Chuck's Ruminations: We Made It....Nevada City, California

Last night Grandson Nick stopped by to pick up keys to the house and Grandma Wanda's three pages of typed instructions. She also let him know about a dozen other things including exactly where he could find food in the cupboards, freezer and fridge. (Like frozen chocolate chip cookies would be in the garage). This is the third time in the past eight months Nick is staying at the house but like Wanda says, "Once a mom (or a grandma) always a mom (or a grandma)."

I, on the other hand asked him if he had any questions about the workings of the television, surround sound system or Wi-Fi, he didn't. I also told him a 20-year-old buxom blond was staying in the back room and he shouldn't pay any attention to her.

Eighteen years old with a whole house, a fridge full of food, a freezer full of cookies and a big fat check, who could ask for anything more....OK, maybe the blond.

Since we were not planning to leave for Nevada City until 10 a.m. I wanted to sleep in this morning. Around 4:15 Sparky decided he wanted breakfast so he padded in the bedroom and stuck his paw in my mouth. Having slept all night between me and Wanda, Steve had been annoying us for hours. Only a cat person could understand why someone would put up with this.

So I kicked Wanda out of bed around 4:18 and went back to sleep. At 6 a.m. I woke with a vengeance and that was it. I was wide awake so I made coffee and started packing.

Last year the damn tag-along SockMonkey and BFF called shotgun and I was relegated to the rear seat. I was determined not to let that happen again.

Sock and BFF with their snacks: Drive to Nevada City 2013

In the rear with the gear 2014

This year I put them in their place. SockMonkey called shotgun on the way back. I told him that was not going to fly. You can't call it before the morning of the drive and besides, I was paying for the trip and if he didn't shut-up I was going to put a pillow case over his head.

We hit the road on time and made our first pit stop about an hour north at the Dixon Fruit Market. We bought stone fruit and apples @ $1.49 lb. and Bing cherries @ $2.99 lb. (a great price). I reluctantly bought SockMonkey a banana to share with his friend.

Our second stop was at the "In 'N Out" in Auburn, another hours drive. For those of you outside of our area this is a family owned and operated burger joint that's been serving fresh made fries and grilled bun burgers since 1948. We had two delicious burgers, fries and a drink all for $7.95.

Our third stop (in addition to my ears getting larger in my advanced years it seems my bladder is getting smaller) was at the Starbucks about 20 miles outside of Nevada City. This is our 11th year coming up to this wonderful spot. I guess you could say we have a pattern.