Cabo Adventure 2008

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Day I: The adventure begins. After one of those long forgotten late night wake ups for most 0300. Our Driver (Ann Denhart) picked us up to begin our travels. As surprisingly normal we started running into familiar faces upon arriving at SEATAC.While standing in the security line I glanced over to the next line and spotted what looked like a tail logo on a Alaska airlines plane and lo and behold it was Nanook on his way to MAS, Then after clearing the TSA (thousands standing around) we ran into our old friend Patti Peluso who would be working our trip to SFO. Now it's almost 0700 the sun is strating to rise out my window and we are winging our way to SFO. Life Is Good!  Hanging in SFO for our flt to Cabo.

We made it on! Now on our way to Mexico. Yet another half full airplane. Great having mucho space again a empty seat between us.

Made It!! Now waiting at Avis for the rest of the Cabo explorers to arrive from PDX They should show any min now. So far this is starting out as a wonderfull adventure
Made it our digs and all I can say is WOW! So this is how the other half lives. Only hitch so far is we left one bag at the car rental place. It was ours and only contains some swimming suits and foot ware. Hell it would not have fit in the rental car anyway and we have to go back out Tue to pick up one other person. Now we will have fresh clothes. Can't beat that. Steve and Ron BBQ'd up some fresh ahi for dinner followed by some great laughs.

1: Arrival	2: Our Digs
3: Exploring	3: Sunset Day 1

Day: II. After everyone hitting the sack (very early for some) I did my usual early getup and now totally enjoying the morning peace and quiet while waiting for sunrise, Which always excites me and makes my day. The internet on my lap, coffee in one hand and a mouse in the other. What more could a boy want?
Sort of lazy this morning. Spotted lots of whales this morning from the front of the house.

Day III: Slept in til almost 6:30 But in time for sunrise. This morning I was NOT the ONLY one to see the sunrise even though I hit the sack early as usual.  After another great sunrise everyone started preparing for the day. Anita doing her morning swim, Steve a little Custom Decorators business on the computer, Patty calling her hubby (who should arrive today) on the phone, Liz ?????, and myself morning reading, blogging, messing with my latest shots, and yes, Lot's of coffee. The maid is preparing breakfast in the kitchen so my mind if filled with anticipation of another great Mexican breakfast.  Took some walks around the grounds and their nature  trails. Then off to San Jose for some shopping and dropping Liz and Steve off at the golf course on the way. After trekking thru the little town it was off to what has been the highpoint of my trip so far. Snorkeling at one of the public beaches. The water was quite warm other than dipping your tows in for a little test. There were lot's of brightly colored fish. Well worth the dip in natures pound. Hopefully tomorrow we can hit the sea once again for another dip. Ken the last member of the Cabo adventure finally joined us yesterday evening. We had a great steak and shrimp on the barbi for dinner and a couple of parlor games.
Day IV: Got up around 0400 for the best time of the day again. And again as normal here a great sunrise while a cruise ship was heading into port Cabo for the day. There have usually been two new ships in the port everyday so far. It's now 0600 and Anita,Steve and I are the only one's up. Got to admire Steve. As usual he does not miss a day of work. Like me he seems to be able to accomplish a lot of getting his ducks in a row this time of day.
  Sort of hung around the complex this morning with the usual walking the nature path, breakfast and just plain hanging. We did go back to the beach for another peek at the fish and activity on the beach. The evening ended up with dinner at the Esparanza. It was an over the top experience with all the trimmings. It was all about upscale and presentation. Food was good, But I would have enjoyed a great burger much more, But it was an experience and this is a vacation. Vacation that sounds funny coming from a retired person who's life is a vacation.

DAY V: Just sitting here alone, Coffee, computer, and zero chaos waiting daybreak.  

