The air here in Zihuatanejo at this time of year seems to mold to your body. It caresses the skin like a mother's touch or that of a sensitive lover. It flows over you, it is languid, it barely touches the hair on your skin.
It matters little whether it is during the day or late into the evening, here by the water, the tropical breeze flows slowly over you. There is no bite to the wind, no urging to cover up, just to relish its touch.
It often feels just a few degrees cooler than your body, enough to refresh, but not enough to startle. It is one of the nicest features of this Pacific retreat - pacific, a perfect word - peaceful, quiet, calm, enveloping.
We will come back again!!
Thursday, May 26, 2005
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
Bucket of Beer
Another day on the beach began as we walked the long beach to our left as we look out over the bay. Just past Rossy's, we encountered four or five men hogtieing a rather large salt water crocodile (cocodila) that they had lured from the adjacent estuary to measure and catalogue. His snout was tied with a rope around a tree, and one gentlemen who probably weighed 200 lbs. was standing on his snout to force his mouth closed so it could be more firmly secured. A cloth was placed over the croc's eyes which appeared to quiet him and soon all four legs were tied as well. He was over 11'6"!!
Then we walked to the end of the beach and onto the rocks to make our way over to Playa los Gatas named for the whiskered sharks that populate the reef just off shore. After ten or fifteen minutes of scrambling over rocks, we entered the playa and row after row of beachside restaurants and beach chairs.
Every twenty paces another call would come for us to share in their spot on the beach (no charge for the chairs!), but we continued on towards the end until we met Franco. Another North American couple (actually from our club) enthusiastically endorsed the food so we laid down our towels and I ordered a Pacifico while Carolyn ordered a pina colada with rum.
Carolyn's drink came in a full pineapple decorated with other fruit and flowers while I was given an iced bucket of four beers! I felt like I was in one of those Corona ads. Then we ordered lunch which consisted of seven tacos, both red snapper and shrimp, with salsa, great guacamole, rice and chips. It was so much food that we didn't even finish it all.
Over several hours, we were able to finish off the bucket and start on a second while enjoying a conversation with Franco whose family grows tobacco locally and makes hand rolled cigars. So I had to have one, and actually bought another four to take back as a gift to a cigar aficionado friend of mine.
The water behind the reef was warm, probably in the 80s, and great for several swims we took. Around four, Franco helped us negotiate with one of his friends to take us directly back to the club by boat so we had a quick excursion across the bay.
I was a little short of funds, however, to pay for both the cigars and the boat ride, so the skipper waited patiently as made a dash up to the room and back to pay both him and Franco.
Then, it was back to the pool where we talked with Rob and Carol about other vacations and we got some sweet recommendations about villas in St. Maarten in the Caribbean. We have a new place on our list of future vacations.
Tonight, we're going to kick back (could we kick back anymore?) and enjoy the lingering sunset from our deck and perhaps a bottle of wine. Salud!
Then we walked to the end of the beach and onto the rocks to make our way over to Playa los Gatas named for the whiskered sharks that populate the reef just off shore. After ten or fifteen minutes of scrambling over rocks, we entered the playa and row after row of beachside restaurants and beach chairs.
Every twenty paces another call would come for us to share in their spot on the beach (no charge for the chairs!), but we continued on towards the end until we met Franco. Another North American couple (actually from our club) enthusiastically endorsed the food so we laid down our towels and I ordered a Pacifico while Carolyn ordered a pina colada with rum.
Carolyn's drink came in a full pineapple decorated with other fruit and flowers while I was given an iced bucket of four beers! I felt like I was in one of those Corona ads. Then we ordered lunch which consisted of seven tacos, both red snapper and shrimp, with salsa, great guacamole, rice and chips. It was so much food that we didn't even finish it all.
Over several hours, we were able to finish off the bucket and start on a second while enjoying a conversation with Franco whose family grows tobacco locally and makes hand rolled cigars. So I had to have one, and actually bought another four to take back as a gift to a cigar aficionado friend of mine.
The water behind the reef was warm, probably in the 80s, and great for several swims we took. Around four, Franco helped us negotiate with one of his friends to take us directly back to the club by boat so we had a quick excursion across the bay.
I was a little short of funds, however, to pay for both the cigars and the boat ride, so the skipper waited patiently as made a dash up to the room and back to pay both him and Franco.
Then, it was back to the pool where we talked with Rob and Carol about other vacations and we got some sweet recommendations about villas in St. Maarten in the Caribbean. We have a new place on our list of future vacations.
Tonight, we're going to kick back (could we kick back anymore?) and enjoy the lingering sunset from our deck and perhaps a bottle of wine. Salud!
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Is it Tuesday?
Monday was another day of sleeping in late and enjoying a tranquil wake up. Warm winds barely stirring over your skin as you sip coffee looking out over a beautiful bay. Perhaps a pastry to add to the morning repast.
Decided to head to Ixtapa this Monday a.m. (or was it noon already) as we headed by taxi around the headlands. We were dropped off at the open air mall which we found half closed and desolate of even tourists. We tried to obtain a few Rx's at the drugeria which Carolyn had failed to bring along in the correct number, but unfortunately even here they sometimes require prescriptions. After wandering a bit, we headed back to the flea market area and found a shop where Tshirts, shirts and baubles were purchased before we headed over to the beach.
The beach here is lined with high rise hotels, like a poor man's version of Miami or Kanaapali, but not nearly as picturesque as Zee. We walked along the beach with the black flags waving to keep all out of the surf (there were rips but it didn't look quite that bad) and then found a nice restaurant along the shore for lunch. We shared a sandwich and beverages and then decided we like ClubIntrawest better so we hailed a cab and went 'home'.
We soon found our 'regular' spots poolside and enjoyed the sun and warm water while I finished reading my second book of the vacation. After that, we invited Bill and Louise over for appetizers at our condo and again headed down the beach for dinner. This one was excellent and it stayed down for all concerned, too.
Today, we waved to Bill and Louise from our patio as they headed back to Portland after a four day excursion and we ended up under the palapas and the shade. I began reading Jekyl and Hyde to Carolyn and also began reading the first few chapters of Prof. MacCloud's treatise on Christianity. I've found the chapters well-written and informative.
Then Carolyn and I wandered about 30 feet to our right and both had massages just off the beach! I think I might have actually fallen asleep for a brief moment. VERY RELAXING! Then Carolyn picked out color for both toes and fingernails.
This evening we headed back to Zee for dinner at Tamales where we enjoyed a sampler plate of beef enchiladas with mole sauce, chile relleno, quesedilla with chicken, and a pork tamale. We're stuffed and well fed.
Hope this isn't too hard for you who have little access to Mexican food, but we'll eat in your honor.
Decided to head to Ixtapa this Monday a.m. (or was it noon already) as we headed by taxi around the headlands. We were dropped off at the open air mall which we found half closed and desolate of even tourists. We tried to obtain a few Rx's at the drugeria which Carolyn had failed to bring along in the correct number, but unfortunately even here they sometimes require prescriptions. After wandering a bit, we headed back to the flea market area and found a shop where Tshirts, shirts and baubles were purchased before we headed over to the beach.
