Stream Trippin’

It was last week 080808 the wedding for Dane and Shababe in Dublin Texas. Many family members and friends were there to enjoy the event. Lisa and I flew out the Saturday before then drove to Round Rock to attended church at CBC and saw many of our friends we left almost 2 years ago. The temperature was up as expected making the visit perfect. It was the event we have been looking forward to for the last year and now it is back to normal (sort of). Nicole is off to Ohio and will be moving there shortly as well. We’ll see what come of that.

Unfortunately there are no pictures to go with this post though I am sure you’ll get the visual.

The first evening in Whistler, Greg, Tricia, Lisa and I wandered down to the village by way of the FREE shuttle that stops just outside the front door of our snow-bound hotel. We were in pursuit of a light dinner and groceries since we are staying at the Marriott Residence Inn, which is basically a small condo with a complete kitchen void of real food aside from an occasional bag of popcorn.

We wandered through the winter wonderland of restaurants, shops, and crowds bustling as we were in awe with our eyes wide open and mouths agape, doing our best to soak it all in. This was the beginning of a short spring break weekend for the Canadian schools and there were tons of young people ready to party. We ate somewhere (I am sure it was good - I don’t remember that part right now) before heading to the store for groceries at one of the two markets in town. We were pretty worn out after slugging through the streets of the village, and a bit turned around - slightly confused and wondering how to get back to our hotel. Having gathered our several bags of supplies meant to get us through the week, I’m sure we looked more than a little forlorn as we lugged them along. Finally, we spotted a taxi dropping off a patron nearby. We collectively took the opportunity to jump in the motor for hire. The exiting riders seemed to be having quite a lot of fun with the driver on their way out, and said to us, “Are you ready to play guitar hero?” A thirty-something (maybe forty-something) guy, who looked like a weathered rock star himself, making ends meet by shuttling folks around town. He greeted us while holding one of those plastic guitars used for the Guitar Hero video game asking, “You guys up for some Legends of Rock?”

I climbed in the front seat of the mini van, gazing at a myriad of digital gaming and audio/visual devices mounted to the dash of the electronic playground on wheels. I proclaimed that, playing one of these is nothing like playing lead guitar in a rock band and it only frustrated me - but I would try! He handed the microphone to the vocalist in the back, handed me the guitar and selected some random 80’s rock tune I didn’t recognize.

As we cruised along the snow-laden streets up the mountain to the hotel, with varied success I was keeping up with the colored buttons scrolling down the neck on the screen. The cabbie called to the vocalist, “We need more noise from the back!” I had to wonder, who the heck is driving this thing up the windy road to the hotel if our driver is more intent on our “game performance” than staying on the road? Then the game stopped as we failed miserably to mimic the timed responses to the screen.

But then…scrolling through the song choices, there it was: Mississippi Queen by Mountain, recorded in the 70’s. I mentioned that the vocals/lead guitar player was none other than Leslie West, a mountain of a man. My comment received no response from our fearless cabbie as I wondered if he was even alive when it was originally done. I was more than able o keep up with the tune itself (having played it during several jams in my past life), but I was expected to sing as well! I tried to sing out a word or two (which was well short of a heroic effort) as I kept the guitar notes screaming. We arrived at the hotel before the end of the song and I did not want to give up the plastic guitar.

In the end, my Legendary Guitar Hero status had to end in “The Taxi for Wannabe Rock Stars”. Exiting the taxi, I fumbled with the bags of groceries, and they spilled out on to the street. The last thing I heard from the cabbie was….

“YOU PLAY GUITAR BETTER THAN YOU CARRY GROCERIES”

(Thank you Nicole for helping me edit this post.)

