Another Fourth at The Lake and Lucy

At Pine Mountain Lake, where the "McKinney Relaxin' Shack" is, the Fourth of July (Independence Day) is THE big holiday, when the normally placid beaches fill up with throngs. Normally, we lay low. But this year, our friends Lisa & Eric joined us (unexpectedly) and we were invited by our neighbors' family to go out on their boat and join the Boat Parade, another fine PML tradition in which folks festoon their boats and parade around spraying everyone else onshore and in other boats with squirt guns, partying, and generally making merry.

Apparently, there are even annual "themes" beyond the obvious red, white, and blue and other patriotic regalia; this year it was holidays. A canoe was made to look like a Thanksgiving turkey rowed by pilgrims and Indians. A prancing leprechaun, festooned in bright green with a red beard cavorted maniacally beneath a pot-o-gold terminated rainbow. Drinks were drunk and music was played. And, as my mother used to say: A good time was had by all.

Until the next day. Lucy awoke not her usual perky self, but lethargic and weak. She appeared to be in pain, and at times, she shivered. We were worried, and I had to return to work and our home in Aptos. Then, Lucy developed a swelling on her chest; Candice took her to the vet twice in Sonora (who unfortunately was leaving imminently). Then Candice decided to come home for a while and consult her usual vet.

Lucy seems to be getting better, but her temperature won't stay down. We're still worried.

Introducing: The Norman Sidecar

This is my own cocktail creation. It's a variation on the old-school classic drink, the Sidecar, but made with Calvados, apple brandy from the Normandy region of France. It's quite simple, but delicious, if I do say so myself.

Mix equal parts:

• Calvados
  
• Coitreau, Grand Marnier, or other triple-sec
  
• Fresh lemon juice
  

Pour over ice and shake. Serve "up" in a chilled martini glass. Garnish with lemon slice if you like.

I plan to make a few of these this summer up at The Lake House.

No rafting this year

We decided that since Colin's trip was so brief, and rafting would be a full, long day, we'd not do the rafting trip after all.

Candice and Juliet are going to Phoenix for our friend Suzanne's 50th birthday. I'm staying home to hold down the fort and keep working. Maybe have a little fun on my own if I can.

Rafting

Planning a one-day trip with my brother-in-law, Colin, and my mother-in-law, KB, on the Tuolumne River in June. This should be fun. I've rafted in New Zealand and Alaska, but--oddly enough--never in Califronia! And our lake house is less than an hour from the put-in. This is a world-class river. Wow!

The Dead

Bought tickets for The Dead at Shoreline tonight. Fourteen years later, I never thought I'd be saying that! Of course, it's not the Grateful Dead, with Jerry Garcia at the helm, but I expect they'll be able to evoke him, if not invoke him.

Going with m'pards Jay, Kelly, and Bob. Once more into the breach, dear friends, once more!

Hopefully, the aforementioned doomsday fears won't materialize. Ish....

Pandemic fears

We escaped Mexico just before the flu hit....not sure yet whether this is going to be a pandemic like 1918 or just a mild outbreak. I just keep thinking about The Stand, which starts with a flu-like disease spreading around the world.

All we can do is wait, watch, and hope. And if things start to look bad, prepare...

Back From San Pancho

Returned yesterday evening from San Pancho, Nayarit, Mexico, where we had been vacationing. We had a nice long stay there, and we're all still adjusting to being back home again.

And tomorrow's Easter, which is a pretty big deal for Juliet.... Candice and I just got finished playing Easter Bunny :-)