Test Your Knowledge of GrovelandHere comes another quiz in the "Testing Your Knowledge of the Mother Lode" series. This time the focus is Groveland. (I don't want our Groveland office to feel left out!) What do you know about this beautiful Mother Lode area town? Hmm? Find out with the following questions (you'll find the answers below)...
1. The oldest continuously operating establishment in Groveland is (at least according to its proprietors): (a) Sugar Pine Realty; (b) Mountain Sage; (c) Hotel Charlotte; (d) Iron Door Saloon.
2. Groveland's private gated community of Pine Mountain Lake surrounds a man-made lake that, even in a lower rainfall year, has never dropped below a depth of: (a) 6 inches; (b) 12 inches; (c) 4 feet; (d) 18.362 inches.
3. Each September, the town of Groveland hosts the following event: (a) 49er fair; (b) 49er football practice; (c) 49er jubilee; (d) 49er festival.
4. The greatest contributing factor to the growth of Groveland in the early 1900's was: (a) the development of the Pine Mountain Lake area; (b) its proximity to Yosemite; (c) the development of the Tuolumne River Hetch-Hetchy water project; (d) the discovery of gold.
5. This person discovered gold in Groveland and nearby Big Oak Flat in 1848: (a) James Bond; (b) James Savage; (c) James Brown; (d) James Dean.
6. The Garrote Tree in Groveland is famous for what? (a) the Christmas lights that adorn it each holiday season; (b) children playing ring-around-the-rosie around it; (c) hoodlums being hung for their crimes on it; (d) tourists taking a nap in its shade.
7. Still a part of Groveland's famous Iron Door Saloon are it's original: (a) owners; (b) bathrooms; (c) iron doors; (d) lighting fixtures.
Test Your Knowledge of Tuolumne CountyRemember in school when you'd show up in a class and the teacher would say, "Put your books away and take your pencils out. It's a surprise quiz"? You loved those days, right? Well just to reminisce, I'm giving you a quiz today. This one's to test your knowledge of Tuolumne County. So here goes:
1. As a county in the Mother Lode, Tuolumne County is: (a) the second largest; (b) the third largest; (c) the largest; (d) tied for the largest.
2. When and where was gold first discovered in Tuolumne County? (a) in Sonora in 1850; (b) in Chinese Camp in 1849; (c) in Soulsbyville in 1852; (d) in Jamestown in 1848.
3. How much gold was yielded in dollars in Tuolumne County? (a) 600 million; (b) 1 billion; (c) 1.1 billion; (d) 100 million.
4. A "war" once broke out on a mountain near which Tuolumne County town? (a) Twain Harte; (b) Mi Wuk; (c) Sonora; (d) Chinese Camp.
5. The Tuolumne County town of Jamestown was founded by whom? (a) James in the Bible, a follower of Jesus; (b) the outlaw, Jesse James; (c) James Earl Jones; (d) Colonel George James, a San Francisco lawyer. 6. A gold mine runs directly below which Tuolumne County property? (a) Sugar Pine Realty in Jamestown; (b) the Willow Hotel in Jamestown; (c) the Mother Lode Fairgrounds in Sonora; (d) the Westside property in Tuolumne City.
7. Stealing a horse in the Tuolumne County city of Sonora in the middle 1800s could get a person what type of punishment? (a) a timeout; (b) no TV; (c) lashes and branding on the cheek; (d) go straight to bed after supper.
Test Your Knowledge of Twain HarteComing at you with the "Testing Your Knowledge of the Mother Lode" series again. This time the focus is Twain Harte. What do you know about this beautiful Mother Lode area town? Well, let's find out with the following quiz (you'll be able to check your answers below)...
1. The oldest area landmark in Twain Harte is:
(a) the Twain Harte arch;
(b) "The Rock" restaurant;
(c) the Twain Harte Market;
(d) the large granite rock near the Twain Harte Lake Dam.
2. Which two famous author's last names were chosen to create the town of Twain Harte's name?
(a) John Twain and Steve Harte;
(b) Steve Twain and John Harte;
(c) Bret Twain and Mark Harte;
(d) Mark Twain and Bret Harte.
3. In the middle 1800's, cattle roamed, apple and pear orchards stood and a watering place was maintained in which Twain Harte location of today?
(a) Twain Harte Pool;
(b) Twain Harte Golf Course;
(c) Sugar Pine Realty office;
(d) where the Twain Harte Inn/Lodge once stood.