Cruise Ships Arriving	Sunrise	Morning signs of life
Starting the day	Starting the day Tommy style	Whale watchers
Santa Maria Beach	Cactus	Getting Picked up at the beach

After watching the cruise ships coming into Cabo for the day followed by daybreak the rest of the troops started stiring. After Breakfast and some spectacular whale sightings Steve dropped Ron, Calley, Anita & I off at Santa Meria beach while he went out on a shopping safari. Santa Maria beach was what I had pictured in my mind as a real Mexican beach. Beautiful, Clean and a place one could really spend some quality time (if you had a umbrella).
We scored on some Mahi for dinner this evening from some of the other  guests in the complex this morning and should have a dinner to remember. Steve, Liz, Ken & Patty are out chasing the golf balls while the rest of us are just relaxing around the place at the moment.
Day VI: Everything normal 0540 Coffee, Puter & Quiet. Waiting for daybreak. This morning after breakfast some of us will  be headed up the Pacific coast to Todos Santos. Hopefully stopping by a beach or two on the 1hr. drive.

Todos Santos was good, Had lunch and checked out the area. Scored on some jumbo shrimp for dinner. Then stopped by a great beach on the Pacific ocean side. Long sandy beach with lots of surfers and young people.

Day VII: Today we are starting our journey home. Watched our last Cabo sun rise and enjoyed our last breakfast togeather. Steve, Ron, & Cally headed out for a snorkel while Anita and I packed our goodies to head north. After our goodbye's Steve drove us to Airporto de chaos. Now this airport adventure was one that I could do without it was an experience. Starting with going to the wrong terminal thanks to me. Then cetching a free $10. cab ride to the next terminal. Now that's where the chaos begins with check after check and a surprise $21. tax to get out of the country. A few lines later we were in the boarding area full of confused people trying to figure out what was next. I guarantee you I would rather eat bees than be there on a busy day space available or not. Now we are winging our way north in a friendly United seat. I now feel some what in control of the rest of the day.

02/14/2008

Last Cabo Sunrise	Morning Walk	Goodbye
Termnal Chaos	Climbing on uniTED to SFO	Last shot of Cabo

Game Weekend 2009

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Day I: Its Friday morning and we are packing up for the anticipated infamous Game Weekend. Sponsored by Steve and Liz Zimmer. The Whole bunch should be attending. The inserted picture was taken during the 2004 event. Fun was had by all.
Let the Games Begin!

We picked up Mary at the Portland airport and arrived at Steve and Liz's around 330. It is now after a great dinner and now people are getting ready to play a game or two.
Day II:  Today started  out by someone sleeping in my favorite chair. This presented the perfect chance to check out Starbucks gold card. Now I am sitting in Starbucks enjoying my morning putering and Hot coffee. Life is GOOD!! It is starting to show daylight so I had better pack up my puter gear and head back and score on some free coffee.
Back in the land of Chaos and Fun. I arrived home to find almost everyone in the living room solving world problems "My speciality" I joined in till I drove all away with my sage advice. Now it's after noon and  the ladies are playing games, the Zim boys are off to grandma's house for cookies and beer. I have snuck off for a little one on one time with my trusty computer. All is well in the world now. Things should start poppin here soon as we have a date at crab feed this evening at the Lake Oswego golf and country club. After that who knows, But I expect to hear the loud sounds of a couple more Zimmer game encounters.
Havin fun! tommy
Day III: After a great crab feed along with great music at the club It was off to chez Zim for Anita, Mary and myself. Bed time for this bozo. This morning as usual I was up early and ready to go. Ah my new hangouut Starbucks for coffee and putering was instore. Got up got dressed and looked outside only to find snow. Well here I sit in my favorite chair doing my morning putering and having my coffee at chez Zim. Today agenda should include Breakfast, Church,  followed by games and dinner including grandma Zimmer. 
Day IV: Heading home. Did not make it past 9pm. Once again I snuck out early this morning to score on some Starbucks and WIFI in order not to disturb the sleepers. Hey they can sleep in. After all they stay up way past my bed time. Steve stopped by Starbucks this morning to say good bye. Well this place is all of a sudden getting very busy. So I had better head back up the mountain and see if anyone is up.
Every one was off to the airport around noon. Anita and I dropped Mary off at PDX on our way back home. Great drive. home around 4pm.
Thanks Everyone for another GREAT Game weekend!

