One of the perks of working on the Columbia College campus is the wildlife.  The geese are sitting on their nests now, awaiting the arrival of their goslings.  The female is sitting on her nest every morning as I walk to my office.  She is patient, and her mate isn't squawking at me like he did last year.  Her goslings should appear any day now.  The mallards have taken to resting in the dirt by my office building. I don't quite understand their choice of spots, but they are cute to watch, too.

Sleeping Boy!!!!

Have you seen anything sweeter than this boy sleeping? He is sooooo loved!!!!

Trimmed Trees!

I have just had my trees trimmed. Nate Berner did a great job!!! He cut back all of the limbs that were reaching for the house and got rid of all the dead wood. He did the side trees and the back, too. I think the front trees look wonderful. The back looks good, too, but this is the more dramatic view.

More of Devun's Visit!!!

This is a little fuzzy, but he's smiling, so I had to post it!!! Isn't he the cutest? Right up there with his cute cousin, Collin!!!

Devun's Visit!

Devun made his first visit to Murphys and Nana's house today. We had almost five hours of fun together. We read "There's a Wocket in my Pocket," watched the snow fall, watched the quail hunt for bugs in the front yard, and met Haley. Haley loves Devun and was very careful with him. Devun thought Haley was lots of fun. He managed to pet her head, nose, and eyes. Haley let him without moving. Then, she let him know she approved by kissing his little hand thoroughly!

Trevor and Katie went out to breakfast and shopping in Sonora. They got a little bit of a break from parenting. Perfect for all! Tomorrow we get more time together! Can't wait!

Irish Days in Murphys

Melissa and Dana arrived for Irish Days in Murphys. Obviously, large, wet flakes were falling and starting to stick as we walked up and down Main Street. One of the vendors called out: "Snow dogs for sale!" We enjoyed our wet walk but started a fire in the fireplace when we got home. It's so cozy to curl up with a warm fire on a cold day! Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

Successful Surprise for Wendy!

Carol, Mary, Kate, Collete, Bev, Tamara, and I arrived at Wendy's house at 8:00 a.m. to kidnap her for her birthday with a trip to Yosemite! She was surprised, and Kate immediately crowned her! She quickly showered and dressed, and we headed out for the day.

We grabbed our coffees and headed to our cars to make the drive to Yosemite. We took the scenic route, following the twists and turns of Old Ward Ferry's Road down to the Stanislaus River. We stopped at the bridge at the bottom to admire the graffiti.

As we arrived on the valley floor and began the short walk to the hotel, we passed these two deer resting quietly in the grass.

We arrived at the Ahwahnee Hotel a little early for lunch, so we did what all strong, independent women would do - we got a drink and found chairs near one of the giant fireplaces to chat while we waited for the dining room to open. Such fun!

After our delicious lunch, we took a leisurely walk on the valley floor. We found ourselves entering the Ansel Adams' Museum, where we met one of our former students, Evan, who welcomed us with open arms as the curator! What fun!!! Congratulations, Evan!!!

We ended our surprise day back at Tom and Wendy's, where Tom and his helpers had a full three-course dinner waiting for us with mates and other friends who were unable to join us for the trip to Yosemite. Dinner was perfect - as one would anticipate with Chef Tom! Wendy was again surprised! Welcome to your sixth decade, Wendy! We love you!