My trip to Colorado

When you're self-employed and all you do is work, it's hard to set aside time for a vacation, let alone a real day off. Having help is great but my expectations are always too high and I like my store to be just right. Which may or may not be an excuse for not being good to myself. It's been almost 15 years since I've taken more than a couple of days off.
My son, Scott, his wife Gina and their 3 daughters (my granddaughters)moved to Littleton, Colorado last August 2008. Even though we didn't spend a lot of time together, they were close and we always got together for holidays and birthdays.
Hearing about Colorado and how happy they were, I wanted to see for myself. I made the big commitment to actually leave my comfort zone and venture to Colorado for 4 days. Since they have been living in a small 2 bedroom apartment while looking for a home, I got the "package deal" and got a nice hotel room, which allowed me comfort and privacy. The hotel had some amenities which included a single coffee maker with individually packaged Starbucks coffee packets with real, fake creamer! The first morning I was feeling pretty special in my special, and very nice hotel room. So comfortable in fact that when I made my coffee and waiting patiently for it to brew, I went to remove the paper cup only to discover that I had forgotten to put the paper cup under the dripper. Duh! So, I mopped up the mess and started over and finally settled down by the window and enjoyed my first cup of caffeine for the day.
Since my son worked all day, it was up to Gina to pick me up and work through our busy day. We always started with breakfast and IHOP, close by and plenty to eat! The girls enjoyed it and tried different things.
Since they are looking for a home, we drove a lot looking at different properties so I got a good look at what's available there. The homes are different and have full basements. We did the tourist thing and Gina drove their big diesel truck to Boulder one day and Golden the next. I decided I like Golden the best. Expensive, but quaint and funky.
They are very involved with the Zoe Sky Rescue Horse Ranch and volunteer every Saturday. We drove out there one afternoon only to find the director gone for awhile forgetting that we were coming to visit. I've heard so much about this woman they call Danielle, that I was anxious to meet her, learning that we have a lot in common on many levels of life. I'll talk about her in another blog.
It was a great trip and I got to know my three granddaughters in a more intimate and fun way. Their real estate agent gave my son 5 tickets to see the new Harry Potter movie: A special showing, so we did that my last night there and when the movie was over, there was a line around the theatre so I had them stand in front of the crowds and showed off their special tickets! They got a kick out of that.
It was a great trip and I got to know my three granddaughters in a more intimate and fun way. They are all different in their personalities and are typical teens and Jessica being the pre-teen,they pick at each other, argue and push buttons but they've grown into beautiful young women, with their own ideas and strengths and opinions. They are well mannered, love God and respect their parents.
This week they found a new home and soon will be able to settle in and figure out a way to furnish this huge house with a full basement. I can hardly wait until my next visit when, maybe I can decorate my own space downstairs in the privacy of my special "package deal". These photos are of Boulder, Golden and the day I left after having dinner at a place they enjoy.

Thoughts of grandkids, greatgrandkids and marriage

Niki got married last June (2008). She was the first born grandchild into our family. Blessed with such a beatufil child, and being a new grandmother, she became my "Angel" girl.
Watching her grow up was fascinating and fun. I'll never forget the time when Chip and I lived in San Diego, Niki was about 6 years old, had been living in Washington with her folks, when they decided to move back to California, we thought it would be great to give my daughter and Todd and break and have Niki visit us for about 2 weeks.
She was so scared that she could hardly get into the car for the long trip from Sacramento to San Diego. I hadn't seen her for a while and knowing she was nervous, decided that it would be fun and count the Palm Trees on the way. It broke the ice and she began to relax.
We got to San Diego. She had her own room and slept with about 25 books! We read every night and she did chores for .25 cents each. Unheard of now! In those days Chip and I were in the crafts business and on the road doing shows. At that time I was designing wearable art.
Niki wanted her own money for Disney Land so I made a deal with her. She could buy the blank stock from me and paint her own designs. At the end of the summer, she had over $50.00 and started realizing, at her own young age, that being scared prevented her from doing things she wanted to.
That summer, we had a ball and she ended up staying almost 2 months! It was good for us and for Niki too. She was very determined and head strong and decided very young that she wanted to be a school teacher. We all supported and encouraged that dream.
She persisted and held fast to that goal and for the last two years has taught second grade and 1st grade and now this year, her third year, again teaching 1st graders and loving it and working through the challenges.
She's married now. Met a great guy for her, Matt, a recent Theology graduate and they live in Roseville back at mom and dads while they save some money for their own home.
Niki loves children and is in love with her nephew, Hayden now over 8 months old. The good news is that Niki and Matt are going to have their own baby in February 2010, which seems like a long time from now but it will pass quickly.
Growing, staying focused and determined to push through scary obstacles have paid off. She's happilly married,(June 2008 is doing exactly what she set out to do at a very young and and will soon be a mother. For me, being a "grammy" has always been treasured but being a Great Grammy is a "stature" in life that, to a young mother (1960's, seems so far away. Well, I'm still here and young enough to enjoy my "stature".
I'm sharing the wedding photo of the five generations of women in our family alive and thriving including my mother and my beautiful daughter. Life is good.

