jimsjoint

GOOD VIBES TOUR - TAHOE 2008 - CELEBRATE!

What a great great GREAT vacation! A year of cancer crap behind us, we were ready to relax and have a good time with great friends in the most beautiful place in the world, Lake Tahoe.  

Sunday  -  We drive up mid-morning with Ron and Marie following behind. They stayed with us the first two nights. We check in, settle in a bit, then walked to dinner right next door at the Riva Grill. Great meal. I had the halibut ><>. We had a great table outside on the deck overlooking Ski Run Marina and the lake. THIS IS TAHOE BABY!   After dinner it was off to state-line check out the casino action. We called it a night after a long travel day. Oh so glad to be in Tahoe. 

Side note - Since we were in a timeshare with full kitchen, and since we were going to be there a week, I decided to bring the Italia espresso machine along with us. Every other year, if we wanted an espresso drink I would either ride my bike or drive to Starbucks for our usual grande dry cap and grande soy latte.  This year I stumbled out to the kitchen and turned on the machine. IT WAS THE BEST.  I think there is something about the high altitude that makes milk foam better because I was a foam guru up there. Anyway, the machine worked great all week so assume that everyday starts with a perfect cappuchino and soy latter, maybe two, or three!

Monday -  We all walk to Heavenly Village. Ron and I had decided to ride the Heavenly Flyer, a vertical  3100 ft dual zip line that just opened in Heavenly Valley.  Barb and Marie do some window shopping down below and head back to lay by the pool. Ron and I head up the Gondola to 9156 ft, have some liquid courage at the bar, then take yet another lift to where we zip back down the mountain. Ron and I went side by side. I was still trying to figure out how I was going to hold on AND video the experience when the gate opened and away we went. VERY COOL.Check out the video by clicking here. After the zip line it  was back to the pool where we joined the ladies. After some quality pool time we showered, dressed and headed back to Riva Grill for another dinner. Hey, its so close and so good ( I had the rib eye this time) that we couldn't go wrong. After another great dinner we took the casino trip again. We had to cut it short because we had a busy day planned for Tuesday. We said good night and good bye to our good friends Marie and Ron, We were going to be up early and they would be sleeping in before they had to head home. It was great to be able to share some of the stuff that we like to do in Tahoe with our good friends.

Tuesday - Up early and getting ready for the only thing that we had scheduled on the trip. A hike from Spooner Lake to Marlette lake with my sister and brother. This is what we have been calling a "Half Dome prep." A high altitude 8 mile hike that will give us a little test. John had picked the hike and it turned out to be a winner.  Anne Marie picked us up at our timeshare and we drove to Spooner Lake. We met John and his hiking buddy Kenny. Shari and the grandkids were there too but they were going to the beach to play while we did the hike .  The 4 miles to Marlette Lake was spectacular. It special to hike with my brother and sister. We talked of old times, good times to come,  and how nice it would have been to have bro Mike along for the hike. It was also a special day because of Barb. (see previous post)  After all she had been through, to be doing this hike is a testament to her intestinal fortitude. You rock Barbie!   The hike was a cool, shady single track trail up through the forest, through flowered meadows of yellow, purple, red and green. So beautiful. Not to difficult (thank you Mission Peak). After two hours we arrived at Marlette Lake.  As soon as we got on the lake side trail we saw a bear! Not only did we see it, we saw it catch a fish. It climbed into a fish ladder and snagged a nice big fish, then ran into the woods for lunch. But not before our feeble attempt to scare it away, Too cool. To see the video of my brave sister trying to scare the bear, click here. After the excitement of the bear episode, we cruised over to a nice shade spot on the lake to rest, refresh, and have lunch. Anne Marie, per her tradition, took a short swim in the lake. We took some pics and then headed back the way we came. another chance to see the beauty of the alpine wilderness. Like I said, a special day that I'll never forget.

