Introducing . . . BENTLEY

We haven't had a dog for nearly 20 years after enjoying a beautiful Golden Retriever (Krugerrand —nicknamed Kruggie) for fourteen years. After he died I never wanted another dog. Loosing Kruggie was as sad as loosing a member of the family and I didn't want to experience that ever again—until now. We've been toying the idea of bringing another dog into the family for a few months. We even spent two days looking for that perfect fit at a couple of shelters in Fresno. Unfortunately there were no dogs there for us. They were all too big, or to small, or a breed we didn't think we'd be happy with. When we came home last Saturday exhausted from the two-day search, I opened up my laptop and went to a local site where a new listing for a dog had just posted thirty minutes prior . . . the ad said "This four-month-old Cockapoo Puppy needs a quiet environment." I called the owner and arranged a meeting the next day . . . to make a longer story short we brought him home with us after spending no more than ten minutes getting to know him. And he's adorable, smart, and warming up to his new home.

 This is Bentley!

 The only fenced in part of our 4 acres is our garden area and Bentley loves going out, especially in the morning just after Ken has watered.

 Bentley is fascinated with everything growing in the raised beds . . .

 This is Bentley's favorite spot of all . . . right in the middle of the strawberry patch! We'll have to work on that.

Life is good!

50 Years Ago . . .

Ken and I said "I DO!"

"Dark Deeds at Swan's Place"

A wonderful volunteer cast of twelve are currently putting on a great show at the Golden Chain Theatre in Oakhurst. It will fun through the end of July, Saturdays and every other Sunday. If you haven't seen it, or even if you have, check out their website for tickets and schedule: goldenchaintheatre.org.

And the best part, as far as I'm concerned, is three members of my family are part of that cast of twelve. Ken is portraying both Captain Bermuda, and a minister; Jennifer is playing Augusta Van Gush, the high society member of the community of Monterey, CA; and Karah plays a Chinese girl named Tai Pan. I have never had an interest in acting, but it seems to be in the Ryder genes to enjoy being on stage.

Here are some pictures from the show. I do hope you can see it at least once before the next play starts in August or September. The quality of shows that have been appearing lately at the Golden Chain have been awesome!

I need to remind you that everything at the Golden Chain Theatre is done by volunteers . . . everything—including the design and building of this awesome set. Here is center stage, the interior of the local tavern in Monterey, Swan's Place.

Stage left: the holding cell for shanghaied sailors, bound for China.

The Heroin, played by Jessica Talley is being confronted by the three shanghai conspirators from left: "Rawhide" played by Jessica's real-life dad Gary Talley, Jason Turner plays the Villain "Montigue Leech" and on the right is Tawni Jackson who plays "Senorita Carlota Castinet de San Diego."

Ken and Jennifer a.k.a. Captain Bermuda and Augusta VanGush.

This scene is called "The Dream Scene" and that is Karah a.k.a. Tai Pan on the left.

August Van Gush has no respect for the likes of Montigue Leech!

Here is Ken playing the Preacher, try to get the marriage ceremony performed but has been rudely interrupted by somebody from the back of the house (cast member "Mother McGoof" played by Julie O'Brien) as she tries to stop the wedding.

It just makes me smile while I watch my precious family having so darn much fun on stage! I've attended every rehearsal and am still smiling . . . after this weekend there will only be six more shows left!

Life is good!

First Apricot Harvest

A year and a half ago we planted five fruit trees—two cherry trees, an apricot, nectarine, and a plum tree. The apricot is the first to produce fruit this summer. The other trees most likely will start next summer.

We were forced to pick them a bit early because the birds, even though we draped the tree in bird netting, figured a way to get in and start to devour the fruit. What you see here is the total fruit for this year.

This is this morning's batch, there are enough apricots left to do this once again tomorrow . . . a total of eight pints for the pantry and gifts.

Final count . . . 17 half-pints of delicious Apricot Jam!

Life is good!

With Love In Every Stroke

I had lots of fun painting a jewelry box for a graduation gift for Karah. When I paint for someone special it gives me great pleasure thinking about that person all the time I'm painting, remembering special moments throughout her life. I was there to watch her being born over eighteen years ago, and have spent lots of time watching her grow up to be the beautiful young lady she is today. We couldn't be more proud!

The afternoon of graduation we joined the family for dinner and gifts

The box is a nice size and will hold lots of treasures.

The mirror will come in handy.

Detail of the top.

On the underside of the drawer is an inscription to our sweet granddaughter.

Life is good!

Amazing Granddaughter

June 6 was a big day in the life of our family. Our first grandchild, Karah, graduated from high school with a big smile across her face, and tears of joy filled the eyes of her proud grandparents.

She's done well in high school, entering Minarets High School as a sophomore three years ago, after being home-schooled four years prior. She hit the dirt running, excelling in anything she touched. Karah loved meeting new friends, participating in FFA with her dairy goats as well as being a member of the Minarets' Parly-Pro team winning many ribbons and trophies as the teams "fifth chair" . . . at the same time keeping her grades up in her AP classes in preparation for college. She applied and has been accepted to attend Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in the fall. Way to go sweet Karah!
 

Each graduate rode in pairs sitting on the back seat of a vintage Ford Mustang, the mustang being Minarets' mascot!

Karah rode in with her buddy Breanna who is also attending Cal Poly in the fall. Look at their smiles!

Here she is coming to receive her certificate for her academic and leadership achievements . . .

. . . from the California Legislature!

We couldn't be more proud, Karah!

Here she is in this week's paper covering the graduation ceremony!

Life is good!

Knock On Wood . . . or So Far So Good!

This year we're determined to have a productive vegetable garden. Last year we couldn't keep up with the damage the "critters" caused . . . like gobble up each seedling as it made an appearance, or so it seemed. 

Things we've done different: built a fence around the perimeter of the garden area with small-size chicken wire buried a foot deep and extended up two feet and normal chicken wire going up to five foot level. The poles are six feet tall so if we need to we can install an electric fence to keep any mischievous deer at bay.

Ken caught a ground squirrel which must have squeezed under the gate and started nibbling on a couple of the cucumbers. So he figured out a way to stop that from happening again.

Ken showing me the first of, hopefully, many many tomatoes.

The screen "tent" will allow the zucchini plants to get established.

We've learned that birds LOVE sprouting corn, so now we have to cover the areas where new corn has been planted so that they can grow tall enough to be not so inviting.

 

First radish harvest.

Life is good!