1. We are no longer traveling - what hypocrites we would be posting on a site dedicated to travel, no?

2. I'd rather not have random strangers viewing our lives anymore. Sounds snotty, maybe, but I'm being quite frank. Then why have a blog at all? To be honest, it's strictly selfish - I don't remember shit and I like to use a tool to help me remember the good ole days complete with shiny pictures. I'll move somewhere that I can allow permissions for all my friends and family out there that for some strange reason like to read this blog to continue doing so.

Til then, sayonara!

Virtual move remains copyright of the author kawakami, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

Onsen remains copyright of the author kawakami, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

Happy Birthday Carol! It was a surprise 50th, that was actually a real surprise – you’d know it by the look on her face and the words she mouthed in the car. Fremont is only a 40 minute drive from Omaha for us, but Papa Joe and YuYong came from St Louis to celebrate as well. A very nice weekend with the family, t’was. A huge thanks to Nikki for throwing the shindig and all of us over.

Omaha is actually a very groovy city. They always have shit to do and things to see, places to eat and people to watch. This weekend was an event called Wild About Omaha. Albeit a once-every-hundred-years event, it was wicked cool. I haven’t used that phrase in a while, I’m bringing it back. Anyway, it was a party put on by the Mutual of Omaha company (what do they do exactly anyway, sell insurance and have the nature show?) that made a shit ton of venues free plus more. So free is obvious – you get in free to a bunch of museums, galleries, performing arts, a baseball game and the zoo. The plus was even better – when you get into the said venue – they give you more – food, beer, wine, water, pop. What could be better? We didn’t go to everything, but what we went to was great – there is a museum here that is located in the old Union Station of Omaha (beautiful) that has a temporary exhibit about the history of hockey in Omaha, which we had planned on going to anyway. But we went this weekend instead and got a root beer float with it too.

At a gallery, they had creativity oozing from the doorjams – this dragon is actually a keg holder – the draws are hiding in the rib cage! And yes, they were tapping it. There were really random studios in this building with incredible artists of all different mediums.

There were a bunch of venues with outdoor entertainment like bands and plays.

A new exhibit was very interesting – it was a cave – where inside they had a band (more beer) playing LOUD music in the dark surrounded by candles. I can still hear the song - something about spinning, spin spin spin spin spin. Definitely not mainstream. I’m not sure they are even in a stream at all, gotta love that. Apparently all the construction materials used were eco/recycled materials – a treehuggers paradise.

Charlie hasn’t been out to a lake since we were in Minneapolis, (at least that’s the excuse we used) so we took Mike and Kristen up on the invite to stop by their camp in Waverly. Not really a campsite, but even better – friends of theirs have a house on a private lake.

We find a sport we love, and guess what happens? The season ends. So we wait with anticipation until next year. The first game we went to was so overboard, we were sure it had to be because it was the final game that dictated playoff status. Not so, little one – it was like that again – but this was now a playoff game. Guess I’ll have to wait until next year to see if they are always as psycho as the past two games. This is passion with a capital P. Indoor football = cheap, fun, laid back, and noisy. Never before have I heard hundreds of cowbells clanging at the same time, seen the announcer more into a game than any player, witnessed a good bunch of the crowd jump on the field to take part in the halftime entertainment, or man-fans like no others with at least three wardrobe changes per game.

We hit Fun Plex again – both of Cujo’s work summer parties have been held there, and it’s a good time. Both days were great days to be outside or in the pool. This is a fun little amusement park right in town with a dry side and a wet side. The dry side is pretty young targeted rides and the wet side has slides and pools and a lazy river. Perfect for the lazy waddler that is me.

Wild About Omaha remains copyright of the author kawakami, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

Onto the latest and greatest… oddly enough, since we ‘moved’ here, I haven’t really been pulling out the camera like I usually do. I guess I feel more like a resident than a tourist, therefore events and former camera-worthy events are not as important. However, that’s not so. I have rekindled my picture-obsessed persona, but I did miss out on quite a bit. Such as a free concert in a big park here with the Guess Who, a Cujo work party to an amusement park and a great downtown summer arts festival. The amusement park pictures we could most likely do without – it was mainly in the water park and eating and you would have gotten me confused with a beached whale. Oh and by the way, here’s a semi recent belly shot, I think this was around week 28. I’m only getting bigger. You know, it’s no fun carrying around an extra 30+ pounds by the way. I know, I know, it didn’t have to be this much weight, but I’ve let myself do whatever I want and will (foolishly) suffer the consequences later. My whole body feels heavy and compressed and working overtime. I’m sorry joints. And feet. Makes me think of that Bodies exhibit where they showed the effects of obesity. Ugh.

We’ve discovered a few new good eats and some groovy new places to go. There is always something going on here, which is wonderful. I’ve been honing my activity scouring here, like I have always done on the road – it’s so easy here, things to do just fall into your lap. Someone said that Omaha has the most restaurants per capita in the country – not sure it’s true – but it sure could be. There are also lots of city arts and events, which neglect to mention all the family going-ons as well. Even without family ties and childhood history here, this is a good little city that seems to suit us well so far. Besides, nothing or no place is forever in our minds, anyway. So for right now, it’s great.

• 4th of July * This town knows fireworks. Especially well, for having a citywide ban. It’s not enforced, as made obvious by every street you drive by setting off fireworks that week and fried remnants and shards in parking lots the next days. Oddly enough, the main event for the city was July 3rd. I remember growing up hoping for a Friday or Saturday July 4th – that way, we could actually see fireworks on the holiday. So this year – it WAS on Saturday, but for some reason, they had their display on Friday. Not a big deal, just surprising. Seems like each neighborhood has their own display as well anyway all weekend long – there has to be hundreds of thousands of dollars burnt up that week. Sorry to be the Debbie Downer, but that’s how I see fireworks now – lighting money on fire and cheering when it ignites. But I do like watching them. Is this adulthood or what? Probably just crabby Chazzie instead. We went over to an in-laws house for a better vantage point for the fireworks that Friday night – it actually poured buckets ten minutes before they started the show. I was sure it was cancelled, but I guess that’s how things work in the Midwest. And true – I’ve noticed that when a dark storm hits in the day, (which isn’t as common as waking up with wet ground) it generally goes back to a sunny, blue-skied day fairly quickly. The next day we went to another in-laws cabin and had a bbq on the lake complete with a fireworks show provided by family. They went all out and had the big ones in the sky like the big fireworks show. Illegal? I know nothing.

