Spencer: 2011-2023

Monday marked a day our family will always remember but would like so badly to forget.

We had a knock at the door from a man who lives on the next street over, gently reporting that he had found our dear Spencer in the corner of his yard, with a bobcat standing over him. 

Spencer's days of longing to be outside had caught up to him, though I'll never forgive myself for being the one to have let him out the final time.

Stace and John, our neighbor who loved Spence as well, went back and brought him home in a box so we could give him a proper burial.

He was the best friend a little girl could ask for, and Violet loved him so. She slept with him every night for so many years, and we'd all dreaded the day that would come to an end. But we thought it would be several years away still.

Spence and Seb were 12, going on 13. Spencer still seemed young enough, jogging everywhere he went.

We made sure Seb was able to see and smell Spencer in the box, so he would know, and not wonder where his brother went. He seemed scared, and his tail puffed up. We think he could smell the bobcat.

So many good memories - we all loved Spencer. He knew what he wanted, meowed to get it. He liked being in and out of the house all day long, and in and out of the garage to eat his "garage food," as we've had Seb on weight-control food inside.

He was quite a puzzle helper.

Violet took this in the spring.

The girls took some time off school as we all mourned together, and we gave Seb lots of extra attention.

We will always love and miss you, dear Spencer.

Telestrations Fun

Over the weekend, Grandma and Grandpa came over for dinner since Grandma had missed out on Thanksgiving. We ate turkey soup she made, and played Telestrations. 

Then, on Sunday, Stace and I went to a play together with Colleen and Rigo and had dinner, and then returned home to play more Telestrations. Lots of laughter!

Check out that smile! Love seeing her laugh.

Here are a couple of examples of some funny Telestrations rounds: First, a person was given the word "football player," and drew this. (American football, not English.)

The next player guessed it was "foosball, so the the following player drew this:

The following player (Violet) guessed "smoked herring," because she thought the above drawing looked like the old process of preserving herring she saw on a TV show with Stace.

So, the next person had the word "smoked herring," drew this, and the final player wrote the word "shark."

We went from "football player" to "shark." 

And with this one, the initial word was "Double decker bus," so the first player drew this:

The next player saw the drawing and wrote down their guess "yearbook," so the following player drew this:

The following player saw this drawing and guessed "WWII Morse Code," which wound up leading the next player to draw this:

And the final player guessed, "morse code." So, we started with double-decker bus and ended with morse code. As I said, lots of laughs.

Black Friday hike

On Black Friday, Stace and I went out and got a few deals. He was excited about this one - two batteries for his rechargeable battery tools, plus a tool, for $199.

Later in the day, Stace and I took Violet to Vasquez Rocks, but Cora didn't want to go. We strongly urged her to get outside for some fresh air, so she sent this photo of herself on a little walk in our neighborhood. 

See! It didn't kill her!
 

Violet liked these beautiful leaves we came across. She has a great eye for natural beauty.

Vasquez was glorious. 

We even came across some Mandalorians! 

Many, many people were out taking family photos - and other photos - at these amazing rock formations. It's a popular spot for people taking their Christmas card photos. I don't know if the Star Wars couple was also posing for Christmas? Hmmm...

Thanksgiving: Mrs. Claus and Dinner

 Grandma had to work Thanksgiving, so we all went to visit her at Magic Mountain as she portrayed Mrs. Claus.

Grandpa took this family shot, and then we tried to recreate a classic Christmas photo I enjoy each year. 

It didn't quite turn into an exact replica, as Violet refused, so Cora took on the disgruntled role.

Then, home to cook the turkey and enjoy a fabulous meal. I had brined the turkey over 24 hours, and used herb butter under the skin, and it was so yummy! I actually wished I'd bought a bigger bird, for additional leftovers.

Melanie made most of the sides, and all was delicious.

Thanksgiving Week

 
The girls were off school all week for the Thanksgiving holiday. Violet and I went for a hike at Elsmere Canyon with Colleen and Liana one of the days. It was so pretty!

Also this week, Cora had a voice lesson, and we all met up with Stace at lunchtime to go to Best Buy for the girls to look at iPads, PS5s and laptops. We then went to Chipotle for lunch. 

And then we returned to Best Buy so the girls could spend our early Christmas monetary gift while items were discounted for Black Friday.

Cora decided to hold off on a laptop in favor of a PlayStation 5, which allows her to play the new D&D-related game she's been excited about.

Violet got an iPad, which she's been planning for months, so she can do more digital art, along with some accessories.

On Wednesday, the girls made pies and I had coffee with some girlfriends (Christina, Tiffany, Liz, Melissa and Jeana).

Violet made the pumpkin, and Cora made the apple. Thanksgiving ready!

Theatre Saturday

On Saturday, Cora was able to work as an extra on a little short film. Here, she's chilling in the "living room" set of this studio, which has many different sets. 

Cora's third on the right here. They're playing members of a cult.

That evening, we went to see Mamma Mia at Hart. Cora enjoyed seeing her old castmates again.

Tiny House

Stace has been helping build a Tiny House for an organization that helps former foster youths as they become adults. 

This past week, he was building from scratch a ladder to reach the bedroom loft.

It was a lot of work; Stace amazes me with his many varied abilities.

Outside looking great!

Inside just about ready for move-in! And look at that gorgeous ladder...

Stace also built this shelving nook in the toilet area - such a smart idea, rather than just using a full sheet of drywall.

Here's Stace with the young man who will be living in the tiny house when it's finished. Well done, Stace!
 

Week in Review

While I was out with the ladies, Stace took Violet to the archery range. She still enjoys archery, though for the time being she's stopped her mounted archery.

From the car on the dirt path to the range, they spotted this bad boy. Yep, that's 100% a rattlesnake. Notice the larger diamond-shaped head and rattle!

Violet doesn't just shoot arrows, she throws them. All good for her PE credit hours we need to track at home with her new schooling situation.

Speaking of school, it's going very well, but Vi has had a ton of algebra to do this week to get caught up to where the Learning Post algebra course is. She's been a bit frustrated but she's getting through it. Thankfully the English and history assignments are easier.
 

Living his best life! Seb got height AND the bean bag when we stacked cushions up to get them out of the rain this week. 

Cora took a rest day this week, following the extreme energy output required for Puffs (or any show run). 

Here's the completion of the beautiful bird puzzle Aunt Patty and Uncle Bill gave us when we went up to visit in September!

And, we didn't get a photo, but JT, Jim and kids came up for lunch Friday to return Violet's camera that we accidentally left in their car when they came out to see Puffs. We met up at the Indian restaurant and enjoyed their filling and fabulous lunch buffet.