My First Week of My New Life

My first week of being in my new town of Sticksville, USA was rather busy. I'm pretty sure I mentioned this is one of the previous posts I've written regarding my life alteration, but my grandparents put out a monthly publication as well as run a cattle operation. I moved up here just when the paper was sent to the printers, so they had that weekend to help me get settled.

We picked up the paper on Tuesday. A nice scenic two hour mountain drive. There is a lot of history in this area that I have yet to learn. I grew up in and around the area, but there's always that local history that's not often taught in classrooms. There's also a lot of tourist-type things around here that I haven't seen. I'm hoping when the weather gets better, I might be able to slowly start frequenting those places and provide all of you with beautiful pictures of the things to see and do in Northern California.

Anyway, I digress. The printer is actually in Oregon. I was able to walk into the room where the printing press is. It was huge. Like, two story huge. I would actually like to see it in operation, but I doubt that will happen.

After picking up the paper, it was time to get me outfitted for winter ranching. We bought me some long-johns, wool socks, work gloves, two work coats, a hat, and a pair of insulated muck boots (or Bogs is the brand name I think). They also bought me a small microwave for my house as the one that was in there wasn't quite up to snuff.

On Tuesday, it was time to start distributing. I've learned all the routes except for one. Bad weather was supposed to hit by Thursday, so while my Grandfather and I did one route, my Grandmother did another. Once the bad weather passed, my Grandfather and I did the last route, which I believe will become my "regular route". Not only do my grandparents write stories for this publication, they sell the ads, put it all together, send it to the printers and pick it up . . . but they also distribute it themselves. We have a delivery van that is packed with bundles upon bundles of the paper. There are lots of stops, some towns have more than others. Plus my Grandfather likes to stop by many of the advertisers to hand some off to them so they can see their ads and maybe pass a couple out.

Luckily, my "regular" route is Redding, and I know that town pretty well. Considering I grew up there.

However, there are several small California towns that I hadn't been to, until my Grandfather and I went to deliver papers. It's beautiful countryside. I will divulge some of the towns we deliver to, but for now, I will be keeping Stickville's real name under wraps. Here are some pictures from our drives. Enjoy the rustic scenery.

On the way to Susanville.

Eagle Lake

Between Old Station & Shingletown (my old stomping grounds)

Same road (Old Station/Shingletown)

 On the days that we delivered the papers, I didn't help on the ranch. We had to be ready to go early, like 8am, so trying to teach me the ranch stuff, then let me go shower and dress was basically out of the question. I am a girl, after all, and I have primping to do.

So, it wasn't until Thursday that I finally had to get out and help feed the cows. Now. Let me show you a picture of my town the day before I went to feed. *ahem*

This continued for about half of the day it was taken, all through the night, and well into the next day. That "next" day was my first day on the ranch. My first day on the ranch was about 25 degrees with a nice brisk wind, snowing, and about a foot of snow on the ground. I was able to snap a couple pictures on my cell phone. I wish to inform you my fingers nearly froze off just taking the pictures. But I'm willing risk it for my peeps.  :o)

Yes. It's as cold as it looks. I promise. And just so you know, even though my Grandfather had the heater on, the windows were cracked so we could hear my grandmother say "stop"/"go" as she was pulling hay off the flatbed behind us.

You can't see it, but there are icicles on the cows. I. Swear. To. God.

And now, I give you the best picture I've taken thus far. Everyone has enjoyed it. Thoroughly, I might add. I'd like to remind you, that yes it was as cold as it looks. 

So. Without further ado . . . *sigh* Here is the best picture. Ever.

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I know you're laughing. And that's okay. Why? Because I knew looked funny, and then I laughed my ass off when I saw the picture of myself. So, I want you to know it's okay. Keep laughing.