Then we said our goodbyes back at Spooner lake and headed back to South Shore. After a shower and rest ,we hooked up with new friends John and Michelle for an impromptu BBQ (for us anyway)  over at Pope Beach. We met Michelle and John through team Vandy and have really grown to like them. They are our kind of people. Young, hip, and sooooo good looking! : )  John and Michelle have a cabin in south shore so are pretty much locals. The bbq'd chicken and turkey burgs with all the fixin's. good food! Made plans to do a bike ride with John the next morning. The park rangers kicked us out at 9pm. We were the last ones to leave!  We headed back to the timeshare and crashed for the night

Wednesday - HAPPY BIRTHDAY BARBIE!!    Spent some time by the pool with the birthday girl, then got ready for dinner at the Beacon with Team Downing. There are a few places that you HAVE to eat while in Tahoe. One is Riva Grill, the other is The Beacon. Lake front, beachside dining at its best. Great to spend some quality time with Michelle and John and daughter Olivia. We ate, we  drank, we toasted to birthdays, to friends old and new. The end to another great night at the lake. Unfortunatly, the end to the battery in my camera. No more pictures until Kate brings the charger up on Thursday

Thursday - Kick back day - getting ready for 4th of July festivities.We've been sleeping in all week so I left Barb in Bed and went to meet John for a little ride. Met at Regan Beach and he took me on the great little lake tahoe ride. up through some meadow along trout creek, then down towards the Keys, across a marshy meadow and along the tree lined trails of South Lake Tahoe. We road great single track trails mostly all the way to Baldwin Beach. It was great being with John, who knew his way around. I only knew the paved trails that EVERYONE knows about. John took me on some trails that are way less travelled. NICE RIDE!   I made chicken tacos for dinner and had the Downings over. All good. Staci, Shane and Kate arrive. Kelly and Heather make it up too. The family is here! Yay!

Friday - 4th of July - craziness. We set up our spot at 10am to get ready for the 10pm fireworks show. The beach gets crowded early but we are set. Kahuna and family arrive from Emerald Bay. The Shull clan arrives with Pat and Sue!  Jens and Kelly arrive from Nevada city. Downings come too. We are set. Eventually the sun sets and we sit back to watch "the biggest fire works exhibit west of the Mississippi". It was great! HAPPY 4th EVERYONE  and GOD BLESS AMERICA

Side note: speaking of God Bless America, our baby, our little girl, our Kate, has gone and joined the United States Marine Corps! She had spoken to a recruiter and took the ASFAB test and physical and came home with papers signed. Kate will spend 12 lovely weeks in Perris Island South Carolina, then training in one of three skillsets, telecommunications, logistics or media/journalism. Then, who knows? We are PROUD and scared. More proud than scared. Kate leaves for Basic training on 12/15/08. Please pray to keep her safe and strong. GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Saturday - Everyone wanted to do the zip line at Heavenly. Only Al Shull got a seat on the last group of the day. Even though it looked like the zip line was out, I had always wanted to take the Gondola up to Heavenly Valley, then do a hike. So Barb and I and Jens and Kelly decided to pay the $30 bucks to ride the Gondola and adventure out into the summer wilderness.  The Gondola takes you from the Tahoe basin at 6225 ft to an observation deck at 8250ft. Took a couple of lake shots, then boarded the Gondola again up to "advance base camp".  A spot up top where you can get a  $9.00 hotdog or $12 drink. Also the place to ride and watch the Heavenly Flyer zip line. During the winter skiers come here and then board other ski lifts to runs on both the California and Nevada sides of the mountain. During summer the ski runs are used for hiking. We chose the "East Lake" hike. A 4 mile round trip down the Nevada side. Although it was shorter than our Marlette Lake hike a couple of days earlier, the East Lake hike was harder in some aspects. Maybe it was the altitude, or the fact that most of the hike back was steep uphill. It was cool. We had a great time with Kelly and Jens. After our hike, it was just about time for Shull to ride the Flyer. We sat down with $10 beer in hand and waited for Al and Nick to fly by. It isnt a great shot but we did get them on   video as they zipped by. That'll be $35 for the pictures and video Al. : )

Saturday Night- The last night in town. We had a nice dinner outside at Womack's BBQ, then headed back to the timeshare to get ready to go home the next day. 

