Good bye 2008!

I am not sure how much longer the Lassen County Courthouse will be in use. I believe construction for the new, updated courthouse starts in 2009. Too bad this building is too small for our growing county. It really is beautiful.

Susanville Elks Lodge

There wasn't much traffic on Christmas afternoon. The Elks Lodge at the start of town looked great surrounded with snow.

Lassen County Courthouse

I used to live around the corner from the courthouse. When my kids were little, we would walk past the courthouse at least once a day during the good weather. It is a beautiful building.

18th hole

My parents live next to the golf course. We take many walks here throughout the year.

Snow Angel

We took a walk on the golf course on Christmas Day. It was a blank canvas for my kids and my nephew.

Merry Christmas!!!

This house is down the street from us. The snow from last week has melted. Last Monday the candy cane border was nearly covered in snow. Just the top tip of the those candy canes were sticking up out of the snow.

This family had their yard vandalized a few weeks ago. Luckily it seems like nothing was broken. But they had to put many things back in their spots. We love driving by, this picture does not do it justice.

Little Hearts

This photo did not turn out well at all. But when I looked closely, most of the lights look like hearts.

Thompson Peak

Thompson Peak is probably the tallest mountain in our little valley. Susanville is situated at the start of a narrow valley

Clearing the snow

Last week after the heavy snow, this person was clearing their driveway early in the morning.

The Old Mill

The old mill is being slowly torn down. It is owned by Sierra Pacific and closed down about 4 years ago. I am sure the snow we have now is slowing the demolition process.

Staying warm

It has been a cold week with lots of snow. As I am taking this photo, my little dog is trying to sit in my lap in front of the wood stove. He lays next to it with his head resting on the bricks. He doesn't understand why I keep telling him to sit next to me and not in my lap.

Snowy branches

On Monday the weather cleared up for a few hours, then dumped more snow on us. My kids were shaking the trees and laughing hysterically when all that snow from those branches fell on their heads. A little while later they were freezing to death and *needed* hot cocoa.

Snowy roads

The snow plows made a fast appearance on Monday.

Don't eat the yellow snow.....

Don't eat the yellow snow I say to my kids. "But why?" They ask. Follow the dog and you shall see. Luckily they heeded my advice.

Winters first 'real' snow

Susanville had more then just a dusting of snow today. Luckily the snow plows came by early and not a few days later. The roads are a little yucky, but I have nowhere I need to be today. If we got this much, I can only imagine how much they are getting up the hill in Westwood.

The Health Nut

The local health food store has an old sign above their back door. It is a great store, lots of yummy things there.

Masonic Temple

The Masonic Temple is next to City Hall.

Friday Sky Watch

Sunset this Thursday. Check out other blogs participating in Sky Watch Friday at: http://skyley.blogspot.com/

Old barn

This old barn is out in Litchfield/Standish area. About 15 miles outside of Susanville. Now that I know where it is, I will go back for better photos.

Pheasants

Outside of town many of the fields have been plowed under. Pheasants can be seen all over those fields. They are fast! They hear your car coming and take off. Thanks to my sister for snapping this shot.

Parking lot deer

The deer in this area wander through the neighborhoods every day. We live at the edge of the forest, so it is common to see deer everyday. My sisters apartment complex has deer that roam around and sleep in the parking lot. My nephew calls them the parking lot deer. It is really cute.

Christmas Decorations on Main Street

Every year Susanville hangs a variety of lighted decorations over Main Street. They look amazing at night after a fresh coat of snow.

Susanville Tree Lighting/Parade

Tonight was Susanville's annual Christmas Light Parade and Tree Lighting. Before the parade we walked around looking at the store displays and bought some snacks. After the parade, we walked a block uptown to see the tree lighting. After the tree was lit, there was a fireworks show. We were really close to it and the kids loved it. I think the whole town showed up this year. This is the best attendance I have ever seen. I think adding the parade and fireworks really helped.