Valentine’s Day ideas, and other activities
It’s no secret that coming up with some great Valentine’s Day ideas may be a tad stressful — true in normal times — but even more so during the coronavirus pandemic. While things may look and feel different, there are still many ways to make Valentine’s Day special.
Since stores have had Valentine’s decorations out since before Christmas, maybe gathering up fun and colorful ways to decorate the house, even if it’s “just” for those in our own social pod, would brighten things up.
Perhaps the best tip is to make the day as overthe-top and festive as possible. Recreate your first date. Surprise your family with breakfast in bed. The more thought put into the day, the better. It’s always fun to exchange gifts and don’t forget to include as many heart shaped food items as possible (cut breakfast toast into heart shape, etc.). Wear matching outfits, any pink or red getups will do.
Sign your kids up for a V-day-themed virtual class. Websites like Outschool and Eventbrite have options from baking and letter writing to dancing and singing. Card-making is a great way to get crafty and creative.
Papa Murphy’s is once again offering a “be mine! Heartbaker” pizza available through Feb. 14. The take and bake pizza, in the shape of a heart, must be pre-ordered: Papamurphys.com or (707) 4620999.
A walk in the Garden
It’s amazing that there are a few folks who aren’t aware of a crown jewel of Ukiah: The Grace Hudson Museum. Last Saturday, Jan. 16, the museum invited visitors to drop by the Wild Gardens to visit with renowned basket maker Corine Pearce of the Redwood Valley Rancheria. About 50 folks learned about the process of cultivating, harvesting and weaving with willow and dogwood from start to finish.
One couple had their baby in a baby carrying basket created by Corine and she was able to visit with them, adjust the strap, and connect. How fun to walk around to see what plants are blooming, fruiting, or dormant for the winter.
The Grace Hudson Museum is at 431 S. Main St. in Ukiah. For more information about museum activities, visit the website at www.gracehudsonmuseum.org.
Little lambs and more
Another gem of great value lies just south of Ukiah: The UC Hopland Research and Extension Center (HREC). There are new opportunities for small social pod groups at the 5,358-acre site. HREC is offering both selfguided hiking opportunities and family friendly visits to the lamb barn every Saturday through January, and likely into February.
Lambing Time tours include a guided “find the lost sheep” walk to the barn, followed by the chance to visit the lambs and bottle feed an orphan lamb.
“During the tour we’ll share information about the production of sustainable fibers, fire fuel reduction, animal husbandry, and how we take care of the lambs. It’s a great visit for all ages from toddlers to adults,” said Madrona Quinn, Grizzlycorps member at HREC.
Participants will leave with a sheep wool craft project to enjoy at home. Lambing Time tours will be offered at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon time slots. Lambing Time tours will include an opportunity to help feed the orphaned or “bummer” lambs.
Self-guided hikes will follow a set circular hike route, allowing hikers to turn back in the early stages of the trail if they prefer not to hike the entire loop. Hikers begin walking through madrone woodland quickly moving into oak savannah and through rangeland. At its highest elevation the route is 1,260 feet, allowing great views across Hopland and the Sanel Valley to Duncan’s Peak. A cell tower at this point marks the trail peak. The entire route is 4.3 miles long, with some steep sections and an overall elevation change of 546 feet. Hikes must begin between 9 and10 a.m. and all hikers must have left the route by 2 p.m.
Group sizes for these events are restricted to nine people who must be in the same social pod, and must follow all Mendocino County Health Orders and HREC safety rules. No dogs allowed, due to the use of guardian dogs to protect the sheep on the property.
Pre-registration online is required. Both activities offer a sliding scale of payment, with suggested pricing of $100 per group for the one-hour long lambing time visits and $10 per person for the self-guided hikes.
Further details and online registration at: http:// bit.ly/hrecevents. Contact Hannah Bird at hbird@ucanr.edu or call (707) 744 1424 ext. 105 for further information or questions (4070 University Road, Hopland, CA 95449).
SPACE classes
Another “jewel” in our community is the School for Performing Arts and Cultural Education (SPACE). Classes begin Feb. 1 at 508 W Perkins St., Ukiah. Check out their Facebook page for updates (four-week session required by Covid-19 Safety Protocols). Students of Ukiah Unified School District (UUSD) can take classes for free; call (707) 462-9370 for more information. If you’re not a UUSD parent, please register online or call (707) 462-9370. Register on-line at www.spaceperformingarts.org.