Monterey -- Report 6 - Carmel Valley and San Juan Bautists

Friday, April 18.

Decided to take a drive inland in search of warmer weather and to see some new sights. (Campus engineers sent e-mail this week saying that the campus heat would be shut off April 30. Hope they have good information.) I'd been looking at map and noticed the Carmel Valley Road running SE from Carmel about 50 miles to where it meets Hwy. 101 in the Salinas Valley near Soledad, which is near the Pinnacles National Monument, about which I'd seen articles about its rock formations and wildflowers. So, off we went.

First 20 miles or so of the Valley Road, following the Carmel River, which empties into Carmel Bay, featured vineyards, horse acreages, then ranches as we ascended the Coastal Range. Stopped for coffee, juice, and pastries at a pleasant village latte shop, in the sunshine. The coast had been pretty overcast as we left.

Here's some of the scenery. Lots of greenery and occasional wildflower patches. Read a couple of weeks ago that wildflower scene wasn't too prominent this year because fall and winter rains, above average, had grown the grass high enough that the wildflowers were mostly covered.

Even a barn.

The road was twisting and bumpy as we gradually climbed through and out of the valley. I'd been expecting more like a highway, so we were pleasantly surprised, as we like discovering these sorts of backroads. Here's the view of the back side of the range from the top. "The hills are alive with the sound of ... (XM radio) "

As we reached the Salinas Valley, we drove through huge vineyards -- nice geometrical patterns -- then vegetable fields.

Once we got to Soledad it was obvious that the coastal fog had worked its way inland so the Pinnacles area was pretty socked in. Decided to save that for another day, but in case we don't get back, there are lots of pictures at the above link.

We proceeded to the day's second objective: small town of San Juan Bautista and the Mission of the same name. A campus colleague had recommended this little town to me a couple of weeks ago as a place to warm up and enjoy the mission, shops, and restaurants. Wasn't that warm today, but we enjoyed visiting the Mission and the town.

The mission was established in 1797 and the church dedicated in 1812. I overheard in a conversation in the gift shop that the mission was in the movie, Vertigo. Gotta rent that.

There were several roosters in the mission gardens, crowing away. Later, in the ice cream shop, we noticed rooster t-shirts for sale. Clerk said that's one thing the town is known for -- chickens all around town. There's a chicken fair next weekend.

Town looks like the old West with clapboard and old adobe buildings along main street. We stopped in nice gallery and got information on where to eat. It's only about a half-hour from Marina, so we'll be back.

Cheers,

Susie and Rob

Monterey -- Report 5 Pacific Grove

Pacific Grove, which sets on the point of Monterey Peninsula, had its annual Good Old Days celebration this past weekend, so we went. Things started with a parade -- an entertaining collection of small-town Americana -- and the festivities also featured many arts, crafts, and food booths, plus music on multiple stages. Weather was great. I was having camera trouble -- didn't realize at first that the memory chip was full -- so I don't have the pictures I thought I would.

This group called themselves the balloon band, or boys. They had large inflated donuts around their waists, then were draped in white and carried mops. Inspired. Look like sugar bowls or salt shakers. They had appeared in big-time parades like the Indy 500. Brought to mind some parade way back in our travels that had a folding lawn-chair precision drill team. They were a big hit. And a hoot.

After lunch and some Susie jewelry-shopping through the booths, we drove and walked along the coast for a while. Gorgeous carpet of flowers along the way.

Pacific Grove is the former home of friend Pat Young, of Bastrop, TX, formerly Cedar Crest. She and Wayne met and wed in Pacific Grove. Not long ago they celebrated their 50th anniversary by coming back to PG, as they stayed here. She'd told us about the wonderful B&B they stayed in, so we called Pat and got the address and drove by. Definitely a classy looking place. I think the tilt in the first picture has something to do with the San Andreas Fault -- not my fault.

PG has lots of nice well-preserved houses and inviting shops and restaurants, so we'll be back. Various folks had recommended that we live in PG while we're here and we can see why.

This is an antique shop down town.

Sunday afternoon I took a bike ride that ended up heading down the coastal trail toward Monterey -- a trail that will eventually take you to the PG coastal scene above. However, my front gear shift wasn't shifting. I had stopped and was trying to diagnose the problem and another cyclist stopped and helped out. He actually had tools, but after a futile attempt to tighten the cable we discovered that the cable was broken. Fortunately, though, he knew that we were just across the highway from an REI and they would have bike mechanics on duty. They did and within an hour I was on the way and soon back home.

