Blackberry Blessings

Chloe, the Best Rat Terrier

noreply@blogger.com (GinnyBerry) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 15:27:00 +0000

Chloe, a very special dog. Everyone thinks their dog is special, but I KNOW my dog is. Chloe has seen many adventures in her life, and is pretty amazing. We got her in Redding after she was abandoned at a church. My sons begged me to let them adopt her, and I've never regretted letter her adopt us!

Some of her adventures:

Fighting off raccoons on our deck in Lake Gregory

Chasing squirrels.

Romping in the snow.

Going with us on walks around Lake Gregory.

She loves it when she sees the leash come out.

Visiting her "grandparents" when we were evacuated due to the Old Fire in '04. First Dog EVER to sleep in bed with my dad.

Visited my sister Yvonne for two weeks when we were evacuated for a while in 07.

Going to L.A. to visit with Will when he was living there. Escaped and ran down Wiltshire Blvd.

Chloe is a runner.

She loves to dart.

She is famous for using the opportunities provided by guests coming in the house.

Sorry folks.

Poor Cat and Daniel. They were pretty understanding when she ran back in the house after being sprayed by a skunk.

Fresh skunk odor.

All over Cat's boots. I need to ask her if she can wear them.

Two years ago the gardener left the gate open and she escaped with her black lab/pit bull mix buddy Rigley. Ran off in Reche Canyon. Now, Chloe always returned before. She didn't this time. We searched everywhere for her. I was heartsick. We found Riggley dead by the side of a road. A black dog crossing a dark canyon road didn't have a chance. There was no sign of Chloe. We were so sick about this.

The next day I decided to hang missing dog posters at our local Stater Brothers.

Hanging on the post was a found dog poster with my dog's face!

Called the number and found out that she was at the veterinary hospital

in surgery.

Vet said it must have been a coyote attack.

I'm not sure who attacked who.

Chloe thinks she is mighty and invincible.

Sweet angel nurse who took her to the vet's said that she'd made her way to a People Hospital.

Waited outside for a kind face to help her.

I think she is still waiting for Riggly to return.

She's about 13 now. She's slowed down a little, but she is still healthy and in charge.

Edited 8/22/14

Chloe, R.I.P.

15 wonderful years.

I'll miss her.

One Fall View

noreply@blogger.com (GinnyBerry) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 15:31:00 +0000

I took this picture a couple of weeks ago from the top deck of our mountain house. The fog is drifting in over the top of the ridge, and eventually cascaded down toward Lake Gregory.

The upper deck.

I took this picture before it was completely finished.

This view shows the back of the house, from Zell. It only shows two of the decks, there is a third one below. The trees have really been cut back for fire safety. I miss the way they used to grow up through the desks. These are California Oaks.

Thanksgiving

noreply@blogger.com (GinnyBerry) — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 03:50:00 +0000

We had a quiet and peaceful Thanksgiving Day.

I cooked a turkey, stuffing, and the works. The only mishap was that I forgot to serve the cranberry sauce! There were only the five of us. Matt had to work. Afterwards we rested, talked, napped, and went on a neighborhood walk. The weather was cool and fairly clear. Everything was low key.

Restful.

Peaceful.

Happy.

I've saved these cards for a few years now, and I found them yesterday in my Thanksgiving Day box. They were sent to us from my mother in law, Georgia.

She passed away last December. We miss her a lot.

Blessings

1. Good health for all of my family members. Brother John survived the serious illness he experienced a few months ago. He had a Deep Vein Thrombosis followed by a pulmonary embolism. Very dangerous stuff. He lives in Oklahoma, and we all wished that we'd been able to travel out there while he was in intensive care. We are thankful that he is better now.

2. We have come to a decision about the Mountain house.

We will be leasing it out for a few years, and it is finally ready to rent! Scott has been very busy for the last few years building new decks, remodeling the kitchen, and redoing bathrooms. Now, it is finished and ready to go! I'm happy that he will finally be able to get fix a few things were we are actually living!

We have been looking at property management companies, and are going to make a decision about which one to use within the next few days. This process has been very stressful for us, and I'm so happy that it is drawing to a conclusion.

I can't see how this next part is a blessing, yet!

California' budget mess has impacted everyone in a bad way. Scott got a salary cut and furlough days a couple of years ago. We know many people who have had cuts to needed health care services.

