A BICYCLE FRIENDLY TOWN.

On Thursday, we set out to bicycle Davis, notably a bicycle friendly town with well-marked  lanes that can take you through a loop around town of about 35 miles. In high traffic areas, people are ultra considerate of bicyclers. They must have had bike riders on their city council.

Virginia and I were riding pretty sophisticated bikes, while Theo, weighing about 60 pounds has a small one-gear hard pumping  pedal bike.   Our first stop was a school playground for a rest.

The kids at this school have an organic garden. Besides standard fare, they had planted  and were learning about swiss chard, amaranth, quinoa, artichokes, herbs and sunflowers.
The bike trail runs by every school in Davis so kids can bike to school instead of bus, and many do. We saw walkers, riders, and  kids on the bike paths on their way to summer fun.
Virginia joked  that the freeway overpass at Chilies Road is the only hill in Davis.

Our goal was brunch at a favorite Davis restaurant, famous for their crepes and wraps, and fresh pastries. The kids enjoyed rich hot chocolate while waiting for their food. Theo had blueberry pancakes and sausage, but Owen  had a strawberry chocolate crepe that was the equivalent of a candy bar for his meal.

This was our turn around point at 6 miles. Davis has bike racks all over town and it is necessary to lock up bikes.  We could have taken a different way back to our starting point but the kids voted to return the way we came. We had passed at least four parks with playground equipment and they wanted a shot at one of them.

Within five minutes, Virginia’s tire went flat.

The same tire went flat a second time after another five minutes. It was obvious the tire needed to be changed.

Theo rested in a nearby tree.

Owen gave mom an assist and learned how the job is done. Done quickly, actually. Modern bikes are well-engineered for repairs on the road. Since Virginia has thousands of miles on her bike, she knows the necessity of on the spot tire changes.

And, their playground of choice has one of those (now banned by most schools and parks in California) a self-propelled merry-go-round.  They’ve been in parks and schools since I was a kid. It’s sometimes difficult to understand the over protective mind-set of decision makers. It probably has to do with avoiding law suits. (I promise not to rant.)

Later, at karate classes, the boys did some sparring.

Defensive skills are only part of the process. They learn values;  courage, attitude, perseverance, politeness, respect and consideration of others.

The littlest kids are a hoot to watch. Pure joy.

GIRLS NIGHT OUT

We arrived in Vegas with an agenda, part family, part friends and part big time entertainment. We bopped over to my son's house Saturday and chit chatted with everybody before we girls, meaning daughter Kris, daughter-in-law Laurie, friend Kelly, headed for Julia's house, another friend, for a girls night out.

But, first we posed for a family portrait. We don't do this often enough, it seems to me.

Before we girls left, Austin, who takes Karate, challenged me to see who could stand longest on one leg.  So, there we stood like a couple of book-ends. Austin won, but it was almost a tie. Ya gotta remember what it was like to be a kid and be silly once in awhile.

 Our hostess, Julia,  prepared a wonderful table of snacks, then a garlic pasta with broccoli , plus a salad,  before we dug into our game.

I have to take a moment to describe this game because it was sooooo much fun, we were entranced for hours. Each  person in turn must guess what everyone is describing. The clues on the box, for instance, are describing a swimsuit.

Kelly and Laurie were thinking hard for an appropriate clue.

Kristanne, on the hot seat,  is brainstorming,  as she tries to make sense of the disparate clues.

Julia picks a new word or phrase for the next round.
Everyone had played this game previously except me. Each woman confirmed the game is different when only women play. It has a point system where you can be competitive if you like, but we played  for the sheer fun of it. It opens up personal conversations on a variety of subjects and I can't imagine what it would have been like with Venus AND Mars at the table. Try it ladies, you'll love it.

KARATE, A FAMILY AFFAIR

 After an appointment in Sacramento, I managed to spend a couple hours with grandsons Owen and Theo at their Karate lessons. Its very much a family affair. My perception was that Karate is a "fighting" exercise taught for defense. Besides defense, good sportsmanship, politeness, camaraderie, balance, coordination, strength, competition and exercise are among its many benefits.

 Kids of all ages line up and learn the moves in a fast pace. To be quick, to be sharp, to never be caught unaware of your surroundings or danger. Girls and boys both find karate appealing.

 More experienced, older kids help younger kids become adept in flash tests.

 Then in sparring gear, students go one on one, all ages, all sizes mix it up. Owen, left,  is known for his ability to kick high and maintain his balance.

During the sparring matches, protective gear, and care not to kick or punch vulnerable places is the method used in training. Here father's and sons, mother's and daughters all participate as a family. This class has a handicapped kid with half and arm is adept at self defense and assumes a great measure of pride in his physical agility and ability. If you've never thought of Karate for your kids, you may want to reconsider. Not everyone is suited to traditional sports, but Karate seems to fit every size and ability.

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN

Leaving the 73 degree heat in Louisiana on March 30th to return to Murphys in snow was a shock. I worked on taxes and arranged ceiling repairs and paint for my rental until April 4th, when daughter Virginia arrived in her Prius, packed to the hinges for she and I and her two boys. Our goal? A visit with daughter/sister Kristanne and cousins from Trabuco and points south.

 Auto travel with children, ages eight and ten can be challenging. Its one of the only times you are grateful for those electronic mesmerizers.  Brother Owen helped his younger brother Theo with strategy in his electronic battle. It was good for a couple of hours. Then, Virginia hauled out new, never before read, comics. A snack of fruit, books and scenery, and word games filled some time.  Then a rest stop.

We chose a spot close to coffee, cool drinks, gas, restrooms and grass. The kids were able to practice karate moves and use up some energy while we watched and stretched our legs. Highway 99 has no state rest stops. They've all been moved to Highway 5, but the services are good and handy, making it easy to stop frequently if needed.

Later in the day, we had a leisurely lunch and met this cute baby being showed to everyone by a proud grandma.

At a stop for groceries and goodies before arriving at Portola Hills in Trabuco, we met this little cutie helping her mother shop.

American marketing talent is truly amazing. Comfort at every mile along the way makes traveling with kids a cinch. The drive was nine hours including stops and no blood was drawn. Pretty smart mother, too.

A bouquet for the hostess and we were eating, drinking, and playing Quiddler before you could say, "antidisestablishmentarianism" which is one of Owen's favorite words. He also has a another favorite. Things are no longer awesome, they are "epic"!  Oh, its wild to learn things from your grand kids. Tomorrow, science and vegetables.