June 7, 2015

I was drugged last night – I just know it.  Despite knowing what was taking place today, I couldn’t get out of bed.  Even Mabi – who had somehow snuck in and was my bed companion for the first time ever – wasn’t moving a hair.  I’m suspecting there was thing placed in the AC vents (there aren’t any AC vents, but it sounds terrific).  I had received word back from an old high school friend who had recently moved to Costa Rica that it was pouring rain.  HOW DID I MANAGE THIS???  I called the hotel – who said that it had just started raining yesterday and only at night, but several reports showed rain all week.  Tiffany, my friend, said if all failed, she could get me a house on the Pacific side.  We shall see….

Eventually Ethan walked in to my room, which meant it was time to get moving. I rolled on out of bed, already on my third cup of coffee, and went to wake Mags.  There was stuff to do and things to get got.  The first place was Get the House in Order.  Somehow we fare better under pressure – except for Ethan, my beloved little sloth.  He is on his own time frame, especially as of late.  That kid is a trip.  Since he had left his phone at his dad’s house, we needed to get down there, but first, a trip to AT&T to pay a bill, figure how the hell I keep getting texts that “I have gone over my allotted GB amount again and to move up to 6 GB.  Sure enough – I was given a different story yet again at the store.  I give up.  We headed to another store to get an SD card for Mags, earbuds for Ethan & a neck pillow for me.  Off to go pick up Ethan’s cell phone and we are Good.To.Go.

Once home, I was amazed at how Maggie had straightened the kitchen, counters, house, etc.  I know – it is, theoretically, an easy concept, cleaning, but I get caught in such a never-ending circle of emotion and memory.    It’s a tricky thing for me.  Plus, there’s the “where does this belong.”  At the last minute, I remembered to print out boarding passes and then off to drop Lizzie off so the installation of the new <whateverit’scalled> could be installed.  I met Gary, the man who has semi-adopted Lizzie (he is the mechanic who works on her the most), and my heart was happy.

The trip to San Francisco was short – I drove (80 mph) and traffic was fine until we hit the Bay Bridge.   From there on, it was touch-and-go, due to an accident but WAZE convinced us we would be there shortly. We exited at the Delta terminal and said our goodbyes.  It wasn’t until we had checked our luggage that Ethan realized…he had left his backpack in the back of the car.  Fortunately, we still had 2 hours until takeoff, the trick was seeing if Carolene would answer the phone or text.  I had faith.  We decided to head on through security – Ethan was searched (they must not rust his new “yes Ma’am” attitude, wither, and had JUST gotten to our gate when Carolene texted!!  I got the kids to a different terminal where there was a wider food selection (and some really good food), got them dinner and headed back to the gate we were dropped off to wait for Carolene.  I had no idea how long it would and was trying to establish when she had first responded when I saw her pull up.   With gratitude pouring out of my mouth, I handed her money for gas, etc and grabbed Ethan’s backpack – snaked through security and found the kids, e njoying themselves in the kid’s zone.  Kids are kids.  Boarding would take place in 7 minutes, so with half of my burger eaten, we walked back to our terminal.

The flight to LAX was terrific – we were in back, I got a whole row to muself, we had an amazing flight attendant named Laverne (!)  and I secretly created a story about the guy sitting across from me – he was a back[packer who had gone on a solitary thruhike.  I think I’ll create a short story about him.  LAX was in her shining glory and we didn’t wait long until we were boarding our next flight – where I was surrounded by bodybuilders.  The kids and I exchanged glances as dread coursed through my body.  “Dude” next to me was talking far too loudly – his phone kept going off and then he played the first notes of the well-known Frank Sinatra song.  It was the Four Stooges as they treated all of us to their plans for the next few days.  While filling out the immigration form – he announced that he had put his home address under “Place you are staying.”  Thank god it is only a 5 hour flight.

Pictures:  The kids playing in SFO's kid area; Ethan and his jaw-breaker, L.A. at night - miles of city; Costa Rica the next morning.

