David Multer

I really won’t go into the tales of woe regarding our previous bird pets, but Nick sure does love these creatures. Charlotte caught wind of a woman that’s really into birds and had a few she was looking to unload for free. It was too hard to say no, so two more animals join the ranks of the Multer’s pet menagerie. I’m trying really hard to focus on how much the kids love them, and not the crap (literally) they leave all over the house. Gabe and I work them into our castle action figure play. I don’t think they’re going to hold up as well as those plastic figures. ...

It’s birthday time again for David. We did the Chinese food dinner thing this year. The kids really enjoy doing the pu-pu platter. There’s something about food warmed over a nice sterno fire. Back at the house I break open the booty and enjoy cake. I got a bunch of DVDs, books, and those JBL speakers I really wanted. My bro managed to get a pair of them for me as well. Now let me see what else I would love from Amazon.

Charlotte was supposed to head back today, but the weather had a different idea. The storm really hammered the area and left some pretty huge snowdrifts. Gordon breaks out the plow once again.

If you can take the cold, the cross country skiing up north is pretty fantastic. It’s very remote and not too hilly. I wish I was up there with Charlotte. It’s a great way to spend the day together. I don’t think anyone is using the deer blind this time of year, but it’s best if Charlotte moves on before she’s mistaken for Bambi’s mother.

This time Charlotte’s off to Calumet. The roads are looking pretty clear for now, but there’s more storms on the way. Charlotte also spent a lot of time cross country skiing. There aren’t any mushrooms to photograph, but that stump sure looks like a snow mushroom to me.

Charlotte is off to Bootjack again to visit with her parents. Her mom is not doing very well and I’m glad to see Charlotte spending time with them while she can. There’s certainly no shortage of snow or cold this time of year and Gordon has his work cut out for him keeping up with mother nature. I’m sure glad I never have to do this kind of thing in Santa Cruz. ...

Monica’s school class is off to Ano Nuevo today to check out the elephant seals. I’m glad I volunteered to drive on this trip. Turned out to be an amazingly beautiful day. Monica was just getting over a stomach flu, but managed to get up the energy to make the trip. This area of the coast has to be one of the most beautiful there is around Santa Cruz. Plenty of great views from the visitor center before we head out on the hike to the seals. ...

Before heading back home, we make one last tourist stop at Fort Point. Charlotte hasn’t wanted to see this place for some time, and I’m glad we did.It’s a beautiful walk along the bay to the fort. Inside is one amazing fortification. There are all kinds of great cannons, walkways, hidden corners, and tremendous views. Charlotte tries her hand at a few artsy photos as well. I think the archways came out very good. ...

We came back home along the coast as we usually do and stopped at a beach we’ve always skipped. Greyhound Rock has a great trail down the cliff to the water, where you’re rewarded with a fairly quiet and beautiful view. The big elephant seal thought it was a great location as well.

We decided to spend most of the day over at Golden Gate Park today. There’s plenty to do in the park including the arboretum and the Academy of Sciences. It’s a shame about the flash reflection, that big octopus was awesome. On the way back home, we take the most crooked road we could find, Lombard street. Kind of like a roller coaster ride for the kids.