We got to take a tour of a plant an hour away that Curtis worked at, and also the drive he endured for weeks and weeks at the beginning of our stay here. And will again, at least a few times a year. Poor guy – the drive was not fun just on a beautiful Saturday, I can’t imagine doing it every day for weeks on top of working 14 hours once you get there. It’s all highway driving slowing down through a few small towns, topped with a dose of construction. But the thoughtful man took us there anyway to see what it was all about. It was actually pretty interesting. We had taken a tour of the opening of a INL building he worked at a few years ago that had to do with the technology of getting the Mars rover up, and surprisingly this coal plant was somewhat similar (probably just to me). I was surprised at how modern and clean everything was, and how proud the employees were. That’s a great sign, when employees are proud and happy. I know every place has beat down assholes, too, I’m not completely naïve. Anyway, during the dedication of the second unit here in Nebraska City, they offered tours of the plant, a ride on a trolley that took you about the property, and lunch. With cake. Oh yeah baby. This big Cat was just that – big. That’s them standing up there at the top. No, I didn’t even attempt it. And the corn – this is what children of the corn (Nebraskans) do whenever they see a corn field, they run into it and peek their heads out. Okay, not really. But they did it once.

A random synapse firing moment:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO WENDY! Love you!

Another random synapse firing moment:
You have to take a look at this thing, I had one and it was freaky. It occupied my mind for a few days but now I’ve moved on and am better.

Now, I don’t really know the difference in rules and regulations in the Indoor Football League versus the Arena Football League, but I do know that the IFL Omaha Beef game was fun as hell. It was just a crazy night of laughing our asses off and watching a really good, close game down to the last second. Cujo said this needs to be the next goofball movie like Dodgeball or the ping pong one, and he is soooo right. They go all out, don’t start on time because the man fans are still dancing around on the field, have constant entertainment, and best of all – tickets were $6. SIX dollars. Can’t beat that combination. The fans are hilarious and bang cowbells almost the entire time and could rival the intensity of Raiders fans with their getup. (Remind me to take earplugs next time) By the way, the finished top of their division, and are now moving on to playoffs, baby.

The Grass Roots were so good a few weeks ago that we moved up a decade or two and snagged tickets for another relived concert – REO Speedwagon, STYX and 38 Special. This is Wendy with Rob Grill of the Grass Roots before they sold out of CDs and he ditched the rest of the 30 people in line waiting. Not to seem snotty, but when you announce on stage that you are selling CDs after the show but hey - just come on over and meet me and say hi even if you don’t need a CD, dammit – don’t leave when your CDs are gone. Maybe some of those folks just genuinely wanted to meet you, tell you how much they liked you, and wanted you to sign other albums they had brought with them? And oh – you told them to! Other than that, it was a great concert. The music was great and the crowd was fun. We all packed ourselves into a bingo hall at a reservation casino 70 miles from Omaha – is there any better way to spend a night? Negative. I swear, music and lyrics are so powerful and reminiscing, aren’t they? We just don’t know who we will go to see when we are 50, I guess we need to find someone around our age to love – that way we will have a show to see then. And I don’t care if I sound old, but music just isn’t as good anymore. I said it. And I mean it. I like to hear the words they are saying, how weird am I? And woah – the words actually have meaning? Okay, nevermind - I fold – of course there are current bands that do the same, and there were old bands that didn’t. I lie sometimes. Anyway, the point is – the concert was great, the venue was great, and the company and conversation couldn’t be beat.

Monthly catch up (no mustard) remains copyright of the author kawakami, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

We tried to do some fun things here - Vicky was a great source, since she knows this area pretty well. We ate at traditional Omaha places like Runza and the Bohemian Café, and visited the Old Market and the Henry Doorly Zoo. This weekend was also the College World Series, and although we didn’t go to any games, we saw the lines and heard the crowd from the zoo that day.

There is a new pedestrian walkway that spans the river from Nebraska to Iowa here, and we walked it. Halfway. Well, over the river at least, maybe not halfway. Anyway, we walked on it dammit.

We hit the casino one night - a lotta dinner and a little gambling, and we all won beads. Not in the traditional sense, at least not me – maybe the others did, hee. That’s all I won there. At least this time Cujo wasn’t kicked out – that’s a bonus!

One night we were getting ready to go out for dinner and we all ended up in the same outfit – it was our uniform for the night. Yup, we DID go out in public like that. And it WAS funny.

Poor Aunt Naomi, who would run through the zoo exhibits with snakes and wait for us at the end, was graced with an up close snake in the yard. I had only seen snakes here on the ground – which I don’t particularly enjoy either, but this guy was up in the tree one day while we were looking at the flowers and took us all off guard. Funny now, not so funny at the time. Okay, yeah, it was funny.

There’s a place here that we call the best deal in Omaha – it’s taco night where you can get a taco for $1 and a pitcher of beer for $4. And the tacos are not your traditional Taco Bell taco. In fact, tacos here are pretty different than anywhere else I’ve been. They are almost all warm deep fried flour shells, then packed with meat and cheese and toppers. I haven’t seen a regular corn shell or just a plain soft flour shell anywhere. And there are lots of taco places here, too. Anyway, you can get pretty full off of two, but the fact that they are a dollar that night makes you think you can eat three or four. Which yeah, you can, but then you feel like shit later. But hey, you got a great deal, which doesn’t make it worth it… or does it?

Their last night was a bbq night and we all ate and drank and were merry. Of course our very own kitemaster made kites with the kids and introduced them to Taiko 101, which she was so awesome to bring with her. A wonderful visit - can't wait for next time!

Family Ties remains copyright of the author kawakami, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

Welcome to our home, come visit us!

Movin and groovin remains copyright of the author kawakami, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

Jason Mraz was coming through Omaha, so we snagged tickets last minute and went along with Daniela and Bridget. It seems to always happen to me, but I like singers early on then kind of dead-off when they get popular. He sang mostly new stuff, but it was still a fun night out and a chance to see the Plain White Ts open, who we had attempted to see last summer here in Omaha but was a rainout for us.

The baseball team here, the Omaha Royals, had a night called Bark in the Park. This was crazy shit – you bring your dog to the baseball stadium and watch the game. Funny. Daniela and I had heard about this when we went to the Dog Park Fundraiser a few weeks ago. We took Charlie and met up with Elvis and his family there too. It wasn’t as chaotic as you’d imagine, only a few barks here and there. The dogs were sectioned off so that you couldn’t be seated next to someone allergic or a cat person instead, good planning on their part. And the game was great too, a win in the bottom of the 9th – can’t beat that.

While here, we missed two events we usually go to every year – the Race for the Cure in Boise and Spokane, good thing mom still represented!

While we are getting used to our surroundings, there are some similarities and differences here compared to other places we've stayed. Like the humidity - although it hasn't fully kicked in, I (am the only one who can) still feel it now, and it reminds me of Florida. After all, I did spend the first 30 years of life in the desert. The dampness extends to food - if you don't seal it up tight, it's not crunchy or fresh next time. Animals - there is a beaver or badger or something brown and close to the ground and walks like a fat labored old man here. And rabbits? I wish I ate them because I'd never have to buy meat, I swear I see a dozen a day. It does help that when I walk Charlie, she runs and chases them out of the brush, but they are so plentiful here it's crazy. They don't seem to fear anything either. Good thing they are so fast. The other varmint is not so quick so he's harder to find on a daily basis. My favorite - black squirrels! Seriously, it's a squirrel that is jet black. They still have the typical brown squirrel but I have seen a black squirrel twice. And two animals I haven't seen yet are a raccoon and a possum. One that I have seen that I'd rather not was a snake. I realize while I'm writing this just how easily amused I am. Forget the zoo, sit in a chair outside for a damn minute!

