I love the website - MapMyRun.com - it helps to record all physical activity, weight managment and more if needed....I just use it to record our runs, workouts at the gym and laps in the pool. People are always asking us, "How many miles do you run?" Well, we don't keep track...UNTIL this month.
I recorded all of my workouts on the site too and I was pretty surprised.....Beginning January 1st and ending today, we ran 111 miles!! I never really paid much attention to how far/often we run....Kind of interesting to me....what is scary to Dick is that we may average 1200 a YEAR! YIKES!!
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Mom likes the Wii Fit!
Two special people in my life have birthdays tomorrow!! We celebrated by going to Cool Hand Lukes in Merced to celebrate my mom's 72nd with Frank, Andrew, Erika and Kaelyn. Also, today is my neice Jenna's 11th birthday so we had a lot to celebrate!!
My mom got a Wii for Christmas and they've been LOVIN' it! They bowl and play tennis all of the time. So, we three sisters and their families thought it was time to add a new game....The Wii Fit!! I think she liked it!! The flowers were from Andrew and Erika.
I think they will be enjoying the new game!
My mom got a Wii for Christmas and they've been LOVIN' it! They bowl and play tennis all of the time. So, we three sisters and their families thought it was time to add a new game....The Wii Fit!! I think she liked it!! The flowers were from Andrew and Erika.
I think they will be enjoying the new game! Happiest of Birthdays Mom!
Monday, January 26, 2009
We're goin' to STANFORD!
On Thursday Dick's parents arrived. Yes, at the ages of 88 and 81, respectfully, they made the trek from Visalia and headed to SF! I can only hope for such vigor at the same age!!
While we had work to do on Friday, they drove down to Union Square to shop!! The BIG day was planned for Saturday. Since Poopa - aka Bill Nash - is a graduate of Stanford in 1942, he wanted to give the official tour to Taylor. So we drove the hour south, had lunch at the infamous Max's at the Stanford Mall - YUM! Especially the chocolate cake for dessert! Then, over to the campus for a look around! One word - Impressive! It is located on 8800 ACRES!! Our first stop was the bookstore where everyone bought Stanford souvenirs!
The Hoover Tower 
While we had work to do on Friday, they drove down to Union Square to shop!! The BIG day was planned for Saturday. Since Poopa - aka Bill Nash - is a graduate of Stanford in 1942, he wanted to give the official tour to Taylor. So we drove the hour south, had lunch at the infamous Max's at the Stanford Mall - YUM! Especially the chocolate cake for dessert! Then, over to the campus for a look around! One word - Impressive! It is located on 8800 ACRES!! Our first stop was the bookstore where everyone bought Stanford souvenirs!
At home, before heading over to the campus - Nash Boyz ;)
The main entrance
The Hoover Tower Named after President Herbert Hoover - Stanford Alumni
By the pool and baseball diamond the 10 flags of the Pac 10 colleges wave - including Stanford!
This is the frat house Bill lived in for 3 years!
Never saw this before....after the game the entire team signed a poster for all who wanted!Taylor wanted!
Still smiling at the end of the weekend! ;) A good sign!
This is the frat house Bill lived in for 3 years!
I really enjoyed watching the KIDS in the cheer section. All of the special 'antics' after different plays, free throws, ect....that was funny! The pep band was also a lot of fun to watch - very colorful!! Who won? NOT Stanford...I was surprised how average they played. They need to step it up!!
Poor Taylor. He was sick with a terrible cold! He stuck it out though!
Never saw this before....after the game the entire team signed a poster for all who wanted!Taylor wanted!
It was great to have this personal tour! Poopa and Jane told us stories of old and were able to 'relive' those college years for an afternoon.
On Sunday, Taylor had a fever and slept on the couch until he went home. Poor guy...what a trooper the day before!! Hopefully he'll feel better when we see him again on Wednesday.
Still smiling at the end of the weekend! ;) A good sign!
