictures and stories:)
hey girl...looks like everyone really enjoyed the visit!
Beautiful pictures and lots of smiling faces! What more could you ask...?'
Thank you for sharing those with us!
Your son's house is very pretty, and it's nice that you had the converted garage for a little quiet time. Murphy's Hotel is charming, and Jen's pictures are great. We still want to see yours, OK? Josh, get moving, sweetie!
I love their place! Did you ever get any real estate info?
I am not saying one word about your beach ball, and the swing was definitely the old guys fault. It's always the mens fault!
almost forgot check with Wayside Gardens about your white lilac. You can probably order one on line.
MORE MORE MORE PLEEEEASSSEEEEE!!!
And I LOVED the story of the seat. giggled my way through a mouthful of coffee... which just about stayed where it should. xxx
You are hilarious, Kate!!! AND you look great...such a beautiful smile you have!!! Love all the pictures of the house...it's lovely...and your own guest quarters? How did you rate? That's fabulous! Loved this post...thanks so much for sharing! Love, Janine XO
Yeah...speaking of Dire Straits, looks like you still have an affection for guys in headbands! I think the '80's were one big fashion faux pas! cheers...
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