Cell service in the shores

Someone left a comment about lousy Verizon service here. Anyone want to comment? I used to have Sprint, but could hardly use it unless I stood in the middle of my driveway. After 2 years of $60 bucks a month I ended the insanity. I went online to Tracfone and got a $20 phone that you prepay minutes. I load about $10 every other month (with the double minute plan gives me about 120 minutes) and use it for emergency calls only. Works like a charm right in my living room. Feeling pretty smug. I've had people at my house with all kinds of different services, and it's real hit and miss which work consistently. A neighbor just spent $850 bucks on a booster system that now get's him good service with I think Verizon. I'll double check that.

I'm guessing you all know that when the power goes out you can still use an old fashioned phone (non electronic). Well, if anyone has a comment or suggestion, shout out.

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Larry Marvin (he's on the board) just sent an email that someone on Gaston Dr. got their car broken into and ransacked by a bear. Be real careful about leaving food items in your car. They'll break in for a bite of a PBJ. Never ever leave dog or cat food in your car. That's irresistible to Yogi.

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Enjoy the rain thru Friday. May turn into a bit of snow on Sat. or Sunday. Should be clear by Tuesday.

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Had lunch at Big A's burger joint today, then to Sierra Cinema for HUGO with some Womens Club membes. What a delightful movie, a feast for they eyes. Martin Scorsese's is a genius. I heard him tell that his 12 year old daughter read the book, and asked him to please make the movie, so he did. She told him it MUST be in 3D, and boy was she right!

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As usual, the Womens Club is planning a impressive Easter Party for the little ones at the Firehouse. Look for signs, and be sure to bring your kids down for this great Shores tradition. The kids always have a great time making decorations and eggs.

Monday morning coming down

White stuff coming down again, as of 10am. starting to stack up, though the hill still looks clear. Pay attention to the "road closed" signs when you come home tonight. May be dicey. Check Roland's webcam (go back to Cascadeshores.org) for a sneak peak. Pretty.
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Update: well, we're in for it now! Storm moving in late Tuesday night, showering and snowing down to 2,000ft through Friday am. Might pack some big wind. Went to town and got 5 gal generator gas and 2 Papa Murphys! Grinding coffee (no grinder without electricity) and sprinkling the tea candles around. Firewood tarped. LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW.
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Is it just me, or has there been a rash of really stupid meth heads running amok lately. Seems every day the Union has 2 to 3 stories about the cops chasing junior thugs around town in cars and motorcycles. I don't know, the mini Capones don't seem to have to much going on upstairs, as they are always apprehended after "fleeing on foot." I'm guessing they were never on the High School track team. Anyway, keep your eye's peeled for funky cars driving erratically. It could be another one. I never know when it's crackhead season, but it seems to be all year lately. Makes me appreciate our little cocoon of a world here in the shores. I don't think many of them have figured out how to get here.

Our first significant snow of the year

Woke up to 3" white stuff, boo-yah! It tapered off by early morning, and roads promptly plowed and clear. Actually a bit warm out there at 40ish.

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No entries in the old blog lately. It's been a slow news time around the shores. I've had alot of needy rescue dogs, and they've kept me busy. Bolt was adopted to a correctional officer in Susanville, and will be a regular ranchhand to a mule, a horse, a herd of goats and 2 doggie siblings. I think he'll be ecstatic.

We still have Sr. Citizen Mercury, a sweet 7 yr old Foxy Rat Terrier, Freddie Mac, a 2ish pure Doxie, just a GREAT dog, and Faith, a young pup who was thrown away like trash on hwy 20 a week ago. Her story, along with her 2 sisters, Hope and Angel will be in the Union hopefully tomorrow. If you have a few extra $$ and want to help Sammies Friends pay their huge vet bill (they were in the last stages of starvation) any amount big or small is appreciated.

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By now you've received your voter info pamphlet on the special election ballot for the Fire Protection and Emergency Medical Response Service Measure Special Tax. An increase of $52 annually will assure that existing stations stay open, rapid emergency response times are preserved, and current wildland fire protection is maintained. Both lives and properties will continue to be adequately protected. Listen folks, we live plumb in the middle of THE MOST VULNERABLE AREA IN ALL OF NEVADA COUNTY. We have not had a tax increase that goes directly to fire protection in years. This amounts to what, $4 per month. Isn't this a no brainer? No one likes increased prop taxes, but we have to keep at least what we have in terms of services. Please fill our your ballot. Remember in the 60's when they said if you don't like cops, next time you need help, call a hippie? Well if you can't part with $4 a month, next time you have a fire threatening your home, call . . . . . . ??????????