My association (teachers union) has been having difficulty settling our contract for this year. The state is making further cuts to the budget due to less revenue coming into the coffers than was anticipated. This makes the problems even worse.

There is a lack of trust between the union and our management.

In 2007 we almost went on strike to get a reasonable contract.

Now, in this economic climate, getting a fair settlement is hard.

The union is asking us to do a "work to contract" week to show that we support them.

This would mean that we would do no work after out contract hours.

no parent meetings/conferences

no after school tutoring

no prepping after school

no planning after school

no grading papers or tests after school

no parent phone calls after school

leaving at 3:45 each day

walking out not being ready for the next day.

I usually put in a minimum of ten hours a week doing things outside my contract hours.

It will be tough.

If we don't support the union and show that they have us behind them, the district will be less inclined to negotiate fairly.

We may be going on strike in December.

That would be a disaster.

I hate it.

I do not want to strike.

I also do not want to cross a picket line, turning my back on my fellow teachers.

I do not want to disrupt the education to get a fair contract.

I know I will be getting a salary cut. I hope things don't get worse.

Is this a typical Thanksgiving post for me? No.

But it is on my mind and heart.

I have been given many blessings. I know that.

I am truly blessed.

Maybe I should write another list of my blessings to take my thoughts away from these problems!

Blog Share

noreply@blogger.com (GinnyBerry) — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 02:39:00 +0000

Kelly Stamps over at Kelly's Korner has posted up a "bloggy linky." I love the chance to find new blogs to read and get ideas and inspiration from others. She invited us to "link up" and share our favorite blog reads, and I thought that since I'm reviving this blog, it would be fun to share. I love the chance to find new blogs to read and get ideas and inspiration from others. Kelly's blog is so fun to read. I never miss a post and adore reading about her two sweet little girls. She loves to dress them up with big bows in their hair. Kelly is very honest, and I enjoy reading about days with her children. Kelly invited us to "link up" and share our favorite blog reads, and I thought that since I'm reviving this blog, it would be fun to share.

(this is a random view of the deck being rebuilt)

TI'm only picking three of the many blogs that I read.

Maxwell Family Blog I enjoy reading about the ministry and family life of this sweet family.

Tammy's Recipes Tammy Luna is a young mother who has recently moved from the midwest to the Seattle area with her husband and four children. She has wonderful recipes, practical advice, and beautiful pictures on her blog.

In the Blue House on the Hill Written by Terri, a homemaker/writer from Georgia. Terri writes about her home, her family, and her faith.

Mountain House

noreply@blogger.com (GinnyBerry) — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 01:42:00 +0000

This is a shot taken from the top story deck of our mountain house on a foggy, cool day last fall. Scott has rebuilt all of the decks, and they look beautiful. The house has three stories, and is built on a slope. You can see Lake Gregory from this deck. It is much more beautiful in real life.

I'm thinking of renaming this house "Scarbrough's Folly," but that is one of those stories I have to tell judiciously.

5 reasons I haven't Been Blogging Lately.

noreply@blogger.com (GinnyBerry) — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 01:30:00 +0000

I always smile when I see people make excuses after a "bloggy break." Part of being a successful and popular blogger is to give your readers something to read regularly. I understand that, so I guess I do break one of the biggest rules of "sucessful" blogs. My blog is too broad, and I don't write often enough, but since I only have five followers, and you are cool about that, I think you'll forgive me. I do have a lot of "hits" every month. People looking for information about INR, bean meatballs, and ground oats are the most popular posts of all time.

So, I decided to come up with 5 reasons that I haven't been blogging.

1. Aimlessness.

2. I should redefine my blog. It's too broad based, recipes, stories, sharing, etc.

3. There are a lot of aspects of my life that I can't really share, because they involve other people's privacy. (this really frustrates me sometimes!)

4. I don't want to narrow my blog (opposite of #2)

5. There are a lot of really really good bloggers out there, with some incredible writing talent.

I do have some reasons that I could list for restarting my blog. Best reason: I have a story to share that some people would enjoy reading!

Happy Easter, Friends!

noreply@blogger.com (GinnyBerry) — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 14:33:00 +0000

"Fire and Dynamite" | Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors | OFFICIAL MUSIC VI...

noreply@blogger.com (GinnyBerry) — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 03:31:00 +0000

I really love this upbeat new music video. Fire and Dynamite by Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors of the record "C..." This video was released yesterday, and I'm going to be hearing it for years! Their new album comes out tomorrow, and I can't wait!