4. The Twain Harte wooden arch was built in:
(a) 1933; (b) 1934; (c) 1930; (d) 1900.
5. The Twain Harte Golf Course was constructed on this man's land in 1930. His share of the rent of the land was a whopping $1 per year!:
(a) Mark Twain; (b) Ray Eproson; (c) Patrick Williams; (d) Bret Harte.
6. According to the 2000 census, the population of Twain Harte is approximately:
(a) 3000; (b) 3900; (c) 2600; (d) 2000.
7. The town of Twain Harte owes most of its growth in the 1930s through early 50s to which real estate company?
Test Your Knowledge of JamestownHere comes another quiz in the "Testing Your Knowledge of the Mother Lode" series. This time the focus is Jamestown, California. It has a fascinating past with the discover of gold at the center. After you're done you can check your answers below. Don't forget to click on the hyperlinks (in purple), too.
1. Gold was first discovered in Tuolumne County in 1848 in a Jamestown creek (Woods Creek) named after the following individual: (a) Elijah Wood; (b) Tiger Woods; (c) Natalie Wood; (d) Benjamin Wood.
2. Woods Creek was yielding some 40-60 ounces of gold per day at its height. At an average price at the time of $10.00 an ounce that equaled as much as $600.00. In comparison, the same amount of gold in today’s dollars would approximately be: (a) $430; (b) $4,300; (c) $43,000; (d) $430,000.
3. The largest gold nugget ever discovered in Woods Creek weighed a total of: (a) 7.5 ounces; (b) 75 ounces; (c) 7.5 pounds; (d) 75 pounds.
4. The town of Jamestown (or Jimtown as it was known early on) got its name from: (a) the outlaw, Jesse James; (b) Colonel George James, a San Francisco lawyer; (c) James Bond, the spy; (d) James in the Bible, a disciple of Christ.
5. This famous individual at one time actually owned a trading post and tavern in Jamestown: (a) Grizzly Adams; (b) John Adams; (c) Don Adams; (d) Kelly Adams.
6. The gold rush days eventually passed and like many other foothill towns, Jamestown suffered. It was this next “boom” that would pump new life into the town: (a) the opening of the Jamestown Sugar Pine Realty office; (b) the hanging of various criminals on a Main Street tree; (c) the construction of Highway 108; (d) the arrival of the Sierra Railroad.
7. Like some other Mother Lode towns, Jamestown’s history includes the following natural disaster destroying at least parts of the town more than once: (a) frogs; (b) flames; (c) fleas; (d) flies.
Here comes another quiz in the "Test Your Knowledge of the Mother Lode" series. This time the focus is Yosemite National Park.
Of course, you've probably heard about Half Dome and Yosemite Falls, but there's just so much more to know about "the Incomparable Valley" as Yosemite Valley has been referred to.
Find out about the history of Yosemite and with the following questions (you can check your answers below)...
1. Yosemite Valley was formed long ago by:
(a) Noah's flood;
(b) an asteroid strike;
(c) a great earthquake;
(d) a massive glacier.
2. The numbers of visitors to Yosemite National Park annually is approximately:
3. What percent of the park is represented by Yosemite Valley itself (where Half Dome, El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, etc., are and most people visit and stay)?
4. A park bill protecting the Yosemite area was passed by Congress and then signed into law by which American President?
(a) Abraham Lincoln;
(b) John F. Kennedy;
(c) Ronald Reagan;
(d) Bill Clinton.
5. Native Americans occupied Yosemite Valley as long as:
(a) 800 years ago;
(b) 800,000 years ago;
(c) 8,000 years ago;
(d) 80,000 years ago.
6. When non-Indian peoples came upon Yosemite Valley in the middle 1800's, they and the Native Americans who were there:
(a) sat down and shared a Thanksgiving meal;
(b) suited up and played a game of football;
(c) embraced each other and couldn't figure out how they survived without each other for so long;
(d) began to fight between themselves which led to the Mariposa-Indian War.
7. In the early 20th century, a bitter struggle took place because this city wanted to dam the Tuolumne River inside Yosemite National Park so as to provide itself water to drink and hydroelectric power. This city would eventually get its way which led to the construction of O'Shaughnessy Dam:
(a) Fresno;
(b) Bakersfield;
(c) Sacramento;
(d) San Francisco.
Test Your Knowledge of YosemiteYet another quiz in the "Test Your Knowledge of the Mother Lode" series. This time the focus is Yosemite National Park. What do you know about "the Incomparable Valley" as it's been referred to? Find out with the following questions (you can check your answers below)...
