Everyone knows that this magnificent species of white pine is my all-time favorite, so when planning our Friends of the Library programs, I knew I wanted knowledge about Sugar Pines to be presented to our community.

Executive Director of the Sugar Pine Foundation, Maria Mircheva, discussed white pines and local forestry issues with a very interested audience. The foundation is a local non-profit dedicated to restoring sugar pines and western white pines by involving the community in forest stewardship. Since 2008, they have planted over 70,000 seedlings with volunteer and school groups.
Did you know that sugar pines are the largest pines in the world? And they have the longest cones? We learned so much about them and their importance, on so many levels.
I have been on a planting, but after seeing Maria's intriguing tool, I look forward to going on a seed harvest one day as well. 
We left with a great deal more knowledge and with a feeling of hopefulness for the Sugar Pine. I would say it was a very successful night.

While a week or two early, we went out to discover the Aspens as they begin their seasonal change. The promise of a spectacular Fall was felt by all.

We had a bat in our bedroom! Last night, while I was reading I saw a bat flying about. Steve captured it and we set it free outdoors. We then spoke to and read from bat experts. Because we didn't know how many nights we slept with this bat, the consensus was to assume we've been bitten, scratched or drooled upon... and that the bat was rabid (that said, the Tahoe Basin has a very low incidence of rabies and we still love the benefit that bats offer). Therefore, Steve and I spent our morning (9 AM to 1 PM) receiving great care at Barton's ER in order to get a rabies vaccine.

Who should receive the vaccine post-exposure? Vaccination after exposure is recommended for all individuals who have had contact with an animal that they believe may be, or which is proven to be, rabid. Vaccination should be initiated as soon after exposure as possible and should be accompanied by the administration of Rabies Immune Globulin, human (HRIG).
By the time we are done with the rabies series (three more shots over the next two weeks), we will have spent a great deal of money. Please use this as a cautionary tale. Always keep your screens closed. If a bat does take up residency in your bedroom, capture it and get it to animal control. Those two things we did not do and we are sorry about that. However, the rabies vaccine was the right thing to do in our circumstance. It is 100% effective while the disease is almost 100% fatal. Another one of life's tough lessons... Yikes.

Placerville's Antique Street Faire, besides being an annual tradition with our friend, Robert, is a leading antiques show and sale of 18th, 19th and 20th century antiques and vintage collectibles. It attracts many visitors and exhibitors, showcasing everything from estate jewelry to vintage kitchenalia, decorative pottery and of course, antiques.

The rain did not dampen the hunt and we all came home with treasures.


There was added festiveness in the air due to the Cary House Hotel's 157th birthday party, serving birthday cake by costumed characters.

Back by popular demand, the historic Virginia & Truckee Railroad poured out and dished up its popular Toast of the Canyon wine and appetizer round-trip train ride from Carson City to the canyon, for the last excursion of this season and we were gleefully on it.

 We were child-like waiting for the train to arrive.
Designed for train enthusiasts with a taste for the finer things, we relaxed while enjoying the voyage via a vintage train ride (circa 1914) down to the Canyon.


We were indulged with gourmet food paired with glasses of wine while we delighted in the spectacular high desert scenery. 

It was super exciting when the engine was disconnected and passed us. Steve captured its wonderment in the video below. We all agreed that this ride was one worth taking. Anticipation is high for next year... All aboard!

The South Lake Tahoe Police Department hosted the 7th Annual K9 Trials on a much needed rainy day. The patrol dog competition was held at Lakeview Commons at El Dorado Beach and we watched until we were drenched.

I loved this little gaggle of boys trying to stay dry while fully engrossed in the competition.
The obedience phase is conducted off-lead as the commands are called. These K-9 officers are quite impressive.
My favorite phase was agility where the dogs were tested on their ability to negotiate several obstacles and their handlers were tested on their ability to lead.


Oh man, so very true and we saw it happen!

The 12th Annual Kiwanis SeptOberfest has come and gone but the festiveness lingers on. What a night. Wunderbar!

We began the night with photo ops in the private community of Tahoe Tyrol. There is something special about this community of chalets that demands to be our backdrop! Hmm.

Dr. George Worth & his Oom-Pah Loom-Pahs started the Spaß (fun). As for my braids, I wanted to do something a little different this year. Boy were they a hit!!!
The menu was plentiful and exceptional: several different wursts, sauerkraut, spaetzle, potato pancakes, brussel sprouts, apple strudel and German chocolate cake.
A beer garden, wine tastings, silent & live auctions, dancing and a photo booth...

This event is Kiwanis' biggest fundraiser and our biggest funraiser. Spektakulär!

Sometimes you just need to get away. But where do you go when you feel your hometown is the best vacation destination around... You have a staycation!

Located about two miles from our cabin, 968 Hotel is a truly unique environment- a completely “green” award-winning environment. Taking an old antiquated Tahoe eyesore, the owners started at ground zero—literally! By stripping the former structure to studs, they were able to rebuild the entire facility from the ground up, meeting every possible opportunity to use eco-friendly, sustainable materials and processes. So not only are we having a great getaway, we're helping the environment!

Certain speakers just grab your attention and hold on to it. Tonight's library presenter is one of those lecturers. Author and Sierra Nevada native, Gary D. Noy, returned with more anecdotes from his newest book, Sierra Stories: Tales of Dreamers, Schemers, Bigots, and Rogues, with the focus of tonight being the Yosemite Valley Grant Act of 1864, which brought the valley under government control and is considered the beginning of the California State Park system.

Being as we had just been to Yosemite, this talk was extremely interesting to me. Gary spoke of the six painters and photographers who popularized Yosemite during the 19th century and influenced the establishment of the state parks and national park system. I learned so much that it is almost overwhelming. I'm happy I have the book as reference. 
Our friend, Gene worked for the state when Caltrans proposed a failed plan to build a bridge over Emerald Bay (1960s) that is documented in Gary's book.

Each audience member left with a history lesson that will not soon be forgotten. I wish I would have had a professor like Gary when I was in college. I'm just happy to have him now.

Even though I was only a spectator for this event, it was pretty beautiful to behold.

The launch and take-down was fascinating to watch. The Tahoe Flyer is the world’s only U.S. Coast Guard–certified hot air balloon launch and recovery vessel. More cool Tahoe stuff. Love it all. 

This incredible event, a fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Reno Sunrise, is an organized road bike ride (not a race). We volunteered so we could be a part of it without having to actually get on bikes.

The ride is in three lengths: 10 miles, 50 miles and 150K (in honor of Nevada's 150th Year Sesquicentennial). It is a recreational, yet challenging, ride that showcases Northern Nevada with beautiful routes and scenic stops.
We were there at the finish line to sell merchandise.
Farmers, ranchers, food artisans, vintners, and brewers, contributed their time and resources. From homemade energy bars, created by local culinary programs, and local eggs at rest stops to grass-fed beef, local lamb, pork, along with free-range and organic chicken (which we helped serve at the post-ride barbecue) these riders were well cared for.
This was one of those days where the exhilaration far outweighed the exhaustion! We are so happy Bob and Jenny suggested this volunteer opportunity. Wow!

We're not quite sure how much of a surprise it was, but the celebration was certainly exciting. Five minutes before the birthday boy arrived, smoke filled the yard. During the meal, lightning, thunder and a smattering of rain made the event unforgettable.