Sunday - It was up and out. drank a last couple dry caps with Jens and Kelly, then packed everything up. We hit the road and were home by about 3:30. Traffic on 50 was a nightmare but we were spared the worst of it since we left a little early. Good thing we got home because our weekend wasn't over! At 5pm it was off to Vandenbusch Manor for master Steve's birthday. They had planned on coming up to Tahoe on saturday, but Steve got sick. Poor guy, pushing himself too hard for too long. Either way, by Sunday afternoon he was all better and ready to party. It was the Flaherty's the Downing's and the Vandenbusch's for a summer birthday BBQ at the Vandenbusch estate!  We were like the Gatsbys

Good Vibes Tour - Seattle

The Good Vibes tour touched down in the Great Northwest this weekend. The home to Starbucks and  Microsoft, the birth place of Jimmy Hendrix and grunge rock. Seattle BABY!!  Our friends, Sheri and Wally live just outside Seattle on a nice little lake in a cool little burg called Woodinville   We've traveled more this year than ever before. Visiting friends and family, so dear to our hearts, yet so far away.  We have known Sheri since the Avantek days back in the early 80's. One of Barb's old time girl friends, who shares great memories of our lives at the dawn of the computer revolution. Sheri caught the bouquet at our wedding! She camped with us at Hogan's dam back in the day! WE GOT HISTORY!!

 Barb and Sheri have stayed in touch over the years, Christmas card or the occasional phone call. Other than a short visit at the Avantek reunion 10 years ago, we haven't seen Sheri or Wally since they got married almost 20 years ago.

Flew into Seattle Saturday afternoon. Sheri and Wally picked us up at the airport and we headed to their place. They have a great new custom home on a place call Cottage Lake. BEAUTIFUL is an understatement. Who ever said it always rains in Washington is a liar!  Sunny and warm all the while we were there. Just kicked back Saturday night and did some major catching up. It was son Matt's birthday and he chose the menu. BBQ ribs with AWSOME grilled artichokes and baked beans for dinner. YUMMY YUM YUM. Nice choice Matt!

Sunday just happened to be our 23rd wedding anniversary. YAY FOR US.  Sausage and french toast for breakfast then off to church. Praised the lord and thanked him for another beautiful sunny day. Then it was back to the house, regroup, then off for a little site seeing. Cruised into Seattle, did a quick walk through the Public Market, then over to the Space Needle for Sunday brunch. GREAT MEAL a top the Space Needle as we enjoyed 360 degree views. LIVING THE GOOD LIFE BABY!!!   After brunch we took the long way home. We went over to the building that houses Wally's old business. Wally started Pro Tech almost 20 years ago and grew it into a very successful business. He just sold it a year ago and plans to enjoy early retirement. We enjoyed Sunday evening around the patio fireplace, just visiting, reminiscing, and basically enjoying each others company.

Monday it was up for a quick breakfast and then off to the airport to catch our flight back home. Thanks to the entire Carruthers clan for the hospitality.  Til next time!! Check out some of the pics by clicking here

What happens in Vegas......2008

Can't really tell too much about last weekend's trip to Vegas.

I can tell you we saw Van Halen at Mandalay Bay. 

I can tell you  we had a great dinner at Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill.

Everything else stays in Vegas.  Anything more would generate too many questions.

Example:   Saturday night we ate dinner at Benihana  with  a Las Vegas  tattoo artist and his dog groomer girlfriend.  During some polite dinner conversation, we learned that the tatoo artist was the son of famed clown, Ronald McDonald.  HUH? WHAT?

Additionally,  we think we may have inadvertently insulted our chef, who then proceeded to give us all food poisoning.  WHY? HOW?

See what I mean?  Too many questions!

And thats just one dinner!

Good Vibes tour - Ft. Lauderdale

Caught the afternoon flight from Pittsburgh, with a  short lay over in Baltimore, and arrived in Ft. Lauderdale around 9:30 pm.  Even at night it was about 40 degrees warmer than Pittsburgh.  Barb's cousin Cindy and Auntie Irene picked us up at the airport. On the way to Cindy's she told us that her daughter, son-in-law, and new (6 week old) grandson were at the house.  This was a nice surprise since Melissa, Mike and Hunter lived in Georgia and were leaving the next morning. I think we kept everyone up way too late that first night. Good to see Melissa and meet Mike and Hunter. I hadn't seen Melissa since she was a little girl and now she has a little one herself.  Hunter, only 6 weeks old, is one cute kid. We also met Cindy's Jim. A great guy. A great cook. A great name. Jim and Cindy welcomed us into their home and made us feel welcomed and comfortable. So comfortable that we didn't want to leave!

