California Weekend and Snow Day

We were supposed to get a foot or more snow today so they cancelled school and my work. Terry went to work but took the Suzuki. The nice neighbor came over and used his snow blower on my driveway and sidewalk early this morning. I had to go out later and do it again because there were a couple more inches of snow. It's still snowing a little now.Last Thursday I flew into the Burbank airport. Katelin and Anthony picked me up. Spent the night at their apt and the next day Katelin and I went to Santa Barbara. I LOVE SB! The Marina was right by our hotel.

It was 80 degrees while we were there.

But that doesn't mean that the ocean was warm as Katelin found out!

We took a very long walk along State Street. The International Film Festival was going on. We walked the whole thing so we could eat at a Deli Katelin had ate at before.

We then walked to the County Courthouse. The Courthouse has been called the most beautiful government building in America. Designed by William Mooser III, the Spanish-Moorish style building was completed in 1929, after the 1925 earthquake ruined much of the city. It occupies a square block in downtown Santa Barbara. Gardens and lawns surround this working courthouse. Visitors can ride an elevator to the 85-foot "El Mirador" clock tower for unforgettable views of the city, coast and mountains. Other attractions include the Mural Room, "Spirit of the Ocean" fountain, noteworthy architecture and ornate tile work throughout the building

View from the clock tower

Went back to our hotel after walking all day and had a little rest. That night we went to Jill's Place - a great steakhouse. Next morning got up and went to the Farmer's Market to buy Terry tangerines. We bought a lot of other stuff also. Then we headed to Solvang - a little Dutch town in the mountains. Very touristy but lots of fun.


On our way back to Katelin's we stopped by and saw Debbie. She looks great! She had fixed us a little snack and wanted us to stay for dinner but since I wouldn't let Anthony come with us on our adventure we thought we better get back.

That night we walked to a restaurant to eat - who knew you could walk to restaurants and grocery stores. Next day we went grocery shopping and then Anthony's parents came over for dinner. Katelin worked Monday morning so Anthony took me to the airport.

Terry picked me up and we went to Chili's - although I was the only one to eat.

I had a blast! It was lots of fun. I've always wanted to go to SB and now I can take it off my bucket list - although I want to go back. I want to drive the coast to Pebble Beach. Thank you Katelin and Anthony for letting me sleep on your couch, picking me up and dropping me off and showing me a great time

Christmas, New Year's and Verizon

Katelin came here for Christmas. She got her Friday morning and left Monday evening. Jennica and Katelin took us to dinner Friday night. No matter what - you've got to love your stocking - especially when they have lottery tickets in them. Katelin won $7 this year and Jennica $0.

The tree before opening presents.

Everyone was so tired! Not as much excitement Christmas morning as everyone would rather sleep.

Terry trying on all the things he got for Christmas.

After the presents were opened they ended up back in bed. How come they love our waterbed so much? Everyone makes fun of us for still having it but everyone wants to sleep in it.

Terry and I went bowling for New Year's Eve. Stayed out until 1:00 - way past my bedtime. Jennica and I went shopping at Dillard's New Year's Day. Wasn't so good this year. Only found a couple of shoes (salesgirl gave me the wrong gray ones so I have to go back.)

Verizon

Jennica has had problems with her Droid for about 2 months - dropped calls and lots of static even though she has all the bars. Every time we called Verizon they either opened another ticket or transferred you to someone or said they would get back to us. Right before Christmas Verizon was on the news because they installed 10 million worth of upgrades to the Bronco's stadium. I saw red and had steam coming out my ears. I emailed the guy that was on TV but he was just a media relations person. I then decided to email the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Technical Officer and a couple of people in the Western District. Within 2 minutes I got an email from the CTO asking for Jennica's address and he would get it taken care of. I really didn't think anything would happened. Next day Jennica had 3 calls from Verizon and an Engineer out to her house. I had an email also. Next day someone called me to say it had been fixed and if they problem ever came up again to call them directly. Guess it pays to go to the top!

Catch up - Cars, Katelin, Jennica's Birthday and the Hunts

So it's my turn to get a new car - someday. I love the car below - a Suzuki SX4. Maybe I like it because it's a Suzuki and mine is going to die someday. I opened my big mouth and said I never got to pick a car so Terry has decided I will pick the next one. I really like this one but---- This one gets alot better gas mileage which I really want too. This is the new Hyundai Veloster. Hopefully in a year or two I'll know which one I really want.

