cellboy

A view from my cousin's living room at Lake Tahoe
1. Last week was a bit hectic being sort of a short week.

2. I had to go to a memorial at Lake Tahoe, on Thursday, which, even though I was not that close to the relatives, really turned out quite nice

2. My Aunt, my mom's 3rd oldest sister, had passed away in February. Her two kids Paul and Louise live out of state (Oklahoma and Texas respectively). I had not seen either of them in over 40 yrs. I was close to Louise growing up. But times change people move etc. Plus my Aunt and her family were the odd bunch. Or should I say the oddest bunch. They were not very social. A bit rude actually. And really never were into keeping in touch with family.

3. My Aunt inherited years ago a 60 acre almond ranch in the Sacramento Valley which produced a bit of income for her. She had also was nice to have my Grandparents live there for free, to help them out in their retirement years (I had posted about this before, but visiting my grandparents at "The Ranch" was one of the good highlights growing up. This and the surrounding ranches were a joy to runaround in as a child. She sold it a few yrs ago.

4. My Uncle's (he husband) inherited 20 acres of lake front property at Lake Tahoe (Dollar Point near Tahoe City, CA) from his parents. This was also a treat to stay at as a young child. Running through the woods, playing on the beach. All good memories.
Due to the high property taxes however, they were forced to sell most of the property for townhouse development (Only $500,000 in the late 70's). They retained about 2 acres, and moved or realigned the two homes (one winter home, one summer home) for better use of the property.

5. The summer home, where we visited, was built in 1920, by my Uncle's father. They moved the home from the back part of the property, to where it is now, to the edge of the property for a better view of the lake.

6. So I left work on Wednesday night for my sisters home. Slept there that night, and then we were up early on Thursday for Tahoe.

7. Meeting my cousins was interesting. They have gotten so old. Paul, still strange, but was cordial. Louise was nice though. We got along really well.

8. Later, it was out to the property, near the home, that my Louise read a nice poem, then took my my Aunts urn, then spread her ashes on the property overlooking the lake. She spread them in the exact spot where she had previously had spread her fathers ashes a few years earlier.

9. Then it was to have a very casual lunch, talk about family and such.

10. We heading back to my sisters later home later in the afternoon. Had a nice dinner. I spent the night, then up early to head back to SF for work.

11. Friday was the usual SF stuff. Visiting with friends at the Midnight Sun then 440. Home fairly early.

12. Up early did gym. I am now waiting for Mark and Ho to arrive at my place. We will head south to San Jose to pick up Jim, then going to Santa Cruz for the afternoon. Visit the Beach Boardwalk (rides and the roller coaster), and possibly some wine tasting in the Santa Cruz Mts.

13. I think I have not been to Santa Cruz beach boardwalk in over 30 yrs!

There was so much snow this year, that the ski resorts will be open 4th of July weekend. Swimsuit skiing!
Also the lake water level is the highest it's been in years.