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Don't know if you read the papers, but thanks to many wonderful activists here in Nevada County the South Yuba State Park as been removed from the closure list. Bridgeport and the Buttermilk trail live, and some of the greatest swimming holes on the Yuba will be accessable!

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One of my favorite stories, "Harold and Maude" will be a play at the Nevada Theatre beginning March 3rd. If you don't know the story, it's about a very quirky and rather dark thinking young man searching for his place in life, and he meet up with and falls in love with an elderly free spirit (they both like to go to funerals of people they don't know). They have a joyous and meaningful relationship. It's just a great story. Can't wait.

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Talk with you later. Have to take cute pics of puppies.

My foster dogs need homes. Do you know anyone?

Jake the Chi went to his new home 2 weeks ago, go Jake. One of those perfect matches, and his mom Sue has called 3 times to tell us how wonderful and smart and fun Jake is . . . of course we knew this.

So, now we're looking for the right person for Mercury, a Ratty Fox. Merc is an elegant, sweet funny Fox Terrier/Rat Terrier mix. He is tall, weights about 12 lbs, and is just very regal. He would do well in a mature home, keeping company with adults (he's ok with kids, just not a kid dog). He likes his crate, and loves to join you on the sofa, and likes short or long walks. He has a low deep bark that sounds more like a goose, but is not a "barker." Only sounds the alarm when someone is at the door. He will qualify under Scooters "senior for senior" program where you get a reduced adoption rate. He is probably somewhere around 8 years old, and has a healthy long life ahead. (check his pic on petfinder.com or scooters pals.org)

BOLT (see picture above )is a young (1 year old) french bull dog/rat terrier mix. He's full of life and mischief, and will keep you busy. He is not destructive, and knows he is only to play with his toys, thought he finds shoelaces irresistible. He would do great with a young family who wants a playful sweet young dog. He gets along with everyone and everything, and is very friendly from the git-go. Bolt weights about 15 pounds, so he'll fit into any home!

KNOW ANYONE THAT NEEDS A NEW BEST FRIEND????? Call me at 265-8680.

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Finally, a burn day and rain on the way!

Hi all,

Yesterday and today were burn days, FINALLY. I guess that's cause the percipitation (rain) we've all been waiting for is on the way, today through next week. Temps predicted in the low 30's, so it would seem we'll see the white stuff. Looks like everyone around here is ready, with wood covered and piles of fall out burning. Let's get this party started!

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So, my new notebook has a real trigger finger. The other day I was having two email conversations, one with my Atlanta cousin who sadly informed me her sister-in-law "woke up dead" to the surprise of all. Since they are Jewish, they were "sitting Shiva" with her brother, which is the Jewish custom of staying at his side for 5 days to show support.

The second conversation was with a fellow dog rescuer who was telling me about the cute French bulldog/terrier mix just rescued from a shelter. So, thinking I was chatting with the rescue person I emailed back, "SOUNDS CUTE. SEND PICS." Unfortunately I sent it to Atlanta cousin. Oh dear. She replied "WHAT??????????" I better be a little more careful . . . .

So, it's now Saturday and no snow. Boo-hoo. Missing the white stuff.

Do you need a refrigerator? Read Bev's email

	1:00 AM (20 hours ago)

Hi Denise: We have an Amana refrigerator that we no longer need. We bought a larger one.

It is in excellent condition.

It is a top freezer model. It runs great. Thought that you might know somebody around

here that needs one.

We are located on Banner Quaker just before Mountain View.

The phone number is 470-0774.

Thanks, Bev Tamo

Thanks Bev. I'll spread the word. Hang on for a week.

AWESOME, BEV FOUND A HOME FOR HER REFRIGERATOR. THANKS FOR POSTING BEV.

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WILD AND SCENIC FILM FESTIVAL THIS WEEKEND. COME AND ENJOY. IF YOU CAN'T MAKE IT

,YOU CAN GO TO SYRCL OFFICE ON MAIN ST. (BY BANK OF AMERICA) AND RENT THE

MOVIES AT A LATER DATE. SOOO MANY WONDERFUL FILMS, SUCH A GREAT CROWD.

