Snow Day

source: FORE

I can't tell which eagle this is - 

the second egg is fine and there won't be a third this season. 

source: FORE

There's an eagle nesting under all that snow. 

I woke up to this - we got about 6 inches. 

It snowed all morning till around 11am. 

Will the little pink rose make it? 

Hmmm, I'm sure my impatiens are gone. 

 

The almond tree was heavy with snow, and the husband went out and knocked it all off before it broke a branch. 

Queen Anne Palm probably is a goner - 

The little finches love the snow - they are out there chirping and playing...

so cute to watch them. 

For some reason, I really like this photo. 

I think of my Grandma from Scott County, Tennessee and it's my memorial to her. She made the best biscuits and gravy. My dad taught me how to make buttermilk biscuits and gravy almost as well. 

There were certain foods that my dad made sure I knew - Pinto beans and ham hocks, fried potatoes in a well-seasoned cast iron skillet, cornbread, biscuits and gravy, fried chicken, pork chops - all the things he liked. 

He wanted to make sure I knew my Tennessee "food" heritage, I guess. 

Laydee is so black I can barely see her eyes - She's so happy she smiled for me. 

She loves the snow and bugged us this morning to go out and play. 

The husband went to his part-time job. He couldn't wait to get out in it. Then around 10am, he called me to say he locked his keys in the van. So I had to bring the spare for him. 

After I dropped off the keys I went the long way home, just so I could see all the snow. 

I didn't have any issues until I tried to get back into the garage - ice on the driveway and we're on a slant. So I just parked it and will wait till later in the afternoon, to pull the car back in. 

Most of the roads have not been plowed yet - H44 and H299 were closed I had to take to the streets. 

 

Navy and Sara were home today and he sent me a photo of his snowman. 

I know you all think we're silly - but this is BIG NEWS for us.  While I was driving, I saw snowpeople all over the place. Children out playing. 

People are out walking in it. 

Dogs playing. 

So tomorrow is supposed to be a sunny day - and then we're to get another arctic storm - Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. And there might be snow and that would be a first. Usually, we will have snow like this every 2-3 years and then that is it. 

God Bless, 

Debby

A new word and church security

I thought I would snap a shot of the almond tree in bloom. 

So they're saying we might get 4-8 inches of snow. It will likely be early tomorrow morning. Today has been icy, with a few snow flurries that didn't stick. We even received something, none of us, have ever heard of - A first for here - 

Have you ever heard of Graupel? 

It's called Graupel. I saw it this morning, and at first thought, it was hail,  only it was quiet.  Like little mini snowballs. 

It's been doing this off and on, all day. A first for here and we learned a new word.

The coastal towns of Crescent City and Eureka had a good amount of snow and they are at sea level! 

 Southern California issued a blizzard warning! In my almost 69 years, I have never heard of such an event outside of the mountains. Not at low-level elevations! We get snow once every 2 years or so - maybe a day if that. It's always greeted with enthusiasm. 

So maybe in the morning, we'll have 4-8 inches of that snow. Gosh, I hope so. I will be so disappointed. 

It sure is cold though - and there is a breeze. 

Yesterday I went to annual training at my church for those of us who are greeters, ushers, and security.  We went over what we are to do, during fires, earthquakes, etc. Then they talked about Bomb threats and Active shooters and those topics were a first. I guess we do a lot more than just smile, open doors, and greet. They showed us how to access a situation, where the panic buttons are, showed us the 2 AEDs are at, and how to lock the big doors - they have a door clip on them and when to lock them and when to unlock them (like fires)  My husband was asked to join the security team. So I don't know what "they" know but something is going on. The head of security is a retired police officer from our town. So he would know. 

It is a sad reality, that our world is not safe and there are those who may want to harm others. I feel really good knowing more than I did the day before. I feel empowered. At least now, if something should happen, I know what to do and of course, we have many on duty so I wouldn't be doing all of this alone. 

I'm a protector-type personality. I should have been a cop! Or better, in the military but back when I graduated high school, it wasn't offered nor encouraged. That's probably one of my biggest regrets in life - that I wasn't able to serve my country or my community. 

So the best I can do, at my age is to serve my church - and protect the innocents -living out John 15:13. 

Does your church have security or security measures? 