Monday, January 19, 2009
SLEEPOVERS!!
One of the things we like most about living in SF are the SLEEPOVERS!
Samantha and Steve Browning from Rocklin arrived on Friday afternoon! They were able to meet Taylor and we were able to catch up with them. Steve's birthday is on the 21st, Sam is an 8th grade Science teacher and is off for MLK day so SF is their annual destination. Steve and Dick met when they were 6 and 7 years old - Steve is a year younger. They were able to share stories of childhood through high school and beyond. It was fun. Steve is a jazz guitarist and makes his living playing at his 'steadies' - high end restaurants as dinner music. He often plays to accompany the bass, flute, even clarinet! Too bad I am not a jazz clarinetist. He also attends Bridal Fairs to offer his service during the ceremony part. It was fun talking to him about his music. We'll head over to Rocklin one of these days and hear him play.
On Friday we took them to - nothing but the best - PARMA!!! Gotta love that place. I had the BEST vegetable cannelloni - it was amazing. Everyone enjoyed the evening.
The bummer of the weekend? I did not take one picture!!! WEIRD!!! I can really kick myself.
They brought their Trikke with them! It is an interesting device - a human powered vehicle/ carving bike where you move the handle bars and the legs as if 'carving'.
They took turns riding that while we ran out to the bridge and back on both Saturday and Sunday. We took the bus down to Chinatown on Saturday and walked the 1/2 mile to the Ferry Building. Tried to eat at Slanted Door but of course there was a 2.5 hour WAIT...so, we ate at Taylor's Refresher - a famous Napa Hamburger stand that is a big hit in SF. Dick and I enjoyed the Patty Melt on rye - it was YUMMY!!! We walked around the shops, and enjoyed the array of goods.
We jumped on another bus and headed toward a favorite Art Gallery of theirs but unfortunately, the shop is in the process of relocating and was closed. So, we headed back home and got ready for dinner. Of course, we had to take this 'old Visalian' to ESTRADA'S in Colma - you know, our favorite Mexican with the Tostada Compuesta aka Sizzling Salad. They both enjoyed it! They both love to cook and grow their own veges - and sound very talented - much more than me and Dick anyway.... :-o
On Sunday we had a repeat performance of being out in the sunshine, among many others down on the Marina for awhile. I know we need the rain/snow but we sure enjoyed the abundance of sunshine and PERFECT temps! As we were packing up and getting ready to head back to Merced, they headed off to a movie. They stayed another night - and perhaps one more - before departing.
We ended the weekend by - yup - EATING!!! Geeze, is that all we ever do anymore? hahahaa....In Merced, we picked up some Chinese food and headed over to the REEDS!! They are doing well and we celebrated the STRAIGHT A's that Samara (9th grade) and Mikaela (6th grade) received. Always good to catch up with these lovely people!
Good times, GREAT friends = AWESOME weekend!!
Samantha and Steve Browning from Rocklin arrived on Friday afternoon! They were able to meet Taylor and we were able to catch up with them. Steve's birthday is on the 21st, Sam is an 8th grade Science teacher and is off for MLK day so SF is their annual destination. Steve and Dick met when they were 6 and 7 years old - Steve is a year younger. They were able to share stories of childhood through high school and beyond. It was fun. Steve is a jazz guitarist and makes his living playing at his 'steadies' - high end restaurants as dinner music. He often plays to accompany the bass, flute, even clarinet! Too bad I am not a jazz clarinetist. He also attends Bridal Fairs to offer his service during the ceremony part. It was fun talking to him about his music. We'll head over to Rocklin one of these days and hear him play.
On Friday we took them to - nothing but the best - PARMA!!! Gotta love that place. I had the BEST vegetable cannelloni - it was amazing. Everyone enjoyed the evening.
The bummer of the weekend? I did not take one picture!!! WEIRD!!! I can really kick myself.
They brought their Trikke with them! It is an interesting device - a human powered vehicle/ carving bike where you move the handle bars and the legs as if 'carving'.
