Year Ending

Carolyn has been reminding me that I haven't 'blogged' in quite a while (20 days), but the major reason I blog other than to record our yearly events/thoughts, etc. is to let Ashley and Bryce know what we're doing, and since they have been back home with us for about two weeks, there seems little need. But what the heck ...

The month of December has been filled with all things holiday and/or Christmas including: a CBS Christmas party; tickets to the OC Performing Arts Center; a company holiday party up in Pomona where we stayed overnight and did some shopping the following day; welcoming Ashley and Bryce home on different days in order to save airfare on at least one flight; church at CBC, Coast and Redeemer; putting up lights that pale in comparison to our neighbors, the Bethkes; shopping in Carolyn's favorite type of store (jewelry); taking Jonathan and Jillian to church on Christmas eve and singing carols; taking most of our presents to the Hales and enjoying a day long event on Christmas, opening gifts, eating, and playing white elephant bingo; enjoying a little more time off than normal; and, watching an occasional football game.

Tomorrow marks the end of the work year and the last week or two has been somewhat quiet, even boring at times, but with my new iPod, I'm at least able to entertain myself with music. I expect that as the various bosses return next week, the level of activity will again ramp up. Meanwhile, I'm planning on watching more than a few bowl games and NFL contests over my three-day break.

Rain is being forecast for this upcoming week and I'm thankful that the work on the outside of our house, installing new drains and lowering the ground level and fixing some stucco issues, is proceeding in a timely fashion, if not a blistering one.

I hope for all my readers (and lurkers), a wonderful, prosperous, healthy, safe, transforming and dry (at least indoors) New Years. May you be pleasantly surprised with something serendipitous, do something you've never done before, and explore somewhere you've never been before.

Talk to you in '06!

Holiday Hazards

They are everywhere this time of year! They call out to you from every corner of the office or home.

Title companies dropping off candy, potluck dinners with excessive displays (and consumption) of desserts or seven-layer dips, free tamale lunches provided by one of our vendors, Christmas (or holiday) cookies, company parties and more. Sugar and calories call to me - eat me, eat me, eat me - it's just a small piece of Sees or just one plate of food. Tables and my belt groan from the pressure.

The thoughts of working out or going to the gym, rest in the deep recesses of my brain, just surfacing very briefly before the temptation of chocolate lures me to consume.

Pray for my deliverance!

Saturday Dawns Bright

Well, we had a fine dinner at the Beach House last night. Carolyn had salmon, I had filet mignon, and we shared a delicious chocolate creme brulee for dinner. Fabulous!

It was raining slightly as we hauled our gear (sleeping bags, pillows, clothes) down to the boat after dinner which made it a bit awkward to hold an umbrella as well as the stuff and unlock the gate the gangway, etc., but we managed and soon were setting up the forward berth. The forward berth is like a short double bed which is like a triangle, so your feet fight for dominance through the night. It's a good thing we're not very tall or our feet would have been in the anchor locker!

Carolyn had forgotten her night time medications so she made a quick drive home and we were finally able to get to sleep around midnight. I can't say I slept my best, but it was fun and when we awoke the skies were blue with fluffy clouds adding to the scene. We dressed and walked across the bridge and got our morning coffee and bagels at one of the shops around the harbor.

On our return, we took a chance and walked out to Lewis company's COO yacht, the Lady Katherine. Leon had just arrived and welcomed us with a tour of his 60' boat. Really, really nice with fine woods, leather couches, and all the bells and whistles! With the breeze picking up, we decided to take the boat out ourselves for a short sail.

The engine started quickly and we headed out into a stiffening breeze. Other sailboats were gathering for a race while we made an easy run out with a full jib and speeds over 4 mph, then tacked back to get back and buttoned up around 1 p.m. so I could spend the rest of the day watching USC beat the tar out UCLA (right now the score is 44-6 in the 3rd quarter).

All in all, a different but fun anniversary celebration.

Anniversary Plus 1

Thursdays, we attend our couples Bible Study so we didn't break tradition even though December 1st was on 32nd wedding anniversary!! It sure doesn't seem that long although with a daughter who turns 26 next year, I'm glad that ratio is at least over 1.1.

