a picture perfect day

Today was one of those rare, almost perfect days, that years later will stand out clearly in memory when recalling it.

It began w/ me tooling over to Copper to Samanda's house. From there Aims and I drove and to Copper school w/ Sam joining us a few minutes later.

Landie and I were second in line for the podium. She slowly and clearly read why I am her Kindness Hero.  Afterwards, we walked up the hill to her classroom. Cardiac hill, I remember it well. Landie is in the same classroom as Aims was 20 years ago.

The children were adorable and gave each of us a special hero's welcome. I received an Irish Gig. Another received a Harry Potter salute. Then it was time for the children who nominated us receive a special ice cream treat.

They didn't tell us before we left that Landie was to receive Student of the Month as well. We had sat and listened to other students receive their awards. 

Anyway... next on our agenda was Mountain Ranch to his fam's ranch that has been in their family for generations. First stop, Sender's market where we ordered sandwiches, selected soft drinks, etcetera, for a picnic lunch.

Once on the ranch we drove up to Sammy's parent's beautiful new home. Suzie, Sammy's mom,  graciously gave me a tour of their home, which is warm and inviting and has spectacular views. It crowns the top of a knoll which has a breathtaking vista. You can see 3 mountain passes, in addition, to seeing her mother's ranch and Sammy's great grandparent's Brian and Phoebe's 1920something ranch house. Which, in fact, was our destination. Sammy and Aims want to make this their weekend get-away destination. It's remarkably ramshackle, I love it and the family history it contains.

We lunched on the picnic table beneath an ancient redwood tree that had been transported from Yreka and was told it would never make it-- it's now a towering giant and absolutely beautiful to behold.

Afterwards, Sam and Aims got to work tearing up and removing the old carpet while I took pictures, which I will share in a Shutterfly album, later this week. Then we walked down to the pond, past the walnut orchard and persimmon grove, where we talked and drank our soft drinks. Then it was time to head home...