Good Fortune

"A party with friends is in your near future" read the fortune in my cookie last night.

We have been working hard to prepare for the weekend, and have the following update:

1. Water: In this heat, staying cool is on all of our minds. We are happy to report that, as of last Thursday, we have running water on the property - two hose bibs and a generator running the well pump. We have ordered the kid pool (12' diameter x 36" deep) pictured left. We cross over the Russian River on the way to our property and there is a river beach that could also become a respite from the heat. I am showing a forecast in Healdsburg of 87 degrees Fahrenheit for the weekend. Drinking Water: We will be filtering well water through a large table-top Brita system and have a flat of water bottles for drinking.

2. Facilities: A porta-potty will be delivered to the property on Friday sometime after noon. We will also have a solar shower (pictured) and a shower station, equipped with shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, and Tecnu poison oak wash.

3. Hazards: While we started the first of four days of clearing yesterday, it will take some number of cycles to eliminate the poison oak plants. Please be prepared to take precautions with long pants and long sleeved shirts if you are sensitive (as I am); we will have Tecnu and a washing station, and plenty of garbage bags to stash poison oak clothes. Be prepared for mosquitoes; we will have some bug sprays, but bring a favorite, if you have one. Plan to do tick checks, and take general caution; one suggestion is to rubber band the bottoms of pant legs to keep crawling bugs out. Luc and I will review the clearing in progress tomorrow to see what the newly "mowed" terrain is like; however, I suggest you pack some closed toe shoes. We will visit the local hospital to learn snake bite and spider bite protocols.

4. Provisions: Please bring bathing suits, anything that flies (boomerangs, rocket kits, Frisbees), ice chests, and camp chairs if you have them. We will have two simple picnic tables, a small Weber grill, and will supply food and beverages.

5. Activities: We will have the pool, badminton (with net), volleyball, super soakers, and a screened tent as a quieter play space for the kids.

6. Tools: If you have a battery-powered screwdriver, please bring it; the more the better!

7. Directions: We will post directions on Wednesday, after a last trip up with some precise mileage markers so you don't miss the road.

Cheers!