A couple of weekends ago Katelin and Anthony went to the Queen Mary and spent the night on board. On Sunday they went to the Brunch. Following is a description of it - sounds wonderful to me but Katelin said it was just OK. "Located in the elegant Grand Salon, the ship's original First-Class Dining Room, the Champagne Sunday Brunch is a Southern California legend. Live entertainment sets the mood and free-flowing champagne served in 1930s-style glasses raises Sunday morning spirits. With a variety of action stations and more than 50 exceptional dishes, our Southern California brunch offers food from around the globe.
Culinary stations include:
Creative omelet, Eggs Benedict, Belgian waffles, Appetizers: A fresh variety of mixed green salads, fresh smoked salmon, shrimp, oysters, mussels, and a charcuterie selection of smoked meats and global cheese, Entree: Roasted turkey, Asian fusion including stir-fry, selection of pastas and homemade sauces & authentic Mexican dishes, A wide selection of fresh pastries, cakes, pies and signature desserts, featuring chocolate-covered strawberries, and make-your-own ice cream sundaes

This past Sunday we took Jennica toThe White Fence Farm for her birthday dinner. Now that was delicious. They start out with different sides/salads which include a bean salad, cottage cheese, cole slaw, pickled beets (yuck) and corn fritters. Then they bring out fried chicken and potatoes and gravy.

They also have a petting zoo for the kids.

And of course after dinner we have to hit the general store for our old fashioned candy.

It'a a great place to take your kids - even when they turn 31!

The Hunts/Becks came to visit. Dawn, Bruce and Twylla came Monday evening (and no I don't think that is Bruce.) They came to our house for a light dinner then we took Dawn and Bruce to their hotel and Twylla stayed with us.
The next day I worked in the morning then I went home and picked up Twylla and then Dawn. We went to Cherry Creek Mall shopping at Macy's. Jennica rode her bike to the mall to see us.

Wednesday was Jennica's birthday. She met us at the zoo. We saw all the good animals.

A good time was had by all.

We went and picked Tim and Debbie up at the airport . The next day I worked and Terry took everyone to Estes Park to see the Elk.

They stopped by to see the Standly Hotel. It's very old. This is the hotel from the 1st Shining. It really is haunted.

Friday we went to Wash Park and looked at all the pretty flowers.

But I think the garage sale across the street caught everyone's attention more than the park. We then went downtown shopping and to lunch.

Saturday was shopping day - Kohls and Aurora Mall. Boy can that Twylla shop. Then on Sunday we said good-bye to the Becks and Twylla. Tim, Debi, Terry and I went back downtown for lunch then home to a rousing game of Scrabble - beware - never play with Debi - she will kill you.

Can't get enough of Katelin

So after we got home from our little trip to see Katelin - Jennica flies out to see her. She actually flew out with a friend who was attending a wedding and stayed at this really nice resort. Katelin met her there and spent the night. Katelin then flew to Dallas for a week of traning. Then she was supposed to fly to Denver the next week for a conference. So she decided instead of going home to LA for the weekend she would fly to Denver. (Jennica and Katelin at the airport.)

We had Katelin's favorite meal - flank steak - the first night she was here. Then on Saturday night we had a little get together with some of her friends. I made a lot of finger foods.

I took her downtown Monday morning for her conference. She stayed downtown that week. She went to dinner with Jennica, a baseball game and Cruisers with Jennica. Of course I didn't get to see her until Thursday when I went to pick her up. On Friday Anthony flew in for her birthday weekend. Of course we had Flank Steak again, broc/cauliflower salad and ice cream cake. We also went to Washington Park - one of the most beautiful parks around.

In front of the Lake.

We also went downtown so Anthony could see Denver. He loved it - especially the Bronco stadium and Coors Field.

Saturday we went to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. Unfortunately it was a free day so it was very crowded. We were going to hike around the lake but way too many people so instead we drove high into the mountains.

There were supposed to be Elk but it was way too hot.

Some great shots of the mountains and Katelin, Anthony and Jennica.

The trees were just starting to change colors.

Way too crowded to eat in Estes Park so we drove to Longmont to eat. They hate it when I take pictures at restaurants.

Saturday night Katelin and Anthony went to visit a friend of his in Parker.

Sunday we ended going back to downtown because they were having Oktoberfest. We listened to a really good band and had a great time. Then it was time for Katelin and Anthony to leave.

This past weekend Terry and I went to a little pub and heard the band play that was Oktoberfest. What a change it was. Jennica was working, Katelin was cleaning house and Terry and I were out playing. That does not happen very much - in fact this is probably the one and only time it will