2nd Annual Bike the GGB 10/08/09

Since it was so much fun and successful last year, we decided to do it again! Deb Toland and Lori Reed came up from Merced on Wednesday evening, had dinner with David Nash and Jim Hurlbutt.  

I was a little disappointed because in the morning it was FOGGY!!! UUUGGHHH!!! Every day before this had been beautiful!! But, Lori convinced me not to fear, have faith, the sun will appear!! Well, first stop before picking up the bikes at Ghirardelli Square was Gabby's graduation from her Animal Assisted Therapy Program!

This was taken outside of the Retirement Home

I did not really know what to expect... but the class gathered in the entry then made our way to the 'Activity Room' where about 12 men and women were sitting in wheelchairs.  We were to take our dogs and greet each of them, letting them touch or hold them.  Gabby was very interested in playing with her classmates in the beginning. Then, she settled down and was loving the attention.

We approached a man that was slumped in a wheelchair. I placed Gabby in front of him and he grabbed her head and began massaging her ears - he'd done this before.  I asked him if he ever owned a dog and he replied with slurred speech that he did, he had a Labrador.  I asked him if it was a black lab? He shook his head, "No white." Now, on the corner of my eye, the trainer and Director of the home quickly looked at each other in disbelief! I could hear them state they were shocked to hear him talk! I asked him if he liked cats.....he shook his head and said an affirming NO! hahahaha.....it was amazing! For those few minutes he was able to come out of his 'shell' and connect with me - all because of Gabby!! I think this is definitely something that Gabby and I are going to enjoy and I look forward to our next 'job'.

So....after we touched the hearts of our new friends at The Heritage, Dick took Gabby home and we continued on to rent our bikes.

One of the main reasons that THIS day was chosen was because it is the start of Fleet Week in SF where the Blue Angels, other aircraft and ships arrive for the weekend. Today - Thursday - is a practice day for the Blue Angels and we wanted to experience the THRILL of them flying over us while on our bike ride - Goal Achieved!

The traditional first photo!

Lori, Deb and Me

Love the views!

Lunch in Sausalito - the BEST bowl of clam chowder!!!

The Blue Angels flying over us, while on the ferry home

One of the Blue Angels, far left corner, flying over the city!

Wish you could feel the thunder from these guys!! Amazing!!

So as you can see, we had perfect timing! When we were on the bridge, the Angels were flying over us!!! It is very difficult to take a picture because they are flying soooooo fast!!! Plus, we are just so excited to be so close to these amazing pilots, taking a photo is challenging! Digital cameras with the screen in the back is an added difficulty because you cannot SEE very well in the sunlight! That we were able to get a few photos is pretty lucky!

I am always surprised to be reminded that San Francisco is such an International City - I love that!! We talked to tourists from Italy, Spain and France! One of these days, I will sit in one location and ask every one that passes, "Where are you from" and I will bet that I could get just about one from most countries!  

Another great trip with amazing friends! Thank you God for the blessings of these women! If you are interested in joining us, mark your calendars for this week in October 2010....hey, it may be close to 10/10/10!!!!! Uh Oh, there may have to be a BIG celebration planned!!!!! hahahaha

President's Cup - October 6

Brother David has been so busy planning for this week. It is really a golfer's dream! Since it is all new to me, I still have come to appreciate this event.  The President's Cup is playing every 2 years, alternating locations either International location or U.S location. This year, the event is being held practically in our backyard so David gathered his closest friends and golf lovers and gave tickets to all!!! 

We went to the first practice round with Kurt and David on Tuesday. I've never been to such an event - the Malibu tournament doesn't count! hhahaha  IMPRESSIVE! Golf is such a gentlemen's sport! Everyone was so nice, thoughtful and courteous - they dress nicely and can they ever hit that ball!!! 

Vijay Singh and Ernie Els!