They took turns riding that while we ran out to the bridge and back on both Saturday and Sunday. We took the bus down to Chinatown on Saturday and walked the 1/2 mile to the Ferry Building. Tried to eat at Slanted Door but of course there was a 2.5 hour WAIT...so, we ate at Taylor's Refresher - a famous Napa Hamburger stand that is a big hit in SF. Dick and I enjoyed the Patty Melt on rye - it was YUMMY!!! We walked around the shops, and enjoyed the array of goods.
We jumped on another bus and headed toward a favorite Art Gallery of theirs but unfortunately, the shop is in the process of relocating and was closed. So, we headed back home and got ready for dinner. Of course, we had to take this 'old Visalian' to ESTRADA'S in Colma - you know, our favorite Mexican with the Tostada Compuesta aka Sizzling Salad. They both enjoyed it! They both love to cook and grow their own veges - and sound very talented - much more than me and Dick anyway.... :-o
On Sunday we had a repeat performance of being out in the sunshine, among many others down on the Marina for awhile. I know we need the rain/snow but we sure enjoyed the abundance of sunshine and PERFECT temps! As we were packing up and getting ready to head back to Merced, they headed off to a movie. They stayed another night - and perhaps one more - before departing.
We ended the weekend by - yup - EATING!!! Geeze, is that all we ever do anymore? hahahaa....In Merced, we picked up some Chinese food and headed over to the REEDS!! They are doing well and we celebrated the STRAIGHT A's that Samara (9th grade) and Mikaela (6th grade) received. Always good to catch up with these lovely people!
Good times, GREAT friends = AWESOME weekend!!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Beautiful Day
Yesterday while Dick and I ran to the Golden Gate Bridge, Taylor rode his bike. On the way out, passing Crissy Field, Taylor said, "Dad, one of these days, I want to bring an easel out here and paint the Golden Gate Bridge."
So, after church, Taylor grabbed his sketch pad, colored pencils and crayons. He rode the bike and we walked Gabby. We did not have an easel, but the supplies we brought did the trick. It could not have been a prettier day. His drawing turned out pretty good too!
So, after church, Taylor grabbed his sketch pad, colored pencils and crayons. He rode the bike and we walked Gabby. We did not have an easel, but the supplies we brought did the trick. It could not have been a prettier day. His drawing turned out pretty good too!
Taylor is sitting with the black shirt on to the left.
We were on TV!!
Remember when we went down to Hollywood and went to the Price Is Right Game show? It aired on television on Thursday. A family member caught this screenshot! Cousin Jean on the left, Mom under the yellow arrow, ME (hands in the way) and sister Brenda! If you want to view the entire 38 minute show, click on this link:
http://www.cbs.com/daytime/the_price_is_right/video/
choose the video with the date January 8, 2008. We do not have much 'air time' but you can see us gettin' crazy! hahahah...It was fun to watch us! Brought back a lot of good memories of our time together.
I would do this again when in the area. Yea, it is a long day of WAITING and WAITING some more, but, hey, it is only as fun as YOU make it! Just ask one of us to go with you, we'll make it memorable! hahahaha
http://www.cbs.com/daytime/the_price_is_right/video/
choose the video with the date January 8, 2008. We do not have much 'air time' but you can see us gettin' crazy! hahahah...It was fun to watch us! Brought back a lot of good memories of our time together.
I would do this again when in the area. Yea, it is a long day of WAITING and WAITING some more, but, hey, it is only as fun as YOU make it! Just ask one of us to go with you, we'll make it memorable! hahahaha
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Christmas Day
Since Malibu was closed for 3 weeks = Andrew is off - the big kids wanted to spend some time in SF house. So, we had a leisurely Christmas Day morning and drove up to SF. Amy in the backseat with Daisy, Pnut and Gabby. Andrew's family following behind us.
