No Place Like Home

There’s no place like snow … er, uhm … home. As we continue our installment of Life on the Farm, we’re hunkered down and waiting for even more of the lovely white stuff to drop, anticipate a break through the weekend and returning to more snow as you are reading this. When you’ve been gone from a place, specifically this place nearly 38 years, it’s easy to forget Just. How. Much. Snow. Accumulates. Oy.

The first wave hit Sunday and according to the weather guy, who was right on the money this time, said the storm was stationary, hence the high totals. Of course the farm children delight in this, having been given a snow day even though they’re distance learning at the moment (us old timers are scratching our head at that), and are rediscovering the joys of sledding.

Richie has been keeping drifts at bay with the tractor and shovel as needed. Bless him for that!

Katrina and I have found some amusement watching the machinations of the next generation in their personal vehicles vs. feet of snow battles.

Easy for us to joke about what we’re witnessing, though in all honesty, Katrina and I are somewhat

convinced we’re part of the reason Lassen Volcanic National Park is now closed nearly every October through June, as we had our own Christmas Eve Expedition through said park, during a blizzard and behind a snowplow back in 1982. Took us from Dec. 24 at 8 a.m. until Dec. 25 at 6:30 a.m. to drive from Paradise, Calif. to Milford. Our parents had no idea where we were, as phone booths were buried and there were no cell phones. Oh to be young! We’re now old enough to know that sometimes the path of least resistance - staying put - is best. Our angels appreciate the consideration.

Even as it snows there’s no end of things to do. Richie’s been conducting a cloning experiment in a state-of-the-art machine housed in a building that feels like Hawaii. Rather a nice place to hang out. The plants do love temperate weather, and thanks to the equipment, Best Cali Hemp is able to provide the girls with a lovely environment despite winter happening in full force.

We live by the adage of doing everything possible to anticipate and be prepared for whatever comes next and so we’re always busy doing that which we won’t have time for once everything thaws and planting preparation begins.

We lost a shining light of our mountain last week, with the passing of a precious woman we’ve all known since childhood, Brenda Matthews Roadifer. She was one of the kindest human beings, generous of spirit, one of our greatest champions and a fabulous cook. Brenda was a wonderful

mother, sister, grandmother, friend and wife. She leaves behind a dear man, her husband Bill, who is part of our BCH family, as are all our across the road neighbors. We will celebrate her beautiful life

once Spring arrives, I presume. Her presence in our lives will be profoundly missed. This is a reminder to us all that time is a gift not to be squandered. Take time to tell your people that

you love them.

‘Til next week, keep on growing!