An Explorer in the Further Reaches of Experience

Appeteaser USA, Pub-Crawl, Saturday 29 Oct 11

2011-10-31T20:46:00.000-07:00

Went on the Appeteasers USA(http://www.appeteasersusa.com/) "pub crawl" on Saturday 29 Oct on Sutter Street of Folsom or just "Old Folsom". Went to several different bars, restuarants, art gallery and local historic cementary for this Halloween roving party event.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2558828259165.140936.1507778102&type=1&l=6855b6f1b4

Silver Lake Hike, 24 Jun 2011

2011-06-26T16:42:00.000-07:00

On our Friday off(24 Jun 11), Jack and I went into foothills to hike the Granite and Hidden Lakes loop in Silver Lake. Our original plan did not turn out as aspected. After heading east on Highway 50, we tried to go on the Mormon-Emigrant Road. After getting more then halfway to the 88 Junction we were stopped by mounds of snow across the road. No way my little '99 Honda was going over all that snow. Snow and its almost July.
After taking a long back track we finally got to Silver lake. The area was still covered in thick snow. We were trying to find the Granite-Hidden Lake trail. Again didn't go as planned. We wondered around all the granite boulders feeling very lost in finding the trail. After some observation we notice several hike marker or Cairn and hoped these will point to the trail. Well after following the piles of stone, we found small Granite lake. VICTORY!!!
As it was late in the day, we decided to head back. There were two raging rivers and waterfalls on the path. Very spectacular! Stopping by Kit Carson Lodge just for a look, we head back on Highway 88. A the town of Jackson, we saw the sign to Jackson Ranceria Hotel and Casino(http://www.jacksoncasino.com/) and decided to stop for something to eat. Had a couple of heaping plates of food for an end to a very wonderful and adventures day.

Photos can be seen below

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2111438394698.125263.1507778102&l=270853195c

Folsom 20th Annual Handcar Derby 01May11

2011-05-03T03:50:00.000-07:00

30Apr-01May 2011 was the 20th Annual Folsom Handcar Derby (http://www.fedshra.org/index.html) held at the Broadstone Market Place in Folsom, California. I missed the Saturday events but the Sunday events had the finals including the Handcar Push and the Handcar Race Finals. Wonderful time in a very nice day.

Photos can be seen in the public site below

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/fbx/?set=a.1983802483880.118230.1507778102&l=1153d7b2a8

Rotary Powerhouse Work Party 30Apr11

2011-05-03T03:49:00.000-07:00

The Folsom Rotary Club had a "work pary" this Saturday at the Powerhouse Ministry to continue building the children out door area behind the Ministry building. Today was really back breaking as we had to level the ground. If anyone has worked on the ground of Folsom, one knows how loaded with rocks this place is. Tons of small rocks they call "Folsom Potates" are just a pain. But a great day.

Photos can be seen in the public site below;

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/fbx/?set=a.1979397573760.118005.1507778102&l=ab244aa731

East Lake Tahoe Trip 29 Apr 11

2011-05-03T03:47:00.000-07:00

On our day off my friend Jack and I traveled to see the east part of Lake Tahoe. We drove north on Highway 80 stopping at the town of Truckee before taking highway 267 to highway 28 along the east side of the lake. On the way back to Folsom, we took a long route via Highway 89 to Highway 88 passing the town of Jackson and Plymouth. In Plymouth we need a break from almost 300 miles of driving and sampled some of the fine vineyards in the area. Great trip and now I can say I went all around Lake Tahoe.

(En nuestro dia libre mi amigo Jack y yo viajamos para ver la parte este de el lago Lake Tahoe en estado de Nevada. Manejamos 300 millas es dia y en fin paramos in el pueblo de Plymouth para probar algunos vino en los viñedos de Plymouth.)

Photos

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/fbx/?set=a.1978807359005.117970.1507778102&l=ca44cc1431

2011-05-03T03:45:00.001-07:00

There was a very special guest speaker at the regular weekly Folsom Rotary in Folsom.

Lieutenant Commander Ted Robinson(US Navy Retired), who during World War II, was captain of PT-118 and rescued the future US President John F. Kennedy(JFK) after his famed sinking on PT-109.

He discussed his life as the PT captain and elaborated in detail on the bravery of JFK. He also grew up in Queens, NY which, got me quit excited. Mr. Robinson and his wife were selling his book on this ordeal during WWII and the famed rescue.
Great night with one of the last remaining me of WWII talking on his life during that conflict and gave us insight into JFK's wonderful character.