Ellie and Drew are such a sweet married couple.

German Roses

noreply@blogger.com (GinnyBerry) — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 18:42:00 +0000

Starry Sky Ranch posted these roses today as a free giveaway.

"Some people are always grumbling because roses have thorns. I am thankful that thorns have roses. -- "Alphonse Kerr
I'm feeling like I really need to strive to look at life this way these days. Things haven't been going the way I'd like them to go, but there are still roses along with the thorns.
But lately I feel that there have been a few more thorns than I can handle. O.K. I'd better be making a list of my roses and blessings.

Getting To Know You

noreply@blogger.com (GinnyBerry) — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 15:01:00 +0000

It's Sunday, and I've decided to link up with Keely for her Getting to Know You Blog Hop!

http://www.mannland5.com/

The Questions

1.If you had 5000.00 to spend on plastic surgery what would you have done?

I would help my son pay for his tattoo removal. Does that count as plastic surgery? I don't know. But if I had $5000.00 extra money I'd do that.

2. Do you watch Soap operas and if so what is your favorite and why?

I don't watch soap operas. Years and years ago, I used to watch All My Children. I stopped watching it at least 25 years ago.

3. Favorite clothing brand?

Anything that works. I do like Coach, but don't get many things! My son worked there for a while, and I had fun then!

4. An afternoon shopping spree at your favorite store or maid service for a year?

I'd take the maid service. It would be great to have ! Can I take her to school too?

5. would you ever vajazzle?

No clue what that is, so probably not.

6. Favorite Disney Princess?

Mulan

7. Last movie that made you bawl your eyes out?

I can't remember. I don't watch very many movies, and tend see the fluffy silly comedies.

8. Have you ever broken any bones and if so what?

I broke the navicular bone in my foot. Ugh! I heard it snap! Worse yet, I was in the classroom, and didn't want to bother anyone so I lined up the children and lead them down to lunch. A kind friend got me an ice pack and convinced me to visit the doctor.

----------------------------------------------------------

Happy Father's Day

noreply@blogger.com (GinnyBerry) — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 16:00:00 +0000

"He who has knowledge

spares his words,

and a man of understanding

has a cool spirit."

Proverbs 17:27, AMP

Dad raised a family of six children, and was a rock for his family. We miss him mightily. I wish that he was here right now to talk to me about some of the things that I have going on in my life. He had a very practical advice.
I'm glad that he is in heaven with Jesus and doesn't have to suffer in this earthly body anymore. We truly miss him this Father's Day.

1 Blog Added to My Blogroll.

noreply@blogger.com (GinnyBerry) — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 05:15:00 +0000

I went to the doctor and he figured out what was wrong with me in a few minutes, prescribed medicine, talked to me a while, and then sent me out the door feeling optimistic and renewed. I just have sinusitis. That's all. I've been feeling pretty crummy, and I've imagined all kinds of things. I'm going to start keeping a medical journal of visits, recommendations, treatments. Why did I wait so long to go to my own doctor? Thank goodness for Dr. E, who has been my primary care provider since 1988. I had this same problem last August. I'd forgotten about it.

Being under the weather makes me appreciate life again. I almost lost my life a few years ago, and I know that life is fragile. We need to appreciate our health and treasure it.

On another happy note, I wanted to share a blog with you. I've added Kelly's Korners to my blog roll, and I highly recommend Kelly's blog. This southern girl is so sweet and has the most adorable little seventeen month old baby girl, and dresses the her in the sweetest cutest things, many of them monogrammed with her name, "Harper." Harper went through an unexpectedly difficult time at birth. She had some type of very serious heart infection and had to be flown to a hospital out of the state where Kelly lived. She completely recovered, and now Kelly writes almost daily about Harper. I get such a kick out of her antics.

To visit Kelly's Blog, go here. Kelly posts recipes, thoughts, and pictures of her life and family and faith. I'm usually smiling when I'm finished reading her blog posts!

Laughter

noreply@blogger.com (GinnyBerry) — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 19:10:00 +0000

I'm home resting today. This is the last full day of school, and the Second Grade Team is taking all five classes to Prado Park. I've been listening to their laughter for the last hour. I can see the copse of trees around the park, and hear the children's laughter and screams of delight resound through this little canyon. Those children are having so much fun. They are playing games and throwing water balloons. I can only imagine how tired they'll be after they walk back to school.