1. Yosemite Valley was formed long ago by: (a) Noah's flood; (b) an asteroid strike; (c) a great earthquake; (d) a massive glacier.
2. The numbers of visitors to Yosemite annually is approximately: (a) 3.5 million; (b) 1 million; (c) 1.5 million; (d) 1.2 million.
3. What percent of the park is represented by Yosemite Valley itself (where Half Dome, El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, etc., are and most people visit and stay)? (a) 10 percent; (b) 1 percent; (c) 15 percent; (d) 12 percent.
4. A park bill protecting the Yosemite area was passed by Congress and then signed into law by which American President? (a) Abraham Lincoln; (b) John F. Kennedy; (c) Ronald Reagan; (d) Bill Clinton.
5. Native Americans occupied Yosemite Valley as long as: (a) 800 years ago; (b) 800,000 years ago; (c) 8,000 years ago; (d) 80,000 years ago.
6. When non-Indian peoples came upon Yosemite in the middle 1800's, they and the Native Americans who were there: (a) sat down and shared a Thanksgiving meal; (b) suited up and played a game of football; (c) embraced each other and couldn't figure out how they survived without each other for so long; (d) began to fight between themselves which led to the Mariposa-Indian War.
7. In the early 20th century, a bitter struggle took place because this city wanted to dam the Tuolumne River inside Yosemite National Park so as to provide itself water to drink and hydroelectric power. This city would eventually get its way which led to the construction of O'Shaughnessy Dam: (a) Fresno; (b) Bakersfield; (c) Sacramento; (d) San Francisco.
Vintage Trains in JamestownIt's another Tuolumne County - Mother Lode point of interest I'm highlighting today. This time it's Railtown 1897 Historic Park. It's vintage steam engines you'll find at Railtown 1897 and be able to ride. One of the engines is the famous Sierra No. 3. Among the many things that's cool about Sierra No. 3 is the list of movies it's been seen and used in including High Noon with Gary Cooper, Back to the Future 3 with Michael J. Fox and Unforgiven with Clint Eastwood and Gene Hackman. Sierra No. 3 rests and is serviced in the famous Roundhouse at Railtown 1897. My kids and I have personally taken the Roundhouse tour (at least twice) and it was fascinating to hear the engineers explain the history behind the trains and all that goes into taking care of them. You simply won't want to miss visiting Railtown 1897 when you come to Tuolumne County. It's located just west of Sonora in Jamestown, California. Visit the Railtown 1897 website for more information.
Test Your Knowledge of ChristmasSing with me: “It’s the most wonderful time of the year. With the kids jingle belling, And everyone telling you, “Be of good cheer,” It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” And I just can’t help but sing. The Christmas spirit’s got a hold of me and won’t let go. How ‘bout you? And I couldn’t help but think what better way to spread some more "good Christmas cheer” like the song says than for (did you guess?) another quiz? So how are you with the subject of Christmas – songs, traditions and other assorted facts? Find out with the following questions (answers below). And most of all, have a Merry Christmas, everybody.
1. Who wrote the song “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” and in what year? (a) Eddie Pola, George Wyle in 1963; (b) James Lord Pierpont publ. 1857; (c) J. Fred Coots, Henry Gillespie in 1934; (d) Irving Berlin, 1942.
2. The names of the Magi/Wisemen/Astrologers in the Christmas story were: (a) Shadrach, Meshech and Abednego; (b) Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh; (c) Larry, Curly and Moe; (d) none of the above.
4. The big guy in the red suit and hat that says, "Ho, ho, ho," goes by many names including... (a) Tim Allen; (b) Saint Nick; (c) Father Christmas; (d) Kris Kringle.
5. The official determination on whether or not it's a "white Christmas" is: (a) snow flurries at noon on December 25th; (b) heavy snowfall for at least 10 minutes on Christmas day; (c) 1 inch of snow on the ground at 8 a.m. Christmas morning; (d) 1 inch of snowfall taking place any time between midnight and midnight.
7. One of the most popular/infamous gifts at Christmas is - can you guess? - the fruitcake. (Have you ever received one?) Which of the following facts are true about the fruitcake: (a) 25 is the number of years that a fruitcake can age and still be enjoyed, as long as it has the right preservatives and is stored in a tightly closed tin; (b) 1 to 1 is the ratio of the density of the average fruitcake to the density of mahogany; (c) a little more than 1 in 10 people say they would make time to regift a fruitcake to give it to someone else; (d) all of the above.