July 6, 2015

A long sleep – no dogs, no kids, no nothing, except…writing.  I feel compelled to write, even when I desperately wish to put it away, but that inner voice gives me a stern talking-to, telling me how I’ll regret it.  FB is more of a chore now – no secret crushes (in quite a long time, actually), so no “I wonder if he wrote me’s”  If anything I use Facebook to keep up with news.  How pathetic is that?

 

I needed to be at Des’s house around noon, so I hopped in Lizzie (she can handle the crates and the kids) and headed to get the kids first.  Those Big Nearly Adults came rambling out of the house and climber on in, ten we headed to grab the pups.

Despite a successful 5 mile run, they were still not worn out. We headed back home, where I had warned the kids we had Much To Do and so my Mags got busy with a priority list.  Packing can Mostly Happen tomorrow, but today we needed to get things Had to Happen – like shorts.  I still need some.  Haircuts.  The kids need them.  Crickets for Violet (of course, Lee’s Feed was out of them, so off to Petco, where I paid $6.00 for 37, 33 of whom will die of old age) instead of .50 for 10 (6 of whom will die of old age).  Ethan had a little glass tube, one of my Montessori objects, and filled it with salt at dinner.  He then laced my drink with it, unbeknownst to me.  This is what I get for teaching them about GhB.  That kid.  I wish I knew his name….

Because ya see, one of my kids used to be called Ethan, but now this child has become this different creature.  I showed them a list about manners, so now he just smiles at me and says “Yes ma’am” while still not doing anything.  His behavior is driving Maggie nuts, but I have been laughing my ass off all day, which is good as I have now become three people in one. After we get back – I’m joining a gym.

 

24  hours..I’m so excited, but noticed that it will be raining most of the time we are there, which makes me sad.  Now, I love the rain like no one’s business, but this was not something I was hoping for .  Suddenly memories of a rained out Spring Break on the beaches of Spain are coming back to me.  Faith, right?

Pictures: Practicing looking cool for our flight; Practicing looking at beautiful scenery; I tell E to clean the patio with the leaf-blower and this is what he does; Manners = yes ma'am.  A little bear I saw in Cameron Park.

July 5, 2015

 Sunday morning was nuts.  My brain was yelling at me about having to get up and give loading directions to my body.  It was this internal screaming which kept me in bed a half an hour longer, but once I overruled and got the loading started, it wasn’t too bad. 

I had wanted to see The Sam Chase, but … priorities.  I headed down for one last goodbye to High Sierra and climbed in Lizzie.  When I got to the entrance/exit, all the retirees got up to come over and talk to me, it was so cool.  These are a great bunch of people and I would  love to come back to see them.  I didn’t even Google directions, just headed on down the road, the same way as last year (I thought) and … never saw Calpine. 

 It took me a good hour or so, but I eventually realized that I was, once again, taking the scenic route.  Well, hell.  Yet, it’s vacation – I have no deadlines (other than my own), and it would be nice to see this countryside which reminds me so much of those warm Austrian summers.  I got home around 6 and unloaded my girl.  It was odd not having dogs here.  I was able to leave the door open and there were no escapes.  

After just about everything was put away, I hopped in the shower and headed to the Mexican place for a burrito.  The couple in front was taking their time, so I was asked, “Do you want me to get your nachos started?”  “Nope!” I replied, “I have a new usual now.  Burrito – carnitas.”  He was shocked.  “What kinda beans?  Refried?  Black?”    “Pinto”, I said.  He stared at me.  “Really?  You’re shooting me down at everything.”  I laughed and told him I needed to give him a challenge.

I headed home and thought – in 2 day’s time we’ll be flying to Costa Rica.  Life is good.  I watched the rest of The Office, finishing it off, in tears, of course.  I texted Maggie and she consoled me.  We agreed to start it over again, from the beginning.  I love my kids.

