There is something about these two images that made me realize that Winter is on its way. All of us in the Sierras have been doing the snow dance for weeks. While today's dusting is rather minimal, it gives us hope.

If you are not familiar with our Bat Tale, you must read the post describing the incident. After submitting the receipts for any kind of reimbursement from our insurance, we have the final tally we must pay out of pocket.

$4,700 each for the required emergency room visit for the first two shot series.

$252 each for the following three booster shots, in the series, for a total of six injections.

Drum roll please...$10,912 total for Steve and me not to possibly die a devastating death from sleeping with a possibly rabid bat in our bedroom. It was the advised course of action from all the experts. Needless-to-say, it is a very expensive cautionary tale and one I hope everyone can avoid- Yikes.

Another first for us...a handbell concert with Tintabulations' "Ring We Now of Christmas" program at Hope Lutheran Church.

Tintabluations Handbell Ensemble is a diverse group of ringers, aged from 18 to 60+, committed to the art of English Handbell ringing. The group performs music ranging from classic church hymns to jazz and show tunes, proving that bell ringers from any age or background can turn a simple set of bells into an impressive music making force. We were thoroughly impressed.

This was a powerful musical performance. Until seeing it and actually ringing a bell myself, there is no way to fully grasp the talent involved in making this unique music. Our group of nine was mesmerized. This snippet of video doesn't do it justice. Wow.

If you're not familiar with the website People of Walmart, it is a collection of photos of the unique shoppers, drawn to that store. While these two characters weren't shopping, their presence in the Carson City, Nevada parking lot made us pause to ponder.

Bring on the holiday cheer, wherever it can be found!

Continuing the fun from last week's gala, Len and Cyndy hosted a soirée in their lovely home and it was exceptional.

Family, friends, merriment... all the ingredients combined for a wonderful night.

Wanting to share the holiday spirit with the community, the Friends of the Library presented Dream Spirit for some festive fun.

For almost two hours, we sang along to new and familiar tunes. Babes danced in their mothers' arms and children rang bells to add to the mirthful merriment. It was a joyful way to spend a Saturday.

We can only sum up our night as Grand. As anyone would attest at a party within the historic Grand Hall.

Isn't this an exquisite venue?



Nothing says "Christmas" quite like a fist bump with Santa.
There was absolutely no surprise when Bob made Volunteer of the Year. Way to go Bob!
Here is our virtual toast to you, "May the holidays bring you happiness each day, healing to any hurts, and all the love your heart can contain."

We gathered a map, a wine glass and our gleeful enthusiasm, and then headed out for an explore of Heavenly Village. This is an annual Chamber event to introduce businesses to the community. And what an introduction!

Twelve stops. Great food. Unique Tastes. Tons of fun.


While a blizzard may be coming, we had our own storm of a good time! Man, we love Tahoe!

With wind gusts exceeding 100 mph, there was some serious damage done, including 5 1/2 hours without power. We have a gas stove so we made hot soup for our neighbors. This is our third Sierra winter and certainly today was the most unique yet.

We went for a walk, just to see it all. Several homes in our neighborhood had trees fall.

Our mailman told us of this devastating damage done to St. Theresa's Church, just around the corner from us.
While there, dozens of people came by to take photos.
While we were out, we received a text from Betty saying that a tree next to her cabin fell, taking down a power line. When we returned, this is what we found... the power line is still dangling in the street. This is crazy and exciting. Wow.

When Margaret and Lee suggested a Pints & Paddles cruise, we were totally on board! There is no place I'd rather be on a Wednesday night.

These guys totally rock and we are devoted Ike and Martin Minions (fans).

We stopped and spoke to a firefighter who explained how much they planned to burn and for how long. It was very interesting, if not a bit surreal.

The weekend's theme seems to be fundraisers. And what fun this one was.

There is something pretty magical about meandering through strangers' homes, delighting in their holiday decorations and decor. We visited six uniquely different houses, in three different towns: El Dorado Hills, Rescue and Shingle Springs.
Warm temperatures and even warmer volunteers greeted us, many were surprised we had come all the way from South Lake Tahoe to support this worthy cause. The Assistance League of Sierra Foothills is a non-profit organization made up of volunteers who are committed to improving lives in El Dorado County through hands-on involvement and innovative philanthropic programs. This Home Tour was a great introduction for us.
Photos in the homes were strictly forbidden but needless-to-say, each was amazing from elaborate Italianate Mansions to comfortable Ranch Styles.
Not wanting to choose a favorite, house #6 found us on QT Farms. Cyndy and I almost didn't go into the home. How could we leave these precious, and quite unique, faces?
The owner and Shepherdess, Christine, raises these amazing creatures for their wool that is spun, dyed and woven on looms on the premises. This five-acre Fiber Farm demands a return visit... one day.
Okay, so this was my ultimate favorite critter. I learned from their website QTFarm that "the white sheep on our black-sheep farm are two cute Southdown ewes.  This miniature version called a Babydoll Southdown - we aptly named 'Babydoll'.  The miniature versions have been bred short primarily for vineyards, so they can graze the grass, but not reach the grapes.  It turns out short sheep are not a benefit among the larger sheep on our farm. Babydoll can crawl under fences the other sheep can't, so we have to devise ways to keep her from eating the chicken and rabbit food.  She can also get through creep feeders to eat up all the lamb's fodder.  She's a cute little piggy tho. The breed has roamed the Sussex Downs of England since the 1700's.  Their wool is a very fine and dense down used in the manufacturing of high-quality fabrics and knitting yarns." And what a wonderful face at which to gaze. I loved her. 

It was a fantastic, unique day. What a weekend.

We love to 'clean up' every now and then. Tonight's fête was an exceptional reason.

"South Lake Tahoe's premier event is a not-to-be-missed, black-tie dinner, live auction, and fundraiser. Complete with a 5-course meal, exclusive silent auction, signature cocktail, dancing, and so much more, this memorable event raises funds for the Barton Foundation's Community Health Endowment." So when invited, how could we not go? Wow.
Len & Cyndy continue to be fabulous hosts! What wonderful friends we have.
The Gala is part of the 6th annual Barton Health Festival of Trees and Lights. The banquet room was festooned with elaborately decorated trees. One could not help but be in a holiday mood surrounded by such creativity and marvelously dressed guests. Lots of Belles of the Ball there tonight!
We had the great honor of meeting Patty Olson, the evening's recipient of the Spirit of Philanthropy Award. Patty has been a 'mover and shaker' in South Lake Tahoe since relocating here in 1950, at age 25. She is one special woman and so deserved the accolades she received here tonight.