(July 16th, 2026) A couple of weeks ago Kathy dropped me off on Hwy 49 and I dropped into the American River Canyon and hiked to Scot and Ann's house. That time I climed out of the canyon half way and took the surface roads for roughly a 10 mile hike. This time I stayed in the canyon all the way to Rattlesnake Bar in 104 degree heat! Kathy can track me on her phone so even though there was no way to get to me with a car, I knew she could follow my progress and would know where to send rescue crews to get me if needed. Then my phone died. That means Kathy could no longer see where I was. Also neither could I! My All Trails app of course was now unavailable and I was on an unfamiliar route out of the canyon. Also my two back up charging devices were dead, so even when I got out of the canyon where Kathy could pick me up, I couldn't call for that ride. So basically out of water, 104 degrees and exhausted I continued out of the canyon struggling with each step. Finally I saw my first bit of civilization, a house! If anything I would knock on their door and explain my predictament and ask them to let me call for a ride. But before I had to do that, I got my bearings and saw the observatory behind the Brown house and knew I was less than a half mile away! Their pool was again my reward! Click on photo for more pictures.

(July 7th, 2026) California is an expensive state to live in and for us one of those expenses went away. Home and fire insurance was $7,500.00 a year compared to the $1,500.00 we paid in Nevada. Our insurance broker was able to get us off The California Fairplan which reduced the price to $3,600.00! But.....we had to change out our electrical panel to qualify which was $5,300.00! Eventually it will pay off. Click on photo for more pictures.

(July 4th, 2026) Mom celebrated her birthday a couple of days early to work with everyone's schedule. Had a great turnout for her with around 40 guests. Thankfully Melissa took some pictures or it all would have been a memory! Click on photo for more pictures.

(July 1st, 2026) The chimney has been bothering me ever since we bought the home one year ago this month. I don't know when the last time it's been painted, but it was in sore need of one with missing and peeling paint and obviously the wrong color to match the rest of the house. The problem with our roof is it not only steep and 2nd story, but metal and slippery! I had my team (Kathy and Jeff), on the ground manning the ropes and documenting the process. Click on photo for more pictures.