Pictures: Goodbye, HSMF and Quincy; A favorite camp on my walk back to the RV park; Beautiful scenery; Maggie gets me.

July 4, 2015

Saturday morning was a bit different – I’m not sure why, but I awoke at 7 something.  It didn’t take long for me to realize that it was because of the breakfast burrito at the Mexican food stand.  Last year I heard such terrific things about it but could never make it there in time.  A mini-pot of coffee (Hey!!  I’m doing pot, too!  Just a different kind of plant, technically. <beaming>).  Waiting for my burrito, I noticed all sorts of fabulous 4^th of July costumes.  People really enjoy dressing up to these fests. 

I brought a pair of bees antennas to a Hangtown Halloween fest once.  I don’t think I wore them, though….  I’m not very committed.   Clare Foster walked past me, so we said hi and I followed her back to her tent, where we talked a while. Soon it was time for Steve Poltz, so I headed to Big Meadow – though this time I was prepared and came with my chair.  Naturally, Big Tall Dude stood right in front of my line of view for a majority of the show, but I was able to sneak forward and get shots of Poltz and Tim Flannery.  

 

I headed back to the RV park – I had to pee and wanted to check on my Lizzie (it’s odd, I feel so connected to her and need to be in close proximity a few times a day).  I ended up taking a nap that was akin to Death.  That memory foam is just heaven.  When I got up, rather than heading down to see the Wood Brothers right away (which was my plan), I started talking with Wyatt and Meghan, my neighbors.  They live in Santa Cruz and are both such interesting people in different ways – Wyatt is this older guy who has experienced the world, and Meghan is quite young, but so wise.  We talked about the world, life, cultures, music.  It was a beautiful talk.  We parted ways – me off to locate those mysterious people, they headed to music. 

This is when I saw that someone on Facebook had “reported” me for “nudity”.  Really.  Are you fucking kidding me?   Do you KNOW me?  Do you not understand what a ridiculous thing these societal norms are in this country?  That it’s ok to show people being machine-gun blasted to pieces but a breast or a penis is the fast route to hell? The Big FB assured me they would look into it and let me know of their decision.   In the exact same campsite as last year, with the exact tree decorated with bobbles and bits, Shannon and Eric entertained and we headed off to see the Motet.  Guess who was there?  Steve and Shelly. 

 I left, however, planning on John Butler Trio and sat there – on the grass…watching people.  JB is powerful and I enjoyed it immensely…but it was time to wander.  Saw Steve and Shell again, headed to see Lotus, and then…ever so early, I headed back to my Lizzie.  FB had reached a decision – that picture of the blow up doll was not considered nudity, so I had the option of deleting the photo, changing the privacy setting, or leaving it.  I left it.  I hope I was unfriended, because seriously, if you can’t handle a plastic dick (And it isn’t even a good plastic dick, it was a cheap blow up doll) at a music festival with all the horrific things happening on this earth, then you have much bigger issues.  I have been so exhausted this weekend, and I am leaving for Costa Rica soon – I can’t be this tired. I decided the next day I would pack up and head out rather early.

Pictures: Happy 4th!; Wonderwomanish waiting; Steve Poltz and Tim Flannery ; The picture that got me reported.  Good grief; My favorite HSMF picture - It was such a glorious sunset. 

July 3, 2015

I slept so long - A good 8-9 hours, my bed is that comfortable.    It was so quiet in the park...paying the extra to stay here was the best thing to do.   I do wish I had a bike or a could skateboard to get around but walking is what I need to do, so it works out. I dreamt that Tim Bluhm had written a song for me - called "issues" and he dedicated it to me on an orange program...but he misspelled my name: " 'Issues' -Allie, this is for you."    Nice.  My drip coffee out worked and I had 2 pots of coffee this morning (which was 2 mugs - they were little pots - no worries) I got up and enjoyed the morning.  About an hour and a half later, I got out and saw the popup was askew..again.  I am THAT person.

