Sharon took Jack to the March meeting of his Cub Scout den at Lichtenberger Park. All eight of the boys in the den showed up. They worked on the requirements for their athlete activity badge.
Monday, March 31, 2008
2008 Spring Training Photo Album
You can find a photo album with the photos and their captions at:
http://picasaweb.google.com/heringermr/SpringTraining2008
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Shopping for a New Car
My vehicle at this point is a 1998 Ford Explorer with 218,000 miles. Sharon bought it in January of 1999 while Wallen and I were in Washington DC visiting Nooter. At the time, Jack was 4 months old. Although it has become a game to see how many miles I can drive it, we have started to shop for a replacement.
I am leaning towards getting a hybrid SUV. We are focusing on the Toyota Highlander, Lexus RX 400h, the Ford Escape and the Chevy Tahoe. We took the Toyota Highlander Hybrid for a short test drive this afternoon. I was more impressed with it than I expected. It feels very solid, but also a lot heavier than the Explorer. The inside is bigger than I expected it to be.
I am leaning towards getting a hybrid SUV. We are focusing on the Toyota Highlander, Lexus RX 400h, the Ford Escape and the Chevy Tahoe. We took the Toyota Highlander Hybrid for a short test drive this afternoon. I was more impressed with it than I expected. It feels very solid, but also a lot heavier than the Explorer. The inside is bigger than I expected it to be.
Impromptu Dinner Party
With Drew and several of his friends in town to record at Paradise Studio on Monday and Tuesday, Sharon decided to throw together a dinner for them. Sharon made a great salad of tomatoes, mozzarella cheese and basil. We barbecued some steaks, baked some potatoes and cooked some asparagus coated with Panko. Dinner included a great bottle of Robert Sinskey Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Vandal Vineyard) 2004. We finished the evening with a variety of after dinner drinks in the kitchen.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
2008 Soaring Eagle District Pinewood Derby
Jack and I went to the Soaring Eagle District Cub Scout Pinewood Derby competition. Unfortunately, the person that was supposed to bring the cars for our pack failed to show up. As a result, Jack and the other boys did not have their cars and could not compete.
Friday, March 28, 2008
2008 Kings versus Wizards
Drew, Max and I went to the Sacramento Kings versus Washington Wizards basketball game. The Kings lost by a score of 114 to 108.
Leading 70 to 58 halfway through the third quarter, the Kings fell apart. By the end of the third quarter, the Wizards led by a score of 82 to 79.
Former King Daruis Songaila scored 7 points in the last 59 seconds to seal the victory for the Wizards.
Both Artest and Martin played well. Ron Artest had 28 points for the Kings on 10 for 22 from the field and 7 for 7 from free throw line. Kevin Martin 25 points on 6 for 11 from the field and 12 for 14 from the charity line.
Leading 70 to 58 halfway through the third quarter, the Kings fell apart. By the end of the third quarter, the Wizards led by a score of 82 to 79.
Former King Daruis Songaila scored 7 points in the last 59 seconds to seal the victory for the Wizards.
Both Artest and Martin played well. Ron Artest had 28 points for the Kings on 10 for 22 from the field and 7 for 7 from free throw line. Kevin Martin 25 points on 6 for 11 from the field and 12 for 14 from the charity line.
2008 AAA Baseball Game #1
In a light rain, Jack played in his first game of the 2008 baseball season against the Red Sox. He moved up from AA last year to AAA this year. It is going to be more of a challenge; he is by far the smallest kid on his team.
Jack went 0 for 3 at the plate. He struck out the first two times up. In his third at bat, Jack grounded to the right side of the infield and was just barely out at first on a fielder's choice.
Jack played shortstop for five innings. He made a couple of good plays in the field. In the first inning, he was in the middle of a triple play. Jack also made a great play on a grounder hit sharply at him.
The Padres lost by a score of 7 to 4; their record for the season is 0 wins and 1 loss.
Jack went 0 for 3 at the plate. He struck out the first two times up. In his third at bat, Jack grounded to the right side of the infield and was just barely out at first on a fielder's choice.
Jack played shortstop for five innings. He made a couple of good plays in the field. In the first inning, he was in the middle of a triple play. Jack also made a great play on a grounder hit sharply at him.
The Padres lost by a score of 7 to 4; their record for the season is 0 wins and 1 loss.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Skiing at Tahoe Donner
With Jack out of school this week for spring break, Sharon and her brother Tom took Eric, Erin and Jack skiing at the Tahoe Donner Ski Resort.
After spending the day skiing, they headed to Reno and checked into the Eldorado.
They had dinner at Louis’ Basque Corner. I am pretty sure that I have been there once for pecan punches and dinner with Bowley more than 25 years ago!
After spending the day skiing, they headed to Reno and checked into the Eldorado.
They had dinner at Louis’ Basque Corner. I am pretty sure that I have been there once for pecan punches and dinner with Bowley more than 25 years ago!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
More Shows
From: Andrew Heringer
Date: Wed, Mar 26, 2008 at 12:18 PM
Subject: More Shows!