We walked down towards the Golden Gate Bridge and over to the Palace of Fine Arts
They love each other so much. They hold hands!
Of course, we did not have any food in the house, stores were closed, many restaurants were closed. We were lucky to find FUZIOs open!! We've walked by this restaurant many times, usually it is empty - not a good sign. But, today, thankfully was the ONLY restaurant open. So, we went inside, and everyone LOVED their meal!!!
My yummy salmon dinner for Christmas.
I think she liked it! Her first Christmas and celebrated in the beautiful city of San Francisco!
Dessert at Tuttimelon! The ONE! :)
We shopped in Union Square, had lunch at LEFTY O'DOUL's - the BEST sandwich in town. We ended up at Nordstrom Rack where the BARGAINS are!
We shopped in Union Square, had lunch at LEFTY O'DOUL's - the BEST sandwich in town. We ended up at Nordstrom Rack where the BARGAINS are!We walked down towards the Golden Gate Bridge and over to the Palace of Fine Arts
And played a lot of Wii!
Good Times! I felt very blessed to have the kids up - FINALLY all together, enjoying this beautiful home and area.
Christmas!
After spending a few days in Visalia celebrating the Christmas season by visiting our beautiful friends and nice dinners with the family it was time to head back to Merced.
On Christmas Eve, I made a yummy Shepherds Pie dinner for all of the kids, we exchanged gifts, enjoyed a Baskin Robbins icecream cake that my parents brought over, delivered Taylor to his Mom in Atwater, then all of us went to church - my favorite part. Something about all of us (Taylor was there in spirit) that does my heart good. Silent Night by candlelight in the old Central Pres church is so fitting. Pastor Henry always does a good job. We were able to introduce him to everyone afterwards and he encouraged Andrew and Erika to return. I hope they do. I checked out a less conservative service at another church, thinking Andrew would enjoy that type of service better. But, I think he is more comfortable in the more conservative service - creature of habit from the Lutheran Church we attended while growing up.
What to give your grown children for Christmas? THE Wii!! It was a BIG hit and Amy, Andrew and Erika were sooooooo excited!! TOYS!!
Taylor's favorite gift from his grandparents!
On Christmas Eve, I made a yummy Shepherds Pie dinner for all of the kids, we exchanged gifts, enjoyed a Baskin Robbins icecream cake that my parents brought over, delivered Taylor to his Mom in Atwater, then all of us went to church - my favorite part. Something about all of us (Taylor was there in spirit) that does my heart good. Silent Night by candlelight in the old Central Pres church is so fitting. Pastor Henry always does a good job. We were able to introduce him to everyone afterwards and he encouraged Andrew and Erika to return. I hope they do. I checked out a less conservative service at another church, thinking Andrew would enjoy that type of service better. But, I think he is more comfortable in the more conservative service - creature of habit from the Lutheran Church we attended while growing up.
My mom feeding Kaelyn on Christmas Eve
What to give your grown children for Christmas? THE Wii!! It was a BIG hit and Amy, Andrew and Erika were sooooooo excited!! TOYS!!
Hearst Castle
We are always amazed at this GRAND work of art! We start with the movie about William Randolph Hearst's life on the BIG screen. It begins when he is 10 years old - hmm, Taylor could relate well!
Here are some of our more favorite shots. Notice the blue skies? It was a beautiful day.
Nope, this is not a church, this in the MAIN HOUSE! Impressive details.
They had a few Christmas decorations up. Not many. This is over the fireplace in the main dining room.
We don't see much of this type of architecture in America. Something out of Europe!
You can always view more pics in the Web Albums link.
Here are some of our more favorite shots. Notice the blue skies? It was a beautiful day.
First stop is the pool! Can you imagine swimming in that?
Nope, this is not a church, this in the MAIN HOUSE! Impressive details.
They had a few Christmas decorations up. Not many. This is over the fireplace in the main dining room.
We don't see much of this type of architecture in America. Something out of Europe!
You can always view more pics in the Web Albums link.