Our first day there,  Jim took us out on one of his boats. We cruised the inter coastal. Sipped a bloody and couldn't believe we were finally in Florida. cruised to lunch at the DownTowner. After lunch and a cocktail, it was a slow cruise back, just checking out all the boats, yachts, homes and people. It was something else. I could smell the money in the air! Money money money mo-ney - MONEY!  Jim pointed out a HUGE $50 million yacht that Jimmy Dean had once owned.  Plus there were hundreds of others either cruising or parked in front of multi-multi million dollar cribs. Didn't see too much spring break action, but there were plenty of people around. Traffic was crazy and so were the drivers. Lets just say you have to be aggressive or they'll chew you up and spit you out.

The weather was great.  Around 80 everyday!  Another thing that was great was the food. Jim is a great cook. "Boat" chicken and salad one night, stone crab and slaw the next, and pasta pomadoro the next.  MAMA MIA thatsa good! All good and all good for you! Still want to get a couple of those secret recipes.  Another thing that was nice?  The cocktail hour never seemed to end.  I know it was because of us being there on vacation and all, but I wouldn't want to try to keep up with this bunch on a Friday or Saturday night!  Jim and Cindy. The Silver Bullet and "Club Soda" Cindy. We love you guys!!!

On stone crab night, Cindy's son Kacy and his girlfriend Kellie came over for dinner.  Last time I saw Kacy he was a young boy of 12. Now he's 32 and a man.  Kellie is a keeper. Smart, cute and funny.  The tri-fecta of love! Barb says they could pass for Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, and I'd have to agree.

Other than the food, the drink, the fun, and the fam, it was great afternoons in the backyard,  lounging by the pool or soaking in the hot tub, or evenings watching Dancing with the Stars on the backyard flat screen!  ITS FLORIDA BABY!!!  Loved that backyard! Totally cool palms of every kind. Nice pool. Nice tub. Orchid garden, lizards....the works!  And did I mention the flat screen?  Nothing like watching NASCAR while sipping a jack and soaking your tootsies in the tub!

More than anything, and most of all, we got to spend some quality time with people we love.  Just hanging Cindy, and  Auntie I,and now Jim, was the best.  Good Vibes!

Check out all the pics by clicking here

Good Vibes Tour - Pittsburgh PA

Our vacation started with a 8:15am flight from Oakland to Pittsburgh, with a short lay over in Las Vegas.  Kate drove us to the airport and we watched the sun rise over Mission Peak. The travel day brought us to the Steel City right around dinner time.  Al and Tanya picked us up at the airport and we headed to their home.  A beautiful place in Mt. Lebanon, just minutes from downtown Pittsburgh. Our four day visit was just what we were looking for. Lots of time to kick back and relax, and spend some quality time with the Champagne crew.  Al and Tanya are old time friends who we've really missed since they moved and settled into east coast life. The whole time we were on vacation, we stuck to California time,  meaning we slept in and stayed up late!  Whether it was dinner out or cooking in, it was all good with us. We had great fun just visiting, reminiscing, and having good times. Tanya took us for a "power walk" one brisk morning.  We walked the neighborhood checking out all the old style brick and stone houses. Beautiful homes that were built for the steel company execs decades ago.

We went to see kid#4 play a championship basketball game. The frantic pace was incredible and the score was close, but the "Lebo" boys couldn't hold off the cross town rivals and had to settle for 2nd place. Jake played a great game. Barb would adopt him in a second if she could. The perfect son as far as she is concerned. 

Barb and I took a couple of walks by ourselves. On one outing we walked to "uptown" and checked out all the shops. We stopped at St. Bernard's Catholic church and said a prayer. Had a coffee at a local coffee shop and even walked right smack into a rally for the "Lebo" girls high school basketball team, who were heading off to the state championships at Penn State. There was a fire engine with balloons and half the town lined up outside a grammar school to send the girls to "state" with a rousing send off. Very cool small town stuff.  Gave both Barb and I  goose bumps as we watched the girls board the bus to cheers from the hometown fans. 

