Back in England

 Stace and I returned to England for a weeklong trip. 

It was for a sad reason - Uncle Pete has passed, and we went over to attend the funeral. But it was lovely to see everyone, despite the sadness.

The Friday service was lovely, and it was interesting being at a full burial in the church yard we've walked through so many times.

After the service, we all went to the wake, where we caught up with many friends and family. Auntie Doreen was very brave through it all, as were Karen and Mandy.

The gentlemen looked so dapper, we had to get a photo.

Week in Review

Violet was having a hard time in school. She was doing well, grade-wise, but really deeply disliked being there all day. She missed quite a bit because of tummy aches and other illness, to the point that Stace offered her $10 if she made it through a full five-day week.

Spoiler alert: she didn't! We ended up making a significant change, and she's now enrolled in the district's independent learning program. 

She takes two classes at her junior high still - yearbook and science - and will still be on campus to see friends. But the other classes, she's taking at home on the computer, with a teacher checking in with her weekly. So far, it's going well and seems to be a good move.

Cora was asked to take part in a short film project for an acquaintance's college film class. He was making a Western music video set in the late 1800s. Luckily, we were able to make my old vintage prom dress and a fitted brocade coat of Cora's work for her outfit.

Here she is, ready for filming. Ain't she purdy??

Stace wanted to get a photo of the girls when Cora got home, all made up nicely. 

Love seeing them laugh together!

 Violet and I took another Quigley walk, and it was warm enough that I was mindful of snakes.

Now, we basically never come across snakes, but I had mentioned to Violet that we should be aware. And boom! This little guy was on the path. He was actually pretty small, so not scary whatsoever. No rattle either.

Sunday Adventure

We went on a mini adventure Sunday afternoon, and had lunch with Colleen, Rigo and Liana at a BBQ place out in Soledad Canyon, just past Canyon Country off the 14. 

The food was delicious and it's beautiful out there in the canyon, with the Santa Clara River flowing on the edge of the grounds.

It's called River's End BBQ, and they have this cool threshing machine Stace was intrigued by.

The pretty stream, which the girls had fun exploring.

Just past the stream was the railroad tracks.

The girls were making their own bridges over the stream.

Earlier that morning, the girls worked together to make crepes with banana sauce.

Tidbits

He is suave.

He is regal.

He is debonair.

He is Sebastian.

Although Cora has switched schools, we still support the theatre department at her old school...especially since I'm still on the booster board and organizing restaurant fundraisers. So, I picked up Panda Express to support the booster club this week.

Violet and I walked in Quigley Canyon and noticed a lot of scat with these large pale seeds. Later, we came across this bush full of red berries, and realized the animals - coyotes probably? - were eating them but not processing the pit. We did a little internet searching and learned they are chokecherries. 

On Saturday, we watched Ellie for a few hours and brought her up to Santa Clarita. Stace, Violet and I took her to Placerita Canyon, where amazingly there was still water in the river, in nearly October! 

Ellie had fun! 

Cora wasn't with us because she had TWO birthday parties to attend, one right after the other. That was a bit of a strange situation as Cora doesn't do a lot of social things other than D&D.
 

Fright Fest 2023

Cora and I ran over to Magic Mountain on Thursday after school to see our favorite witch.

It was the first Thursday Fright Fest of the season, and being it was still September, we figured it would be one of the least crowded times to be at the park.

We were right! We had a great time together, and were able to ride seven rides with basically no wait time.

 

I was happy to be out spending time with my girl, and thought this Oktoberfest photo opp was screaming out for our photo. Cora obliged, kind of.

Woodsy Walk

 We took a lovely after-church walk on Sunday, and Violet brought her camera. Such beauty every direction

These giant garden spiders are everywhere, too.

We had such a great trip! Thanks to Aunt Patty and Uncle Bill for a lovely respite from the grind.

Kayaking at Rattlesnake Lake

 After the car show, we headed out to Rattlesnake Lake, a beautiful spot to take out the kayaks.

Violet really enjoyed her time on the water, kayak and tree stumps.

With her new camera, she also took some great photos of a nearby chipmunk.

Such a great day! Perfect temperature, beautiful scenery, great company.

Car Utopia

Redmond has a fancy car show most Saturdays, and we chose to come up this particular weekend because it featured a special focus on English cars. 

So many cars!! Uncle Bill, William and Miles all walked around with Stace. You can see Uncle Bill  with his arms wide out, in the grey shirt, in this photo.

Stace was impressed with this 1930s era Formula 1 car that won the 1936 London Grand Prix. He said that you can see old news reel of it winning the race.

He also liked these Ariel Atoms, made in Crewkerne, Somerset.

We had nearly a full day in Redmond on Monday before flying home, and Will came over so the three guys could work on the Firebird. Stace got filthy!

Men doing manly things.