Setting up for the opening ceremony

We had tickets to the Captain's Club - SPECIAL! We had a glass of wine on the deck, overlooking the course. (Picture coming soon) No wonder they chose SF for this special event!!

Jim Hurlbutt stayed with us Wednesday and Thursday.  He enjoyed 3 days at the event before departing. David met up with his buddies from Visalia on the course and afterwards, they came over to the house before heading out to dinner on Chestnut.  It has been a very busy house these past few days, but it has also been a lot of fun!  

A Visit from Andrew and Fam Oct. 3-5

We are so relieved that since moving up here full time Andrew and his family have been able to come up and stay with us often.  This time, Erika and I twisted Andrew's arm to staying TWO nights!!  After the first night, he agreed saying, "Staying two nights is much better!" YES!! :)

They arrived during the Lovelution Festivities!!! What is it? Well, it is a day that brings together 100,000 people to celebrate unity through music with 30 floats, performances and lots of MUSIC! Sounds great huh? Except when you are driving THROUGH it!! UGH! They were caught up IN IT and were SHOCKED! I guess people PAINTED their clothing on, wore crazy outfits - OR NOT - and were taking over the streets they needed! Gotta love The City!  Thankfully, they eventually made it for lunch on Saturday.  They enjoy walking down to the Marina so we did that first thing!

Proud Daddy and his little girl!

So sweet!

What a happy family!

See? I walk all by myself now!!

"Oh, Hi Gabby!"

On Sunday all of us went to Calvary Pres Church.  Kaelyn was really good the first 10 minutes.  She began talking when she should not so Andrew took her out. It was a very good sermon and we really enjoyed our second visit! 

After church, the 49ers were playing so Andrew and Erika went to their favorite hangout place on Chestnut - Monaghan's - so they could cheer on their favorite team in their HOMETOWN and I could have BABY TIME!!! Kaelyn is the apple of my eye! We read books, look at the plants outside, pick flowers, talk about life, read more books, and just CONNECT! I LOVE IT!!! Erika and Andrew are so blessed (and thankfully, they KNOW IT!) to have this perfect little girl sent to them! It is a challenge raising a child and they are doing a great job, I am so proud of them!

On Monday before they departed we went to the SF Zoo!! Andrew went when he was a young boy and this was Erika and Kaelyn's first time. Kaelyn GROWLED and pointed to all of the animals!! It was the cutest thing!! I could not believe all of the EMPTY exhibits! Some parts they have improved but it appeared to be half full! 

They have a really nice petting zoo.

We made Erika stand against all of the little kid cutouts! SHE FITS!! 

The Lion was MAJESTIC!! Amazing!! He was staring at Kaelyn though!! YIKES!!

The most fascinating to me are the gorillas! I can watch them ALL DAY LONG!! One of these days, I am going to go to the zoo and do just that.....I will sit on that bench and just watch - Dick says, "Ok Jane Goodall!" hahahaa

They recently had a baby!! But, the mother pushed the baby away and would not take care of it. So, they gave the baby to another female and she is raising the gorilla now - GO STEPMOMS!!! ;)  Isn't that baby the cutest?

Departing is always the yucky part. Andrew makes me laugh like NO OTHER! That boy is toooo much sometimes! We had to leave to pick Taylor up from school and take him to soccer practice so we said our goodbyes, until we see each other again - hopefully SOON!

The Things We Do

Now that Taylor's school year started we've been feeling more as if we are truly retired!  Many people ask,  "So, how is retirement?"  So, I thought I'd take a minute and just reflect on this and blog......

So, I'd have to say,  this retirement business is pretty relaxing, FUN and very enjoyable!  I am beginning to lineup some volunteer jobs that will fulfil some goals/ambitions and keep me occupied.  We also reeeeeeeally appreciate our full 8 - 10 hours of sleep most nights. When we worked, we'd get up at 5:00 a.m. and was ALWAYS sooo tired and complained about getting up so early.  It is amazing what a well rested body can do!! 

