New Years Eve '07

Lita flew back home on Saturday after spending a week with us. Her lungs became congested during her visit, but her doctor phoned in a prescription and she felt much better each day. Ryan and Lindsay went on a long bike ride on Saturday, and I resumed my power walking today (after a long absence) with a visit to Hoffman Park where the ducks paddled in the river and the deer leisurely grazed. Tonight at midnight we ring in 2008.

35th honeymoon

We're back from our weeklong 35th anniversary road trip. After flying back from 3 days in Las Vegas, we "Piloted" to Big Sur, San Simeon, and Carmel-Monterey. Our cabin in Big Sur was clean, cozy, and "Asian minimalist" per Cindy (and our dinner of fish tacos and tortilla soup was yummy). We visited the pier in San Simeon and took the evening tour of Hearst Castle. We also saw hundreds of elephant seals sunning themselves up and down the beach on Hwy 1, and we relaxed on our actual anniversary high atop the Carmel coast. My ears never unplugged from our Vegas flight so we had to have our former doctor Ritchie Wong phone in an Amoxicillin prescription to us in Monterey (Cindy has now developed similar symptoms). Cindy did all of the driving on our road trip along the California coast, and we were treated to perfect weather and postcard views everywhere.

November news

Alex has had a busy month, celebrating his 29th birthday and then buying a like-new 2003 Accura 4-door sedan. Dean and I went to Arco to see King James and the Cavaliers stage a late rally to decrown our Kings. We have started a weeklong celebration of our 35th anniversary by going to Las Vegas for 3 days. It was sunny and in the mid 70s. We stayed at the Wynn and saw the stage show SPAMALOT. It was hilarious. We also saw the demolition of the Frontier Casino at 2:30 AM from our 51st floor window. It was preceded by a spectacular fireworks show and then BOOM!! We are headed for Big Sur, San Simeon, and then the Tickle Pink hotel in Carmel where we originally honeymooned. I think we'll slow down a bit in December.

Bus trip

I got up early the next morning after the Halloween bash and hosted the SVBT members on a bus trip to the 49ers v. Saints game in San Francisco. What another glorious, clear and sunny day in The City, except the 49ers were thoroughly dominated. Before the game, we tailgated with an excellent catered lunch and liquid refreshment to prepare for the anticipated beating we knew the 49ers were about to absorb.

Halloween bash

We went to Richard and Trisha's Halloween party on Saturday night. It was an unbelievable combination of marvelous decorating and theme construction with a Burning Man/Halloween theme to it all. It takes so much work and imagination, that Richard and his volunteers only do it every third year. Jack and Dean went as "undeads" and Carol and Mary went as "good" witches. We dressed as tourists, and shot the above snaps.

Kings Fandemonium

We went to Monday night's Fandemonium at Arco Arena on Kings Row to see the new Kings players and dance teams. It had a Halloween theme and was geared for children. The players interacted with the fans and competed in silly contests, but did not play any basketball. The regular season begins on October 31st in New Orleans.

Tree removal

We reduced our front yard tree population from 3 to 1 yesterday. The 2 we removed were simply too messy. We'll probably replant, though, in or near the same spots with either evergreens or trees that are easier to maintain. The tree company will grind down both stumps later today. We also completed our anti-critter project by having the perimeter of the house updated with new vent screens and foam caulking, and had several roof line openings closed up. Because our location is rural and we are only 1,000 feet from the American River, we have lots of critters. It's great to see deer, wild turkeys, peacocks, and quail everyday (the squirrels can be both good and bad), but the mice, skunks, possum, and raccoons will move right into your house if you don't take proactive measures.

Hear Ye Hear Ye

Hear Ye Hear Ye...I have created a second, more topical kind of blog. I'm now also blogging at: marty-anderson.blogspot.com. Go ahead and bookmark it.

This is a more issue-oriented blog, probably more serious blog, where I can air out my views on the news of the day.

It may not be for everyone...I understand that my thoughts are not interesting to everyone...it will definitely be of a different tone than marty's mind, but I want to express my feelings on non-family matters too. I'll continue to blog on martycanderson.blogspot.com (martysmind) as usual, but invite you to check out, and bookmark, the brand new marty-anderson.blogspot.com (martysviews).

Genesis concert

We went to the Genesis concert last night at Arco Arena. The band put on a great show that lasted over 2 1/2 hours with flashy colors, special effects, humor, audience participation, and their special kind of music. Phil Collins did everything. He was the emcee, a drummer (they had two), dancer, tambourine player (on his whole body), and primary singer. He is multi-talented, but the other four band members also weighed in with solid performances. It was an older crowd, dominated by females, but even the guys had a great time. Highly recommended if they come to your town.

49er Sunday

The 49ers were beaten by the Ravens yesterday afternoon 9-7 in a boring game, but the San Francisco weather was outstanding, we had a fly- over by combat helicopters (it was fleet week in The City), the national anthem singer inspired everyone with her rendition, and the halftime show honored our local servicemen and women who have been serving overseas. A good time was had by all (except the 49ers). As you can see, we had a grand time tailgating before the game.

