Kids and Family History

As we prepare for the Reunion next summer, this article has good suggestions.

24-7 Family History Circle » Tips from the Pros: Stir a Child’s Interest, from Maureen Taylor
Getting kids interested in family history can be easy or hard depending on the child and their interests. There are a couple of simple things you can do to grab their attention.

Jury Duty

On Wednesday, January 24, I reported for jury duty at Superior Court in Martinez. Getting through the door into the court building did not start out well. I had to go through the metal detector three times - each time remembering something else like my cell phone. There were about 120 of us in the jury assembly room where we had to line up to obtain forms to fill out. Sometime around eleven o'clock they read 80 names, mine included, to be in the first court. The rest of the folks went home. We were taken to Department 4 on the second floor, seated and waited for the judge. She, Judge O'Malley, gave us a rundown on what the process would be to select the jury. She sent us to lunch. At 1:30 we all entered the courtroom after the first 12 folks were selected to sit in the jury box with an additional 9 seated in number seats in the first row. The the process of questioning began. This continued through the rest of the day and through the following day. Since the Judge had other things scheduled for Friday, we came back today (Monday). By eleven the jury and the alternates were seated and the rest of us (six people) were excused.

I felt let down that I wasn't selected - sort of like not being chosen to be on the baseball team in grammar school.

The Carquinez

On good days this is the view from the hill.

Crockett Weather BRRRRRRRRR!

For the past week our temperatures at night have dropped below freezing resulting in heavily frosted windshields. Much more of this and we may have to install headbolt heaters! But I note the below zero temperatures in Grand Forks and Minot and Atchison and am grateful to be here where we can't walk across rivers and lakes.

$1 million for a Condo!!!!!!

Only a few years ago, Walnut Creek was in the country and a haven for those seeking to reduce housing costs. But Now....

Walnut Creek feels like a millionBy Theresa HarringtonCONTRA COSTA TIMES
When Tiffany and Co. opened in downtown Walnut Creek in 2003, the city attained star status as an up-and-coming urban community beginning to rival San Francisco with its shopping and dining choices.
Now, Walnut Creek is upping the ante with luxury condominiums for people who want an urban atmosphere in a suburban area, priced as high as $1.3 million.
"Who'd have thought that you'd be paying $1 million for a condo in downtown Walnut Creek?" Mayor Sue Rainey said with a laugh. "I think that is a stunning surprise."
Although the housing market is considered to be slumping, the Mercer luxury condo project under construction on North California Boulevard is defying the odds by selling 17 of its 23 three-bedroom units, costing $1.1 million to $1.3 million, before they're even built. The project expects to open in the fall.
"The pricing is consistent with the demand for this type of living experience," said developer Jon Moss, senior vice president of Prometheus Real Estate. "It's a very unique environment. The retail in Walnut Creek is second to none in the East Bay."
Similar San Francisco condos cost about twice as much per square foot as the Mercer, Moss said.