Crashing computers

When your computer crashes, so does your world, or, atleast mine does. I am not computer savvy but use it for data base work and email. About 2 weeks ago, I clicked on a name that I knew and an invitation that I was expecting for a wedding. As soon as I clicked on what was an attachment (which wasn't), my screen went Blink, Blink, Blink, turned blue and I had 5 rows of columns across the screen in patriotic colors of unreadable red, white and blue lines. Holy Cow Angus! I could re-boot but couldn't operate the system. So, now I'm ready to throw the laptop in the toilet of the nearest public restroom. Right.... Wrong..
I called my tech guy, he came to the store, worked on it for half an hour, said it was more than he could do here, took it away and shortly called me saying it was in big trouble and referred me to PC Doctor. Talk about intimidation with a name like DOCTOR!!! I fought taking it in right away but having major withdrawls and only able to use my old home PC, I relinquished control over my control and took it in.
Thank goodness for Christina. She was gentle and I didn't feel like a dope. Being blonde, it's sometimes a curiosity!!! Anyway, I left my beloved and hated laptop there.
Good news is I basically have a new computer, bad news it was $150.00 for the Doc and $100 for the tech guy. I paid $450 for this thing. I brought it to my store, booted up and yes, it's a new computer but I need to start over with everything.
Online bankiing... Starting over. Being able to access my emails and sending emails from my home PC ain't workin. So.... I'll have to call Christina and give her the bad news. Hopefully, it won't cost me another $150 to have the Doc make my world perfect again.
Amazing how we depend on our hi tech stuff when, like me, I'm not hi tech. The word depend is the operating word here and of course at my age, I'll soon be wearing them. Trying to keep my sense of humor. I remain a "natural blonde", I just die my roots!!!
Will keep you posted.

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

As We Grow Older

Life is precious and time marches on. Soon I will celebrate my 66th year, December 18th. When I became 50, this time in my life seemed so far away that I could barely imagine it. Now, it's here and I'm grateful for the time I've had, adventures and crazy things I've done over the years and still alive to share them with those who are patient enough to listen.
I've always been a family person. Being born during the War, the world was much more an innocent place. People were somewhat naive, worked hard and raised their children in a tight knit family unit. When I was little, I was a "daddy's girl". I was sick a lot and probably got more attention than most kids my age and probably got pretty spoiled along the way. Infact, I know I was!
My dad died young at the age of 55. He had a pre-dispostion to heart disease and had his first major heart attack when he was just 39 and in those days, they didn't do much except put him on blood thinners and "nitro" for pain. His life was also filled with stress. I was 32 at the time of his death and it changed my life forever. I handled the arrangements and kept my family uplifted. When it was over, I collapsed into a spiral of sadness and loss. I wasn't sure if I could go on without him and knew I that I had to figure out someway because I had two beautiful children.
Life goes on and now I'm a senior citizen, with my two beautiful children, 6 grandchildren and a new great grandson, a wonderful husband and my mother. She's a magnificent women; charged with the secrets of our family, enduring the pain and suffering of lifes challenges, she carry's on. Her feet are planted firmly in her beliefs which have carried her through her almost 90 years.
I don't have all the answers but I have faith in God that I will be guided in the right direction and be allowed to live each day as good as I can live it and be grateful for what I have. Figuring it all out along the way has had it's challenges but I think I'm better from the struggles.
Growing older isn't all that bad.
Please visit me at my website: www.sunriver.homestead.com

Phenomenon Movie Reunion

In the Fall of 1995, Disney Films converged on our little foothills hamlet of Old Town Auburn and began shooting a film called Phenomenon staring John Travolta and Robert Duvall. It was a great "chick flick" and when it was released in the summer of 1996 got rave reviews which brought a lot of attention to Auburn. One of the co-stars, Tony Genaro, whose claim to fame is the "Melago Been Field Wars" and "Tremmors" met and married a local gal and lived in Auburn for about 3 years before realizing that he needed to go back to L.A. where all of the action is. We all hung out together and spent a lot of time at each others homes and had a great time.
When I decided to resurrect the interest in the movie, I put together a movie reunion Oct. 29, 2008. We dedicated a bronze plaque and showed the film. Many extras came into town and so did Tony. It was a great reunion and the extras were able to exchange memories. Folks come into Old Town everyday and mention the film. Old Town Auburn had its 15 minutes of fame!
On the plaque are the words, "Everything Is On Its Way To Somewhere" as spoken by Travolta in the film. ..
Visit me at my website: www.sunriver.homestead.com