Photos can be seen below

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/fbx/?set=a.1963957307763.115537.1507778102&l=87a5552913

Lions Pancake Breakfast, 23 Apr 11.

2011-05-03T03:44:00.000-07:00

Lions Pancake Breakfast, 23 Apr 11

On Saturday 23 Apr 2011, members of the Folsom City Host Lions Club made and served breakfast at Lembi Park, Folsom(http://wikimapia.org/1246660/Lembi-Community-Park) for the family who were going to take part in the annual Folsom Easter Egg Hunt.

We started setting up at 6am, moving the very heavy grills and all the supplies needed to feed many hundred hungry famlies. We purchased pre-mixed pancake batter and heat-n-serve sauages. I hone my already expert skills in pancaking making during this wonderful event.

We cooked furiously as we sometime had a line that went around the corner but everyone got served. This fund raiser was fun and exhausting. We also attracgted some potential members.

Photos can be seen below

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/fbx/?set=a.1966406168983.116273.1507778102&l=b87427ef30

Folsom Rotary Wine and Dine, 17 Apr 11.

2011-05-03T03:43:00.000-07:00

On Sunday evening, the Folsom Rotary helded their 18th annual Wine and Dine fund raiser held at the Folsom Community Center. Help set up in the early part of the day. Many local wineries and restuarants and fun people help make this, Folsom Rotary largest fund raiser, a success.

Photos can be seen below:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/fbx/?set=a.1956175433221.112427.1507778102&l=087a6a4137

2011-04-03T19:55:00.000-07:00

Members of the Folsom California(#526) organized a "work party" to complete the construction of a shading structure at the backyard of the Powerhouse Ministries(http://www.phmfolsom.org/web/). Concrete was poured early in March. Members donated their time, skills and tools to finish this needed community service.

Pictures can be seen in the site below

https://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=110175&id=1507778102&l=997c0988d1

Serra Fina Winery, 02 Apr 11

2011-04-03T19:51:00.000-07:00

Traveled to Sera Fina Cellars, about 20 minutes east of Folsom, to pick up my two bottles of wine as member of the Wine Club. Had a good time, with some nice wine tasting, good food, music and a cigar.

Pictures can be seen in the site below:

https://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=110179&id=1507778102&l=b57c289003

Crocker Art Musuem, 01 Apr 2011

2011-04-03T19:50:00.000-07:00

On my Friday off work, decided to visit the famed Crocker Art Museum(http://www.crockerartmuseum.org/) located near the Old Sacramento area. A very nice collection of both classical and contempary art. The link of both the original museum and the newer wing was done rather well if not seamless.

I was really impressed to see artwork from local High School students. They are very much talented and themes in their production.

Had a good time, will definitly go back as there is too much stuff to see in one visit.

Pictures can be seen below

https://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=110336&id=1507778102&l=b1aecd413c

Sierra Nevada Brewing Company

2011-03-06T13:07:00.000-08:00

On our work day off, me and my friend Jack headed to the Sierra Nevada Brewing Company(http://www.sierranevada.com/tour/introduction.html) located about 120miles north of Folsom in the town of Chico (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chico,_California). The two hour trip ended at the Sierra Nevada's Restuarant gift shop where we signed up for a guided tour of the brewery. The place was one big brewing facility with gift shops and restaurant. Jack and I had lunch at the very nice restuarant as soon as it opened at 11 am. Jack couldn't resist but had a sample of all the Brewery's beer. He was rather happy about it and manage to drink all the little shots. Our tour, the first one, started at 1pm. The guide took is through a 75 minute view of the processing facility. She showed us the hugh vast where the barely is cooked and fermented with the very nice copper laid vats. The 31 degree F cold room where the hops are stored. We rubbed the hops in our hands to smell the various variety including a couple of the experimental hops they are trying out. One great thing about Sierra Nevada is how they try to recycle as much as possible and can produce up to 75% of their own electricity while reducing carbon emissions. Fuel cells, solar panels, methane gas recycling is all part of their plans for being green. We also saw the packaging room where remote systems bottle and box all the beer that leaves Sierra Nevada.

This was a great trip where one actually gets on the processing floor to see how beer is actually made. A wonderful thing to see even if you are like me and don't like beer.

