Thank You Aunt Sis....

Hey Everybody!! Another Friday, another set of adventures with Ruby. She's exploring her world. Sometimes with both hands free, yet still carrying things (you should see her impression of a parent *a-hum!* talking on the phone while multi-tasking. She's got the phone-shoulder cradle action down to a science - scary! ).

Anyway, her Aunt Sis, aka KJ or Kim to us sibs, and her cousin Jess, sent her this really nice purple outfit recently. She looks great in it and of course her mama likes it with its shades of color and polka-dots.

Hope everything's good in your world!!

Ruby checks in Sunday afternoon...

Another blessed day in the Sierras! Last weekend had me visiting my old stomping grounds around Three Rivers. Originally I was going to Mineral King, but a sitting with the sky informed me that rain was likely, the day short and my hiking partner not necessarily up to a uber-demanding hike (sometimes just what I like....). So we stopped at the fire road up to Case Mountain, which something I've been wanting to explore for more than a quarter century (no joke folks). It was worth the wait with beautiful vantage points, excellent weather for the altitude and great connecting with my buddy Jon. You never know what else you might encounter.......

Keio, Mamady, and I are going to Africa!!

Keio, and Mamady "Wadaba" Kourouma came to Santa Cruz about two weeks ago. It was great to see them again. They have both been West African drumming teachers for me of the Malinke tradition, and that Sunday, Wadaba taught a new, and somewhat complicated, rhythm. Please don't ask me to recreate it - my memory's SO bad!

About a month ago I decided to go back to Guinea with them on their annual visit to Wadaba's village of Oroko. I leave December 12th. And while I'm gone, I've got a friend staying with the critters and keeping the plants alive. I'll be in Casablanca for 12/13, my birthday. Unfortunately I won't get to see the city as I'll be waiting for my connecting flight to the Guinean capital of Conakry. I'll stay there for a week or so, and then we travel to Oroko, about 10 days there, more time in Conakry, and then return mid-January. Wish me luck!!

Happy Halloween y Dia de los Meurtos.

Friday started out with Ruby and the rainy coast that is Santa Cruz. Her ladybug raincoat and booties were perfect - roomy enough for this winter season for her to grow into.







And after the beach and her nap, there was time for play indoors, where Harold the Cornsnake had a chance to come out and socialize. He was full of mouse and very docile.























And finally we went to downtown Santa Cruz to meet up with her Mama and Nana.
The bunny and carrot -
quiet endearing.....