Test Your Knowledge of YosemiteYet another quiz in the "Test Your Knowledge of the Mother Lode" series. This time the focus is Yosemite National Park. What do you know about "the Incomparable Valley" as it's been referred to? Find out with the following questions (you can check your answers below)...
1. Yosemite Valley was formed long ago by: (a) Noah's flood; (b) an asteroid strike; (c) a great earthquake; (d) a massive glacier.
2. The numbers of visitors to Yosemite annually is approximately: (a) 3.5 million; (b) 1 million; (c) 1.5 million; (d) 1.2 million.
3. What percent of the park is represented by Yosemite Valley itself (where Half Dome, El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, etc., are and most people visit and stay)? (a) 10 percent; (b) 1 percent; (c) 15 percent; (d) 12 percent.
4. A park bill protecting the Yosemite area was passed by Congress and then signed into law by which American President? (a) Abraham Lincoln; (b) John F. Kennedy; (c) Ronald Reagan; (d) Bill Clinton.
5. Native Americans occupied Yosemite Valley as long as: (a) 800 years ago; (b) 800,000 years ago; (c) 8,000 years ago; (d) 80,000 years ago.
6. When non-Indian peoples came upon Yosemite in the middle 1800's, they and the Native Americans who were there: (a) sat down and shared a Thanksgiving meal; (b) suited up and played a game of football; (c) embraced each other and couldn't figure out how they survived without each other for so long; (d) began to fight between themselves which led to the Mariposa-Indian War.
7. In the early 20th century, a bitter struggle took place because this city wanted to dam the Tuolumne River inside Yosemite National Park so as to provide itself water to drink and hydroelectric power. This city would eventually get its way which led to the construction of O'Shaughnessy Dam: (a) Fresno; (b) Bakersfield; (c) Sacramento; (d) San Francisco.
Watch the Sunrise in YosemiteTuolumne County is an area in the Mother Lode like no other. Of course, there are many points of interest that could be highlighted, but probably the most world famous of all is Yosemite National Park. It's right in in our own backyard! Thousands of people visit the park each year, but still there are many others who have never had the chance. But now you can! No, I'm not going to pay for a ticket to fly you out here. Instead, I wanted to let you know about what's called the Virtual Yosemite website. I watched a sunrise over Half Dome just this morning on Virtual Yosemite! There's also a link towards the bottom of the website that'll take you to Timelapse Webcam Movies where you can view Yosemite during a thundershower or when there's a light dusting of snow taking place - even see the moon rising over the park! Check out Virtual Yosemite when you get the chance. You may even want to include the link on your own website or blog.
A Blood Red SunriseIt was a blood red sunrise this morning across the Mother Lode caused by the continuing fires across the Golden State. For those of you that weren't up early enough to see it, I have a picture and a video. The picture (on the right) is taken from the top of Valley Oak Drive in Mono Vista looking in the Twain Harte direction. (Click on picture to enlarge.) The video (below) is taken from my house as the sun appears over the trees.
Smoke in the Mother LodeNo matter where you woke up in the Mother Lode this morning you likely woke up to smoke. (You'll notice some clickable pictures in this post and a video below of the smoke as it was seen in the Soulsbyville area looking towards Mt. Provo and the Sonora Vista Subdivision, respectively.) The major culprit producing the smoke in the Mother Lode (at least in the immediate vicinity of Tuolumne County) is what has been dubbed the North Mountain Fire located approximately 19 miles northeast of Groveland. According to the local radio news this morning, the fire has burned around 645 acres and is 5% contained. And so the smoke we've been experiencing in the air is probably going to continue for some time. The weather forecast for Saturday and Sunday is for a 20% chance of thunderstorms. Let's hope (and pray) the firefighters can get a handle on the North Mountain Fire before then and that no more fires will be started by lightning over the weekend. I hope you enjoy the pictures and the video.
Preparing for the StormIt's supposed to get wet, windy and wild over the next couple of days with a major winter storm bearing down on the Mother Lode. (Click here for the latest Doppler Radar.) What better time for another reminder on how to be prepared should the power go out, etc. Got your flashlight? Check. Got batteries in your flashlight? Check. (Duh.) How 'bout a battery-operated radio? Check. And what about extra blankets, bottled water, canned food and a can opener? Check. Check. Check. Check. And then beyond these common sense basics the American Red Cross also suggests the following items that should be a part of any winter emergency and disaster supplies kit: coats, gloves, mittens, hat and water-resistant boots for every person, a first aid kit and essential medications. For more important information and storm preparation tips, visit: Red Cross Winter Storm Page. And most of all, be safe everybody.
