Mrs. Helt is in the room!
Carol taught her very first painting class today – and did a TERRIFIC job! She tried several different ideas and got input from her sister Phyl. Once she settled on the project, she painted many different samples and thought about how to teach it the best. Then she bought and transported all the supplies for all of us from Bakersfield.

This project was so much fun! Thank you so much Carol!
Billie got lunch ready.

Phyllis said she had to have a glass of wine right after the painting class ended because it was so stressful. LOL!

Bruschetta and Broccoli Cheese Soup with a dab of Creme Fraiche:
Justin, Thais, Lenin and family drove up in the afternoon and came over for dinner. “Uncle Justin, break this stick.”And these sticks:Lasagna and focaccia for dinner tonight.
Tired boys:
One more:

The morning started with pedicures:
Lunch at Fifty Fifty Brewing:
Dinner.
I started working on food for this party in August. And Billie and I rounded out the menu and finished the prep from the day she arrived to the day we left – her help was invaluable. Therefore, you will see many food pictures for the next few days. Dinner tonight: herb-crusted salmon, red potatoes and broccoli.

The bikes still need to be loaded, but soon, we’re off to Old Greenwood via Yuba City.
To add a little anxiety to my day, I had to stop at the DMV in Yuba City to take the written test to renew my driver’s license. It was impossible to get an appointment at any Sacramento office before 9/18 when I went online SIX weeks ago. Yuba City on the 12th was pretty much my only option. I missed the first question and scared myself, but got the rest of the 17 questions correct. Whew!
From Yuba City to Truckee, we drove mostly along Highway 20.
Our house at Old Greenwood for the next week. Let the party begin.