Sister's Birthday Dinner

Now I'm giving the Vulcan sign as Lisa smiles during my sister's birthday dinner at the Brazilian Steak House in downtown San Diego. This is the second time I've eaten here and once again, I ate more meat in one night than I do all year. There was a good turnout of 13 people, and a handful of us went to the Whistle Stop Bar afterwards and discussed nerdy things like Star Trek and zombie movies. I unknowing blurted out a spoiler from the last episode of Battlestar Galactica, not knowing there were two fans of the show who had not seen it yet. There were so many surprises in that episode they'll still be shocked at the end.

Hooters Beer Pour

I went to the new Hooters in Rancho Bernardo tonight with some friends. The waitress was nice enough to let me take a picture of her pouring beer while using the Hula Hoop. All the employees were very friendly at this restaurant, which was surrounded in controversy before it opened. It seems that the bedroom community of RB didn't take kindly to an establishment that paid tribute to owls, or something like that. The chicken wings were great and the beer was refreshing. Good enough for me.

Friday Morning Hike - Not Enough Water

It seemed like at great morning for a hike, and it was, I just didn't realize how warm it would be. I unknowingly drank all two liters of my water on the hike up Iron Mountain. At the top I drank half my Gatorade. As I was hiking down, I went for a sip of water and got nothing but air, causing me to choke. So my remaining Gatorade had to last me the three mile hike back down. Luckily I didn't get as hot, and made it to my car for a two hour round trip. I had added almost 10 pounds of weight to my backpack, and that was probably the reason I was drinking so much water. All part of my training for Mt. Whitney. (When are we going to start our group hikes, ThrillIsGone22?)

The photo I took, looking west, was not my first choice. I tried to photograph a squirrel looking for a handout. However, my cell phone camera's memory was full, due to me accidentally taking pictures of the inside of my pocket. By the time I erased all my photos, the squirrel was gone.

Ford's in All Colors

I liked the two-tone blue color of this classic car, but blue is my favorite color. I was surprised to see two Ford Galaxy 500 station wagons, because that was the car I learned to drive. I drove it to high school my senior year, and it was by far the biggest car in the parking lot. One day I drove it into the shop class garage and the teacher joked "Get the boat out of here!". It was no fun to drive, but I do have memories of riding in the back, back when seat belts were not mandatory and parents just let their children move freely about the car. Who would have thought back then that the family wagon might now be a classic car.




Legend Lime seems to be very popular at this year's show. That color far outnumbered my Mustang's Redfire Metallic. I don't really like the lime color, in fact, I like the orange color better.




Someday I'd like to test drive one of these. I've always wanted a two-seater, as long as there is enough leg room. However, I'd give up some room for the ability to spin my tires while shifting into third gear.

More Ford Auto Show Photos

A close-up of some detail in the Star Trek engine. Upon closer examination, the Batleth swords are just for looks as well. They are not actually holding the hood up, but they're still cooling looking.



Be careful next time you race a Pinto, there may be an eight cylinder engine under the hood. Although, the huge rear tires might give this car away.

Had to get this photo on the way out. We actually walked through the Snoppy store, but I couldn't find anything I wanted to buy, plus it was all very expensive. I was really looking for Snoppy shot glasses, but I couldn't find any and didn't want to ask the clerk for fear her response, with a look of disgust, might be: "Sorry sir, they don't market alcohol themed merchandise in this store, try the Disney store down the street."

Red Mustang

Here is a picture of a nice red Mustang. But what stands out in the photo? A fat man standing on the right side of the car. Just kidding OB (Only Brother).

Ford Car Show at Knott's 2007

I spent my Sunday at the Ford auto show at Knott's Berry Farm, walking up and down rows and rows of classic and late model Fords. I couldn't pass up this blogable photo of me with a dummy.

This was my favorite car, not because of the car itself, but because of the Star Trek theme. I have never seen anyone with a Star Trek customized engine. Not only is the underside of the hook painted, but there are Star Trek details everywhere. In this photo you can see the action figures, which are just there for looks for the show, but the hood hinges are Klingon Batleth swords.

Earth Day 2007 Recycling

This morning, after doing housework and and a workout at the gym, I loaded two TVs, a computer, monitor and VCR into my car and took them to a recycling event in 4S Ranch. One television was from 1981, and the bigger one I bought in 1993. Both TVs and the computer monitor still worked just fine, but have been replaced with flat panels. Old electronics are hard to get rid of. You can't give them away and some places even charge you a recycling fee. Today, I just drove up, opened my car's doors and volunteers took all the "junk" out within seconds. I feel better having done this, as it frees up space in my house and garage, and I have done my part to help, or at least not hurt, the environment.