The same day, we had tickets to the Melodrama in Oceano - The Christmas Extravaganza! We laughed, and then laughed even more, watching Taylor laugh. They do a great job at this small venue. The acting, singing and service is A1! They are always putting on a show, stop in and laugh awhile! You WILL be entertained - fun for the whole family! What did we have for dinner? A stop in at Doc Bernstein's Ice Cream Parlor for a SUNDAE!! Oh well, we are on vacation!!
Friday, January 9, 2009
Pismo Beach, here we come!
We left on Friday, December 19th, right after school for the Kon Tiki Inn - Pismo Beach. The ride was beautiful. The sun was setting - unreal. This one is my favorite - taken while the car was moving!
Gotta love that Central Coast!! The Pismo Pier
The first stop was to drop Gabby off at Cali and Matty's house aka The Carlstrom's house. We were a little nervous leaving Gabby. Devon reassured us that all will be well and the three girls and Devon became instant friends!
We met up with the Mr. and Mrs. Shaffer and their daughter Tedy at PePe Delgatos mexican restaurant. Dick and Pauline worked in Food Services at Cal Poly many years ago. They are lovely people and we always enjoying catching up with them when in the area.
We checked into the Kon Tiki and called it a night. When we woke up, this is what was outside of our door! I really like the Kon Tiki Inn. If you go, ask for a room on the ground floor. Taylor took these in the morning:
Gotta love that Central Coast!! The Pismo PierWe stayed at this hotel last summer with Dick's parents and I learned something new during this visit. We have full access to the health club across the parking lot! They have state of the art machines, treadmills AND an INDOOR SWIMMING POOL!!! YES!! I was able to kick out some laps first thing in the morning! I REALLY like this place! ;)
We wanted to show Taylor the CalPoly campus again. Might as well start planting the seed now for possible college choices and set those goals.....He liked it a lot! His college choices are: CalPoly or Stanford. He took these pics:
It is an impressive school and we always enjoy driving around.
This was the weekend with questionable weather predicted. As you can see, it was PERFECT! Still a little chill in the air - enough to wear a sweatshirt.
Next stop - Hearst Castle
Elvis Arrived on December 18, 2008
Crazy David!
He had this mask and decided to greet us at the door with it on!! His family knows him as Elvis and Taylor is always 'tickled' by this. So, he decided to play it up! We all got a lot of laughs out of it.
Taylor had to try it on!
Uh Huh! - spoken just as Elvis would
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Happy New Year!
We hope your New Year is off to a GREAT start!! I have not updated from PreChristmas Vacation and Christmas - most of the good pics are in Taylor's camera - in SF.....I'll get to it one of these days.
We've been enjoying some down time in Merced - can you believe it? Yea, a rarity!! We've organized closets and drawers, went on long runs, played some pool and just enjoyed NOT DRIVING anywhere! Of course we miss Taylor - he is spending the second half of the Christmas Vacation with his mom right now - and look forward to seeing him on Wednesday.
As I reflect back on 2008, I am most proud of my accomplishment of reading the entire Bible! Central Presbytarian Church decided last year that the congregation would read it and Pastor Henry Greene would preach his sermons around and from the daily readings. I have always wanted to do this and have made many attempts but failed. I was excited about this goal and if feels GREAT to accomplish it! I have really enjoyed the version that was read too - The Daily Walk Bible NLT - editor Chip Ingram.
I've decided to read it again for 2009, but change it up a bit. I am reading the same amount each day but I am reading from my Life Application Study Bible NLT. I debated on just reading the New Testament, but decided reading from the beginning out of my Bible would be a good idea. Maybe next year I'll take a year to read only the New Testament.
Maybe you'd like to join me? Every month I will post the current months daily readings. (bummer, I cannot copy and paste my spreadsheet into this area) I like this approach better than other styles of reading it through in a year. I've given this Bible to many family and friends last year and hope that they will take up the challenge. It is a wonderful book and there is so much to gain by reading it. Eventhough we are 3 days into the new year, you can catch up! About every 7 days, we get a 'day off' or a 'catch up day'.
