Since 1969, the Kinetic Sculpture Race has been a Humboldt tradition. This year's event is this weekend. Most likely, we will find a spot somewhere on the 40-mile course to see what people are driving and floating in 2024.
The event was founded in Ferndale, CA, by a master of metal fabrication and imagination, Hobart Brown. I believe Ferndale was more relaxed and free wheeling in those days. I remember touring his workshop when I was about 12. Even then, I recognized his talent was wow.
The race is great fun with nonsense and revelry built into the rules. All entries are people powered only. They even crown a Rutabega Queen.
The race is hysterically funny, exhausting, and is a never to be forgotten event that was an integral part of the Humboldt of my youth. I took these photos at the 2011 race starting line watching with the grandkids.
For the Glory. #Humboldt#KineticSculpture
Summer said that if I had the time, she would love to take a field trip. She has been pretty patient with all the medical ups and downs around here lately, so I agree she deserves a change of scenery.
My husband didn't feel up to walking in the cold wind, so we bundled him up in his recliner with a blanket, hot chocolate, day old banana chocolate chip muffins and a movie and we headed to the beach with a promise to be back soon.
We had the place to ourselves, and Summer was in heaven. She started out playing and hiding in the long grass. Well, sort of hiding.
We had a blast, and both got some much needed exercise. #Summer#DogsOfMastodon
Pretty sunsets have been scarce.
This evening is an exception.
Summer, my faithful sunset spying companion was in her usual spot on the deck, ready to listen, as well as imparting dog wisdom, as appropriate.
I feel like I can use all the Summer advice I can get, so I pay serious attention.
I told her about trying for days to get Providence to correct their billing error, which, if not corrected, will cost us $500. I don't understand why they won't help me with something easy for them to take care of, even if just to make me go away.
Summer questions if the level of stress is really worth it when I am still adjusting to quitting the thyroid medicine they had me take in error besides.
She says she thought Providence was in business to help the patients. I said I used to think that, too. Clearly, that isn't their end goal these days.
It's time to write a letter to the complaint department and move on.
Summer gave me a high five. She agrees.
Since I mentioned Matt Beard already today, why not toot one of his paintings?
This scene is most likely pretty close to home.
I am pretty sure this must be a special place for someone, and they probably own this painting instead of me.
It is tiny only 12 x 12.
I love my small pieces because they brighten up small nooks and crannies in our house.
He named this 2017 scene High Tide: Empty Lot. #MattBeard
We were supposed to host my favorite artist Matt Beard and his wife for tea in the garden this morning but had to postpone because of the drizzle.
It will be more enjoyable and less damp to visit outside on a sunny day.
Everything is soaked, but the raindrops don't make the roses less lovely. These two blossoms are on the same bush.
Today must be, bake a pie for my daughter day, because she is awesome and I love her.
We might as well send love to all of our Mastodon friends too because we can.
Good morning, Mastodon. #Rose
Thank you for all of the kind words as I share the joys and challenges of our lives here in the middle of nowhere.
I do feel like I need to say that because my social media experience is limited to Mastodon, I am not savvy when it comes to the rules large and small which determine what is allowable here or might cause someone to feel offended.
I can say that I treat what I toot as if I were sharing with real-life friends. I never say anything intentionally to hurt, marginalize, or demean anyone.
There is too much meanness in the world already. I will not purposely add to it.
So thank you for grace and understanding as I navigate this place, that is, for me, a new frontier.
The photo is Dr. Summer who is giving her bear a thorough check-up. She says the bear is fit as a fiddle, just like grandma.
@NorcalGma2 imo no need to apologize for anything - you are one of the kindest posters on all the socials, and if anyone takes offense at your sharing your personal stories and feelings, I think that is more about them and their issues than it is about you.
I am sitting here telling Summer the newest chapter in my health care saga.
My daughter felt strongly that I should get a second opinion on my thyroid diagnosis. So yesterday, I did the fasting blood tests again and gathered up my imaging results and sought out a more informed opinion from a doctor who knows me and my medical history.
This morning, that appointment happened.
It turns out that the doctor who decided that my thyroid was atrophied and put me on medication was wrong.
I am in excellent health for my age. My thyroid is small but just small normal. Because I took medicine she prescribed, I am grossly over medicated.
I was actually fine all along.
Summer offered a third opinion. She thinks I should file an official complaint.
I think Summer is right.
The silver lining is that I lost 18 pounds while I was going through this strange health odyssey. #Summer
One more Summer is sooo cute photo drop for today.
She is patiently waiting for it to be her turn for dinner.
The bear still looks pretty good for being one of her first toys. #Summer#Dogs
Summer is a helpful gardening buddy. As soon as I get out my trowel and gloves, off she races, to find some pots.
Today, we were planting vegetables in the big half barrels and don't need pots, but you have to appreciate her enthusiasm. #Summer
As the world turns, spins, and does flip flops around us, we keep living our quiet lives, mostly just trying to survive and be happy.
Summer is surely an asset on the happy side.
We played a quick game on the stairs before breakfast.
Good morning, Mastodon. #Summer#Dogs
I have been thinking about my mother today.
She has been gone for many years, but the Wailaki heritage she passed on to me, my kids, and grandkids is with us still.
I tell my grandsons that any benefit they receive because of their tribal affiliation their great grandmother earned.
She was a different sort of mom and not like the moms of my friends. I believe that being raised in an Indian boarding school didn't teach her mom skills. She knew a lot about cooking, cleaning, sewing, and, of course, religion because that was what they taught.
At 17, she was released from school to be a servant for a wealthy family. At nineteen, she was released from service and married my dad. This photo was taken around that time.
I wish she had different life experiences, but it looks like, in this moment, she was happy.