Escape to Tahoe (Happy Birthday Don)

How do you celebrate your dad's birthday during a pandemic and with fires burning all around? You plan a surprise escape to Lake Tahoe. Don loves Lake Tahoe (more so in the winter for skiing) where you can get some fresh air, get out in nature and not feel like you are not committing a crime for going out during Covid. 

It had been several years since we had been up to that sliver of paradise in the Sierra's. We've made  a handful of winter trips over the years, but it had been pre-kids that we'd been up in summer. Don made frequent references in months past about Tahoe, how he'd love to go, how close it is, why don't we go? My response was always, "Go ahead and plan it" but time would pass and time in Tahoe remained a  not so distant thought. Until we wanted to come up with something special for Don's birthday.

After some internet research, I found a place on the South Shore that was back off the main strip enough to feel quiet peaceful, amongst the surrounding trees. The girls told their dad to be packed and ready to go by noon on Friday and when the GPS started the directions, it was evident from Don's jokes that we'd planned well.

The drive up was easy enough. The lodging older but spacious with an outdoor pool that was a hit. We spent the following day, Don's actual birthday, out at Baldwin Lake, enjoying the cool waters, warm sun and fresh air. We had pool time in the evening and dinner at local hole in wall Mexican place (well, we had dinner outside on the side street due to Covid-our first time eating out like that) that was a hit for the three of them (I was cranky but I won't digress with that story!) The evening was topped off by cake and ice cream, some video games and jokes. 

The next morning, we packed up somewhat early and headed off the Fallen Leaf Lake, something I'd heard about last minute from a friend. Off we went on a new adventure.  We loved the tiny community and lake nestled deep in the forest hills. We spent time in the water, cooling off and digging for gold (Amara is always looking for gold!) before hitting the road for the drive home. Along the way, I started to ask myself, 'Why don't we come come up here more often? It is so close and so beautiful'  It was a lovely birthday weekend and I think it's safe to say it was a successful escape to Tahoe.

Yes We Did

                                                             

We traveled. Yes we did. We traveled on a big jet plane, right above the chaos that was looming below. We went and got my mother, the girl's Nana. Brought her back to Cali. That's right. In a pandemic.  

With folks ranging from opposite extremes (those calling the wearing of a mask to fake news, to those never leaving the house, not even  once);  we found ourselves in the middle, where most folks have been living. Cautious not fearful. Going to the store as needed. Safe distancing with few other humans. Mostly staying at home, most of the time. The days melting into one another., depression started to settle in. Not unlike most other humans sheltering in place. Then, we decided to go and accompany my mother so she could stay with us, instead of having her remain isolated and alone, in her home. 

Yes, we did. We traveled. We were cautious. We planned. I called Jet Blue alot. I obsessively checked websites for covid stats and even emailed my doctor for her advise. Don did too. There was some concern about contracting covid. But I am a planner and I like to be prepared. Extra masks, dozens of gloves (worn by us all in public spaces) and lots of Dr. Bronner's hand sanitizer and Clorox wipes were packed first.  There would be no checked bags. Too risky. Everything we needed had to be touched by our hands only. 

With my methodical research, I knew we'd be fine once we got on the flight. Forty something people on flight that pre-Covid carried hundreds, kept everyone apart.  Hepa air filters further reduced the risk and masks were mandated, even enforced. And with upgrades to First Class, I actually felt much safer in that jet, way up in the sky, than I did in any grocery store on land. Not only did I feel safer in that airplane, I felt relaxed. It felt almost normal (sans the masks, cautious cleaning by crew and an almost empty plane.)

I was afraid too. Afraid of the judgment and scorn from others of our decision. Afraid of the getting the Scarlet C letter.  I was cautious too. Of how I would get defensive towards others. Those who might question my judgement.  Those who would avoid me like the plague once they learned, We Traveled. So we told just a few. And we left. 

My mother has COPD, CHF and uses portable H20.  I knew that there would be no chance in hell I would ever put her at risk.  Even when we chose not to stay with her in her home. Even when we stayed with my sister (who, along with my mother, had two Covid tests within weeks of our arrival.) I knew, that with our diligent, almost obsessive precautions, we were more at risk of the depression that was deepening within the girls, than of contracting Covid. I knew that we needed sun, heat, some adventure to counter all the fear and despair. I knew that if we did not do this, then that fear and despair would deepen and solidify. I knew that for the mental health of my children, we had to do this to help keep them healthy and whole. And, we wanted to accompany my mother who was nervous to travel alone and desperately needed to be with others.

