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.