The beach here is lined with high rise hotels, like a poor man's version of Miami or Kanaapali, but not nearly as picturesque as Zee. We walked along the beach with the black flags waving to keep all out of the surf (there were rips but it didn't look quite that bad) and then found a nice restaurant along the shore for lunch. We shared a sandwich and beverages and then decided we like ClubIntrawest better so we hailed a cab and went 'home'.
We soon found our 'regular' spots poolside and enjoyed the sun and warm water while I finished reading my second book of the vacation. After that, we invited Bill and Louise over for appetizers at our condo and again headed down the beach for dinner. This one was excellent and it stayed down for all concerned, too.
Today, we waved to Bill and Louise from our patio as they headed back to Portland after a four day excursion and we ended up under the palapas and the shade. I began reading Jekyl and Hyde to Carolyn and also began reading the first few chapters of Prof. MacCloud's treatise on Christianity. I've found the chapters well-written and informative.
Then Carolyn and I wandered about 30 feet to our right and both had massages just off the beach! I think I might have actually fallen asleep for a brief moment. VERY RELAXING! Then Carolyn picked out color for both toes and fingernails.
This evening we headed back to Zee for dinner at Tamales where we enjoyed a sampler plate of beef enchiladas with mole sauce, chile relleno, quesedilla with chicken, and a pork tamale. We're stuffed and well fed.
Hope this isn't too hard for you who have little access to Mexican food, but we'll eat in your honor.
Monday, May 23, 2005
Sunday in Paradise
We continue to wake late and enjoy the luxury of sleeping in. We began our day with coffee and the pastries purchased in town. Then put on our swim suits and took our books down to the pool.
It was warm but not quite as humid and we enjoyed the cervazas and micheladas (beer and ice with lime and the glass rimmed with salt) at the swim up bar or by our lounge chairs. I finished off The Chosen and began another book while Carolyn sketched and watercolored various scenes looking out on the bay. We met some Canadians including a relocated Scot and shared tales of our experiences at other Clubs while we kept wet by dipping in the pool. A great long day of just relaxing.
Bill and Louise ended up at the pool near the end of the afternoon and we were invited to share in appetizers and beverages at their room. We brought fresh chips and salsa we had purchased while they provided beer and wine that a departing couple had left them. Then off down the beach to enjoy another dinner. The girls had coconut shrimp (they were huge!) in mango sauce while I had chile rellano. We then took a cab into town to check out the Sunday evening happenings.
A Mexican clown was holding court near the beach, but his jokes were untranslatable by us and we soon headed down to check out various markets. It was after nine, and many of the shops were closed or closing, but Carolyn found a few in which to wander. Then back to the club where we got Carlos to show us the three bedroom suite that sits high atop the complex with wonderful panoramic views of the bay and city. It would be a great place for three couples to share if you don't mind a rigorous hike!
Unfortunately, either the mango sauce or something didn't sit well with Carolyn and around midnight she lost her dinner. Not a pleasant way to keep the weight down. But thankfully, this morning she awoke feeling much better.
It was warm but not quite as humid and we enjoyed the cervazas and micheladas (beer and ice with lime and the glass rimmed with salt) at the swim up bar or by our lounge chairs. I finished off The Chosen and began another book while Carolyn sketched and watercolored various scenes looking out on the bay. We met some Canadians including a relocated Scot and shared tales of our experiences at other Clubs while we kept wet by dipping in the pool. A great long day of just relaxing.
Bill and Louise ended up at the pool near the end of the afternoon and we were invited to share in appetizers and beverages at their room. We brought fresh chips and salsa we had purchased while they provided beer and wine that a departing couple had left them. Then off down the beach to enjoy another dinner. The girls had coconut shrimp (they were huge!) in mango sauce while I had chile rellano. We then took a cab into town to check out the Sunday evening happenings.
A Mexican clown was holding court near the beach, but his jokes were untranslatable by us and we soon headed down to check out various markets. It was after nine, and many of the shops were closed or closing, but Carolyn found a few in which to wander. Then back to the club where we got Carlos to show us the three bedroom suite that sits high atop the complex with wonderful panoramic views of the bay and city. It would be a great place for three couples to share if you don't mind a rigorous hike!
Unfortunately, either the mango sauce or something didn't sit well with Carolyn and around midnight she lost her dinner. Not a pleasant way to keep the weight down. But thankfully, this morning she awoke feeling much better.
Sunday, May 22, 2005
Arriving in Zihuatanejo
We left home around 7 a.m. Friday morning so that we would arrive in time for our 10:45 flight with time for the security checks and traffic. Of course, it only took us an hour or less in Friday-lite traffic to arrive at the off-airport parking, and the shuttle had us to Alaska Air within ten minutes. After being denied a kiosk boarding ticket, we stood in line for a bit at customer service and were soon in another line to have our bags x-rayed. With all that, we were up in the boarding area with an hour and a half to spare, even before the flight was delayed by 45 minutes.
With the two hour time change, we arrived in Zee about 4:30, grabbed a taxi and headed to the Club. At Playa la Ropa, the taxi turned into the large palm sculptured gates and down the rather steep drive to the Club reception area. We were truly surprised at how tropical and open and nice the whole Club appeared and the staff welcomed us as warmly as the staff of the Ritz had welcomed us in Bali. After checking in, Carlos shouldered Carolyn's bag and grabbed my duffel as he climbed the two flights of stairs to our one bedroom condo while he mentioned to me that he can always tell the woman's bag! Our condo has a view over the reception area towards the bay and we can see parasails and boats plying the ocean. Sliding doors with great louvered shutters open fully to allow a view from our bed past the living area to the deck which has two great lounge chairs, an outside eating area, and a dipping pool with cool water (no jets).
We unpacked quickly and then headed down to the Zi bar to have an adult beverage (taking the service elevator by mistake instead of the stairway) to find ourselves the only couple in the place with the exception of the wait staff! But soon a few more couples found their way (several from the same flight) and we began talking to one couple seated at an adjacent table. It didn't take much time before we joined tables with Bill and Louise and started sharing stories. Bill and Louise have around 400 kids! They do foster care for abused and neglected infants in the Portland area, and Bill, after a twenty-five year career as a cop, is now in the travel business.
Saturday, we slept in late and then headed to the pool to enjoy the great temperatures and more than a few cervesas at the swim up bar. About mid-afternoon, we walked up the road and then down to the seaside walk as we went into Zihuatanejo for a little shopping. We entered several shops in the open market and then into a more exclusive store where Carolyn bought some jewelry, then it was off to the Super-mercado by taxi to buy staples for the week (beer, pastries, tortillas, chips, tequila, etc.) and then we grabbed another taxi for the ride back to the Club. We unloaded our stuff and Carlos helped take all the groceries to our room.