Low Snow in the Mother LodeOf course, it snowed last night all the way down to Sonora. I don't know if it went any lower than that. But I've got a couple of quick pictures and a video (click below to watch it) for you to check out the snow at the Sugar Pine Realty Corporate office this morning. It really looks pretty. Where ever you're at today (above 2000 feet) I'll bet it looks the same. It's one of the many blessings of living in the Gold Country. We have all four seasons in the Mother Lode. And here are the pictures and video to prove it!
Test Your Knowledge of ChristmasSing with me: “It’s the most wonderful time of the year. With the kids jingle belling, And everyone telling you, “Be of good cheer,” It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” And I just can’t help but sing. The Christmas spirit’s got a hold of me and won’t let go. How ‘bout you? And I couldn’t help but think what better way to spread some more "good Christmas cheer” like the song says than for (did you guess?) another quiz? So how are you with the subject of Christmas – songs, traditions and other assorted facts? Find out with the following questions (answers below). And most of all, have a Merry Christmas, everybody (2 weeks to go!).
1. Who wrote the song “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” and in what year? (a) Eddie Pola, George Wyle in 1963; (b) James Lord Pierpont publ. 1857; (c) J. Fred Coots, Henry Gillespie in 1934; (d) Irving Berlin, 1942.
2. The names of the Magi/Wisemen/Astrologers in the Christmas story were: (a) Shadrach, Meshech and Abednego; (b) Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh; (c) Larry, Curly and Moe; (d) none of the above.
4. The big guy in the red suit and hat that says, "Ho, ho, ho," goes by many names including... (a) Tim Allen; (b) Saint Nick; (c) Father Christmas; (d) Kris Kringle.
5. The official determination on whether or not it's a "white Christmas" is: (a) snow flurries at noon on December 25th; (b) heavy snowfall for at least 10 minutes on Christmas day; (c) 1 inch of snow on the ground at 8 a.m. Christmas morning; (d) 1 inch of snowfall taking place any time between midnight and midnight.
7. One of the most popular/infamous gifts at Christmas is - can you guess? - the fruitcake. (Have you ever received one?) Which of the following facts are true about the fruitcake: (a) 25 is the number of years that a fruitcake can age and still be enjoyed, as long as it has the right preservatives and is stored in a tightly closed tin; (b) 1 to 1 is the ratio of the density of the average fruitcake to the density of mahogany; (c) a little more than 1 in 10 people say they would make time to regift a fruitcake to give it to someone else; (d) all of the above.
Here comes another quiz in the "Testing Your Knowledge of the Mother Lode" series. This time the focus is Groveland. (I don't want our Groveland office to feel left out!) What do you know about this beautiful Mother Lode area town? Hmm? Find out with the following questions (you'll find the answers below)...
Remember in school when you'd show up in a class and the teacher would say, "Put your books away and take your pencils out. It's a surprise quiz"? You loved those days, right? Well just to reminisce, I'm giving you a quiz today. This one's to test your knowledge of Tuolumne County. So here goes:
Coming at you with the "Testing Your Knowledge of the Mother Lode" series again. This time the focus is Twain Harte. What do you know about this beautiful Mother Lode area town? Well, let's find out with the following quiz (you'll be able to check your answers below)...
Here comes another quiz in the "Testing Your Knowledge of the Mother Lode" series. This time the focus is Jamestown, California. It has a fascinating past with the discover of gold at the center. After you're done you can check your answers below. Don't forget to click on the hyperlinks (in purple), too.
4. A park bill protecting the Yosemite area was passed by Congress and then signed into law by which American President?
Yet another quiz in the "Test Your Knowledge of the Mother Lode" series. This time the focus is Yosemite National Park. What do you know about "the Incomparable Valley" as it's been referred to? Find out with the following questions (you can check your answers below)...