Photos can be seen in the link below

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=106669&id=1507778102&l=089c8a6eb4

Volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, 05Mar11

2011-03-05T17:38:00.000-08:00

This Saturday I volunteered with the Sacramento section of Habitat of Humanity (http://www.shfh.org/) by helping build two homes in southern Sacramento. Work started at 7:30am with a large group of students from the Sacramento Accounting Club. There were also members of AmeriCorp volunteering and the owner of the houses were also building. After a few minutes of saftey instruction, we all went to working by mostly nailing up the house frames. We were given hardhats, hammers, safety glass and hammers to work building the two houses. Very good corridination and no one got hurt. We had a lunch break then continue working the house. My arm is in pretty good shape after all the banging, guess I need more practise.

Photos can be seen in the link below:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=106654&id=1507778102&l=469f47a51e

Sake Tasting in Folsom's Gekkeikan Sake Inc.

2011-02-20T16:09:00.000-08:00

On this very rainy day, headed to Gekkeihan Sake brewing facility in Folsom(http://www.gekkeikan-sake.com/home.cfm). Went on a self guided tour down the long hallway where one can see fast moving bottles getting filled with sake.

Then it was on to the tasting room and sampled some of the varieties of sake Gekkeikan produces. Very good stuff. Of course purchased a bottle of the Black and Gold which is really delicious. Good find in my backyard of Folsom.

Photos can be found in the site below:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=104666&id=1507778102&l=aeb2013837

2011-02-20T16:06:00.000-08:00

On Saturday 19 Feb 11, went to 1st SeraFina Cellars La Famiglia Wine Club Open House held at Serafine Vineyard in Amador Valley. The small family vineyard released a couple of thier new wines to the members and guests. There was lots of good food and of course great wine from Serafina. The brink oven pizza was just wonderful. Had a good time as always.

Photos can be seen below:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=104902&id=1507778102&l=3aef0149da

Lions Club Student Speech Contest 17 Feb 11

2011-02-20T15:56:00.000-08:00

This regular meeting of the Folsom City Host Lions Club, involved the annual speech contest. This year we only had one student contestant. Some of the member said because the topic was too political, complicated for the students.
I was one of the time keepers making sure the students' speech was within the allowable time which is more then 5 minutes and less then 10 minutes.
There were several judges not associated with the Lions club including member of the community.
It was pretty good time and next level of the Speech Contest will be on 3 Mar at the same Lions Club.

Photos can be found in the site below:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=104780&id=1507778102&l=7d9ed6beb5

2011-01-22 Lions Crab Feed

2011-01-23T17:45:00.001-08:00

Click here to view these pictures larger

Caribbean Cruise Pictures and Video

2011-01-21T10:21:00.000-08:00

Well finally got around to organizing my photos/video from my two week cruise in the Caribbean on the NCL cruise ship Epic.

Below are the Shutterfly links to the albums seperated by the first and second week.
Enjoy

First Week; 18 Dec - 24 Dec 2010
http://epiccruise18dec2010.shutterfly.com/

Second Week: 25 Dec - 1 Jan 2011
http://epiccruise24dec2010.shutterfly.com/

Photos from Cruise Trip 18-25 Dec

2011-01-11T20:34:00.000-08:00

Well finally got around to uploading some of the pictures I took during my two week cruise on the NCL Epic in the Caribbean.

I created a Shutterfly Shared site for people to see the pictures. The photo album is seperated into each day of the first week.

Take a look.
I had a great time.

http://epiccruise18dec2010.shutterfly.com/

Returned from my two week cruise

2011-01-02T17:07:00.000-08:00

Well I just got back from a great two week cruise on the NCL EPIC in the Caribbean. Wonderful ship with lots of good amenities.
I'm going to publish the many photos I took in a Shutterfly Album for all to view.
Keep an eye out.

Happy New Year
Ciro

"Vision of Peace" Folsom City Host Lions Club Art Contest

2010-12-12T21:19:00.000-08:00

the top winners of "Vision of Peace" contest to the local young artists. Ten paints were chosen with a one top winner. The students and their family were there to accept the awards and show off their art. It was really great to see so many families supporting their children's growth in the arts. The school's Principle and leading teacher of the contest were also there to show of their students.

On 1 Dec 10, the regular meeting of the Folsom City Host Lions Club, presented to the top winners of "Vision of Peace" contest to the local young artists. Ten paints were chosen with a one top winner. The students and their family were there to accept the awards and show off their art. It was really great to see so many families supporting their children's growth in the arts. The school's Principle and leading teacher of the contest were also there to show of their students.