A message was blinking and answering it, Bill and Louise were asking us to join them for drinks and then dinner at one of the restaurants on the beach. About that time Carolyn discovered her bag with the jewelry was missing and must have been left in the cab. We hurried down to reception and Carlos told us not to worry, they had the cab number but he didn't have a radio so they would have to rely on other drivers to locate him and get him to return to the club. Carolyn was distressed, but we met up with Bill and Louise and headed out for a late dinner. Rossy's was practically shut down, but served us our late dinner and Carolyn and Bill both enjoyed their red snapper even though it came with head and eyes intact.
Then we walked the half mile back to the club and Carlos met us near the pool area in the golf cart to take us up the hill. His head was bowed as if they had been unable to find the cab driver, then he smiled and said he had paid a bounty to another cab driver and paid a reward to our driver for returning the goods (after threatening him with the loss of his taxi license) and he had the jewelry in his possession! Carolyn was so grateful and he reluctantly took another tip for his efforts.
A full day and thankfully a good day. More warm days in paradise are expected!!
With the two hour time change, we arrived in Zee about 4:30, grabbed a taxi and headed to the Club. At Playa la Ropa, the taxi turned into the large palm sculptured gates and down the rather steep drive to the Club reception area. We were truly surprised at how tropical and open and nice the whole Club appeared and the staff welcomed us as warmly as the staff of the Ritz had welcomed us in Bali. After checking in, Carlos shouldered Carolyn's bag and grabbed my duffel as he climbed the two flights of stairs to our one bedroom condo while he mentioned to me that he can always tell the woman's bag! Our condo has a view over the reception area towards the bay and we can see parasails and boats plying the ocean. Sliding doors with great louvered shutters open fully to allow a view from our bed past the living area to the deck which has two great lounge chairs, an outside eating area, and a dipping pool with cool water (no jets).
We unpacked quickly and then headed down to the Zi bar to have an adult beverage (taking the service elevator by mistake instead of the stairway) to find ourselves the only couple in the place with the exception of the wait staff! But soon a few more couples found their way (several from the same flight) and we began talking to one couple seated at an adjacent table. It didn't take much time before we joined tables with Bill and Louise and started sharing stories. Bill and Louise have around 400 kids! They do foster care for abused and neglected infants in the Portland area, and Bill, after a twenty-five year career as a cop, is now in the travel business.
Saturday, we slept in late and then headed to the pool to enjoy the great temperatures and more than a few cervesas at the swim up bar. About mid-afternoon, we walked up the road and then down to the seaside walk as we went into Zihuatanejo for a little shopping. We entered several shops in the open market and then into a more exclusive store where Carolyn bought some jewelry, then it was off to the Super-mercado by taxi to buy staples for the week (beer, pastries, tortillas, chips, tequila, etc.) and then we grabbed another taxi for the ride back to the Club. We unloaded our stuff and Carlos helped take all the groceries to our room.
A message was blinking and answering it, Bill and Louise were asking us to join them for drinks and then dinner at one of the restaurants on the beach. About that time Carolyn discovered her bag with the jewelry was missing and must have been left in the cab. We hurried down to reception and Carlos told us not to worry, they had the cab number but he didn't have a radio so they would have to rely on other drivers to locate him and get him to return to the club. Carolyn was distressed, but we met up with Bill and Louise and headed out for a late dinner. Rossy's was practically shut down, but served us our late dinner and Carolyn and Bill both enjoyed their red snapper even though it came with head and eyes intact.
Then we walked the half mile back to the club and Carlos met us near the pool area in the golf cart to take us up the hill. His head was bowed as if they had been unable to find the cab driver, then he smiled and said he had paid a bounty to another cab driver and paid a reward to our driver for returning the goods (after threatening him with the loss of his taxi license) and he had the jewelry in his possession! Carolyn was so grateful and he reluctantly took another tip for his efforts.
A full day and thankfully a good day. More warm days in paradise are expected!!
Thursday, May 19, 2005
Headin' South
Tomorrow morning, Carolyn and I head to Zihuatanejo, Mexico, for a week's worth of R&R at our new Club Intrawest resort set on the Pacific ocean. We plan to read a lot, get too much sun, enjoy margaritaville and explore. It's likely we won't post or check email while we're away so we'll just have to learn to wait patiently like in the old days when you had to wait for snail mail.
Hope your week will be enjoyable as well. Adios!
Hope your week will be enjoyable as well. Adios!
Monday, May 16, 2005
Boat Weekend
Dennis and I had planned our boat's move down to Dana Point like the battle plan it was. Full auxiliary gas cans to make sure we had enough fuel. Food and plenty of water in case the sail or cruise took longer than we thought. Sun tan lotion, jackets, binoculars, etc, etc.
Carolyn and I drove down to the Costco at Crown Valley and met Dennis and Steve who then drove with us up to the Sea Scout base in Newport. We arrived at 9:30 under a sunny sky and transported all of our gear to the boat. Both of them really liked the re-staining and varnishing job I had done on the cabin door. By 10, as Carolyn waved from the dock and headed back home, we headed out of the harbor under power.
As we approached Balboa Island, our clear skies began to turn to fog which blanketed the coast for the next three hours or so. So with no wind and calm seas, we motored down the coast using Dennis' rough estimate of the proper compass heading he had gleaned from a road map. We checked our speed indicator which steadily showed 3.8 mph and based on the mileage it takes us to go via PCH from Newport to Dana, we thought we'd be cruising for five hours or so. And, we had told Carolyn and Gloria that we probably arrive around 3 p.m.
A little before 1 p.m., the fog along the coast lifted enough so we could see a bit of the shoreline. Steve and I saw a long stretch of beach, but the fog hadn't cleared enough vertically to show structures or topography higher than about twenty feet. Thinking about the coastline, we thought there were only a few long stretches of beach, like Crystal Cove beach, which we knew we must have passed, and then the Strand, just short of Dana. Suddenly, the Headlands appeared and then the harbor breakwater! It had only taken three hours to make the trip for the Journey so our mileage or our speed were definitely off. We were quite glad the fog had lifted or otherwise we might have ended up off of Pendleton.
Besides deciding that a GPS is one of our first needed purchases, we called our wives via cellphone to meet us in at our slip, but we couldn't get a hold of Carolyn as she didn't have her cell with her. Steve handled our entry into the marina and he recovered nicely after we sent him down the wrong row of boats, but we made it.
Carolyn got home about that time and picked up her messages, called us, and hurried down to join Gloria and Sharon, Steve's wife. She brought champagne and snacks, so we celebrated our boat's new home and the fact that we didn't end up in Mexico or beached in Laguna. And then we took Journey out for a sail off of Dana with moderate winds and clear skies.
Sunday, after church, we met Dennis at the slip to work on the hand rails and other exposed teak. Dennis and I sanded, then taped off the hand rails, and then stained them the first coat and Carolyn wiped off the stain (and the occassional spill). We left after about two and half hours with the woodwork looking quite a bit better. Dennis is planning to stain them again and then varnish them this week or weekend as we'll be leaving for Zihuatanejo on Friday.
Now all I have to remember is to put on more sunscreen as all of us got our share of being burned this weekend!