Last Days

Sure, we got a little gnarly as we closed down our vacation, but we were having fun.

Beach Bum(mer)

The Beach Ranger told us our fire was illegal...it needed to be in a fire ring, not on the sand...so he put it out before Cindy could cook her Smores...but we got creative and found a metal tub and moved our firewood down to about 20 yards from the ocean and started a new fire. Ryan entertained us with his Scottish accent and the Ranger came back at about 10 PM and told us we were doing a great job. Back at the beach house, we celebrated Lindsay's 24th birthday, and also included Onita (about 12 days early).

Sailing in Santa Cruz

We really enjoyed sailing in the waters off Santa Cruz Harbor...the captain told us that the weather was perfect.

Chardonnay II

Lindsay enjoyed the white wine and pizza on the Chardonnay II sailboat off the coast yesterday evening. The trip took about 2 hours and ended at sunset in the Santa Cruz harbor. We actually were in a planned race with other sailboats, but no one could remember if we won or not, as if it would matter anyway.

2006 Seabright Brewery

Click, watch, and listen to last year's Seabright Brewery dinner.

Santa Cruz 2006 remembered

Santa Cruz 2006...click, watch, and listen

Santa Cruz here we come

We're going to miss the annual Woody's on the Wharf that takes place each June, but we're still looking forward to being in Santa Cruz in September.

New backyard slider too

Ryan's house will really appreciate the new windows, but now getting to his backyard will be a breeze with his new 9' glass slider that opens up to his patio.

Ryan's new windows

Ryan is doing well after having surgery on his arm after a nasty bike fall. The pins are out and he has a cast on that should come off in about two weeks. He's been busy, though, treating his house to new windows, here's the two new ones in front of his house.

Deck/Patio is poured

Well, we got the top deck and lower patio poured on Saturday. We've been wetting it twice a day so it will set up slowly. There is still actually a lot more to be done. Still to be installed are the lights in the steps, two light fixtures on the top deck, two 110 outlets, one 220 outlet, two railings on the top level, a 5' cement bench on the lower patio, and it all has to be sealed too. Then, of course, we have to do some landscaping, and, of course, shop for a hot tub for the lower level...sounds like a few more weeks.

Ready to pour

We're ready to pour our new decks. The cement crew will be here at 6:00 AM on Saturday morning to start the job. It will take two cement trucks with a third on call if we need it. The decks will be stamped that same day, and we should be able to lightly walk on them by Sunday. There are still some post-pour jobs (railings, a 220 outlet, light fixture, sealing the decks, gutters, etc, but Saturday will be the defining moment of the project.

Deck project

The demolition of the top and bottom redwood decks has begun. After the decks are gone, then the preliminary forms will be set so we can play with the size and shape of the decks and steps before permanent forms are made. It will probably be about a two week job (or so I estimate since our contractor Nar goes on vacation in two weeks!!). We also have to pick out the color of the cement that will be poured and the stamping that will be used. There will also be some electrical and plumbing work required, as well as new gutters and downspouts, and a sidewalk.

Raley Field

I really like going to Raley Field this year, they are so appreciative.

Dusty Baker night

On Saturday night, Dick, Tim, Craig, and I went to Dusty Baker Night at Raley Field as guests of Charlotte Davis. Above, Charlotte and Celeste get up close and personal with Dusty before his onfield ceremony. The River Cats lost the game, but it was fun seeing some Del Campo alumni and reminiscing about our high school days.

Lita's visit

Grandma Lita visited us for 8 days. We celebrated Cindy's birthday a day late by going to dinner at The Melting Pot. It was a 3-hour extravaganza of fondues, wine, meats, seafood, and chocolate desserts. Everything was yummy. Above, the ladies have cocktails at Alex and Onita's house before going to dinner. We spent Saturday at the St Francis Hotel in San Francisco and went to see Beach Blanket Babylon at Club Fugazzi. Grandma is planning on returning for Christmas.

Cathouse

We had our annual luxury suite for our Triple-AAA Sacto River Cats versus the Salt Lake Bees ballgame on Saturday evening at Raley Field (The Cathouse). The 'Cats won 3-2 and the hot afternoon finally cooled to make it a perfect night of baseball. I was one of several fans who threw out the game's first pitch, and we also got an informative behind-the-scenes tour of the ballpark beforehand. During the game, we ate Tri-Tip, chicken, hot dogs, and dipped veggies, while keeping the beer waitress very busy. Afterwards, there was a fireworks show beyond the right field fence that capped it all off. Great night of baseball and friends.

