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Just as Twain Harte went directly from Winter to Summer this year, could we jump from Summer to Winter, too? The first day of Autumn fell on September 23, 2011; here it is only October 2 and already our first seasonal storm is being predicted.

This Season’s First Winter Storm Watch

October 02, 2011 05:00 pm

Mark Truppner, MML Reporter

Two cold fronts will sweep across Northern California this week.

Breezy winds and rain showers will spread across the region Monday and Monday night. Snow levels may briefly drop to around 8500 feet by Monday night. Only a light dusting of snow is expected.

Temperatures Wednesday could drop to 40F at night, which could cause a dusting of snow even in Twain Harte.

Today was a lovely day with temperatures in the high 60′s and low 70′s, most who attended Oktober Fest were still comfortably sporting summer wear, with more of a layered look. The evening air gets pretty nippy this time of year. Oktober Fest appeared to have a nice turn out. We headed out too late on Saturday and we didn’t realize that they shut down at 5 pm, bummer.

We made it down to the park today around 3:30 pm, which is pretty late. I am happy to have made the effort to attend. We purchased a bottle each of Chipotle Lime Grill Marinade and Apricot Ginger Teriyaki Glaze from Yosemite Sierra Specialties - we can’t wait to try them out. We also picked up a 2# jar of Mountain Wildflower Raw Honey from Blossom Trail Honey. Did you know that…

Buying Local Honey

For allergies, buying local honey is far better for you than getting honey from out of the area. The reason for this is that you want to infuse your system with what you are allergic to. But, using reason, remember that flora have only certain boundaries. They are more limited to where they grow by region and elevation rather than locations that are close to one another. For example, if you are allergic to orange blossoms in southern California, you will have the same allergic reaction to them in the central valley. Also remember that any honey that is pure (straight from the comb) and raw (neither unheated nor pasteurized) helps to build up your immune system, which will also defend you against allergies. [Learn More...]

Honey is a natural sweetener that can be used many ways and it has so many health benefits. If you use honey, remember to seek out local honey, to make the most of the health benefits — the reasons are more than just economics. If you don’t use honey, consider picking up a jar and start using it in place of sugar. Just one word of warning about honey, Blossom Trail Honey reminds us…

Feeding Infants Honey

Because of the presence of botulinum spores in honey, children under one year of age should not be given honey. Older children and adults generally destroys the spores. Infants, however, can contract botulism which can cause sickness or death.

Did you attend Oktober Fest 2011?

We would have hung around a little longer but the music was so loud you couldn’t hear anything, so you couldn’t talk to the vendors comfortably. We really struggled to stay as long as we did. The music was so loud, it was even drowning out the singers. Someday perhaps they will figure out that louder does not equate to better.

What did you enjoy the most?

Fall has always been my most favorite time of year. The days are still warmer than I like but the evening air is cool and brisk. As an added treat the past two night have brought not only a gentle, if brief rain, but thunder storms.

Topaz Lake

Tonight, locals were treated to lightning as well. Look eastward, you can see the dark, foreboding sky and you just know Kennedy Meadows is having some rough weather. The change in weather put a welcome damper on weekend hoopla.

If you plan to be out and about after dark, remember to pack a sweater. If you forget, the Twain Harte Pharmacy carries sweaters, jackets and much more — just remember they close at 7:00 p.m., maybe even earlier on Sundays and holidays. (Call for hours and directions (209) 586-3225.)

Thunderstorms are the one thing I missed since moving from Michigan to California. If the strong winds and lightning continues, we could experience sporadic power outages. The power surged while we were ordering dinner at the Twain Harte Pizza Factory tonight, but it came right back on again. It was off long enough to reboot the computer. Time to hunt down those candles; it never hurts to be prepared.

It’s currently 61° and the landscape appears to almost glow because of the recent rains. Be sure to get outside and enjoy the cooler weather. During a thunderstorm electronics should be turned off — unplug them if possible.

Related articles

• Motherlode Area Calendar of Events (localhs.com)
• Eastern Sierra Nevada Fall Colors (sierravisionsstock.com)
• Fall Colors of Nevada City (www.sierranevadageotourism.org)

Whitetail Buck Image by funpics47

When we returned from our trip to Modesto on Tuesday, we used the upper driveway for the first time since it was paved, the ‘Beca was loaded down with people and camping gear.

We had been shopping for a mess kit and tent, since 0ur son and his friend will be doing a three day camping trip with other young men from the Twain Harte Chapel in the Pines — and they are very excited.

Just moments after the ‘Beca came to a stop, I pushed my door open, arms loaded, headed for the house and just about ran smack dab into a huge buck, standing stately near the edge of the driveway, I am sure he was wondering if I was going to stop. All I could think was, “darn, darn, darn, here is this magnificient buck standing just feet in front of me and me without a camera!” He stood tall and proud, his rack was large, at least 10, maybe 12 or even 14 points.  I was too numb to think, move, speak and especially…count.

Much to my surprise standing not two feet behind him was yet another buck. This one was much younger than the first. Both bucks stood motionless for the longest time. Have you ever sat and watched deer? They can stay still for an amazingly long period of time.  I headed for the house and when I turned around to get one last look before opening the door, they had vanished.

For the past several weeks all I’ve seen in the yard are does. We have two that visit regularly — since we haven’t mowed the weeds in our yard. (Don’t judge, it’s a BIG yard!) The deer love the vegetation and I’m happy to let them have it – I just wish they would eat more of it. Faster.

Put it this way, we could have a mountain lion living in the front yard and no one would ever know.  We have some pretty dense vegetation out there. I keep hoping some industrious young man will show up and offer to mow the grass and clean up the yard for me, but so far that hasn’t happened. I asked for a quote from some men who were working nearby but they wanted $800 to clean it up. Wow! It’s not that bad and for that price the mountain lions can stay.

I’m keeping my eyes open for those bucks to return but it could be at least a month before they make their way back here again. They seem to operate on a cycle and I believe they only came down the mountain because our temperatures have been cooler than usual. I expect them to wander back up to the high country once the summer heat hits us again.

Lily Mae update

Lily Mae gave me quite a scare yesterday. Try as I may, I could not get her to eat or drink anything (not that she is eating yet), nor was she using the litter box. This morning was another story. She had three small meals this morning and afternoon. She actually stayed awake for several hours this morning.

She is resting now and appears to be healthy and happy. I will be happy when she starts eating regular food. It’s been 14 years since I had to warm bottles and mix formula. I forgot just how much work it can be.

Take it slow folks and watch for the wildlife. If we don’t protect them, then who will?

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