Visalia's holiday season will kick off with Candy Cane Lane Parade

JAMES WARD • Best Bets • November 29, 2008

Monday's 63rd annual Visalia Candy Cane Lane Parade, downtown Visalia's annual holiday event, will feature Grand Marshals Bill and Jane Nash leading more than 100 floats, bands, decorated cars and Santa Claus.
It runs from 7-9:30 p.m. down Main Street from Santa Fe through Conyer streets in downtown Visalia.


Guess where we'll be tomorrow night? (IF this fog ever lifts!! - uugghh!!)

UPDATE:
The fog would never lift so we did not travel down to Visalia. But, while watching the ABC News, we heard on Sunday at some point they will be playing an hour of the parade! Maybe Bill and Jane will be on television!
Bill and Jane called when they arrived back home and said they enjoyed the parade. It was not as cold as they expected either! Good times were had - we'll have to tape it on Sunday! ;)

Go grab your coat and wallet!!

Look up when the next showing is!! A MUST SEE Movie......BOLT!!!

Walt Disney did a good one here!! It is absolutely adorable!! We took Taylor and really enjoyed it.

All dog lovers: Bring a kleenex!!

Getting to know Auntie!

Today we went over to Andrew's. Amy was supposed to take a roll of film on her 35mm Minolta but had issues with the Light Meter. Instead, Taylor took some with his new camera.

The Introduction

Kaelyn says, "I think I like you."

Kaelyn says, "Yup, I DO like you!" And Amy says, "I love you too!"

"Continue to talk to me Auntie, and I will try to answer!"

"I am happy!"

The Day After

We had breakfast with Dave, Janet and Mitch Hawkins - did we need to eat MORE? They are doing well and continue to pray for their son - Blake (and his wife Megan) who is doing his 15 month service in Iraq with 9 months to go.
We visited with Edna - long time neighbor across the street - and wished her a Happy 96th Birthday!! Can you believe it? I've never met anyone older than that! She lives alone - has a caretaker some days - and is doing GREAT!!

Taylor took this picture in front of her house: I kind of like it! :)

We departed Visalia and headed to Merced where we cooked a GREAT Ham dinner and all of the fixings with the kids. We played the Wii and enjoyed the evening. I LOVE this kind of week!! Getting to hang with ALL of the kids is such a GIFT!! Taylor appreciates family and laughs at all of the fooling around that Amy and Andrew come up with. Yes, we feel very fortunate. Coming up on 2 years of marriage next month and there is not a day that passes where we do not Thank God for all of His blessings.

Happy Thanksgiving!

To Grandmother's house we go! We all caravanned down to Visalia - Amy, Andrew, Erika and Kaelyn in one car - Dick, Taylor and I in another. After a brief visit at Dick's parents home, we all headed to The Depot.

David, Morri, Lindsay and Jeff met us at the restaurant and enjoyed a wonderful dinner hosted by Dick's parents. Piper was there in spirit - she was spending the weekend with her boyfriends family in southern California. Jane had the table decorated especially for us with fall leaves, branches and persimmons brought from her garden. It was a beautiful setting and everyone felt her special touch really made the table festive and warm. I have to admit, I've never had a Thanksgiving dinner at a restaurant and was unsure on how I felt about this. Thankfully, I realized, it is not about the surroundings, as much as it is just being with the ones you love. Everyone chose thier meal - with the majority having the Turkey dinner that was GREAT! Everything was tasty and we enjoyed the afternoon.

Me and Amy

Taylor and Amy

Jeff and Lindsay

After dinner, the kids went back to Merced and Dick, Taylor and I stayed the night in Visalia.

We hope you all ate too much :) and enjoyed the time with your family and friends.

I FOUND IT!

I've been meaning to take a minute and locate the Nordstrom Rack in SF. We see it off of the highway, and have driven by when going to Costco, but we've never stopped in!! So, on Wednesday morning, Erika, Andrew, Kaelyn and I drove over and checked it out! I LOVE THIS PLACE!!! I bought a Cashmere sweater dress and Erika bought a few nice items too.