It's another Tuolumne County - Mother Lode point of interest I'm highlighting today. This time it's Railtown 1897 Historic Park. It's vintage steam engines you'll find at Railtown 1897 and be able to ride. One of the engines is the famous Sierra No. 3. Among the many things that's cool about Sierra No. 3 is the list of movies it's been seen and used in including High Noon with Gary Cooper, Back to the Future 3 with Michael J. Fox and Unforgiven with Clint Eastwood and Gene Hackman. Sierra No. 3 rests and is serviced in the famous Roundhouse at Railtown 1897. My kids and I have personally taken the Roundhouse tour (at least twice) and it was fascinating to hear the engineers explain the history behind the trains and all that goes into taking care of them. You simply won't want to miss visiting Railtown 1897 when you come to Tuolumne County. It's located just west of Sonora in Jamestown, California. Visit the Railtown 1897 website for more information.
Sing with me: “It’s the most wonderful time of the year. With the kids jingle belling, And everyone telling you, “Be of good cheer,” It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” And I just can’t help but sing. The Christmas spirit’s got a hold of me and won’t let go. How ‘bout you? And I couldn’t help but think what better way to spread some more "good Christmas cheer” like the song says than for (did you guess?) another quiz? So how are you with the subject of Christmas – songs, traditions and other assorted facts? Find out with the following questions (answers below). And most of all, have a Merry Christmas, everybody.
Yet another quiz in the "Test Your Knowledge of the Mother Lode" series. This time the focus is Yosemite National Park. What do you know about "the Incomparable Valley" as it's been referred to? Find out with the following questions (you can check your answers below)...
Tuolumne County is an area in the Mother Lode like no other. Of course, there are many points of interest that could be highlighted, but probably the most world famous of all is Yosemite National Park. It's right in in our own backyard! Thousands of people visit the park each year, but still there are many others who have never had the chance. But now you can! No, I'm not going to pay for a ticket to fly you out here. Instead, I wanted to let you know about what's called the Virtual Yosemite website. I watched a sunrise over Half Dome just this morning on Virtual Yosemite! There's also a link towards the bottom of the website that'll take you to Timelapse Webcam Movies where you can view Yosemite during a thundershower or when there's a light dusting of snow taking place - even see the moon rising over the park! Check out Virtual Yosemite when you get the chance. You may even want to include the link on your own website or blog.
It was a blood red sunrise this morning across the Mother Lode caused by the continuing fires across the Golden State. For those of you that weren't up early enough to see it, I have a picture and a video. The picture (on the right) is taken from the top of Valley Oak Drive in Mono Vista looking in the Twain Harte direction. (Click on picture to enlarge.) The video (below) is taken from my house as the sun appears over the trees.
No matter where you woke up in the Mother Lode this morning you likely woke up to smoke. (You'll notice some clickable pictures in this post and a video below of the smoke as it was seen in the Soulsbyville area looking towards Mt. Provo and the Sonora Vista Subdivision, respectively.) The major culprit producing the smoke in the Mother Lode (at least in the immediate vicinity of Tuolumne County) is what has been dubbed the North Mountain Fire located approximately 19 miles northeast of Groveland. According to the 
local radio news this morning, the fire has burned around 645 acres and is 5% contained. And so the smoke we've been experiencing in the air is probably going to continue for some time. The weather forecast for Saturday and Sunday is for a 20% chance of thunderstorms. Let's hope (and pray) the firefighters can get a handle on the North Mountain Fire before then and that no more fires will be started by lightning over the weekend. I hope you enjoy the pictures and the video.
It's supposed to get wet, windy and wild over the next couple of days with a major winter storm bearing down on the Mother Lode. (Click here for the latest Doppler Radar.) What better time for another reminder on how to be prepared should the power go out, etc. Got your flashlight? Check. Got batteries in your flashlight? Check. (Duh.) How 'bout a battery-operated radio? Check. And what about extra blankets, bottled water, canned food and a can opener? Check. Check. Check. Check. And then beyond these common sense basics the American Red Cross also suggests the following items that should be a part of any winter emergency and disaster supplies kit: coats, gloves, mittens, hat and water-resistant boots for every person, a first aid kit and essential medications. For more important information and storm preparation tips, visit: Red Cross Winter Storm Page. And most of all, be safe everybody.
Of course, it snowed last night all the way down to Sonora. I don't know if it went any lower than that. But I've got a couple of quick pictures and a video (click below to watch it) for you to check out the snow at the Sugar Pine Realty Corporate office this morning. It really looks pretty. Where ever you're at today (above 2000 feet) I'll bet it looks the same. It's 
one of the many blessings of living in the Gold Country. We have all four seasons in the Mother Lode. And here are the pictures and video to prove it!
