My birthday is coming up. I share it with a National Holiday—November 11th. Happy Veteran’s Day to all who served.

My mother, who lived to 95, liked to ask, “How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?”

Such a good question.

Usually, my answer is much younger than the number on my driver’s license, but the reality gap is shrinking as the aches and pains of wornout joints and moments of chronic forgetfulness that leave me asking, “What did I come in here for?” remind me I’m not as young as I used to be.😉

Honestly, I’m not complaining. I feel great most of the time, and I’m especially pleased that I was able to rally my family for a day of community service last weekend when we gave a little love and some much-needed repairs to the original Cathey’s Valley Schoolhouse.

The old schoolhouse was saved from demolition thanks to a movement spearheaded by local teacher/historian/icon Caroline Korn and moved to this site to serve as an educational tool and a hall for community events—like the annual treelighting ceremony and holiday gathering.

In particular, the old gal needed some work done to repair/replace the worn steps, making it safe for the upcoming Christmas event.

(photo credit: Nancy Cordero)

With help from Cathey’s Valley Historical Society Treasurer Nancy Cordero, we did our raking, sweeping, leaf-blowing thing, while Paul did his master craftsman thing!

I couldn’t be prouder and more pleased. Plus, we all enjoyed a beautiful autumn day with perfect weather and the music of Post Malone’s F-1 Trillion (Long Bed) playing in the background. (I mention this because I think it’s an outstanding example of taking career risks and re-inventing yourself. From Rap to Country—what a leap!)

After a family celebration next Monday, Paul and I will be heading out in our RV. There are so many places of great beauty close-by we haven’t refined our destination choice.

#1 - One National Park that we’ve never visited is Sequoia/King’s Canyon—“A Land of Giants.” Below is a shot from the park’s website.

However, like Yosemite, it can be closed by inclement weather.

#2 – Morro Bay State Park—a perennial favorite, but we just visited the coast.

#3 — It’s been a few years since we visited Lassen National Park. It might be time to go again.

You’ll be the first to see pics in my next newsletter.

Happy reading,

Deb

Coming Nov 21st: thankful planning