Carolyn and I drove down to the Costco at Crown Valley and met Dennis and Steve who then drove with us up to the Sea Scout base in Newport. We arrived at 9:30 under a sunny sky and transported all of our gear to the boat. Both of them really liked the re-staining and varnishing job I had done on the cabin door. By 10, as Carolyn waved from the dock and headed back home, we headed out of the harbor under power.
As we approached Balboa Island, our clear skies began to turn to fog which blanketed the coast for the next three hours or so. So with no wind and calm seas, we motored down the coast using Dennis' rough estimate of the proper compass heading he had gleaned from a road map. We checked our speed indicator which steadily showed 3.8 mph and based on the mileage it takes us to go via PCH from Newport to Dana, we thought we'd be cruising for five hours or so. And, we had told Carolyn and Gloria that we probably arrive around 3 p.m.
A little before 1 p.m., the fog along the coast lifted enough so we could see a bit of the shoreline. Steve and I saw a long stretch of beach, but the fog hadn't cleared enough vertically to show structures or topography higher than about twenty feet. Thinking about the coastline, we thought there were only a few long stretches of beach, like Crystal Cove beach, which we knew we must have passed, and then the Strand, just short of Dana. Suddenly, the Headlands appeared and then the harbor breakwater! It had only taken three hours to make the trip for the Journey so our mileage or our speed were definitely off. We were quite glad the fog had lifted or otherwise we might have ended up off of Pendleton.
Besides deciding that a GPS is one of our first needed purchases, we called our wives via cellphone to meet us in at our slip, but we couldn't get a hold of Carolyn as she didn't have her cell with her. Steve handled our entry into the marina and he recovered nicely after we sent him down the wrong row of boats, but we made it.
Carolyn got home about that time and picked up her messages, called us, and hurried down to join Gloria and Sharon, Steve's wife. She brought champagne and snacks, so we celebrated our boat's new home and the fact that we didn't end up in Mexico or beached in Laguna. And then we took Journey out for a sail off of Dana with moderate winds and clear skies.
Sunday, after church, we met Dennis at the slip to work on the hand rails and other exposed teak. Dennis and I sanded, then taped off the hand rails, and then stained them the first coat and Carolyn wiped off the stain (and the occassional spill). We left after about two and half hours with the woodwork looking quite a bit better. Dennis is planning to stain them again and then varnish them this week or weekend as we'll be leaving for Zihuatanejo on Friday.
Now all I have to remember is to put on more sunscreen as all of us got our share of being burned this weekend!
Monday, May 09, 2005
Birthday Weekend
I left work early Friday, taking an unofficial two hour birthday leave, so I could get home around four to pick up Carolyn and drive down to the Blue Lantern Inn in Dana Point for a short birthday break. Carolyn had arranged both the hotel and dinner and the weather cooperated with blue skies and temperate temps.
We had a nice first floor room just off the lobby, but it was private and quiet and had a small patio with a view to Cannon's and the north end of the marina. We enjoyed a glass or two of white wine with a few appetizers in the late afternoon, and then after a quick nap for me, we dressed and walked over to Luciano's for a great Italian dinner. Carolyn had secured the most private two-person table and the pasta and wine and conversation were all incredible. A very nice almost-birthday dinner.
We returned to the Inn to watch a silly movie, In Laws, and relish a great bed with soft sheets and the smell of the ocean in the air. We were able to sleep in and then enjoyed a B&B breakfast on the patio with bright sun and a slight breeze. Thankfully, we didn't have to check out until noon, so we were able to appreciate the view overlooking the harbor.
For whatever reason, I wasn't feeling that great when we got home so we took to bed for a nap and a book read. I powered through a murder mystery that Lisa had given me around Christmas, and then I got a surprise call from Ashley around 5:30. Obviously, Ash and Bryce keep different hours from us as it was 1:30 in the morning in Edinburgh, and they had just come in from a 'pub crawl' with friends. Where did we go wrong! (just kidding) But we had a good conversation catching up on their current plans and ours, and it was just good to hear her laugh at my bad puns/jokes and she just seemed happy. I like that!
Sunday, Lisa, Katie, Carolyn and I went over to Trader Joes to make a picnic lunch before Wanda met us at our house and then we headed down to the boat for a sail in Newport harbor. It was pretty cloudy over Lake Forest when we left and I was thinking it might be pretty blustery at the beach, but the closer we got, the fewer clouds there were and the sunnier it got. We took all of our lunch onboard and ate salads and sandwiches and fruit with a glass of champagne before leaving the dock.
As we sailed down the harbor, I let Katie try her hand on the tiller and she did quite well sailing us under a beam reach almost the entire way down towards the jetty. At that point, I asked it they wanted to go out in the ocean to which the replied affirmatively, so the Journey made her first excursion into the ocean with me at the helm. We sailed down the coast a bit, and just off Big Corona, two porpoises leapt out of the water only 20 yards to our port! That was cool. We continued down to the Crystal Cove area and then headed back to the harbor with a nice breeze and relatively calm seas.
It was a great four hours on the water and everyone enjoyed the sail. It was a wonderful Mother's Day and we all came back a little more relaxed and some of us a bit more sunburned!
UPDATE: I just spoke with Dennis who said their family had just arrived at Big Corona on Sunday for a Mother's Day picnic when they saw us (their boat) heading out the jetty! Pretty funny and we couldn't have planned it better.
We had a nice first floor room just off the lobby, but it was private and quiet and had a small patio with a view to Cannon's and the north end of the marina. We enjoyed a glass or two of white wine with a few appetizers in the late afternoon, and then after a quick nap for me, we dressed and walked over to Luciano's for a great Italian dinner. Carolyn had secured the most private two-person table and the pasta and wine and conversation were all incredible. A very nice almost-birthday dinner.
We returned to the Inn to watch a silly movie, In Laws, and relish a great bed with soft sheets and the smell of the ocean in the air. We were able to sleep in and then enjoyed a B&B breakfast on the patio with bright sun and a slight breeze. Thankfully, we didn't have to check out until noon, so we were able to appreciate the view overlooking the harbor.
For whatever reason, I wasn't feeling that great when we got home so we took to bed for a nap and a book read. I powered through a murder mystery that Lisa had given me around Christmas, and then I got a surprise call from Ashley around 5:30. Obviously, Ash and Bryce keep different hours from us as it was 1:30 in the morning in Edinburgh, and they had just come in from a 'pub crawl' with friends. Where did we go wrong! (just kidding) But we had a good conversation catching up on their current plans and ours, and it was just good to hear her laugh at my bad puns/jokes and she just seemed happy. I like that!
Sunday, Lisa, Katie, Carolyn and I went over to Trader Joes to make a picnic lunch before Wanda met us at our house and then we headed down to the boat for a sail in Newport harbor. It was pretty cloudy over Lake Forest when we left and I was thinking it might be pretty blustery at the beach, but the closer we got, the fewer clouds there were and the sunnier it got. We took all of our lunch onboard and ate salads and sandwiches and fruit with a glass of champagne before leaving the dock.