 

On the edge of a storm and pets

Once again, we're going to be surrounded by a significant winter storm very soon.  Heck, we could even see some of the white stuff here! That would be fun and is what everyone around here is praying for. To go up to the snow is one thing, but to have it delivered to us, where we can look out our windows and see it, is another and it's rare. So yeah, we're praying for snow. 

Crazy though - just the last couple of days, we were enjoying a warm Spring. Trees are budding, and flowers are blooming. 

As I post this, there are strong winds whipping around - It wiped me good as I was driving home from bible study. I'm glad I no longer have to be out in this. I've already been hearing of downed trees, and utility lines. 

I have to wonder, where will this storm go after it is finished with us? 

Timmy

A friend called last night to ask us, if we wanted to take on their elderly parent's cat, knowing that I have always been a cat lover. My husband looked at me and I firmly said, "NO." I don't even want to see the cat - because then I will start second-guessing myself. I tend to have a weakness for cats and dogs but especially cats. The best we could do was offer him our pet carrier and encourage and guide him as to the best way to make the cat adoptable. It always hurts my heart, when someone has to give up an animal. I already pay out medical insurance for my one cat and one dog which keeps going up and up every year. 

Timmy

Back in 2012, my husband brought home this cute cat - 1-year-old and my son named him Timmy. We had him 6 mos and then, a coyote got to him. Broke my heart. 

I adopted this dog - Daisey Mae - who was hours away from being euthanized. She was an elderly dog but absolutely the sweetest dog. I was blessed to have her in my life for 2 years. 

This little booger is my Susie; named after my best friend, Susie who passed away suddenly at the age of 59. If there is such a thing, she is an "alpha cat" She wants to be the only one. She has accepted the dog and I don't want to push her. 

Yes, I have a co-dependent relationship with my animals. 

Laydee

Right now I am content - with the 2 pets I have. It works. To bring another new pet in, could muck up the cohesiveness we have as a "family." 

They both bring significant joy into our lives and I can honestly say, they make us laugh out loud, several times a day. 

So what happens when it's their time to cross over the rainbow bridge? 

I've said before, right after, that I cannot do this again...but within a few days, I realize that hole in my heart can only be filled by an animal to love and spoil. 

Both Laydee and Susie are in good health and just turned 9 years old. No doubt Laydee will go before Susie. It's hard for me to even say that - I get tears in my eyes. 

Oh, it's a curse to love animals as I do. 

Have a great evening - 

Regards, 

Debby

The Joss House Museum

 

After the Temple tour, we went into the small museum that is now open. 

On the patio area, they had almond cookies, several types of teas, and art and crafts for children. Occasionally we'd hear the drum of the Lion Dragon as it winded its way through the streets. 

“a thousand days at home are good; a day away from home is hard.”

Confucius 

Many Chinese immigrants believed that they would return to their homeland to die. However, not all succeeded. The development of a practice called the repatriation of bones evolved out of a desire to have their bodies returned to their ancestral home for two primary purposes; the performance of time-honored cultural rituals and to be buried in China’s soil near their ancestors.

Only one known grave remains; that of Sam Lee who wished to remain in Weaverville after his death. His grave remains in the care of the Lee family.

It's always sad to know, these truths when you study history. 

Greed and Gold rush fever! 

A pretty and very heavy lantern.

This coming weekend is the Bomb Day celebrations at Marysville, Ca - Unlike Weaverville, the Marysville community still has a large Chinese population. 

That is one thing I noticed about Weaverville - I only saw a handful of people with Chinese ancestry. Maybe it's because it is in the mountains - I don't know. Thankfully the community desires to keep the traditional and historical content of their town. 

I have always enjoyed Chinese cultural events and especially the FOOD! 

 Just a 2-hour drive south! 

If nothing comes up, we just might attend. 

A very old abacus left behind. 

Warm hat from the Qing Dynasty. 

So that was it - So much more to see and history to learn about. 

We've been having some beautiful warm spring weather. It's 77 right now. I was out and about earlier - finally got in to get my hair trimmed. Every day was getting to be a "bad hair day." 

"They" are saying that the weather will start changing - a cold front is moving down from Alaska - and we might see some snow here in the valley, starting Wednesday evening. and through Saturday. I won't hold my breath. 

It would be fun though - I love it when we get snow here - everybody goes outside and plays. We just don't get to see it from the perspective of our own home. That's cozy! So I will try and plan a cozy meal - just in case. 

source: RMK Photography

UPDATE:

Egg #1 has been damaged and is no longer viable. They suspect either magpies or that Liberty knew and that is why she took off for hours on Valentine's Day. Apparently poor Gaurdian had no clue as he nested for a long time, waiting for her return. 

