Our first snow is here!

Well, if you are reading this, but you are not here, the snow has arrived! A steady but light amount has been falling since 10am, and at 1PM the plow began moving it off the road. Traffic is light but moving, and I am watching folks braving the hill (up and down) at a nice careful pace. It is BEAUTIFUL, and the perfect day to watch football and snow, with a big pot of soup on the stove. Hope you are enjoying. I'll try to warn if the Big Hill get's ugly. (My house if right on what we call the "flight line." We watch em drive up, and slide back down, backwards and spinning on the icy days)

Kids Party Huge Success

If you did not go to the Santa Kids party Saturday at the Firehouse, here's what you missed: DOZENS of littleones sitting on Santa's Lap (big items this year, dolls (who knew) video games, WORLD PEACE, and one REAL pony request. The 3 elves were there (courtesy of the Harrisons) to help kids with 2 craft projects, bingo with prizes, and a huge ornament pinata. Great treats, really creative gift bags, punch and xmas music, and lots of smiles. Thank you Womens Club for creating these wonderful memories for the children of Cascade Shores. Wish I'd grown up here! Look for pics in the gallery (I'll get them there soon.)

Christmas lights

Went to Victorian Christmas last night. It was packed, people were buying (whew, happy merchants) and it was absolutely beautiful. Nevada City has never looked better. All the large victorian houses at the top of Broad Street are beautifully lit, a real must see. Here in Cascade Shores, the "most lit" homes as far as I can tell are on Cascade Dr (Don Frisbees) on BQH by Sargent Jacobs (John Jiminez). But there are lots of others too. We like to get a commuter cup of chocolate, jump in the motorhome (view window) and drive the shores looking for good decorations. Don't miss the Amaral house (take Pasquale off Red Dog, on left after 200 ft). Amazing decorations, Santa is there and DON'T miss Eddie the Elf (you'll see). The kids adore this place. When a fresh blanket of snow covers the ground lights it is really magical! Thank you Amarals. Merry Christms all!
KIDS PARTY AT FIRE HOUSE THIS SATURDAY.

Propane Cost for members

Be exicited. Be very excited if you have been wise enough to join CSHA to help beat propane prices. The member price at Surburban as of 12/2/08 was $1.99. Non-member price was $2.99. We went and filled the BBQ tank for under $10 at their station. I noticed the tank swap at Save Mart was $19.99. Wow, 50% savings on a portable tank, 33% on your home tank. That plus $1.74 for gasoline makes the season a bit brighter!

Bargains at Christmas/Rough & Ready

I went thrift shopping with my friend Caroline Inglis last Friday. We decided to work the thrift stores from Nevada City to Penn Valley (1/2 off days). WHAT A SCORE. Honestly, we found great items (lots of beautiful Xmas decorations) and even new unused items. The stores were packed, and each one seemed to really be strong in a different area (household, decorations, glassware, games). Anyway, the sleeper was the Rough and Ready General Store. Two ladies run a full time "gift/thrift" area inside the store, and have great merchandise, beautifully arranged and bargain priced. There is an amazing collection of the Byers Carolers, and the ladies are so nice and helpful. We left with armful's. Also, if you didn't know, Rough and Ready General has the BEST taco's in Nevada County (little known secret). They also do a "to go" business of homecooked meals. Like everyone, they are struggling to keep going in these times, so try to check them out!

Are the bears confused by weather?

I've had a compost bin for 9 years, and it was never disturbed by critters. Last night, my dogs warned me somethin' big was in the yard at 2am. In the morning, I found my very sturdy plastic compost bin shredded into little pieces, and my recent deposit of 5 lbs of old apples gone. This is our 4th bear visit in a few weeks, and his first "score." I think this temperate weather has got them confused about hibernating, and their normal food source is depleted. Anyway, be careful about food items around the outside of the house or in the car . . . .

Dog safety

A few weeks ago, on a beautiful fall morning, I heard the sound I dread, living on a busy road. I heard screeching brakes, a loud thud, a dog screaming in horrible pain. I saw people rush into the street, gather the wounded animal, and carry him home. I saw a forlorn driver shocked and disturbed at what had just happened And I saw a loose dog I recognized as belonging to a house 3 doors down, a dog that is often allowed to run loose on our streets, watching the events. I then saw that dog cross the very busy road to make his way home.

Today I saw the dog that got hit, being "walked" by his owner. The dogs entire rear end and legs were shaved. I could not begin to count the stitches and scars from the surgeries. She was in a "sling" and being lovingly encouraged by her owner to walk, rehabing from her "accident."
He told me that on that fall day, he had opened his gate for a few moments, and in that time, his dog had seen the "loose" dog across Quaker Hill. His dog ran to greet the other dog, and at that moment crossed paths with the truck. He accepted responsibility for having his gate open, but noted that if that loose dog had not been across the street . . . . .

The results of this unncessary event: a heartsick driver, 2 broken hearted guardians, $6000 vet bill, a dog that will have to painfully rehab and probably have horrible arthritis very early in life, that may or may not be able to move freely again.

Still think it's ok to let your dog roam freely about? Please think about it. Leash laws are there for a reason. Leash, fence, protect. Prove you love your dog, keep them safe, and in the process we will all be more safe.