Tonight, we're going to enjoy a fine dinner at the Beach House in Dana Point and then spend the night on our boat. Rain is forecast for today, but we're hoping that it won't dampen our spirits too much. Earlier this year we spent a night at the Blue Lantern Inn for my birthday, and this "may" be a let down in terms of comfort and amenities, but it's ours and will be our first experience onboard overnight. If things don't go well, we're just a short drive from home, but I hope we'll be able to wake in the morning to clear skies and enjoy a walk around the harbor for coffee and breakfast.

Thanksgiving

I took off Wednesday and Wanda, Carolyn and I left home around 8 in order to rendezvous with Lisa and Katie at a Starbucks in Montrose. We got there rather quickly and after getting the final few items in a nearby Trader Joes, we headed up the Grapevine. Stopping in Fresno for lunch (In-N-Out) and gas, we entered Yosemite around 3:30 under bright and clear skies and turned into the Redwoods just a short distance passed the Wawona Hotel and checked into our three bedroom home in the woods.

That evening we dressed warmly and went over to Wawona for dinner. Salads and dinner were great, but the creme brulee sucked and they didn't charge us for it. Then back to the house for games and reading.

Thursday morning, Carolyn was first out of bed into the morning chill, and I snuggled deeper into the covers only to be awakened the second time around 8 with the smell of onions being cooked for the cornbread stuffing. By 10, Carolyn had done all her prep work and the turkey was cooking away and none of the others were even out of bed yet, so we took an hour walk to the Wawona waterfall.

The others were finally up when we returned and the preparation for a feast continued until we sat down with our bounty of turkey, mashed potatoes, yams, green beans, stuffing, gravy, corn casserole, rolls, etc, etc. All followed by pumpkin, pecan and mincemeat pies!

Friday, we were surprised to find a light rain falling on the day we planned our first valley visit. We bundled up (it was in the low to mid 40s) and headed to the sights. The clouds hung low over the mountains and obscured some of our views, but we walked up to the base of Bridalveil, went through the Visitors Center, watched a movie on how Yosemite Park came to be, walked through the Indian Village, and then finally shook off our rain covered coats as we entered the Awahnee Hotel and took up residence for an hour or so in the Great Room.



That night we had a replay of Thursday and then settled into rousing games of Catch Phrase with Lisa and me taking on the other three. We smoked them!! Lisa and I gave each other simple, calm descriptions while Wanda, in particular, tried to tell stories until the buzzer sounded. It was pretty funny with clues like "this is something I don't like to do" - not really specific. But we all had fun.

Saturday, we drove the short distance to the Mariposa Grove and walked around the giants again with clear and cold skies. On the way back, we stopped to wander about the historical area by the Wawona with old cabins and a covered bridge. That evening it was more turkey, and then Balderdash where Carolyn was the winner as she fooled us into choosing her definitions after she got making up funny answers out of her system.




All in all, a very Happy and Enjoyable Thanksgiving! And by the way, we came home with plenty of turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes, but no pies!

Wagons Ho!

Carolyn has been buying and setting aside enough supplies for a month it seems, as she prepares for our upcoming Thanksgiving in Yosemite with Wanda, Lisa and Katie.

Table settings, wine and champagne, a huge 22 pound turkey, and myriads of other goodies sit packed in a picnic basket and a large storage container awaiting transport. I'm only hopeful that all will fit in my car's trunk along with the requisite luggage for our lengthy four day stay in a three bedroom 'cabin' which is next to the Wawona. That, and that the turkey will actually fit in the cabin's oven.

There are plans for walks in the Valley (or maybe even a bike ride), hikes to the waterfalls, taking photos, reading, eating too much and playing games. We leave tomorrow, Wednesday, and return on Sunday - pray for our safe travel.

We hope that your holiday is also filled with family, friends, fun and feasting. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Sailing

What had been Autumn a few weeks ago turned to summer this past week. A light Santa Ana wind warmed So Cal up and blew the smog out to sea. On Sunday, as we drove down the freeway to Dana Point, the Mini registered that it was 86.