Hello There,
I have some more shows lined up. they are as follows:
* = full band
California
*april 4th - sacramento - luna's cafe - 9pm - $6
april 9th - san luis obispo - frog and peach - 9:30 pm
april 10th - san luis obispo - farmer's market - 6:30 pm
*april 11th - monterey -The Black Box Cabaret - 9 pm
april 12th - folsom - it's a grind coffeehouse - 7pm
april 13th - novato - living room set - time tba
april 15th - los angeles - room 5 - 8 pm - $6
april 18th - monterey - east village coffee lounge - 8pm
New York
*may 8th - new york city - rockwood music hall - 7pm - 21 +
*may 11th - new york city - pianos - 10pm
Oregon
*may 17th - eugene - willamette valley music festival - FREE
send me an email if you have any questions about any of the shows. i have more shows posted thru August at andrewheringer.com
the full band will be getting together to record next week at Paradise Studios in sacramento.
we are going to set up, record everything at the same time and have fun with some of the songs you heard us play on the last tour. we are not sure what will come out of the recordings but i'll definitely let you know if it turns out well.
Thanks,
- Andrew D. Heringer
Date: Wed, Mar 26, 2008 at 12:18 PM
Subject: More Shows!
Hello There,
I have some more shows lined up. they are as follows:
* = full band
California
*april 4th - sacramento - luna's cafe - 9pm - $6
april 9th - san luis obispo - frog and peach - 9:30 pm
april 10th - san luis obispo - farmer's market - 6:30 pm
*april 11th - monterey -The Black Box Cabaret - 9 pm
april 12th - folsom - it's a grind coffeehouse - 7pm
april 13th - novato - living room set - time tba
april 15th - los angeles - room 5 - 8 pm - $6
april 18th - monterey - east village coffee lounge - 8pm
New York
*may 8th - new york city - rockwood music hall - 7pm - 21 +
*may 11th - new york city - pianos - 10pm
Oregon
*may 17th - eugene - willamette valley music festival - FREE
send me an email if you have any questions about any of the shows. i have more shows posted thru August at andrewheringer.com
the full band will be getting together to record next week at Paradise Studios in sacramento.
we are going to set up, record everything at the same time and have fun with some of the songs you heard us play on the last tour. we are not sure what will come out of the recordings but i'll definitely let you know if it turns out well.
Thanks,
- Andrew D. Heringer
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Hayden House
National Register of Historic Places #1984000173
See this location on Yahoo Maps in Flickr
See this location on Google Maps
This historic place is located at 3 West 1st Street in Tempe in the county of Maricopa, Arizona. The GPS coordinates for this location are N 33° 25.763 W 111° 56.413.
You can log your vist to this site at waymarking.com.
Tempe founder Charles Trumbull Hayden built a house of willow poles on this site in 1871 and erected an adobe home, store and blacksmith shop during the next two years. He married Sallie Davis in Visalia, California, and brought her here in 1876. Their son Carl, who served in the U.S. Congress for 57 years, was born here in 1877. Tempe's oldest building, which later housed the Hayden Hotel and Monti's Casa Vieja Restaurant, once was a rally place for Sallie Hayden's Tempe Suffragettes.
Monday, March 24, 2008
2008 Spring Training Day 5
With most of the group catching very early flights back to California, I purposely planned a more leisurely day. Jack and I slept in, I ran on the treadmill and we had a light breakfast at the hotel.
After checking out of the room, we went into downtown Tempe and wandered around. We located one Arizona Historical Marker and spent some time in Borders finding a book for Jack to read on the flight home.
From there, we headed to the airport and dropped off the rental car. We had an uneventful flight back and were in Sacramento before 4:00 p.m. Sharon picked us up at the airport.
After checking out of the room, we went into downtown Tempe and wandered around. We located one Arizona Historical Marker and spent some time in Borders finding a book for Jack to read on the flight home.
From there, we headed to the airport and dropped off the rental car. We had an uneventful flight back and were in Sacramento before 4:00 p.m. Sharon picked us up at the airport.
Site of Hayden's Ferry
Arizona Historical Marker
See this location on Yahoo Maps in Flickr
See this location on Google Maps
This marker is located at 3 West 1st Street in Tempe, Arizona. The GPS coordinates for this location are N 33° 25.763 W 111° 56.413.
You can log your visit to this landmark at waymark.com.
200 feet northeast of this marker
Established in 1871 when the Salt River was a flowing stream and a barrier to travel, the ferry was held on course by a wire cable taut across the river. It was an important link in settling the Southwest.
Built and operated by Charles Trumbull Hayden who established the first flour mill in the Salt River Valley.
La Casa Vieja built in 1871 was the Hayden home.
Daughters of the American Revolution
1964
Sunday, March 23, 2008
2008 Spring Training Day 4 and Easter 2008
When the planning for the this year's Spring Training trip started, I failed to realize this was Easter. It was not until after we had brought the tickets for the games and plane tickets did we realize that it was Easter weekend.
I got Jack up a little after 6:00 a.m. and we went to Mass at Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
Afterwards, we met up with the group and had breakfast at Harlow's Cafe. Carol found this restaurant a couple of years ago and we have been making it an annual stop ever since.
The schedule for the day called for us to see the Texas Rangers play the San Francisco Giants at Surprise. We were short one ticket for the day. Consequently, Wallen, Bill, Jack and I headed to the staduim early to buy another ticket. After buying the ticket, we watched the Giants take batting practice. We ended up with a couple of baseballs. Jack was able to get a ball signed by Erick Threets, a Giant's pitcher who was shagging balls in the outfield.
I had forgotten how nice the Surprise ball park is. It is probably my second favorite Arizona venue, behind only Maryvale.