Then on Monday, in a continuing burst of fitness-focus, I decided to try the bus connection to Monterey. That required a half-hour walk to the bus stop, then a half-hour bus trip to the campus. Not bad at all. Then, when I came back to Marina, Susie had walked over to meet me at the bus stop and we walked back to the Dunes. Very cold wind blowing off the bay -- balmy weather gone for a while. Anyhow, the bus will be a good option (only $1 for seniors!) and make the car more available for Susie. Moreover, she kindly says she will drive me to the bus stop whenever I want her to. What a deal!

Well, that's about all the excitement there is here for now.

Oh, incidentally we're going to San Francisco (I should say The City) the 24th of April and will stay most of the weekend. If anybody has any do-not-miss recommendations, pls. let us know. We enjoy hearing from you, so keep in touch.

Cheers,

Susie and Rob

Monterey - Report 4: Big Sur

After a relaxed Friday morning, we left in early afternoon for Big Sur. South of Carmel is The Carmel Highlands area -- great rocky-coastal scenes and houses in awesome locations. Lots of different shades of blue where sea meets shore.

At this site, all you can see is the driveway leading to a house on this promontory, but you know it's nice. We need to find someone to tell us where someone famous with a name we know lives, or has their summer cottage. I've suggested to Susie that she hook up with a real estate agent and pretend she's in the market for one of these places -- saw quite a few For Sale signs. Somehow I don't think the housing slump has sagged very much here -- give or take a few megabucks.

All this brings to mind our friends the Eatons' cabin overlooking Lake Herron in NM. Nothing like living on the water.

Landscaping gets your attention, too, like this blooming yard.

We stopped for lunch at Rocky Point which our friends, the Goods -- our Good friends -- had alerted us to. Beautiful day. Even saw a couple of whales from here.

For some reason I identify Big Sur with Kim Novak. Here's a link to a 1964 spread on her hideaway there. I couldn't find any pictures of her and her house to copy, so you'll have to follow the link -- it's pretty neat.

Novak was in Hitchcock's film, Vertigo, filmed in part in Big Sur, including scenes at this bridge.

And here's the coast below the bridge.

Along the coast there are a couple of places where the land levels out and there is ranching. My first California barn picture:

On the way back, caught this scene:

Well, we've been away from home for a month now. When we got back to Marina from our Big Sur drive and turned up the road to the RV park, Susie said, "We're home," so I guess we're getting used to it -- home is where the Tuzigoot is!

Still mild this evening, so we walked down to the beach to catch the sunset.

Cheers,

Susie and Rob

Monterey -- Report 3: 17 Mile Drive

Thursday, April 10. Weather has warmed up so we take the "17 Mile Drive." This loops through the west side of the Monterey Peninsula, past famous golf courses, like Pebble Beach, and fabulous homes and estates. Some shots:


Here is the lone cypress -- iconic image and state symbol -- somehow growing out of that rock. Its estimated age is 250 years.

Just after this next picture was taken, this lady was arrested for streaking across the Pebble Beach Golf Course. Said she heard there was a nude beach the other side of the green.

All along the coastal part of the 17 Miles are great houses in awesome locations. Often, it seems, the best views of these houses (which fascinate me as much as the rocky-shore scenes) are sites where there's no place to stop to get a picture or there are walls and hedges in the way. Here's one I shot holding my camera high and aiming it somewhere over the gate. Susie just knew I'd get arrested. Looks like an Italian villa, or rather what I think an Italian villa must look like.

Then there was this surfer dude.

Weather promises to be even better tomorrow -- in the 70s -- so we're going to take a drive down to Big Sur -- about 25 miles down the coast from Carmel.

Cheers,

Susie and Rob

Monterey -- Report 2

Greetings, All.

Well, one week of class completed. I have nine students: three from the US Navy, two from the US Army, one each from the Navys of Bahrain, Korea, and Greece, and one civilian. All sharp and attentive. International students comprise about 25% of the students here. The highest ranking student is a Navy Commander -- a PhD candidate who plans to teach Math at the Naval Academy. Also have one faculty member -- a lecturer, who teaches a distance-learning beginning stat class -- sitting in on the class. He says he likes what I say! Managed to get a few smiles at some of my hilarious comments.

I have a nice schedule -- Lectures M, Tu,W; computer lab on Th, all from 1000 - 1050. That's military time for you civilians. Glad I don't have an afternoon class and have to figure out when 1400 is. As long as I can stay a week ahead with my class notes, this schedule will give us a 3.5-day weekend, Th-pm - Sunday.