The Water is Rising

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It's Jan 8th and the news is full of reports of major flooding all around western Washington. Our situation here on lake Sammamish is. Yesterday the dock was about 6 to 8 inches out of the Water. It's now almost 5am and the dock has disappeared.
0800 got out and sent some debris down the lake for others to enjoy
Now Jan 9th and the water is still coming up. About 8in since yesterday morning. I have marked and am watching the level and the weather forecast. If it is still coming up or there are any high winds forecast I will have to put the boat on stilts. A beautiful day today except for the wind coming out of the east. So I can not send the debris that is floting over the garden on its way down the lake.

Jan 12 Looks like this round is over. The lake has gone down about 4in since it’s high. Now I can only wait for mother natures next event. As always. Enjoying life on the lake. Tommy

Off to Portland (PDX) for another Christmas with Steve's Family

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Woke up this morning only to see our front yard green. There was not enough snow left to make even one snowball. We were off to PDX around 0930. Stopped just outside of Tacoma to meet up with Stephs bo Tony. He handed us some goodies to take south. There were signs of snow the entire drive down. And not even a flake in the air or on the wet pavement. All in all it was the usual suckkie drive down with lots of traffic and rained all the way. We first stopped off at grandmas to say hi. Then proceeded to Steve and Liz's. They had gone bowling so it gave Anita and I a chance to sit and relax.
DayII  The morning started out as usual. Tommy and Steve up early for coffee and solving some of the worlds problems. Then Tommy got lucky with a little help from Denis Fig in solving the " What the hell happened to the power from the wall sockets in our bedroom". Everyone other than Tommy, Laura, & I think Michael are here at home while the grown ups are off to church. I am comfey here with the big screen tv watching football. Whops every just came home from the chapel.
The rest of the afternoon was spent just hanging. Anita picked up grandma around 5 for dinner/our Christmas/Laura's birthday.

DayIII Heading home. Raining like hell here. Planing on getting out of here fairly early and possibly dropping off Bill's new laptop that Anita picked up for him here in PDX. Made it home. Met Bill in Tacoma and dropped off his New laptop. After a very rainy drive we arived home around 1230 to a warm dry house and lots of wind.

Christmas Day 2008

 

The snow is almost gone. Although we got some big wet flakes this morning. Now we are packing up to go to Bill and Robin’s for the day with all the DeLeo family less “Much missed Jane & Larry”. The drive to bills was uneventful. Billy had breakfast waiting for us. Then after some serious munching we started opening gifts. Lots of stuff and lots of laughs. Tommy took a little nap "I think others did at the same time but I will never know" The kids and Robin played monopoly and Billy put the hurker prime rib roast in the oven. Around 6 it was time to have that long anticipated Christmas dinner. It was a success! Soon after dinner Anita and I headed home. I won a little bet with Bill, That I could drive up his road. Sort of surprised myself and I would not have done it. Other than going down a steep snow covered road really scares me. Want to go in snow? get a Rav4

Merry Christmas to All and to All a Good Night.

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First Real Snow (Home Adventure)