So yes. We did. We traveled. We got that fresh air. We got that sun. We found that secluded beach where we snorkeled, in our own private bubble. We kayaked . We shared food and love with my sister. Amara got to sleep next to her Tia and feel almost normal again. Havana played with Kingston (the King of all dogs!) and we felt almost normal again. The girls got to swim daily, ride bicycles and as a result, some of that dark, depressive energy moved up and out. Leaving them feeling like things were almost normal. During out stay, there were lightening and thunder storms, with warm wind that soothed my heart and all.  All of these and more, were very, very good medicine. It countered any fear we knew we might endure from others. We (very) sadly had to skip visiting other family as well as doing things we love to do in that part of the world. But we knew we were in a pandemic. Cautious not foolish.

When we made it home, having traveled and with my mother in house, we hunkered down, staying home for days on end. Giving us time to adjust and to be cautious, just in case we did not do enough to protect ourselves.  Weeks, months out,  no one got sick. Our diligence paid off. We were cautious not foolish and it worked. Now with that traveling a memory behind us, I am still cautious to tell our tales.  But this blog is about two small gems and their life and adventures. This is something I want recorded. For when they are older, they can look back and remember and reflect on life in the pandemic and our little window to have some normalcy, some safe normalcy in the mists of it all.

Farewell King Bodhi

 

This summer we had to say goodbye to our King Bodhi. He lived to be 14 years and two weeks old. It's been just under two months and his presence is still deeply felt and as equally missed.  There are occasions when I wake up at night thinking I have to take him to the litter box (he could no longer get there on time at the end. My day consisted of half a dozen trips to bathroom with him). I find that I still look for him and when I see his treats on the counter (I can't bare to take throw them yet), I get teary. There have been a few nights, laying in bed in the dark with Mr. Samson Cat next to me, when I have allowed myself that deep bellied cry. Mr Samson sensing the grief along with me. 

We have a new kitty in the house that has brought rays of sunshine. Yet our tears are still not dry from the loss of our beloved Bodhi BoBo.

I adopted Bodhi with his brother Kai, when he was 8 weeks old. The two were litter mates and what an adorable pair they were. We lost Kai when he got out and disappeared when he was about 3. We never forgot him, esp with Bodhi being by himself. We ended up rescuing a year old Coco who was only with us a few years (he had kidney disease as a young cat) and then eventually Samson, when he was 3 months old. It took Bodhi a minute (well more like weeks or months) to get used to him but eventually we'd find them sleeping together, cleaning on another and occasionally chasing each other around the house. I think Bodhi's absence has been confusing for Samson, especially when a neighbor Siamese (almost identical to Bodhi, who we call Dodhi!) comes into the yard.  It is taking Samson time to adjust to the energy of our new kitty but we are hopeful they will bond.

When we adopted the new kitty, it took a few days to come up with a name. We settled on Kai to honor Bodhi's brother. In a way, it reminds us of Bodhi. We love the new little guy so much already. But Mr. Bodhi Bobo's, he was a part of the girls entire lives so far. Thus, his passing has impacted them significantly and had to teach them too early in life about death and life. 

Here are some photos of Mr Bodhi before he passed and a few of when he was a kitten.  We pray that Bodhi's next life is as good as his last one and are so grateful that he graced us with his regal presence.

Little Miss Reader

 

Havana is girl who marches to her own beat. She does not conform to norms (I wonder where she get that from?!) She has her own style of dress, likes to socialize but equally enjoys quiet time, when she can unleash her creativity and she can spend hours with a book. Even in the hot sun, after hiking down a long path, Havana can find herself a spot to plant herself and get lost in the written word. Don't even try to get her to budge, because who wants to be bothered when you have a good book to read on a warm summers day?!

Amara's Teenage Rite of Passage

 

Amara turned the milestone 13 in June. Crossing into her teens signified that Amara is no longer a girl. She is now a young woman. The transformations that are happening right before our eyes are something to behold. From the physical, to the mental and emotional as well as spiritual. We see maturity in Amara, as well as a holding on to her younger self. 

This time, this period of any young person's life is significant. This period of life can be hard. It is why almost every culture, religion and spiritual practice have a symbolic ritual to mark this rite of passage. For our family, being out in nature, being with Great Creator, is part of our foundation. That is where we felt would be the place for Amara to begin this rite passage. 

To support this process, we planed for Amara to do a backpacking trip with a local girls organization. All of the starting pre-pandemic. Thankfully, the group was still able to make the trip happen despite the pandemic with careful organizing. We planned and prepped, along with support from her cousins who gave great advice as well as lending invaluable gear, for several months. Then, my brave Amara was off. On a five day backpacking trip in Point Reyes. With nine girls she did not know. The courage that took,  on every level, it made me kvel. Amara is a remarkable young lady. Strong, courageous, determined. There were nerves and tears too. Yet off she went. On a journey that would test her mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. On a journey that would mark the  start of  the transition from girl to woman.

The first several photos below were taken by the leaders. Amara is in yellow. I was quite grateful to have received those. The last few are ones we took in the days prior and up to the day she left.

                                                            On the day she returned home to us.