The Miwok Casino Opens Today

It's always been kind of cool living near an Indian Reservation up here in Placerville. We can hear their tribal drums from our house on a quiet evening, adding to the lovely atmosphere of these beautiful hills. Things changed last year though when we heard that they had gotten their 77 million dollar loan for a casino and they started chomping into the countryside to build their freeway ramps and huge buildings. I slept all summer to the noise of big machinery busy at work. But, like I feel about most things, I feel two ways about it. (I'm a Libra.) I'm sad that those hills are ruined with obtrusive giant structures, (we've been afforded a view of a big ugly parking garage) the lights so bright that the stars are faded, that our community has to have gates installed to keep out the "lookie-loos," that a lot of people, perhaps not all of the desirable type, are going to be flooding the neighborhood. On the other hand, I think it's a bit thrilling! A new place! New people in the area! Local businesses have got to be looking forward to this. It will bring more people into downtown Placerville and beloved Main Street will thrive. Quality of life and living will be much improved by the income for the Miwoks. Jobs have been provided. Its most likely going to be a bigger plus than not for the area.

The grand opening is already in the general atmosphere. I passed news crews on the way to work and its been the subject of choice at the office so far this morning. Dad called me a few minutes ago to be sure I got an email with a resident pass attached for me to print out so that I can get home today. Apparently there are already some security guards stationed on our street.

If you're interested, you can see a virtual tour of the Red Hawk Casino here. I think it looks great. I'd like to go see it myself; try some of the restaurants and see some shows. I just love the entertainment atmosphere, and how fun to be someplace brand-new, not shabby and worn. At the very least, it will be interesting to see what other changes take place around here.

Dwynne's Darling Dolls

Introducing a new line of dolls: Dwynne's Darlings, exclusively available for the elite few who earned one through their hard work and devotion to the 2008 YSA roadshow. (Don't be jealous. In return for lots of money, I'll fashion you one of your very own, though I can't promise it will have the charm and personality of these beauties.) If there was one, these should have won the "Best Handmade Props" award. Some of my favorites:

Autumn

"Bob"ra

Olga

You can see my awesome roadshow (and the competition) at http://www.filmsfrontside.com/. Look under "projects-Young Single Adult roadshow." And, if I do say so myself, which I do: It kicks butt! I wrote and directed it. I could not be happier with how the show turned out, and I wouldn't trade the fun I had working on it with my ward for nothin'! Enjoy!

FYI: Dad wrote the last song for the El Dorado Ward's roadshow. It rocks.

Thanksgiving

Here we are together, together, together, oh here we are together, some of the Zenk Family! With Michael and Hayden and Grampa and Mo-om and Dwy-ynne and Da-ad, oh here we are together, some of the Zenk Family! (Won't it be great when we can sing it with all the names in just a couple weeks!?)

Dad and Grampa are the first to declare themselves ready for pie after dinner. Lonely pie, but delicious (lemon!) pie all the same.