I walked in and saw Shannon Hill, and Nikki.  Nikki reminded me of my words last year that I wouldn't be coming back again.  Yes, somehow I'm back, but in a quiet section.  Saw Moss and headed up to find Steve and Shelly they weren't there.  Walked into the Grand Stage and the T Sisters were playing.  I Thought BroCo was supposed to be here?  I did find them - at the Big Meadow stage and they smiled at me when they saw me.

My favorite Jessica found me - sweet, sweet lady.  Ben called out for a volunteer to sing "Morning Time" with him...I raised me hand..ever..so..shyly - so that is was casually resting on my head.  I couldn't raise it all the way to sing.  Sucks being shy with 50K people.

Somewhere, I discovered that  Lukas Nelson was not here, that the lineup had changed.  Rats. Met new neighbors-Wyatt and Megan from SC. I still haven't found Steve and Shelly and was beginning to think they are a myth. I hung out and got sunburned at the acoustic Nicki Bluhm and the Gramblers set and told Tim of my dream.  He reassured me he knew how to spell my name.   Later I watched a bit of String Cheese and ran into Tori & Dan, the couple I met/sat by at Grateful Dead show.  Very cool.

My legs are so sore and body parts are chafing.  This is a fun chaos.  I sat and ate Greek-style pizza since I couldn't decide between gyro and pizza. This was the part where two men walking by saw Jupiter and Venus and one said they looked like titties.  Ohmy.... Got home so early even the retirees at the gate commented on the early hour. 


Pics 'n flicks - The Jenga camp; my favorite shorts of all-time: the penis shorts; NB&G; The nmeadow; Brothers Comatose at HSMF.

July 2, 2015

 I was finally on the road-eerily similar to Hipnic with 3 or so "Oh yeahs" then running back into the house to grab things.  I was  near Howe Avenue I think, when I got a message from Sterling Munksgard, the photograher, asking if I could get him an air mattress and a pump, so I turned around and went to the nearest Big 5, then to a Walgreens for batteries.   I was on the road again...and then this damn Sergio/Siri direction app sends me onto another weird scenic route tour...eventually, I was where I needed to be-on the 99- so damn tired... So exhausted.  That's what happens when you're too excited to sleep the night before.   With about 35 miles to go, I pulled over to a restaurant and happened upon another music fest- "Priceless" in Belden Town.  Huh.  Go figure.

I finally arrived....still so tired, oh, so hot -and that was just sitting in the bus.  I was thrilled to be in the back, against a fence, red hot face putting up awnings.  It kept blowing over...my face was glowing red. At one point some RV park people came over asked if they could help (Oh, no, it's ok...thanks!) and then suggested I rest.  Eventually I had it..and left to go take a shower, then nap.

  As I slid Lizzie's door open, I saw it was down again.  Screw this, I'm, taking it down.  So I wrapped the awning up and moved the popup over.  I headed in to get my wrist band, forgetting that they were given out wayyy over there in the field where I camped last year the night before it started.  I was frustrated as hell and not feeling very peaceful.    Thankfully,  the shuttle (with ac on full blast) was a godsend and eventually I was back.  I texted Sterling, grabbed his mattress and headed in.

The clouds began  to open as I got my first dinner - the Ghanian chicken with plantains.  These guys were delicious last year.  I walked around and saw Michelle, who was volunteering and checking passes.  I was listening to my book on tape and was certain I was the one person listening to book on tape instead of the bands.

Walked back after people watching at HSMF and had a long conversation with owners of rv park (I love building relationships).  I headed back to my bus where soft rain landed on Lizzie with ease.  I finished the book, started another, decided "no" on that,  read The Alchemist until my eyes grew fuzzy and dozed off.