Blogging.... blogging... blogging......

noreply@blogger.com (GinnyBerry) — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 05:04:00 +0000

I've been playing around with the new templates and designs available on blogger, and having a lot of fun. My plan is to spruce this blog up a little bit and try some new things. This is the first step. What do you think? There are so many, many wonderful blogs about everything under the sun. I just want to have fun with mine.

This is a bridge at the Chinese Gardens at the Huntington Library and Art Museum in Pasadena, California. A cherry tree is blooming in the foreground. I took this photo a few months ago. It was a lovely day. Well, except that everything was blooming we'd brought no allergy medicine.

Random Photo Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (GinnyBerry) — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 14:11:00 +0000

Mom and Francine.

Does He Remind You of Someone?

noreply@blogger.com (GinnyBerry) — Wed, 26 May 2010 14:23:00 +0000

This is one of the many pictures I took this year on our First Grade Field Trip to the Los Angeles Zoo. We have gone many years, and I am convinced that it is a great trip for our students. Many of our students have never been to the zoo before! We always have great parent participation as chaperones. After we return to school we use the experiences we've had to encourage good writing.

They say that due to budget cuts we won't be going anymore. Our parents donated half of the money directly, and the other half was provided by our school's parent group, Team Coyote. It's sad to think that we won't be going again. Next year we'll need every penny we can get to buy basic supplies, i.e., paper and pencils.

None of our district's teachers will be losing their jobs this year. We are pretty fortunate. We are not losing any pay or benefits either. Good management by our district.

Next year I'll miss one of my best friends at school. Judy teaches first grade in Room 4, right next door to me. We support each other with smiles and quick tips during the day, and long talks after school. We help each other plan lessons, and discuss children. I'll miss her terribly, but of course she deserves her well-earned retirement.

Good Times in Pasadena

noreply@blogger.com (GinnyBerry) — Mon, 24 May 2010 14:04:00 +0000

Mom, Yvonne, and I went to Pasadena yesterday to visit with my cousin Francine. She was down from Idaho/Washington on a business trip. We had a nice time catching up. Come back soon, Francine!

May

noreply@blogger.com (GinnyBerry) — Sat, 01 May 2010 16:28:00 +0000

This blog is in need of a complete makeover! I need to pare it down and refocus. I have a new camera, and it's loaded with pictures to show, and I have stories to tell. But, selecting the stories is the problem.

But for today, I'll just say, "Happy May."

4.3 Earthquake

noreply@blogger.com (GinnyBerry) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 05:24:00 +0000

4. 3 No, that's not my INR blood test result number. 4.3 is the magnitude of the earthquake that occurred this evening in Southern California. It was centered in Banning. Not a big deal at all, except a reminder to be prepared. It could also have been a foreshock for a catastrophic quake.

My husband rode it out oblivious to the whole thing, relaxing in his heated, vibrating recliner, watching T.V with his headphones on. Rock'n and rollin', enjoying his evening. Well deserved after a day of teaching high school wood shop and then working "up the hill" on our mountain home.

I always wonder where the epicenter is when these quakes happen. Until I find out those details I'm a little uneasy, because it could be a much bigger quake somewhere else in California, and my friends and family might be impacted.

And then, I'm always happy that nothing major has happened during the school day when I'm responsible for 20 little children.

Time to restock my batteries, water, and food. If/when a big one hits, it will take weeks for things to get back to normal.

Pot Farming in Downtown Riverside/Naugles Nostalgia

noreply@blogger.com (GinnyBerry) — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 23:27:00 +0000

Today we stopped at the Del Taco on 14th and Brockton in Riverside, California to get a the diet coke. Scott ran in to get it for me. This little fast food restaurant has special memories for me because I worked there 35 years ago while I was a college freshman, when it was a Naugles drive-thru. I was the soda/drink/ice cream sundae person during my shifts. Scott also worked there, as a burrito maker and dishwasher. My sister Yvonne also worked there for a brief while. I think she made tacos and worked the front order window.

I remember one time the high school boys turned off the power after a football game when the dining room was full. The whole place went dark and for a brief moment was dead quiet. Then, the fun began! The customers inside (mostly high school students,) had a rambunctious food fight. Fun. Guess who has dining room clean up duty that evening?? Yes, me. They'd thrown shakes and burritos all over the place! A night to remember.