It's been a while, so apparently the universe has decided that ample time has gone by for Cujo to have another accident. This one was the eye, again. He has had issues with his eyes before, good thing they are supposed to heal the fastest. It's true, I believe, as he has had debris and acid in there before and can still see. This time was a shard of metal and who knows how it got there. Poor guy had to actually get his eyeball drilled to reach it. Drilled. With a bit. And a mechanical motor drill. Ugh. His eye was dilated into this huge all-pupil eyeball with no iris color left. Have you ever seen those huskies who have two different eye colors? That's what he looked like. On one hand, it's pretty cool and enchanting; but on the other, it's kinda creepy and unsettling. Even now, it's still dilated two days later. Not the same extent, but definitely bigger than the other. He IS healing though, and that's all that matters at this point. Very lucky it wasn't worse.

They do graduations here. Often. In Idaho, we graduated once - from high school. Here in Nebraska, they graduate from kindergarten, (which people here call kindygarten) sixth grade, and high school. Oh, and throw in eighth grade too, if you go to parochial school. I say, hey, works for me - another reason for a positive get together isn't a bad thing. Congrats to Kirsten, our niece, who will be going into middle school next year. She has been quite the stellar scholar here at her grade school, being the president of her class and receiving awards from the Omaha mayor, we are so proud of her! She also was given a Presidential award, complete with a letter from President Obama. Keep up the great work, kiddo!

Beer, bands and barks remains copyright of the author kawakami, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

Luckily we were able to meet up with some dear friends in that week we were in Idaho, though unfortunately I didn’t get pictures of all the reunions/farewells, nor did we get a chance to tell everyone goodbye.

Has anyone ever mentioned that moving is not fun? Although I did get to drive a big moving truck through snowy Wyoming, and if that’s not fun I don’t know what is. Wait, looking for a new house - that *might* be funner.

In our true fashion, we were welcomed to Omaha with a blown tire on the trailer. I actually saw it go, pretty crazy watching the smoke and flying tire. We were fortunate to have not caused an accident, been so close to an exit, and had a spare. Oh, and of course a strapping young man to change it.

I know all these pictures really do look the same, but here is the formal introduction:

More big news is that my mom is retiring! A 30 year career anywhere now a days is almost becoming unheard of, so we are very proud of everything she's accomplished and excited to take part in multitude of possibilities of freedom. You've definitely earned it, Mom!

Ch ch ch ch changes remains copyright of the author kawakami, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

Charlotte Goldie remains copyright of the author kawakami, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

Off again… in the snow… this time to Omaha. The temperature gauge says negative 12!

The day we got in happened to be Hailey’s 1st birthday party, and we were glad to be able to be there celebrate, catch up with family and meet new member Dakota.

For Daniela’s high school graduation present last year, we gave her a trip to Washington DC. It took nearly a year for our schedules to jive, but at last moment, we decided now was the time to do it.

It has been years since we’ve seen Chad and Megan and the kids. They live in the Baltimore area, so we drove over to see them while we were close. The kids have grown so much and it was great to get to see them again. We all grew up together and had some crazy and hilarious times in high school. It’s amazing we are all still together and in one piece. Chad and Curtis were each other’s best man at the weddings, must be good luck.

Washington D.C. - where even the license plates have a platform.

The White House

The National Cathedral was such a beautiful place full of rich history. There are over 200 people buried inside, they host all types of events and speakers, not only the daily Episcopalian services, but also the Reagan funeral and the Dalai Lama. One thing our guide impressed upon us was that they welcome people of all faiths, or no faith at all.

All in all, we had a great experience on the metro. Only once did we (read Cujo) panic and get off the train, then realize that we were in fact on the right train, and rush back onto the train. The worse part of it (besides the amused looks) was that after walking miles and miles your feet and legs tend to get sore, and we had given up our precious seats.

The exhibits were so in depth and so haunting, as you would expect from the Holocaust Museum. The highlight was that day there was a survivor speaking at the museum telling her story during that time. She was just a child but still has pretty strong recollection paired with documentation. Her final thoughts were to pass on that it really did exist and it really did happen, she doesn't understand how some people think it's a myth.

This has to be our best picture of the Washington Monument ever, and check this out – a girl walking by us took it while laying down on her back on the cold ground just so she could fit the top in.

The WWII Memorial is new, but fits in just perfectly – it’s not too big or overwhelming and it looks just like it’s always been there and belongs.

It’s quite the moving feeling when you stand at the Lincoln Memorial and you realize so much that has occurred at this very location. My personal favorite phrase from the north wall is ‘…malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right…’

Cujo found a Vlasak this time at the Vietnam Wall – not sure why we never found it before.

Arlington

The Supreme Court wasn’t sitting that day, so we got to look in the courtroom. For the separation of church and state, there were an awful lot of biblical statues in there.

We took a guided tour of the Capitol with Idaho’s congressman Walt Minnick. Well, not Walt Minnick himself, but his office representation. And come on, but is it seriously too much to ask that that person BE from Idaho? I would imagine there are plenty of young people in Idaho that would jump on that experience. Especially when she didn’t make the best impression by explaining that Pocatello is in western or northern Idaho, right before proclaiming her knowledge of the state. We were also a bit nervous and curious when we had to tell her exactly how to get to the Capitol entrance, and having to wait a half hour for our tickets we needed to ‘just run in and pick up’ the day before. However… it wasn’t all bad, we did like the fact that with her, we got to take the underground tunnel from the Capitol building back to the office – the walls along the tunnel are adorned with artwork from kids from each state. The really cool thing about the Capitol was getting to go into the Gallery and see some people we actually recognized – Barney Frank, Ron Paul, and the rep from Nebraska Lee Terry. Later than night we saw the actual argument we witnessed first hand, and no it wasn’t on CSPAN - it was on CNN. Barney Frank has got to be one of the most entertaining speakers, no matter how you feel about him. The room would laugh whenever he’d make his jab – that’s not something you see or hear on CNN.