As we turned off the 5 towards DP, the sun sparkled off the ocean and the seas were flat as boats left the harbor to enjoy a July day on the 20th of November. We readied the boat, storing canvas covers and putting out the seat cushions when Dennis suprised us on the dock. He and Gloria had just returned from a wedding in Santa Barbara and we had expected that he wouldn't be down this weekend. We welcomed him aboard and after getting the engine to start, we were off for a leisurely sail punctuated by wispy clouds and a brilliant sunset that turned the sky red. We even saw a huge pod of dolphin off of our starboard bow racing after some unseen delicacy. Unfortunately, a little too far off and quite a bit faster so we were unable to get any photos.

The Randomness of the Internet

Check out this if you want a little laugh.

It Must be Fall

Perhaps it's just because it's autumn and the weather is changing and the activity of summer which included several trips is past, but I haven't really felt like blogging in a while. Life has returned to the ordinary, it's been busy at work and we've hired an assistant for me.

This last weekend, Carolyn and I took in a play at SCR (Born Yesterday) which is a 40's era play that was funny and which still retains its political relevancy. We then dropped in at Jerry's Famous Deli by South Coast for an after theater dessert which was large enough in my case to save half for last night (a huge piece of chocolate fudge cake)!

Otherwise, I've been watching the baseball playoffs (sorry Angels) and now the World Series as well as a sampling of college and pro football. As far as sports go, this is my favorite season.

The weather the last two weekends has been somewhat gloomy and drizzly (by SoCal standards) and we haven't ventured out on the boat, in part, because of the weather and because of some overheating issues with the engine. I'll have to purpose to make it to the boat or to do more outdoor activities.

Makes Me Think

Those of you who've read my blog for awhile should be aware that occasionally I like to randomly check out other blogs. A very few make it to my favorites list.

One which I've been reading for a few months is Waiterrant where a New York waiter often talks about the indignities of dealing with the inconsiderate and the miserly. Today, he posted an interesting dialogue of a discussion he had with a fellow server about the Biblical story of Jesus casting the demons into the pig. I thought his view of God was insightful and challenging. What do you scholars think?

The second blog I stumbled across was referenced in another blog. A personal story of the destruction that ravaged the south with Katrina with some amazing photos and heartfelt stories. Tragedies are often quickly forgotten except for those immediately involved. Take a look.

A Double Bow of Promise

Carolyn walked into the game room last evening talking about the golden light that seemed to permeate both inside and outside. I looked outside and saw a brilliant double rainbow towards the east.

We rushed outside with camera in hand and Carolyn went to grab Darla. Two gorgeous rainbows with colors the bled into each other like a 'loose' watercolor. The clouds were high and sky shown through various cloud breaks. As we watched, a few random drops fell around us.

As we watched Monday Night Football, lightning flashed every few minutes and rain showers became more frequent. We fell asleep to a full harvest moon that would occasionally peek out from the clouds along with lightning flashes across the skies and the distant roll of thunder. Sights and sounds that would continue throughout the night. Pretty cool for So. Cal. in September!

Watch Your Rear

Well, it finally happened. After driving to and from work for the last six years and putting on about 30,000 miles a year, I was rear-ended last night on the way home as I transitioned from the 57 to the 5 as traffic came to a slow stop.

A Ford 150 hit the Camry behind me which was propelled into my back bumper. I think I had just started up a little so the rap didn't seem to do too much damage although the Camry's rear bumper and trunk lid were crunched. The rear fender area is popped out a little and I'm hearing a few more rattles, but, hopefully, nothing serious.

It took nearly an hour to trade info and get the CHP out to write up an accident report which made me late for my monthly poker game. Of course, that probably saved me money because I had an hour less to play or lose. Now, I have to get an estimate and get it in for any needed repairs. Bummer!

This is the first accident I've been involved in since the 1970s, I think. I hope this doesn't increase my insurance rate!

Weekend Activities

The weekend began with the requisite time spent just keeping the house and yard in order. I mowed the lawn and then spent the next hour or two on the ground weeding and trimming while Carolyn began laundry and picking up. Then I pulled out the Mini and washed a few weeks of dust off of it. Then it was time for lunch and a few minutes of college football.

A little before two, we headed up to Santa Ana to the Bower's museum for a plein-air art show where Carolyn's art teacher, Robin McCloud, was displaying some works. The street in front of the museum was filled with two large stretch limos including a Hummer version from which two large wedding parties had dismounted for pictures on the Bower's well kept lawn and rose garden. We spoke with Robin and enjoyed a glass or two of wine at the reception and critiqued the paintings as we passed through the rows of paintings.