Actually the physical layout hasn't changed much at all. The food is not as tasty, but will do in a pinch. They don't even serve the hot fudge sundaes that were so delicious thirty-five years ago. Those desserts were cool and creamy, with ribbons of hot chocolatey fudge running through them. Today's menu is much different, and in my opinion not as good!

The place is still always busy, though, because of the location and inexpensive food.

But some things have really changed.

As I was sitting in my red Kia Sportage in the back parking lot waiting for Scott, playing around with my new Blackberry Curve, I looked out the window and notice that next door was a "Medical Marijuana" growing facility. A truck pulled in to that parking lot and a father and two sons got out with hoes and a weed wacker. Now, what use could a WEED WACKER be in a pot farm?

My imagination can really pick this one up and run with it.

Just another way that things have changed in Southern California. I'd never thought that it would be legal to grow marijuana in Riverside California, even for medicinal purposes. I'm not saying that it is good or bad. It may be that legalizing pot growing will cut down on crime, and enable the State of California to tax sales. And you know, our state could use extra money right now.

I'll go back soon to get pictures.

Times, they are a changing, and not in ways I'd predict.

A Better Picture

noreply@blogger.com (GinnyBerry) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 19:00:00 +0000

This is a photo I took of my father at my nephew Greg's wedding in June 2005. It was such a happy time! Greg and Autumn have two beautiful baby boys now!

Tgi

Blessings To You All/It's complicated!

noreply@blogger.com (GinnyBerry) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 18:42:00 +0000

To all of my five followers: Have a peaceful, restful, and renewing time with your families. Laugh.

I am going to be blogging again soon. I've taken a long break. First, my family was struggling during my father's final months with us. My last few posts were about my dad, who was in the final stages of Parkinson's, etc. Time. I wish we'd had more time with him. He passed away to heaven October 4, and I know that he is happier there, probably picking fruit, gardening, and sitting around chatting with his friends. Talking to Jesus. He also probably is also visiting with my brother Chris, my son Brian, and my Uncle Douglas, and my Grandma. I know he missed them while he was on earth.

I don't think that he is aware of time, and I think his is not worried about us. Heaven is perfect, and I know that a wonderful place has been prepared for us there.

My mom will be fine, but she is awfully sad right now. He was her sweetheart since they were in High School in Masontown Pa. They got married and had six children and raised them the best way that they could. I couldn't ask for more. I miss Dad.

Dad before.

noreply@blogger.com (GinnyBerry) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 03:38:00 +0000

My dad hasn't been feeling too well lately, and will not be improving. This is the big thing that is going on in our family. I am blessed to have two parents at my age, (54) and have long appreciated it. My parents have been married since they were 18.

I want to post about this without offending a family member who objected to a post I made in June. I took the offending post down even though I did not feel it was disrespectful at all. I didn't want to offend. I still don't want to offend, but I have to post.

God is good, and he is bringing our family together in different ways in this situation. Dad is comfortable, for the most part, and will be staying at home as long as we can keep him there. I won't discuss the health details too much because my family member objects.

Blessings in this situation:

Big families are good. Brothers and sisters to share ideas, rescources, and time.
It's nice to have your family while you are young. You have more time with your children.

I'm back

noreply@blogger.com (GinnyBerry) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 14:54:00 +0000

I've been mulling over things and I've decided to resume blogging. I've had a lot going on in my life, and my blog has fallen by the wayside, as I've tried to figure things out.

So, you'll be hearing from me again.

Grow it in a Pot: Zucchini

noreply@blogger.com (GinnyBerry) — Thu, 21 May 2009 13:14:00 +0000

I"m having a lot of fun with my "garden" this year. As you know, the growing season is very short in the mountains, and even though I tried to grow veggies something always happened. You know. Animal problems. Animals such as birds, squirrels, raccoons, or my own dogs would eat or dig up the plants. Or we'd get an unexpected frost.

But now I don't live in the mountains. I live in a canyon. With a real backyard. I've excited to be able to try again.

I began in March by planting Burpeee seeds in those little pellet pots. The germinated and thrived. I transferred them to big pots, filled with Miracle Grow Potting soil. I have to tell you that Miracle Grow it the best, if you don't have your own compost going.

On Monday I harvested enough fresh tender young zucchini for our family dinner with friends. I enjoy watching these vegetables grow, and I'm reminded that God created all life, and I'm thankful that He created gardens!