We got to take a tour of the Diplomatic entertainment area of the State Department. This is where the Secretary of State and other officials host diplomats. There were only seven or eight of us actually on the tour, and we had 3 guides and 2 security guards. I never thought I’d be able to steal that candlestick, go figure. As for the flags, they hang US flags on each end, and flags representing countries we have affiliations with in between. When those affiliations or ties are broken or reestablished, the flags then go up or down. The rooms were magnificent, and it felt like we were in an episode of Antique Roadshow. One poor guy on the tour actually had the balls or ignorance to sit down on an antique couch during the walk-through. He was told very nicely to stand back up, while the rest of us giggled to ourselves. Being in this building doesn’t create instant maturity, sorry. The plate was among others that had been around hundreds of years, and belonged to Martha Washington. The items they have here are just remarkable - that they still exist and are in such great condition. There was one rug that was a hundred years old that weighed 6000 pounds, I was shocked they still let feet walk on it. And that it still was holding up. I swear I bought a rug last year that looks like shit and is fraying and holey. I sound like an old biddy but it’s true about quality of years ago versus products today. The bookcases were hand carved by young men and each had their own style and signature. Antique Roadshow in the flesh, I tell ya.

Chinatown

The Library of Congress is one of the most beautiful buildings ever, so ornate and detailed. The magnitude of information it contains is no less incredible. They had an exhibit which held part of Benjamin Franklin’s personal library, which was just amazing to be surrounded by books so old that had belonged to someone so influential.

Oh yeah baby, we travel in style. And yes, that is a beer in a bag.

Washington, D.C. remains copyright of the author kawakami, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

We take Charlie to a dog friendly beach called Avila Beach where there is no leash law. It’s a beautiful beach and full of pretty responsible dog owners, so you don’t need to worry about where you step. Gross, but unfortunately a true concern at dog parks. One day while we were here, I learned something new about my Cujo. He is a duck saver. Yup, he saved a duck. Poor little guy was tangled in yards of fishing line, weights, and multiple hooks that were already embedded in his webbed feet and legs. So after getting some tools and gloves, he recruited another guy to help and they performed the life saving surgery to free it. What a good guy. Awwwww.

The office of this park has sleds for the sand dunes, albeit for children. Do I even need to say that we tried it ourselves? Go figure, the lady in the office WAS right – we ARE too big and we ARE too heavy. So picture slow motion sledding, that’s what we did. The pictures somehow look like we could be speeding down the hill, but no. It was thrilling slow mo. Or rather effortful slow mo. This RV park has been a decent place to live for a while, we all (including Charlie) like the dunes, the sunsets and moonrises are beautiful, and for the most part (minus the crazy bitch I got in a fight with) it's quiet. It *should* be decent, rent here for a trailer spot costs more than our mortgage back home, ugh that's the worst part of California - the costs of everything are so outrageous. When we go back home, we feeling like we're stealing at the grocery.

Random beaches in the area - Morro Rock at Morro Bay, and Shell Beach.

Is this business name not ironic to anyone else?

I had no idea that butterflies live for only two weeks up to six months - that just makes them even more amazing and beautiful. There is an area in Pismo Beach where each year, thousands of Monarchs descend and gather for a few months, which causes people to do the same. Those big clumps of darkness are literally butterflies hanging on eucalyptus trees.

My hero, the duck saver remains copyright of the author kawakami, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

This trip the fuckoffs just seemed to pop out in our way over and over – do people really not understand that when you are pulling something, your driving strategy is different? Sincere apologies, but we can’t gun it on an on ramp nor can we go to any pump at the gas station. You see that green pump labeled Diesel that you are sitting in your car in front of, just talking on your cell phone? That is the only damn pump we can actually use. And also, while I’m kvetching, when you are done pumping gas and you want to go inside to shop or pee or get snacks? Move your car! That’s what all the extra parking is for, I promise. We are not parked right behind you just because it’s convenient; we’re waiting for your ass to move.

Our issues were not only external, no no. We made it three hours the first day, and then got stuck in Jackpot, Nevada for the next two days during the chain requirements on the passes in Nevada and California. Getting stuck in Jackpot was not all bad, they do have a RV park, and we did get to see some games and had a couple good meals. One morning we woke up and the main part of the trailer was frozen, literally. One of our televisions died, and a camera. The camera has since come back to life, the television has not. The ceiling was frosted, the mirrors, the windows, the bananas, the water bottles, and last but not least – the slide out! It took ages to get that sucker in so we could take off. 6 below is not the most ideal trailer dwelling weather.

We normally stay at Motel 6 when we travel just because you usually know what you’re going to get – which is not much, but it doesn’t cost much either and they allow dogs. It’s the easiest safe bet most times. We decided to stop in Salinas a few hours out to get a good night’s rest and a shower. Now, this was at 11:30 at night but not super late and the area didn’t look horrible. I think we are pretty naïve, as we didn’t really pay attention to the cones in the parking lot to deter traffic, nor the security guard in the lobby. We also got a parking pass to leave in the window, which was new. As we pulled around back to the trailer parking, a car tailed in with us and came through the open driveway, following us tight. A lady was standing in her doorway just staring at us and talking. To herself. The entire time we backed up and parked. Then another car full of people came through driving slowly staring at us. While Cujo took a load in, a guy from the room upstairs came out to his balcony and watched him walk in. A different woman came from another side and crouched by a bush and tried to peer through it, while yet another car pulled up and parked in front of our room. This guy actually got out of his car and went up and looked through our window. All of this happened within about ten minutes. This wasn’t going to be our good night’s rest. We got our stuff, got back in the truck and got a refund. Crazy crazy crazy shit.

When we got here, we walked in to find a cluster inside as well. Pretty much everything fell apart to some extent. They say that every time you take your trailer down the road, it’s like an earthquake and it’s inevitable that things get weaker and worn – it’s true. We’ve seen this poor fifth wheel age over the past two years. Admittedly, we are not the easiest on it. However, this trip was paramount… things that broke – awning, tv, power outlets, shower door, kitchen table, kitchen drawers, water lines, and we forgot our kitchen chairs, haha! Have you tried to balance on a camp chair at a table? They are definitely built for lounging.

The best part of the trip had to be end, when we just happened to run into Pete and Ari at the Union Hall. Neither of us knew the other would be there. Curtis had gone in to get his dispatch and came back to wake me with the news of breakfast… NOW. Yeah, yeah maybe I was grumpy at first but that passed when I saw Pete and Ari. Poor things had to eat with us and we hadn’t showered in days, ewww. Sorry about that. We tried to stop the night before, I promise. Hehe. We went to one of my favorite places in Pismo, the Splash Café. Did you know you could have a chowder bread bowl at 9AM? I didn’t. It was the only time I’ve been there without a line. And, when you eat clam chowder for breakfast, you don’t get hungry until dinner. Or maybe it’s just that chowder – it’s all butter and cream. So bad but so good.

We are staying at a new place here, one on the sand dunes. These things are awesome. We have them in Idaho but I’ve never been. I just remember thinking they were dangerous and people got hurt or worse while riding motorcycles out there. Anyway, these are pretty similar I’m guessing, but thankfully the motorized area is a little ways down from us. We have been going over there and Charlie just runs and runs in the sand like it’s a big grassy field. On the other side of the dunes is the Pacific. The first day I was warned about a coyote or wolf that was spotted on the dunes, great. I’m not sure how serious the warnings are… there are also raccoon warnings around the RV park. Poor nature just doesn’t have many places to recede to.