We got to see Tim Lincecum pitch for the Giants. He pitched pretty well, but the Giants ended up losing by a score of 5 to 2.
After the game, we headed back to the hotel and hung out around the pool for the first time on the trip. For dinner, Wallen wanted to go back to the Italian restaurant that we went to last year, but it was closed. We headed into downtown Scottsdale and had dinner at the Italian Grotto.
With a number of people flying out very early in the morning (Wallen was planning to get up at 4 a.m.!), it was a fairly early night. I got Jack back to the room and in bed before 10 p.m.
I got Jack up a little after 6:00 a.m. and we went to Mass at Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
Afterwards, we met up with the group and had breakfast at Harlow's Cafe. Carol found this restaurant a couple of years ago and we have been making it an annual stop ever since.
The schedule for the day called for us to see the Texas Rangers play the San Francisco Giants at Surprise. We were short one ticket for the day. Consequently, Wallen, Bill, Jack and I headed to the staduim early to buy another ticket. After buying the ticket, we watched the Giants take batting practice. We ended up with a couple of baseballs. Jack was able to get a ball signed by Erick Threets, a Giant's pitcher who was shagging balls in the outfield.
I had forgotten how nice the Surprise ball park is. It is probably my second favorite Arizona venue, behind only Maryvale.
We got to see Tim Lincecum pitch for the Giants. He pitched pretty well, but the Giants ended up losing by a score of 5 to 2.
After the game, we headed back to the hotel and hung out around the pool for the first time on the trip. For dinner, Wallen wanted to go back to the Italian restaurant that we went to last year, but it was closed. We headed into downtown Scottsdale and had dinner at the Italian Grotto.
With a number of people flying out very early in the morning (Wallen was planning to get up at 4 a.m.!), it was a fairly early night. I got Jack back to the room and in bed before 10 p.m.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
2008 Spring Training Day 3
For years, Wallen and I have run together on this and other trips. Leaving Jack at the pool with Bob and Bill, Wallen and I had a solid morning run. We ran around the outside of the ASU Campus, up to the top of Hayden Butte, along the shore of Tempe Town Lake and back up Rural Road to the hotel. In total, we covered just shy of 5 miles in 49 minutes including walking the last part of the climb to Hayden Butte.
After a quick bit to eat, we headed to the Peoria Sports Complex to see the Mariners play the Rangers. It is about a 45 minute drive from where we are staying. The Rangers won by a score of 8 to 5.
After the dinner, we headed to Doug and Sue's for dinner. They live in Glendale about ten miles from the Peoria ball park and invited everyone over for a barbecue after the game. Wallen and I played rugby with Doug in college. Although I have seen Doug a number of times over the years, I have not seen his wife Sue in more than 25 years.
They have a beautiful home along a golf course. While Jack and Pete went fishing with a neighbor, we hung out in the backyard. The temperature was perfect; the weather is one of the reasons that I continue to make the trip to Spring Training.
We finished the evening watching the NCAA basketball tournament and then the last half of the Suns versus Rockets. By the time, we drove back to the hotel and I got Jack to bed it was late...
After a quick bit to eat, we headed to the Peoria Sports Complex to see the Mariners play the Rangers. It is about a 45 minute drive from where we are staying. The Rangers won by a score of 8 to 5.
After the dinner, we headed to Doug and Sue's for dinner. They live in Glendale about ten miles from the Peoria ball park and invited everyone over for a barbecue after the game. Wallen and I played rugby with Doug in college. Although I have seen Doug a number of times over the years, I have not seen his wife Sue in more than 25 years.
They have a beautiful home along a golf course. While Jack and Pete went fishing with a neighbor, we hung out in the backyard. The temperature was perfect; the weather is one of the reasons that I continue to make the trip to Spring Training.
We finished the evening watching the NCAA basketball tournament and then the last half of the Suns versus Rockets. By the time, we drove back to the hotel and I got Jack to bed it was late...
Friday, March 21, 2008
2008 Spring Training Day 2
When we were at Spring Training last year, I started pushing the idea of a day trip to Tucson. The idea caught on and we ended up getting tickets to see the Diamondbacks versus the Dodgers at Tucson Electric Park for Friday. It is about a two hour drive south from Phoenix to Tuscon.
Jack and I took off early ahead of the group. We took a side trip to the San Xavier del Bac Mission. This historic Spanish Catholic mission is located about 10 miles south of Tucson. It was mentioned in the book Death comes to the Archbishop that I read last summer and was part of the Santa Fe Diocese in the 1850s.
Jack and I toured the church and then climbed the hill near the the mission. At the top, there was a roadrunner about five feet from us. It stood and watched us for a long time before gliding away. Jack got the biggest kick out of seeing the roadrunner and talked about it the rest of the day.
After the mission, we met up with everyone at the park. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that Randy Johnson was pitching for the Diamonds. The Diamondbacks rallied to win the game by the score of 8 to 7.
Much to Jack's delight, I ended up catching a t-shirt that was thrown in the stands. We were sitting down the first base line in prime foul ball country. Towards the end of the game, a ball was fouled off straight at us. Wallen dived out of the way and it slammed into the seat that he was in.
We headed back to the Phoenix and finished the evening walking to Three Margaritas for dinner.
Jack and I took off early ahead of the group. We took a side trip to the San Xavier del Bac Mission. This historic Spanish Catholic mission is located about 10 miles south of Tucson. It was mentioned in the book Death comes to the Archbishop that I read last summer and was part of the Santa Fe Diocese in the 1850s.
