Steve Miller Band

Dick and Donna treated us to the Steve Miller Band at Raley Field on Saturday night. He put on a great show, played all his hits, new songs from his new CD "BINGO", and introduced a very young guitarist who is part of Miller's "Music in the Schools" passion. The pre-concert dinner at Ernesto's was excellent. The place was crowded, loud, and hot. It made drinking Margaritas and Coronas very necessary.

Rancho Cordova vids

The Rancho Cordova "day-early" parade for July 4th turned out to be great. The parade route was mere feet from Lindsay's house, we sat in the shade in folding chairs, and the participants were enthusiastic and patriotic. Check out the vids.

4th on the 3rd

We received an invite for July 3rd to watch the Rancho Cordova Independence Day parade from Lindsay and Cory in front of their house. It was great. Cory made breakfast sandwiches for everyone and we were mere feet from the parade route. Mamosa's were the drink of the morning and we all made fun of the parade, but that was simply part of the whole experience. Some of the participants actually brought smiles to our faces. Check out the pics (click to enlarge). Tomorrow is the Carmichael 4th of July parade...after the Gay Parade in SF and the "day-early" parade in RC, we're on the fence about attending tomorrow.

Calif Academy of Science

We really liked the CAOS. The Planetarium show was awesome. We sat in slightly tilted-back comfy chairs and watched 45 minutes of intergalactic imagery video that was totally on top of you, and made you part of the universe and understand how infinitesimal we are in life's big picture. The Tropical RainForest was also very neat with its birds and butterflies, and snakes and geckos, but, it finally got too humid for Cindy and we exited. The Living Roof was very interesting (see pics and vid). This place is totally controlled by computers fed by sensors that electronically and immediately determine the most eco-efficient way to power the whole place. The De Young Museum was closed, but the vid shows what it looks like from the outside. Click to enlarge any pic.

60th birthday

I just turned 60. Cindy and I spent three nights in San Francisco to celebrate. We stayed at the Taj Hotel (first time) at Union Square. It had good and bad sides, but overall we really liked being out of Carmichael's heat and loved SF's gorgeous weather. Also, we went to the California Academy of Science in Golden Gate Park. We really liked their Planeterium show and the Tropical Rainforest tour. The extreme mammals were so-so. We also saw the play "Wicked" at the Orpheum Theatre on Saturday, and then enjoyed the Gay Pride Parade down Market Street on Sunday (see vids), Mayor Gavin Newsom did some hand shaking on both sides of the street in one video clip. And we spotted a buck naked guy too walking the streets in another. You'll have to look very closely, though, as it is only a fleeting look.

Update Update

Well, it's been a busy time. Madeline, Dean, and Lita came up for Lindsay's engagement picnic in April (see pics). It was a great visit. Then, a lot of career moves took place. Ryan and Alex earned overdue promotions, and my buddy Dean Shellenberger took a management position with the State (no pic). Cindy has continued to log overtime and is waiting for the results of a promotional interview. Lindsay and Cory are settled in their new house as their Tahoe wedding date approaches. And, our kids are really budding. Everyone seems to have a "can do" attitude in the face of all of the challenges that life poses. They are "doers" and not whiners. They all have bright futures and we are very proud of them.

Christmas 2009

Christmas morning 2009. We opened presents and spent the day with the kids and had a short visit from Dean and Carol, while munching on buffet goodies all day. Everyone was excited about Lindsay and Cory's big news.

December 2009

December's winter has been bitter cold and rainy. We had several nights in the mid-20's (even had a little snow one Monday morning) and now we are in a 3-day rainy pattern. Luckily, our ancient furnace died two weeks before the cold spell and our new unit is working perfectly. Last night we went to the Shellenbergers for their annual Christmas party (they have completed their home addition) and spent a few mellow hours with friends.

Halloween

Lita's birthday was also Halloween. If you turn up the volume, you can faintly hear Emily singing Happy Birthday in Italian!!!...listen for Abe's approving bark at the end...and the Cornells got together for a family picture with some spooky costumes. Click to enlarge.

Birthday cake

Saturday was Lita's 80th birthday party. Here's a picture of her cake and a short video of her blowing out the one candle (not 80). You may have to turn up the volume.

Dinner and the Theater

The night before Lita's 80th birthday party (Halloween eve), we went out to Fillippi's for some prime rib before going to the theater to see The Lion King. The dinner was great and the play was fabulous with great songs, outstanding costumes and clever special effects. Definitely recommended.

Grandma Lita's birthday

We're down in Rancho Bernardo getting ready for Lita's 80th birthday. Her loyal dog Abe has decided to start moving the river rock beach pebbles we just laid down around her pepper tree next to the patio. The big party is Saturday, and we're going to the theater on Friday night to see The Lion King. Back home Sunday night, will have to remember the "fall back" time change on Saturday night so we don't miss our flight.

49ers lose big

We saw the 49ers lose to the Atlanta Falcons at Candlestick Park on Sunday by 45-10. Click the vid to see the only touchdown they scored all day. The tailgating was fun, but the game was ho-hum.