Back on the Central Coast remains copyright of the author kawakami, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

It's been years, probably closer to a decade, since our house has been decorated for Christmas. Although we didn't go all out Griswald, we did put up a tree and a few bows. I'll admit, it felt much more festive - maybe that's why I never get in the holiday spirit - because you have to create it yourself?

Like every year, the Guidinger Christmas Party was a blast. They are some of the funnest people we know, very generous, very gracious, and their party always promises laughing your ass off.

Christmas dinner for 10 - with 3 present. Can't get better than that. Except for being lazy - playing Wii, reading a book or chilling with the pooch.

All in all, we've had a very relaxing, lazy visit back home. Lots of movies, shoveling and being bums. Wonderful way to cap off a spectacular year.

Here's to New Year's resolutions...
All the things I really like to do are either immoral, illegal, or fattening. — Alexander Woollcott

Christmastime in Pocatello remains copyright of the author kawakami, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

May Shiozawa remains copyright of the author kawakami, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

Even though we weren’t home, we still got a great turkey dinner, thanks to the Avillar family! Many thanks to them for the sweet invitation and wonderful dinner. Everyone was so nice and Trisha’s dad was such a funny character. They’ve got one of the biggest cats I’ve seen – isn’t it? Curtis and Chico met years ago when he first started traveling, and have kept in touch, great, no?!

Yeah, yeah, I know they are horrible, but we still hit the buffets. After the second day and second buffet, we learned our lesson. Those are horrible places for us frugal ‘get all you can for your money’ types. This night was meat night, if you can’t tell. And this was plate number one.

Serendipitous, yes… that Cujo wore this shirt today.

We decided to do un-stripy things this trip, so we went down to Boulder City (a former mountain biking hill for Cujo) and over to Lake Mead. The lake was great, and the hike was fun – until we ran into this sign, ugh gross!

The view driving back into Las Vegas of the strip, and those new ‘fake’ satellite towers that are supposed to blend in with surroundings. What a great idea! I barely noticed it. What a difference. And all that shiny stuff on the ground and the mountain - it's glass. Everywhere.

Despite the majority of our time out of a casino, we still watched some football and horses a couple days. That was an interesting experience. We had to hear a woman’s lecture about why Oregon’s mascot is the Duck, about how much money she’s given them since 1962, and her standing ovations for scores – even during replays. Another guy told Cujo to fuck off. I also got mistaken for a hooker. Nice. As Kristen would say, “It’s face punching time…”

Happy Thanksgiving remains copyright of the author kawakami, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

Before we sold the California Parks state pass, we went back down to the San O Beach one last time for some kite flying and doggie running. And then my head got squished by Cujo’s massive fingers.

We had a great dinner outside on the patio of the Fishermans with Jim and Carol. She was able to come down and enjoy the area before they both headed back home to Washington. It was a beautiful night and good dinner with better company.

Charlie has a new favorite beer – made by Flying Dog – called Road Dog. Appropriate, no?

The St Louis Blues came into town to play the LA Kings – and the Kings won. I tell you, fans here are very passionate – it’s great. I guess fans everywhere are passionate, dumb statement. Anyway, the only guy I know on the Blues now was out on injury (Kariya) but Papa Joe could tell you all about who was playing and why that night. I’ll admit, I do like hockey, but I was also searching for stars in the audience. Found one – Jenny McCarthy with her son. Apparently her sister is married to a Blues player. Great night, the sunset coming into town was spectacular, as was dinner in Little Tokyo right before the game. Yum yum YUM. The best food ever is in Little Tokyo. And specials on Japanese beer sure doesn’t hurt.

Curtis works with a guy named Marvin who is a baby making machine! He and his wife Kylee have a son and six girls, all of whom are absolutely adorable. Seriously take a look at his three youngest – they are cheering at their big brother’s football game with authority. They made it up themselves and even end with a little pyramid maneuver. His son Gabe plays for Orange Lutheran, which is a great high school team in the area. In fact, the game we went to was a playoff game - their first win of playoffs. These kids are really good, and some already have offers at some big colleges like Oregon and USC. Their marching band is just as good at what they do – they are on a TV show called Friday Night Lights. I’ve never seen it, but I guess it is about the high school football scene. And – the best part of this high school marching band – it is the most diverse band I’ve seen – it has TAIKO! WTF!?!?! Yes, I said taiko.

Cujo’s Great Aunt Lorraine has lived in the LA area since the 40s on and off, and he always gets together with her while he’s here. This was my first time to meet her, and I instantly fell in love. The similarities of Lorraine and Grandma are uncanny. Given that they haven’t lived near each other or raised their families within a thousand miles from each other, they really are quite alike. So sweet, and such a great memory, Lorraine is the oldest sister at 86. We chatted for hours and walked over to lunch and a market. The market was incredible – a Mexican Market – that was the largest I’ve ever seen. They had everything you could ever want – the most beautiful produce, potted chili pepper plants, prepared pulled pork, carne asada, and seriously every edible part of any animal you could crave. Or someone else could crave. No tongue, intestine or brain for me, thank you. Her son and daughter in law Ron and Nancy also stopped by to say hello. They love to travel and had some great and interesting stories about their adventures. They had even been through Pocatello! Next time, who knows, maybe we’ll all be there at the same time.

At the Dana Point harbor area, there are tons of shops and restaurants as well as fishing charters and cruises. The rich folks keep there boats here - it’s such an excessive display of money every where you go here, it almost becomes numbing and normal. Boats docked here ranged the gamut, and the few that were posted for sale were around $600K. For a boat. And not one that you live on. Holy hell, what do these people do for a living? I found myself asking this question an uncountable number of times until I exhaustedly gave up and gave into outside viewing of ‘typical’ Orange County lifestyle living. We took a Whale Watching boat tour here at Dana Point. They caught a lobster that weighed 15 lbs – it’s huge, no? They think it’s 80 years old. Incredible. The beast had molars in it’s mouth that could crush a rock. They are going to use it for marketing until that falters, then they say they will release it back into the ocean. I have my doubts. Keeping it is far better than selling or eating it, however! That old man earned some respect living that long. Our boat tour was a go – a nogo – a go – a nogo – then a GO! At that point, we had almost succumbed to cancellation and were a little peeved when they told us to get on the boat. That all changed quickly and it was the best boat ride ever. The catamaran was huge and probably more suited for 50 people rather than the 8 of us that were on board. Full bar, snacks and a smart captain – we were happy as clams. We saw sea lions, blue or white tipped dolphins or sharks, (we were both a little confused on what the hell we were looking at) but the best was killer whales. Shamu without Sea World – and with four of his friends. What a rush – these orcas were breathtaking. So graceful, so large and so fast – they would breach for a few breaths, then go back down for five minutes. Back up for a few breaths, then back down for five. Repeat. It was like a game of hide and go seek – we’d all stare out onto the water in search of where they would appear again in the distance.

