SNOW, SNOW AND MORE SNOW
We started our week of fun and frolic with a weekend back in the snow, and I do mean snow. Even our Welcome Bear was covered. Daryl flew in from Hawaii and we headed up to snowboard amidst the fresh powder. It was as perfect as you can imagine; new snow at night, fresh powder during the day. We boarded for a couple of days and had a blast. Our good friends, Rajeev and Sushma then came up on Saturday afternoon with their 3 fantastic children. A minor mishap (they lost their keys at the grocery store), delayed them, but by late afternoon we were all assembled. We all went out and built a snowman in the middle of the street. Not the best idea, but fun nonetheless.
A friend of Daryl's drove up from Lodi, so we had a full house. The next day, major league snow. Check out the picture of Bonnie and Dakota. Dakota had fun playing with his ball in the snow, I'm sure he will want to return. Everyone but me headed for the slopes. I'm a fair weather outdoorsman and wasn't up for blinding snow. Besides, Rajeev had to use my goggles. (Any excuse in a storm). Everyone had a great time, Daryl said it was the best powder ever. More snow the next day, so Daryl and I just chilled while the visitors drove home. Finally headed down the mountain after 6 days. Daryl and I took in a Sharks game, (Sharks 4 Oilers 2) while Bonnie washed the clothes and packed for our imminent departure the next day. Before long Daryl was on a plane back to Hawaii and Bonnie and I were headed south for some sun. Side note: We were not able to fly ourselves because of upcoming weather, but thanks to Daryl, we were able to catch all our flights compliments of MESA- I knew having Daryl as a pilot would pay off, just didn't think it would be so soon.
SUN, FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Next stop- Scottsdale. My brother Richard and his wife Cindy were visiting from Minneapolis, so it was time for a visit to catch up with them. Bonnie's mother was also visiting and I hadn't seen her for a while, so it ended up a perfect twofer family.We also managed to meet up with some of our Phoenix friends (Harry and Pat; Nat and Barb) so it was a perfect 2 days.
Like many of our quick trips, its all about family, friends and food. Dinner at our favorite fish house, McGraths, with Harry, Pat, Doris and my Dad; lunch in downtown Tempe with Richard, Cindy, Nat and Barb, followed by a nice walk along the waterfront in Tempe. Who would ever have thought; a waterfront in the desert, Dinner with all the brothers and wives (Mark, Richard, Me, Bonnie, Cindy and Joyce) along with my dad and his new friend Nancy. Managed to watch the Sharks win an exciting game 4-2 over the Kings after dinner- Go Sharks! And finally, brunch the next morning at a great hole-in-the wall place with Doris, Lee, and my dad- JP Pancakes. The weather in Scottsdale was FANTASTIC; especially after all the snow in Tahoe. Sure could have stayed longer, but it was time to head out on the big silver bird to catch up with our baby girl.
SAYING HI TO SHERYL
Some would say we saved the best for last, but I would never show any partiality. Started with week with Daryl and ended with Sheryl, my defintion of a perfect 10 days. We arrived in Orange County just in time to meet Sheryl at one of our favorite eateries (yes more food) for some great salad and wraps; Rutabegorz. Sheryl had lots of work to do, so we dropped her off and then headed to the movies. It was Oscar weekend and we still had one movie left to see - "The Reader". It was very good, Kate (she said I could use her first name) deserved the Oscar for an amazing performance, but I must tell you, both Bonnie and I found it a fairly disturbing movie on so many levels. Thoroughly enjoyed watching it but we needed to lighten up after we left the theater. We noticed as we exited that in the adjacent theater "He's Not That Into You" was playing and had just started. We have never done this before, but what 
the hey, we ducked in and and watched a second movie. Very light-hearted , a bit funny and definitely took off the edge from "The Reader". After the movie we were a bit hungry (how could that be you say- all you guys seem to do is eat) so we headed to our favorite SoCal fast food; Del Taco. The Mexican food is ok, but the fries are to die for. The next morning (actually late morning), we picked up Sheryl and headed for; you guessed it; Brunch. Another favorite eatery of ours has become Polly's, just around the corner from where Sheryl lives. All kinds of fresh baked goodies, oh so yummy and quiche to die for. Yummnn. Back to Sheryl's house for a little visit and then off to the airport for our final flight home.We had a great time. I can't imagine a more diverse and enjoyable vacation. In just a week, we hit the snow, the sun and the Sharks; spent time with my kids, my brothers, Bonnie's mom, my dad and lots of friends. Too bad it all had to come to an end. I'll do my best to not take so long for my next post and take more pictures instead of using "generics" from the web. Keep those comments coming. Its what inspires me to write.
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