Post Seven - White Christmas

We had put December 23rd on the calendar as our next visit to La Casita, hoping to add an overnight to The Thomas' the day before so Neil could see both his grandparents, and his parents' new house before he left on his adventures in Europe.  But the weather was looking to be less than ideal for heading over Donner Summit, and mixed with the potential increased traffic proved to be more risk than we wanted to take.  Putting further complications on the trip was Barry's Dad passing away the week before, and the fact all of that side of our family was coming to our house in Novato for Christmas Eve, we decided to make it a day trip and keep things simple.

We did get ourselves out on the road early so we could attend morning service at Trinity.  Only our second visit there, but I really liked the feeling -- the Reverend clearly has experience but keeps things casual, their choir is outstanding, the church itself very old-timey feeling.  The service that morning included a baptism, and we chatted with the Rev on our way out into the very rainy day feeling good, grounded, a bit more at peace with all the goings-on.

Out the road to the house, the yards and trees were crusted with a heavy, slushy snow basically starting at Pasquale, which seemed to mark the snow line (at least that day.)  14269's driveway was covered, but not icy, and with only a tab bit of squirliness on the part of the Subaru, we got up to the house where we optimistically clamored up the stairs in the front despite snow piles on the steps.

Once inside, Linda was pleased to meet Neil and to give us time to show him around.  She and Barry chatted and took some time to look at a few items she wanted to leave behind if we were amenable, while I walked Neil up and down and around La Casita.

Neil loved the "secret room", declaring we definitely needed to keep it, and keep it secret.  He liked the interesting architecture, and while admitting there are places we could make some updates, agreed that there was alot we could do with the place over time.

One thing we had been pondering was a bed to sleep in while there, and turns out Linda wanted to leave the very large (and, apparently heavy) bed in the master suite  -- so a win, win on that one.  

So, after wandering around indoors, we said our goodbye to Linda and walked around the perimeter of the house as best we could in the slush and snow.  I am still in awe of the magnificent trees we are surrounded by, and with snow all around, it was even more amazing.

We did throw out the idea of us coming up for New Years', and Linda said she would let us know; the plan was for the movers to do the big stuff on the 28th, so if all went well, we could "camp out" for New Year's Eve.  Crossing fingers...

The weather was so dreary, cold, wet and windy we decided to forgo our original plan to see the Victorian Christmas in Nevada City and went with Plan B, late lunch at Paulette's, which is quickly becoming the go-to drop in eatery for us.  After an entertaining (and filling) meal from the counter, we headed back down to the flatlands to get ready for Christmas Eve.  Happy in the knowledge Neil has seen the property, and somewhat sad that Ray will never get the chance to be there with us.  But already planning our first family get together as soon as we can.....