4th of July in the Sierras

God bless America! We had a wonderful, safe and sane 4th of July. We didn't hear a single fire cracker or see a sparkler. The campground had a zero tolerance policy due to the high fire danger and also the fire companies cover such a large territory and there are so many fires in CA right now - we could not take any chances. I'm so glad everyone cooperated without complaining. We all have vested interests in this property and no one ignored the warnings that were posted along the roads. Way to go campers!

Buddy and I had a great time. Buddy is everyone's friend in the camp. People come rushing out to see and pet him as we take our long walks around the roads. I really miss walking Suzie with him, but he is beginning to make some other dog friends in the country. Particularly a little female that makes his ears perk up and he stands up taller and struts for her. His habits have changed a lot since we lost Suzie - but so have mine. He no longer pulls on the leash. He no longer pees on every twig and pine needle. I figure that was their little game of outdoing each other. He has taken her place on the chair with me. He always was at my knee, now he is on my hip. He always slept on the foot of the bed near my feet, while Suzie always was curled at my side. Now, he sometimes takes her place there. But, if it is warmer, he goes back down to the bottom of the bed.

Buddy got to ride in the Poker Run on Rea's golf cart. She was nice enough to invite us to be her guests and we had a great time laughing and getting confused and lost. Then we went to the barbeque where Buddy discovered there are a bunch of guys who make hamburgers and hot dogs right up the road, in walking distance from our campsite. Now he wants to go there all the time. (little does he know they only do this for holidays and annual meetings). Sally and Mel took Buddy in the annual golf cart parade. Not only was their cart decorated (you know Sally), but she also decorated Buddy. I'll post some pics tomorrow. Anyway, you can see he had a jolly 4th of July, the best one in his whole life.

The Photos: Sally and I are in the car surrounded by our yard sale finds! We barely fit in the car. The bikes are for rent in Murphys. The Frog with Cat and Sal is one celebrating Calaveras County Frog Jump. They are all around the county, each one unique. That's Sally and Mel with Buddy before he got dressed up for the parade. And that's a shot of the parade!

We came home this evening (Monday) having been gone since last Thursday. I could have stayed much longer had it not been for an appointment on Wed. Then, we are turning around and going right back up there for a few more nice days.

I hope you all had a joyous, jolly time too.