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.

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.