However, Liberty did lay another egg - 

The big question: will there be another egg or is this it, for the 2023 season? 

Take Care and hope you had a good day -

Debby

The Temple of the Forest Beneath the Clouds

 

Yesterday was the Chinese New Year celebration at the Joss House (a temple where Chinese gods were kept and worshipped was called a joss house) in the small mountain town west of us, Weaverville, Ca. It had been closed for three years due to the pandemic and lockdowns. It was our first time visiting it on the inside. We've walked around the grounds before. 

The temple is the oldest continuously used Chinese temple in California. 

This Taoist Temple of Worship is now a California State Park 

Art objects, pictures, mining tools, and weapons used in the 1854 Tong War are on display. This Taoist temple is still a place of worship and a fascinating look into the role played by Chinese immigrants in early California history. 

The front of the building, painted bright blue to replicate the color of the sky, a symbol of heaven to the Chinese, has white lines that resemble the tile work of similar temples in China. On the temple roof sit two Chow Win Dragon Fish, once believed to keep wooden structures safe from fire.

The true historical significance of the Joss House is that during China’s Cultural Revolution, many of the old rural-style temples were dismantled or destroyed. The Weaverville Joss House is an intact and complete temple of that
era, which no longer exists in many parts of China.

The Temple is a house of worship, and services are not held in the same manner we are accustomed to in western Christianity. It is used by followers of Taoism to consult the gods on an individual basis.

The ornate wooden gate to the porch and the fanciful gables and cornices on the building reflects the Chinese presence

My photos do not give the beauty of the bright red and ornate gold trimmings, any favor. It was just so pretty and old. 

The door guardian 

Interesting tidbit

 Just beyond the very high thresholds of the entrance doors stand two more wooden doors—“spirit screens”—to keep out evil spirits. According to traditional Chinese belief, such spirits are unable to travel over barriers or around corners. The park instructor said that the evil spirits are lazy.

A very large lampshade - I bet this is beautiful at night. 

A closer look at the tapestry of that lampshade.

Okay at first, to me it reminded me of a face - with a red tongue...

Do you see it? 

It's not a face - This is an incendiary they use to burn the joss paper in the red envelope which is an offering conveyed into the spirit world through the fire’s smoke.

A red envelope with joss paper inside - traditional Chinese-Taoist practice that sends money and material goods to deceased relatives in the afterlife.

Made in China

A Gong 

The temple contains a wealth of religious artifacts brought to the area by the Chinese during California’s gold rush. The interior was made with wood and materials brought over from mainland China in the 1850s. 

The original one burned in a fire and once again, everything inside was transported from China including the wood. 

Except for the installation of protective railings and electricity, its interior has not been changed since 1874. 

Three ornately carved wooden spirit houses contain clay statues of male and female deities. An altar table holds candles, incense sticks, oracle fortune sticks, wine cups, and pictures of immortals painted on glass. 

A small wooden table holding food offerings sits in front of the altar, and a stone urn under the table offers beverages, including sweet plum wine. 

Beautiful arrangements of blossoms that I thought were so pretty. 

Flags and red envelopes

A look toward the altar - not very good lighting. 

Along the side walls, processional banners, drums, gongs, and association flags used in the Chinese New Year parades are displayed.

Looking upward - 

There are very small living quarters for the temple attendant and a very small boarding room with bunk beds for Chinese travelers attached to the temple building.

The Conference room

Hundreds of faded orange papers with the names of contributors and the amounts of their contributions for temple upkeep hang on the walls of the conference room. 

I had to laugh - imagine the contributions we give to the church were done this way? 

Do you think more people would give? 

A closer look 

We had a really nice time, learning about this temple we have driven by for years. Even as a child, when we would go up to these parts for camping, my folks never had the time to stop. 

More than 2000 Chinese men lived and worked here as gold miners, cooks, builders, and loggers. The Chinatown encompassed two blocks including the Joss house, the oldest in America, and one of two remaining Chinese-built, rammed-earth structures in California. 

For more historical information

https://www.historynet.com/chinese-immigrants-on-americas-western-frontier/

I hope you enjoyed my little visit to a Chinese Temple. 

Until next time, Take Care

Debby