When Dick uses three examples to describe retirement he says 1) that he is happy 2) he feels like there is still something that he needs to accomplish but doesn't exactly know what that is - yet. He likes being more available for Taylor but realizes that will change in just 7 years when Taylor goes to college so he thinks about what it is that he can/should do to 'leave his mark'.... and 3) it is relaxing.

For the past few weeks, we've kept busy doing all sorts of things, besides running the B & B that is (which can be a full time job!)   hahaha   Of course, first and foremost, we begin each and everyday by thanking God for EVERYTHING!  We truly feel very blessed and are thankful beyond words for the life we are able to live.

So, some of the things that we've been up to....

We may have found our church! When we have Taylor we take him to his Catholic Church but needed to find our own.  We attended Calvary Presbyterian Church this past Sunday for the first time. The pastor was on a trip but the guest pastor did a good job.  We'll be able to attend again in a few weeks when the official Pastor is back, but, so far so good!!

I renewed my California Driver's License with CURRENT info, so I am an official resident of San Francisco, and eligible to vote locally!

Dick bought a San Francisco residence card - to play golf at a discounted rate at the public courses - which he plans on doing a little more often now.

We take Gabby to weekly Animal Assisted Therapy training classes and are practicing each day. She should graduate in October, then we'll be scheduled at least once a month so she can do her job!

We enjoy walking from our house to Fisherman's Wharf, check out the street vendors goods, tourist watch, catch a bite to eat, and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of this hustle and bustle part of town.

We pop into Art Galleries - trying to locate that special painting to hang above the fireplace and to give our hearts a taste of the beauty that only art can give.

We took Taylor back home on a Sunday and then drove over to Napa, picked up some wine, did some wine tasting, had dinner at our favorite restaurant, then tootled home.....on a SUNDAY!!! Instead of having to drive to Merced!! It was nice and we felt really special!!  Almost like we were doing something really bad!! hahaha

We are fans of Netflix, American Movie Classics and Turner Classic Movie Channels and watch a movie almost every day! 

We've been members of the YMCA at Part Presidio for awhile and have started going to the gym to workout each Friday morning - I still use the indoor pool 3-4 times a week - but Dick has NEVER worked out at a gym! We use a lot of muscles in our legs while running each day (we usually run about 4.5 miles each morning) so we've been working with the 'arm'  and 'stomach' machines. 

We take Taylor to his Monday after school Soccer practice - so that means we get to see him 4 out of 5 days! 

We got Library Cards and discovered the SF Public Library is AMAZING!! They have a HUGE Audio Visual Center where you can check out everything from music cd's to old tv shows, movies, concerts - unreal!! Having the time to read a good book has been very enjoyable.

We are looking forward to the first week in October when the President's Cup is being played at Harding Park.  Dick's brother, David, has tickets and invited friends up for the week long event.  I've never been to a pro golf event so this should be interesting! 

We went to the bank the other day and the WINNING trophy for the Presidents Cup was in the lobby of the bank!!  They asked if Dick wanted his picture taken! Giddy-Up!!

Also during this same week, four girlfriends from Merced are coming up, spending the night and riding bikes across the Golden Gate Bridge the following day!  Yes, we did it last year and had so much fun, we thought we'd do it again!! But, THIS year, we planned it during the Blue Angels PRACTICE day!! 

We also make time for weekend trips to our favorite destinations as Cayucos, Morro Bay, Merced and Visalia.

So, yes, retirement is good!  We highly recommend it!! ;)

Another celebration?

Yup, cuz you just cannot have toooo many birthday parties!!! hahahaha....Actually, because we had our Labor Day Weekend planned, we were unable to attend Kaelyn's Family Bday party that Andrew and Erika would host for that weekend. So.....we had our own birthday party for her in Merced the weekend BEFORE!  Amy drove up from HB and it was even a Taylor weekend! We stayed at my Mom and Franks house. Hung the decorations, made Kaelyn a birthday cake and had a fun time! Soooo thankful we were all able to get together.

