HIGHLIGHTS X

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Finally, a wrap on that trip. Three weeks; 4,433 miles; at least 12 beds; a couple of dozen fine meals; lots of wonderful people (family old and new, friends old and new); neat and worthwhile events and places; and many fascinating miles of the beautiful American West and Southwest. I'm rested up enough that I would be willing to head out again on such a journey if only I could afford it.
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The next stop on our trek northward through California was at my Dad's place. We had visited there not long ago and this was only an overnight, but we went to dinner at a nice family restaurant as usual and caught up on the recent news and made plans for the next time we could visit. At one point Dad got the old 1969 Murcury Marquis out of his garage so we could get at some items,and when he put it out on the street, I snapped this picture for a reason. If you know anyone interested in this fine automobile I could broker a nice deal for them. It has about 103.000 miles on it, the big engine rebuilt at about 80K, all the original manuals, dark blue leather seats, and it is a Big Car! It needs a little fix up, but it could be a wonderful project for someone who remembers when American Cars were heavy, solid, classy, and safe.


From Dad and Naomi's we drove up to Oakdale to see Betty's brother Sam and his wife Billie Jo. We lunched the following day with Ralph and Kay Deakins in Galt, and overnighted in Redding with my brother Marty. Finally home (and I'm sure you are all relieved) we found our place in riotous fall color and a weeks worth of gathering up the leaves. On our acre and a quarter, we have many trees, and about half of them are evergreen/conifers. The restdrop leaves but only half of those color up nicely each year. This season we have wonderful late color perhaps because we have had a couple of nights of frost followed by mild temperatures and record rains.


A countryside drive has been a beautiful experience recently. It's mostly gone now as I write, but we have some pictures we could share. Next year the twins will be tall enough to use the riding mower to help me clean up fallen leaves. They will enjoy that! Anyway, it is good to be home.