ART IN LOTS OF SHOPS TOO, WINE AND APPETIZERS TOO. JUST A GREAT WEEKEND.

Meet Mercury and Jake

Having 4 dogs in the house right now (my 2, plus 2 fosters) a neighborhood leash walk just doesn't tire them out enough. So, we've been driving the EXACTLY one mile from the store down Pasquale to the NID gate, and taking that road (ignore the no trespassing signs, they just don't want vehicles to take the road). See the small parking lot on your right. It's a great hike that takes you alongside the lake, over the dam spillway, and into the (empty at this time of year) campground on the other side of lake. The dogs just love it, and they are guaranteed to sleep the rest of the day after that 2-3 mile round trip. The lake is magnificent as usual, calm and cold, and clear as glass. The mirroring of the trees is so scenic and photogenic. I marvel at the beauty here each and every time.

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Don't know if you've been following the Penn State sex scandal starring Coach Jerry Sandusky, but just heard on TV that they have located some of the child victims as they were named by Sandusky himself in his autobiography "Touched." Ewwww Jerry, really, "Touched." How'd ya come up with that title?
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On a better note, did you catch the Bronco/Steelers game yesterday? What a finish. Tebow put em' away in a quick overtime ending with an 80 yard pass on the first snap and touchdown. Exciting. I'm no big regular season fan, but I do like the playoffs. Usually so much better than SuperBowl games. That was a great one. Can't wait for Bronco vs Patriots. Tebow's favorite passage from the bible is John, 316. Threw for 316 yards. Just a little Tebow factoid. He thanked his Savior Jesus first, and his defense 2nd. Might want to reverse that before the next game . . . .

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I can't wrap my mind around the fact that I am gardening and doing yard work this time of year. No rain in the forecast for another 10 days. Unbelievable. Plus the lake isn't that low. Last years supercharge must have left us with a pretty good reserve in the upper dams.

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The little house around the corner from me (I mean little, 650 sq ft) sold for $87K. It has a 1/2 acre I think, and a very nice 2 car garage. You can always add on. Someone got a great deal on that one. That's more than the empty lot would have cost you a few years ago. I think that's the lowest price I've seen yet around here.

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So, if you know anyone dog shopping, I have a couple of great little fosters. Jake is a 10 lb Chihuahua mix,2 years young, rough and tough, loves everyone and everything. He Zumba dances, does lots of cute yoga stretches all day, and play's tug a war and chases balls. Likes the kitties, and minds very well. He would do well in a busy young family with other pets, or as a shop greeter dog. He's so beautiful. Looks like a baby harp seal.

Mercury is a Rat Terrier/Fox Terrier mix. About 13 lbs, and 8 years young. He's sweet and fun, and loves to run and play, and very affectionate. This is a great example of a great breed. Read up on em. He would do well in a mature household, though he was wonderful yesterday with 2 10 year old girls that played with him.

Please spread the word. Both are Scooters pals dogs and you can read about them and others on Scooterspals.org website. Both were rescued with EUTHANIZE written on their report card, due to overcrowding at Sacramento shelter. It's just a crime that these wonderful animals were scheduled to die because their owners could not live up to a lifetime commitment. When you adopt an animal you take a moral oath to do right by them, and if circumstances change and you absolutely can't keep them, FIND THEM A HOME. Dumping them at a shelter that kills 20-40 dogs every Friday is just not acceptable. Please, if you know of someone about to "dump" a dog or cat, call me. We'll make other arrangements.

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Like BBQ? Smiley's has just opened in the Old Briarpatch space on Joersche Drive in Grass Valley (off Nevada City/Grass Valley highway). I'm hearing good things. Will check it out this week. There have never been enough good BBQ joints around here . . hope this pans out.

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There is a raw food vegetarian place in Nevada City if that interests you. Next door to New Moon off Commercial St. I've heard good things about them too.

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If you get on Las Katarina's mailing list (Mexican food on Broad St) they frequently send you 1/2 off coupons for mid week. Good deal, good food.

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A few blogs ago I wrote about a pitty named Spot that was lost from his owner Stephan who lives on Pasquale. Spot turned up in someones yard about a mile from where he was lost. Met him at the polar bear plunge at the boat ramp. He's a darling boy. So glad he was reunited with Stephan. They looked very happy to be back together.