We made it home late last night after our flight from Vancouver was canceled. We had to board another flight bound for San Francisco and from there catch a Super Shuttle to the San Jose Airport where dear, sweet Kevin picked us up and brought us home! The good news is, we got home earlier than expected and without a loss of luggage. Amazing.

another snippet from our bus rides:

All four of us sitting near the back door of the bus (for quick exit at destination). Actually, Barry and I were standing, facing the front of the bus. Bus stops. An extremely inebriated young Irishman, ski poles in hand, head lowered, but eyes piercing ours with one of the most intense stares we’ve ever seen, stumbles toward the door, all the while holding our gazes with his. Nearly smacking several people with his poles, he reaches our position, stumbles again and almost falls out the door into the snow. Suddenly, he spun around and yelled out, “GLOVE!!!!” “I lost me GLOVE!” Instantly, the interior lights of the bus came on and the people in the front of the bus where he’d been sitting, scrambled around to come up with the glove. Stumbling back, he slurred his thanks and headed back our way.

Nearly falling as his boots hit the snow, he grabbed his skis from the ski holder outside the bus, missed and tried again as the bus doors were closing and the driver began to pull away. Successful the second time, still glaring at Barry and I, in a heavy Irish brogue he left all of us with a bit of Irish wisdom, “Always know where you are going . . . .or, . . . .you’ll NEVER get there!” Ha ha! Everyone around us and we ourselves laugh with relief as the realization hits that he wasn’t going to kill us after all and that perhaps the stare was a normal everyday look for him!

I’ve decided to adopt that saying, I quite like it!

Hey, Everyone, put on your Aussie colors and celebrate Australian Independence Day!

We are still in Whistler, Canada and looking forward to the possibility of snow tomorrow as well as some crazy Aussies celebrating in a a big way here in the Great White North. Supposedly (according to the ex-pat Aussies here) the holiday is even more recognized here than it is at home. There are an abundance of Aussies here. They love it in Canada and have all been back home to tell how wonderful it is here, thus, more Aussies come out. They have a reputation here for being service-oriented and always showing up to work no matter how hard they party. Hmmmm. . . . a fine distinction. I must say. Though, they are truly sunny people and we haven’t met a sour one yet.

We did have a few funny encounters. We were walking through the village for the 5th or 6th time and noticed a small door with an obscure sign (I can’t remember the name). Barry opened the outer door, we held it open, he went further in and tried another inner door which was locked. Turning to look at us with a quizzical expression, we returned his look and wrote the place off as not worth knowing.

Suddenly, stage left, an apparition. Tricia and I noticed a creature examining us. Frizzy, 6 inch long, curly brown hair, lipstick, tights or very tight jean things and who knows what else (I believe I blocked it out as I stared at him???) He just stared.

We said, to the person, as Barry turned to come out, “Is this a club, or . . .private club?”

Creature, “Yes.”

“It is”

As he continued walking on, we were left to our own conclusions. Just as you are now.

Canadians. Few words.

Another episode:

Running to catch the bus before it left us to a long wait in the icy cold.

I was in the lead with everyone straggling behind me. Out of breath, huffing and puffing cold clouds of air, I ran to the open door of the shuttle whilst vaguely hearing a repeated sentence from a man at the bus stop, “Stay HERE!” “Stay HERE!”

Bemused, I turned to look him in the face. There he stood, camel-colored knee length overcoat, hands in pockets, 8 inches away from me, “STAY HERE!” He repeated while another man behind him chuckled.

“Ooooookay.” I said as the bus pulled away. “I guess we’ll stay here.” As the rest of my entourage approached, I was left to LAMELY explain why I let the bus go.

Turns out, he was right. But, couldn’t he have explained himself? The other guy had to explain what overcoat man meant. If we had held the bus, all climbed on and been whisked away by it, we would have ended up in parts unknown on the mountain! Whew!

Guess, you have to be less obtuse than I am in order to understand the lingo here. We made it home, praise the Lord!

We head home tomorrow with mixed feelings of joy and sadness. It has been wonderful here. Hopefully, we shall experience a little Aussie pride as we leave!

Ta! As the Brits say. Cheerio, pip, pip.

Hey there! Greg, Tricia, Lisa and I are in Whistler Canada to enjoy a bit of skiing and sight seeing. It is absolutely stunning here with snow everywhere and the town being surrounded by majestic mountain peaks that are breathtaking.

We arrived Saturday the 19th in Vancouver and took a 3 hour shuttle (large greyhound type bus) to Whistler. Staying at the Marriott Residence Inn where we can exit out the back door, put on our skis (snowboard) and ride down to the lift. AMAZING! There are free shuttles running throughout the town to get to and from the Village for dinner or entertainment. It is quite a winter wonderland. Check out the pictures in the Whistler Gallery for more insight to our fun here.

