MOM'S RV IN MAMMOTH

After too many days without a break, the boys and I decided to take advantage of California Indian Day to enjoy some time in Mammoth. We piled in the RV and landed around 8:30 p.m. Finding our spot was a little difficult in the dark. The boys had to run from empty spot to empty spot with flashlights in hand looking for Spot M. Backing the RV into the spot was even more fun - no lights and no rear view mirror. We made it without hitting anything, or anyone.

Since we only stayed for two nights, we skipped taking a car and employed two wheel transportation. Mammoth has a wonderful bike path system. We rode through the woods to Shady Rest park where the boys enjoyed the playground. Joey and I rode to the Bass outlet (I couldn't resist a little shopping.) After a few movies and a nap, we ended the day with a very nice dinner at Chart House. Unfortunately, we have to leave early Saturday morning so Frankie can make it to his soccer game!

Trials and Tribulations

Well, I survived my felony trial! After two days of jury selection, two days of testimony, a half of day of closing arguments, two hours of instructions, two days of deliberations and three different judges, my felony trial finally came to an end. Although my client was found guilty, it was actually a victory given that we (my co-counsel Victoria Campbell) avoided a strike!! This is huge for my client, who is looking at a few less years in state prison. Hey, we have to find victory where ever we can!!

The process is always fascinating. I am always amazed what jurors focus on and what they apparently don't. After a little rest, I am ready for the next one!!

Dana

Goodbye Summer!

Joey with his very large brown! Frankie pondering why he can't catch anything.

Summer is over and school has started. But before we get too far into the new school year, I thought I would highlight the fun we managed to have this past summer. Although our RV trip to South Dakota was cancelled, we were able to enjoy our new motor home (a 2002 29' Fleetwood Tioga). Our favorite spot was a mere 20 miles from home just above Tom's Place at a campground called French Camp. We found a great spot where we could roast marshmallows, bar-b-que and fish. But the best part was the fact that we were only minutes away from Rock Creek Resort and it's famous pies!!! Yum, Yum. I have become quite the RVer. I have become quite adept at driving, parking and setting it up. It is so easy to drive, I hope to camp throughout the year.

We also got in a little fishing. The photos are of the boys fishing mom's favorite lake, North Lake. If you can stand the drive (the one-way dirt road runs along a very steep cliff), the views are spectacular! We went with our friend Carole and her son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter. Joey out-fished us all, catching the only fish of the day. The native brown was beautiful, just not quite enough for dinner.

This past weekend we celebrated the Tri-County Fair. All of us entered something -- Joey baked an apple pie (coming in 4th); I entered some photos (earning a 2nd, 3rd and two honorable mentions) and baked a pie (getting zip!) and Frankie entered his D-Day diorama he made last year as part of a book report (earning a 2nd). All in all, we did quite well and had fun in the process. The boys enjoyed the rides with their dad Saturday night (guess who got sick on the rides -- hint, not the boys!!). On Sunday we watched what I commonly refer to as "the ultimate red-neck event" -- the destruction derby!!! There is nothing more fun than watching grown men (and women) crash cars into each other. At least I am not alone, the event sells out every year, which is why we have to camp overnight at the fairgrounds to get good seats (no, I am not kidding -- but it's like a big tailgate party). Now you know why I moved back home!!!

Although we really did not get a vacation, we sometimes have to remember that we live where most others vacation. So this summer we enjoyed our own backyard, which is quite spectacular!

Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall!

Dana