California - Part Deux

A couple days in on our vacation, we ventured up to Temecula for some wine and olive oil tasting.

This told us we were in the right place.

After several glasses of this stuff, we found ourselves easily convinced to buy a couple bottles. Ponte Winery makes some delicious wines.

We made our way back to Oceanside where I ventured out for a morning swim.

We drove up to visit Jes's uncle and his family. They live in Hollywood, if you click the image you can see the famous sign at the far, far end of the street. 

Maria was a very gracious host, she gave me a couple pointers on how to play an accordion, fantastic.

Neat storefront near their house.

We made a stop-off at Jes's brother's crib, I'm a big fan of the 'High Fidelity' poster.

Fun with spoons and cameras.

One more California sunset and we were on our way back to the AK!

Cheers, 

Happy New Year's

Jes and I went up to Sharon's for their neighborhood New Year's Eve party. After eating some delicious food, notably the crab mac n' cheese, we went outside for the neighborhood fireworks show.

It turned out to be quite a show so I took a bunch of pictures...

Cool. 

Made cooler because we were only 50 feet away from where they were shooting them off. 

Yes.

Happy New Years!

Cheers, 

Holidays in California

Jes and I traveled to Oceanside, California over Christmas to visit with the Spuhler side of the family. We were quite lucky to catch a break between the rains and had sunshine almost everyday.

Our first morning there we took a walk to the local farmer's market. Got to love walking about without a coat and wearing flippers in late December.

Farmer's market bounty.

We took a walk out on the pier to thank the local pelican for watching over the town.

Great sunrise from the observation deck. Note the lone surfer in search of waves.

Yep, great sunset, more pictures to come...

Cheers,

Great weather

It has been very cold lately but the skies have been clear and the sun, although low on the horizon, has been out. The conditions are ripe for some great sunrises and sunsets. The photo below occurred at 3:25 in the afternoon.

Short but nice day.

Cheers, 

Lunar eclipse!

Yesterday there was a full lunar eclipse so Jes and I ventured out to Westchester Lagoon to meet some friends, watch the celestial event, and get a bit of ice skating in. Due to the very cold temperatures, the pictures weren't taken with the greatest care...

Jes walking away from the trash can fire on the Lagoon.

The main event. 

Fun times were had but not captured on film, more photos next time. 

Cheers,

Go Wolverines!

Jes is the coach for the South Anchorage High girl's junior varsity basketball team and they had their first game this Thursday at the Chugiak Tournament. A couple pictures from the action...

Jes looking on during pre-game drills.

Very coach-like pose. 

A couple more pregame drills, the girls on her team are really fast. 

In-game huddle, coaching in action.

Cheers, 

Random pictures...

Here are a couple random recent pictures...

Lot of wood needed to keep a pottery studio warm.

Trying to figure out long exposure with our new camera.

Good looking cat.

Cheers,