Photos

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=93469&id=1507778102&l=1852f11dca

California International Marathon-05Dec10

2010-12-12T21:17:00.000-08:00

Got up the early on Sunday morning to meet up with the Folsom City Host Lions Club to man roadblocks for the 28th California International Marathon (http://www.runcim.org/), which ran from Folsom Lake to Sacramento. There were 8000 runners and they all look they were having a fun time.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=93652&id=1507778102&l=e16f59b8c7

Blue Star Mom Care Package Stuffing

2010-11-30T06:15:00.000-08:00

The local chapter of the Blue Star Mom(http://www.sacramentobluestarmoms.org/) held their third care packaging event this year. The are mothers who have children serving in the US Military.

At this event volunteers fill shipping boxes full of donated goods, which are to be sent to the Servicemen and Servicewomen stationed in Afghanistan and Iraq.

A well run and organized event where I met many interesting people telling me tales of how their childeren are serving this nation. God Bless Them all.

Public Picture Album can be seen below:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=91248&id=1507778102&l=a7612ef727

Four Bridges Half Marathon 31Oct10

2010-11-30T06:12:00.001-08:00

The 10th Annual Lake Natoma Four Bridges Half Marathon(http://fourbridgeshalf.org/ ) took place on Halloween 31 Oct 10 in Folsom. The race covers the four bridges which cross over Lake Natoma.

The race started at Rodeo Park near City Hall/Civic center. There were many racers ready to go in the early Sunday morning, some in customes. Very funny to see. Three different groups which headed out. I walked to the Folsom Truss Bridge, which is about 1/2 mile from the end of the race waiting to take cheer on the runners as the approach the finish.

The day was beautiful and pleasant with the tranquil Natomoa River as a nice backdrop to the race. At this final leg of the race, it was actually all up hill, so one can see the straining of the runners as they near the finish.

Great time and wonderful to see such determine folks of all kinds going for it.

Pictures can be seen in the Album below

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=90104&id=1507778102&l=b459d77b2b

Manahattan, 27 Nov 2010

2010-11-30T05:20:00.000-08:00

Traveled into Manahattan to take a look at both Time Square and Rockefeller Center. There were many, many people more then I remember. Weather was nice, with much fun and merriment. Stopped by many of the landmarks and stores in that area. Had a great time.

Pictures can be seen in the album below:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=92789&id=1507778102&l=15d54d47b2

Forest Hills, Nov 10

2010-11-30T05:17:00.001-08:00

Pictures of my families new neighborhood in Forest Hills New York City. Lovely place.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=92145&id=1507778102&l=c0b6fd52b9

Balloon Inflation; 24 Nov 10

2010-11-30T05:15:00.000-08:00

Went into Manhattan from Forest Hills taking the subway to 81st and Central Park West, just outside the Musueum of Natural History. Arount the to streets the balloons for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade were being inflated for the parade the next day.

Lots of people their with children of all ages. The police had a fenced in area going around the very long blocks and we were allowed only to travel in one direction. Rather congested but well worth doing it once.

Pictures can be seen in the public file below:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=92434&id=1507778102&l=1d72d4e676

2010-10-30T15:48:00.000-07:00

2nd Annual "Night of 1,000 Pumpkins" along the Street of Old Folsom in Folsom, California. The first night(29Oct10), many pumpkins set along the street and stores, with movies for the kids on the big screen and treats. On the next day(30 Oct 10), all the stores open up for "Trick or Treaters" handing out candy. It was showering on this day which might be the reason not as many people were there early but everyone was having a swell time.

Photos can be seen in the public album below:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=89582&id=1507778102&l=6940d96555

Lockdown Brew Party October 30, 2010

2010-10-30T15:44:00.000-07:00

There was a Halloween party at the Lockdown Brewery Distribution warehouse in Rancho Cordova about 10 minutes west of Folsom. Party was part fun part charity event. Lots of folks dressed up and all everyone having fun.

All photos can be seen at the site below:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=89552&id=1507778102&l=8ffd88abee

Renissance Fair in Folsom, 16Oct10

2010-10-30T15:37:00.000-07:00

Folsom hosted the Renaissance Fair(http://www.folsomfaire.com//) at the Folsom Park. There were many people there dressed in Elizabethan area costume. There were many characters playing around everywhere. There was jousting and processions and lots of merchants. Had a great time at my first Renaissance fair.

