HAERR TRIPPIN'

California State Fair!

Our next guest, Julie, arrived at the Sacramento Airport at 3:30 PM and we promptly headed out for the California State Fair.

And what history! The California State Fair began in October 1854 in San Francisco, moving through rotating host cities before finding a permanent home in Sacramento in 1859, expanding to Oak Park in 1909, and finally settling at Cal Expo in 1968.

There's not a lot of commentary needed here. Just enjoy the photo documentation.

It's a good day when one is greeted by Smokey Bear! Have I mentioned I am a sucker for character photos?

Another fun photo opportunity is Fair Food. Oh my gosh! My arteries were clogging just looking at this meal.

We're not quite sure why there were seals there. So strange.

A highlight is ogling all the crafts people submit for judging.

I was so impressed by this handmade, plastic canvas needlepoint chess set by Robyn Wallace. Wow.

Don't even get me started on my amazement for quilts.

Courtney Phillips' Edible Sculpture was absolutely realistic!

I loved the California State Fair mascot, Poppy the Bear, wearing a Postman's uniform at the USPS booth. Poppy plays a crucial role in creating a fun and engaging atmosphere each year at the fair.

I have had a thing for pigeons since going to the American Pigeon Museum & Library in Oklahoma City.

The National Pigeon Association had 15 different breeds on display. Each was so unique and beautiful. Who knew?

A must was to mingle with the farm critters.

It seemed it was Goat Day. We saw more varieties of goats than ever before and they were adorable.

Julie hasn't been here for eight years. I think her stay has started out exceptionally!

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Bears in Our Neighborhood

A recent Wall Street Journal headline read, "Bears Are Running Amok and Causing Chaos in Lake Tahoe"! The WSJ thought it was important enough to write a story- Wow!

According to the article, South Lake Tahoe police have received 174 bear calls this year through Wednesday, compared with 97 over the same period in 2025.

In the last week and a half, we've had more Ursus americanus sightings than in entire previous summers. This big guy appeared on July 12th, to the delight of Russ and Keri.

Just a few days later, a different visitor roamed our neighborhood.

While all the cousins were in the front playing Four Square, the same guy returned for a leisurely lounge in our neighbor's yard. What a highlight for our French guests. I received high hosting praise for "arranging a bear sighting for their first visit to Tahoe"!

Sunday we awoke with this view out our bedroom window. Wild!

"Bears are made of the same dust as we,

and breathe the same winds,

and drink of the same waters.

A bear's days are warmed by the same sun,

his dwellings are overdosed by the same blue sky,

and his life turns and ebbs with heart pulsings like ours…"

-John Muir

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A Return to Round Hill Pines

FOURTEEN Haerrs descended upon our favorite beach spot for a day of all things Summer.

Our nephew had this floatie in storage and transported it all the way to Tahoe. Inflating it took a very long time but oh man, what a huge success.

With SIX cousins under the age of 11 together, it was pure GLEE.

Hours were spent doing what one does at the lakeshore... Having fun and making unforgettable memories!

Oh, and if we thought inflating the unicorn floatie was difficult, it took almost as long (and a lot more bodies) to deflate it. What a hysterical end to an amazing day.

"Warm air, sunshine, and family memories.

The beach is better when we're together."

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Truckee River Rafting...

The tradition (and the love) of rafting down the Truckee River was started by Steve's parents. To begin this blog, I have to give a shout out to them and share this photo from 1972 (or so) of Steve and his Dad.

The first time I enjoy this pastime was in 1986 when I was four months pregnant with son #1.

What's not to love? "Boasting nothing more than a gentle Class I ripple, this Truckee River rafting journey is perfect for guests of all ages (2+) and experience levels. Soak in the sun and trail your fingers through these tranquil waters that can be navigated by almost any kind of boat, from kayaks to inflatable rafts. Take a break at one of the many picnic spots along the banks or take a swim in the river’s refreshing swimming holes."