Kayaking

On our recent trip to visit family in SoCal, we got together a few times to go kayaking and paddle boarding at the local lagoon. With the temperatures in the high 60's, the ocean breezes at rest, and the week off from work and school responsibilities, the days allowed for plenty of family fun.


I actually did get much further from shore, though it looks like I stayed in ankle deep water!! The tide was exceptionally high this day giving us a rare opportunity to explore areas of the marshes that are usually inaccessible most of the time. Narrow fingers of water extended through acres of tall sea grasses that abounded with various kinds of shore birds. A very peaceful, delightful time of solitude on the water.

Calle thinks she should go along too!

This is as close to the water #6 wanted to get!



Gus enjoyed the time away from the office. His sidekick, my sister's dog, thought she would go along for a swim.

The Bug, as we like to call her, was our motivator for getting out there on the lagoon. She encouraged us to rent paddle boards the previous day. We had a great time trying that!!

Wes enjoying his journey

My sis who looks incredibly similar to me!! People still get us mixed up!

Beautiful November weather

A New Chapter

Here is a guest blog from my niece about my mom's condition. It's very special to see how each and everyone of us has a unique contribution as we walk through this illness with her.

Here's Mom visiting her older sister for her sister's 90th birthday. The visit was a surprise for my Aunt which made the day that much more fun and happy!! We took time to take lots of photos.


Here Mom poses with her sis and her younger brother.

Me, Mom, Aunt, my Sis and Bro.

Last night she did great. Got up 3 times. I checked on her a few times.

She woke up around 6am then I woke up pretty much minutes after I asked her a couple questions She said " I can't hear you I can't find my hearing aid!" LOL

I said they are on your floor I saw them there last night. " She said I know I have one I can not find the other one"

I went and found it for her and she said " Yvonne hates touching them because they look like guinea pigs."

I thought that was kinda funny.

They do look like some sort of small animal just being birthed.

Then Yvonne came in around 7 and Whipped up a few protein smoothies for us and whooshed out.

I was actually in my morning daze quite impressed with the speed at which she not only made Grandma smoothies but then rinsed the blender out, wiped down the blender and headed out the door.

For a micro second I had this epiphany " oh that is how you keep your house clean"

Grandma had some nausea. Apparently after she lays down when she gets up her tummy is un easy. Or maybe its just a morning thing.

I got her some pepto. she ate some Ritz. ( felt a little guilty at this point: as we ate pretty much all of her crackers not knowing she needed them in the morning)

I told her I would go get more Ritz. Yvonne said OH and get the bendy straws!

Then a about 20 minutes later Aunt Muffy came in.

Said her good mornings to Grandma. Checked in

She got Grandma all of her Morning Meds.

By the time I returned from the store around 9:30 Aunt Muffy had all Grandmas appointments lined up.and had her bile catheter bag emptied.

I started putting a cupboard full of crackers away AND DAMNIT I forgot the bendy straws!

But so far where we are at is to my understanding is.

Grandma was unofficially informed that she had Pancreatic Cancer.

The instructions from the Hospital were to call Monday to set up an appointment. Muffy did.

Wed she has appointments to officially find out the news, to remove the stint, and to hopefully find out the results of her biopsy. The Cancer Center called and I put Muffy on the phone. She set up the appointment with them for the 8th.( I know that sounds like its really far away but it really was the soonest she had and Grandma is first on the list for any cancellations.)

On the 8th She sees an oncologist. This will be to lay out how to tackle the problem and how much time Grandma does have.

Aunt Muffy handled those calls perfectly. Aunt Ceil , Uncle Joe, and Aunt Yvonne were able to set Aunt Muffy up with enough info to confidently pull off those calls. I say this because I did not feel informed enough to pull them off my self. Also Aunt Muffy read the Hospital instructions which were just a little different than what everyone remembered.

So now that all that was tackled we just mothered Grandma all day.

The first part of the day was super quite.

She ate lunch around 12. She had a 3/4 of a grilled cheese sandwich.

Then around 2:30 when she fell asleep it was like one visitor after another.