Bathroom almost done

Here's that same corner of the new bathroom stall that I posted on June 26th, that's the cool new corner seat and the hot/cold controls, (the actual shower head with extended hose is mounted on the opposite wall), so you can either stand and shower traditionally (over the head), or take a seat and use the extended hose attachment if you are feeling particularly lazy. This new step-in shower is much roomier. The bathroom is fully functional, but Nar still has to install the new framed mirror above the vanity, and a new medicine cabinet on the wall to complete the job which should be in two days. Next??...our backyard decking project.

Lindsay BrewFest

Lindsay enjoyed the 1st annual BrewFest at Caesar Chavez Park on June 30th with her "posse" (they liked the Jack Russell Brewery Blueberry Ale), then "horsed" around at the Folsom Rodeo, and finally to the July 4th fireworks display at La Sierra with her "Jack" Abby Mae. It is really hot, 104 yesterday and 106 predicted today.

Busy June

Cindy had her left knee replacement done on the 19th, and came home on the 21st. She is doing well and rehabbing it. Her right knee that was done on April 24th is now really solid. We started our bathroom remodel yesterday. That's it after it was gutted. In all, it will be about a 2 week job. Then, in a few weeks, our contractor Nar will start tearing off both backyard decks, frame the new ones, and then pour the cement. We hope to have it done by the first or second week of August. Tomorrow is my birthday, then Ryan on July 6th, Cindy on the 26th, and Aunt Madalyn on the 30th. Then, Lindsay in Sept and Alex in November. We'll squeeze in a week vacation to Santa Cruz in the midst of it all.

Reception at Embassy Suites

Leslie and JR's wedding reception was at the Embassy Suites overlooking the river at the Capitol Mall bridge. We stayed the night at the hotel after a sitdown dinner and dancing afterwards. Above are some of Dick's friends who livened up the party. The next morning, we enjoyed the complimentary breakfast, took a short stroll down the Promenade and then went home to get ready for the Sopranos finale.

Leslie's wedding

Leslie and JR got married on Saturday in the McKinley Park Rose Garden. It was a warm afternoon and the garden was very pretty. The ceremony was brief and conducted by Uncle Ted. Here are Leslie's parents Dick and Donna with the happy couple a few minutes before they exchanged the traditional "I do" with each other.

Anyone can comment now

Anyone, even a Jack Russell, can now add a comment to any post. Just click on "comment" and you can add your comment by simply clicking the "other" or "anonymous" bubble and then adding a comment. Even a caveman can do it. Of course, you can include your name in your comment if you want. The format of the blog has also changed. Feel free to give me feedback, I'm openminded, and just looking for a fresh look. And, as always, simply click on any picture to enlarge it.

Alex's surgery

Alex had ACL surgery on his left knee yesterday. Onita is nursing him at home with the assistance of the pain pump in his left hand that is inserted into his knee, and the cold therapy system which circulates cold water around it to minimize the swelling. He is planning on going back to work this next Tuesday, but will be on crutches for about six weeks. No weight is allowed on that leg. The complete rehab of the knee takes about a full year and it may return to its original strength. Alex is still contemplating surgery on his shoulder too, but the knee rehab will require his full attention. One thing at a time son.

Ryan's shed

It was very hot yesterday, but Ryan, Alex, and I assembled Ryan's new Rubbermaid shed in his backyard. It was a little like The Three Amigos meet The Three Stooges, but we persevered and, after Onita refueled us with sandwiches from Togo's, we finally solved the riddle of the roof and finished the project. It blends in very well with the house and yard. Ryan looks tired, but the shed is finally done.

Yard sale

We joined our next door neighbor in a yard sale on Saturday and sold a few items, including an old, long dresser, but an upright bedroom dresser we have had for 25 years remained unsold. Here, Cindy enjoys the morning air while supervising my sales efforts.

Get well basket

Cindy's co-workers surprised her at home with a cornucopia of goodies this afternoon that she really appreciated. Here she shows off the basket and sends a big THANK YOU!!! to everyone at work for their kindness and thoughtfulness. She's working diligently to get her right knee fully rehabbed so she can return to the office.

Cindy's knee surgery

Cindy had total right knee replacement surgery on April 24th at Methodist Hospital. She recovered in the hospital for about 50 hours and then was discharged back home. This snap of Cindy and Ryan was taken moments before we left for the hospital. Her rehab includes lots of specific exercises and rest. Thus far, everything is going normally and she is in good spirits. Logically, it makes sense to replicate the surgery on her left knee soon. We'll make sure that her right knee is 100% fine and then start serious discussions about replacing the left knee. If everything goes as planned, she should be fully recovered for a pain free vacation to Santa Cruz in September.

Train Trestle Fire

The main train track from Sacramento to Reno runs right behind my office and a 300 foot section of its bridge trestle caught on fire on 3/15/07 in the late afternoon and caused disruption to the highway, nearby businesses, and of course train service. It took 2 full days to put it out, and it sent a jet black plume straight up. It is estimated that it will be weeks before train service can resume.

Winning twosome

Marty B. and Marty A. pose for a victory photo in front of Marty B's new Honda after their stunning upset of Dick and Dean at Hoffman Park.