Then, we started the WORST drive of our lives!!! We picked Taylor up from school at 12:30, had lunch, played some Wii, and packed up to head to Merced for the night. WOW!!! A normal drive is 2 hours 15 minutes. Guess how long it took on this EVE of Thanksgiving? 4 hours and 45 minutes!!! UUUGGGHHH!!! Andrew was NOT feeling this!! But, we all FINALLY made it safe and sound eventually!! Andrew said at one point, they were going a little stir crazy and started holding hands and dancing in the car to pass the time.

One thing for sure, this family of three love each other so much, have a fun time, laugh and enjoy each day. It does a mama's heart good to see her children smiling and full of love. I am thankful.

Tuesday in SF!

Let's get a Boudin clam chowder bread bowl!!!

No, we did not make Erika, Andrew and Kaelyn walk down to Pier 39 like we did Taylor! haha...

But, first stop - Montessori PreSchool to visit with Ms. Vasi!! We took a quick tour, played with a few babies that were awake from their nap, talked with Taylor's former teachers and got some hugs from Ms. Vasi before departing.

Neither Andrew or Erika had ever been down LOMBARD Street!! So, we did the dipsy doodle curvy drive and headed over to Pier 39.

They were starting to decorate!

Happiness is..... a Boudin Bowl - eating the leftovers!

The little restaurant (the little brown hut - in the lower left) that we'll go to one of these days. You take a little boat out to it and they have two sittings a night.

Yea, lots of clouds, but still makes a good picture.

Gotta see the sea lions!

We walked all around the Wharf area while Kaelyn slept in the stroller. When we got home, Andrew and Erika had dinner at our favorite restaurant - Parma - walked around Chestnut, checked out a popular bar and ended up at Johnny Rockets to top off their night with some chilly cheese fries!! We loved Kaelyn the entire 4 hours they were out!! :-)

Erika's update

Her Health Insurance Company told her they would not pay for the monthly checkup at UC Davis anymore - Gotta love it - but WOULD at UCSF – BETTER! Since Malibu was closed this past week, she made the appointment for Monday when Andrew was off. I drove up with them from Merced to the 3:00 pm appointment. That place is MASSIVE!! We were sent to the Neurology Department. Let me tell you, if you need a humbling experience, just sit here for a few hours. It was very sad to watch so many people with such debilitating problems. After TWO short hours of sitting in the waiting room with Kaelyn - they finally arrived with GOOD news!! The doctor is going to work with another doctor in Fresno for her future appointments - making that trip a little easier on them. He was pleased with her recovery. They will schedule an MRI on the thymus and decide if they want to remove it. It is a fairly simple procedure and once removed, Erika will not have to take medicine anymore - she is currently taking 20 mg of prednisone and mestinon – both with side effects.
We arrived at the house about the same time Dick did. We had dinner at Barney’s and called it a night.

p.s. Our Thymus is a ductless, butterfly-shaped gland lying at the base of the neck, formed mostly of lymphatic tissue and aiding in the production of T cells of the immune system: after puberty, the lymphatic tissue gradually degenerates.

A Boy and his Dog

We were watching a movie and this is what happened.....

Gabby climbs onto Taylor's lap - looks at me with sleepy eyes. (Taylor blinked)
Gabby resting, almost asleep.

Zonked out.

Snuggled in - a boy and his dog.

WHO DOES THAT?

I've been meaning to blog about this for awhile and today seemed like the right day.

I've been working for the Montessori Preschool Mon - Wed in Merced on projects that can be done on my laptop. On Thurs - Fri I go to the school in SF and work from about 8 am - 1 pm.

Around noon, Vasi says, "We need to break for lunch!" so we go to the cafe close by and she insists on buying lunch. Everyother Friday, she and her husband schedule themselves for a massage with their masseuse they've had for many years. But, often her husband David cannot keep the appointment so he gives the appointment to ME!! I gladly accept!! It is a wonderful 1 hour massage! I leave her a good tip! :)

On one Friday imparticular, they invited us over for a traditional Indian homemade lamb curry dinner that would make ANY restaurant JEALOUS!! I am serious!! They can cook!!

So, after giving me lunch, a massage AND dinner, you begin to wonder, WHO DOES THAT?

How did I get so lucky?

The list goes on and on what these lovely people give and we are so blessed to have them in our lives. We treasure their friendship, love and dedication.

Yup, tomorrow is a massage day!!! Ahhhh, just what I need!!

Here is a photo of us with David and Vasi celebrating David's 50th Birthday!!

