Mark's 30th Birthday Party Weekend

Mark turned 30 on March 24th and had a great birthday party weekend with friends and family. I was the Mojito maker and they were very popular drinks. There was beer tasting, a poker tournament, eye-opening conversations around the firepit and great food. I'm very proud to see that Mark is so loved by his friends, family and co-workers. Here's some of the pictures from the weekend:

St. Patrick's Day at the Races

Cheryl and I spent the day at Santa Anita Race Track on St. Patrick's Day. This was the first time we've been here all this race season. It was a gorgeous day, the big fountain had green water, we got free t-shirts and bet on every Irish sounding horst in all 10 races. We didn't really win any money but we sure had a great day!

I forgot my camera so I don't have any pictures from the races. These pictures are from last weekend at Mark and Amanda's. They have been working for weeks re-doing their outside yards. They have torn out fences, installed new stamped concrete, planted about 500 (I am not kidding!) new plants, installed a cool firepit where the fire comes up through the sand, built big planter boxes, installed all sorts of cool lighting, lots of new sod and a special ramp for Amanda's dad that will make it easier for him to get onto the patio. All this should be complete for the big 30th birthday bash next weekend. Saturday is a huge party for Mark's friends and Sunday is for the family. I'll post pictures after the party.

Trip to Hawaii

I just returned from my first trip to Hawaii. My friend Sandra flew from South Dakota and we had a great time. We went to the flea market and got lots of trinkets, toured the North Shore and the Dole Plantation, shopped, took hula lessons, ate tons of pineapple, learned to make leis, shopped some more, took walks on the beach, danced at Duke's, drank Mai Tai's, people watched, met lots of great people and just had fun. I loved the music, the balmy nights, the beautiful beaches, great shopping and the Hawaiian people. There was lots of activity going on at all hours in Waikiki. Can't wait to go back!

Trip to Waikiki - Pictures

February 2007

I guess it's been a few weeks since I posted anything. Well, last weekend I went to stay with Phyllis and the gang in Lake Havasu. Debbie came on Saturday and we went to see what everyone is talking about in Quartzsite, Arizona. The Winter brings about 150,000+ motor homes to this area and a large percentage of those visitors sell things. It's a huge swap meet selling everything from rocks, jewelry, antiques, whatever! It took us all day to look at everything and apparently many of the sellers had left a week or so ago. It's at full capacity the last few weeks in January. Debbie and I found quite a few treasures. There is also an interesting bookstore in town that is owned by a nudist. I guess he wears a g-string when he deals with the public. Of course, I had to go and check it out but he was not in a photo mood (he was actually very rude) so my only picture is with his sign.

On Sunday the whole gang went to the Winterfest in downtown Havasu. It was another shopping experience. The weather was great all weekend, in the 80's. We had some great times watching movies, playing card games and just hanging out. Took the dogs to the dog park. Lola and Lexi don't realize they are dogs so refused to associate with those other crazy creatures. It's very rare that I get to see both Dan and Vince at the same time so that was a real delight.

Came home on Monday and got to watch Mark's dogs as they were having concrete poured in the backyard. Keely is the new addition to the family. I came home from work to mounds of stuffing all over the living room. Apparently, Keely thought I needed some new couch pillows so destroyed the ones she wanted replaced. It was a fun couple of days with 5 dogs!

This weekend I just did a day trip to Valencia to visit Rich and Maria - kid too! Saturday was Rich and Zack's birthdays. Korey had his earlier this month. I took some birthday presents purchased last week in Quartzsite that everyone thought sort of odd but took it in stride as they were from Aunt Laura and she's a bit eccentric. Sunday was spent going to church with Robert and then to Mark and Amanda's. They are busy finishing extensive work on their backyard and getting ready for Mark's 30th Birthday Party in a few weeks.

Today, Monday, I have spent doing my taxes and researching things to do in Waikiki. Sandra is coming from South Dakota on Friday and we are leaving for Hawaii early Saturday morning for a few days. Aloha!!!!

Super Bowl Weekend

Went to Sacramento for work on Thursday and Friday. The hotel where we had out meeting had some conference where everyone was really dressed to the nines. This woman was selling these hats and those of you that know me know that I love hats. Here are a few of them - they were gorgeous! Debbie came for the weekend from Arizona so I got to keep Stella (the cute puppy). Jenn and Nick had a Super Bowl party so here's a picture of the gang at the party.

Last Weekend of January 2007 - Wendy & Kim

Went to Sacramento for a labor market meeting on Thursday and then went to spend a few days with Wendy and Kim Baker. Kim's parents, Morris and Shirley were visiting from Canada and I had never met them. They are wonderful in-laws to my Wendy. Shirley is a great cook and famous for her cinnamon rolls among other delicious treats. We had a nice visit, went to Mari's basketball game and dinner on Friday. Flew home on Saturday, after locating the Stein Mart in Sacramento and finding a few treasures.

On Sunday I went to church with Robert and then drove into Glendale to see Kim Brauer who was visiting her Dad. Kim lives in East Hampton, New York and was only here for a few days so I'm so glad I got a chance to see her and George.

It was a great few days seeing friends and catching up with their busy lives and families and meeting Morris and Shirley from Canada.