THE McCANN AWARD 2007

Being acknowledged by your peers and winning an award for things that you love to do is about as humbling an experience as anyone can have. To my surprise, almost two years ago about now, my friend Deric Rothe with the Auburn Journal called me one day and said, among other things, "Robinson, you have just been voted the winner of the McCann Award for this year". I was stunned and frankly, believe it or not, was speechless! With tears welling up in my eyes and my voice starting to whimper, I couldn't get the words out. Poor Deric. He didn't know what else to do but say, "why don't I call you back later"? At about 5pm that same day, he did call and it started all over again, at which point, he said he would have Ben Furtado, the now famous photographer call me for a photo shoot.
I've had a very busy, full and rewarding life doing many things for many people and organiztions for over 40 years, but never in my wildest dreams ever thought I would be given an award so deeply cherished and profoundly sentimental as the McCann. My name is now ensconsed with a list of people that I am proud and very fortunate to be included with.
The award was given at the State of the Community Dinner sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. My family and friends were there to congratulate me and support me. It was a night that I will never forget.
Deric called the night of the event on my cell phone with excitement and cheering because he is a big part of my support system, so I keep his message on my cell phone and every time I listen to it, it brings those tears of joy back and the memories of that moment.
Be sure to visit me at my website: www.sunriver.homestead.com

OLD TOWN AUBURN COLLAGE

I love my little clothing boutique. Been here since January 1995. That's a long time in retail! Old Town Auburn is a Gold Rush Town that harkens back to 1848. We are rich in history and our buildings have been well preserved and our visitors can take a look into days gone by here. Here is a collage of what Old Town is like. Maybe you would like to visit someday. To see more be sure to visit our website at: The Old Town Auburn website. or you can visit me at my website: www.sunriver.homestead.com
See you soon!

YARD WORK

My yard is "funky" like I am and like my clothing store is. It suits me. Nestled in the foothills of the Sierras off I-80, we're at about 2300 feet. The winters are unpredictable but the night sky is always beautiful and clear. This year we had lots of snow and the load broke many branches from our Photinia and Evergreen trees. Now chipped into mulch they stay in the earth. My Crepe Myrtle Trees may take longer to flower this year but I know they will.
The backyard is small but manageable. Dropping off to a hill at the side keeps our main area cozy. As long as I can see the Pine Trees I feel like Mother Nature surrounds me.
This weekend I decided to stain the porches front and back, stain the deck and the cement slab patio. It's smelly right now but looks better. I love staining the cement because it ends up having a motley tone to it since the stain does what it wants.
I put in some color and more river rock to deter the dogs from DIGGING! My next project will be fixing the little sunken pond, the jacuzzi and plant some shrubs to fill in the bare spots.
I've created a little peaceful "Zen" yard that allows me some quiet time during the morning hours and at night when the summer warmth stays a little longer, I'll take a glass of wine, sit back and watch the stars and express my thanks for another day.
Be sure to visit me at my website: www.sunriver.homestead.com

Snow Day for Chip, Archie and Angel

Just when I thought spring had sprung and my trees would be free from cold and frost, "Mother Nature" surprised us in Colfax on Sunday, March 22, 2009. I hardly ever go out with Chip and the dogs for a walk, by the time I get home at night, I'm tired and Sunday's, I don't feel like doing anything, but I decided to get my act together and take a walk.
It had just started lightly snowing. By the time we got down the street, it was really snowing and I swear the flakes were as big as quarters. Really! It was fun, we were cold and by the time we got home after about half an hour, we were covered with snow. The dogs love it!
Here is the photo I took with my cell phone with Chip hanging onto Archie (our big boy, and Petite Angel).
Today (3/23) and the rest of the week, we'll see and feel the mid 60's. "Mother Nature" has some plans for us with flowers trying to blossom and good weather ahead.
Visit me at my website: www.sunriver.homestead.com

A BRAVE MAN Or just......

Chip and I met back in 1985 and I started dating his best friend "Skip" soon to discover that I was dating the wrong guy! It wasn't until March 12th (to be exact) that we had our first date. At that time, he was living on his credit card (Red flag), but since he was pretty good looking, and in those days, I was into looks, I took a chance. It wasn't an easy beginning. Soon after we started dating we were homeless. A rude awakening that this can happen to anybody. We managed and shortly we had our first apartment in San Diego. Life comes with challenges and we've had our share, but through it all, we've stuck together and managed somehow.
Twenty three years later and much older, we're still hanging in there. Our body contours have changed a little through the years and we're a little more "fluffy" than we use to be, but I'm happy to say that we are still a good looking couple! Bragging? Yeah, ok! I'm old enough now to do that without being considered egotistical..Maybe. Married 17 years and praying for another 25. Life goes on, until it doesn't, so we make the best of what we have.
Visit me at my website: www.sunriver.homestead.com

Watching grandchildren grow up

It's hard to believe that it's been almost 10 years since Jayson was born. My youngest grandson. He BUSTED into this world three months early and now on May 9th he celebrates another year. Active, verbal, loving and kind, he's the reason I get up in the morning! He's changing so fast now. Growing up, expressing his own thoughts and ideas with passion and the speed of light, he is destined to do something good in his life.
I cherish the times we can spend together and it's always an enlightening experience and sometimes challenging to keep up with him. We have long talks and we read to each other. He's a delight and I pray that God lets me live to be an old lady (much older that I am now) so that I can continue to see him grow and be happy.
Visit me at my website: www.sunriver.homestead.com