We've been enjoying some down time in Merced - can you believe it? Yea, a rarity!! We've organized closets and drawers, went on long runs, played some pool and just enjoyed NOT DRIVING anywhere! Of course we miss Taylor - he is spending the second half of the Christmas Vacation with his mom right now - and look forward to seeing him on Wednesday.
As I reflect back on 2008, I am most proud of my accomplishment of reading the entire Bible! Central Presbytarian Church decided last year that the congregation would read it and Pastor Henry Greene would preach his sermons around and from the daily readings. I have always wanted to do this and have made many attempts but failed. I was excited about this goal and if feels GREAT to accomplish it! I have really enjoyed the version that was read too - The Daily Walk Bible NLT - editor Chip Ingram.
I've decided to read it again for 2009, but change it up a bit. I am reading the same amount each day but I am reading from my Life Application Study Bible NLT. I debated on just reading the New Testament, but decided reading from the beginning out of my Bible would be a good idea. Maybe next year I'll take a year to read only the New Testament.
Maybe you'd like to join me? Every month I will post the current months daily readings. (bummer, I cannot copy and paste my spreadsheet into this area) I like this approach better than other styles of reading it through in a year. I've given this Bible to many family and friends last year and hope that they will take up the challenge. It is a wonderful book and there is so much to gain by reading it. Eventhough we are 3 days into the new year, you can catch up! About every 7 days, we get a 'day off' or a 'catch up day'.
1-Jan
Genesis 1-2
2-Jan
Genesis 3-5
3-Jan
Genesis 6-9
4-Jan
Genesis 10-11
5-Jan
Genesis 12-14
6-Jan
Genesis 15-17
7-Jan
Catch Up Day
8-Jan
Genesis 18-20
9-Jan
Genesis 21-24
10-Jan
Genesis 25-26
11-Jan
Genesis 27-31
12-Jan
Genesis 32-36
13-Jan
Genesis 37-40
14-Jan
Catch Up Day
15-Jan
Genesis 41-44
16-Jan
Genesis 45-47
17-Jan
Genesis 48-50
18-Jan
Exodus 1-2
19-Jan
Exodus 3-6
20-Jan
Exodus 7-10
21-Jan
Catch Up Day
22-Jan
Exodus 11-12
23-Jan
Exodus 13-15
24-Jan
Exodus 16-18
25-Jan
Exodus 19-20
26-Jan
Exodus 21-24
27-Jan
Exodus 25-27
28-Jan
Catch Up Day
29-Jan
Exodus 28-31
30-Jan
Exodus 32-34
31-Jan
Exodus 35-40
Genesis 1-2
2-Jan
Genesis 3-5
3-Jan
Genesis 6-9
4-Jan
Genesis 10-11
5-Jan
Genesis 12-14
6-Jan
Genesis 15-17
7-Jan
Catch Up Day
8-Jan
Genesis 18-20
9-Jan
Genesis 21-24
10-Jan
Genesis 25-26
11-Jan
Genesis 27-31
12-Jan
Genesis 32-36
13-Jan
Genesis 37-40
14-Jan
Catch Up Day
15-Jan
Genesis 41-44
16-Jan
Genesis 45-47
17-Jan
Genesis 48-50
18-Jan
Exodus 1-2
19-Jan
Exodus 3-6
20-Jan
Exodus 7-10
21-Jan
Catch Up Day
22-Jan
Exodus 11-12
23-Jan
Exodus 13-15
24-Jan
Exodus 16-18
25-Jan
Exodus 19-20
26-Jan
Exodus 21-24
27-Jan
Exodus 25-27
28-Jan
Catch Up Day
29-Jan
Exodus 28-31
30-Jan
Exodus 32-34
31-Jan
Exodus 35-40
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