REMEMBERING THAT FOX

In mid July, we were treated to the sight of a playful fox in bright daylight. I was unable to load the video until we had a strong enough signal. It takes two minutes to view it if you click on the link below.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05_Ldnp45R0

Today is moving day. We are headed for Mystic, Connecticut for a few days.
 Last night, we said our goodbyes to Donna and Bob where they treated us to thin crust Italian Pizza at Ricardos. When we returned to Dartmouth, Donna presented Jim with a french meat pie she made especially for him, her first effort at meat pie.

The recipe is:
l lb. ground pork shoulder
1 lb. ground beef
2 stalks of celery and
1 onion  chopped fine.
2-3 med. potatoes mashed 
2 Tblspns Bells Poultry Seasoning
Ground Clove and salt and pepper to taste.

Saute meat & drain off  fat.
Add chopped vegetables and saute until tender.
Add mashed potatoes and seasonings and mix thoroughly.
  Prepare your favorite pie crust for a 10" pie plate. Load in meat mixture. Add top crust and place foil on the crimped edges to prevent burning. Pierce top crust with fork. Bake at 425* 30 to 35 minutes.

 
Enjoy.





 

IVORYTON, CONNECTICUT-MEET THE JAILLETS

We crossed the Connecticut River into a series of historic small towns to reach Ivoryton,  home of my partner's family. The town name came from the major industry in the area,  a factory that imported and made ivory piano keys. Alas, plastic took over, but the crumbling  factory is still standing.

 I may not have explained that my partner, Jim Jaillet, has lived full time in his RV for 15 years and seeing his son's name on a mailbox,  gave him an emotional tug.

 A quick hug with son Jim before he went off to coach little league.

 
 Crowding two grand daughters, Jaimie and Joceylyn, and mom, Wendy into the motor home after school  proved to be a lot of fun.  Nine year old Jaimie tried on gobs of  beads we brought with us from Mardi Gras last February. Joceylyn, at age 15, likes poetry and math. A rare young person who KNOWS that she wants to be a teacher some day.

 Jim has met my family and its nice to finally meet his family. We'll have time to get to know each other over the next week. Its already evident we'll be having a good time. 

PUBLIC ACCESS IN THE MOTHERLODE

When I first moved to the Mother Lode, people would ask me, "What do you do?" Inherent in that question was another, 'aren't you bored?' Nobody asks that anymore, and, I've never been bored. Paul Moeller is known in the area as Mr. Community Television. He started Calaveras Community Television in 1983. He went on to help nearby Amador, and Tuolumne Counties start their access programs. He taught video classes at Columbia College and at every school in the county. He promoted building a studio and it was built with the expertise of a volunteer contractor and volunteer labor. A stunning achievment. Paul is an indefatigable producer recognized everywhere he goes. He has produced 5,000 shows for Public Access in Calaveras County. At 82 years old, he is still shooting every week.
Here he is taping myself and the Ramblin Man, Jim Jaillet and interestingly, Jim has produced 95 Public Access programs for Olympia Public Access in Washington State and I've worked on over 85 programs for Public Access here in Calaveras County, mostly as an anchor. There are activities for every interest in the Motherlode. I'm probably biased but I think Calaveras County is the jewel of the Motherlode.

SNOW IN MURPHYS, SUN IN YUMA

Jim Jaillet and I are discussing how to collaborate on a book. He is an excellent photographer and I have a writing background. A win, win. You've heard of the worst writing contest? Snoopy is the mascot. Snoopy always starts out his novel with these words: It Was A Dark And Stormy Night- and no, I didn't win the worst writing contest. Check it out on-line. Bulwer-Lytton Contest.
I miss being with my family for Christmas but I'm looking foward to many more Christmases with Jim. Besides, it is supposed to snow down to 1500 feet in Murphys and in Yuma, while slightly cool right now, the temperature is set to go up. I'm getting my dental work done during the next three weeks, then heading back north. Posting early today since we don't have a signal in the motorhome. We'll ride our bikes along the canal today and hopefully have a photo to post tomorrow. For now, here is a photo Jim took of me in the motor home.

Introduction to Mary'sRamblin's

Life tosses us opportunities. Mine came from an RV friend, Jim Jaillet who invited me to join him in an adventure, skipping about California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Mexico. HO! says I. Time for a slice of life, mental meanderings, a bit of philosophy, a peek over my shoulder as we ramble our way about to see what we can see. Hope you find enjoyment vicariously in this blog. Feel free to contact me via email: mgmatzek@sbcglobal. net