Weekend Round-Up: Down Home

Oh, my overactive imagination…  When we started talking about a trip to Redding for Memorial Day, I pictured a leisurely bit of country relaxation. Reading by the river, picking wildflowers, maybe a fancy fishing lodge restaurant.

We arrived on Friday at our friend’s new house to greet their flock including a 4 year old boy, a 2 year old boy, 1 baby due in July, 8 chickens, 11 baby chicks, 2 lambs, 1 rooster and 1 very affectionate dog named Blue.  So much for peace and quiet!  We had a wonderful, much more realistic weekend in the country.

On Saturday, we woke up to kisses from the dog and boys and a big breakfast from our hosts. Waffles, bacon, eggs, muffins and coffee.  We set off to work after eating, Rob and the menfolk worked on digging a trench in the hard clay and then filling it back in. Meanwhile, Margaret, the womenfolk and I scoured the kitchen and then moved dirt in the garden.  Break for sandwiches from town, followed by more work unloading a bed of manure and much needed showers.  Great dinner outside of lamb chops from their family ranch followed by ice cream and strawberries.

Sunday, another cuddly morning with the kids. Our hosts made delicious apple cinnamon french toast, bacon, eggs, strawberries and coffee. I braided my hair and decorate it with sweet peas.

We drove out to Turtle Bay and the famous sundial bridge in downtown Redding with the whole gang before lunch.  Some quality fountain time with the little ones and then a stop at the children’s museum.

Back at the ranch in the afternoon, we had a nice chance to relax on the porch with some beers while watching our host try to halter train the lambs. 

Dinner outside of braised short ribs from the family ranch, squash, salad, garlic bread and watermelon. Another great breakfast on Monday morning.  We packed up our bags and sore limbs to hit the road home. Back in breezy San Francisco in the late afternoon. Super lazy for the rest of the day. I read the paper and made an amazing batch of homemade macaroni and cheese for dinner.

The country was a lot of fun, but I love being back in the city!