Homeless with a pet

During my last shift at the shelter I got a call from a woman. I wasn't sure at first what she was trying to say, as the conversation went like this: Me: Sammies Friends Animal Shelter. How can I help you? Her: Hi, I live in Nevada City, and I just saw a man with a dog. I think he is homeless. . . . . Me: Ok, can you describe the problem? Her: Well, I'm just thinking because he is homeless, well, that's not a very good life for a dog. . . . . . Me: Well, I suppose it's not a very good life for anyone, but many dogs are accustomed to living outside. Did the dog look sick? Her: Well, no. But still, it just doesn't seem right. Me: Was this on Broad St overpass, and was the man a large man with blond hair, and a yellow dog? Her: Yes. Me: I see them all the time. That dog looks like he hasn't missed a meal in years. He appears happy and well fed, and I'm guessing well loved. Mam, there is no law against having a dog just because you are homeless. But if you want, you can give the owner the number of the shelter, and if he wants, I can drop him off some food. Or better yet, next time you see him, why don't you give him some dog food, and maybe a bagged lunch with coffee money?That dog may be the only relationship he has, you know. Her: Well, OK. Still, it doesn't seem right.

How we deal with power outage

Thanks Pam and Robin for your comments on my previous blog. Now that things have calmed down, I want to share what Phil and I have learned after 11 winters here, with the occasional power outage:

You're sitting in the living room, watching your favorite show. Lights on, cake in the oven, fridge stocked, heater blasting. OOPS, lights out. Silently we rise from our comfy seats. Phil grabs and lights the two oil lamps in the dining room, sets one on the dining table, gives me one for living room. Using that light, we grab the 10 or so glass tea candle holders, and light those candles, disbursing them to each room we want to use over the next few hours, especially the bathroom, ya know. Light gas BBQ and transfer the food in the oven to the BBQ. Go to garage and pull out the generator ($500 at Costco, worth every dime). Gas it up, plug it in and connect 3 power cords (1) TV, cause Phil is always in the middle of a game, (2) fridge (obviously) (3) tankless water heater. Start a roaring fire in the fireplace if not already going. Pull out the camp stove that uses a propane can and boil a pot of water. Pour the water into the coffee pot directly over the grounds. Pour a nice hot cup of java. Sit back down and enjoy the beautiful ambiance and the incredible nature show in the yard. Total time spent: 20 minutes. Cost: zero. Enjoyment: priceless. Frustration level: NOT!
Yea, it took a few storms to finally figure it out, but that was part of the fun!
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Article in the Union today regarding an about to be ex-husband shooting the "new boyfriend." Cops called it justifiable homicide. Apparently the boyfriend went to the ex's house with a claw hammer to do some damage, and hubby was waiting in the barca-lounger with a very loaded pistol. Boyfriend enters house with dangerous looking hammer, husband shoots him dead at close range from barca-lounger. Didn't break a sweat. Anyhoo, did the boyfriend really never see Sean Connery in the Untouchables???? Remember the line, "never bring a knife to a gunfight." Same goes with carpentry tools . . . . .

snow removal

If you're sick of walking thru 2ft of snow to get to the street, I heard some industrious young man from Grass Valley is parking his Kabota scooper across from the store parking lot, ready to move snow for you. Smart guy. Dixie has his number, but I can't reach her. Blog it Dix. Share the wealth!
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So weird when you drive into town, and the sun is shining, people are moving around, wearing shorts. I feel like I live in Siberia! I'm wearing my layers, hiking boots, and keeping a snow shovel in the car. Then I remember why I moved here. After living in the Bay Area all my life (aka the Gray Area) where the only variance is fog season/no fog season, I wanted to experience a real seasonal change. I love the winter challenges, the extreme quiet after a snowfall, and the way my yard looks like a black and white photo. Then the wonder of burst of life in spring, warm weather from Memorial Day till Labor day, and the spectacular Fall here. I know these occasional drastic storms can make for inconvenience, but really, out of 365 days, how many are tough? It's definitely a different way of life, than living in LA or Berkeley. It draws a certain type of person, and I have met the most interesting people of my life right here in Nevada County, and especially in Cascade Shores. So, for my friends that stay, and laugh off the inconveniences, I salute you. Can't wait to get together over drinks at Christmas and swap "war" stories about the Thanksgiving storm of 010. Love ya!