This past Th, we went to lunch at a nice cafe here in Marina, then drove down to Carmel-by-the-Sea. We strolled among the shops and galleries, then drove Carmel's scenic drive along the coast. Carmel has lots of cottages that look like they could be lived in by trolls, or at least have their gardens tended by trolls. Very Hansel and Gretel looking. Also some large modern places, too.

Friday we drove about six miles north of here to Castroville for lunch at the world-famous Giant Artichoke Restaurant. Susie's on an artichoke quest out here so this seemed like a good place to start, as you can see from this picture.

Here's some artichoke facts from Susie:

The artichoke is native to the Mediterranean region. The vegetable we eat is actually the edible flower bud of the thistle-like plant in the sunflower family. Been eaten for 3000 years but became obscure during the fall of Rome--revived in Italy in the mid-15th century--then taken to France by Catherine de Medici at age 14--married to King Henry II of France....regained major popularity.

Now 100% of US commercial artichoke crop grown in California. In full growth the plant spreads to cover area about six ft. in diameter and reaches height of 3 to 4 feet. Peak season is spring and fall--140 varieties--less than 40 varieties are grown commercially.

The Artichoke Capital of US is Castroville, California--be still my heart. There's a festival there in May.

We looped home via Salinas, then made a Costco stop. Can't put too much Costco-size groceries and other stuff in Tuzigoot, though.

Speaking of Tuzigoot, here's how we set up the living room. We got a 4-ft. folding table for my laptop and our printer. It's sitting where the recliner usually is. We moved that out into the center of the room, sort of in the kitchen, just out of sight in the foreground of this picture. Susie has her computer on the kitchen table, so you can see our priorities.

Also, here's a shot of our "yard."

We've been sort of scouting out other sites in the RV Park, but think we'll stay here. There are some larger sites, but we're not sure they're worth the additional expense.

We haven't used the grill yet. The weather has been very repeatable -- lows in mid-to-high 40s, highs in high 50s-low 60s. Oops, this morning it was 38. Not real conducive to evening cook-outs. It's really chilly when you're exposed to wind coming off the ocean.

Saturday, while looking for the Monterey Methodist Church we found the Del Monte shopping center in Monterey -- a large place anchored by Macy's, Mervyn's, P.F. Chang's, and more. We hadn't known about this shopping center -- can you believe that?

Sunday was humor Sunday at Monterey Methodist. Preacher said historically the Sunday after Easter was a time for practical jokes. She decided to update that tradition with humor Sunday two weeks after Easter, which as you recall, came early this year. Theme was: Jesus is the life of the party. Several congregation members got up and told jokes as the service went along.

Woman dies and goes to heaven. St. Peter says I'll let you in if you can spell love. She does it correctly and he admits her. Asks her, though, to watch the gate while he runs an errand. Her husband shows up (we're not told how the two of them happened to expire at nearly the same time). He asks to enter. She says, Can you spell Czechoslovakia?

Man dies and goes to heaven. St. Peter says you're not on the list -- we're not expecting you until next week. So, we're going to send you back. But, in the meantime make sure you can answer the following three questions: 1. What two days of the week start with T? 2. How many seconds are there in a year? 3. What is God's first name?

A week later the man is back. SP asks, what days of the week start with T? Man says today and tomorrow. SP is not sure, but says OK. Next, how many seconds in a year? Man says 12. What? You know, January 2nd, February 2nd, .... -- 12 seconds. That's not what SP expected, but he says he'll take that answer. Now, what is God's first name? Man answers, Andrew. What? says SP. Man says, The answer is right there in the hymnal: Andy walks with me, Andy talks with me, ...

There were also a few church bulletin bloopers read: "Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Don't forget your husbands."

Finished up with communion featuring little-fish crackers and orange juice. This may all sound a little slapsticky, but we enjoyed it all.

After church we went down to Cannery Row for lunch at the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. and some souvenir shopping. Gump wasn't there this time.

Here's a little cottage along Cannery Row.

That antique mall behind was quite extensive -- I found a greyhound bus, 50s vintage, for my collection.

Twas a nice weekend.

Cheers,

Susie and Rob

Update: Easter

Update: The Pacific Grove minister gave us some Easter date information.

March 23 is the second earliest date possible -- first Sunday after the first full moon after the first day of spring. The last time it occurred this early was 1913; the next one will be 2160. So, except for still-living people born before March 23, 1913, this is the only March 23 Easter anybody now living will see -- unless, like Ted Williams, you're cryogenically preserved and are thawed out in 2160. I think the last March 22 Easter was in the early 1800s, the next will be in 2200 something.

