David Multer

Gabe’s class has been studying hundreds of wildflowers in class for some time now. All the effort is about to pay off with Mr. Sutherland’s big field trip to Fall Creek. It’s a long hike, but the kids all hang in there great. Everyone is very excited and actively identifying and discussing all the flora and fauna they find in the park. Our study group did an awesome job checking off nearly everything on our clipboard list. We even managed to identify a few items not on the list. ...

Charlotte starts a spectacular day with some of her friends walking in the redwoods. Today was a big hike all the way from Scotts Valley to Felton and back. We round up the crew and head down to Rio Del Mar beach. Monica is a bit concerned about the rip currents down at Manresa, but this beach rocks too. Gabe even spotted a location with an already dug pit. What a big bonus! Of course there’s a bit of territorial posturing as sand is kicked onto each other’s towels. Nick, Charlotte, and I monitor the unfolding action. ...

We’re off to Loch Lomond in Felton today before the rain kicks in later tonight. Valri brought the food and we brought the charcoal. Gordon did an awesome job working the barbecue. Of course Gabe manages to catch a trout almost immediately after casting his line the first time. I’m left with the job of cleaning the fish since he’s now on the picnic menu. Meanwhile I nearly catch Nick in the act of beating a tree with a stick. The park ranger would not be happy. ...

Charlotte didn’t have a big party with a bunch of her friends, but quite a few stopped by the house to drop off presents and wish her the best. The family wished her a happy birthday with presents and her favorite ice cream birthday cake. Thank goodness for Baskin Robbins and Jamoca Almond Fudge!

It’s the big day and it looks like we’re going to be very lucky with the weather. The sun is starting to shine and a full double rainbow is welcoming Gabe to his first day as a nine year old. Monica is busy with some elaborate artwork wishing Gabe a happy birthday and giving directions to our party guests at the same time. The large crowd of very happy boys are immediately attracted to our favorite attraction, the trampoline. I don’t think I’ve ever seen quite so many people on it at the same time before. ...

Today finds the intrepid crew climbing the hills of San Franscisco in the Pacific Heights area. A few photos of some amazingly huge homes and a building where one of Gordon’s friends used to live. Next stop is the always photogenic Palace of Fine Arts and Exploratorium area. Followed by lunch in Chinatown. One last stop at the SFMOMA where Gordon contemplates a very black piece of modern art.

Charlotte, Valri, and Gordon headed up to San Francisco for two days of tourist fun. Today was spent around Fisherman’s Wharf and Ghiradelli Square. The lack of rain this weekend was a very lucky break.

Charlotte optimistically scheduled the first bonfire of the year for tonight down at Rio Del Mar beach. The series of storms making its way through the area didn’t bode well for the event, but we gave it a try anyway. We enjoyed the twilight view from the car while we had a picnic in the car. Paula and Matt stopped by for a few minutes, but no one else seemed crazy enough to give it a try. We stopped by Sea Cliff on the way back to catch the sunset. I think we’ll give it another try sometime in April. ...

Our next stop was in the city of Lucerne. It was much smaller than Bern and quite the beautiful location along the lake. The mountainous backdrop reminded me a bit of Boulder. Of course the expensive shops and five star hotels everywhere are in stark contrast to the feeling in Boulder.

A last minute business trip to Switzerland brings me to the city of Bern. The weather was perfect in contrast to the dire weather predictions, which was quite the pleasure.