Taylor took some GREAT photos that I thought I'd share.

This is Kaelyn saying she was bored with the dinner, where's the CAKE!!?

Ok, this is what I'm talking about!

Happy Birthday Kaelyn! We love you sooooo much!!

Hmmm, I think I like this!

Opening presents!!

Enjoying her special day!

This is the photo album book that Taylor made of Kaelyn's first year! 

I think she liked it!

Thought this one was just a pretty one of MY little girl!! ;)

Uncle Taylor LOVES this little one!! I think she is starting to think he is OK too!

Just waking up and sooooo cute!!

I think here she is saying, "Yea, being one ain't gonna be that bad!!" hahaha

37th Annual Labor Day Weekend

Yup, these guys have been getting together for 37 STRAIGHT years!! This year it was in Wilsonia, which is a community in the Kings Canyon National Park.  Drew's family purchased the cabin in 1955 and allowed us to return to the place it all began!! (We've been alternating the years between Cayucos - the Carlstrom beach house - and Wilsonia.)

Of course the traditional Mai Tai's were served! Think we have enough?

Rev. Dr. Feelgood working his magic! 

The 2 hour hike was beautiful through the trees.

The weather is always PERFECT! 

This was an interesting OLD branch. Well, Lori Reed thought it

was interesting!! hahaha.... just kidding Lori, it IS cool!! ;)

Our cabin is DOWN below among those trees! 

The hike up was a challenge

 but it was all worth it for this view!!! 

We had 18 people show up throughout the weekend. Some stayed for the duration, some for a day.  Each night we had campfire with the best voices singing the best campfire songs, telling funny jokes, and reminiscing of the past. 

Another hike was to the BIG Sequoia trees! Always amazing!!

FOOD is always delicious and in abundance!! Vasi and I made Indian meatballs for Friday night that was a big hit! On Saturday, Drew BBQ'd up AMAZING beef tenderloin! It was sooooo good! If only we had a fresh, green salad along side!! Darn, oh well, JANET??? hahhaha

On Sunday Lorna Bair brought up a HOMEMADE Lasagna! We ate like ROYALTY!

Yup, a footloose kind of weekend!

This was my 5th year in attendance and I have to say, these are beautiful people! What a history they all share!  Many trials of life, happy and good, these guys are there for each other - Always.

Needless to say, I leave feeling honored to be included in this special group and also very blessed that I can call them Friends For Life too! :) 

Sherfy's Arrive in SF!!

Brad and Jen Sherfy came up for a Giants game and to hang out a few days with their son Jimmy and two friends.  We walked around the neighborhood....

Another beautiful day. The boys enjoyed it.

Boys will be boys! hahaha

We joke about it.....we REALLY enjoy having awesome friends and family stay with us... we often wonder, is it our LOCATION or do people want to hang with US? It has been an exciting time here in SF so far, living in a Vacation Destination is quite a blessing!! We joke that we are running B & D's B & B most of the time. But, we truly enjoy it all.

Good Times with the Sherfy's - many more to come!! :)

Kaelyn's First Birthday

LOTS of celebrations for this special little girl!!

The parties started on her ACTUAL birthday - Sunday, August 23

Dick and I met with Andrew, Erika and members of Erika's family along with Kaelyn at The Outback Steakhouse in Modesto.  Erika was CRAVING it during her stay in the hospital a year prior by having to watch the commercials and felt the need to celebrate this occasion with a good dinner.

A great time was had!  We could not help but to discuss what we were all going through a year ago and how blessed we all are today. Our wish is that God continues to watch over and guide us all.

Mmmmmm, yummy!!

Afterwards, we went over to Andrew's house and gave Kaelyn her bday gift - a BABY!!! 

Examining the baby's feet!! haahhaa