Catching up with old friends

Last night Wendy and I were able to get away and spend some time together in Solvang, CA. The boys stayed with some good friends and we drove down in the morning.

The best part (other than getting some one on one time with my wife) was catching up with one of my best childhood friends, Jason Spelbring. From 4th grade through the beginning of high school we spent many days together. Then we lost touch - until last night!

I am very proud of what he is doing and look forward to catching up more and staying in touch. He was in this musical last night in Solvang;

www.ppca.com

It was a very moving story that I had not seen before. I cried through the first half... I absolutely love musicals and it was extra special to be with my wife on a beautiful night, outside and to have a good friend in the show....

He reminded me that back in junior high we started a band named; S.T.O.P (stupid trendies on pills). This is another moment that I must have blocked out as I had no recollection whatsoever. Apparently, I was playing drums, he was singing and another friend was on guitar. I believe him. But I have no idea what happened to the drums or the band... I do like the name... Maybe someday in our 60's we can take it up again.

Jason, thanks for a great night and great memories!

Another year started!

Yesterday was the first day of school. Wesley is in second grade and Thomas started KINDERGARTEN! I cannot believe it. They were so excited to be in the same school and to see their friends and get going. Thomas has the same teacher that Wesley had for K-1 and Wesley has a new teacher, Maestro Jose. I asked them how the first day went, and how they liked their classes, and here is what I got.

Wesley: I. LOVED IT. We played basketball! And...some teachers are sooo mean and they just get all over you, but he is so nice!

Thomas: Maestra Marisol said a lot in English AND in Spanish. And when we had the potty break, I noticed that a lot of kids have really little penises.

And so it begins! hee hee!

Oh, and today I accidentally mixed up their lunches. They were gracious about it, but I need to start paying attention! haha

Rite of passage, Lake Sonoma - and lots of fun!

Last night Thomas I took Thomas on a boat in camping trip as a "rite of passage" into Kindergarten. Several years ago when Wesley went into Kindergarten I took him on an overnight hike in camping trip of the same vein. We hiked into the mountains with his friend Jacob Hudgins and camped overnight.  When Nathan goes into school we'll do the same.

It was extra special for several reasons. First, we got a boat and went to a boat in only campground at Lake Sonoma. Second, it was just Thomas on an overnight without his brothers. Third, because we had good friends come with us. Lastly, it was special because I have not been to Lake Sonoma in about 23+ years! More on that later...

Current

Thomas starts at Adelante on Monday. The great thing is that he will have Maestra Marisol - who has been Wesley's teacher for the past two years. She is wonderful! I am excited for him. I try to do something for each of them at pivotal points that are hopefully memorable.

As mentioned, we went to Lake Sonoma. Neil Eberle, who has quickly become a very good friend and his daughter, Michelle, who is the same age as Thomas and absolutely adorable. What fantastic memories!

Transportation

Fire

Arranged marriage?

Neil tells me I have to make sure Thomas leads spiritually - he's not off to the best start. Thomas told Michelle when they were wanting to go into the water today, "You jump in first to make sure it's safe."

Rock throwing action shot

proof of life (8-08-0)

I should be holding today's newspaper...

Neil and Michelle

Neil and Michelle, thank you for making the trip and building great memories!

History

On a side note I was in somewhat of a contemplative mood as we were on the lake. Growing up in Cloverdale, CA I am fascinated now by what I was around then. I had no idea then what an amazing place it was that I was surrounded by. We used to ride our bikes from town to town to the lake (click to see the route). It is 15.1 miles each way. I know that we didn't wear helmets, I am sure my mom had no idea that I was going and the most amazing thing to me is that we never swam!

I have had a hard time remembering specifics (about me or the lake). The history of the lake (pdf file) states it was completed in 1983. I graduated from 8th grade in 1986. So it must have been the summers of 1984/1985 that I went up there - between 6th and 7th grade - or about 12-13 years old. I'll assume we knew it was just completed and that we wanted to take a look. But I remember there always being water...

More about the lake on widipedia. It is a beautiful place, there are amazing wineries and vineyards all over the drive up there (which, of course, I don't recall from my childhood days) and fishing is supposed to be great! I will definately return.

Andrews Recommend...

Watching Man Vs. Wild as a family -

Man Vs. Wild

Date Night -

Last night Wendy and I went on a date. What a concept! It was so nice. We went with our good friends, Dan & Karen Smith. Dan had tickets to see Lyle Lovett at the Mountain Winery in Los Gatos. We had never been there. It was absolutely beautiful. I love finding new places 20 minutes from home that I have never found before. Also, I had not heard of Lyle Lovett but the concert was magical.