Aunt Muffy was having to turn away lots of folks.

It was ironic that as soon as she fell asleep everyone started coming. I turned off her ringer let her sleep we asked everyone to let her rest. Everyone did and graciously too.

Around 4 she awoke to tons of company and Skype with Uncle Thom.

Everyone was in full force. Visiting, loving her and noticeably staying strong.

I found joy in that.

I also notice that poor Grandma is getting worn out.

Here is my advice to all of you. Coming from an outsider looking in.

We are a family of workers, doers. We get stuff done. We like to get stuff done. We show love by what we can accomplish.

I mean not exclusively but partly.

I have watched you all and you all have different approaches. And really you all compliment each other quite nicely to be honest.

You all have your rolls in this and its quite amazing to watch.

I am just hear to support and do what it is you need from me.

But sometimes the visits they are too much.

I think we all should be good about being over there just a couple at a time. At least during her recovery.If she wants to talk let her if she is quietly watching tv let her do that too.

She is taking pain meds and can not concentrate.

She nods off about every 3 hours fighting taking a nap or resting.

I think its hard for her to be present for a long period of time . So maybe just sitting with her and not talking too much would help with that too I guess.That way she does not have to focus on staying awake too much.

She really does fight the nap and falling asleep.

I think we get our stubbornness from her.

If any of you all want super special time. I would suggest humbly you sleep over at her house to help her.

There is this moment at 6 ish that she wakes up and its just you and her.

Its quite.

I just sat with her. I let her talk.

I let her share her stories and frustrations.

It was nice.

I was able to fulfill taking care of her, sitting with her, and watching her get excited over the tennis match.

As if this was just another visit and we were just catching up. I did not fuss over her too much just quietly got up asked hey While I am up you want_______?

She would say sure please get me my ________.

She shared how special everyone has been.

How everyone has been so great. She actually loves having everyone around. But she also expressed getting tired. Especially during the evening.

She has lower abdominal cramping that makes her feel guilty for needing pain pills. Luckily I had read the article I will link at the end of this and was able to share a sentiment I found.

It help her accept that its okay to need them.

She is most happy about everyone finally being together .

I admire how you have all handled family dynamics in her company.

really with each other too.

That disagreements have not proven to equal disrespect. That the love you all have for each other and for grandmas desires shines through more than anything.

Its heartwarming.

The best times to visit are:

Between 8:30 am and 12:30

1-3:30 she is pretty sleepy

4-7:30ish

because around 8 she gets pretty tired and by nine she is nodding off.

I love you all and this is just my perspective on things.

I figured while I am staying with her I will email reports.

You know, since I have to do something this can be my contribution.

Ask away at anything you want to know and I will fill you in if I have the information.

Love always,

Jennifer

p.s I do not have everyone's email so please forward to whom you like

And I am also sorry this is a bit rambly. Its hard to get all the important stuff to everyone.

I just really appreciated the texts coming up north.

So let me know if you want to also be taken out of this thread.

Stay tuned. Tuesdays report will be much shorter. Its a free day. ;) No calls to make no Doctors appointments. It should be restful for her.

Article I found helpful.

http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2010/08/02/100802fa_fact_gawande?currentPage=3

Mike Downey in control of Humboldt County sheriff's race; early indications point to victory

Matt Drange/The Times-Standard

Posted: 06/09/2010 06:44:39 AM PDT

Click photo to enlarge

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If early indications are correct, Mike Downey will be the next sheriff of Humboldt County.

Preliminary results have Downey with just under 67 percent of the vote, well ahead of opponent Mike Hislop, who checked in with 33 percent. The numbers were the latest available shortly before midnight, and came largely from absentee ballots with 40 of 132 precincts reporting.

Downey was celebrating the apparent victory with his campaign team at the Elks Lodge in Eureka.

”I'll say what I've said all along, and that's that we are gonna win this thing,” Downey said. “I believe that was always going to be the case.”

Downey, 54, has worked in the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office for 24 years, and has served as undersheriff since 2006. He lives in Fortuna with his wife and six children.