As we sailed down the harbor, I let Katie try her hand on the tiller and she did quite well sailing us under a beam reach almost the entire way down towards the jetty. At that point, I asked it they wanted to go out in the ocean to which the replied affirmatively, so the Journey made her first excursion into the ocean with me at the helm. We sailed down the coast a bit, and just off Big Corona, two porpoises leapt out of the water only 20 yards to our port! That was cool. We continued down to the Crystal Cove area and then headed back to the harbor with a nice breeze and relatively calm seas.
It was a great four hours on the water and everyone enjoyed the sail. It was a wonderful Mother's Day and we all came back a little more relaxed and some of us a bit more sunburned!
UPDATE: I just spoke with Dennis who said their family had just arrived at Big Corona on Sunday for a Mother's Day picnic when they saw us (their boat) heading out the jetty! Pretty funny and we couldn't have planned it better.
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
We're Moving to Dana!
Not our house, but our boat! This last weekend Dennis Hughes and I drove up to Wilmington to the Lighthouse Marina to check out a temporary slip opportunity as the Sea Scouts were making strong comments about us leaving our current Newport home.
Barbara, the Lighthouse owner, had interviewed both Dennis and myself over the phone to make sure we'd be a good fit for her marina. It was sort of like being interviewed to rent a room in someone's home. But Barbara liked us well enough and we signed up for a minimum two month stay at her marina and we'd planned for a very long Saturday (May 14) to motor/sail the boat up the coast to her new temporary berth.
But Dennis made an agreement with Barbara to not cash our check until today, to give us time to a final check with the Dana marina to see where we were on the waiting list. On Saturday, I think we had moved from 15th to 9th as slips became available at the first of the month and those on the waiting list could either pony up the cash or forgo their place in line. Dennis called Tuesday and we were now number 2! And they were still calling those on the waiting list.
Dennis went down to the harbor personally today and the answer is that we have a slip!! So in ten days, we'll only have to sail from Newport to Dana Point rather than the forty miles or so that it was up to the LA harbor. We've found a home! And, I think Barbara will get a bouquet of flowers!
Barbara, the Lighthouse owner, had interviewed both Dennis and myself over the phone to make sure we'd be a good fit for her marina. It was sort of like being interviewed to rent a room in someone's home. But Barbara liked us well enough and we signed up for a minimum two month stay at her marina and we'd planned for a very long Saturday (May 14) to motor/sail the boat up the coast to her new temporary berth.
But Dennis made an agreement with Barbara to not cash our check until today, to give us time to a final check with the Dana marina to see where we were on the waiting list. On Saturday, I think we had moved from 15th to 9th as slips became available at the first of the month and those on the waiting list could either pony up the cash or forgo their place in line. Dennis called Tuesday and we were now number 2! And they were still calling those on the waiting list.
Dennis went down to the harbor personally today and the answer is that we have a slip!! So in ten days, we'll only have to sail from Newport to Dana Point rather than the forty miles or so that it was up to the LA harbor. We've found a home! And, I think Barbara will get a bouquet of flowers!
Sunday, April 24, 2005
Saturday Events
With a bright sky Saturday morning instead of the forecasted rain, we hid our eyes under the covers and avoided getting out of bed to around 10 with the exception of getting coffee and the papers. It was great!
Then we felt we should join the day and bring a little more organization to the house. Carolyn made WW pancakes and I took out trash and put away the dishes. I then headed out to buy a new finishing sander while Carolyn headed off to purchase more yarn for her various projects (ponchos, baby booties, etc.). I had been unhappy with my previous efforts to re-finish the boat galley door and so I put the sander to the test. This time I went through three grits to get a good overall finish and I think I succeeded. Today, I'll begin re-staining and varnishing.
The afternoon began clouding up, but rain didn't seem likely then, so we motored down to SJC for a gathering at Saddleback Valley Christian School where our previous pastor, Mike, was going to talk. Several hundred former congregants were there to greet and encourage him. I was struck about how he really wanted to look forward, not concentrating on the past, as he laid out his vision for a new church that would center on strong Bible exegesis with current day applications and a commitment to expand that focus on new church plants within the larger Southern California area to start.
Afterwards we drove over to Wanda's to give her a brightly colored poncho Carolyn had made and then after a time of socializing, we all went out to dinner at Hennesy's in Dana Point. We sat outside near a patio heater and enjoyed burgers and pulled pork sandwiches while watching the full moon dance behind an increasingly cloudy sky. We even had a local who stopped by to comment on the coming storm - a 'meteorologist' he claimed who worked in a local surf shop and acquired one-of-a-kind Hawaiian shirts (this one silk). Wanda thought he was a little crazy, Carolyn thought he was just friendly, I thought he was trying to pick Wanda up! Just kidding. Anyway we had a good dinner and two desserts because yours truly was a klutz and spilled water on our first chocolate decadence when we were only about two thirds through. That justified a good tip.
Then we felt we should join the day and bring a little more organization to the house. Carolyn made WW pancakes and I took out trash and put away the dishes. I then headed out to buy a new finishing sander while Carolyn headed off to purchase more yarn for her various projects (ponchos, baby booties, etc.). I had been unhappy with my previous efforts to re-finish the boat galley door and so I put the sander to the test. This time I went through three grits to get a good overall finish and I think I succeeded. Today, I'll begin re-staining and varnishing.
The afternoon began clouding up, but rain didn't seem likely then, so we motored down to SJC for a gathering at Saddleback Valley Christian School where our previous pastor, Mike, was going to talk. Several hundred former congregants were there to greet and encourage him. I was struck about how he really wanted to look forward, not concentrating on the past, as he laid out his vision for a new church that would center on strong Bible exegesis with current day applications and a commitment to expand that focus on new church plants within the larger Southern California area to start.
Afterwards we drove over to Wanda's to give her a brightly colored poncho Carolyn had made and then after a time of socializing, we all went out to dinner at Hennesy's in Dana Point. We sat outside near a patio heater and enjoyed burgers and pulled pork sandwiches while watching the full moon dance behind an increasingly cloudy sky. We even had a local who stopped by to comment on the coming storm - a 'meteorologist' he claimed who worked in a local surf shop and acquired one-of-a-kind Hawaiian shirts (this one silk). Wanda thought he was a little crazy, Carolyn thought he was just friendly, I thought he was trying to pick Wanda up! Just kidding. Anyway we had a good dinner and two desserts because yours truly was a klutz and spilled water on our first chocolate decadence when we were only about two thirds through. That justified a good tip.
Tournament Poker
Friday night I spent at my second friendly Texas Hold 'Em poker tournament. This one was held in an industrial warehouse just about 5 minutes from home.
There were 30 players, including about five women, who each bought in for $30 and began play on five tables. My table started off tentatively with a lot of checks (no raises) and people folding. Ilene 'The River' was taking a lot of pots on the last card and scared off at least a few. But other tables saw a few 'all ins' which eliminated someone.