Pictures:  High Sierra Music Festival 2015; The lodge in Belden Town; My initial awning set-up; Beautiful gray skies which would give rain as the sky darkened;

July 1, 2015

Bed happened early last night – I was so tired and was therefore surprised when I awoke at 6 am.  After an hour or so of attempting to fall asleep again, I got up, headed into the kitchen, and decided that coffee would do me no good – I went back to bed.  I was in the middle of a terrific dream when my phone rang – it was Drew telling me that it was the whatever-it’s-called and the new part would be in by two and it would be ready at the end of the day.  YES!  Still, I couldn’t get motivated to get out of bed – in 24 hours I would be on the road to HSMF and in one week I’d be leaving for a trip, yet all I could do was watch videos of cute little puppieschildrengoats.  NO MORE!  I was up.  I threw together a few clothes, a few assortments of toiletries and…what else??  I need Lizzie to bring it all together and she had ditched me.

The Boy was still asleep when I let him know I had to leave for my client, that I would be back to pick him up for his bracket-reattachment and I headed off to work.  I really didn’t think the client would show, but she was there, on time (yay!!) and…because a file hadn’t been built yet, there wasn’t much to take.  Therapeutic play and interaction with parent was noted.  After they had left, time flew and suddenly I was almost late – RUNNING out the door – verbal commands to Sergio – ETHANONMYWAYBEREADY  Honking, and off we went.  A child was in the office that put the H in ADHD – though it saddened me to have aunt (who was sitting in the waiting room) volunteer loudly – “It’s summer – no medication!!"  <sigh>  Yes – we can’t drug up the kids in the summer, huh…? I see this population frequently in session and wish there was another remedy.  It’s obvious they are off, but why???  What has changed so dramatically in the last0-40 years?  Is it really because of less recess time? I tend to think it’s what’s in the food, but I’m no scientist.

Packing after – or at least more gathering and folding and sorting of clothes.  Some asshole stole Ethan’s wetsuit.  There’s a lot of teen boys that walk past here frequently and I think one of them walked back and snagged it.  I’ll look into getting a camera when I get back.  Ethan and I loaded up the crates and the puppies, heading Des’s house.  As we were in the living room, Mabi knew something was about to happen and became maniacal.  Annie just toddled around, but Mabes knew, yipping nervously.  Poor thing – I hope she has fun and enjoyed the attention – I’d hate to burn this beautiful bridge.  Dropped Ethan at dad’s…and missed him within minutes.

I headed home, checked on passports (they should be here by the 6^th…”SHOULD”) and saw it was time to head to German Auto Werks to pick up Lizzie, except…when I walked in I was told she hadn’t been worked on all day..that Drew was gone and the parts had come in late.  My heart fell – no, it crashed to the floor.  As he went to go talk to the mechanic, my first impulse (to post it on Facebook) was halted as my mind swirled with solutions – what could I do?  He came in and told me that no, the parts hadn’t come in, but a spare part of the same <whateverit’scalled> had been put in and the new part would be installed when I got back.  I was so happy.  These guys deserve homemade cinnamon rolls (just like the folks at work).

Jen and I headed to go pick up healthy carnitas burrito instead of nachos.  There – I saw someone that I used to know, as he watched me asking the tea conta8ners which was regular and which was sweetened.  Funny, because I’ve been wondering when I’d run into him.  Didn’t say much..blushed a bit, because there I was, talking to inanimate objects, but no matter.  We hurried off and holysonufabitch, the burrito was delicious!!!  Fuck.  This is third day in a row for carnitas.  I dare saw nachos have been booted to the side temporarily.  LONGLONGLONG group, of course, with an hour long crisis session after, of course.  But then, Home, where I awaited Ted from Gold Rush Taxi, who reminded me not to forget my keys this time.  Lizzie and I headed happily home and I rushed to pack her sort of.  Tomorrow awaits.

Pictures:  Jen got me this pin in Virginia from William & Mary College.  You didn't realize we were the mascots, huh?;  Saw thsi on Jen's folder - I LOVE it;  The pups looking forward to their adventure (or the AC, not sure which....; A visitor in group that caught and freed.  E would have been proud.