Craig Ferguson is a funny shithead. I know, I know, he’s on super late. And down here, he’s on super super late. Or early, as the case may be. It IS called the Late Late Show after all. We got in. It was fun. They took our phones and camera, so I do not have evidence. We were herded into lines and subject to waiting in rain and freezing cold studios, numbers scribbled on our skin with marker dictating where we were to sit. Apparently, no, we are not the beautiful chosen, as we were marked with a big black 3 on our wrist. I am a Golden Girl fanatic – LOVE THEM – I’ve seen every episode at least thrice. So just imagine my shit eatin grin when I saw Betty White there. She is so fucking funny! So funny! FUNNY! If you haven’t seen her on his show, you must. His other guest was Neil Patrick Harris – you know him. Loved him in Harold and Kumar and love him in How I Met Your Mother. I was introduced to this show by my mother, and it’s one of the best on TV now, imho. He looks good in person, and his proud folks were standing in the back. We got screwed on the music part of the show, it was already pre-taped. The warm up guy was funny but you know when you are told to laugh over and over and over, even if you think something is funny – it feels forced? Odd. Cheesy. Nonetheless, the show was very funny and well worth the price. Did I mention this was free?

We’re not huge Lakers fans, but we still went to a game – cheap tickets and the chance to see Kobe and maybe some famous folks was simply too tempting. All three were achieved. They played the NJ Nets, so we got to see Vince Carter too. And – we remembered the binoculars! This in itself is a huge feat! They usually like to wait for us in the car. On the bench, were Kevin James – the guy from King of Queens, another actor I recognized but couldn’t tell you his name, and Adam Sandler. I think I might’ve spent more time searching the audience than watching the game. I swear Flea from the RHCP was there, too… but that’s not validated…

California A to Z remains copyright of the author kawakami, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

We're going to Disneyland! remains copyright of the author kawakami, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

...oh the misfortune of being my dog

Happy Halloween remains copyright of the author kawakami, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

Charlie is a member of the California State Beaches, and got a (spendy) pass just so she could run, romp and annoy random strangers on the closest beach that allows her to do so. Dog discrimination runs rampant here, so the few beaches that allow her, she takes full advantage of. Anyway, I digress… due to said pass, we spent some time at the San Onofre State Beach where we could all hang out together as a happy family does.

Our lovely bivouac comes with hundreds of fellow RVers, great views of Camp Pendleton, beautiful sunsets, and mountain lions. Luckily, despite hearing from all the people that have seen (the cute little guys) them, we haven’t. And Charlie is still here, unscathed from her (chair lounging) tie out. Do they not understand the concept of a mountain lion, or am I just a paranoid Idahoan?

When we went down to San Diego, one of our must dos (besides my pit stop of Marukai and Daiso) was Ocean Beach where we had a great chill afternoon wandering around the stores, the beach, and of course Hodads. You know how much I adore Guy Fieri, and he stopped here too. Atmosphere rocked and food was decent. Until I got a mouthful of sand in my burger – my fault I admit.

We also went to the border but didn’t cross (sans passports) and hit the Gaslamp area downtown.

Lucky us, Cujo got a day off to hang with us so we boogied up north and did Hollywood aka typical LA. This is what (I believe) Wendy pictured in her head when you say the term L.A. but when we drove down Hollywood Blvd, she said, “This is it?!”. I can empathize – it does look quite so much more glamorous on television. That, folks, is the magic of tv/marketing. It really is an art.

We made it to three, count em, three of Cujo’s former hostels – how funny is that – San Diego, Santa Monica, and Hollywood. This was before the movie “Hostel”. Dear God, have you seen that movie? If not, don’t. Anyway, something that always makes us happy is great teppanyaki – and we got it in Santa Monica. I could eat teppanyaki every day, seriously. And if I did, I would promise to eat only once a day, it would be worth the sacrifice. It sounds and looks so easy - take a grill and throw food on it, but it really just doesn’t turn out like theirs when you attempt it at home. Maybe I should try to get a job there. Hey wait, have you ever seen a female chef there?! I haven’t. Maybe if we get to break barriers next Tuesday, I’ll work on breaking that barrier at Benihana.

Venice Beach has to be the most individual place ever. With a hefty scoop of liberalism, that is. And capitalism. No wonder people have issues with clowns, this is just plain strange. Was Kubrick here?

Speaking of horror movies (Hostel) we had a movie night – a slumber party of sorts, which we pulled out the bed for. Literally. Pretty groovy when your entire front room/dining room/kitchen can be a bed. Reignites the fort days of your first decade of life. However, if you do so… may you choose a different flick. Daniela had seen and liked this movie, and Wendy swore the setting looked just like our current living situation so we got it. It’s called the Hills Have Eyes, and it’s a remake. Not sure about the original, but the remake was funny. And it wasn’t supposed to be. For anyone who has seen it, gobble gobble. You’ll get it. Charlie looks like she got possessed. But… the real scary part of this movie is that there is a woman here who I happen to run into in the laundry room (every damn time) who belongs in this movie. She’s like a character from the X Files – that inbred episode to be exact. She scares me so much more than that movie. I do look up in the hills now, and I do see glimmering lights that could be binoculars… but it IS Camp Pendleton, so come on – isn’t that their job? Not to torture, maim, murder and eat us, but to train in the element, I mean.

Did I mention how much I love the hookah hookah? Yeah, we are goofy, but don’t blame the hookah.

The San Clemente pier is really a beautiful place. Especially during the sunset. There is a guy that supposedly looks like a guy on the box of fishsticks – now I don’t buy fishsticks, so does he look like him? Captain Gordman or something like that? And look at this poor seagull – ONE foot. Wtf, how did that happen?

The Rainbow love has spread – not only Cujo now… oh yeah baby… the whole family has ‘em.

From the POC to the OC remains copyright of the author kawakami, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

After a week sans wheels... we got the truck back, all fixed up and ready to go. We went through one quote, then a change, then a new quote; but after all was said and done, we got out of there $4000 cheaper than expected which was a great way to start the weekend! Big sigh of relief, and we didn't have to show up to Alayne's wedding all decked in leather and helmet hair.

On our way up north, we passed the Goodyear Blimp - it looks much bigger up close on the ground versus hundreds of yards up in the sky.

The wedding was so beautiful! Everyone was so happy and so pretty. The ceremony was elegant, traditional, and poignant. The reception was a ton of fun, we met some really interesting people and had wonderful food. We sat with some other friends that really had some great stories - one of which was the man who got to think up and produce the challenge segments of the first Survivor, among current involvement in many other tv shows. Another guy had his own technical writing business, and his brother was the voice of Southwest Airlines, that 'feel free to move about the country' voice you hear on commercials. I guess we *are* in the entertainment capitol, but it's still odd to think it's just normal people you meet that do these jobs.