We did get a tour of downtown, and the greater Mt Lebanon area, buts thats not why we were there. We were there to see Tanya and Al and the kids. Whether it was bagels for breakfast or spaghetti for dinner, just hanging was like old times. The time did pass too quickly. The "crew" was getting ready for their annual spring break trip to California, so we all spent our final night in Pittsburgh at the airport Hyatt.  Room service dinner and cocktails and then good night.  The crew was off early for the west coast and we were off to sunny Florida.

Thanks to Al and Tanya for the hospitality, the good times and the good vibes. We brought along some good vibes wristbands for them and whoever needed them.  We felt the good vibrations coming from the east all the while Barb was going through what she was going through. Friends, like wine, are better old, and we cherish our old friends more than anyone can know.

Check out all the pics by clicking here

The Good Vibes Tour

Just back last night from a much needed vacation.  Four days visiting the Champagne Crew in Pittsburgh, then four days in Ft. Lauderdale to see Barb's Auntie Irene and Cousin Cindy. Details to follow.

SuperBowl - Hills Ride weekend

After the Water Polo match on Saturday, we packed our bags and headed for the hills.  El Dorado Hills that is.  Been planning a "hills" ride with the Kahuna for some time, and it just turned out that the best time to ride was Super bowl Sunday.  Barb's sis Melinda was along for the ride. Arrived in El Dorado Hills around 3pm on Saturday. Team Vandenbusch was not far behind and arrived shortly after we did.  Spent the rest of the day and evening getting ready for the ride the next morning.  That meant staying hydrated and carbo loading.  Boy did we get hydrated!  I was so hydrated that I had to switch to water after a while!!  Mike and Ann are great hosts. They made a great dinner of bbq'd chicken, taco salad and grilled asparagus. OH SO GOOD!  And good for you! A great night of Karaoke and general craziness followed. While standing outside by the BBQ waiting for the chicken to cook, the wind was whipping and the air was cold. Add some rain later in the evening and you have the not so perfect ingredients for a bike ride.  But this was a "rain or shine" ride so all we could do was hope for the best, and pray for a weather window.

Superbowl Sunday arrived with the sun shining!!  THERE IS A GOD!!!!!! Still cold. Still wet, but promising none-the-less. We loaded our bikes and headed to Folsom and the river trail.  As I mentioned before, the river trail is the greatest.  30 miles of paved trail with miles of single track snaking along in between the paved trail and the American river.  This trail is not for the beginner, especially if you plan on keeping up with Camello. The  "Portugese Piston" leads a fast pace. We begin by cruising on the paved trail, then zzzip, quick hop onto the single track where it snakes along side the river. Puddles galore. At first we tried to skirt the edge but after a few we just barreled straight through them. Pretty muddy out there. Very slippery river rock protruding up through the mud made for some exciting ride time. If you weren't holding on for dear life as you made your way bumpily down a slight hill, or slipping and a sliding through "S" shaped curves and head high thickets. Then just like that, zzzip, we are back on the paved trail but not for long. We made our way 12 miles down river before we took a break. The river was  running and the salmon fisherman were out, wading in the current, hoping for catch. Where we stopped, it was only us,  and a loan hawk, who seemed to be sunning himself on the river's edge. I walked up to get a better shot. This guy let me get about 10 feet from him before he gave a little hop to move away. He looked like he had a rough night in the rain and was trying to dry out a bit before catching some breakfast.  Speaking of breakfast, we were getting hungry! I was back on the trail for the ride back. Little headwind didn't deter Camello as he led a 15mph pace for most of the way back. All in all, another great ride with the Kahuna and the Vand man.

As we were loading the bikes back onto the racks, the girls showed up in Ann's car. They were going to do some shopping in old town Folsom. Worked out perfect. We went home,  hosed the mud off our bikes, showered up and started on breakfast. Mike's egg scramble, with sausage, bacon, cheese (and last night's leftovers) were the best!!!  Just enough to hold us over. We vegged out on the couch and watch some superbowl pre-game festivities.  We enjoyed the game and the superbowl feast. BBQ'd tri-tip, chicken wings, chili and all sorts of snackies. We even made a quick squares pool (10 cents per square). It turned out to be a very exciting game and the New York football Giants pulled out the upset and beat the Pats.  After the game we packed our bags, loaded our bikes and hit the road for home. We followed team Vandenbusch most of the way home.  Its GREAT trips like this that make life, LIFE.

