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."

There's no commentary necessary! This day was one for the books. Unforgettable.

“You can't control the river,

but you can sure float along with style.” 

We ended our adventure on the patio of the River Ranch where we had snacks and recapped our day. Wow.

Our Guest Season is currently very international. Steve's nephew, who is married to a French woman, lives in Spain. His sweet little family is visiting South Lake Tahoe with his Parisian in-laws. It is all très merveilleux.

There were specific musts for their stay. First on the list was Angora Lakes Resort. This was a first for our younger son and his family.

Three times a year, the South Lake Tahoe Library has a sale offering up hundreds of books.

The summer sale seems to be the one I'm most often in town for. The day before the event I volunteer to help get the room ready for the hoards of bibliophiles.
On the day of the sale, I like to volunteer as a greeter. We have a number of regulars who never miss this book buying opportunity and I enjoy reconnecting with them and the wonderful women who volunteer with me.
My favorite meme about book 'collecting' has to do with a man complaining about his wive's numerous books. Wife: "I don't have that many. They all fit into one Box!" Husband: "Stop calling our house a BOX!" Hysterical and something I can totally relate to.
The concept of "too many books" is usually met with eye-rolls by Steve and fresh TBR (To Be Read) piles by me. Book lovers typically argue that there is no such thing, often blaming their overflowing shelves instead. The Japanese even have a word for this: tsundoku—the habit of buying books and piling them up without reading them.

Yes, I left with a bag of books. My best treasure was this copy of Walden by Henry David Thoreau. This beautiful book was printed by Easton Press in 1981. This highly collectible "Collector's Editions" features genuine leather bindings, 22kt gold accents, silk moiré endpapers, and raised spines. These vintage editions are prized for their archival-quality paper and sewn bindings. It has been a book I have always wanted to read. What a spectacular edition. I'm very excited.
Enough said!

Many of our best plans are formed while on long road trips. On a frequent one, Steve mentioned enjoying drag races. Me, as the co-pilot, navigator, and fun catalyst, found that one of these adrenaline-filled events was happening and plans were solidified.

How's this for a tagline? "Racing - THE STAGE IS SET - The mountains. The wine country. The smell of nitro. The earth-shaking roar of 12,000-horsepower machines launching at over 330 mph. The DENSO NHRA Sonoma Nationals."
"As NHRA celebrates its historic 75th Anniversary season, Sonoma Raceway will once again become the center of the drag racing universe July 17-19. From the first burnout to the final Wally Trophy celebration, every pass down the legendary quarter-mile promises speed, drama, and championship implications."

Besides loving Monster Energy Drinks, Steve was very impressed with its car's driver. The NHRA's premier "Monster" racer is the Monster Energy Top Fuel Dragster, currently piloted by racing star Maddi Gordon. The 10,000-horsepower machine holds the NHRA national speed record at a staggering 343.16 mph achieved by Brittany Force.



I think this best describes what happened with my Haerr men, "If you've never experienced NHRA racing in person, there is simply nothing else like it. The sound shakes your chest. The acceleration takes your breath away. And once you've felt it, you're hooked for life." What fun for them.

My joy and happiness is renewed in the company of creative women. This morning, five of us gathered for camaraderie, conversation, and crafting.

My current goal is to improve my watercoloring skills. How fun is this description? Watercolor is celebrated for its fluidity and the beauty of its "happy accidents". Water acts as an active partner in the painting process, where artists must learn to embrace the unpredictable nature of the medium rather than fighting it.