San Francisco Theater

In an attempt to become even more cultured, I traveled to San Francisco with Nana and Gailee to attend the theater.  Ann Hopkins, our sister-in-law and Ray's wife, had a nice role in a musical at the San Francisco Playhouse entitled, "Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson."  Ann, who played Storyteller, was very, very good in this enjoyable production.  Prior to the performance, Ray joined us for dinner at an amazing restaurant called Farallon.  After the play, Ann joined us for drinks and a "post performance debriefing."  Of note is that we attended this play on the evening of the first game of the World Series in San Francisco.  As it turns out, the Detroit Tigers were lodged at our hotel, The St. Francis.  But on this night, it was Ann who "hit one out of the park" with her performance.

Maui, Hawaii

We keep returning to Hawaii, usually Maui.  The blue ocean, the palm trees swaying in the trade winds, the pristine beaches, the warm weather -- all combining to form a paradise.  On this latest trip, we snorkeled with giant sea turtles, enjoyed the cuisine at Mama's Fish House, relaxed on a sunset cruise, enjoyed Polynesian/Hula dancing performances, and walked about five miles a day!  We're looking forward to future adventures in Hawaii.

Pumpkin Patch

As is the custom each October, we picked up the grandkids from school and headed over to the Pumpkin Patch for a couple hours of fun.

Betty Keller's Big Week

Betty Keller, known to her family as Nana, enjoyed a really big week.  First, there was an 85th birthday party held in her honor.  A large contingent of family members gathered for a barbeque, cake, and gift opening.  One gift will take place later in the month when she sees Crosby, Stills, and Nash in concert.  Staci Keller also thrilled her with a handmade photo album of Griffin's accomplishments with the Long Beach Pony League World Series champs.  Second, Nana was honored by Community Hospital of Long Beach for her outstanding contributions over many years.  Her picture was unveiled on the "Legacy Wall" featuring those who have made their marks in that hospital's history.  Congratulations to Nana on her 85th birthday and her enshrinement on the Legacy Wall.

Angel Stadium with Wally Joyner

About twenty years ago, I attended an Angel game with my son, Ryan.  Wally Joyner hit a wicked, hooking foul ball that came right at us.  Ryan ended up with the ball as we narrowly missed getting hit by a major league line drive.   Flash forward, twenty years later, I attended an Angels-Oakland game with Eric, Ray, and his son, Griffin.  Our host was none other than Wally Joyner, who has become a friend and golfing buddy of Eric.  Wally took us out on the field for batting practice, introducing us to various players and coaches.  We then enjoyed the game although the Angels'  last inning rally fell short by a run.  That ball that Ryan has kept for twenty years?  Wally signed it for him.  It read, "Ryan, Really glad this missed you!  Wally Joyner."

A Day at the Bay

The tide was in so it was time to take Mason to give surf fishing a try.  We set up the rigs, planted our pole holders in the sand, attached the bait to the hooks, casted, and waited.  It was not long until Mason had hooked a nice fish I suspected was a Corbina.  He fought a good fight, only to have the fish break free as it neared the shore.  Camille studied an anchovy Gail caught in a sand bucket.  Exhausted from all the excitement, Grandad sat in his chair in the shade and nodded off.

Time With G.G. at Crystal Cove

In Laguna Beach, Crystal Cove rents out beachside cabins for overnight visits.  G.G. (short for great grandma) joined us for a two-day, one-night stay.  We set up chairs and umbrellas on the beach during the daytime and engaged in boogie board riding, sand castle building, picnic lunch eating, and sand crab gathering.  Time is one of the greatest gifts in life, and we make sure G.G. gets plenty of time with her great grand kids.