The latest Easter can be is April 25, next occurring in 2038.

As an EASTERling, I thought you'd like to know.

Vegas to Monterey

Monday, March 17.

Got an early start, planning to get most of the way to Monterey today. There wasn't a convenient place to gas up in Las Vegas and just over the CA line I found diesel at $4.299! Later in day I bought more at $4.109 and felt I'd found a bargain. But, that may be the last diesel fuel I buy for three months.

Desert terrain until the town of Mojave, CA, several miles west of Barstow. Beyond Mojave we climbed up and over a range of rolling hills, showing fresh green grass for spring. A pleasant sight.

Then, through Bakersfield (home of Buck Owens) and across the San Jouaquin Valley, miles of vineyards and fruit and nut fields/orchards, whatever. Then, over another line of rolling green hills, highlighted by great swatches of wildflowers, and to the town of Paso Robles for the night. We're only about 100 miles from Marina/Monterey.

After a pleasant drive up an interior valley (bright green hills, sheep -- we thought we were back in New Zealand!), we checked into our Marina Dunes RV park about Tuesday noon and I went to campus to complete some paperwork and find my office. Wednesday pm we went by the RV park near the campus. As we wrote last time, we planned to move there when there is an opening next week or so. Well, we didn't like this RV park -- sort of primitive, crowded, and in need of renovation, as had been planned. And not as handy as we thought to campus. So, we'll stay at Marina Dunes. It's about 15 minutes from campus, no worse than driving from Cedar Crest to Albq, and will be an easy drive when Susie needs to drop me off and keep the car. Also, one of my faculty contacts said there may be carpools I can join.

On Wed and Th we did a little exploring and came across some charming California boutiques -- Wal-Mart and Target. Susie said what's wrong with us that we're excited discovering these stores!

Most of Th and F were consumed by March Madness -- on my part. We did find some time to walk the 1/3 mile or so over the dunes fronting our RV park to the beach. Then a long walk down the beach and back home. Here's a Monterey Bay shot. That point way over there is where Pacific Grove is located, about which more below.



Saturday we drove on south and west around Monterey Bay to Pacific Grove -- finding our way to a church we planned to attend Sunday. Then back to Cannery Row -- between downtown Monterey and Pacific Grove -- for some strolling and lunch overlooking the bay. Here's a chamber of commerce shot of the Pacific Grove coastline, flowers in bloom.



People had told us that if you wanted to get a good feel for Monterey living, we should live in PG. I can see why, but we're happy in Tuzigoot and our RV park in Marina.

Here's a bust of John Steinbeck at Cannery Row and then his description of Cannery Row, ca. his novel set in the 1930s:


"Cannery Row in Monterey in California is a poem, a stink, a grating noise, a quality of light, a tone, a habit, a nostalgia, a dream. Cannery Row is the gathered and scattered, tin and iron and rust and splintered wood, chipped pavement and weedy lots and junk heaps, sardine canneries of corrugated iron, honky tonks, restaurants and whore houses, and little crowded groceries, and laboratories and flophouses."- John Steinbeck, Cannery Row

Steinbeck is the author, of course, of The Grapes of Wrath, in my mind one of the best novels ever written. I plan to immerse myself in Steinbeckiana while we're here. I've got several Steinbeck books at home I haven't read, but unfortunately, I forgot to bring them. I'll have to check on getting a library card.

Now, if I recall the history I was told a couple of years ago when we visited here, at one time, say pre-Depression era, the Del Monte Resort in Monterey was a favored Hollywood retreat. However, the stink from Cannery Row ruined the resort. The Navy bought the Del Monte and the old resort hotel is now the administration building for the Naval Postgraduate School (abbreviated hereinafter as NPS). The cannery business dried up in the 1950s and now Cannery Row is shops and restaurants. We went in one called As Seen on TV. You could buy all those neat gadgets that tend to be advertized on late night TV -- but I didn't see a Ronco slicer and dicer.

There's also a Bubba Gump Shrimp Factory on Cannery Row. We didn't discover it until we'd eaten, but we'll be back. Out in front was a Tom Hanks/Forrest Gump lookalike entertaining the visitors -- stupid is as stupid does.


