Updates:

Work on the house has slowed down finally.  We got a contractor who actually knows what he is doing and he pushed us into the build full speed ahead.  The original contractor is gone and good riddance.   We can’t be happier he walked off the job.   In fact, our new contractor sits in court as an expert on these things so we know we are in good hands now.  Aside from that, shutters are up, inspections are coming through with the new crew,  and the only thing left is the porch which has been permitted.  We are on our way to enjoying Summer nights in a rocking chair and a martini in hand.  *eyes rolling*

In April, I took the annual ride to Born Free right here in the Canyon.  It has become a favorite event of mine being close and having the girls stay over for the weekend.  So many are coming to it now and it is getting bigger and bigger every year.  Here is a pic of the Zilla’s parking spot.  Once you are there… you are there so we packed food and had a day.

Summer was a big one from the garden.  Trees were blooming with fruit and the canning started.  I have never canned before at this length, and it lasted for a couple of months!  Every time I turned around there was a tree in bloom.  The rains gave us a good wet one and some trees were taken down last Spring to make room in the yard.  Because of that, we found more trees hidden underneath and we just kept getting more crops.

 

Because we got good rain, a good yield of flower growth burst up.  That brought on the production of body butters and infused oils for cooking.  The Lavenders and Roses came out in abundance and instead of potpourri, infusions took place.  Just the other day I made carrot soup with some infused lavender olive oil.  Sounds crazy but boy did it taste good!

Getaways were in hand throughout the year.  San Francisco is always a go-to and we went there as well as Napa because it is easy for Murray to travel with us.  He has a special place he loves to stay while we jaunt around.  We had the opportunity to take the wine train in Napa.  I had never been on it and it was a fun experience eating, drinking and just enjoying the train.  Both of the below photos are for Lens-Artists #79: A Window With A View Challenge for this week.  The train windows made me want to go back into time and the Golden Gate Bridge was taken at a dining room table in the St. Francis Yacht Club.  So beautiful.

Speaking of traveling, we sold the Chateau.  It was bittersweet, but a family of 4 bought it and they use it all the time.  It is just as intended.  They love it and they named it Chateau de Murray.

Plane travel is coming up for 2020.  I have been planning my vacay in Scotland.  The towns and booking hotels are a little mess for me since I have never been so it takes time.  I am pretty particular where I stay as I like to walk everywhere.  Hopefully, when the dates and places are finally penned in, the Glasgow Gallivanter and I can meet.  On Life’s Ride As I See It, I met several blogger friends and we still stay in touch today through our motorcycling friendship.  Blogging has been nice to me that way.  *Bloggers do exist*

Speaking of blogs, I opened up Mrs. Shecky’s Blog At Home In Sheckyville.  It is more of an at-home blog as opposed to the Tales and 365.  We will see how that goes this year.

Then there are politics…
…and what a year it was, and I am sure the next will be just as interesting.

Well, I could go on and on, but it is time for new tales and photos.  So on with 2020 and to my next post in February.

Oh, yea…I also turned 65 and there is nothing I can do about that so I am moving forward – Yippeee…

That’s it.

Till next time…

 

Lens-Artists #79 A Window With A View

Week 1 – Patti of https://pilotfishblog.com/
Week 2 – Ann-Christine aka Leya of https://lagottocattleya.wordpress.com/
Week 3 – Amy of https://shareandconnect.wordpress.com/
Week 4 – Tina of https://travelsandtrifles.wordpress.com/