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Finally after waiting years. We got our snow storm. After retiring almost 6 years ago I have been waiting for some major snowfall here on the lake. Now that I do NOT have to be anywhere. No flights to take. In fact NO obligations “Let It Snow” Got up as normal just before 5am, made coffee, started the fireplace fire, & went out to bring in the paper for Anita. There was no sign of snow. Just dark and dry pavement in the driveway. I thought to myself “Oh Damn No predicted snow” Shortly after I got settled in for my morning computer reading I got up to refill my coffee cup and notice a thin dusting on the porch railing. I sort of chuckled to myself thinking” Ya here is our big snow of the year”. Well as you can see from the picture my snow dreams have come true. It’s now 11am and it’s still coming down and I am just waiting for Anita to get suited up so we can go explore the neighbor hood.
Day II: The skies have cleared and now the snow is in full bright. We did get out today to run some errands. No problem with the streets that were still totally white with compact snow and ice. The Rav4 preformed beyond my expiations. Now the news is predicting the storm from hell starting sometime tomorrow. They are saying the possibilities of 4 to 12 in of snow along with possibly 70mph winds. I had better get out and get some gas for the BBQ incase we loose power and I got to have my coffee. All is fuzzy and cozy at the moment.
DayIII: It’s around 9am and we are getting ready to go out and get the provisions just incase the storm does happen. It’s bright, sunny, & 21 degrees her.
The cat and flamingo are settled in and ready for anything.
Day IV: Helped Dave Oliver help get the paper boy(man) get his car back on the road and on his way. So we were the ONLY ones in the neighborhood that got our sunday paper as the Seattle Times instructed him to give up on the deliveries down here. Watched the Seahawks WIN their final home game under coach Holgrem. Then went to a impromptu gathering at Dave and Liz Olivers. Started snowing again noon.
Day V: Lots of now somewhat wet snow fell last night and made some more beautiful sights. We are now getting ready to attempt getting Ginny out the airport for her trip to NC to spend the holiday with her nephew Bill and family

Once Again LET IT SNOW

 

Spokane Pre Christmas Visit

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Day I: Got out early this morning 0830. Headed east stopped in Ellensburg for some $1.63 gas and then headed west south to Sleah do drop of Christmas goodies for Jane and Larry. Jane had some yummy sandwiches and beans to tide us over for the rest of our journey. Adian was there visiting and Rich picked him up and we were back on the road for Spokane. Arrived here around 2:45. It's now almost 10 so I think I will hit the sack.
Day II: Good morning. Woke up to NO snow, But the ground was a sheet of ice. I stepped onto the driveway to retrieve something from the car and immediately started sliding towards the street. Looking aout now all the trees behind the house are covered with thick frost.It's a little later now and yes the snow has begun to fall. As usal I wait for the snow to come with great anticipation and now that it is here I start wondering how this is going to impact the drive home. Anyway It sure is beautiful and I am planning on a morning surrounded in a winter wonderland.

Day III: No winter wonder land this morning. It did snow for a bit but only about an inch. As the day progressed it has been getting colder. It was 32 when I came up at 0530 Now it's 4:30p and its 19 degrees. Took some Christmas pictures for Mary and helped her get her Christmas letter going including some pictures. Now Isabel is getting ready to head out for an overnight and we will be getting ready to go out to dinner at the Downriver Grill.
Day IV: Seems fitting its day 5, 5am, and 5 degrees. We are thinking about heading home later this morning. Depending on road conditions. It,s a Go! got out around 10am after filling the tank we were on our way to a beautiful yet uneventful drive. The roads were good all the way with spots of ice from Marys to our house. GREAT trip

Thanksgiving at Bill and Robin's

We joined Bill, Robin, Brooke, Adam, & John for a great Thanks giving day. Other than watching the Seahawks get trounced by Dallas. Brooke came in from Boise and John from Pullman. Adam was already hanging at Casa de Key Center.
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Tom & Billy's wonderfull Advnture

From BOI081121

Day I

Bill arrived at Our house at 0530 as he said. We were on the road at 0545 Stopped in Ellensburg for yet another new time low fill up $1.85/gal Then it was off to Selah for breakfast with Jane via the canyon. Jane put on a great farm breakfast for her  two great brothers. After breakfast and a few laughs it was back on the road to Boise. Great drive sunny, and bright all the way with some  great new scenery for me.. After solving most of mankind's major problems we pulled in to Boise around 4pm. Met up with  Brooke a little after 5 and headed into town for pizza and a visit. It's now about 8:30 and Billy is tucked away in his sleeping bag on the floor and snoring away. Brooke is cleaning up in the kitchen and we are thinking about tomorrows move.
To all a goodnight.
Day II

