Snowless in Petaluma

Yes, snowless in northern CA, and we're finding that no snow makes it more difficult to catch the Christmas spirit, or to even remember that it's December! However, the calendar tells us it IS the holiday season, and whether we're in California or Michigan, we want to be sure to send wishes to all of you for a season of cheer. May love, peace and good will find their way into all of your holiday celebrations.

Here's a catch-up of recent  goings-on and also some highlights from this past year. 2013 - Some really good memories were made and I'd like to share a few with you.

We've been stationed for 2 &1/2 weeks now at our daughter Annie's in Petaluma, CA. The Pickle is parked right outside her door and will be for a few more days until we drive it to Applied GMC in Fremont, where it will get a few updates (tire alignment, carburetor exchange, and ???) (Sometimes I don't ask 'cause I just don't want to know.) (Better gas mileage? That's the hope.) while we spend 3 weeks at home in Michigan. The new improved Pickle will be waiting for us when we return to CA on January 7th, ready to continue our adventure into the southwest for the rest of the winter.

          Oh, the hills of Petaluma! A morning walk here is an exercise in ascent and descent.



View from the "top" of Berger Lane (Annie's drive.)

This past Sunday we strolled through the Marin County Farmer's Market in St. Raphael, a visual feast even at this time of year, of fruits and vegetables, eucalyptus wreaths, orchids, breads and pastries, olive oils and local honey, not to mention the array of vendors selling all descriptions of ethnic foods.

                                                               Broccoli Romanesco


 


Sunday a week ago we checked out the Alameda Antique Faire, a once-monthly gathering of 900 sellers spread out on an old Air Force base.  This is where you go to find anything old, from vintage European flour sacking to farmhouse tables to china teacups.

2013 Highlights -

 (Understand, these are just the super big highlights. Not enough room to mention all the extraordinarily ordinary fun times this past year with car club friends, neighbors and family.)

 

In July we visited Michael's family and my mother in Iowa. My mom came back with us to Michigan. She stayed with us for five weeks and got in on some prime family times.

Our daughter and son-in-law, Ellen and Robert (Bobby) Fox were married on July 21st -  the ceremony on a Lake Michigan beach near our home. 

 

 

 

 

The wedding was followed by a mini-family reunion. The 4 Wolbrink sibs and their spouses, were joined by Harriet and Joe's daughter Rebekah with 2-yr. old, Alannah, and Janie and Rod's daughter, Lara with 11 yr. old, Aiden. 

 







Original 4 Wolbrink sibs + Mom

 

 

 

In August we helped our granddaughter (apple of Grandpa's eye) celebrate her 2nd birthday in Ann Arbor. We also welcomed the news of another grandchild. Lillian's baby brother is due at the beginning of April. What can we say? More love, more joy!

 

 

 Love this pic.

 First Tractor ride



 Mother & Daughter

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Happy Holidays!

Peace,
Martha, Michael, & Nina