Last weekend L and I went to Shasta Valley and visited family. Below is short summary of my weekend:
Greenwashing
On the way to Shasta Valley, L and I listened to an annoying segment on NPR’s Talk of the Nation.
The focus of the show was on conservation of resources and energy efficiency — some of the tips offered were valuable. For instance, a portion of the show focused on changing light bulbs to increase one’s energy efficiency and buying fuel efficient cars. Both options save money, but overall the program was disappointing and greenwashed.
None of the hosts focused on radical societal and individual lifestyle changes that should be made.
Most of their solutions focused on buying new or more stuff. Why not talk about selling your car to save energy, walking, biking or moving closer to work? Why do we have to be a nation of shoppers?
Tiny House on the Ranch?
It was great to visit the ranch — it is so relaxing and chill up north.
We were lucky enough to get a small rain shower and a thunder storm. There was some lightning and that wasn’t so lucky because it caused a few small fires in the hills. Seeing such storms reminds me that Mother Nature is powerful — humans try and control her, but they always fail. Overall, it was a pleasure to get out of the hot valley.
We even checked out a possible location for a tiny house on the ranch. I don’t foresee us moving to the ranch anytime soon, but it is fun to think about the possibilities of living in a rural area. The view alone is worth it — plus all the outdoor activities, gardening, we would be close to family and the cost of living in Shasta Valley is so low. We could scale down more and work less.
But I enjoy city life too — I don’t know if I am ready to give that up. What about a cool job? If I did find a jo, how would I get there? I don’t want to buy another car. Definitely thoughts to ponder…
Ashland Afternoon
We drove up to Ashland with Grandma P and visited Grandpa B — it was such a good day. B is doing better and spending an afternoon in Ashland with Grandma P was long over due. We didn’t have time to see a play, but it is something we want to do on our next trip.
We met a bad ass old cat named Orlando in the local bookstore — he is 17!
Buddy Love
The highlight of my weekend was meeting Buddy Love — a 7 week old colt. He is a sweet little guy, his mom died soon after she gave birth and family members have been taking good care of him. For a while, Buddy Love was hanging out in Uncle K’s front lawn — apparently the colt is like a dog. They decided to put Buddy Love in a pen after his tour of Uncle K’s house. 
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Well kiddo….sounds like a great weekend to me! I’m thinking the answer to your commute question living at Shasta comes right in your own front yard…. Buddy Love of course…. in the olden days they walked to work (the fields) or rode horses to town… I just love thinking about how you’re gonna do this, cuz I know you will one day… live in a tiny house… it’s just a matter of where… and you know you can always park it at my place don’t ya??? And I loved the hobbit house! Great stuff… thanks for all the research and I hope ya gave a hug to that wonderful mother of yours for me as well…
Hey Debby – thanks for the tiny house parking offer! You are a sweat pea.
The weekend was a lot of fun — I am glad Grandpa B is doing better. Although it is hard to see him sick. Both L’s Grandparents are seem time-less. They are both in their upper 80′s and look like they are in their early 70s. I don’t know what their aging secret is — but I suspect it has to do with spending lots of time outside.
Moving to the ranch is something we will have to work into our long-term plans. Right now I love living in mid-town and walking to work. I feel lucky to work with such bad ass activists.
Who knows what the future holds!
Love ya.