Fridays with Jim and Ginger and family

This week it was a short drive to Valley Center to Bates Brothers Nut Farm!

Yes it is an old family favorite, especially this time of year. Lauri and family and Susann and family joined us. That made it lots of fun! It was about 90 degrees so it didn't really feel like autumn but that didn't stop us. We loved resting on the picnic tables in the shade when we needed a break.

Bates has been here ever since I can remember and just gets better each year. The highlight of the trip was the pumpkin patch where each kid found their ideal pumpkin. The little ones just wanted to play and it wasn't easy getting them out of there. I should have gotten a giant pumpkin for the front door, but didn't.

From there we went to the animals and bought 10 bags of food so everyone could feed the animals. Ducks, chickens, geese, goats, lambs, llama and horses were there for the feeding. Of course, everyone loved it and when the food was gone the kids picked up spilled corn from the dirt to continue the fun.

We stopped by the country store and controlled ourselves by just buying trail mix and nuts - leaving the fabulous candy alone. I don't think that was a good choice, but I will get another chance since we are going back to buy the stuff for my world famous fruitcake. I might even share that recipe this year (It is a family secret given to me by my Aunt Dorothy). They also had some wonderful decorations for Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Definitely will be going back.

Fridays with Jim and Ginger and Lynda

Yes, that's right this Friday we shared it with my sister, Lynda. Lynda came from Santa Rosa to spend the weekend with me. Actually it was to attend our niece Bethany's wedding. But I know it was really an excuse to see me. It was so much fun. We laughed and laughed. It is wonderful to get together again. It is interesting that no matter how much time passes we just pick up where we left off as if only a few days had passed rather than a whole year. We spent a lot of time together when our kids were growing up so we both love each others children. We love to hear what is going on with everyone. So what do sisters do when they get together? -----They Shop! Where do they Shop? You got it! So for our Friday adventure we headed to our favorite store.

The shopping was great, a perfect way to spend an afternoon. It was particularly funny, don't know why; it just was. Even the sales lady was having fun. We both got new tops for the wedding and then let Jim join us at the Brigatine for a yummy dinner. We all licked our plates clean and of course saved room for dessert.

And the wedding was beautiful, Bethany was a knockout. See Lynda's blog for more photos.


Next time we are going to buy twin outfits and have 2 desserts!