Jack and I toured the church and then climbed the hill near the the mission. At the top, there was a roadrunner about five feet from us. It stood and watched us for a long time before gliding away. Jack got the biggest kick out of seeing the roadrunner and talked about it the rest of the day.
After the mission, we met up with everyone at the park. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that Randy Johnson was pitching for the Diamonds. The Diamondbacks rallied to win the game by the score of 8 to 7.
Much to Jack's delight, I ended up catching a t-shirt that was thrown in the stands. We were sitting down the first base line in prime foul ball country. Towards the end of the game, a ball was fouled off straight at us. Wallen dived out of the way and it slammed into the seat that he was in.
We headed back to the Phoenix and finished the evening walking to Three Margaritas for dinner.
San Xavier del Bac Mission
National Register of Historic Places #1966000191
See this location on Yahoo Maps in Flickr
See this location on Google Maps
This historic place is located at 1950 West San Xavier Road in the city of Tucson in the county of Pima, Arizona. The GPS coordinates for this location are N 32° 06.413 W 111° 00.477.
You can log your vist to this site at waymarking.com.
Mission San Xavier del Bac was founded by the Jesuit missionary, Fr. Euseblo Kino in 1692. It formed the extreme northern thrust of Nueva Espana.
The present structure is the third, perhaps the fourth, church on the site. Consecrated by Franciscans, it was begun in 1783 and completed in 1797. One of the finest Spanish Colonial churches in the country, it is a graceful blend of Moorish, Byzantine and late Mexican Renaissance architecture.
After more than two hundred years, San Xavier del Bac Mission is a fully functioning parish church within the Diocese of Tucson.
View Larger Map
Pima County Arizona Historic Places
Pima County, Arizona
{GPS Coordinates of Site Location}
1966000191 San Xavier del Bac Mission - [map] - {32.106889,-111.007953}
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Spring Training 2008 Day 1
For the third year in a row, Jack and I headed to Spring Training in Arizona. Previously, we have done it as a three day, two night sprint: flying in early in the morning; watching a game later in the day; watching a second game on day two; watching a third game on day three; and, then flying home after the third game. I decided this year to make it a more relaxed trip. We are still going to see three games, but we are going to spent five days and four nights.
Jack and I caught a mid day flight from Sacramento to Phoenix. Although a little late taking off, it was an uneventful trip. We met Wallen at the rental car terminal, picked up the rental car and headed to the hotel. The entertainment for the afternoon was Wallen getting mad at me for following the GPS to the hotel, rather than listening to his directions. The GPS dropped us right into rush hour traffic.
After checking into the hotel, the group gathered in one of the rooms to watch the NCAA tournament. This year's group includes Wallen, his brother Bob, his brother Bill, his niece Jenny, Dennis, Palmer, Ward, Jack and I. Doug, a friend of Wallen's and mine from college who lives in Phoenix, and his friend Bob have also become a regular part of the group over the last couple of years. They typically join us for a couple of evenings and at least one of the games.
We finished up the night walking to the Four Peaks Brewery for dinner.
Jack and I caught a mid day flight from Sacramento to Phoenix. Although a little late taking off, it was an uneventful trip. We met Wallen at the rental car terminal, picked up the rental car and headed to the hotel. The entertainment for the afternoon was Wallen getting mad at me for following the GPS to the hotel, rather than listening to his directions. The GPS dropped us right into rush hour traffic.
After checking into the hotel, the group gathered in one of the rooms to watch the NCAA tournament. This year's group includes Wallen, his brother Bob, his brother Bill, his niece Jenny, Dennis, Palmer, Ward, Jack and I. Doug, a friend of Wallen's and mine from college who lives in Phoenix, and his friend Bob have also become a regular part of the group over the last couple of years. They typically join us for a couple of evenings and at least one of the games.
We finished up the night walking to the Four Peaks Brewery for dinner.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
back from the Microsoft Briefing Center
We spent a second long day at the Microsoft Executive Briefing Center in Redmond. The agenda included: Microsoft Technology Roadmap; Office 2007 System and Business Process Integration; Connecting Organizations; Software Assurance Value Briefing; Unified Communications Overview; Microsoft’s Virtualization Overview; Enterprise Client Access License; and a tour of The Microsoft Center for Information.
We had a late flight back to Sacramento. After loading us on the plane, they found a problem with the back-up altimeter. They eventually decided to board us on another plane. By the time I got home, it was after 1:00 a.m.
I am still working to try and identify some key things from the briefing that I can incorporate into my world view.
We had a late flight back to Sacramento. After loading us on the plane, they found a problem with the back-up altimeter. They eventually decided to board us on another plane. By the time I got home, it was after 1:00 a.m.
I am still working to try and identify some key things from the briefing that I can incorporate into my world view.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
to the Microsoft Executive Briefing Center
Randy, Steve, Matthew, Brian, Lew, Kristen and I traveled to Redmond to meet with Microsoft at their Executive Briefing Center. The agenda for the afternoon included Microsoft in Health and Microsoft's Provider Industry Solutions Focus. After a quick trip to the Microsoft store, the presentations continued over dinner. One of the MD's working for Microsoft outlined some of their vision of the future and talked about their heatlh care products.
When I attend these types of vendor briefings, I try to find one nugget of information that I can incorporate into my thinking. Sitting here at the end of the day, I am struggling to find that nugget in today's presentations.