Pictures in the public folder below

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=88094&id=1507778102&l=ad3bba6a29

Lodi School Street Stroll 15Oct10

2010-10-30T15:35:00.000-07:00

This Friday, was the annual town of Lodi's(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lodi,_California) School Street Stroll in the downtown area, which is about 1 hour south of Folsom. There were 25 local wineries pour from within 25 unique Downtown boutiques. Merchants served hors d’oeuvres and offer special sales and wineries bring out their best.

Some of the wine was being served in stores ranging from beauty salons, Tuxedo sales, furniture and book stores. Had great fun with many fun people all around.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=88090&id=1507778102&l=704a1716ff

Tree Planting October 24, 2010

2010-10-30T15:26:00.000-07:00

Folsom Park and Recreation put together an event for "Make a Difference Day" to plant trees along the East Bidwell Street.

Volunteers gathered at the Home Depot on Bidwell Street, were we signed in, got a bright yellow t-shirt and headed to the spots where the planting was occuring.

The function was a bit disorganized at first, with most of the trees and some equipment arriving late and no leads at the work sites.

Reading the written instructions on how to plant the trees, we then began to plant the many trees. Didn't get to finish but it was lots of fun working with the folks I met.

All the pictures can be seen in the public site below:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=88972&id=1507778102&l=184a07a491

Lions Club "White Cane Day"; 02 Oct 10

2010-10-10T20:29:00.000-07:00

The Folsom Host Lions Clubs held their annual fund raising event called "White Cane Day". This event raises money for children of Folsom who need medical work on their eyes but can't afford it. All the money raised stays in the Folsom. They set up a table in front of the Folsom Raley's supermarket and ask for donation. This was my first full charity event with the Lions Club and had a wonderful time. Especially talking with the long standing members on growth of the city of Folsom. Looking forward to more.

Also just near by was a set of vintage cars getting ready for a show. Nice stuff.

Pictures can be seen in the public link below.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=87439&id=1507778102&l=2874709e01

California Capital Airshow 11 Sept 10

2010-09-17T21:31:00.000-07:00

On Saturday Sept 11, went to the California Capital Air Show in Rancho Cordova, California about 20 minutes from Folsom. There were many planes from all era. Including military planes, acrobat planes, rocket car, cargo planes, and many more flying things.

My biggest thrill was seeing 4 of the 7 remaining flying World War II P-38 flying at the show. This is my favorite airplane.

The other wonderful thins was seeing the F-22 Raptor doing amazing feats of flying. An incredible machine.

At night, there was a Dinner Gala for charity which ended a wonderful Saturday.

All 582 pictures can be seen in the Shutterfly site below:

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0IcMnDlm2bMVEdE

2010-08-29T17:40:00.000-07:00

"Graffitti Nightt" car show sponsered by the Cappuccino Cruiser Classic Car Club in Old Town Folsom on historic Sutter Street. Many cars from the pre-1970 cars which were made up and shown on the street. Lots of people, music, food and vendors. Nice day for a fair. Actors Bo Hopkins and Candy Clark of the movie "American Graffitti" talking to folks and signing autographs, they were sweet.

Pictures can be seen in link below
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=70137&id=1507778102&l=52e9a4a542

Heavenly MountainGondola Ride 20Aug10

2010-08-22T20:25:00.000-07:00

Traveled 85 miles east of Folsom on Highway 50 to South Lake Tahoe where we stopped at the ski resort of Heavenly Village to take a Gondola ride to the top of Mount Heavenly. First top was the "Deck" where there is a large platform to view the entire south lake, then to "Adventure Peak" where games for kids, restaurant and bar is located. Final stop require the use of a ski-lift to the summit where we hiked the rest of the way to the top of the mountain at 10,040 feet elevation. Great day, with great weather and great view of Lake Tahoe, Desolation Wilderness, Nevada's Carson Valley. We then walked around Heavenly Village, crossed into the State of Nevada into the casinos to look around. Nice area, will have to visit again.

All the photos can be seen in the Shutterfly website below:

share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0IcMnDlm2bMVEbc

2010-08-15T19:15:00.000-07:00

Headed to the Amador Flower Farm which is east of Folsom about 30 miles in the very small town of Plymouth in the Amador Valley. It was kind of hard to find as I had to travel on some roads I was not familiar with but finally got to the sign which showed me the way into the farm. The Flower Farm is 14 acres with four acres of award winning Demonstration Gardens designed to showcase daylilies. Hundreds of flowers and plants for sale and spread out in lovely grounds. I took a walk around the grounds there were many kinds of flowers and plants which were availble to purchase. The growing grounds are home to our "mother" plants which the farm use to send to their catalog customers.

