Christmas Card at Lake Almanor 1999

Christmas Card 1999

I've left the city, the traffic rush, the malls and the maddening crowds,

I've gone north to the woods, the snow, and the lakes where the deer and the squirrels play.

You won't find me at the movie shows, or checking into the office at eight,

It's more like the Internet, quilting, and hauling wood that fills my night and day.

It's family history, memory books, needlework and even time to read,

No lawns to mow (just needles to rake) and traded in sea winds for falling snow.

A big day at the ward on Sunday is any number over twenty,

But the Church is just down the road 10 miles or so--no traffic lights to slow.

The lake is huge with lots of fish, few boats and a fun place to play,

The summer is warm but never too hot and the sun is clear and bright.

300 days the sun shines throughout the summer, winter and fall,

And a million stars and shiny moon are a gift to view each night.

Now don't get me wrong, this isn't for all, you must love peace and quiet,

No chirping crickets, or sirens noise, no cars swooshing or airplanes roar.

You must love aloneness, small towns and give up the malls and movies,

Be ready for deer to gaze at you, shovel snow and chop a tree or more.

At least for me, it is a dream come true, and the peace that I had sought,

I'm renewing myself, and Bandido and I are working through our grief.

So if you'd like a little of paradise before you leave this worldly earth,

Just drop in at 709 E Mountain Ridge for a long stay or even make it brief.

Some wondered what happened to me, so I am sending this card early,
So here's my address--look me up on the map--due north of Lake Tahoe, 
West of Reno, east of Frisco and north of Sacramento, too.
You'll see a lake with a peninsula and that is where to go...

Best wishes from Janet Hardy and Bandido

P O Box 3235, Lake Almanor, Ca 96137

Earlier in the Year--Hardy News