In sickness and health

The last two weekends we had planned to go camping- to the beach and to the mountains. We can feel the chill in the air and know that our camping weekends are limited and soon the cold and the rain will keep us home.
Unfortunately, the first weekend we packed the car up on Thursday night (even though I already felt a scratchy throat) and the plan was to pick CD up from work and we'd head north to Gold Bluffs Beach. When Friday arrived I felt worse and had to stay in bed for the rest of the weekend. I was confined to the couch, chicken soup, hot tea with lemon and honey. I didn't even want to knit. CD was visibly disappointed, but he went for a drive to Kneeland- a nearby town in the mountains and still enjoyed himself. When Monday came I reluctantly returned to work to discover that my boss had also spent the whole weekend sick. Bummer!
Then last weekend we packed up the car again and headed out on Friday afternoon. When we got to the beach we discovered that it was packed with people and families, so we drove home- defeated!



Still determined to go camping, we headed out on Saturday towards the mountains. We were curious about the New River and decided to take the road towards the town of Denny. The road follows the New River and CD had brought his fishing gear.

The New River:



CD fishing by the shore:



Denny wasn't really a town, more like a cluster of houses. We camped in a free campground (rustic sites) and later discovered another great campsite by the riverside that we hope to hit next time we camp there.

Richly colored Madrona Tree:

So. Cal friends & projects

Friends Tom and Ali came up for the weekend from San Diego. Tom brought his kayak and explored the area, including all places where he could put in a paddle! On Saturday we headed to Ferndale for "Bargain Lovers" sale. I thought it was more like junk sale, but it was still fun to wander around the victorian village. Once again CD and I found ourselves at the Blacksmith shop checking out some of their interesting housewares. Afterwards we headed to the beach at Centerville.

Now that the deck is done we are searching for some patio furniture, but have yet to find anything that we really like (and can afford!)
The summer has been quite generous to the CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) farm we joined in the spring, including some beautiful sunflowers:


In the meantime I have been knitting some scarves for the Red Scarf Project (http://www.orphan.org/index.php?id=40). Time is running out, so if anyone is interested in sending some the deadline is Oct. 15th.
This one is called "magic" scarf: nothing too difficult, knitting and purling. Super easy and looks great; I specially love this yarn!


This is the irish hiking scarf mentioned in the red scarf project website. My first attempt at doing cables turned out great. My knitting group has complimented my work and I have to say the cables are really easy to make as long as you don't lose any stitches in the process (knock on wood!)

Labor Day Weekend

The labor day weekend was relaxing and enjoyable. Paige and Dave, CD's parents came to visit and we had a great time together. They arrived Saturday evening- just in time for dinner. We had some hamburgers, potato salad and corn on the cob. It was the perfect summer meal!
On Sunday, Dave and CD got to work on the railing for the stairs- the last step in finishing the deck. Paige and I hung out and visited on the deck.
Here are CD and Dave cutting the Trex:


Measure twice!


A done deal!


On Monday, we headed east to the Trinity river for some fishing. I didn't fish but I dipped into the cool water and lounged in the sun.

Here's Paige casting while the guys take a break:


That evening we headed to Cafe Larrupin for a delicious dinner.
I had to work on Tuesday, but because CD doesn't have any lectures on Tuesdays he was able to spend the morning with Page and Dave. They explored Old Town Eureka and the Eureka farmers market. That evening we drank some wine and played bridge- last night at camp. Paige and Dave left on Wednesday morning when we went to work.