From there, I drove to the coast to buy two They Might Be Giants tickets at the Belly Up Tavern in Solona Beach. It was warmer and sunnier along the coast, so I drove back through Del Mar before heading back home.

Today and this week brought back both good and bad memories from eight years ago. I flew to New York for a work trip, and when I got off the plane, I saw everybody watching the TVs. I wondered what they were looking at and soon saw the news of what had happened at Columbine while I was in flight. That anniversary just passed, and of course, what happened at Virginia Tech has been in the news. On that same trip to New York, I spent my free Saturday in Manhattan. I took the train there from Long Island, and rode the subway to the World Trade Center where I took the elevator to the top. From there, I had lunch near Greenwich Village, and then ended up walking across Central Park. It was also Earth Day that weekend, and I was amazed at all the people enjoying different outdoor activities on that sunny April day. People were playing softball, riding bikes and reading books under a shady tree. That really was a nice day for me, and driving around today reminded me of it.

Tomorrow I'll be up at Knott's Berry Farm for the Fabulous Ford Auto Show. It won't be anything like walking around Central Park, but should make for a nice day.

Camping and Guitar Playing

Steve, the one playing guitar and singing, was in charge of this camping trip. He did a good job, and even cleaned-up the wind-blown mess resulting from others not putting their leftover food in the trash after the potluck. Steve knows a wide variety of songs, even if it takes him a few tries to find the right key. I don't know the name of the woman next to him. If fact, I remember very few names of the people I met, I'm sad to admit, even those that remembered my name. Well, that's the way it goes where there are so many people and so much beer to consume.

Ready To Leave The Camp

Before I even left my tent in the morning, I heard people packing up and leaving as quick as they could. They must of had enough of the wind. The true campers, pictured above, took their time and were in no hurry to leave, although it was a challenge packing up a tent when the wind kept trying to blow it away. I was told that the wind did blow one man's tent away and he ran across the campground chasing afer it. I must have been away at that time and missed what sounds like a comical event.

Even after taking our time to pack, we still left my 10:30 AM. A few of us then met at a restaurant in Julian for lunch. The temperature in the desert was in the mid-50s and when we stepped out of our cars in Julian it was 41 degrees! I was waiting for it to start snowing. It didn't snow, but the light rain was a little slushy. A 1/2 lb. cheese burger hit the spot, and once home and unpacked, it was time for a power nap. I'm looking forwards for more camping trips this year.

Wooding Posing With The Girls

Everybody is having fun. Woody posing with a few of the girl campers. As the evening progressed, the wind started picking up. There were some very strong gusts, blowing away everything that wasn't weighted down, including a chair onto the camp fire. In fact, the wind gusted all night long, wreaking havoc on our tents. Nobody got much sleep, and some campers woke up in a collapsed tent. One lady had a really bad experience during the night with her brand new tent, and it was her first time camping. I hope she'll not give up camping - it is not always this windy. My tent held up, and I slept for a few hours.

The Camping Fun Begins

Here is a photo of Debbie, Tony, Judy and Steve having fun early Saturday evening.

Upon arrival on Friday afternoon, we set up our tents, greeted other campers and began the eating and beer drinking. After our Saturday adventures the big potluck took place. There was way too much food, and I tried to sample each dish. Surprisingly, I was hungry when I went to bed at midnight after the music, singing and guitar playing ended.

Moonlight Trail Hike in Daytime

I am a little over prepared for a one hour hike, but at least I look cool. I'm the only one in the group of 30 with hiking poles. It was starting to heat up at Agua Caliente Hot Springs, so it was good we took the hike before noon. Most people spent the rest of the afternoon just laying around in the only area with shade.

Gone Camping

Leaving for a weekend camping trip in the desert. I'll blog photos upon my return.

T-1's Chosen Buffy (unpainted)

I always get nervous when I come home and find an unexpected package on the doorstep. I automatically assume it is a bomb sent by someone who does not like me very much. (Yes, I'm paranoid and watch too much TV.) So I opened the package very carefully and inside I found another free gift from Diamond Select Toys. I'm not sure why they sent me this one. I already got my free Troi figure for their special offer. I did just buy more figures from them, which I haven't posted pictures of yet, and in fact, I ordered some figures that they were out of and I need to reorder. So on the display shelf this version of Buffy goes, next to my T1 Spike.

Easter Sunday 2007

As the sign to the right says, Fish & Chips is what I had for my Easter lunch at the Princess Pub and Grill in Little Italy with my sister and Ms. Kitty. Two years ago we had our Easter meal here, and the place was deserted. This year, the pub was busy, as well as downtown San Diego in general. Add a few beers to the afternoon food and a good day it was.