As I was looking through some of the old pictures on my computer I came across these of our last day in Texas at Central Baptist in Round Rock. The folks in the pictures (in the gallery listed as Central Worship Team) are good friends we miss dearly. Lisa and I are finding a new home at Crossroads Bible Church in San Jose, CA and are developing new relationships that are certain to be as endearing. Just a quick note to say how much we miss you guys and look forward to seeing you whenever our paths will cross again. Maybe a wedding in Texas somewhere? See you there…

After NOT updating the site for several months it must be time to bring you up to date on what has happened until now. Not much actually! I have been at the new job for 7 months now. A record for me after my last short stint. We have been out a couple of time in the Airstream for weekend jaunts to Bodega Bay, Calaveras Big Trees and even a trip to Seacliff Beach again in December. Lisa has been working on her painting biz and teaming up with her ol’ bud Tricia on several jobs. Good times. She has also returned to Round Rock Texas to paint in the new building at our church (Central Baptist). A successful trip on all accounts.

Fast forward to December 2007 and it’s Christmas again. Where did the year go??? Nicole and her boyfriend Joel are here to visit along with Dane and our future daughter-in-law (love) Shababe all in our little house. It was a “Grand Time” while we were together enjoying lots of food and good times. Both of our Mom’s were here to visit and a few of the aunts, uncles and cousins spent time with us as well.

Now the Holidays are over back to work at what ever we all have to do in our basically normal lives. We will cherish the time we had and remember it fondly. Now on to new adventures in British Columbia with Greg and Tricia to be the next entry.

Sounds of Silence echoed throughout the interweb.

We, Barry and I have been remiss. No, that’s not it. We have been unfaithful . . .

hmmmm. busy . . . uh nonchalant . . . lackadaisical?

Alright, no excuses . . . . . My precious husband and I have been sluggish, indolent posters.

Are you satisfied?

Since the last post, much has transpired, yet we have subconsciously chosen not to share it via posts with any lone human who may have been curious about our lives.

Saratoga, that’s where I left you.

Our beautiful, much-beloved Airstream sits brightly parked in the driveway of our rental home here in Santa Clara/San Jose. (We live on the border of the two cities. Google maps show us in San Jose while paper maps show Santa Clara) To further confuse, the Post Office sees San Jose while we use only Santa Clara Utilities! Go figure. Check out Google’s hybrid to see areal views of our home on Brookside Ave, San Jose, California. We are surrounded by city, malls, highways and tons of good food. An hour to San Francisco, 40 minutes to my adored Pacific Ocean, surrounded by mountain ranges and only a few hours to ski resorts, 6 miles from my brother, 45 minutes from my beautiful sister, 11/2 hour from Barry’s mom, 40 minutes to my mommy, sweet brother-in-law, Kevin lives a few miles away and other relatives are not far.

Life is pretty good! As long as our Awesome God has us here, we shall try to enjoy! LOL

Since our arrival here:

Barry has begun, enjoyed, been challenged by a new job. Then decide he wanted to move on from there and after 3 months has taken another position (his last day was yesterday!).

We’ve been back out to Texas for our dear, dear friend (adopted son’s) wedding, which was beautiful.

I did a marathon painting of murals back in Texas. Six church classrooms in four days with the help of a friend.

We went to KABOOM with brother John and Joe

Went to The Asparagus Festival with a crowd of relatives and friends.

Fabulous Nicole has come to visit.

My sister has spent a few weekends with me and we have painted the town red!

My mom and I have a standing Friday date and I LOVE it!

We protected a nest of sparrow babies in our eves and they are the funniest looking creatures.

Our yard is filled with fruit trees bearing loads of peaches and plums. YUMMY!

Our avacado tree (Barry and Dane’s dream tree) has begun bearing fruit.

I have filled the house with roses and other flowers from the garden on a daily basis (something I always dreamed of)

Barry and I have taken up dancing lessons.

