Fun in October

I been having some fun here in Shasta over the last weekend. October has been host to the run up to Halloween (my outfit is ready) and the German festivities for Oktoberfest (which I also dressed up for.) My time here is drawing to a close. I am about to head to Oregon to visit with my Mom. I will return to Northern California in time for Halloween then leave for Southern California where the journey continues.Money has been an issue since I arrived, but I have a plan! My friends father here in Mt Shasta has 40 acres of land full of oak trees. Me and a bunch of friends are going out to this property to cut wood and sell back in town to local residents. Oak is the slowest burning wood for fireplaces therefore sells a the highest price compared to other wood types. Its a big business and can help me raise some money for my journey. We are gathering strong boys to saw the trees down and the we will load, stack and split (on the woodcutter) the other end. This is a far cry from the media world back in London; but when times are tough... its time to get creative!

At the moment there is heavy rain and wind in Northern California - the worse since 1962. Its unbearable outside; a far cry from the blue sky and sunshine at the weekend. It's long over water for the state of California as lake levels are at an all time low. It also prevents yearly forest fires.

Mt Shasta - 'God's Country'

I have arrived in Mt Shasta, the town I grew up in until I was 8 years old on Friday. The beauty of this area of Northern California still blows my mind and can be quoted as 'God's Country.' However it doesn't take long before my family and all their drama start to take the edge off for me.

My brother was very surprised to see me ("What the fuck!") and even though the secret was blown for my Mom she was still happy to see me and gave me a big hug. Her first words were,"Well if you are home for three months when are you going to come to Oregon and see me?!" (The answer is never or hardly at all, but I had to appease her with by being flexible.)
Saturday was my step sisters wedding at the Mt Shasta Resort. My brother was one of the best men and my step Dad naturally walked her down the isle. It was a beautiful afternoon with the Mt Shasta mountain as the back drop complimented with bright blue sky. The weather here is unreal at the moment. It's a combination of being at almost 5,000 ft in elevation, little pollution and the bright sunshine.

Yesterday a touching moment occurred at the wedding between my brother and I. He explained he loves me more than his own life. He clearly had to much to drink but still warned me that he will 'kill any motherfucker that ever hurts me' past or present. His behavior over the two days he was in California was pretty bad. He drank too much and got in trouble with a couple guests at the wedding and at the local bar in mt Shasta. He is currently on probation and has several legal restrictions for him to enjoy himself that way. I think being out of state and a part of the wedding gave him an urge to enjoy himself...even if it was too much. I am thankful he is back in Oregon under the supervision of his parents and parole officer now.

Currently I am nerding out on my computer via WiFi in the local bar that has been here for years now called, 'Roxy's Vets Club.' I have hooked up with my best childhood friend who is the head bar tender here and everyone is yelling at the TVs because there are two US football games currently on: San Diego Chargers v Baltimore Ravens and the San Fransisco 49ers v Seattle Seahawks. I am so out of touch with US sports. I am having a hard time getting into it.

First days in California

First location of my stay... Dream Street.
Aunt's House

My Aunt the dental hygienist (those are my teeth on that computer)

It's no surprise that I arrived and everyone knows I am here. What was once a secret only known by two people (my aunt above and my step Dad,) is now known throughout the family thanks to my crazy Auntie who told my Mom last night. We made it to the day before I was due to surprise my Mom and my Aunt told her yesterday! I was gutted; I really wanted to see the look on my Mom's face when she saw me back in the country.

This week I have been coping with jet lag and enjoying the hot weather in Redding California. It's been about 90F everyday with not a cloud to be seen in the sky. My lovey Aunt (above) who I have been staying with cleaned my teeth yesterday... the NHS isn't really known for their dental care; so my clean took an hour an a half to get to American standards! I have loved staying with my Aunt - the eldest in my Mom's family. She is an incredibly loving and compassionate lady who has been very supportive about my trip and plans for the future. We are planning a girls road trip to San Fransisco in October!

Today my step Dad will pick me up with my brother (who is the only person who doesn't know I am here!) We will drive one hour North to Mt. Shasta for the rehearsal of my step sister's wedding, there I will see my Mom for the first time in a year. I am nervous as my relationship with my Mom is volatile; however I am looking forward to big Mexican family celebration to bring us all together.