Up Times

Barb and I both needed some R&R.  She feels well enough in the last 7 days of her 21 day chemo cycle that we could plan a couple of road trips. Much needed road trips.

Wednesday morning we hit the road.  Stopped to see my mom up in Sacramento and lunched with old time/long time friend Elaine O'Deegan.  Even got to see my sis! You have to sign in at the front desk of my mom's place and Alanna (my niece) had stopped by and seen that I had signed in and called Anne Marie. She called me and we hooked up at lunch as well.

Off to Nevada City to see Jens and Kelly.  Spent a great night with good friends. Wonderful dinner and conversation. Bed time cup of tea and a nights sleep in maybe the quietest (and darkest!) place on earth.

Home Thursday but only to regroup.

Off Friday morning to the "Redwood Empire" to see Pat and Sue. We met Pat and Sue through Al and Deb  and have been to the races with them, and spent a memorable (the parts I can remember anyway)  few days in Clear Lake a few years back.  They have an incredable old house in Healdsburg that is decorated wonderfully!   The place is huge and sits on a nice half acre lot. Right across the street from a winery!  Pat and Sue could turn their house into a B&B tomorrow if they wanted to. Had a great visit. Tour of the wine country and dinner with friends. Up early for breakfast ala' Shull ( or "Al's scramble) and off we were for home.

Home Saturday at noon but only to regroup!  Off to Linda's birthday party at the Shark Tank!  Dinner first with Tim and Linda and another couple at a steak house on San Pedro Square, then off to the Shark game.  Tim had somehow gotten access to one of the VIP suites to host Linda's party. Great seats to watch the game in totally plush surroundings.  Living the high life with the Loberts!  Sharks win 4-1. Happy Birthday Linda!

Home Saturday night and collapsed.  Four days of fun was plenty. Lazy Sunday around the house. Barb called in for her chemo meds that she will start taking on Tuesday. She said that just ordering the stuff makes her sick to her stomach. Wednesday we start all over again.

Santa Cruz Beach Day

Last weekend we decided that this weekend we would go to the beach.  Rain or shine. Barbie needed a beach day. I thought it was going to be a Pescadero day but it turned out to be a Santa Cruz day.  Rolled over the hill and into Santa Cruz and Twin Lakes Beach right around noon.  Sun shining and temps in the mid-70s.  PERFECT!!!  Barb's girlfriends Colleen and Diane met us there. We threw the blanket down and set out the beach chairs, and chilled. Watched the waves roll in, the sailboats sail out and the people go by. Even saw four or five dolphins and a seal cruising the coast line.  Couldn't have asked for better weather.  We brought some drinks and snacks.  Had a veggie sandwich from the beach side deli and soaked up the sun on a glorious Autumn Sunday. Thanks to Colleen for lunch AND the great pictures.  All the girls were taking "dolphin pics" and Colleen wins the prize for the best.

A good start to a rough week. Barb's hair has started to fall out so she is taking the initiative and getting the Sinaed O'Conner today. Chemo round #2 on Wednesday.   Got to keep those loving - good vibrations a happening with her.....

Pescadero Beach Day

Spent a great day on the coast yesterday. Barb's Auntie Irene is visiting from Florida so we decided to take a Sunday drive out to Pescadero to get some artichoke bread and enjoy some beach time.  We were even lucky enough to have Kate and Kelly, and a couple of Kelly's friends come along. Took a nice drive out highway 84 to the coast.  While the girls stopped at the beach to get us a spot, we went into Pescadero and bought the last 4 loaves of bread. This small store is somewhat famous for its home baked bread. The "garlic/artichoke" being our favorite.  The loaves were just out of the oven and still warm when we bought them!

A few hours on the beach was great.  Our little picnic lunch was perfect.  Got some sun,  walked the beach, and took some pictures and just enjoyed everyone's company.   After that we drove up the coast to Moss Beach Distillery where we had an appitizer and enjoyed the views from the outside deck. A beautiful day on the coast.