Pacific Grove was started in 1887 as a Methodist Church retreat. They now call themselves The Butterfly Town. First Methodist Church is called the Butterfly Church. The sanctuary has lots of glass so you feel almost like being out of doors. The large window at the front of the church features a large stained glass butterfly and various butterfly parts. Don't know yet when butterfly season is, but we'll watch for it. Here's a picture of the sanctuary off of the church's website. Don't think you can see butterfly parts, though.


They had a nice Easter service -- outstanding music -- started with Star Wars theme and a percussionist really pounding his tympannies. Butterflies are Easter symbols -- transformation/resurrection from ugly caterpillar to beautiful butterfly, and the preacher tied it all in. Also contrasted ugly, brown bulbs that turn into colorful daffodils.


Had Easter lunch at Monterey's Fisherman's Wharf. When we visited two years ago, Susie had found a restaurant on the Wharf that featured a fried artichoke heart appetizer -- literally dozens of artichoke hearts, she claims -- and we were looking for that. Didn't find it and ended up with an overpriced, disappointing meal. Right outside the window, though, seals and sea lions were enjoying spring weather.




Well, one more week until classes begin. I think I'm pretty ready for the first week, at least, and a good start at subsequent weeks of lectures and assignments. We shall see.


Cheers,


Rob and Susie

On the Road Again

Greetings Friends and Family. Tuzigoot is on the road again. We're on our way to Monterey, CA, where I'll be teaching at the Naval Postgraduate School.

Before we even got from Cedar Crest to Albuquerque (3/11) we got a call from the RV park operated by the Navy adjacent to NPS. The park would be open this spring. This was good news. We were told last fall that it would be closed for renovation from April through June, just when we would be at NPS. Hence, we made reservations at an RV park about 10 miles up the coast. This is a very nice RV park -- highly rated and just over a dune from the ocean-- but we had hoped for the convenience of the NPS park. I could walk to campus and Susie would be close to town.

Well, after we were told about the shut-down, the manager said keep checking, you never know about the government. I had, but the word was always the same. A couple of calls the week before we left had not been answered, so it looked like no dice.

We stopped in Albq so we could call back for a reservation; I left a message. Late afternoon, just as we pulled into a Holbrook, AZ campground, we got a return call. Turns out we could locate at the NPS RV park on March 28, but only for 10 days until the uber-manager got back to see if we could stay for the three months duration. (They had gotten the word only Sunday that the renovation was being delayed -- you know the government -- but somehow the place was well-booked by Tuesday.) However, the fact that I was an NPS professor would provide some priority, so our agent was optimistic that we could stay through the quarter. We shall see. It's a good sign. We also want to look at the NPS RV park to be sure it has all the amenities we want. (:-) We told the ocean-front park we'll be there for at least 10 days and maybe week by week as we wait for an NPS slot to open up.

Our address through March 28, at least, will be 3330 Dunes Drive, Marina, CA 93933. We'll let you know when that changes.

Driving west on I-40, through Flagstaff, I tipped my hat at the Sedona turnoff to nearby Tuzigoot National Monument, namesake of our first motor home and now TuziTwo. Also kicked myself for not planning a stop there for a photo opportunity. The monument features these pueblor ruins dating back about a thousand years.

Little bit later, kicked myself again for not leaving enough time to go out to that new glass platform that extends out over the Grand Canyon. Some other time, maybe on the trip home, but then it will be summer, and hot, so ... . At any rate, here's an artist's conception and go here for a video.

Our objective now is to get to Las Vegas to see some Mountain West Conference basketball tournament games - Go Lobos! - and daughter, Heidi. Also, just relax after the hustle of getting loaded for a nearly four-month excursion.

Thursday night we went to Lobo men's game -- unfortunately, they lost in overtime to Utah, a team they had beaten twice. Heidi had used her connections to get us seats in a suite, so we had sweet suite seats. The Lobo women had won their first round game on Wednesday, so we went to their semifinal game Friday afternoon, which they won. On to the finals.

Saturday afternoon the Lobo women's team won! Fifth time in six years. This year they entered just rated fourth. Through some upsets of other teams they never had to play a higher seeded team. 'Twas a close, exciting game, and we prevailed over San Diego State U.

There's a twist on our traveling configuration this time. We had the Explorer modified for towing, so we're pulling it instead of the PT. Just thought we'd prefer to have it for driving around the Monterey area and for weekend exploring if we don't drive Tuzi. It weights about 1000 pounds more than the PT, but I didn't notice much difference in pulling it.