When I attend these types of vendor briefings, I try to find one nugget of information that I can incorporate into my thinking. Sitting here at the end of the day, I am struggling to find that nugget in today's presentations.
Monday, March 17, 2008
California Historical Landmark #812
You can log your visit to this landmark at waymark.com.
Founded in December 1848 by John A. Sutter, Jr., Sacramento was an outgrowth of Sutter's Fort established by his father, Captain John A. Sutter, in 1839. State capital since 1854, during the gold rush it was a major distribution point, a commercial and agricultural center, and terminus for wagon train, stagecoach, riverboat, telegraph, pony express, and the first transcontinental railroad.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
2008 Kings versus Raptors
Jack and I went to the Sacramento Kings versus Toronto Raptors basketball game. Although they tried to give the game away, the Kings edged the Raptors by the score of 106 to 100.
With the Kings leading 48 to 33 with 4:22 left in the 2nd quarter, the Raptors went on a 16 to 5 run to close the gap to 53 to 48 at half-time. The Kings fell behind by the score of 56 to 55 with 8:48 to go in the third quarter. It was pretty close the rest of the game. The Kings would open a small lead and the Raptors would climb back into the game. With 0:22 left in the game, the Kings led by the score of 99 to 96.
Kevin Martin scored 32 points on 9 for 21 from the field and 2 for 3 from three point range. Artest had 19 points on 8 for 15 from the field, 10 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals.
We were dissappointed that Chris Bosh did not play for the Raptors. He is out with a knee injury.
Although the attendance was announced at 13,963, it had to be one of the smallest crowds I have seen in Arco Arena in 20 plus years. My guess is that the actual number of people in the stands was less than 10,000.
With the Kings leading 48 to 33 with 4:22 left in the 2nd quarter, the Raptors went on a 16 to 5 run to close the gap to 53 to 48 at half-time. The Kings fell behind by the score of 56 to 55 with 8:48 to go in the third quarter. It was pretty close the rest of the game. The Kings would open a small lead and the Raptors would climb back into the game. With 0:22 left in the game, the Kings led by the score of 99 to 96.
Kevin Martin scored 32 points on 9 for 21 from the field and 2 for 3 from three point range. Artest had 19 points on 8 for 15 from the field, 10 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals.
We were dissappointed that Chris Bosh did not play for the Raptors. He is out with a knee injury.
Although the attendance was announced at 13,963, it had to be one of the smallest crowds I have seen in Arco Arena in 20 plus years. My guess is that the actual number of people in the stands was less than 10,000.
California Capital Airshow
Jack and I went with Phil and Tim to the California Capital Airshow. We spent a couple of hours wandering through the statics displays, watching some of the aerial performances and getting something to eat.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
A Movie and Dinner
Leaving Jack with a sitter, we went out on a date. Looking for a light comedy, Sharon picked Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day at the Tower Theater. Sharon did not think much of the movie. About half way through, she started complaining about how slow the movie was. As we were leaving, Sharon said "well that was a wasted hour and a half." She rated it 4 1/2 on a scale of 10. Given how few movies we see in the theater, we clearly could have made a better choice.
We made a better choice for dinner. We went to the Maritime Seafood & Grill in Carmichael. Set in an odd location in a strip mall on Fair Oaks, we enjoyed the dinner and the atmosphere. Coupled with a nice bottle of Williamette Pinot Noir, Sharon had rabbit, while I had duck. This is definitely some place where we would return and recommend to others.
We made a better choice for dinner. We went to the Maritime Seafood & Grill in Carmichael. Set in an odd location in a strip mall on Fair Oaks, we enjoyed the dinner and the atmosphere. Coupled with a nice bottle of Williamette Pinot Noir, Sharon had rabbit, while I had duck. This is definitely some place where we would return and recommend to others.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Blue Angels
My lunchtime run follows a bike path around the east side of the Mather Airport.
With the Capitol Airshow this weekend, the Blue Angels were out practicing their maneuvers back and forth over the base while I was running on both Thursday and Friday; I had a great view. Several times, they came back over base as a group right on top of me.
Last year, I saw the Thunderbirds practicing. To my untrained eye, the Blue Angels were much more impressive. They were flying together in much tighter formations and several of their passes included formations with two of the fighters inverted.
According to Wikipedia, 262 pilots have flown in the Blue Angels since their inception. 26 Blue Angels pilots have been killed in air show or training accidents giving the job a 10% fatality rate!
With the Capitol Airshow this weekend, the Blue Angels were out practicing their maneuvers back and forth over the base while I was running on both Thursday and Friday; I had a great view. Several times, they came back over base as a group right on top of me.
Last year, I saw the Thunderbirds practicing. To my untrained eye, the Blue Angels were much more impressive. They were flying together in much tighter formations and several of their passes included formations with two of the fighters inverted.
According to Wikipedia, 262 pilots have flown in the Blue Angels since their inception. 26 Blue Angels pilots have been killed in air show or training accidents giving the job a 10% fatality rate!
Thursday, March 13, 2008
March 2008 Cub Scout Pack Meeting
Jack and I went to the March 2008 meeting of his Cub Scout Pack. The main part of the program was the Arrow of Light ceremony for the Webelos 2's. This is the rite marking the passing of the boys from cub scouts to boy scouts. The pack had four boys moving on to boy scouts.