”I have a great committee that worked very hard spreading the word, and tonight the public is speaking,” Downey said. “I have the experience, and that's the difference.”

Downey's campaign manager Dave Walker said he couldn't ask for more at the time of preliminary results.

”We felt that we had this thing in control all along,” Walker said. “The last week we've pretty much just been on cruise control.”

At the Best Western Humboldt Bay Inn on the other side of Eureka, Hislop was optimistic at his campaign party, and said that it was still too early to tell. Hislop, 45, was with the Eureka

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Police Department for 25 years and has spent the last three years as the chief investigator for the District Attorney's Office.

”I'm feeling good,” Hislop said. “We just have to wait and see -- we still have 100 precincts that need to come in.”

The budget of the Sheriff's Office became a key campaign issue when Hislop contended that it ran over by $1.4 million last year.

”These are tough economic times,” said Hislop, who added that fiscal responsibility is huge. “Right now we need to just weather the storm.”

Downey said that it was simply a misunderstanding of how the budget process works, and that the office actually came in just $279,000 over.

”We beat that horse dead,” Downey said. “The truth of the matter is that the deficit was the result of a decrease in revenues that we could not anticipate.”

Downey said that if he wins, he plans to expand services to Humboldt County residents by maintaining six resident deputies that will each patrol a different area of the county. Other points to work on include hiring more deputies and getting a core staff together, he said.

Incumbent Gary Philp decided not to run for re-election this year, and endorsed Downey for the position. Philp's term ends on Dec. 31, when the new sheriff will take over.

”The day that he (Gary Philp) walks out the door I want to have a natural, smooth transition,” Downey said.

Downey was confident as his campaign party drew to a close, and said that once other precincts such as Fortuna and McKinleyville came in, he felt his lead would either stay the same or increase.

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At a Glance: Preliminary results with 30 percent of precincts reporting

Mike Downey: 67 percent

Mike Hislop: 33 percent

Campaign signs

Throughout these long months of campaigning, part of the necessary duties involves recruiting friends, acquaintances and just about anyone who will accommodate us, to put up a campaign sign on their property. With this being a county wide election and Humboldt County being a huge county, well, you can just imagine what an undertaking this is!! Thankfully, we have a fantastic group of guys on our sign committee that have been working evenings, weekends and virtually every spare moment that they have, putting up Downey signs anywhere they have permission. This is a photo of one of the signs at our summer spot along the Avenue of the Giants in Miranda. Thanks to M & J for supporting our candidate!!
We have been working very diligently and steadily for the past 5 months, meeting people, listening to their concerns and seeking their support and now we are down to the final 10 days. We have been getting lots of positive support from the public and are anticipating a final outcome of Mike as our Sheriff - elect this June!
We are so humbled by the time and efforts that our friends and committee members have invested in this campaign and hope that, somehow, each and every one of you will know just how much we appreciate your hard work!!
Election Night will be here in a few short days with a victory close at hand!!

Down to the Final Few Weeks!!

The election is wrapping up here in the next few weeks. So far the numbers look good! Some straw polls show the percentages at about 68/25 favoring Downey, with 7% undecided. We are receiving such wonderful support from the community, encouraging us about Downey's ability to serve as our next Sheriff. We are hoping for a landslide victory!!! Here is a local article highlighting Downey's abilities and experience to take on the task of running this vast department. I like the part where he says the difference between his own abilities and his opponent's is like the difference between abilities of driving a battleship and a motorboat, respectively!! The comments section of the article provides more kudos for our candidate that give an insight to just what the public is saying about this political race. There is another article in the same publication that covers the opponent's political platform. The comments on that article are quite telling!! It's good to know some insights into an individual's character before voting for him/her instead of relying on the campaign rhetoric that they spew out throughout the months and weeks preceding an election! Thanks for all the support and encouragement from all of you during this campaign endeavor!! We truly appreciate every bit of it!!