We were very fortunate to be able to attend, just serendipitous that we were even in California during the nuptials. Thanks to Alayne and Glen for including us in such a special day. Wishing them good luck in the future, even though they don't need it.

Awww... Love is in the air remains copyright of the author kawakami, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

We met up with Cody in Huntington Beach over at Max to watch the Nebraska game. This wasn't as horrible as last week, and there was actually hope in the air for a good part of the game. Cody is a great kid who is living an enviable life along the beach, enjoying life. Funny thing, while we were there, he actually ran into a guy he went to high school with. The amazing thing about this is that they both went to high school in OMAHA. Seriously - how serendipitous is that? Scope outwards, and it's really quite unbelievable.

We finally got to meet Jack up in Long Beach! He's just a few months away from being 2, and we just got to meet him, which was worth the wait. He is simply more adorable than his photos. Very sweet and content demeanor, I took from our short stay. Such a cute kid. Time is really amazing, it seems like Katrina was just getting married, but she and Walter have a beautiful house and a wonderful son. It's remarkably interesting to me all the paths one can take in a life, and how quickly or slowly change happens. Auntie Lynne and Uncle Don look the same - how does that work? It's so good to see family that you don't see very often, especially when you see them at good times.

Cujo's friend Tom came down to San Diego from Idaho for the Chargers/New England game. He and his brother (who lives in Riverside) have season tickets, so when he can get down here, he does. This was incredible. The extent to which people go to in simply shocking. I've never been to an NFL game or even tailgated, but I thought it was comparable to college games. Hell, even the Rose Bowl. Silly me, no. Sacrifice for a cause - the effort, the prep, the clothing, the adornment of vehicles, the list just goes on and on - flags, magnets, TVs with satellite, grills and cooking surfaces that I envy from my RV, coolers you could fit a body in. Then the food - it's not only hot dogs and chips folks - carne asada, lasagna, crepes, full bars, and beers that could rival the shelves of Trader Joes. Wow - what a racket - and oh how fun. (Minus the cops who hand out parking tickets for unintended infractions - which is now my new headache and pet project to attempt to reverse via paperwork)

Southern California remains copyright of the author kawakami, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

We stayed in Primm and watched the game and rode the rollercoaster. This is one of my all time favorite coasters – it’s mainly outside and high up, with little curves and bumps that go inside and make you duck. Much better than the New York New York one, but costs about the same. I didn’t remember it being so bumpy the last time I rode it, but I had a 10 years younger body then and didn’t have to hold my head and neck. The game on the other hand sucked and we should’ve gone to see the Beach Boys there who just happened to be playing that night. I coulda rekindled my Mike Love love and maybe got on the stage again, but no, we watched Nebraska get pummeled. By Missouri of all teams. They are the worst whiny dicks. The Vlasaks all went to Missouri for a Nebraska game a few years ago, which happened to end up the first time that Missouri had beat Nebraska in decades. Yup, we got to be present for that. Their fans and students were pretty big assholes and one had such a big damn mouth that he ended up getting choked. I so adore my Papa Joe. J Anyway, Whiskey Petes in Primm had the funniest sign on their marquee outside – Pet Friendly – with a scary looking dog showing his teeth.

Our first night welcomed us with a beautiful sunset along the San Clemente pier. We were on the bike, which was a beautiful ride. A lady at the post office managed to ruin that for me by telling us she saw a bike go down on PCH which made her sad and we should be careful out there. What the hell was she telling us that shit for? Just to make me paranoid and worry, as if I don’t do that too much already for god’s sake? Cujo said it was just out of concern and everyone needs a reminder to be aware and careful now and then. He’s probably right and it’s me that has issues and reads more than exists into most everything.

There are but a few places we can take Charlie that actually allow a dog on a beach here, but we did find one in San Diego while we were there taking care of business.

A love affair has been renewed… Cujo has had these Rainbow flip flops for years, and put them through hell. They’ve been every color of the spectrum and in any substance imaginable. They finally waved the white flag this summer, and he’s gone through a couple more pairs of cheapo sandals in the meantime. So of course hitting the Rainbow store was a priority when he got back to San Clemente.

We’ve traded in commercial airplanes above us at all times for military helicopters – Camp Pendleton is right next to us, and so there is constant air traffic and loud bombs a few times a day. Being between a military camp and a nuclear plant is either the safest place to be or the most unsettling, I’m not sure yet. There is quite a large fire burning as I write that is a tad disconcerting and worrisome for closer residents and home owners.

Another place we found that we could take Charlie is just down the street from where we are plugged in, luckily. The downside however, is that it a state park - therefore it costs. And cost it does! I suppose I can admire the fact that they are actually trying to pass down the shortfalls to their citizens, therefore perhaps teaching folks that some things (such as state parks and programs) aren't just righted to us. Still, it does irk me to pay over a hundred dollars for a year pass to a state beach I could nearly throw a rock to. From the coastline, we can easily see San Onofre where Cujo will be sweating out the next month.

San Clemente, CA remains copyright of the author kawakami, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

On to the kite festival – this is the second annual event, and it’s grown. It got some wonderful publicity from the local newspaper, local NBC station, local ABC station, and the local CBS station. This year, there was NO SNOW! Woohoo! Although, yeah, there was rain… Oh well – we had much more good than bad. No Tom this year, but there were new experts that were great at kiting and just plain old groovy folks from all over Idaho and even Utah. Even though we weren’t able to stay for the entire festival, we did get in on a few workshops (sled, fighter, Chrysler) and some flys. The first workshop started at the Portneuf Library with a ton of energetic kids. I had forgotten just how much energy kids have, it’s really something to be jealous of – their energy, their imagination, their ability to focus only on what is present.

The first day with a fly scheduled was spent in the morning at the scheduled venue before they came out to say that we needed to leave, apparently all necessary paperwork was at the office but not in the correct hands. So, we said AMF to that place, and jogged on over to another park.

Cujo has found a new hobby – fighter kites! He was able to figure it out pretty quickly, long before I had given up trying to be coordinated enough to do it right. He ended up with it out so far though, that it had to be retrieved from two blocks away in someone’s yard. Hehe, I was stunned he managed to find it.

The kite festival continued Saturday, after a rainy morning, as we left Pocatello. Great job Mom, we are very proud of you and can’t wait for next year!

On a sad and serious note, our thoughts are with my mom’s neighbor family, who were the unfortunate victims of a house fire.