Afterwards, there was the presentation of a number of awards. Jack got archery and BB gun belt loops and a patch for participating in the pinewood derby. He also got his pinewood derby trophies for finishing 1st in his den and 3rd in the pack.
Finally, there was a Father-Son Cake Bake Competition. The cakes are judged for the best design. We did not place. The winning cake in Jack's den was in a shape of a campfire. Frankly, we had thrown a cake together at the last minute, while some of the other cakes were engineering marvels. Nevertheless, you could donate your cake for everyone to eat at the end of pack meeting. Probably due to the fact that it was a chocolate cake with chocolate icing, our cake was almost completely eaten!
Afterwards, there was the presentation of a number of awards. Jack got archery and BB gun belt loops and a patch for participating in the pinewood derby. He also got his pinewood derby trophies for finishing 1st in his den and 3rd in the pack.
Finally, there was a Father-Son Cake Bake Competition. The cakes are judged for the best design. We did not place. The winning cake in Jack's den was in a shape of a campfire. Frankly, we had thrown a cake together at the last minute, while some of the other cakes were engineering marvels. Nevertheless, you could donate your cake for everyone to eat at the end of pack meeting. Probably due to the fact that it was a chocolate cake with chocolate icing, our cake was almost completely eaten!
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
2008 Financial Plan
Sharon and I met for lunch at Danielle's Creperie. Afterwards, we sat down with our financial planner, Adam Andelin, to review the annual update to our financial plan. This is something that we started in 2002. Although I was originally skeptical of the idea, I have been extremely pleased with the results.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Song for 1963
As a kid my parents had a pile of record albums that they bought as a series. One of the albums was military songs. I can remember taking this album to school when I was in the second grade. My favorite song on the album was the Marine Crops Hymn.
The song for 1963 is the Marine Crops Hymn.
You can find the work in progress Soundtrack for My Life here!
What is this?
The song for 1963 is the Marine Crops Hymn.
You can find the work in progress Soundtrack for My Life here!
What is this?
NBA Power Rankings 2007-2008 Week 19
The Kings remained at 17th in Marc Stein's NBA Power Rankings.
It is hard for me to believe that this team has beaten Detroit twice, Utah twice, Lakers, San Antonio, Orlando, Dallas, Houston and New Orleans while losing to the Clippers three times, Minnesota twice, Seattle, Miami and Memphis.
It is hard for me to believe that this team has beaten Detroit twice, Utah twice, Lakers, San Antonio, Orlando, Dallas, Houston and New Orleans while losing to the Clippers three times, Minnesota twice, Seattle, Miami and Memphis.
ESPN - NBA Basketball Power Rankings - National Basketball Association - The Kings nearly became the first team all season to lose to Miami twice. Then they did lose in OT on the road to the Clips and at home (gulp) to Minny. So, no, we sure didn't see that road win over the Lakers coming.
Monday, March 10, 2008
California Historical Landmark #596
California State Historical Landmark #596
See this location on Yahoo Maps in Flickr
See this location on Google Maps
This landmark is located at 1015-17 Front Street, Sacramento, California. There are 57 other California State Historical Landmarks in Sacramento County. The GPS coordinates for this location are N 38° 34.965 W 121° 30.345.
You can log your visit to this landmark at waymark.com.
This is the site of the store and home of Newton Booth, Governor of California 1871-1873 and U.S. Senator 1873-1879.
Sunday, March 09, 2008
El Retiro San Inigo 2008
Sharon, Janie, Tom and Becky spent the weekend at El Retiro San Inigo, the Jesuit Retreat House of Los Altos. They attended a silent retreat for members of the legal profession; this year's session was titled "Raising the Bar." Sharon has gone to this retreat every year since 1994, except the year after Jack was born.
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Training for Sutter's Fort Environmental Living Program
Up early, I checked out of the Hyatt and dragged myself to Sutter's Fort. I spent the morning being trained about the covered wagon for the Sutter's Fort Environmental Living Program. This is a special program that allows California school children to “live” history. The students, along with their teacher and trained parent helpers, spend 24 hours portraying characters of 1840s California and partaking in the various trade activities and entertainment of the era.
Jack's class is going to participate in the program next month and I am going to be one of the trained parent helpers.
Jack's class is going to participate in the program next month and I am going to be one of the trained parent helpers.
Friday, March 07, 2008
2008 Service Awards Banquet
I attended the 2008 SHSS Service Awards Banquet at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Sacramento. With Sharon out of town, I parked Jack for the night with one of his classmates and got a room at the Hyatt. I sat with the Gainsley's and the Sleigh's at dinner. As part of the program, I got up and presented four 20 year service awards [Gasper, Jugoz, Lemire and Payton].
Afterwards, Kevin, Donna, Rudy, Liz, Lew and I adjourned to the bar. By the time I got back to my room, it was almost 1:00 a.m.
Walking from my hotel room to the registration desk at the beginning of the evening, I had the oddest experience. I found myself walking behind a group of people that I have known for more than 25 years and worked with in a previous life. For a moment, I found myself confused about what meeting I was going to!
It turned out that the Sacramento Valley Farm Credit Annual Meeting was in the ballroom next to our awards banquet. Sacramento Valley Farm Credit was a client of Sharon's for a number of years after she left the bank and we had attended the annual meeting on a couple of occasions. I stopped briefly and said hello to Randy Patane and Gary Olsen and their wives. I thought I might try and catch up with them later in the evening, but never got the chance.
