2005

Santa’s got a unique style out here in California. He wears a Christmas color Hawaiian shirt, rides in an outrigger canoe, and his reindeer are surfers. Of course he’s still got the hat, belly, and jolly laugh. Quite a few people show up at Capitola beach for his visit, including Charlotte’s friend Sonia and her family. Doesn’t look like we can expect snow anytime soon. Gordon has a great view of the action from his place. I was out on a ride this morning, but I couldn’t miss swinging by to see Santa and the family. ...

Thanksgiving is over at George’s place this year. Though it’s always a great time of year with family, we’re giving thanks that we’re not cooking the turkey this year. First a little warm up on the trampoline. Though it will be raining tomorrow, today is a great day to spend outdoors. The feast is a real pleasure as always. The kids have a great time together, though they skipped the food throwing from previous years. I’m sure George and Ellen are happy about that. ...

Charlotte and I take Abby along for a hike around Roaring Camp and Henry Cowell. A few beautiful scenes along the way. Last time we hiked, Charlotte was telling me how she always feels like the redwoods are the kind of place where she expects to spot gnomes. I suggest we make a regular effort to place some of her gnome collection in some of her favorite places. Pumpkin gnome is the first to enjoy his new home out in the woods. Hopefully people won’t mess with them, and others can discover and enjoy these pleasant forest dwelling creatures. ...

A terrible accident recently took the life of local skateboarder Eric Costello while he was teaching some kids over at the Scotts Valley skatepark. The community has been pretty shocked by the accident as well. Turns out some local businesses like Sessions talked with Tony Hawk and arranged for him to come out with his crew for a memorial event where everyone could celebrate their love of skateboarding. Gabe was pretty jazzed to check out the legend, and it’s a fantastic day to enjoy outside. ...

I’ve joined the usual lunchtime crew of Gordon, Charlotte, and Valri over at Aldo’s in the harbor. It’s such a fantastic day for enjoying the weather and the view. The food used to be just okay, but the location more than made up for it. Now they’ve got a whole new menu and the food is really excellent. I think this might be my new favorite place for lunch now.

We headed home from the zoo along the coast. It’s a longer drive, but it sure is a whole lot nicer. We stopped at Fitzgerald Marine Reserve in Moss Landing and was treated to an incredibly low tide. The tide pools are probably the best anywhere along the coast. The cold and foggy wind was really blowing today.

We had so much fun in Chinatown last weekend for Monica’s birthday, that we got to the zoo too late to walk around. We’re back to San Francisco, and this time we’re here early. Early enough Charlotte needs a coffee to get jump started. We saw a few of these very cool looking fungi. The primate section is always depressing looking to me. I love having the opportunity to see these amazing animals, but they are way too human to be anything but free. ...

We don’t get a lot of stormy weather around here. Most of the time it’s sunny skies, and in the winter it’s just gray and rainy on some days. Today we’ve had a few storm fronts blow through, but this one at sunset has to take the cake.

Charlotte and Valri are out with Gordon for a trip down to Moss Landing for his birthday. Some nice shots on the beach followed by the usual excellent lunch over at Phil’s.

We’re off to Chinatown in San Francisco today because it’s Monica’s birthday and that’s what she wants. And since she’s formally a teenager now, we have to do everything she wants. And today that means Dim Sum for lunch. Then a chance to pose with a collection of Peking duck. Followed by an endless procession of tourist shops in Chinatown. And plenty of wondering the streets of San Francisco. ...