Forums

One of the requirements of running for a public office is standing head to head with your opponent and defending your positions on various controversial issues. Gus has done such an excellent job of providing the voters of Humboldt County with a sound understanding of some of the critical issues in the Sheriff's Office that affect their lives on a daily basis. Here is a link to one such Forum that was televised on one of the local stations. Just to give you an insight into the type of situations he has to endure in order to fulfill his calling to finish out his long, committed career in law enforcement.
It lasts about an hour, so if you don't get through it all, I can certainly understand!!! Some of it is rather dry and difficult to sit and listen to, but I'm sure that these same types of issues are critical in your own communities as well.
Go Mike! I believe in you!! And I know that you will be the best man for the job of Sheriff of Humboldt County!!

PromNight

Wesley and some of his friends got together to go to the Jr./Sr. Prom Saturday night. Wes prepared a fantastic dinner for them to enjoy. He prepared Chicken cordon bleu, pasta alfredo, salad, and for dessert, I made them a berry cobbler and Gus brought ice cream. I've told Wes many times over the years that he should consider going to Chef school. He is very comfortable and creative in the kitchen!!
With table set, candles lit, and a serenade from Jeff Buckley on the ipod, the rest of the family took off for a few hours and let them have some time without the parental units there watching!! The dinner looked great, the girls were beautiful, and the guys were dapper!




These are the other guys giving Wes a dude send off!!

Rhododendron Parade: Downey for Sheriff and Maher Mountain Shires

We have some very dear friends of ours that have a team of beautiful Shires and a red shiny wagon!! When they asked us if we'd like to join them in the Rhododendron Parade, we jumped at the chance. We gathered up a "team" of our own and walked the parade route, passing out candy and "cop cards" and flyers!! We had a great time. We woke up to drizzling skies, but the wind blew off the cloud cover and the sun came out just enough to keep us warm and the horses cool.






Some of our wonderful campaign crew!! Thanks all!

I thought we looked amazing!! These horses are such professionals! The only thing that startled them was the clowns that we walked past!! I know just how they feel.....

Yeeeee Hawww!





We even had beautiful little girls and babies with plump rosey cheeks to kiss!

Another Wedding!!

Second wedding of the year has come and gone. Previous posts have mentioned the craziness of marrying off two daughters in the course of 6 weeks!!! Here are a few photos of our oldest daughter and her new husband!!










Blessings and Congratulations to them as they begin their new life together!

Campaign Update

So just to keep everyone up to date on the campaign happenings, I have this wonderful article to share. Also, last night, Gus did an interview with KMUD radio which you can listen to here. Just scroll down to the "Jazz and Jams" event Wednesday, March 10 and click the play button. There is a few minutes of Jazz music and some announcements and then the interview with the Sheriff Candidate begins. So far life on the campaign trail is going absolutely fantastic! It's really nice to hear so many positive things spoken about my husband. He has gotten endorsements from many high level county officials and local names. We are anticipating a big win June 8th!!!!

Just a glimpse of Humboldt

Here's a fantastic video of some of my favorite places and favorite people in Humboldt County. The beautiful girl on the horse is my daughter! This is a promotional movie for Humboldt that includes all kinds of wines, cheeses, grass fed beef, etc. I was asked to be in it too, but I had a trip to Hawaii planned at the same time they were going to be doing the filming! Bummer. My only chance at fame!! I was to be the mom in the scene of the family barbecue where the gal combs the little girl's hair!! Hope you enjoy seeing the beauty of the Northcoast of California as much as I enjoy living here! These images are filmed at one of my most favorite spots in the county. Absolutely beautiful in the spring time!


The Famous Imagio!!

Eric & Jo's Wedding Day

Miss Jo Jo

Mom and Jo

Dad & Jo









The setting at the Benbow Inn was gorgeous; such a magical place! The sun came out just long enough for us to take some stunning pictures.

All of our children. We are all 6 ft or taller except for the wedding couple!




To all of our family and friends, we wish that you all could've been here to celebrate with us. The couple wanted a very small, intimate affair with just immediate family and then have a big reception later this summer, around July. We will send out announcements soon with a save the date.