Afterwards, Kevin, Donna, Rudy, Liz, Lew and I adjourned to the bar. By the time I got back to my room, it was almost 1:00 a.m.
Walking from my hotel room to the registration desk at the beginning of the evening, I had the oddest experience. I found myself walking behind a group of people that I have known for more than 25 years and worked with in a previous life. For a moment, I found myself confused about what meeting I was going to!
It turned out that the Sacramento Valley Farm Credit Annual Meeting was in the ballroom next to our awards banquet. Sacramento Valley Farm Credit was a client of Sharon's for a number of years after she left the bank and we had attended the annual meeting on a couple of occasions. I stopped briefly and said hello to Randy Patane and Gary Olsen and their wives. I thought I might try and catch up with them later in the evening, but never got the chance.
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Apple TV 2.0
Running on the treadmill, I watched Zoolander on Apple TV. The Apple TV was upgraded in February with a number of new features including support for movie rentals, HD content and the ability to directly download content. The new features work great. The major drawback at this point is the number of movies in the iTunes store.
Second time around: a review of the Apple TV 2.0
Blame the studios for iTunes movie delays
Blame the studios for iTunes movie delays
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Song for 1964
My parents had some friends Les and Mabel Schneiber who farmed in District 10 North of Marysville. They had three boys who were 8 to 10 years older than I was. I can remember being at their house and the boys were talking excitedly about the Beatles appearing on the Ed Sullivan Show. Later that night, I watched one of the first appearances of the Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show with them.
The Beatles first live American television appearance was on the The Ed Sullivan Show on February 9, 1964. The Beatles appeared for three consecutive Sundays in February 1964.
The song for 1964 is Can't Buy Me Love.
You can find the work in progress Soundtrack for My Life here!
What is this?
The Beatles first live American television appearance was on the The Ed Sullivan Show on February 9, 1964. The Beatles appeared for three consecutive Sundays in February 1964.
The song for 1964 is Can't Buy Me Love.
You can find the work in progress Soundtrack for My Life here!
What is this?
James Bond Movies
At Thanksgiving in 2006, my brother-in-law had a long list of James Bond questions that he quizzed the group on after dinner. I realized that I had not seen a number of the movies in years, or at all, and have a long term project to watch all of the movies in order that they were released.
11/14/2021 - No Time to Die (2021) - Daniel Craig
11/14/2015 - Spectre (2015) - Daniel Craig
11/11/2012 - Skyfall (2012) - Daniel Craig
04/10/2009 - Quantum of Solace (2008) - Daniel Craig
06/20/2007 - Casino Royale (2006) - Daniel Craig
08/28/2010 - Die Another Day (2002) - Pierce Brosnan
05/28/2010 - The World is not Enough (1999) - Pierce Brosnan
04/03/2010 - Tomorrow Never Dies (1997) - Pierce Brosnan
03/20/2010 - GoldenEye (1995) - Pierce Brosnan
03/13/2010 - Licence to Kill (1989) - Timothy Dalton
10/24/2009 - The Living Daylights (1987) - Timothy Dalton
09/06/2009 - A View to a Kill (1985) - Roger Moore
08/15/2009 - Never Say Never Again (1983) - Sean Connery
01/31/2009 - Octopussy (1983) Roger Moore
01/01/2009 - For Your Eyes Only (1981) - Roger Moore
12/19/2008 - Moonraker (1979) - Roger Moore
11/22/2008 - The Spy Who Lived Me (1977) - Roger Moore
08/31/2008 - The Man with the Golden Gun (1974) - Roger Moore
05/24/2008 - Live and Let Die (1973) - Roger Moore
05/17/2008 - Diamonds are Forever (1971) - Sean Connery
02/10/2008 - 04/02/2016 - On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969) - George Lazenby
11/17/2007 - You Only Live Twice (1967) - Sean Connery
08/18/2007 - Thunderball (1965) - Sean Connery
05/14/2007 - Goldfinger (1964) - Sean Connery
03/30/2007 - From Russia with Love (1963) - Sean Connery
02/10/2007 - Dr. No (1962) - Sean Connery
11/14/2021 - No Time to Die (2021) - Daniel Craig
11/14/2015 - Spectre (2015) - Daniel Craig
11/11/2012 - Skyfall (2012) - Daniel Craig
04/10/2009 - Quantum of Solace (2008) - Daniel Craig
06/20/2007 - Casino Royale (2006) - Daniel Craig
08/28/2010 - Die Another Day (2002) - Pierce Brosnan
05/28/2010 - The World is not Enough (1999) - Pierce Brosnan
04/03/2010 - Tomorrow Never Dies (1997) - Pierce Brosnan
03/20/2010 - GoldenEye (1995) - Pierce Brosnan
03/13/2010 - Licence to Kill (1989) - Timothy Dalton
10/24/2009 - The Living Daylights (1987) - Timothy Dalton
09/06/2009 - A View to a Kill (1985) - Roger Moore
08/15/2009 - Never Say Never Again (1983) - Sean Connery
01/31/2009 - Octopussy (1983) Roger Moore
01/01/2009 - For Your Eyes Only (1981) - Roger Moore
12/19/2008 - Moonraker (1979) - Roger Moore
11/22/2008 - The Spy Who Lived Me (1977) - Roger Moore
08/31/2008 - The Man with the Golden Gun (1974) - Roger Moore
05/24/2008 - Live and Let Die (1973) - Roger Moore
05/17/2008 - Diamonds are Forever (1971) - Sean Connery
02/10/2008 - 04/02/2016 - On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969) - George Lazenby
11/17/2007 - You Only Live Twice (1967) - Sean Connery
08/18/2007 - Thunderball (1965) - Sean Connery
05/14/2007 - Goldfinger (1964) - Sean Connery
03/30/2007 - From Russia with Love (1963) - Sean Connery
02/10/2007 - Dr. No (1962) - Sean Connery
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Kansas City
Chantel Christie to Release Single
I got a chance to meet Doug Christie and his wife at a dinner in early 2004. Ever since then, I have followed Christie's basketball career and the various other endeavors that he and Jackie have been involved.
