Sacramento, California: We have spent the past few day in Sacramento visiting family. No matter where we have been on this trip, a little rain cloud has followed us. Hoping to lose it by the time we get home.
We have been camped at the Cal-Expo RV Park - just a huge gravel parking lot with full-service 50-amp hookups. Though not too fancy, it offers a great location, close to a great grocer, and next to miles and miles of jogging/biking/walking paths.
We saw few people, many squirrels and birds, and for the first time - no homeless camps. We also noticed much of the brushy areas where people camped/lived have been cleared.
It was once again great to spend so much time with Gina and Brother Steve this summer and fall. They have been so generous hosting us twice on our long return car trips from Oregon the past several months. This time we were able to help with the cooking and menu - and since we had our own house with us, they didn’t have to prep their guest room.
They too have received many inches of rain, causing all sorts of havoc in Gina’s vegetable garden. Many of the tomatoes split, and it was difficult removing spent plants, while prepping for the winter crops of cabbages, cauliflower, etc. The squash, pumpkins and gourds were harvested to complete another gorgeous fall centerpiece.
Gina suggested grilling steaks, and I told her we had a big New York steak vacuum-sealed in our freezer. When Gina went to the market to shop for our meal, she asked the butcher for a big New York steak. Wow, did we have a good laugh when the two steaks met on a platter. She had purchased a steak the size of a roast:
PS: Gina and I asked Steve to cook some of this beef a little more!
Gina prepped mushrooms to accompany - and a tossed salad with greens from her garden. I bought herby roasted potatoes:
Key Lime Pie for dessert - and they sent us home with pounds of Key Limes from their orchard - so I will be baking a pie very soon. Gina also shared her recipe.
Steve brought out his guitar after dinner and we had ourselves a sing-a-long. (We=Steve and me.) This act may not be appearing on a stage near you anytime soon, but we sounded brilliant (to us). Steve even played a little Jimmy for me.
Next stop: Merced for Brother Billy’s birthday. Until my next update, I remain your Valley Girl correspondent.
The top photo of the squirrel on the tree would make a fun puzzle to put together. Great photo,
SueinJax: You must have a mean streak! 🙂