There you have it! There are more boring details, but I’ll stop here. We are fixin’ to take the “Stream” out for its first run since we parked it in March. Yippee! Happy Trails! Before Barry starts his new job, we’ll go to Paso Robles Wine Country RV Park for the coming week and relax a bit. From this central point, hopefully we’ll head to the coast for day trips and tour the cute town of Paso Robles. I am sure there will be tales to tell!

bye all!

Approximately 30 years ago Barry and I (young somewhat foolish and in love) moved with two friends into a tiny shack in Saratoga, California.  A very old two bedroom cottage perched on a hill overlooking the quaint town.  The floors squeaked, the kitchen was tiny, and it was so cute! (At least through my rose-colored memory glasses)  Barry would disagree wholeheartedly on the merit of living there, but I loved it!

Those friends are long-forgotten (we cycled through a few combinations in that house) and the cottage has been torn down, replaced by high-rent town homes.   Saratoga was then and still is considered a hoity-toity, wealthy town only an elite few could afford to inhabit.  Of course, we were on the fringe back then, all four of us struggling to make enough money to eat, let alone to pay rent.

Past and Present Collide!

Last week, Barry accepted a position in a dynamic company in the heart of Silicon Valley, California!  We are thrilled with this new challenge.  He has wanted to try this line of work for some time.  I’ll let him explain it to you.

To work here, we rented a home 5 minutes from his jobsite.  No, not in Saratoga!

We’ll trip down memory lane in a minute.

The rental is amazing and we’ve signed a year’s lease.  All you wonderful Texans will laugh out loud at what one would call “amazing“  here in California!

When last we blogged, we were stationed in Gilroy.  The commute to the new job which Barry started on Monday was going to be a trial so we decided to move the Airstream closer until the rental house was move-in-ready.  The closest spot . . .  . .  you guessed it!  Saratoga!  The circle is complete.

We have spent a week here at Saratoga Springs.  The Airstream backed up to within 5 feet of a clear mountain stream.  The spring weather has been perfect.  Redwoods, Oaks, ferns and moss surround us.  It is beautiful!  I am feeling such conflicting emotions.

Thrilled about the new job – sad to see the sabbatical end

Delighted to have found a cute house – despondent at leaving the Airstream

Thankful to be near my family – Missing our “family” in Texas

Grateful for how God cared for us – excited to see where He will take us

Most of all, I know we have been blessed beyond imagination, given such a spectacular gift by our Father in Heaven.  The blogs will not stop because our adventure has not ended!   You can’t get rid of us that easily!

So, the circle. 

Barry and Lisa back to the roots.  “What a LONG STRANGE trip it’s been!”

Funny!  I began this blog with the desire to write about our some of our fascinating temporary neighbors here in the park.  Well, maybe later.

If I were YOU, waiting for some word of what has been going on. Where are they? Have they just abandoned us? Without telling us to stop visiting the site because they aren’t going to post anymore???? I’d be upset and would leave them a comment telling them how I felt.
We have not hunkered off into the shadows yet, but we are about to rejoin the world we have run away from 4 months ago. Yes I have accepted a position with an outfit in San Jose starting on Monday the 5th as a project manager for Technical Builders as a construction project manager. Sounds like fun! We have rented a house just a couple of miles from the office that makes for a sweet commute. Although the position will require quite a bit of travel to make up for any anxiety I may have had for missing out on the frustration of the stop and go traffic that this area is well known for.

Enough of work!

We are moving to another RV Park in Saratoga CA for a week until our rental is ready to move into. It is in the hills of Saratoga which is part of the coastal mountain range to the Pacific Ocean. It is considerably closer to my new office and is more attractive than the roughly hour plus drive from Gilroy. Our time in Gilroy has been good watching the clubs and groups coming into the RV park with their pot lucks and sitting around one of the RV’s jawing. Someday that could be us but we haven’t hooked up with any groups yet that is are the age group we are. So far the majority the people in these groups have replaced their kids with animals of all kinds either live or stuffed and displayed proudly on the dash of the RV. Don’t worry Nicole and Dane (and Shababe) . Your pictures are safely mounted in the front of the airstream everywhere we go.

Finally some new pictures are up. Witty comments to follow.