I just feel the need....

to share what was given to me last week at my Tuesday morning Bible Study....Dick, Taylor and I read this list today and I enjoyed it AGAIN....Along with each sentence, there is a verse in the Bible that points you to these words. If you'd like to know the verse, just let me know, I'll give you the answer....for now, I will just post the verses. I hope you enjoy these words of praise to God and find comfort in these words as we did. Thanks!!

He helps us.
He is good.
He gives us truth.
For the beauty of creation.
He has made our bodies wonderfully
He heals us.
He provides everything we need.
We are His people.
His works toward us are wonderful.
The Lord is compassionate toward us.
He is our God.
He made the day and the night.
He gives us breath.
He gives us food.
He never breaks His promises.
He sent Jesus.
He makes all things beautiful.
He plans for our future.
His mercies are new each day.
He guides us.
He forgives us.
He hears us.
He gives us abundant life.
He promises to remove sorrow and replace it with joy.
We will spend eternity with Him.
He places us in our family.
He loves us with an everlasting love.
He conquered sin and death for us.
He gives us peace.
He is always with us.
He comforts us.
He gives us hope.
He gives us His Word.
Our church.
He makes us more like Him.
He gives us rain.
He fills us with His Spirit.
He completes what He begins in us.
We're not alone in hard times.

Taylor’s First Visit to Alcatraz

Can you believe it? He’s never been!
Dick and I agreed, the next nice day in SF, we need to go to Alcatraz - before they move that Rock!! (Huh Mr. Artis?)

Well, the day arrived! It was a beautiful Saturday – no wind and only sunshine!
We decided to walk from our house to Pier 39 and have a bowl of our favorite Boudin Clam Chowder before departing on the 12:45 ferry to Alcatraz.

At Pier 39 they were already decorating the Christmas tree! There were sooooo many people! We enjoyed our lunch and made our way to Pier 33 for the ferry ride. Taylor was pretty excited and made the trek – 2.3 miles so far – without a problem.

Included in the price of admission now is the audio tour. So, we put the headphones on and were off! I really enjoy the audio tour. It gives a great understanding of the life and times on The Rock! Of course Taylor took lots of pictures with his new camera too.

The view of SF on THE ROCK! (Told you, not a cloud!!)

Our first stop on The Rock was at the far end (instead of doing the 'switchbacks' right away, walk straight ahead) to the laundry facility. I never saw this before.

I was surprised at how much deteriation has occurred even since I was here last....This is a view of one of the escapees cells.

We took the 3:05 ferry and made the trek back home. We walked over to Blockbusters and rented ‘Escape From Alcatraz’ with Clint Eastwood. We made a yummy dinner of Chicken Cordon Bleu and watched the movie. There were a few cuss words, Clint’s bare buttocks :-0 and some intense moments – rated PG – but we all enjoyed it. Makes you wonder if they ever made it ashore!

I am glad we were able to get a full day of fresh air – we walked a total of 5 miles! It was great!!

Now, it is Sunday. Dick and I ran while Taylor rode his bike to the end of Crissy Field and back - another 5 miles. Another beautiful day and lots of fresh air! So much to be thankful for!

Date Night

Thank you Jimmy and Karen! They gave us gift certificates that were good at numerous restaurants in SF to Chicago to Seattle!! Before the restaurants go out of business we thought we'd better use them. I regret not taking any pictures but it is worth blogging about....

We made our early dinner reservation for 5:45 on Saturday night. I wore a black dress and Dick wore a suit coat and we hopped in a taxi to Union Square. We ate at Kuleto's Italian Restaurant on Powell. It was a little rainy and cold night but Union Square was HOPPIN'!! Thankfully we were seated right next to the fireplace! We ordered a cocktail and ate some bread....while looking over the menu, we both decided to 'GO BIG' (since Jimmy and Karen were paying) and ordered the Filet Mignon with a glass of 2005 Merryvale cab too! I cannot remember the last time I had a Filet!! Not sure how we finished the entire meal but we did.....and then some!!!! We ended the meal by sharing a Blueberry Creme Brulee! WOW!! It was HUGE and it was amazing! The best I'd ever have by far! I'd go again just for the dessert!! We walked around and enjoyed the beauty of the St. Francis Hotel before grabbing a taxi home.

