Henry Ward Beecher said, "There is a temperate zone in the mind... and it is to this region, just between laziness and labor, that summer reading belongs."

I must confess, I don't read enough in the Summer. My days are so full that I melt into bed at night too weary to even hold a book, much less read one. That said, my most recent accomplishments have been exceptional. All the Beauty in the World, Patrick Bringley's memoir about his ten years working as a guard at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art, brings new meaning to the term "art appreciation." I will never explore a museum in the same way. Wow.
The Loves of Theodore Roosevelt: The Women Who Created a President, by Edward O'Keefe, was a surprisingly intriguing read. I learned so much, especially about the five remarkable women - mother Mittie, sisters Bamie and Conie, wives Alice and Edith - who shaped Theodore's feminist views and political career.
Tom Selleck's You Never Know is a candid memoir of his accidental Hollywood journey, personal life, iconic roles, and how he redefined masculinity on screen. It was a sweet treat of a read for this longtime fan.

Wanting to kick off her Birthday Month in Sierra Style, Erin came to Tahoe to begin the celebrations for her next decade.

Armed with her new stand-up paddle board wheels, we returned to Round Hill Pines Beach Resort for a morning of catching up and relaxing... both desperately needed.



Seems like a happy kickoff to me!

Julie had a later flight so we gathered up Karen and headed west. First stop was the Gold Bug Mine for a local history lesson.

This was my second visit to the historic Gold Bug Mine, a first for Karen and Julie. This Placerville treasure opened in 1888 as the Hattie Mine.  It transitioned from surface panning to hard-rock quartz mining, and operated until closing during World War II.
Something interesting was around every corner. How cool is this? We found out that bells in a historic mine were used as a primary communication system, using standardized codes of rings to talk with surface hoist operators.

Standard Bell Codes are: 1 Bell: Stop if the cage is moving (or signal to hoist rock/muck). 2 Bells: Lower the cage. 3 Bells: Raise the cage. 3-1 Bells: Hoist or move people (men on board). 5 Bells: Blasting warning (ready to shoot). 7 or 9 Bells: Emergency / danger signal at a specific station.

The 20-minute narration was helpful in helping us gain a true appreciation for all the miners endured. Plus is was so much cooler than the 95° at the surface.

Afterward, we went digging for our own form of treasures at the Goodwill Outlet Store in Sacramento.

Karen and I both came home with treasures. With clothing and linens being $2.29 a pound, and household goods being only $1.99 a pound, any treasure discovered was very affordable.
After depositing Julie at the airport, Karen and I connected, for an early dinner, with our relocated Tahoe friend, Mary Jo. What an incredible day in the company of some incredible women. Life is amazing!

Virginia City once again welcomed hundreds of classic cars as the official kickoff location for the 40th anniversary of Hot August Nights and we were there.

We were there for the Show-n-Shine along historic C Street. Nearly 400 registered classic vehicles were showcased with the most amazing backdrops... The historic buildings of this city from the 1800s. The photos tell the story!
















This was the perfect end to Julie's birthday month and a fabulous last, full day together.

There are certain places, in a Tahoe Summer, that demand returning to. Round Hill Pines Beach Resort is one of those very special places.

In order to get the perfect beach spot, one must arrive early... Hence the need for coffee in this idyllic setting.
Until today, I had never read the motto on the back of my Tommy Bahama beach chair. So dang true, "Make life one long weekend"! Fun stuff.
A few years ago, I invested in a kayak paddle. For some, it's easier to sit on my Stand Up Paddle board and kayak about. Julie enjoyed the option and loved her alone time on the Lake.


Me? I'm a traditionalist!

As often on a Thursday night, we strolled to the Commons for the weekly Live at Lakeview Concert. We go not knowing the musical genre and tonight couldn't have been more fun- Country Western!
Jakota Wass (only 23 years old) thoroughly impressed. According to his very well done webpage, "Northern Nevada country music artist. Deeply influenced by a western upbringing, I translate life experiences into original music along with classic songs you all love." Darn right he does!

You got to love a boy who brings his momma up on stage to sing a duet. We really like this guy.

During intermission, Jakota took the time to mingle with his new fans. So dang sweet.

What a place to end a day. Wowsers.