Cystic Fibrosis affects the lungs, pancreas, and other organs. The symptoms can vary from person to person, and as people with CF live longer than ever before, their disease can become more complicated, leading to serious health issues. Meesh had a double lung transplant five years ago but has recently battled cancer in different parts of her body, a side effect from her lung transplant medications.
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has made extraordinary progress -- including fostering the development of more than a dozen CF treatments -- but these treatments are not a cure and not everyone can benefit from them. We must keep going.
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Today, Meesh is recovering from several surgeries, most recently a removal of her ileostomy bag (lovingly called her "poop bag"). When she is able, she takes care of her many animals on her rural farm in Washington with her husband and is the very best Auntie to her nieces and nephews. She is living her best life.

​For your main course, indulge in the pastitsio, a hearty baked pasta dish layered with tender ground beef, creamy béchamel sauce, and al dente pasta. Every forkful is a symphony of flavors and textures that will transport you straight to the streets of Athens.
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And of course, no visit to Yianni's Grill would be complete without sampling their famous souvlaki. Whether you choose the classic pork or opt for the tender chicken or succulent lamb, each skewer is grilled to perfection and bursting with Mediterranean spices.

Yianni's also has many Western dishes for the not-so-adventurous in your group.  Burgers, salads, sandwiches, and deserts are all popular menu items. 
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Pair your meal with a glass of crisp Greek wine or a refreshing tzatziki dip, and you'll be in gastronomic heaven. The attentive staff at Yianni's Grill are happy to offer recommendations and ensure that your dining experience is nothing short of perfection.

And don't miss their incredible breakfast menu!  Yianni's is one of the few Sonora restaurants serving breakfast all day and in addition to traditional American faire, they offer wonderful Greek variants such as their Breakfast Gyro. ​

​Yianni's is located at 275 S. Washington St in Sonora, across from the Gunn House Hotel.  Their website is Yiannis Greek Grill.
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In a town known for its charming eateries, Yianni's Grill stands out as a true culinary treasure. So if you find yourself in downtown Sonora craving a taste of Greece, look no further than Yianni's Grill. Opa!

​The Stanislaus National Forest is host to a little known gem, Ranger Programs!  Like many families, when we vacation, we try not to break the bank.  I am always on the lookout for low-cost family friendly fun.  Last summer I happened upon the Miwok Ranger District “Specialty and Weekly Program Guide.”  With a variety of offerings from June through September.  Most of them are free, while a donation is suggested for a few of them.  My ten and eleven-year-old boys were excited to sit down and pour over the calendar to see what activities they wanted to participate in.  
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Author Richie Norton wrote, “Forest rangers see the forest differently.”  After spending time with our friendly Miwok Station Forest Rangers, our family sees the forest a little differently as well.  
 

​Dodge Ridge:
​Snow sports are the main attraction here, but recently, Dodge Ridge has opened up mountain biking trails, attracting an entirely new community! Open during summer and fall, it's a great spot to enjoy the fresh mountain air. There are always events happening at their lodge (sometimes even bounce houses), making it very family friendly.

Finally, the affordability in the area makes this destination even more attractive than your typical touristy spots. I feel so honored to be able to slow down in life and make memories with my family in Tuolumne County. This is a place to go back to time and time again. ​

There are many different types of off-road vehicles, ranging from Jeeps and other sport utilities, to ATVs to motorcycles.  Each has advantages and disadvantages including restrictions on where they may travel.   Our recent purchase of a UTV (commonly referred to as a side-by-side) turns out to be a happy middle ground for the two of us.  California has much stricter regulations regarding off-highway vehicles and although the UTV is not street-legal, it can share many of the roads a Jeep or pickup can off-road and often with more capability and less harm to the environment.  Because of California's more restrictive laws, it's important to obtain a US Forest Service Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM).  For the Sonora Pass area, these are available free of charge at the Summit Ranger Station located on 108 at the Pinecrest turnoff.  ​

UTVs and other off-road vehicles have become increasingly popular and may be rented if you are not an owner.  Some of the popular places for off-road trail riding and dispersed camping on and near Sonora Pass are Niagara OHV near 108 and Eagle Meadow Road, Hull Creek and Trout Creek near Long Barn, and Crandall Creek and Deer Creek north of the Stanislaus River and west of Strawberry, and Ebbets and Carson Passes north of Sonora Pass. Another favorite of ours are the mountains east of Bridgeport. Information may be readily found on the internet or by contacting the US Forest Service.  ​