Sunday we went to early church with Vegas friends, former Albuquerqueans, Budd and Carolyn Bornhoft. Heidi, too. Then we had a pleasant breakfast and visit at the cafe here at the Oasis RV Resort. Very nice, but the weather turned cold and wet. Rain overnight -- snow level on the surrounding desert mountains not very many feet higher than the city -- and cold -- in the 40s. Tomorrow we leave for Monterey, will get there Tuesday.

We'll be in touch.

Cheers,

Susie and Rob

Christmas Travels

We had decided early on to go to Las Vegas for Christmas with Heidi. As is our wont, though, we tacked on some other family visits, so it turned into a nearly two-week, Christmas-New Years, cross-country trip.


It turned out that Heidi planned to work Christmas day in order to let colleagues with families have the day off, so we arranged to spend the weekend and Christmas Eve with Heidi, then catch a red-eye flight to Raleigh in time to spend Christmas afternoon with Mike and family. From there we went to Nashville for the weekend through New Year's day with Mandi and Paul. After that, we detoured by El Paso on the way home to see the UNM-UTEP basketball game January 2nd.



In Vegas we attended a very impressive and inspiring afternoon Christmas Eve service with Heidi. Thanks to a bulldog named Joey.



Here's the story: A co-worker was having trouble caring for Joey and asked Heidi if she would like another dog. Heidi thought her boxer, Katie, would benefit by having another dog to keep her company while Heidi is at work, so she agreed to a trial. Things had gone pretty well for a week or two, but now occasional unpleasantries were occurring between the two dogs. Wasn't working out. Heidi called to arrange to return the dog and in the course of the conversation it was arranged that we would drop Joey off, then follow his owners to their church for an afternoon Christmas Eve service. This was on the far north side of Vegas; Heidi lives on the south, so it was not her regular church. Anyhow, the music, drama, and sermon gave us all a good feeling.

Here's a shot of Christmas Eve at Heidi's.




Trip to Raleigh, via Continental Airlines through Houston, went as scheduled, but neither of us slept much. Christmas dinner was at Karen's parents, Bob and Kathy Nauman. They surprised Susie with a birthday cake.



At Mike's the big attraction was the Wii video game that Jason and he got from Santa Claus. Here we're vigorously running the 400m run at the Beijing Olympics. Jason won almost every race. My specialty was bowling.


After a couple of days of game-playing we were in need of some outdoor activity, so we took a stroll around a lake that is in an Apex city park not far from Mike's home in Cary.




Our Nashville time was very relaxing. I got a lot of work done on my class notes for Monterey. Susie and Mandi did some serious shopping. Paul and I watched a lot of football. Sorry, no pictures.



Trip to El Paso turned out to be a long day. We took 6:30am flight from Nashville to Houston, hoping to connect with mid-morning flight to ELP. It was full. Other options such as through Dallas were booked solid, too. We had lunch and decided we'd just as soon go home, so we listed on an afternoon flight to ABQ -- full, too. Last chance was a flight to ELP that would get us there about an hour and a half before game time. Gate agent felt optimistic, so he gave us boarding passes. We got on, but weren't sure of being able to stay on. Plane filled up. A late arrival boarded and walked all the way to back of plane looking for a seat. Turned back to the front. Oh, no, we thought. They're going to ask us to get off. But, there was one seat up front and the guy sat down, the door closed, and away we went.



Flight was about a half-hour late, but we got rental car, checked into motel, and headed for game. This whole idea had been planted by friend, Dick Reinert, who was in ELP visiting his son Scott and family. They got us tickets near their seats, so we made arrangements to meet them at the arena. They gave us directions to parking -- thank goodness for cell phones -- and we found our way there. As we walked across an intersection, somebody honked at us. 'Twas the Reinert clan. Some days you just get lucky.


The game? Very exciting, with UNM winning in overtime. A fair amount of rough play on the court and referee-abuse from the crowd. Four technical fouls on UTEP helped the Lobo cause. We decided the extra day of travel was worth it.

Cheers and a belated Happy New Year to All,

Susie and Rob

Malia's Second Birthday

We made a quick extended-weekend trip to Denver to celebrate Malia's second birthday. The trip was extended in that we took two days each way driving to and from Denver. We've taken the I-25 route so often that we wanted to take a little more time and enjoy different scenery, primarily the mountains.

The forecast for Friday, 12/14, departure date was for snow all through Colorado. It was snowing as we loaded up and left Cedar Crest. We abandoned plans to drive straight north through central Colorado and decided to take I-25 to Walsenburg, CO, then decide whether angling NW from there to Westcliffe was doable. We've been to Westcliffe several times in the summer for their bluegrass festival and really like the town and its location.