One of these nights, we are going to do a 'progressive dinner' - start with appetizer, then go to another restaurant for a soup/salad, move onto another for the main course...etc... that would be fun! Well, it is always a treat to try the different flavors SF has to offer!! We are thankful Thanks again to Jimmy and Karen!! We really enjoyed our evening!!

Museum Trip!

Another goal is to visit the 'tourist' places in SF at least ONCE! So, Taylor had a half day of school last Thursday so we grabbed him and his friend Kestel and headed to the NEWLY reopened, remodeled California Academy of Sciences - A Natural History Museum, a Planetarium AND the Steinhart Aquarium all in one!
We had a great afternoon. Taylor took his camera and had a blast. I don't have to take my camera anymore!! I'll post some of my pics but when we are back in SF I will get his SD card and post some of his.
Kestrel's parents had us over for dinner that evening. While putting Taylor to bed, he said, "I am a happy boy!" It was a great way to spend a half day off from school!

The Albino Alligator

The popular Living ROOFTOP!

17 million plants!!!
Enough hands on for Taylor and Kestrel

Amazing creatures!!

He proposed. She said YES!

Last Thursday while I was in HB, Andrew wrote a note: "Will you marry my Daddy?" and tucked it in Kaelyn's waistband. As Erika and Andrew were playing with Kaelyn, Erika noticed the note. Opened it. Looked at Andrew and then he started saying, "Will you be my buddy for life? I mean, will you marry me?" as he took the ring from his back pocket and placed it on her finger. He said that he blubbered and stammered, was nervous and took this question very seriously. He was excited to report that Erika said, "Yes!" and now he is relieved to begin that new chapter in their lives.
A small wedding will be planned shortly. I told him that I was very happy for him and that I believe he chose a good wife and mother of his child in Erika. It was GREAT to hear the excitement in his voice! He called Dick in SF to share the news. Dick told Taylor and he shouted out, "Congratulations!! Woo Hoo!!" We are all very happy for the Pirtle Family!

1000 miles in 4 days!

I drove to LA to meet my cousin Jean for the first time and to show her SoCal!!! That's a lot of miles for ME!! Dick stayed in SF and worked Taylor's Halloween Carnival and spent time with Taylor.

So, my father had two sisters - he was the youngest. One moved to Australia from Scotland and the other to America with my father. So, Aunt Jessie - the one in Australia - had 3 children - John, David and Jean. At one point, all visited America once, except Jean. Well, it was Jean's turn now! She is 54 years old and now has 2 children herself - Belinda and David. She spent 2 weeks in Michigan with our Aunt Doreen and 4 days getting to know Brenda and her children, Amy, my Mom and I.

Day #1 - Beverly Hills and Hollywood
After picking my Mom (she flew in from Michigan!) and Jean at LAX, we drove over to Beverly Hills - Rodeo Drive, went on a tour of Hollywood and movie stars homes, and enjoyed a dinner in Westwood (fun spot for UCLA students). We also spotted Sharon Stone in her Bentley coming out of Bel Air area!

Me, Jean and Mom - Hollywood

Brenda joined us in the evening so we went up to the bar at the hotel on the 17th floor that overlooked Hollywood. We had some good laughs and a GREAT margarita - after we returned the Margarita ACCIDENTALLY made with grapefruit juice instead of margarita mix - yuk!! Don't try this at home! We all shared a two double bed room - prices are high in LA for hotels and we DO have the Scottish wallets!! ;) We dropped into bed around midnight but could not go to sleep right away! Mom walked out with camouflaged pajamas and we could not see her!! It was hillarious and we all got a lot of laughs! We set the alarm for 3:50 am for our big day tomorrow.

