Moving Bryan to Davis

We moved Bryan to Davis yesterday; he has his first apartment!  We spent the last few days sorting through his room and generating a pile of treasures, a few boxes to move, and a couple of bags of trash.
We rented a U-haul trailer on Saturday; loaded up Sky (his room mate from San Rafael) and then Bryan.  Sunday morning we drove off!

One U-Haul trailer and 3 cars filled with everything needed for college

We arrived safely and within a few hours the apartment was full of boxes, bags, and furniture.  We left Bryan and Sky to make it all fit!

Living on Guava Lane!

Alan and Bryan

Caroline still smiling!

Then it was off to lunch and then down the road.  A huge milestone for all of us.   One of those bittersweet days that marks the end of an era.  Sniffle, sniffle.

Baby Girl Gets NEW Shoes...and rides like the wind!

I've had bike shoes for a few months, but finally decided it was time to get them on the bike and in use.  So...I've got new shoes.  And we bought the latest in reflecto gear; the better to be seen by cars as we prepare for the trip down the coast.  So stylish...the latest at OSH Hardware!

New Dancing Shoes!

A Cycling Fashion Statement!

And we've been doing some longer rides.  Every ride becomes my new favorite ride!

One day we rode west of Petaluma along Chilino Valley Road and out to Tomales (the small town.)  Such gorgeous scenery but a real bugger of a head wind and cold at that!  But I would do that ride again for sure!

Riding Like the Wind, Except when I'm NOT

And then yesterday, I did a 53 mile trip!  My longest yet!  We drove up to Windsor (north of Santa Rosa) in a thick fog and 54 degrees.  I wasn't sure how the weather forecast was for 100 degrees, but true enough after a cup of coffee at the Bad Ass Coffee Shop, the blue broke through and off we went.  WOW!  Essentially we rode back roads from Windsor heading west.  Then up along Westside Road and West Dry Creek Road to Yoakim Bridge.   We then turned east and south.  During the trip we crossed both the Dry Creek (not very dry) and the Russian River.   The entire route was through vineyards (very little other agriculture); past wineries; scenery of the golden hills, through oak and redwood trees, 2 one lane bridges, and view after view!  An incredible ride through California wine country.  Only 1 hill in 53 miles (of course at the end of the ride but mostly in the shade); and not so much of a headwind.  Absolutely lovely.  Very little car/truck traffic and all most all of it was respectful and careful in passing us.  Many other cyclists out on the road with us.

And at the end:  soft ice cream to ease the car trip home.  I'm doing that ride again soon!

Dry Creek had plenty of water

One Lane Bridge

The Harvest is about to start, but we tried a few Grapes & YUMMMMY

Hop Kiln along Westside Road

a few road side stands

Lunch Time in Geyserville 

Double or Nothing at the end of the ride.  

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVID

First thing Alan said this morning as he woke up:  It's David's Birthday!

29 glorious years and here is to another great trip around the sun.  We are very proud of the young man and husband you have become and we look forward to sharing your adventures in the years to come.

We are still waiting for that gift list......

Father and Son, July 2011

Summer Days...for a Day or Two

We've been back riding the bikes.  Our goal:  in shape and no whining en-route as we make our way to Morro Bay. We leave in just 2 weeks, so time for some serious saddle time.  Several great rides:  Tiburon Peninsula loop, Alpine Dam out and back (up and down and up and down), and then out around Nicasso Reservoir and Lucas Valley Road.  The weather finally has turned HOT and it was a great couple of rides. We packed up our gear and it all fits and doesn't weigh too much (yet, anyway.)

The chilly fog is back -- no sitting outside in the evening anymore.

The stone fruits are winding down at the Farmer's Market.  Another week or two of corn.

Bryan is moving up to Davis next Sunday.

Summer must have come and gone when we weren't paying attention.

And it is time to get back to those Spanish lessons.  I probably have forgotten everything I learned on Rosetta Stone.  Old brain cells hard at work!  But I am determined to learn Spanish, especially since we plan on doing the Central American route (not the South Pacific route) in a few years.

My Parents Come Visit

My parents, Helen and Doug, arrived in mid-August for a leisurely visit.  While there was some restful times, we were on the go most everyday!

Some of the highlights include:
a.  exploring the mosaic stairwell in SFO
b.  walking the cross Marin trail among the redwoods in Samuel Taylor Park
c.  visiting the Box Show at Gallery Route One
d.  joining several City Guides walking tours:  Nob Hill, Chinatown, and Fisherman's Wharf
e.  seeing the Picasso exhibit at the DeYoung Museum
f.  eating dim sum along Clement Street
g.  visiting my Mom's brother Jim and catching up with the Lingel family (thanks Craig and Robin!)
h.  tasting our way through the local Farmer's Markets
i.  watching movies
j.  experiencing the VIP tour at Skywalker Ranch
k.  walking the grounds and guest houses at the GL estate next door
l.  joining in the Fiesta for John B's 60th birthday
m.  celebrating anniversary #62 for Helen and Doug
n.  celebrating birthday #84 for Doug with a bread and cheese picnic at the Cheese Factory

Yup....we kept going and going.  And we also just sat on the back porch and read books and the New York Times every day.  Helen and Doug tackle the cross word puzzle and are often successful, especially early in the week.

From the airport to the stairwell!

Jim and Helen

Day in the City

A chocolate cake for every occasion:  #62 anniversary and #84 birthday

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Looking Good at the Iron Springs Brew Pub:  Saving Lives 1 Beer at a Time