California or Bust

Michael and I just returned from a Temple and Ballpark trip to California. It was quite an adventure. We arrived last Saturday and then rented our nice, little car. It should be noted, at this point, that I suggested that we should get a GPS with our car. We didn't. It took some doing but we arrived at the Oakland Temple. It's always an exciting time, because Michael and I are getting pretty good at discreetly changing clothes in the parking lot. Next it was off to watch the Oakland A's play ball. They played the Seattle Mariners and so it came as no surprise that the Mariners lost. In the spirit of one of our favorite shows - Diners, Drive-ins & Dives, we decided to be adventurous with our dinner plans. We ended up at the Family House of Chicken and Fish. The food was wonderful but let's just say that we were white and everyone else...wasn't.

The next day we attended Sacrament meeting at the Hayward 1st Ward. Immediately after, we took a breathtaking drive down Highway 1 on the 17-mile drive to Pebble Beach where Michael was able to get his picture taken while standing on the 18th Hole. Another high-point of the day was when Michael got to use a coupon at the Pebble Beach Market. It was restful and wonderful to spend so much time together.

We woke up Monday morning to the realization that the San Francisco Giants weren't playing that night. So we decided to take a drive to either Napa or Yosemite. Michael decided on Yosemite. I could just end this paragraph right now by saying that we were in the car for 10 hours - and in that time - we stopped for lunch, a bathroom break and to take a picture of a really big rock (El Capitan). Or I could say that we flew 600 miles to drive a 1000 miles. Or that every road we took was the wrong one. But I won't.

Tuesday morning we went to the Temple in Sacramento then drove back to San Francisco to see the Giants play. Even though they lost we had terrific seats, made new friends and Michael got a game baseball. Wednesday we went to Fisherman's Wharf and out to cruise in the bay. Thanks for the memories Michael. Loved the trip - Love you! Oh and...note to self: Never trust a Thrifty Car Rental map and get Michael a TomTom for Christmas.

 

 

More California Photos

More 70th Party Pics

Happy 70th Mom!

Last Saturday, my brother Jack, his wife Debbie, Michael and I hosted a 70th Birthday Bash for Mom. We held the event at the Farmington Park and invited friends and family. There were balloons, flowers, cake, a picnic lunch and Michael's golf-thingamajiggy. Oh and of course, the Birthday Girl. We did have a few mishaps - difficulties finding the park; owies; yellow jackets; nothing to cut the cake with; and only 25 people but over 120 pieces of KFC chicken. But thanks to some ingenuity and Jack's mini pocketknife (Debbie get the guy a real pocketknife, already), we prevailed.

We played MARTY (BINGO) and learned a lot more about Mom. The food that she likes the least; whether or not she kept her room cleaned as a child; and why she changed her name from Marlys to Marty. Most importantly we were able to show, in some small way, how much our mother-grandmother-friend means to us. We love you Mom!

LITTLE BLACK DRESS

Carly, Carter and I went shopping so that Carly could find that perfect, little black dress to wear to her best friend's wedding in a few weeks. We went to Nordstrom's and there it was - the dress. What a huge success right out of the gate. Shoes, however, were another matter. We looked and looked but came up empty handed or footed as the case may be. All-in-all it was a wonderful afternoon! 

NATIONWIDE GOLF TOUR

We just happen to live in the most beautiful place in the world that also just happens to be within steps of the Willow Creek Country Club Golf Course. Each September, a leg of the Nationwide Golf Tour is held annually at this fabulous course. Since my mom has been a volunteer at the Nationwide for years, she suggested that we have a player at our home during the week of the tournament. We ended up hosting Jim and Carolyn Herman from Florida and they were a fantastic, fun couple! It was a wonderful experience to watch Jim play Thursday and Friday. We also took a drive up to Brighton, walked on a trail around the lake and then enjoyed dinner at the Porcupine Grill. Jim and Carolyn are now in Boise and then it will be on to Eugene before a break from the Tour. Thanks for staying with us - hope to see you this winter during ski season!

NEW CALLING - NEW JOYS

How lucky am I? I was recently called to work with the Young Women in our ward. And our first activity was a boating trip to Jordanelle with the Young Men. It was a little blustery but the food, water and friends were all just fine.

Albion Basin Hike

A few Saturdays back, Michael and I finally got up into the beautiful mountains for an afternoon hike. The original plan was an easy 1-mile trek to Cecret Lake. But after talking to an Alta local, we selected the longer hike. With picnic lunch, sunscreen and hydration pack in tow - we headed up a fairly steep dry bed in search of the service road. Throughout the 2-mile hike to Twin Lakes, I really felt like I was slowing Mountain-Goat-Mike down. I couldn't believe how breathless I was; how pathetic I must have looked. But the views and the company was absolutely worth it. I'd like to do it again before the summer ends.

P.S. After returning to the car, we looked closely at the trail map and realized that we had made a 2700 foot climb in 2-miles. Who's pathetic now?! 

ROCKIN WITH CHRIS

Although this event happened a few weeks ago, it's definitely blog-worthy. We went to a small, stand-only concert with friends Lisa and Gary Teran, and Cheryl Goodfellow to see Chris Isak. We were only about five feet away from Chris. What an amazing show!