Carolers

Last night about 7:15 I answered the door and it was 6 carolers a-caroling. After they were done, they asked if they were to late for my parents. I told them, "No, you're too early, they're out square dancing." It was about 6 women - I think all from the neighborhood.

I realized later I should have grabbed the camera, but didn't think of it until much too late.

Christmas Decorations

Sorry for the poor photography, but thought I would show the AL house and neighbors. Guess which one is the AL house and which are the neighbors'?

My suggestion was just to stick up a menorah on the garage door and mezzuzah near the door and be done with it, but I was out-voted.

Bicycles

Above are the four bicycles that are currently at Alta Loma - the one next to the wall is my workhorse bicycle - Sharon gave it to me. It does have a few problems - the right shift (the one that makes the most difference has come unplugged (probably not the right word) so going up a hill of any size at all is a chore. It is an off-road bike - chunky wheels, heavy bike, but it is very sturdy. The bicycle bag on the front handlebars was about $12.00 at Target.

The second bike in is the one that Dad got free with the house - it doesn't work well and I have ridden it about a half a block. That was far enough.

The third bike seems to have possibilities - I've tested it a bit - maybe a block. The tires seem to hold air and the gears seem to shift. I got the bike, including the basket for $15.00 at the SCW thrift store. It is much heavier than Roberta's, but a little lighter than my workhorse bike.

The fourth bike is Roberta's REAL bike - it is by far the best, easiest, lightest, fastest, etc. of the bikes, but I don't like to ride it much as I don't like to leave it anywhere for fear it will get stolen.

I'm going computer shopping this afternoon with a client, so need to be a bit more research . . .

Alta Loma

The roof-mate right now is trimming up the grapefruit and orange trees in the backyard. I've chatted with him briefly and thanked him again. I did decide that something a little more tangible would be nice, so now have virtually no bread in the house - gave him most of what was left of the 100% whole wheat and also the mostly white plain bread. So, guess I'll be baking more bread this evening or tomorrow morning.

I've invited the Morgans and Kings over for a very simple brunch next week. Mainly breads and spreads. I may ask Morgans to bring some fruit salad and maybe the Kings some ice cream. (There is always room for ice cream. Still have Soy Delicious frozen ice-cream-like stuff.)

And then I suppose we will have to get together to celebrate Roberta's birthday (60, isn't it?). Anybody else up for Persian Garden?

Alta Loma

For more photographs click here.