It’s been way too many years since the family has been to Hawaii, so we’ve made a last minute decision to go for a week right before Christmas. Sitting for over five hours on a plane is a piece of cake when you’re heading to a place like the Big Island. Paradise has been waiting for us here at the Mauna Lani hotel. Birds, flowers, and a lovely fruit place are waiting as well. ...
Charlotte, Gordon, and I decided it was about time we went to see the annual Santa Cruz Lighted Boat Parade down at the harbor this year. We bundled ourselves up, grabbed a little food, and camped out on a bench to enjoy the show. I headed out to the end of one of the docks to get some photos. They didn’t come out great, but I do like the colors. The highlights had to be the hula dancers on the outrigger, and the kayaks. It was also pretty funny when the end of our dock started to sink with all the people crowded on the end. ...
A big thanks to Valri and her family for hosting the big turkey event this year. Not many photos this year, but the usual crew stuffed themselves silly once again. It’s always fun to see all the cousins get together. Nick joined us from Cal Poly, Chris from Chico, and Charlie had a break from his Navy duties. And did I mention that I love my awesome wife.
Charlotte and Gordon continue their trip south after spending the night in Cambria with a stop at Hearst Castle in San Simeon. It’s a great day and an awesome tour. The interior is ridiculously elegant. The Christmas decorations add quite the touch. I wouldn’t mind this pool in my backyard.
Charlotte is heading down to San Luis Obispo to bring Nick back home from Cal Poly for Thanksgiving. This time she’s heading south down the Big Sur coast with her dad. The view always blows you away. A nice stop at Nepenthe for some coffee, while soaking in some of the soothing statues and views. A beautiful sunset ends the day in Cambria for our intrepid travelers. Tomorrow it’s down to San Simeon and then picking up Nick. ...
I’m with Matt again for another day at the conference. Meanwhile Charlotte enjoys more travels around the city. This time she’s headed uptown, with a visit to the Empire State building and some big city panoramas. Then some pretty sites in Central Park. A few more great midtown sites, then it’s time to head back to the hotel before indulging in a ridiculous steak at the Primehouse with friends. ...
While Matt and I enjoy attending the Global Sourcing Forum in NYC, Charlotte enjoys herself walking the city. It’s a lucky treat that the Veteran’s Day Parade is going on, so there are plenty of fun sights and people to take in. Charlotte really loves shopping in the Lower East Side. That girl of mine loves getting a good deal. Matt and I head downtown to meet up at Katz’s Deli. I’ve had a wicked hankering for pastrami on rye, a potato knish, and some cream soda. I realized after I ordered that I should have gotten an egg cream. Guess I’ll have to come back again soon. ...
Gabe and I are off to ride the hills around Scotts Valley. It’s nice to have another potential crazy road cyclist in the family. I figure eventually everyone will come around as well.
Gabe and Doug are planning an early Halloween around the neighborhood in an attempt to bring in a big haul. Gabe’s also decided to go as a Playboy bunny. I’m not sure he really looks like one, but he sure does pull off the young girl look look nicely. The bunny mask really just makes me frightened. I think it really terrifies Doug. A little basketball and then it’s time to skip off to scare the neighbors. ...
Tomorrow is the start of the Nike Women’s Marathon, but today is an opportunity for the ladies to enjoy San Francisco. A few shots from the hotel as the fog clears and the day awaits. Charlotte always enjoys Chinatown, and today she has a special interest in people’s apartment windows. The underwear on display is pretty funny. It looks like they’re making their way through North Beach and can’t resist the pastries along the way. ...