Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

Yesterday, Dan went to pick up Nicole's friend, Emma, to bring her over for a play date. Emma was waiting on her front porch for about 5-10 minutes before Dan arrived. Afterwards, Emma's Mom, Erin, was on the porch too reading the paper. Shortly after that, a neighbor, Megan, came to ring the doorbell and caught something move out of the corner of her eye. She ran home and had her Mom call Erin. Erin & Mike found a baby Western Diamondback Rattlesnake on their front porch. Apparently, the snake wasn't too agitated when Erin & Emma were on the porch because he was snacking on a mouse. Mike did what he had to do, and I won't provide you the gory details. You may be able to see the feet of the mouse in these pictures.

Max's Birthday

Yesterday (10/24) was Max's 6th Birthday. We've had him for four years. He was a former Leader Dog for the Blind. He was one of their stock puppies which means his parents were former guide dogs. The process is the puppies are placed with a Foster Family for one year and trained in a leader dog training campus for 6 months - 1 year. If the dog graduates and has passed all its accomplishments, it is matched up with a blind person. Sometimes dogs are returned for allergy issues or grooming issues. Max graduated and was with a candidate for 3 months and then returned. The Leader Dog facility doesn't provide much background, other than "Max was easily distracted". We've defined "distracted" as stealing food and chasing squirrels. Max is a stealth dog. You could be in the same room and he is so quiet and will raise on his back legs to sneak a treat. He has even sampled a milkshake of Nicole's once without ever tipping the cup over. Happy Birthday to Max!

Early Release Bike Ride

Early Release Bike Ride

Today Nicole only had two hours of school and got released at 10:00 a.m. I don't often get to enjoy these short days with her but today I brought her and her friend, Ashley's, bikes to school in the Tahoe. Later, Ashley's Mom, Kristin, and other daughter, Katelyn, and I rode our bikes to school (about 1 1/2 miles) to pick the girls up.

All five of us rode our Vistancia discovery trail up to the entry waterfall (I'm guessing another 3 miles). I've lived here for two years and have never seen these awesome views. We stopped off at this cute little playground nicknamed "castle park". Then rode up to the waterfall. Ate lunch at Safeway. And then ventured to the Farmer's Market in Trilogy. Trilogy is part of our Vistancia community, but contains all one level homes for the active adults. Then we finally got home 3 1/2 hours later. I sure got my exercise for the day.

This little time I spent with my daughter and friends, reminds me to enjoy the day you are in and not always look ahead. There may never be enough money to buy a particular item, or time to complete a house project, or good health to enjoy your great grandchildren. Things may not go as planned with our lives and we wonder why we have to make some sacrifices. I have this plaque on my wall and I firmly believe in this phrase: "Everyday is a Gift"

Wild West Days Slideshow

Wild West Days

Today Nicole's school, Vistancia Elementary hosted Wild West Days. They had inflatables that included an obstacle course, a rock climbing wall, a dunk tank, and arcade style games. Everyone wins a prize. Nicole also went on a horse drawn wagon ride and ventured into the petting zoo. Her teacher, Ms. Ghaster won the "kiss the pig" contest and we missed it :(

Nicole & Emma Jousting

Nicole getting Erin in the dunk tank