As people were eliminated, we consolidated tables and I found myself on the last two. Unfortunately, I was knocked out at number 14 when I matched an 'all in' and my diamond flush to the king was beaten by a full house! Bummer.
I took the roll of dealer for the next hour or so as more and more were eliminated. And then there was one table. At eleven, I called it quits and came home to wife that had hoped I'd be bringing home the cash. Sorry! Maybe next time. I'll have to be a little more careful about the all ins!!
There were 30 players, including about five women, who each bought in for $30 and began play on five tables. My table started off tentatively with a lot of checks (no raises) and people folding. Ilene 'The River' was taking a lot of pots on the last card and scared off at least a few. But other tables saw a few 'all ins' which eliminated someone.
As people were eliminated, we consolidated tables and I found myself on the last two. Unfortunately, I was knocked out at number 14 when I matched an 'all in' and my diamond flush to the king was beaten by a full house! Bummer.
I took the roll of dealer for the next hour or so as more and more were eliminated. And then there was one table. At eleven, I called it quits and came home to wife that had hoped I'd be bringing home the cash. Sorry! Maybe next time. I'll have to be a little more careful about the all ins!!
Thursday, April 21, 2005
Know Your State
"Borrowed" from Hugh Hewitt, I listed only my favorites, if you wish to see the whole list check out his site.
KNOW YOUR STATE MOTTO
Alabama
Hell Yes, We Have Electricity.
Alaska
11,623 Eskimos Can't Be Wrong!
Arizona
But It's A Dry Heat.
Arkansas
Literacy Ain't Everything.
California
By 30, Our Women Have More Plastic Than Your Honda.
Colorado
If You Don't Ski, Don't Bother.
Hawaii
Haka Tiki Mou Sha'ami Leeki Toru
(Death To Mainland Scum,Leave Your Money)
Idaho
More Than Just Potatoes...
Well, Okay, We're Not, But The Potatoes Sure Are Real Good
Illinois
Please, Don't Pronounce the "S"
Michigan
First Line Of Defense From The Canadians
Minnesota
10,000 Lakes...And 10,000,000,000,000 Mosquitoes
Mississippi
Come And Feel Better About Your Own State
Nevada
Hookers and Poker!
North Carolina
Tobacco Is A Vegetable
Oklahoma
Like The Play, But No Singing
Oregon
Spotted Owl...It's What's For Dinner
Pennsylvania
Cook With Coal
Texas
Se Hablo Ingles
Utah
Our Jesus Is Better Than Your Jesus
The District of Columbia
The Work-Free Drug Place!
KNOW YOUR STATE MOTTO
Alabama
Hell Yes, We Have Electricity.
Alaska
11,623 Eskimos Can't Be Wrong!
Arizona
But It's A Dry Heat.
Arkansas
Literacy Ain't Everything.
California
By 30, Our Women Have More Plastic Than Your Honda.
Colorado
If You Don't Ski, Don't Bother.
Hawaii
Haka Tiki Mou Sha'ami Leeki Toru
(Death To Mainland Scum,Leave Your Money)
Idaho
More Than Just Potatoes...
Well, Okay, We're Not, But The Potatoes Sure Are Real Good
Illinois
Please, Don't Pronounce the "S"
Michigan
First Line Of Defense From The Canadians
Minnesota
10,000 Lakes...And 10,000,000,000,000 Mosquitoes
Mississippi
Come And Feel Better About Your Own State
Nevada
Hookers and Poker!
North Carolina
Tobacco Is A Vegetable
Oklahoma
Like The Play, But No Singing
Oregon
Spotted Owl...It's What's For Dinner
Pennsylvania
Cook With Coal
Texas
Se Hablo Ingles
Utah
Our Jesus Is Better Than Your Jesus
The District of Columbia
The Work-Free Drug Place!
Saturday, April 16, 2005
Saturday Sailing
Dennis wasn't feeling well enough this weekend to join us so Carolyn and I headed down to Newport early Saturday afternoon for a sail. The wind was rather light and a little flooky but was mostly abeam which allowed us to sail down to the jetty and back with only a tack or two. Our biggest problem was getting out of and into our slip. The engine is a bit rough, just running on three cylinders, and the transmission doesn't like reverse very much. Thankfully a good sea scout helped us as we docked!
After our cruise up and down the bay, we enjoyed a glass or two of wine along with bread and cheese and grapes while watching others coming back to their berths. Then we cleaned up the boat and headed down the coast in the BMW with the top down and the sun and wind in our hair. A beautiful day!
After our cruise up and down the bay, we enjoyed a glass or two of wine along with bread and cheese and grapes while watching others coming back to their berths. Then we cleaned up the boat and headed down the coast in the BMW with the top down and the sun and wind in our hair. A beautiful day!
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
Monthly Poker
Another good night with the boys playing Texas Hold 'Em last night. There were eight of us this evening seated around Paul's newly made oval table. The buy-in, as usual, was twenty bucks and I don't think I ever dipped below my initial purchase.
We had some really interesting hands. I lost one with a full house to a four kings and another player had stayed in with a slightly poorer full house. It was a good pot - unfortunately, I didn't take it. Trip twos won the pot on at least two occasions. But I took good pots with another full house and even a high pair.
The last twenty minutes we tried our luck with Omaha poker. In this game, you are dealt four cards down with the same flop, turn and river sequence as in Hold 'Em. The difference is you have to use two, and only two, of the cards in your hand along with three from the board to make your best hand. People stay in a little longer because of all the possibilities and, therefore, the pots are usually bigger. It takes a little getting used to the different probabilities.
Overall, I won $27.25 and sacrificed about an hour of sleep. That's what naps are for!
We had some really interesting hands. I lost one with a full house to a four kings and another player had stayed in with a slightly poorer full house. It was a good pot - unfortunately, I didn't take it. Trip twos won the pot on at least two occasions. But I took good pots with another full house and even a high pair.
The last twenty minutes we tried our luck with Omaha poker. In this game, you are dealt four cards down with the same flop, turn and river sequence as in Hold 'Em. The difference is you have to use two, and only two, of the cards in your hand along with three from the board to make your best hand. People stay in a little longer because of all the possibilities and, therefore, the pots are usually bigger. It takes a little getting used to the different probabilities.
Overall, I won $27.25 and sacrificed about an hour of sleep. That's what naps are for!
Monday, April 11, 2005
Augustine
I like this quote which I found on the Federalist today.
"Let us understand that God is a physician, and that suffering is a medicine for salvation, not a punishment for damnation." - Augustine
"Let us understand that God is a physician, and that suffering is a medicine for salvation, not a punishment for damnation." - Augustine
Politics and Religion at Dinner
This weekend was beautiful in So. Cal., the sky was clear and bright and we started off for a few errands as we drove down to San Clemente so Carolyn could pick up some items on sale at the art store while I checked out possible window replacements. Then we stopped at Expo to check out possibilities for new bathroom fixtures and tile choices (just looking). Then it was off to BevMo to replenish the wine refrigerator. We finished up with a good late lunch at La Salsa.