Day #2 - Price is Right!!
We were in line at 5:30 a.m, got our ticket to come back at 10:00 a.m. for the 1:00 taping of the show. There was a lot of waiting around but it was fine cuz we had a lot to talk about. We were able to share stories and really get to know Jean. We made friends with the other possible contestants sitting around us and shared stories with them too! We were enjoying the day and this was all outside of the show!! Everyone has a 10 second interview with 'Bob' and he makes his decision if you would be called to 'Come On Down!!'
We entered the studio with 'Dancing Queen' playing so loud so we sang and danced our way to the THIRD row!! They played YMCA and 'Shout' so we danced and sang in our seats. EVERYONE was laughing and singing, it was a hoot!! Jean was smiling from ear to ear!! Unfortunately none of us were chosen - even wearing our matching RED t-shirts that Brenda made saying, "Comin' On Down from Down Under'. Drew Carey sat close to us between games and we really enjoyed his relaxed, carefree conversations. Also, since we made friends with everyone around us, when they were called to play, we were soooooo happy for them. Our buddy Westin won a CAR!! We were so excited for him! Our taping will air on January 8, 2009!!
For dinner we returned to Hollywood and had dinner at an Italian restaurant. It was fabulous! Mom and Brenda drove back to Brenda's house and Jean and I stayed one more night at the hotel.

Day #3 - Huntington Beach
We drove to HB and met Amy and Christa - her boss - for lunch, went to the Queen Mary in Long Beach - including the Scottish store located on the ship and toured the multimillion dollar model homes next to Amy's condo. Jean was SHOCKED!! She had to hold her jaw or it would have fallen on the floor!! She said if we were to visit Brisbane, we would be shocked at how primitive it is. She said in America we have sooooo many options! We talked a lot about her childhood and how much she missed having family around. She asked a lot of questions about our grandparents, cousins and gatherings we had. She was hoping that by meeting us and sharing stories that she would feel better about her past. I hope and pray that it worked. We discussed how life is tooooo short to hang onto mishaps of our past. We had dinner with Amy, talked a lot of politics and religion and called it a night.

Day #4 - Halloween Parade in LaVerne
Before leaving HB we had to go down to the ocean and put our feet in! It was a beautiful day - I hated to leave!! Yea, Jean was surprised at how cold it was!! They do not celebrate Halloween in Australia so Jean enjoyed all of the costumes. Maya and Jenna were having fun and we all enjoyed lunch after the Parade. Maya dressed up as a backup singer for Gwen Stefani (?) and Jenna took off her Zebra Ghost costume already. We returned to Brenda's home for a few hours. I am soooo excited!!! Remember the guy that went around the world 'doing his dance'? (I would post a link to a YouTube video but am afraid my blog will be removed) Well, I've been thinking of what I can do when I go to cool places, instead of just standing in front of the object..... It all started when Aunt Jessie came over to America and I clearly remember my family 'doin' the kick!' and taking pictures of them doing so.

Brenda, Jean and I doin' the kick!

Our family tradition!!! I am so happy that we have this tradition!! From here on out, you'll be seeing me KICK UP MY HEELS wherever I go! :)

Mom and I left Brenda and the girls and drove Jean to LAX but we had a few hours to walk around a beautiful mall right down the street. Jean enjoyed her first Pina Colada at The Islands before she left. Many thanks of appreciation and hugs were given. We will keep in touch. Jean plans on returning in 3 years for Aunt Doreens 80th birthday. We want to meet again in New York with her children and anyone else who can make it! Mom and I drove back to Brenda's.

Yea, lots of driving and always on the move but Jean enjoyed getting to know us - and us her - so the mission was accomplished. We all feel very blessed to have had this opportunity to share our lives, laughs and love with eachother.

Day #5 - Depart Brenda, the girls and Mom
I left around noon for Merced where Dick was waiting for me with a dozen red roses, the sweetest card, and a great big 'I MISSED YOU' kiss!

Yea, I agree, a pretty lucky and loved gal I am!

You can view the rest of the pictures on my Web Album - link on the right.

10 years old already?

After Taylor's final soccer game of the season, we had a party at Round Table Pizza with the team! I haven't had Round Table in a long time - it was REALLY good!! The BEST pizza!! Parents enjoyed the afternoon eating pizza and drinking some beer and all was good!

Taylor's best friend Kestrel and her family came over to the house before we departed to Beverly Hills Chihuahua. If you have not seen it, and you enjoy dogs, and you don't mind a movie that dogs talk, this is a must! It is adorable. I laughed outloud a few times! Below is one of my favorite pictures. Taylor and Kestrel are such good friends - since Kindergarten!! Look at those smiles!!
We came back to the house, picked up some Mexican food and we all enjoyed the rest of the evening.
Had to put one more picture of that smile! We gave him a digital camera. I think he likes it! :)