Fun Trip to Big Pine

When my sister Patty retired nearly two years ago, she and Harold sold their home in Southern California and moved into their new home in Big Pine. Located directly on the other side of the Sierras from us in the Owens Valley, Big Pine would be so much easier to get to from our place if we were birds. But since we're not, it's a six-hour drive. There is a more direct route over the Tioga Pass, but the pass is closed due to the snow. This time of year we have to drive quite a way south, then west, and then north (nearly 360 miles) . . . and as my grandson JD says . . . "That's one big U-turn!"

Last summer my mom moved from Fresno over to Bishop so she could be closer to Patty (the retired R.N. in the family). We went to see Mom in her new assisted-living place, where she seems to be adjusting quite well (although she's not eating much and has lost a lot of weight which does cause us concern). While we were there she didn't want to do anything except take her naps, however Patty and I got her to sing some favorite songs with us, which was a joy for my sister and me. She lay on her bed with her eyes closed and sang along with us, sometimes even in harmony like she did so well when we were kids. She's going to celebrate her 89th birthday on the 14th. We haven't seen her in a while, and wanted to give her our love before we go on our cruise next week.

The mountains that surround the Owens Valley are beautiful and majestic. Absolutely gorgeous!

By the squinting of my eyes you can see that it was quite a sunny but chilly and windy day!

The four of us have a good time when we get together.

And we all love playing Pegs and Jokers.

Life is good!