Later, that evening, we once again headed north in the Mini to catch a play, Caucasian Chalk Circle, at the South Coast Rep, with tickets courtesy of Lewis. The review of the play was published in the Orange County Register this morning and I think the writer and Carolyn were more in tune with each other than I. I think I found it more that a little silly or rather a polemic while Carolyn found it fun and entertaining. Then it was off to Jerry's Deli for an after-theater snack before heading home.

Sunday, we were able to sleep in and then spend some time reading both papers in bed while enjoying some good java. Then I tackled washing the Altima. Thankfully, the weather was nice but not too hot, in fact, it seemed like a touch of fall in the air at times.

Mid-afternoon, we called Wanda and invited her for a sail and a look at the tall ships which were in the harbor. Picking her up about 3, we readied the boat then motored over by Baby Beach to observe the several tall ships moored by the Marine Institute before hoisting the sails and sailing outside the harbor for an hour and a half or so. We then enjoyed some appetizers and wine while 'slip sailing' as the tall ships briefly left the harbor for a mock gun battle. We were serenaded by the competing cannon blasts as we snacked.

We then took Wanda home to find she had locked her house and left her keys inside and she didn't have a hidden key available. All her windows were locked, but her master bath window was ajar a few inches but with a lock that restricted the opening. It took a while but were able to move the window laterally enough that we were able to remove the window and I could climb in and open the house. I'm glad we hadn't just dropped her off!!

Now it's back to work!

We've Been Flocked!

Robed with slippers and hair askew, I opened the door this morning at 7 a.m. to be greeted by a stand of pink flamingos! We'd been flocked!! And this just weeks after having been TP'd for no apparent reason.

Jane and Ron had 'graced' us with about ten plastic, pink flamingos on our front lawn courtesy of the Anaheim Amateur Ice Skating Assoc. which plants this tacky yard art on the unsuspecting and demands a ransom to remove and/or relocate the flock/stand. So we've invested in a $15 charitable donation and will soon send the flock on their way to the Kandas.

Katrina

I woke up around 3:30 this morning and my mind went immediately to the images I've watched the last few days showing the destruction in New Orleans and the coast of Mississippi.

I was sleeping comfortably on a pillow-top king sized bed; thousands will be, at best, sleeping on cots with thousands of their 'closest' friends. My refrigerator is full; thousands of homes sit with flood waters to the rafters and food rotting everywhere. I was able to buy gas on the way to work at $2.75 a gallon; tens of thousands have no fuel, power, phones at any price. I have a job and a paycheck; millions will be affected as businesses, jobs, customers all are gone.

The stress of life as a refugee with little hope is heartbreaking. Tears well up in my eyes at the disaster, at the individual stories, at the pleading calls for help. They need the calvary NOW! Water, food, medical supplies and a way out.

Questions of God's sovereignty rattle inside my brain. Why? How? Why not?

Our check to the Red Cross is on the way, but that seems so inadequate.

Nice

We docked around 6 a.m. and finally we weren't rolling anymore. I slept through it all, but Ash had a hard time sleeping.

I dressed in my shorts and aloha shirt (the only clothes left out) and went to breakfast to find it just POURING outside. And it didn't want to let up! We all got in line to disembark at 8:30 and it seemed to lessen a bit, but then it just intensified, so it was a mad dash off the gangway, a short run to the tent with our bags and then a roll over to the waiting tent - we all got soaked.

A half hour later, it was our turn for a taxi and the short expensive ride to our hotel, Villa Victoria. However, rooms weren't yet available so we had some tea/coffee and waited while 'reading' French magazines. One room was available at 11:30 and we let Ashley and Bryce take that one.

About 12:45, the second room was ready although the 'perfume' from the recent cleaning was very strong so we opened the windows and all headed out for a walk around Nice as the rain had stopped. Walking down to the plage a fair number of people were out and about and a few were trying to catch some rays on the stone/pebble lined beach. It didn't look that comfortable, but at 15 euros for a lounge chair, umbrella and shower, the free alternative was at least reasonable.

We walked into the narrow streets of the Old Town and window shopped or stuck our heads in to look around. Pictures were plentiful if only I'd brought my camera, but Bryce and Carolyn took several.

