Spring Training

We spent a full week in the Scottsdale/Phoenix Arizona watching Spring Training.  The first half of the week, Glen and Anna stayed with us at the Kierlan Westin.  We attended four of nephew Parker Berberet's games, a catcher with the Milwaukee Brewers organization.  Aunt Yvonne and Uncle Billy traveled from Missouri for a game.  Brother Rich and Peggy then joined us as we followed their team, the world champion San Francisco Giants.  Spectacular sunsets were a good signal that Happy Hour had started!

Classic Car Auction

I made a solo run to Palm Springs this weekend to view the McCormick's Classic Car Auction at the Spa Hotel.  My dream cars are the Porsche 356 and the VW Vintage Microbus.  Of note was that Carol Channing was there, selling her classic car and bidding it farewell.

Pismo Beach Again

A favorite vacation spot is Pismo Beach on the central coast of California.  We spent four days and three nights there walking along the beach, dining, and relaxing.

Best Photos From Holiday Season

2012 is history.  Here are a few of my favorite family photos from the past couple of weeks.

Chargers vs. Bengals On The Field!

December 2 was a memorable day.  Gail and I drove down to San Diego to attend the Chargers/Bengals game.  We met up with the Timboes and family for a tailgate party prior to the game. Joe Pistoia joined us.  Then, we took our field passes, courtesy of Marvin Lewis (head coach of the Bengals and Rick's friend) and worked our way down to the field, where we met up with Joe and his son, Tyler.  While on the field, we got to observe professional athletes up close and personal.  Wow, their size and athleticism is incredible.  While on the sideline, Marvin Lewis came over to say hello.  I also had a chance to talk with Mark Carrier, former Poly, USC, and Chicago Bear great who was a student of mine at Newcomb!   And yes, he remembered me from the late '70s.  What a day!

Palm Springs Classic Car Show

I've been attending McCormick's Classic Car Auction in Palm Springs for the past several years.  This year didn't disappoint as I saw my two favorite vintage automobiles -- a red Porsche 356 and a maroon VW Microbus with skylights and a ragtop.  Maybe some day........

The Bears of Lake Tahoe

We've been to Lake Tahoe before but this trip had an added bonus.  We did the usual types of things -- drove up to Emerald Bay, Virginia City, and Sparks/Reno.  However, we did not expect to come face- to-face with two wild bears in the woods.  At first we were amazed to have found a creek where the salmon were spawning.  Then, out of the woods appeared two wild bears!  We couldn't believe our luck to be in the right place at the right time with our cameras.  There were some photographers who got within just feet of the bears.  I suggested to Gail that we join the photographers up close, and she was game (pun intended).  I later warned her that she was getting way too close to them!  It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.