2002

Monica wanted to do a road trip to Yosemite for her birthday. We headed out Friday night and got at the Tenaya Lodge late that evening. First thing in the morning we headed into the park. We first stopped at the Mariposa Grove to check out the big Sequoia trees. We often visit the big redwood trees at Henry Cowell in Santa Cruz. We stopped for the first big view of the valley. You come out of a tunnel and get blown away by the scene. No matter how many times we’ve been to Yosemite, it’s always amazing. ...

Monica’s class went on a field trip to the [UCSC Long Marine Lab] (https://seymourcenter.ucsc.edu) today. The Seymour Discovery Center is like a tiny Monterey Bay Aquarium, but more focused on the work the scientist’s do at the lab. It’s a great location and always a great trip. Here’s Monica’s class assembled out front waiting for the tour to start. Since I did this trip last year, I’m free to roam around the area while the kids learn all about the lab. It’s a tremendous day outside and it’s nice to enjoy the view. I sure do love living on the bay. ...

School is over for the day, and now it’s time to play trick or treat in the neighborhood. Nick went for the scary mask this year, rather than the skeleton outfit. He’s finally outgrown it and it’s time to pass on the tradition to Gabe. Monica chose some type of spider woman outfit. I think she’s still hot on that look since playing the spider in the school play James and the Giant Peach. Charlotte and I load them up in the car and head over to aunt Valri’s house to hook up with their cousins. ...

It’s not quite Halloween, but it is time for some scary skating. They’re having a free school night at the roller rink in Scotts Valley and everyone gets dressed up. The thought of all those kids attracted by free skating for this one night only, is all the scaring I need. Gabe and Monica are very excited about going, and I’m thankful my awesome wife is willing to take them. ...

Charlotte has been looking forward to selling her wares at the church craft fair this weekend. Manufacturing kicked into full swing in preparation for the event. Plenty of bath salts, essential oils, and a whole collection of eye pillows and such. We’re not quite sure what will sell best. Charlotte got a table way in the back, but we’re hoping the fragrance will draw them in. Monica is spending most of the day with her mom to help out. Everything sure looks good. Her neighbors are sporting quite a few crosses. ...

My worst fears were realized this morning. I had a good run of luck catching raccoons, but I finally caught what I didn’t want to catch. Now I have to figure out what to do with this stinky creature. I won’t go into detail on the unfortunate series of events that followed, but let’s just say I spent the rest of the day dealing with this mess. In the end, I got rid of the skunk and traded it for a very smelly sauna. I think I’ll take a break from catching the local wildlife for a little while.

Today is Nick’s birthday, so again it’s time to beat an animal filled with candy, eat cake, and open presents. Nick normally loves birds, but I won’t tell. Everybody gets a turn, but this bird turns out to be especially tough. Eventually the humans triumph and the frenzy to grab candy begins. We take the head of the bird as a trophy. While Abby wonders why she didn’t get a turn. ...

Santa Cruz is home to quite a few artists. Every year they put on an Open Studios tour where local artists open their studios to the public. There’s quite a wide variety of art to suit every taste. My wife’s sister, Valri Peyser, was admitted into this select club for the first time this year. Her new studio was a recent addition to their house and gives her a ton of room to work. Her style is very colorful as you can clearly see. She works on canvas and sometimes glass. She’s done a quite a few painted glass lamps that make great night lights. ...

I finally got fed up with the raccoons. The little buggers were drawn in by the cat food we leave out for our two cats. Of course they also take every opportunity they can to get into our trash cans as well. It started as just one or two of the beasts, but lately I’ve discovered they’ve got 3 or more little ones. With one or two, I was happy to keep up with securing the trash can and always remembering to bring in leftover cat food. Now with a whole family, they seem to insist on searching out every nook and cranny hoping to find a treat. They also have this new habit of walking up the side of my white house and leaving it covered with tons of dirty little paw prints. ...

Charlotte, Valri, and Karen have been making regular visits to see their parents while Charlotte hasn’t been feeling well. The weather is definitely cooling off up north, but fall is a very beautiful time of year. Here the girls are hanging out with Gordon by the lake and on the dock. Charlotte manages to find herself a little frog. Gabe and the rest of the kids will certainly be jealous. ...