Afterwards I headed to some vineyards in the Amador Valley to taste their product. I was a little disappointed with the wines here but stopped by Serrafina on the way back, one of my favorite vineyards.I stopped by Deaver Vineyards and Villa Toscano which had nice Zinfandels and Syrahs but nothing outstanding to me.

I stopped by my favorite vineyard at Sera Fina Cellars at the west side of Amador Valley. I had some wine and the owner gave me a cigar he is considering selling at the vineyard. Had a good time catching up with them and had a great day exploring.

Photos can be seen in the public folder below.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=68636&id=1507778102&l=6075a141b0

A glass of wine, a cigar and a great view at Sera Fina Cellars.

Ballons On the way to Healdsburg

2010-08-05T10:13:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday headed to Healdsburg, California about 2 hours west of Folsom, for a working meeting at General Dynamics. On the way spotted about 8 ballons floating in the early morning sky over the famed wine region of Napa Valley.
I enjoyed the way these ballons just hung there in space against the morning sky.

Ballons in the distance rising over the wine region of Napa Valley

Lots of vineyards around the Healdsburg Area

Winchester Mystery House, San Jose, 01Aug2010

2010-08-03T21:10:00.000-07:00

During my trip to San Jose for the weekend I decided to stop by the Winchester Mystery House which is only a couple of miles from the location of my former townhouse.The California mansion was under construction continuously for 38 years, and is reported to be haunted. It once was the personal residence of Sarah Winchester, the widow of gun magnate William Wirt Winchester of Winchester Rifle fame. According to popular belief, Sara Winchester thought the house was haunted by the ghosts of individuals killed by Winchester rifles, and that only continuous construction would appease them. Sara oversaw and planned the day-to-day guidance, its "from-the-ground-up" construction proceeded around-the-clock, without interruption, from 1884 until her death on September 5, 1922.

This trip I walked inside the Winchester Firearms Museum with lots of nice vintage rifles and pistol then I took a tour of the inside of the house which is laid out in the strangest way. There are short stairs that go for along way only to bring you 9 feet to the second floor. There are stairs that leads to the ceiling, cubbards with no depth, windows on the floor, and many more strange arrangements. Sara Winchester was only 4 feet and 10 inches tall and thus many of the passages/doorway are design to fit her small frame. The number 13 was Sara's favorite number as she was very much into the mysterious. This number can be seen in the architecture with window panes, stain glass sections, decrorative wood panels all having 13 in the desingn. Unfortunately we are not allowed to take pictures of the inside of the house.

Afterwards I took a self walking tour of various spot of the once vast estate. Lots of history. The self guided tour had 20 stations along the Winchester Estate. The Estate which Sara Winchester called Llanada Villa, was self contained at the time and had its own gas lighting plant, water tower, fruit drying shed, greenhouse, coal chute and car wash.

Selected pictures can be seen at the public Facebook site:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=67329&id=1507778102&l=ce74ff631d

All 159 pictures can be seen at the Shutterfly site:
share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0IcMnDlm2bMVEYQ

Annual Bob's Birthday and Pool Pary 30 Jul 10

2010-08-02T06:16:00.000-07:00

Every year my good friend Bob throws a Pool Party on his birthday weekend in the first part of August. This year I drove from my new home in Folsom to the old home in San Jose about 2-1/2 hours southeast of Folsom.

As usual Bob and his wife Mary, set up the pool with soda, beer, chips and food all around the house. People started to show up with everyone bringing something to the party. I decided to bring a couple bottles of wine from the Amador Valley that I picked up during my wine tasting events there. The weather was perfect with sunshine and warm temperatures

The highlight of the event was of course the Cannonball Diving Contest. Last years champ came in with his medal and after some practises the fun started. Seven contestants did many attempts to show off the judges who was the best Cannonball Diver.

In the end a Newcomer from England won the contest. Everyone had a great time.

Lots of fun and met many new people and seen old familiar faces.

Selected pictures of the Pool party can be seen in the public link below.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=67218&id=1507778102&l=18310a77bf

The contestants of the cannonball contest with the Winner wearing the Gold Medal

The pool party was a great day.

Trip to North Lake Tahoe

2010-07-27T20:23:00.000-07:00

On Friday 23 July 2010, my friend Jack and I went traveling to see the north side of nearby Lake Tahoe. We left early on Friday, driving up Highway 80 in the Northeast direction. After about 1-1/2 hour we, reached Donner Memorial State Park, which is located right at Donner Lake where the tragic Donner Party once stayed for the winter of 1846-47. At the park we stopped by the Emigrant Trail Museum to view the artifacts and history of both the Donner Party and pioneer life during that period. We then walked around the very beautiful lake where there were people enjoying the water and campers in the park.

