I had a four day weekend and loved every minute of it. We went up to ricks parent's farm again and it was just as lovely and relaxing as last time. We were able to spend some time in redding and i stuffed myself with Chipotle... which my part of nevada doesnt have, for some ridiculous reason. Also, if you're ever in redding, you should really take the time to peruse the aisles of the local wal mart. I have always hated wal mart, I think maybe that's because I had never been in a 'nice' one and their prices aren't really cheaper than most other places. Plus, where I'm originally from in california, there were routine shootings and muggings so I just... didn't go there. And this one, this one was eerily similar. Only half of the lights were on. There were screaming children running into me and elderly people in electric wheelchairs.. also running into me. It smelled like dirty diapers and socks. I'm not hoity toity at all really.. I just like to be in places that are clean. I can deal with shady people and rude employees. And now that I think of it... I think the susanville wal-mart is actually the worst place on earth. There was actually human.. stuff on the walls of the bathroom (how does that even happen?) and I'm fairly certain I was being stalked by a potential kidnapper. Anyway, it's safe to say that I like to just run in for puppy pads and get out of there asap. This trip consisted of pumpkin hunting, which was successful other than the fact that there were no tall and skinny pumpkins. Rick and I bought one for his niece and spent the evening carving silly faces and taking pictures (which somehow got deleted, sigh). I attempted to 'scrape' a sleepy hollow scene onto mine but trashed that idea after 20 minutes. I have the skill but not the patience.. maybe next weekend. There's not many photos this time, but I blame that on the fact that I was enjoying myself a little more than usual :)

I haven't been blogging for a week or so, actually I haven't been able to do much of anything lately. I split my knuckle open while using a can opener. I know, it's silly when I think about it now... I'm pretty sure I laughed when it happened, I usually laugh when I get hurt or laugh when someone else does out of nervousness. I didn't want to look at it until I cleaned it up but I guess I hurt it pretty bad. Rick came to my rescue and made a splint and wrapped it for me, so going to work and trying to type on the computer or do much of anything was difficult for a few days. I can get away with just having a bandaid on it for now, but I accidentally bend it too much here and there. Ohh well!
We packed a bag and our pup and headed up to see Rick's parents last weekend. I was feeling a little under the weather but I tend to feel better once we're on the road and doing something. They live in a secluded, woodsy town not far from Redding. It really is a magical place and the first time I saw their property I fell in love. It's Rick's property according to the living will (is that even what it's called? No idea..) and he talks all the time about moving back and helping with the farm. His parents have a plethora of animals including chickens, goats, pigs, rabbits, cats, as well as the family dogs and even a guinea pig named Rascal. It's always foreign to me when I'm in the middle of family gatherings, or families in general. I was adopted when my parents were in their 40s so my older brother was out of the house a couple of years after I was adopted, leaving me with just my parents most of the time. There are good things and bad things about growing up an 'only child,' but I always wished I had more socializing. We lived 20 minutes away from where most of my friends were so going to each other's houses was few and far between. I was blessed to have been able to travel with my parents to Europe and different states, but I didn't get to see any real family other than Christmas usually. We would visit my grandma in LA a couple of times a year but the only family that lived close were my brother and my mom's parents, and even then we didn't hang out with them that often, at least that I remember. We moved to a completely new town when I was 10 and I had to start over and make new friends, which is difficult when you're a weird homeschooler from a small town. Anyway, when I first met Rick's family I reached my arm out to shake hands and his aunt said oh no, we give hugs here! It's been interesting seeing how different families interact with each other and see how close everyone is. It makes me miss my brother and sister-in-law and the kids, there was a short time where I lived with them and was spending most of my time with them.











Being here makes me long for a simpler life; my life is pretty simple, but you know what I mean. I want nothing more than to grow a garden, cook food for everyone, and take care of animals while I have the freedom to do other hobbies I enjoy. I like to work hard and I can only imagine the sense of worth and accomplishment one gets from working a garden and cooking all home grown meals. Among other things.. one day..