July 2021

We celebrated Rog’s birthday by going down to Old Sacramento and walking through the Railroad Museum. They had a special model railroad display set up on the third floor. On the way home, we stopped at Leatherby’s for an ice cream treat. I gave him a 3D resin printer and we spent the afternoon looking at software programs for designing human characters. He hopes to be able to make the figures for his model railroad.

The next night was Karissa’s performance in Willy Wonka Kids. She was an oompa loompa and did a fabulous job. Bill, Bev, Ed and Jasmine came along with Beth, Betty, Rog and I. After the final performance, we joined Karissa’s family at Baskin Robbins for ice cream.

We had a quiet Fourth and were in bed by 9. I had enjoyed fireworks the week before with a front row seat from our office window so I was good. We had dinner at the Nordstrom’s and enjoyed a couple of card games as well. We traded a bucket of kurapia trimmings for 2 orchid plants. Later in the week we had Zauchas here for lunch. Bobbi brought a Costco birthday cake that was to die for.

Continuing the social agenda, we headed to Auburn for a karate swim party at Dave Rose’s house. Had a relaxing afternoon with some great food and great company.

In preparation for the big hike coming up later this month, Rog has been going to physical therapy 3 times a week. Originally it was for a sore heel but the therapist figured out that the heel was sore because of his arthritic toe. Apparently Rog has changed how he walks to avoid the big toe and that new gait has resulted in a sore heel. Therapy has been painful but it has really helped. The “big hike” is the planned hike on the Tahoe Rim Trail that Rog and Max started on July 17. The two of them have spent months getting their gear together, planning the itinerary, dehydrating food and making meals. I headed up to Tahoe with them on July 14 so that they could acclimate to the altitude. We spent 2 nights at Granite Flat on the Truckee River, then headed over to Southshore for a final night at Campground By the Lake. The morning of the start of the hike, we were up early and got to the Kingsbury North trailhead by 6:30. I made them breakfast, weighed them and their packs and then they were off as I drove the van back home. The guys had a rough day. They originally planned to stop at Bench for the night but they were feeling so good they decided to do a few more miles. They did 15 miles, a lot of it uphill and they couldn’t access the lake they thought they could put their feet in at the end. They were in bed by 6.

Early the next morning, Rog had a mild panic attack with PVC heart beats accompanied by shortness of breath. He spent the next 3 hours soul searching and made the tough decision to pull the plug. He texted me at 5:30am and we arranged for me to pick him up at noon at Spooner. When Max woke up, they discussed the options, called his folks and discussed some more. Ultimately, Max decided that he would continue on alone. Tough decision for his folks, but we all feel that he is responsible enough that he can handle it. Rog will go up and resupply and support him whenever he can. Rog drove up 2 days later and met him at Tahoe Meadows, then a couple of days later at Brockway. Max had a zero day to use before he reached Tahoe City, so from Brockway, Rog brought him to William Kent Campground outside of Tahoe City for a day. After 7 days in the wilderness, Max had his first bear encounter in the campground. The bear was 10 feet from their picnic table as they slowly backed into the next campground. Then Rog met him when he arrived at Tahoe City and spent 2 nights with him at a hotel. Michelle and Eric drove up and spent most of the day with them.

July 27th, Max started on the western side of the trail. Rog had 3 spots he could meet him, but Max decided he didn't need all 3. I joined Rog as we met up with him at Echo Chalet and then Karissa joined us when we drove up at the end to pick him up in August. What an impressive achievement. He did an outstanding job and we are proud beyond words.

Ryan and Beth had planned to take me out for lunch on my birthday since I would be alone. With Rog back, he was able to join us. And I have been watching Karissa when Michelle is at work so she joined us as well. Quite the party!! And we went to Tahoe Joe’s so it was like Max was with us as well.

Karissa had a second play so we were all back to the playhouse for Music Man Kids. Karissa was one of the townspeople and did another fabulous job. Amazing how well everyone did with only 2 weeks of practice. This time not only the whole Lloyd family came, but Micki and Bfrian as well. We joined the Blooms for a celebration at Handel’s for ice cream.