We arrived Monday afternoon at the cabin, excited as well as wondering how the cabin had fared through the winter. The yard was neatly swept, and the carpets were clean. There were some things to be attended to: Tommy fixed the stove knobs and leveled the range, reconnected the dryer vent, while Paula cleaned and “de-moused” (a chronic problem in all the buildings in Lake Tahoe). We unpacked the car and put everything away. Now dinnertime, we decided to leave grocery shopping for the morning and went to Jimmy’s for dinner (tuna for Tommy, prawns for Paula) splurged on a shared chocolate lava cake with huckleberry ice cream on top, before vowing to eat lighter from then on. (Hmmm)
Next morning we walked to Heidi’s, had a reasonable breakfast, detoured to Timber Cove Marina to check out sailboat rentals and had a nice stroll back, looking out over the lake. Upon returning, it was evident that our car’s windshield had cracked in the night, a long, jagged line through the glass. No signs of trauma and we wondered if the rapid temperature change (80’s to 40’s overnight) had caused a small chip to enlarge. Tommy made arrangements to have the windshield replaced in Carson City on Friday and he washed the car (lots of dead Mormon crickets) and cleaned out the fireplace. Paula washed the kitchen cabinets, drawers, seasoned the cabin’s cast iron pan, cleaned off the picnic table. We opened the grill to find that someone had taken the propane tank, so Paula made baked salmon in the oven, which she served over salad with leftover rice from our dinner at Jimmy’s. We took a walk after dinner. The water was nearly translucent and at the highest level we’ve seen in four years. The skies were clear and smoke-free, and the mountains as amazing as ever.
Wednesday, we slept in a bit, continued tidying up, and then went on a training hike on the Upper Truckee Trail. It starts near the river, and then peels off into the woods, skirting the airport in a loop. Paula resurrected the Nathan hydration packs we used for trail runs, and she carried lemonade in the pack, while Tommy had the larger, heavier pack with the portable chairs, gear, and in-case-of-bear stuff. It was very beautiful, and the hills and valleys were mild but frequent which we hope will help us acclimate.
On the way back, we stopped and got a new propane tank. Dinner was jerk chicken thighs on the grill along with roasted broccoli and sauteed mushrooms.
Thursday, we started to anticipate company for the weekend, Glennis after dinner, and then Dacia, Miller and the kids on Friday. Paula did a guest-oriented shopping trip and Tommy ran. Paula mopped the floors, Tommy vacuumed and then we rested. Glenny arrived in good time and we had grilled chicken breasts, grilled corn, and salad. After dinner we talked on the porch till dark, then came in and watched Matthew McConaughy in The Lincoln Lawyer.
Friday, we were joined by Miller, Dacia, Makai, and Tayva. Tayva has really grown since last year, now walking, talking and getting into cute mischief. Makai lost no time jumping in the cold water, and stayed in, despite shivering. Our guests made dinner, which we really enjoyed: Marinated chicken breasts, garlic green beans with capers, and fresh mashed sweet potatoes.
Next morning, after a delicious breakfast of egg, avocado and sausage sandwiches on bagels and banana cornbread, we all took off for a small “secret” beach just off the lower Truckee Trail. Makai made friends and played in the water, and Tayva dipped her toes.
In the afternoon, two of Miller and Dacia’s friends from Sacramento came and visited until a rare thunderstorm drenched the deck. We waved a moist goodbye and came inside, only to be shocked and horrified by the news of the Trump’s near-assassination attempt. Amid concern and chatter, we had dinner: marinated pork chops, and creamed russet potatoes. With current events in mind, we chose “In the Line of Fire”, as our evening movie.
Now it’s Sunday morning and still raining! Very unusual for Tahoe. As I write this, Glennis and Dacia are making a great-smelling Sunday breakfast of pancakes, bacon, and fruit. We anticipate a fun morning of Trivial Pursuit and other games, and a lunch of grilled chicken wings before our guests must return home.