Stopping at a sidewalk restaurant for crepes and tea the rain began again so we watched the soaked and the wet passing by in various states of hurry. It let up enough to allow us a relatively dry return to the hotel.

We all settled in for naps in the late afternoon before heading back to Old Town for our last supper with the four of us. Another good meal and wine as we were street serenaded by a Ukrainian group whose CD we now own. Then it was back to the hotel, farewells for me and packing until 11:30 so I'd be ready for my 5:45 taxi.

I was awake at 4:45 and laid in bed until 5 before showering and dressing and leaving Carolyn with a big hug and many kisses. Now its the all-day return trip through Zurich-Dallas-SNA. On the tarmac in Zurich, a full 180 degree rainbow shone - a good sign for a long flight.

Cruise - Day 7 - Monaco

Our cabin was wharfside and actually below the wharf, so it was especially easy to sleep until 10 this morning. Ashley and Bryce had their "Privacy Please" sign out so we headed up for continental breakfast in the Compass Rose.

After breakfast we left the ship and found our way to this fabulous market which was entered by elevator and through a tunnel. Fresh fish piled high on ice, hundreds of types of cheese, two longs aisles of yogurt. We bought a few herbs and some cheese.

We next caught the no. 2 bus which took us to the plaza below the castle. We just enjoyed the sights from this quiet tree lined area on a promontory overlooking the harbor and the sea. Beautiful buildings, small shops and cafes lined the narrow streets adjoining the castle .

Then we walked down the many steps to the wharf and the ship for lunch. Once again on deck we ran into Ash and Bryce and ate our last deckside meal. We grabbed our suits and towels from the ship and walked to the sea side of the wharf where a large concrete stepped 'beach' made swimming and sunbathing easy. We all swam in the Med, but the second time in we were dissuaded when we spotted small jellyfish near the steps.

At four, the large 250+ foot yacht moored beside us raised anchor and we did soon after. The wind had come up and the swells were larger than we'd seen before. In fact, Bryce opened his curtains after a short afternoon nap to see a large swell wash completely over his porthole!


The wind was blowing at 21 knots and soon all the sails were unfurled and the engines feathered as we ran with the wind to eliminate the pitching at 7 knots. Everyone staggered a bit more around the ship and some were ill, but we all managed.

Dinner was Indonesian in the Bistro (no. 4) and as always, excellent. Then down to our cabins to pack so our suitcases would be out by 1 a.m. Around 10, we four took a 'stroll', or stagger, around the upper decks and the wind was really blowing. We ducked in the bridge to be sure they had all under control and then headed below for bed. In the distance, lightning was evident, but the weather was predicted to be nice in Nice.

Cruise - Day 6 - St. Tropez

Anchored off St. Tropez, we took tenders into town and the small harbor. It reminded me of some four star hotel where all the Jags, Benz, and Porsches are parked pointing out adjacent to the hotel entry. Only in this case they were yachts, mostly power in the 80 to 150' range that maneuvered in the tight space with precision.

We walked along the boulevard which curved around the harbor which was filled with shops and people. The chic quotient was definitely elevated as thin, tan, French women dressed in form fitting shirt dresses walked in stiletto heels. We wondered if they'd come off the yachts or were looking for an invitation to cruise!

We tendered back to the ship in now choppy seas with the wind blowing quite strong. I wonder about the seamanship of some of the tender crew as we slam against the gangway.

It was a little after noon and the sports marina deck was only going to be open to two, so we went down to check out the sailing possibilities. They wanted to know how well I sailed (I lied), and we were given a 12' dagger board boat. It was a little tippy getting in and we almost capsized but then we got our fannies on the right side and took off. We sailed off the stem of the Wind Surf through chop and spray and getting wet. Our first tack was a jibe which was a little hairy but from then on we did well sailing fast on the bay of St. Tropez. After a half an hour, we brought it in soaked but pleased we hadn't turned over. My tricep hurt from hanging onto the main sheet (they didn't want us to cleat it down because of the likelihood of capsizing).


Meanwhile, Ashley and Bryce had gotten on shore and quickly found a 50cc scooter to rent and had toured the area around St. Tropez for several hours.