To get to Walsenburg we skirted around the snow in NM by taking I-40 east almost to Santa Rosa. We then took US-84 up to I-25 just west of Las Vegas. I mention all this just to promote US-84 -- very scenic and also historic. 'Twas the original routing of Route 66 -- a loop NW to Santa Fe before dropping back down to Albuquerque. One of our governors in the last days of his office bladed a road straight west from Santa Rosa to Albuquerque and Route 66 soon adopted that route.

Anyhow, at Walsenburg, conditions seemed good enough for the drive into Westcliffe. Westcliffe is in a large, gorgeous valley, at nearly 8000 ft. elevation, with the Sangre de Cristo mountains as its western backdrop. I wanted to see the mountains in their winter glory. As we drove in Friday pm, through light snow, the mountains were socked in. Susie said, "Can't see the mountains. Let's just keep going." I demurred: "Forecast is for a clear day tomorrow. We're here, let's stay the night."

So we checked into a motel, checked out a couple of shops, and had dinner. Next morning:

Awesome! It was also minus 10 degrees according to our car's thermometer as we drove out.

On to the main show. Jeff and Valerie had planned a Saturday pm party, following the UNM-Texas Tech basketball game on TV. Unfortunately, Valerie's mom and stepdad couldn't come due to some health concerns that kept him at home in Santa Fe and my nephew Kevin and his family, who recently moved to Castle Rock, CO, couldn't make it either, so we were it!

Lobos won, then it was dinner, presents, and cake.

For contrast, if you go way back in this blog to our China trip last December, you can see Malia celebrating her first birthday, just a few days after "we" got her. Also, see Jeff and Valerie's blog: http://bringinghomemalia.blogspot.com/ for more then and now pictures.

Next day was pretty relaxed. Susie and Malia had a tea party. Malia got Tucker involved in play-time, too. Jeff cooked a version of the Chinese meal he had planned or Saturday.

Monday noon, Susie, Jeff, and I had lunch with friend, Karen Kafadar, a statistician at the University of Colorado, Denver. Well, she still has an office there, but she's just about formerly UCD. She's doing a sabbatical this year at U Cal-Berkeley and then this summer is moving to Indiana University. We had a nice lunch at a downtown "modern" Mexican restaurant across the street from UCD, discussing, among other things, the statistician's lament: We don't get no respect -- in a Math department, in particular. Susie commented that she hadn't met many "bouncy" statisticians; except for the three she was lunching with, of course, I interjected. See what I mean?

After lunch we went to a birthday party at Malia's day care, where Valerie is the Assistant Director. (Monday was Malia's actual birthday.)

Then, now in late afternoon, we headed out. Plan was to stay the night in Walsenburg, about a 2.5 hr. drive, then head west the next day over La Veta Pass into the San Luis Valley, then south to home. And that's what we did.

The motel was a bit of an adventure. Had a choice of a room with one queen bed for $40 or two beds for $50. I went for the cozier, cheaper choice. Turns out though, that the one-bed room was on central heat -- you couldn't control the temperature. Two-bed rooms had their own furnaces and thermostats. I paid for the room, but said we might want to change. Went to our room, but it seemed cold, so I went back to switch rooms. We had not been quick enough, though. Lady said, Did you use anything? Did either of you go to the bathroom? Well, I had to say, Yes. Lady frowned. In that case, if you change rooms, I have to charge you for both.

What a dilemma! Well, we decided, somewhat reluctantly, to stay in the one-bed, no thermostat room (as opposed to now paying $90+ for room with two beds and thermostat). We had some extra blankets in the car that we had brought along for an emergency. This was it. We piled those on Susie and slept quite well, though I think I may have damaged my reputation as a big spender.

Nice trip home the next day. No pictures of the motel, but here's the county courthouse in Walsenburg.

We drove west into the San Luis Valley -- temperature 1 degree as we went through Alamosa. Here's a shot of 14,345 ft. Mt. Blanca en route. Years ago I climbed that sucker. Susie asked, Why? Because I was with a macho group of guys who wanted to climb it and couldn't very well wimp out, I said.

The drive south from Alamosa on US 285 is another scenic, pleasant drive: Tres Piedras, Ojo Caliente (where we stopped to check out the hot springs resort - looks like a place we'd like to spend some time -- Susie suggested monthly trips for spa and massage; there are no $40 rooms there, though).