Second Annual Idaho Kite Festival remains copyright of the author kawakami, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

So, we met a guy at a bar (the typical story starter), and he told us about this improvisation company he works with in his spare time – his hobby. The next night they were doing a $1 show for their student groups to get on stage. He was stunned to see us there, thought it was just lip service that we said we were interested in that kind of thing – the things that make a city just a little more special and you get to know it just a little better. He thought we were looking for ideas like the zoo. Which maybe, if he would’ve told us how great the zoo was, we might’ve gone there, who knows. Either way, we ended up in this laid back, bicycle and hippie laden, organic market neighborhood with amazing homes. We didn’t want to leave. The show was great – groups of 2 to 8, just improvising and laughing, cultivating a genuine feel good night. By the way, there are TONS of Improv shops in the area, folks must be pretty creative and outgoing here.

Charlie makes herself at home anywhere, thankfully, but this place is just creepy. The total opposite of the groovy, friendly, and clean ES in Wilkes-Barre earlier this year. In the three weeks we’ve been here, the fire alarm has gone off three times and the local police drive through parking lot SLOWLY at least twice a day. And that’s just what I’m aware of. It’s strange. And we are in a good area, very clean, appears very safe. For one week, the hotel had security guards as well. Then, they just disappeared. Weren’t doing that much good, I’m afraid, as Cujo saw him sleeping in his car when we went to work. Sure doesn't make me feel safe. Still, though – why? Someone cooking something illegal in here? Someone bad living here they need to nail? Or is it us, a group of 50 construction guys in one hotel make them nervous?

Ha, look what I found! It was like striking gold when I saw this in the liquor store - I have never seen it and thought it was a myth. Yes it was super cheap and no it wasn't disgusting.

There was another great concert (I swear they have great music support here) that took place outside in a fabulous location. It was at Harriet Island across from downtown St Paul – had a great view of the skyline, the water, and best of all – we watched it free just on the other side of the fence. We had the most interesting company, a man named Bob who rolled up on this bike.

He was the most true to himself person I’ve met in ages – just said what he thought, and he thinks a lot. Doesn’t know much about TV controversy, sports scores or name brand importance; he knew people, history, music and great stories. Turned out, he used to be the flower guy – you know the one at the bar that tries to shame guys into buying flowers? Well, through that, he’d been in all sorts of venues, met all sorts of people – such as our entertainment for the night – Jakob Dylan and his pop. After his days doing that, he turned to art. He was quite original and wore cutoff jean shorts with a button up shirt that didn’t quite fit with paint all over both, and could admirably care less what anyone thought. Just watching the way people looked at him made me admire him even more. Not getting the looks of a man who has displays in a downtown gallery, that’s for sure. Just a welcome gentle reminder of that oh so simple lesson – things aren’t always what they appear. Even with O.A.R. playing after Dylan, it was Bob that kept us there gabbing.

Wendy came to play! Haha, this was just the first night only, poor guy.
Charlie’s wife Capi was in town this weekend, too, so we all went out and explored Minneapolis together. Both ladies know how to have fun, so it was a blast having a group to play with. We went to eat at Psycho Suzis, who Jules told me about – apparently they were on an episode of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives – so we went there for lunch. It had a great ambiance, totally tiki, the food was good, and it was pretty busy. Weird thing – I wanted a bloody mary but you had to make it yourself. If I knew HOW to make a good bloody mary, I would – but I don’t, so I order them. Hmmm. So I ordered water, silly me – I had to go walk down the patio to the igloo cooler and get my own water. Huh? After leaving, we ran into a big old cart with a bunch of people on it pedaling away – turns out it a fucking traveling bar?! HOW COOL IS THAT?! They all looked very happy, no surprise, and waved gallantly as we drove by honking. This could be my next job! Where to do it, that’s the question.

The Mall of America has a big Lego exhibit by all the rides – I know it’s corny but I think it’s cool.

This was strange – Sunday downtown – there were FEW stores and even FEWER restaurants open. Struck me as very odd, so we ended up at Hard Rock for lunch. I think we all would’ve preferred a local establishment, but all the ones we walked to were closed. No matter, it was a good lunch – good food, and a great bloody mary that I didn’t have to make myself!

Unfortunately, I didn’t watch the Mary Tyler Moore show, but I still took a picture of the statue.

Our hookah IS HERE!!! Yay! Now folks, no – this is not a bong. It’s a hookah, dammit. It’s tobacco. Perfectly legal. I promise. If you want it to be. You can tell how excited Wendy was.

The Twins had to win three at home against CHI to take the lead, and guess what, they did. We were there for one. Although I would’ve probably enjoyed it more knowing who I was watching. I’m not the biggest baseball fan, I like to go, but rarely follow it – and am continually disappointed by the Mariners – but anyway… Ken Griffey Jr plays for the White Sox, and he hit a home run. I saw the home run but was oblivious as to who it was, and that I *might* recognize the name. Ha, how lame. We got a great deal – there were six of us together, the others were down a level – and we paid $5 a ticket. Yeah, we were in the uppers, but what the hell. It was my first ever broken bat game too – two to be exact. The guy at the gate said they were expecting 42,000 fans that night, I can imagine how many more they had for game three.

The Wild had their first preseason game against Columbus in St Paul, and yes – they won too! After years of watching loses, we might have changed course finally. Although we still aren’t taking any chances with going to a Nebraska game again soon. The Wild have an amazing stadium – it’s actually where all the magic of the RNC took place. Hmmm. Magic, voodoo, brainwashing, something like that. I think it holds around 20,000. We got great seats with a dad and his son down on the floor. Lucky us, his wife and other son didn’t want to go. There are still lots of fans that wear their North Stars gear. And this guy - he's the organ player - has got the best job!

We made one last trip to the MoA with Ryan and Amanda and the kids to play putt putt. You might think it was for the kids, but nah – it was for the guys, hehe. They have got to be the cutest family ever. Johanna is so free and spontaneous and food loving, and Malakie is smart and curious and sweet; both are affectionate, fun loving and happy kids - no doubt they get all these great traits from their groovy folks.

When we walked in, we saw Dion Warwick leaving – I didn’t know she still tours! I saw this store and it’s so close to my Uncle Mart’s name – made me smile. Wish he could see this.

Wisconsin is so close we just HAD to go, and we are very glad we did. The town of Prescott was actually a really cool town - along their short main street were stores and bars and restaurants, and very friendly people. We had a burger that is made of a bratwurst, but it's a patty - interesting and yummy. Looked like a fun water town with boat docks everywhere and also a fun snow town with snowmobile crossing signs in the streets.

Happy Birthday baby! We got another year in the bag oh yeah! Life is definitely not boring with you - regardless of celebrating birthdays in a different location each year.
It's always great hanging out with friends new and old, but it's even sweeter for a reason. Great group of guys.
KANPAI! (insert Tequila theme song here)

Twin Cities, Minnesota remains copyright of the author kawakami, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs

Okay, so maybe famous is stretching it, but made ya look...

Her 2nd annual Kite Festival is coming up, and she was on the news yesterday.

Her website also has lots of info, if you are interested.

Good job Mom, love ya!

My mom is famous! remains copyright of the author kawakami, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Comment on this entry | Tweet this | Your own free travel blog | More Travellerspoint blogs