At around 3, the Wind Surf unfurled its sails and we sailed east towards Monte Carlo along the French coast. At around 7 as the sun was inching closer to setting behind the mountains that rim Monaco, we dropped anchor offshore until our berth was vacated around midnight.

After dinner, we were again tendered to shore, a good number dressed in ties and coats and slinky dresses ready to go to the casino. The cruise line provided shuttles for us which was quite helpful. The scene outside was chaotic with tourist milling about the Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Rolls, Benz, etc.

Walking inside we had to check our camera and purchase an entrance ticket at 10 euros per person before we were able to enter the casino. The casino was actually fairly small with only a few blackjack and roulette tables. The blackjack minimums were 25 and 200 euros. Bryce and I watched the 200 table for quite awhile where the dealer gets his second card after everyone has gotten their third or fourth card and players could bet on another person's hand when they split or doubled down.

After losing about 20 euros at the slots and Ash and Carolyn spending 22 euros for two martinis, we had spent our wad and got back to the ship around 12:30.

Cruise - Day 5 - Portofino

A very pretty port, small with older wooden style fishing vessels with the larger yachts (and us) anchored outside. Taking the tender in we walked around the port which was surrounded by 3 and 4 story pastel-hued homes many with architectural features faux painted on the walls.

We walked a small stone pathway with hedges and flowering vines up to the church and then to the castle. We paid our 4 euros per person and entered the grounds. The castle was decorated in rather odd feminine interpretations and pictures from the 50s and 60s of old movie stars and politicians and other notables like Sophia Loren, Winston Churchill, John Wayne, Elizabeth Taylor and Eddie Fisher, etc.

The views from the castle gardens were great and worth the walk and the euros. It would be quite romantic and restful to stay here, but not in August!

Taking the tender back to the ship we hoped to check out the water sports deck. The first time in operation, the deck was quite busy, but Carolyn and I were able to go on a swimming raft trip just a few hundred yards from the boat. I was the first to dive in followed by the rest, but one of our fellow swimmers was stung by a jellyfish which sent all of us back to the zodiac and an end to our swimming.

Dinner was in the main restaurant where three of us had tournedos of beef accompanied by a delicious wine which the wine steward gave us for $22 v. $50. Then it was off to the chocolate buffet where we ate even though we weren't hungry.

We talked with Jimmy and Margo and watched Jimmy lose at the blackjack table. Then it was off to our room to watch our 3rd Nicholas Cage film, "Family Man". A fun one even though the DVD would occasionally freeze for half a minute or so. To sleep at 1:30.

Cruise - Day 4 - Livorno

This port was a replacement for one closer to the Cinque Terra, and it is an industrial port. We opted for the 9.5 hour tour to CT which left a little after 7:30. Fortified by coffee and croissants ordered the night before from room service, we boarded the bus.

We drove through the Ligoria countryside through Livorno and passed Pisa with its leaning tower visible in the distance along the mountain range which shown white in parts like snow which was actually marble quarries from which Michelangelo chose the blocks of stone for his works.

We arrived in Spezia and picked up two additional tour guides who narrated as we drove to Manarola where we walked down through a tight street and 4 story homes over a street that covered the once open stream.

From there, after a quick snack, we walked back towards Riomaggiore along 'lovers land', a walkway which hugs the coast with breathtaking views of sparkling seas. Rio was built similarly in a small canyon with stone-walled vineyards carved into the steep hillside. Then by boat to Vernazza. The boat crew was fantastic in their ability to lasso the moorings and place a rampway from the bow to the shore while the pilot put the boat in an easy reverse to keep the proper distance from bow to shore.

We grabbed lunch in a restaurant built into the harbor fortress with views out to sea. Then we walked out onto the rocky breakwater to swim. Carolyn had some difficulty with the last step and ended up on her back between two rocks. We lifted her up and we all dove into the Med.


Great swimming! We got out and took a brief outdoor shower and hurried to the town square to find our group had already left for the train station. We hurried to follow and met up with them to find the train was 10 minutes late, thankfully. We took the train back to La Spezia and met up with our bus to trace our way back to Livorne.

A dinner at the main restaurant, a Med buffet which was followed by a staff talent show featuring songs, Indonesian and Filipino dances and a garage band. Not the most talented, but it was fun or funny.