Next we're off on a Christmas trip: Las Vegas for the weekend and Christmas Eve with Heidi, then red-eye flight at 1:00 am to Raleigh for Christmas afternoon with Mike and family. A few days there and then we'll fly to Nashville for New Year's with Mandi and Paul. Family is precious year-round, but especially so at Christmas.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all!

Susie and Rob

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

When one lives with Rob Easterling
Life is just one adventure after another.
“Susie, I’ve been thinking” is his mantra.
I say, “Hey, I need a week to recover.”

2007 has been another year of adventure.
Traveling places—some revisited, some new.
Spending time with our family
And enjoying the things that they do.

So-please indulge me for a little while
As I review our whirlwind life.
Rob plans, researches and schedules
And I play the dutiful wife.

The major part of our travels
Sees us in our motorhome, TuziTwo.
We both love the feel of the open road
As we travel the country through.

No matter where we travel.
No matter where we roam.
We try to visit our children
And enjoy each and every home.

I’ll give a brief summary of each family.
Chronologically seems only fair.
We begin with Jeff and Valerie Hinkle
Who moved north---SOMEWHERE!

Actually, they live in Aberdeen, South Dakota.
Cold winters they have -- that’s for sure.
Managing Shop-Ko is his profession.
Monitoring juveniles on probation—for her.

They have purchased a mini-farm.
With barns, horse stalls and hay.
Hunting, mowing and working
Makes for a full life at the end of the day.

Matt and Suzy Hinkle
Remain in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Managing Pratt Industries and teaching
Makes for a very busy woman and man.

Tony is in college in Santa Fe.
Kaci: a college in Ohio is her choice.
He is studying film production.
She’s in music theatre—using her beautiful voice.

Andrew is a freshman in high school.
He is in band and soccer he loves to play.
He just got his provisional driver’s license.
Let us take a minute TO PRAY!

Mike and Karen Easterling
Live in Cary, N.C. with our pride and joy.
Jason is the light of our lives.
He is such an outstanding boy.

Mike is in biomathematics.
Karen, a statistician like Rob.
They work at bringing better
health to society
Which makes for a rewarding job.

Jason is in the second grade.
His soccer coach is his dad.
Time spent with this sweet family
Makes for some of the nicest times
we’ve had.

Jeff, Valerie and Malia Easterling
Live in Highlands Ranch, Colo.,--oh, so fair.
Jeff is ANOTHER statistician,
And Valerie directs a day care.

Just a year ago this time
Saw us going to China on a plane.
How Malia has taken hold of all our hearts
Is really hard to explain.

We will be with Malia on the 17th.
To celebrate her second birthday.
She is blessed to have such wonderful parents.
They feel blessed, too, in every way.

Mandi and Paul Venable live
Where music is the definitive sound.
Nashville, Tennessee, is their home.
Their profession helps us
To “fly around!”

They’ve been with Southwest Airlines
For more years than they can believe.
Paul writes music and loads the planes
And, Mandi, just continues to achieve.

She is the assistant station manager.
An airport is an ever busy hub.
We love spending time with these two.
You can’t beat that southern grub!

And Heidi Hinkle the runt of the litter.
Is the child living farthest west.
Her director’s job in Vegas at the Bellagio
Doesn’t give her much time for rest.

She now is the mother of two animals.
Joey the bulldog and Katie the boxer.
They do keep her very busy,
But they’re so much company for her.

She, too, brings us so much joy.
She relates her life to us with flair.
We’re glad her life is happy.
She has so much goodness to share.

And, so there you have the rundown.
We’ve put more than you need on your plate,
But many of you have watched these kids grow
And we just wanted to bring you up to date.

We have had several family reunions.
Which have been so much fun for all.
It’s such a privilege when we all can meet
We laugh, eat and have a ball.

Rob’s extra special outing in September
Was to Australia--the land down under.
His friend, Dick Reinert, went with him
I opted not to steal his thunder.

They traveled by train, helicopter and plane.
They spent almost three weeks in this beautiful place.
They returned a little sore and tired,
Each had a huge smile across his face.

2008 looks like more of the same.
It will find us living in California on the beach.
The Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey
Is the next place where Rob will teach.

We’ll live March through June in TuziTwo
Along the Pacific Ocean shore.
Then we’ll head home to Cedar Crest
Until we decide to travel some more.

So as we celebrate this holy season,
And as we celebrate our families with you,
May the real celebration center around the
CHRIST CHILD,
And may you celebrate your blessings, too.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Susie and Rob