October Updates

October 23 is a national day of service, Make a Difference Day. This is the second year that my students and I have spent the morning working in Bidwell Park. It is fun to work the students outside of the classroom and we all gain a sense of accomplishment at the end of our work period. This year we worked under the direction of Chico Mayor Ann Schwab (coincidentally, I am teaching American Government this semester, so it was extremely cool to pull weeds with the mayor.) This year, Ross was able to join the fun at picnic site 8, removing invasive fruitless blackberry (Really, who needs FRUITLESS blackberries???).

The following weekend, we enjoyed a Halloween Party on Saturday and a political rally on Sunday. I neglected to get pictures of Halloween this year, but Katya looked great in a gypsy-fortune teller costume.

Sunday, Jerry Brown and Dave Jones came to town to rally the Democrats. I the local paper had advertised the event earlier in the week. I encouraged my students to attend for the experience, which meant that I need to set a good example (none of them showed). I mentally pictured the small restaurant (where the rally was being held) to be filled with 20 or so people, allowing me to ask questions directly and maybe get a few family photos taken. Well, I was wrong! From the photo below you can see how crowded the event was. The three of us barely made it into the building and were downstairs out of sight, but in audio range of the "dignitaries." Katya and I were able to shake hands with Jerry as he made his way out. He made a joke about sticky hands because Katya was the cliche child with a sucker in hand:)

Jerry started his morning in Eureka (Scott and Jamie's neck of the woods), then flew to Chico, and after an hour in Chico, then he was off to Santa Rosa or Sacramento for another rally.

Big Davis Weekend!

Last Saturday, Amanda and Ross rode the Foxy's Fall Century (106 miles); starting and finishing in Davis. It took both 6 hours and change. At the finish line both resolved to avoid future century rides, but within hours they came to their senses and are looking forward to future events.

At the start area. Fresh and energetic.

The support crew watching Sponge Bob.

Fans staking out the finish line.

Dr. Adventure with his adoring fan club.

Dr. Fischer with her adoring fan club.

I took these photos Sunday. We celebrated Kurt's 6th birthday at the Rocknasium. We had a great time climbing with and belaying Kurty and his friends. Happy Birthday Nephew!!!!!!

Backlog Blog

In anticipation of Ross and Amanda's participation in Foxy's Fall Century (100 mile bike ride) and Kurt's birthday party at the Rocknasium in Davis, I decided to upload a few belated adventures.

September 18th Ross rode the Bidwell Bump mountain bike race. Several adoring fans gave Dr. Adventure flowers:)

The last weekend in September we ventured up to Lassen Park (it was 85+ degrees in the valley at this time), so that Katya could learn firsthand about the volcanic activity at Bumpass Hell. All of us suffered mild cases of hypothermia, but made full recoveries. Katya was a trooper!

Last weekend, Ross and I went to Ashland to celebrate our third anniversary. We DID NOT see any plays, but had a great time mountain biking and eating:)

Labor Day Weekend 2010

The Fortuna Ellsmores, Davis Fischers, and Chico Nays-Mores, plus Mumphie and Lacy celebrated the Labor Day weekend with the traditional pool & barbecue combo; followed by a 61 mile bike ride to and from Woodland (Dr. Adventure & Dr. Fischer). Enjoy the photos! [Izze]

Micky (the tadpole!)

Ross, Scott, Jamie, Lacy

Karkee and Amanda at the baby wash

Ross guarding his ice cream. Izze and Micky sharing.

The Dr's and the kids at breakfast in Woodland.

Katya's trip to the redwoods as a 9 yr. old

Katya turned nine on Wednesday August 4. We celebrated with a special birthday dinner, mac'n cheese, present opening, and a custom made ice cream pie. I was a nice little family party. Since Katya loves the beach so much, Friday morning we headed for the Arcata coast.

We began our coastal adventures at Patrick's Point State Park. We walked part of the coastal trail, hiked out to Wedding Rock, up Lookout Rock, snacked on huckleberries, and then spent the afternoon at Agate Beach. Although none of are/were certain what an agate actually looks like, we filled our pockets with beautiful rocks. As you can see in most of the photos, the weather was a welcome change from the valley.

We are at Trillium Fall at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. One of the highlights of our trip is pictured below; fern canyon was incredible. A small stream meandering through a canyon whose walls are carpeted in ferns of all types.

We spotted this bull elk resting when we were finishing the Fern Canyon trail.

We enjoyed a brief bike ride this weekend and Katya did great climbing a hill that was steep for her.

Another great aspect of the trip was the ample beach combing time we allowed. The picture below is at Clam Beach; we were looking for intact sand dollars, but found none.


This trip was a wonderful way to wrap up our summer. Thanks Dr. Adventure!

Dr's in Training

Alert! Dr. Adventure M.D. and Dr. Fischer Ph.D. are training to ride the Foxy's Fall Century on Saturday October 16. Stay tuned....

http://www.davisbikeclub.org/annual_events/organized_rides/foxys_fall_century

Kurt's Excellent Adventures in Chico

Kurt came to stay with us in Chico from July 29 through August 3. We had many adventures. Everyday we visited Pollywog Creek (Little Chico Creek), fed Ginger the horse after breakfast, read a Star Wars book, and played.

Our last day on the creek, Kurt saw a crawdad, many fish, gigantic (really!!) spiders, caught pollywogs, and went tubing.

Nice sugary breakfast for Kurt and Katya. The experts reported that these were the all time best cinnamon rolls.

Kurt and Katya visiting with and feeding Ginger carrots.

Hence the name pollywog creek.

Building sand castles.

On Saturday, Scott, Jamie, the girls, Grandma, and Grandpa came down the hill from Paradise to celebrate the July birthdays (Ross, Scott, Phil).

After lunch and ice cream pie, we pulled out the water willy. Izze did NOT like the water. But as you can see, Kurt, Scott, and Michaela had a great time. Mickey liked to squirt everyone and she has accurate aim! At one point, Scott was jumping over Kurt (see above); no major injuries were sustained.

Sunday, Kurt and I went to Paradise in the morning to visit and play. Kurt and Izze rode down the drive way in their wagon. Then they climbed into the back of my truck to play with cam-straps.




After Kurt and I came back to Chico, we had lunch and caught a great magic show. Kurt was called upon twice to participate in the act. Before I dropped Kurt off at school on Tuesday, we made plans to ski together this winter and for me to bring him up to Chico on a weekend we have Katya.