The BIG 8 OHHHH

It all began on July 18 - Phoenix to Sacramento

July 19      Long time friends Julie & Bob had a large group of our
hiking friends over for a joint birthday/good-bye celebration
since Don and I had to leave CA rather quickly after selling
our home in Colfax... and Julie thought we needed a "proper" farewell.
Thanks Julie and Bob.

And this talented lady - gourmet cook, care giver
 special friend and great hiker 

designed & created the Birthday Cake of the Century.
 In the graham cracker tent you will see
a pillow & a sleeping bag.  The pine trees are "frosted" waffle
cones.  Everything is edible except
the 8 0 candles.  The rocks, campfire logs and even
the campfire flames were delicious.  Thanks Diane. 

Most of the eating and visiting took place on
the lovely patio surrounded by a beautiful flower garden.

Wandering around the house was interesting
as well since Julie has taken up Quilting. 

We first became acquainted thru hiking, then knitting
and weaving and kayaking.

We spent many years attending the weavers guild and
weaving conventions around the country.  I was pleased
to see some of her weaving still on display...
guest towels in the guest bath.

July 20 Eric, Susan, Don and I had breakfast out
in Old Folsom.  We purchased lots of veggies and fruit at the farmers
market and walked the streets.  My favorite picture...
the colorful Sock Co.  Yes, all they carried was socks with fun
sayings.  The best "socks are divorced more than most pairs"

The Cohn House is Historic Folsom's very own Nob Hill.
The Queen Anne style home was built in 1860 and placed
on the Register of Historical Places in 1962.

The festivities for the day continued.   

Thanks to the kids and kidlets as I call them.

Here they are in random order.

Kids:  Kristine 55 & Eric 56 (retired)...

Our amazing daughter-in-law Susan (soon to be 55).
She & Eric came all the way from Eagle River AK
to spend 6 days in CA for this celebration which they hosted
with Kristine & Richard.

And, last but not least son-in-law Richard who is the
baby of the kids - 54 in Oct.  I think I better move on quickly
before I get in trouble huh Richard!!!

Kidlets l-r...  Kristine's kids, Kenny 16 in Aug; Cassie 25 tomorrow;
and Everett 29 - yes, Kenny recently passed up Everett who is over 6'.
Eric's kidlets Max and wife Ryann (AK) and Megan & hubby Jaron (CO)
had to work.  Missed you Love GMA

Wes (left), Cassie's beau, gets  in line with Kenny, Richard,
Kristine, "birthday girl" and Cassie for yet another family photo.

Don's big brother Bill (notice I didn't say older, Bill), Don and Eric visit
while others in the background start to pig out!!!

Cassie, Kristine and I practice our famous "chicken laugh"

And then it's time to really pig out.  This time Cheesecake...

half & half...    "Carrot Cake Cheesecake" on
the left and "Chocolate Chiffon Cheesecake" on the right.
Cassie volunteered to provide the Cake.  Good job Cassie.
That's a lot of "C's" - now that I think about it.  Thank you Cassie, 
my favorite Carrot Cake Cheesecake

On July 21 (actual b'day day) we still found time for more fun.

There was pool time and then

Pool Time

And lake time as many headed to Folsom Lake
to do some swimming and wake boarding.  After all,
it was 94 degrees..

July 22 - while waiting for our flight at the Sacramento Airport
I ordered a 5 oz glass of wine.  It was $11.50.  Now
contrary to public opinion, this is how much was in the
glass when the waitress served it.   Franzia Chablis, my favorite wine,
comes in a 5 liter box which = 34 5 oz glasses at a cost of $9.95-$12.95 in CA. 

Just when I thought I had seen it all, I encountered
this.  In case you can't quite read it - let me help you.
"Service animal/pet relief area"   

The view out the window was far better...

as was the pre-monsoon cloud formation
when we arrived home.  Monsoon - hmm, could be
the next blog...