DECEMBER 2007

DECEMBER 2007

By far the most noteworthy event was my brother Dave's motorcycle ride from Portland Oregon, through California, down into Mexico...thence return (nearly) same route.


As of this post he reports no close calls (thank god). We (Colleen and I) were lucky enough to be on his route...thus were able to see Dave headed South, as well as North bound.
Initial part of the ride was very wet (standard North West weather) and difficult.
Once he got to San Francisco area he had terrific weather thus put on lots of miles daily.
The view during rainy conditions (not great)ahhh.... the prize at the end of the ride in Mexico
BMW 1200 boxer motor designed 80 years ago...still widely aclaimed today.
It was really nice seeing Dave. Hopefully the nice weather put the hook in him to return.

Auntie Michiko and Momma Yoshimura during the Christmas party held in Torrance.

Colleen and I flew to Portland Oregon to see Dave and do some shopping. Great city. Now I can see why the real estate values have been similar to Seattle and Beachfront Los Angeles (no declines in mean value through 2007 in several areas).
George Yoshimura at Hollywood Park race track. Poor guy is getting on in the years and it's starting to show. During our visit to see the horses he stated "Is this Las Vegas?"
George, Kyoko, and Colleen and Pechanga Indian Reservation in Temecula California.
Newly weds Chris and Helen. Chris is Auntie Yoshko's son. Helen is from Shanghai China. They are both terrific people and we hope them the very best and a happy, healthy, loving life together.
Cleat (spelled correct?) and his fiance' at the Christmas party in Torrance.

Kyoko and Ryoji...who visited us while on a business trip from Japan. We took him to the 3rd street Promenade in Santa Monica and enjoyed some drinks, laughter, and Italian cuisine. Ryoji is very special to us, as he treated us like royalty when I took all the Yoshimuras to Japan a few years ago. He is testimony (and quite typical I might add) of why I would accept a Japan assignment in a heartbeat. I love the culture, and people with a passion.
Dave's new VW. My first ride it in reminded my of the centrifuge during my initial military pilot training. Only word to describe this thing is...."God Damn!"
Dave took Colleen and I too "Salty's"....a seafood buffet brunch (from which I am still stuffed).
This is the Portland Oregon light rail ("MAX")....which conveniently encircles the city and enables many inner city dwellers to "opt out" of car ownership alltogether.

Portland Oregon Burnside Bridge weekend outdoor market (held underneath the bridge, and also spills into adjoining blocks)....tons of artesians flaunting their wares....some of which are quite ingenious I thought. The above is by an artist who constructs all his items from kitchen utensils and tools.

KC holding Colleen captive in bed. One good nightmare and she will be launched into the dresser drawer.
My running route along the beach line in Marina Del Rey
ditto.
Thanks Giving 2007. The Yoshimuras came over and we hung christmas lights and ate (way too much).
The dog ate way too much too and was unable to get off the cough without assistance. We rolled [him] to bed and he slept soundly...until the next meal at which time he acts like he hasn't eaten since Thanks Giving 2006.

Happy New Year to all....next post approximately end of January 2008.

November 2007

Instead of taking meds and seeing a shrink...why don't people just use this. World's best weight manager, stress reliever, anti depressant, and overall health optimizer.

My very good friend from Chiba, Japan....Norishige, his wife Ena, daughter Risa, and son Norikiro.
Shimoji-shima island, south of Okinawa Japan.
Kody...trying to get attention by whatever means possible. Sad, really.
Colleen helps young kids to learn better reading skills. She volunteered until the student graduated...in very high standing.

Chicago, Illinois...typical grey day.
HUD at sunset.
When I first became a Captain at my previous airline, my first trip was to Vegas...that's the Luxor in the background.
'nother HUD shot.

Me and Colleen went to see Barry Manilo. We figure he is old now and we should go see him before he retires soon. Great show.
We got to sit in VIP seats and drink some champaign while "Barry" performed...not but a few feet from us at times.

KC is still kicking. She has beat Infectious Bowel Disease, Cranial Adema, Kidney tumors, heart murmers, etc etc. The latest is Mitral Valve disease...and we don't think she will be around much longer....but we will make sure she is very very comfortable, loved, and given the very best treatment available. Hopefully she will stick around for a while.

One of our favorite quaint shops in Solvang, CA.

Historical Danish town near Santa Barbara called Solvang.
Halloween Decorations
Veterans Day, Washington DC, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Wendy's Birthday party.

.....I'll post again end of December or start of January. Happy Holidays everyone!