The afternoon was spent sanding the door for our sailboat which we had brought home and Carolyn worked on her various art projects. Then we readied ourselves for a dinner hosted by Debbie for Steve Kanda's birthday.
We were the first to arrive at 6:15 to find Debbie, Steve and Steph (Manny was taking a required writing exam) making final preparations on a gourmet dinner of tri-tip, asparagus, stuffed artichokes, diced potatoes, a salad including goat cheese and small tomatoes, and, of course, plenty of wine and champagne! Within twenty minutes, we were joined by the rest of the old SMCHS crowd, Dave, Mary Margaret, Arthur and Linda Gome.
Within moments, Mary made it clear that "it was about time" since the Kandas and Hutchins had not invited them to any events/parties in a long time. Debbie was most gracious and apologized that they hadn't reciprocated in a long time and that life sometimes just gets too busy. Mary was sort of off the hook, but she seemed to be placated a little although her ears perked up when it was casually mentioned that the Kandas and we had spent some time together in October (our trip to SLO).
But the real fireworks occurred around the dining room table as discussions veered from Steph's wedding plans (March 2006) to Terri Schiavo and the Pope. They always warn you to never discuss politics or religion, and the intensity of some of the comments were pretty extreme around the table, quite often by Mary!
Besides the normal info on Steph's wedding, a significant conversation related to their desire to have a 'spiritual' wedding, but not a religious one. Raised a Catholic, marrying an adopted Jew, that could cause some issues, but neither Steph or Manny attend church/synagogue, yet Debbie and Steve would prefer they are married by a priest, perhaps with a rabbi in attendance. While all the other major issues of their wedding have already been addressed, I'm guessing that who performs the ceremony will be one of the more complicated ones to complete.
Catholic discussions led to the Pope's recent death and Mary's assertion that he had set back the Church decades because he was so conservative having rejected the ordination of women priests or the use of birth control especially condoms in places like Africa with high incidents of AIDS. Of course, Mary can rarely just discuss these issues, but must 'comment' at a rather higher than conversational decibel level. I think we and the Gomes (Presbyterians) defended the Pope's conservative stands more forcibly than the two Catholic couples.
And then we got into a discussion of Terri Schiavo and the use of life support treatments. Mary was adamant that she would never provide respiratory or life support to David or her kids if their probable future life would be less vital than currently. I was aghast to find that she (and Dave) concurred that if they were to be confined to a wheelchair they would rather die! And, of course, Mary stated she would abort a child that was likely to not be 'normal'. Carolyn strongly spoke of the intrinsic value of every life, and soon she and Arthur had left the room to avoid further heated discussions and to try to learn a few Latin dance steps and which was ultimately her undoing.
In addition to the politics/religion, Dave and I discussed sailing and his five year plan to purchase a 40' plus catamaran to circumnavigate the globe over four or five years. He is a stronger man than me as I could not imagine being confined with MM that long. They will be trying their hand at a longer time sailing this summer when they take their family on a week bareboat cruise through the British Virgin Islands.
Walking to our car around 12:30 a.m., Carolyn discovered that her dance moves with Arthur had really hurt her hip and she felt as if she had torn a ligament! Sunday morning she could barely move and so we decided to stay home (we had planned to go to Coast Hills) and take it easy. We began the morning with the papers, coffee, juice and sausage and scrambled eggs made by yours truly. Carolyn did some more painting and Bible study while I watched Tiger win his fourth Masters primarily due to his ball's half revolution on the 16th that dropped in for a birdie rather than hanging on the side of the cup.
I'm hoping that we were appropriately forceful in our defense of our beliefs and faith over the weekend, but the dinner party seems to focus on our desire to be with those who are more closely aligned with us spiritually and even politically.
The afternoon was spent sanding the door for our sailboat which we had brought home and Carolyn worked on her various art projects. Then we readied ourselves for a dinner hosted by Debbie for Steve Kanda's birthday.
We were the first to arrive at 6:15 to find Debbie, Steve and Steph (Manny was taking a required writing exam) making final preparations on a gourmet dinner of tri-tip, asparagus, stuffed artichokes, diced potatoes, a salad including goat cheese and small tomatoes, and, of course, plenty of wine and champagne! Within twenty minutes, we were joined by the rest of the old SMCHS crowd, Dave, Mary Margaret, Arthur and Linda Gome.
Within moments, Mary made it clear that "it was about time" since the Kandas and Hutchins had not invited them to any events/parties in a long time. Debbie was most gracious and apologized that they hadn't reciprocated in a long time and that life sometimes just gets too busy. Mary was sort of off the hook, but she seemed to be placated a little although her ears perked up when it was casually mentioned that the Kandas and we had spent some time together in October (our trip to SLO).
But the real fireworks occurred around the dining room table as discussions veered from Steph's wedding plans (March 2006) to Terri Schiavo and the Pope. They always warn you to never discuss politics or religion, and the intensity of some of the comments were pretty extreme around the table, quite often by Mary!
Besides the normal info on Steph's wedding, a significant conversation related to their desire to have a 'spiritual' wedding, but not a religious one. Raised a Catholic, marrying an adopted Jew, that could cause some issues, but neither Steph or Manny attend church/synagogue, yet Debbie and Steve would prefer they are married by a priest, perhaps with a rabbi in attendance. While all the other major issues of their wedding have already been addressed, I'm guessing that who performs the ceremony will be one of the more complicated ones to complete.
Catholic discussions led to the Pope's recent death and Mary's assertion that he had set back the Church decades because he was so conservative having rejected the ordination of women priests or the use of birth control especially condoms in places like Africa with high incidents of AIDS. Of course, Mary can rarely just discuss these issues, but must 'comment' at a rather higher than conversational decibel level. I think we and the Gomes (Presbyterians) defended the Pope's conservative stands more forcibly than the two Catholic couples.
And then we got into a discussion of Terri Schiavo and the use of life support treatments. Mary was adamant that she would never provide respiratory or life support to David or her kids if their probable future life would be less vital than currently. I was aghast to find that she (and Dave) concurred that if they were to be confined to a wheelchair they would rather die! And, of course, Mary stated she would abort a child that was likely to not be 'normal'. Carolyn strongly spoke of the intrinsic value of every life, and soon she and Arthur had left the room to avoid further heated discussions and to try to learn a few Latin dance steps and which was ultimately her undoing.
In addition to the politics/religion, Dave and I discussed sailing and his five year plan to purchase a 40' plus catamaran to circumnavigate the globe over four or five years. He is a stronger man than me as I could not imagine being confined with MM that long. They will be trying their hand at a longer time sailing this summer when they take their family on a week bareboat cruise through the British Virgin Islands.
Walking to our car around 12:30 a.m., Carolyn discovered that her dance moves with Arthur had really hurt her hip and she felt as if she had torn a ligament! Sunday morning she could barely move and so we decided to stay home (we had planned to go to Coast Hills) and take it easy. We began the morning with the papers, coffee, juice and sausage and scrambled eggs made by yours truly. Carolyn did some more painting and Bible study while I watched Tiger win his fourth Masters primarily due to his ball's half revolution on the 16th that dropped in for a birdie rather than hanging on the side of the cup.