Moving day. Got going early. We were at the U-Haul lot around 0830 and started loading up before 9 Loading the truck was a peice of cake thanks to Brooke's prep. We got all the $!%# in the truck our car, Brooke's car and Jason's car. Then cme the BIG job. Unloading and getting the big (heavy) @%$# up the tiny stair case and hall ways. If it had not been for Brook and Jason's friend John there would still be certain items not where they belong. After dropping off  the U-Haul Brooke took us to the Ram for some rest, lunch, and a little entertainment thanks to John. Then it was back to the new digs for some rest.
Day III

Got up early and we went out to breakfast at Goldys. Then said our good bye's and started the trek home. Started out in freezing fog for the first hour. Saw one nasty accident while in the fog. Then the sun came out and it was another beautiful drive. We pulled of in Sleah for some viddles thanks to Jane and wished Uncle Larry  HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! Made it home around 6Pm
Had a GREAT road trip with brother Billy

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Sitting in Spokane while Mary is visiting China

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Day 1: Arrived here in Spokane yesterday. we had a good drive from Seattle and there were no problems getting settled in Mary's house. I brought a computer to replace Mary,s ailing computer. Forgot one power cord but was able to borrow one from Fran. Now my job is cutout for me. Transferring all the files from the old computer to the new one. The good news it will give me something to do during our visit. 
    Isabel arrived with Brianna who had been taking care of her for the last couple of days around 6:30PM. It's now about 7AM. and Anita is TRYING to get Isabel ready for school, A new experience for Anita.

  Day 2: was started by sending Isabel off to school,Picking up Clemy from the slammer then finishing off the day with Mexican food at the Mexican restaurant down off Country Homes Blvd. Home for some Monday night comedy on TV and early to bed. 

    Day 3: Isabel has the day off (Veterans day) and we are mainly hanging out. Its sort of crappy out as it is 37degrees and rainy. Clemy and I are sitting in front of the fireplace while Anita and Isabel are off to the store for some munchies. Today is also the day that Mary is scheduled to be back in the USA. She is suppose to arrive in LAX around 4:30PM Then spend the night in Los Angles as there aint no way you can get back to Spokane that time of day.

  Day 4: Got Isabel off to school. Then took the Rav4 out for a new pair of shoes. Actually I guess that would be two pair. With the new shoes it was off to meet Barbara and Fran Burkhard for lunch and a good visit. Now comes the best part. Mary is home! Looking quite spry after coming from China. The old gal made it none the worse for wear!!!
  I am sure tomorrow will bring many stories of the China Adventure. Anita and I are both looking forward to that. WELCOME HOME MARY!!!!
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Day 5: Anita took Isabel to school. Mary slept in a bit. Then after a bunch of  morning coffee and catching up with Mary the traveler we decided that Mary would be able to take over so we headed home around noon. All in all it was a interesting but good adventure to the inland empire. It Actually was fun living Mary's Spokane life with Isabel. Even though Isabel was pretty much a piece of cake (thanks to Anita) I could have never done it! And my kudos go to Mary living day in day out raising a kindergartner. 24-7 WOW!!!
PS. we got gas leaving Spokane for $1.93 /gal.  I never thought I would see gas below $3.00

Jane Turns 60 Ouch!

Made the trek to Selah for a little celebration of a big milestone. Janie turned 60 today. We arrived for lunch. Then after some catching up and watching the Seahawks get trounced we went to dinner at the Olive Garden, It was a fun experience. Then it was back to Sowder Farm's for some cake and gifts. It is now the middle of the night and I am wising I had some alki seltzer, It was not the food just the stupid amount I had. Hopefully I will be able to join the sleeping and get some more rest before Anita makes breakfast for the Birthday girl. It's been a most enjoyable trip to Selah and some good time spent with my now 60 year old sister.