How to handle bear encounters

This was on a sign in a Canadian National Park (I've condensed)
Welcome to our park. You may know that we have 2 kinds of bears here, black bears, and Grizzleys. Black bears are typically shy, so if you are traveling within the park, you may want to make a little noise or break branches, so the bears will be aware of you and avoid crossing your path. Grizzyly's on the other hand can be quite aggressive and have been known to attack, so we suggest that you wear small bells on your clothes to warn the bear, and carry pepper spray. Another way to tell what kind of bear is in the area is to look at their scat (poop). Black bear scat contains berries, and sometimes the fur of small rodents. Grizzly bear poo on the other hand contains little bells, and smells of pepper. Enjoy!
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Saw a neighbor moving in on Pasquale a few weeks ago, a nice young woman and her 10 year old daughter. We discussed the need for 4 wheel drive at times, and the cooler temps here, possible power outages due to trees falling, and of course lots of snow at times. Well, a few days later in "the storm" a tree came through her roof shoving the stovepipe down and the stove into the living room, followed by a 4 1/2 day power outage. I saw her packing her Uhaul today. Mother nature can be cruel.
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I've been here since 1999, & don't remember snow in November. Am I crazy? Having a debate with Juleana across the street. Settle it for me if you can. Thanks.
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with the snow finally melting a bit, I can now see the damage to my fruit trees, and in walking the neighborhood, can see lots of trees leaning on homes. We have a really good tree service right here in the shores. Call Michael Cotton, 265-5724 of Michael's Personalized Tree Service (certified arborist WE7065A). He'll help you clear the debris/chip/etc.

White stuff is still falling/Getting your Mail

Since the middle of the night. People are coming slowly down big hill. Haven't heard the plow yet, but it usually doesn't start till 2" on the ground. Pasquale way dry last night coming in, so should be just the new stuff on it. NevadaCityWebCam showing it only drizzling in town.
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Gentle reminder from your postal delivery person, the "other" Denise. When you are clearing the snow from your driveway, or having it cleared, please remember to clear the space in front of your mailboxes. Denise has strict orders from her supv. not to exit the truck to deliver mail (excluding large packages). So if she cannot reach your mailbox from her window, your mail will be returned to the post office until she can reach.
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Helpful hint to the weekenders: If you are in the habit of turning off the water at your home, and at the street to prevent your pipes from freezing, consider turning a garbage can or 5 gal bucket over the outside access, so you can locate it under 2' snow. You're welcome.

30 degrees and ICY

Happy day before Thanksgiving. I am thankful our home is in one piece, and our power is on, and friends will be able to make it in for dinner 2morrow.
No so for about 1/2 of Cascade Shores. Hopefully the homes on other side of store will be online by end of day.
BIG HILL IS ICY, as is Pasquale and all of the shores. Please be careful and keep on your side of road on Pasquale. It's one of those days where 5 MPH may be too fast. Arrive safe.
It's sunny and beautiful, but too cold to melt.
HAVE A WONDERFUL FAMILY HOLIDAY YA'LL
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If you are not a member of CSHA, you might want to consider joining. Basic cost is $100 per year, and for an extra $50 you can have your house/property checked out regularly by our security patrol officer, Mike Inglis (265-9147). A real PLUS if you don't live here full time!
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Isn't that the saddest thing about Giovanni's Restaurant burning to the ground? Seems like an eipdemic! First the Olive Oil store on Mill street burned, plus Swensons Surplus, then the Old California restaurant, now my favorite landmark, in business over 70 years! How will I know when to turn onto hwy 174 in Colfax? And the say the fire started on the "smoking deck." OHHHH.
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Looking for someone to plow the snow out of your driveway? (snow has turned to concrete on top, but lots of snowman making material underneath) See our "service provder" list on CSHA website. Or stop at the store and look at the bulletin board for locals with Kabotas.
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My the-mo-meter says 26.6. Seems colder. But it's bright and beautiful! Stars are out.

Let their be light!

Did I really write that post a few days ago? Ok, since Sat, 20" fell, cold wet heavy stuff. Trees stared snapping and keeling over. Big trees, like 75-100 ft trees. Power went out when these big trees took out MANY power poles all over Banner Mt (Banner Lava Cap, Quaker Hills, and all the little streets in Cascade Shores). Trees have gone thru roofs, broken off chimneys, blocked driveways so folks can't get their cars out. Power is just now (Tues 5:30) being restored in our area, out since Sat. It looks like a battlefield around here. More snow and freezing temps (below 20) 2nite, so brace yourself for more action. Winds this am did not result in much more damage.
Roads are decent, but I imagine the freezing temps coming will change that, and we will be skating on ice. Sooo, be careful out there. If my new neighbors Patty and Greg are reading this, no damage at your house, just large branches down. 3 doors down, not so good. Renter just moved in, and a tree hit the chimney pipe and pushed it right into the living room. Don't think she even got unpacked. So, we'll all remember Thanksgiving week 2010. This is one for the history books. Our trees are growing taller as I write . . . . . interesting. . . . . .
Power is on Quaker Hill to Store, and Pasquale loop. Should have power on other side in next 12 hours, that's what the PAR electrical workers advised. The crews out here were amazing! They worked thru the worst conditions to get us back online asap. Thank you awesome Dudes!
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Go to mamacompton.blogspot.com for a neighbors pictorial of the storm. I didn't have my wits about me enough to take pics before stuff was repaired. A picture is worth 1000 words!