After about 20minutes riding on Highway 80 we arrived at the historic town of Truckee. We stopped by looking at the old town section and had lunch at a local restaurant. What was funny was seeing an old Flying A Service gas station, which had been converted to a clothing shop.
Then we headed south on Highway 267 to Kings Beach at the very northshore of Lake Tahoe. There was a very nice sandy beach with a great view of the lake and mountains to the south.

Next we traveled south on State Route 89 to Emerald Bay which is on the west side of Lake Tahoe. We stopped by the Emerald Bay State Park at the entrance to the Vikingsholm, which we had see previously. After taking in the view of the view of the Bay, we noticed a falls not to far away. A decided to walk over there and take a look.

This was Eagle Falls, where the water was running rapidly on a rock cliff side. There were several people and family hanging out at the top of the falls admiring the spectacular view of the Bay. We took some pictures but was kind of concerned about the sheer drop from the cliff but still manage to take some photos from there.

That marked the end to our trip to the north end of Lake Tahoe. We saw Donner Lake, Donner Pass Museum, the historic town of Truckee, Emerald Bay and Eagles falls. Instead of heading back the way we came, we traveled on U.S. Route 50 back to Folsom ending a very successful trip.

Pictures can be seen in the public location below
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=66213&id=1507778102&l=1de63c794a

Donner Lake viewed from Highway 80

View of Lake Tahoe from Kings Beach

Sadness

2010-07-18T22:52:00.001-07:00

Sadness
by Jeremy Redinger
Am I to be happy?
I dwell so deep within myself
that I have never seen the light of day.

The past never happened,
the future will never come,
and the present isn't real.

Depression is a part of everyday life.
The birds chirp for someone else,
The day warms the lives of everyone,
but me.

Happiness lies near,
but my mind won't let my heart reach for it,
and happiness never knew.

I live in a prison,
solitary confinement.
Fear is my guard.

Nothing stops happiness from reaching me,
only me from it.
I am sure that if I can ever grasp it
that the barrier will be forever shattered.

How do you break through invisible bars?
What is it like to touch something you've never had?

I am confined to myself,
Just me and my sadness.

Blue Star Moms Care Package 17 July 10

2010-07-18T10:20:00.000-07:00

On early Saturday morning I went to Roseville, about 20 minutes west of Folsom, to help the Blue Star Moms of Sacramento assemble and pack care packages which are to be sent to troops in Iraq. We had to build 600 care packages but there were many volunteers that should up to help out.
The event started at 7am. I found my way around and became the person who assembled the shipping boxes given to us by the US Postal Service. I became the "Box Folder, taking the flat boxes and openning them up and handing them to three other volunteers who taped them up. It took sometime perhaps about 1-1/2 to assemble all the boxes.
The head of the event told all the volunteers how to actually place items into the boxes. On tables set up in a horse arrangement boxes of items from magazines, soup, coffee, toothpaste to chewing gum were set up. A volunteer grab one of the empty boxes we put together then went around the table stuffing as much as possible into the box. At the end of the line, some "inspectors" made sure the boxes were full and were suited to go. The last step someone would put a letter written by a school kid into the top of the box before sealing the box for shipment.
It was a great event with many volunteers, like myself, showing up for the firest time. Hopefully the soldiers recieving the carepackages will have their lives made a little easier with these items from home.

Photos can be seen in the publice link below:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=65160&id=1507778102&l=c72e257bbe

Lake Tahoe Trip 09July 2010

2010-07-10T10:03:00.000-07:00

On our Friday off from work, my friend/co-worker Jack and I planned a trip to nearby Lake Tahoe to see it for the first time. Plan was to travel on the 2-hour tour on the paddle wheel boat in the Lake to have a good general sight seeing of the large Alpine lake.

We traveled east on U.S Route 50 going up in elevation as we traveled. About 2 hours later we crossed the California-Nevada border and arrived at the shouth shore of Lake Tahoe at Zephyr Cove Resort and Marina just off the highway. Very straight forward with no issues. I had Jack drive my car as I am scared of heights and was afraid the highway strattling the high Sierra mountains would freak me out.

