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Photos from Muir Woods

Muir Woods

Our last day in S.F. we spent at beautiful Muir Woods. Take a look at the pictures.

If You're Going to San-fran-cisco....

....wear a sweater (even in late June)!

On Wednesday, at approximately 3:30, Judy, Mary, Ilana and I left Kingman for Vegas. Judy and Mary were a smash, of course. Ilana and I kept busy during the day by going to Kingman's one movie theater. Stadium seating has not yet come to Kingman. As Ilana and I waited for the movie to start, I was reminded of the cold sweat fear I used to endure as a kid. Would someone really tall sit in the seat in front of me just seconds before the movie starts? Would I spend the entire movie craning my neck from side to side, trying to get a obstacle-free view of the screen?

No worries. Ilana and I were the only ones in the theater to enjoy "Evan Almighty" on Tuesday, and "Live Free or Die Hard" on Wednesday. We enjoyed both movies, especially (I am surprised to say) "Die Hard". It was two hours of pure fun. Or maybe, we were just happy to be looking at something besides sand.

Once in Vegas, we enjoyed the buffet at Mandalay Bay (truly the best hotel/casino in Vegas), and then checked into Treasure Island. Judy and Ilana conked out pretty quickly, so Mary and I walked the strip. It was fun experiencing Bellagio's dancing fountain, the Mirage's volcano, and all the bling of Las Vegas Blvd. with someone who was seeing it for the first time.

On Thursday, we flew to Oakland. We had a wonderful day walking around Berkeley with Uncle Barry and his partner, Bruce. We caught up on the family, and shared a delicious lunch. They are living in a beautiful house with great views of Alcatraz and S.F.



Later, we saw Debi (Judy's friend since kindergarten) and her precious daughter Heather. We'll all take on the giant redwood trees of Muir Woods on Saturday.

At Home in Kingman

We haven't written too much about Kingman because, honestly, there wasn't much to write. It was wonderful to have Mary in our midst. A loyal reader of this blog (one of thousands) it feels good to include her here. Not only did we create some top-notch teacher training, we had a few yuks. Just let me say, "Shoes. OMG."

Truly, being able to present with Mary and MJ means that I get to learn while I teach. I'm honored to work with amazing professionals, and I am so very proud of the work we do.

While we were casting our spell over Kingman's educators, there was painfully little for my remaining family members to do. Twice they visited Kingman's "Multi" plex. I believe that WalMart was actually a special outing, but I'll allow one of them to elaborate about that.

What was wonderful was that after I worked my day, they were waiting for me at 3 P.M. to take me home. And even though it was Kingman, Arizona, wherever they are is home to me. I guess I'm lucky all around!

While the Cat's Away....

...The mice do play! Ilana and I got our kicks on Rt. 66 while Judy and Mary gave day one of their writing workshop. The museum was interesting; lot's of memorabilia from the Mother Road's more glamorous days. Tomorrow, we'll go swim in Lake Mohave (just a stone's throw from Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam).

Also, Ilana and I just finished reading Carl Hiaasen's "HOOT". Besides the books we read on our own (I'm reading "Black Order" by James Rollins, Ilana's reading Andrew Clements' "Things Not Seen"), Ilana and I always read a book together. We were a little sad to end HOOT. We've been reading it throughout the entire vacation, alternating who reads aloud. The familiar characters were welcomed companions as we checked in to unfamiliar hotel after unfamiliar hotel. Now we want to see the DVD. Has anyone seen it? Is it any good? Next, we start Hiaasen's "Flushed".

The Big Hole

One of Ilana's friends, Kayla, met us for a day at the pool. Her family was in Vegas for a reunion. Ilana enjoyed seeing a familiar face (especially one her own age). During our last night in Vegas we watched a very funny "Spamalot". It was one part Monthy Python's "Holy Grail" and one part "Forbidden Broadway". However, Judy would have preferred to see "Love" again. Actually.... guess who's turned out to be a big Beatles fan? Dramaqueen. As a matter of fact, she wanted to hear the CD we bought from the show the entire way to the Canyon.

Canyon pictures are attached. We enjoyed the view by walking a large portion of the Rim Trail. Our favorite part was watching the sun set over the canyon. The urban playground that is NY, the rain forests of the Northwest, and now the painted desert. What a country.

Today, we arrived in the Rt. 66 town of Kingman, Arizona. Mary (whose been a loyal reader of this blog) will join Judy for three days of workshops. Welcome to the blog, Mary!

Viva, Las Vegas!

What can I say about Vegas? We've been here several times, but the place still blows us away. We're staying at the Monte Carlo for the first time. Not as nice as Mandalay Bay, but pretty close. The pool area has a wave pool, lazy river, spa, etc... We have our own cabana, which allows us to enjoy the pool to the max. Otherwise, we would have to chase the shade all day. Being from Florida, we know "The sun is NOT your friend".

Last night we saw "Love" by Cirque du Soleil. OMG (as my daughter just told me to write). For those less literate in "My Space-ese", that's Oh My G-d. It was fantastic. Each of the Beatles' songs were interpreted by this group of dancers, gymnasts, acrobats, etc... We have never been disappointed at a Cirque show. We read that Sir Paul, Ringo, Yoko, and George's widow will be here next week to celebrate the year anniversary of the show.

And now for something completely different; Tonight we will see "Spamalot". Judy and I love Monty Python. Ilana will love the fact that it's a musical. Hopefully, she'll get some of the jokes.

Leg 5 of the trip is going well. Three more to go. We miss our cats!