I was surprised to learn that their daugther released a single.
http://www.myspace.com/mychani
I was surprised to learn that their daugther released a single.
Jean Rah Fya Records :: Chantel Christie to Release 'Here We Are Again' Debut Single - Chantel 'Chani' Christie, daughter of NBA power couple, Doug and Jackie Christie, is set to release a single titled 'Here We Are Again' on January 25, 2008.You can find her music on MySpace at:
http://www.myspace.com/mychani
Monday, March 03, 2008
California Historical Landmark #654
I visited this site during the lunch break when I was on jury duty.
Site of the First Jewish Synagogue
owned by a Congregation on the Pacific Coast
California State Historical Landmark #654
See this location on Yahoo Maps in Flickr
See this location on Google Maps
This landmark is located in the sidewalk on 7th Street between Capitol and L Streets, Sacramento, California. There are 57 other California State Historical Landmarks in Sacramento County. The GPS coordinates for this location are N 38° 34.722 W 121° 29.906.
You can log your visit to this landmark at waymark.com.
The building that stood on this site was prefabricated in Baltimore and shipped around Cape Horn in 1849. It originally housed the Methodist Episcopal Church, whose trustees sold the edifice on June 4, 1852 to Alexander Myer, Joseph Levison, and Charles Friedman, Officers of the Association of the Children of Israel (B'nai Israel), to serve as the first synagogue on the Pacific Coast, dedicated on September 3, 1852. The congregation followed the orthodox tradition until 1880, when it became an adherent of reform Judaism.
owned by a Congregation on the Pacific Coast
California State Historical Landmark #654
See this location on Yahoo Maps in Flickr
See this location on Google Maps
This landmark is located in the sidewalk on 7th Street between Capitol and L Streets, Sacramento, California. There are 57 other California State Historical Landmarks in Sacramento County. The GPS coordinates for this location are N 38° 34.722 W 121° 29.906.
You can log your visit to this landmark at waymark.com.
The building that stood on this site was prefabricated in Baltimore and shipped around Cape Horn in 1849. It originally housed the Methodist Episcopal Church, whose trustees sold the edifice on June 4, 1852 to Alexander Myer, Joseph Levison, and Charles Friedman, Officers of the Association of the Children of Israel (B'nai Israel), to serve as the first synagogue on the Pacific Coast, dedicated on September 3, 1852. The congregation followed the orthodox tradition until 1880, when it became an adherent of reform Judaism.
NBA Power Rankings 2007-2008 Week 18
The Sacramento Kings dropped two spots from 15th to 17th out of 30 teams in Marc Stein's weekly NBA Power Rankings.
John Hollinger's NBA Playoff Odds put the Kings chances of making the play-offs at 0.0%!
John Hollinger's NBA Playoff Odds put the Kings chances of making the play-offs at 0.0%!
ESPN - NBA Basketball Power Rankings - National Basketball Association - Nine of the Kings' final 23 games are against fellow Pacific Division residents. We bring this up because Sacto is strangely 0-7 in divisional games, which so far is the difference between a winning and losing record.
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Saturday, March 01, 2008
AAA Padres
With basketball ending last weekend, I took Jack to his first baseball practice for the 2008 season. This will be Jack's sixth season of organized baseball. After playing AA last year, he is moving up to AAA this year.
Jack was drafted by the Padres. The Padres are coached by the same coach and assistant coach as his AA Mariners team last year. At the baseball try-outs last month, we ran into his coach from last year who said that he was planning on trying to draft Jack. There are four kids from last year's team, the two sons of the coaches, Jack and one other boy.
Jack played mostly shortstop last year. This is the point in little league where kids start to focus on one position. When the coach asked all of the boys what level and position they played last year, I did not hear any of the other kids say that they played shortstop.
Sharon and I were both hoping that he would get a chance to shortstop a lot this year. It looks like we are going to get our wish. It appears that the coach drafted Jack specifically to play shortstop. During the first two hour practice, Jack played the entire time at shortstop and handled probably more than 40 balls.
Jack was drafted by the Padres. The Padres are coached by the same coach and assistant coach as his AA Mariners team last year. At the baseball try-outs last month, we ran into his coach from last year who said that he was planning on trying to draft Jack. There are four kids from last year's team, the two sons of the coaches, Jack and one other boy.
Jack played mostly shortstop last year. This is the point in little league where kids start to focus on one position. When the coach asked all of the boys what level and position they played last year, I did not hear any of the other kids say that they played shortstop.
Sharon and I were both hoping that he would get a chance to shortstop a lot this year. It looks like we are going to get our wish. It appears that the coach drafted Jack specifically to play shortstop. During the first two hour practice, Jack played the entire time at shortstop and handled probably more than 40 balls.
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