I'm hoping that we were appropriately forceful in our defense of our beliefs and faith over the weekend, but the dinner party seems to focus on our desire to be with those who are more closely aligned with us spiritually and even politically.
Wednesday, April 06, 2005
Haloscan commenting and trackback have been added to this blog.
UPDATE: Turned off haloscan because it couldn't import the old Blogger comments. Well, I tried!
UPDATE: Turned off haloscan because it couldn't import the old Blogger comments. Well, I tried!
Monday, April 04, 2005
Weekend Update
While we thought of Ashley and Bryce in London, Saturday was spent working out in the yard mowing, trimming, planting under a beautiful sunny day. We probably spent three or four hours welcoming Spring outside, before I was able to catch a short nap before getting ready for dinner.
The Hales had invited us down to Laguna for dinner in Romeo's off of Main Beach. We met up at 6 and had great pasta, or salmon, or veal and a good bottle of Chianti. Then it was off to the High School for a performance of the LA Scots, a pipe and drum corp who played numerous reels, etc. Carolyn said it reminded her of the Highland Games even though the pipers were not nearly as numerous (obviously). We had a good time and good conversation and the music kept both John and me awake.
Sunday, after an hour less sleep because of Daylight Savings, we went to church at Saddleback again, primarily to pick up tickets for their 25th anniversary celebration which will be held in Anaheim Stadium on the 17th which Katie wants to attend. This time we actually ran into a few people we knew including Jill Schreiber and the Youngs from our Bible study.
Then it was home for a quick read of the Sunday papers and lunch before we headed to Newport to meet the Hughes for an afternoon sail. We decided to ignore any chores this time and took the opportunity to have Gloria and Carolyn 'man' the tiller for a while to get a feel of the boat's handling while I got more familiar with the mainsail and jib. It was a great day just enjoying the sun, wind and salt air without too many boats in the harbor.
Leaving around 5, both we and the Hughes headed down PCH, stopping for a brief dinner at Del Taco in Dana Point, before we drove to PCC for an open meeting on the history of the dispute that led to Pastor Mike's resignation and the plans for the future. The parking lot was full and the street was fully parked for two hundred yards from the church. We ended up in an upstairs annex listening to the discussion on a video feed. It was the most painful meeting I've ever had the displeasure to endure even after an admonition to behave in a Biblical fashion! The level of animosity was painfully obvious from many who spoke from the crowd, and the two senior associate pastors had a real difficulty in either controlling it or explaining well the circumstances of Mike's departure. It felt as if they we're sugar-coating much of their descriptions, and it sounded like they had not appropriately responded to legitimate requests for information/meetings as mandated by the church's constitution. After an hour and half, we couldn't take it any more, so we left for home to unwind before the beginning of this work week. It was not a fun way to end an otherwise really good weekend.
The Hales had invited us down to Laguna for dinner in Romeo's off of Main Beach. We met up at 6 and had great pasta, or salmon, or veal and a good bottle of Chianti. Then it was off to the High School for a performance of the LA Scots, a pipe and drum corp who played numerous reels, etc. Carolyn said it reminded her of the Highland Games even though the pipers were not nearly as numerous (obviously). We had a good time and good conversation and the music kept both John and me awake.
Sunday, after an hour less sleep because of Daylight Savings, we went to church at Saddleback again, primarily to pick up tickets for their 25th anniversary celebration which will be held in Anaheim Stadium on the 17th which Katie wants to attend. This time we actually ran into a few people we knew including Jill Schreiber and the Youngs from our Bible study.
Then it was home for a quick read of the Sunday papers and lunch before we headed to Newport to meet the Hughes for an afternoon sail. We decided to ignore any chores this time and took the opportunity to have Gloria and Carolyn 'man' the tiller for a while to get a feel of the boat's handling while I got more familiar with the mainsail and jib. It was a great day just enjoying the sun, wind and salt air without too many boats in the harbor.
Leaving around 5, both we and the Hughes headed down PCH, stopping for a brief dinner at Del Taco in Dana Point, before we drove to PCC for an open meeting on the history of the dispute that led to Pastor Mike's resignation and the plans for the future. The parking lot was full and the street was fully parked for two hundred yards from the church. We ended up in an upstairs annex listening to the discussion on a video feed. It was the most painful meeting I've ever had the displeasure to endure even after an admonition to behave in a Biblical fashion! The level of animosity was painfully obvious from many who spoke from the crowd, and the two senior associate pastors had a real difficulty in either controlling it or explaining well the circumstances of Mike's departure. It felt as if they we're sugar-coating much of their descriptions, and it sounded like they had not appropriately responded to legitimate requests for information/meetings as mandated by the church's constitution. After an hour and half, we couldn't take it any more, so we left for home to unwind before the beginning of this work week. It was not a fun way to end an otherwise really good weekend.
Friday, April 01, 2005
Nana's Honda!!
Carolyn took Wanda up to the Circle of Orange for a little "girl" excursion to have lunch at the Filling Station and tour the antique shops. Then on the way home Carolyn asked me via her mobile whether they had any cars that fit Wanda's requirements at Capistrano Car. I quickly checked, they didn't, but I looked on the CarMax site for their new Irvine lot (off of Bake) and found listed a 1995 Honda Accord with 107k miles for just under $8k, champagne color with leather seats. A possible match so I called Carolyn back.
Less than an hour later, Carolyn called and told me they were at CarMax and were buying that exact car! We talked about buying a warranty and declined. An hour after that, on my way home, Carolyn called again to tell me that they were still there and she had prevented them from charging an additional $300 through a dyslexic mistake. So, this evening I arrived home before wife or mother-in-law.
Rolling in around 6:30, and after two and half hours at the dealer, the 'new car' rolled in with Wanda behind the wheel. She was totally excited with the firm leather seats, the wood trimmed interior, and the easy ride. We all lifted glasses of wine to celebrate with crackers and cheese while Wanda continued to thank me for finding the car for her. I continued to mention she might want to thank Carolyn who had actually endured 2.5 hours of car buying hell! She had performed admirably in keeping all the paperwork straight and not allowing them to add costs.
We are glad that Wanda now has good transportation as her old car was falling apart, and Carolyn and I laughed about how I was the good son-in-law and get credit even when credit is barely due.
Thursday, March 31, 2005
Animal Groups
I've always enjoyed the various names given to groups of animals.
Some favorites:
Chattering of chicks
Quiver of cobras
Murder of crows
Convocation of eagles
Mob of emus
Gaggle of geese
Bloat of hippopotami
Scold of jays
Cloud of locusts
Prickle of porcupines
Shiver of sharks
Committee of vultures
Some favorites:
Chattering of chicks
Quiver of cobras
Murder of crows
Convocation of eagles
Mob of emus
Gaggle of geese
Bloat of hippopotami
Scold of jays
Cloud of locusts
Prickle of porcupines
Shiver of sharks
Committee of vultures
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