Miracle of Life

When my children were born, way back in the early 60's, somehow, I knew that I would be a grandmother someday, and, I am. My daughter and son blessed me with 6 grandchildren, with the first and now oldest, Niki, who became my little "Angel" when she was born; her brother, Justin, now 22 1/2 and their little brother Jayson, now 9, and my son with his 3 girls, Hannah almost 16, Sarah and Jessica. Through these almost 25 years of being a "grammy", I knew that as my oldest grandchildren got older and I was still feeling pretty young, I couldn't quite reach the "great grammy" level. Maybe it's because being a GREAT anything meant, to me, OLD, which is the furthest from any truth I know.
Well, God does wonders and miracles do happen. Anybody and everybody I see since yesterday 11-21-08, whether I know them or not, I say, "well, I have some good news for you today, I just became a GREAT GRAMMY for the first time". After their eyes get big at my surprise and good news, they too are happy and I realize that I've made their day as well and they leave my store happier than when they came in!
Hayden Pierce Stamps was brought into the world on Thursday, November 21st, 2008, weighing in at a hefty 7lbs. 8oz and a studly 20" long! I must say I'm very proud and am feeling emotional, grateful and truly blessed with this miracle of life coming to our family. It is especially nice since I was able to marry my grandson, Justin and his wife Meghan a year ago June 2007.
Take a look at this bundle of joy and this Thanksgiving be thankful for the smallest of things.
Grammy AKA Great Grammy
Visit me at my website: www.sunriver.homestead.com

My "Farah Fawcett" Days

Looking through old photos the other day, I ran across this 1979 photo of my daughter Lori and me when she was probably a Junior in High School in San Ramon and I thought I looked like Farah Fawcett! It was the hair although I was very skinny in those days, for a few minutes anyway. It's fun to find old photos and take a walk down memory lane. Those skinny days are gone but I suppose I'm happier now in the marriage I'm in because in those days, even though I looked happy, it was trendy to look good!
Visit me at my website: www.sunriver.homestead.com

Dog Bath Day

Today in Auburn, it's a beautiful day, again. We live in Colfax which is 16 miles east of Auburn amongst the pines. We have two American Eskimo's, litter mates, brother and sister. Archie and Angel. They look like little "snow" dogs! Well, lately, they have a gray cast. Dirty? I'd say so. Today was bath day.
When Chip said, "Bath", Archie hid in the bathroom thinking that I would protect him like I do every Wednesday morning when the garbage men come in their noisy truck. Well, it didn't work this timel. He was the first. His sister stayed on the bed pretending to look out the window but really thinking, I know I'm next! Well, she was right. Sometimes, dogs are right you know.
While she was in the bathtub, Archie was carrying on outside as if he would never see his sister again. That's what happens to litter mates who have never been separated. Chip let Angel go outside and you would think that they hadn't seen each other in days. Archie didn't even give Angel a chance to shake!!
Now we have two lily white puppies and are ready for the extra shedding they'll do for awhile. We love them but they are a handful.
Visit me at my website: www.sunriver.homestead.com

Auburn Symphony Home Tour

The weather was beautiful and I traded with my store help to take Saturday off. Chip and I bought tickets to attend the Home Tour. I'm always invited to do fashion shows for the Symphony League and wanted to support their fundraiser. There were 3 homes in the Winchester Subdivision in Meadow Vista. Mind you, these are "mini mansions" and the lots alone are over a mil.. One home was 8,000sq ft for 2 people. It was a LODGE home and the use of rocks, stones and wood was incredible. What they did in their kitchen cost more than my home was new! We had a good day, especially when we don't have a lot of time to spend together. I usually work one day during the weekend and Chip has weekends off.
I do have some pretty nifty ideas now for my little house. I think that's why Chip went with me, to protect his interests ($$$$). I usually do what I want anyway and since my husband doesn't have any decorating cents, if it was left up to him, we'd be sitting on blue milk crates covered in 1970's Mexican blankets!!!!
Visit me at my website: www.sunriver.homestead.com

Drowning Divas

August 5th I got my "Dining Diva" group together with spouses and some other friends for a raft trip down the South Fork of the American River. OY! We hung on for dear life but had three swimmers that day including our former County Supervisor! The river is beautiful and the water is in absolute control! We had 18 rafters in 3 boats that day. Tired and hungry after our 5 hour trip we all met at our local Mexican Restaurant for some adult beverages and talked about how courageous we all were. Unskilled and probably more lucky than anything else.
Visit me at my website: www.sunriver.homestead.com