The ticket booth was late to open as the first tour($39) on the paddle wheel boat called M.S. Dixie II was set to sail at 11:30am. There was a tour group from the USMC/Combat Helicopter Association was going on the boat. Very long line but we got on just fine. Jack and I headed up to the top open deck to enjoy the view. The weather was great with warm temperatures and no humitiy. Large clouds were forming over the whole area indicating a storm might be on its way.

The Dixie II left on time and headed west across the lake. A very informative and enteraining tour guide, Troubadour Darin Talbot, informed us of the many incredible features of Lake Tahoe and sung about the Sierras.. He wore a microphone and travled along the top deck of the boat.

The views of the this lake were incredible! The mountains made for a unreal back drop with some of them still having snow at their peaks. The water was the most blue color I have seen in a lake. Was told that the granite filters the water making the water in the lake the purist one can get.

I had great converstation with the members of the association. All were from the Vietnam War era who flew in combat their. I purchase a drink for some of them and thanked them for their service to this nation.

Highlight of the tour was arriving at Emerald Bay on the west/California side of the lake. A very pretty beach was there with waterfall coming down on the mountain side. There was a small island called Fannette in the middle of the bay which had the remains of a small house. A building constructed by the owner of Vikingsholm, Mrs. Lora Josephine Knight. The most imporanat site was the view of the Vikingsholm house just on the shore. A historic building made to resemble an Viking castle.

From there the MS Dixie headed back to Zephyr Cove. The total tour was well worth it and left an incredible impression on the beauty of Lake Tahoe.

Afterwards Jack and I drove back around to the west side of the lake on State Highway 89. Plan was to head to Emerald Bay. We arrived at Inspiration Point just before the bay. The point had an incredible view of Emerald Bay through trees. One can see Eagle Falls from that point including the beach with many people laying in the sun and small boats.

We drove further up the road where we arrived at the trail head to Vikingsholm. We had to walk down a pathway for 1 mile to arrive at the beach and the castle. A fee of $5 dollars was required to have a tour of inside of this building. The castle is actually a house built in 1928-29 for a Scandinavian lady who had it built with Nordic designs. Very nice place with most of the inside made of hand crafted wood and furniture.

To get back to the highway 89 one has to walk back up the 1mile steep trail. I impressed myself as I did it rather easily. Jack on the other had was way behind. At the top of the trail there is a great view of Emerald Bay.

A great way to finish of this first exploration of this faboulous lake was to eat a big burger on the east side. Mine was stacked with onion rings and blue cheese. Yummy.

At the end of the grand victory dinner, we headed back to Folsom having enjoyed a wonderful day. Will definitly come back to Lake Tahoe as it is very close to my house and there is still much to see on that Blue lake.

Pictures can be seen in the publice site below:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=64098&id=1507778102&l=bcf1f62ac3

View of the Mountians around Lake Tahoe

Inspiration Point Vista

Vikingsholms

View of Emerald Bay

July 4th Weekend 2010

2010-07-06T18:06:00.000-07:00

On this long weekend to celebrate Independence Day(july 4th), I took in some various venues. I started out with a nice cup of coffee and cinnimon roll at my favorite coffee house, Coffee Republic. Man I love their cinnimon rolls.

Coffee Republic decked out in Old Glory

Afterwards, I worked out then, headed off to see the festival in the near by town of Rancho Cordova where they were holding a "Star Spangled Weekend". The festival was a fair with many rides for the children and food court located behind a public school. It was already hot at about 95F. There were many family and people were setting up for the nights fireworks show.

One interesting thing I did was try a "Fried Twinkee' which is a deep fried Hostess sponge cake. The guy at the food stand said I should try it with strawberry and whip creame. Why not load on the calories. It was great!!

Fried Twinkie

I was tired from the sun and instead of going out to the traditional fireworks, decided to make it an early night.

Had a great Independence Day. Happy Birthday America.

Folsom Pro Rodeo 02 July 2010

2010-07-04T11:28:00.000-07:00

On Thursday 02 July, I meant up with a new friend to go to the 50th Folsom Pro Rodeo in Folsom, California. We meant up a very nice wine bar I found the day before during the cattle drive called The Cellar on Sutter Street. We had some nice wines and walked to the Rodeo Arena about 15 mintues to get there.

The stadium was starting to get filled when we got there. Our pre-payed seats were located high on a wooden bench and unfortunently were at the very end of seats and no way to get out. But it was a good view of the dirt covered areana.

The show started with the entrance of the Painted Ladies Drill team, called because these young women ride on Painted Horses. The women wore pink and came out with American flags and performed around the arena. During this time a Pro Rodeo Queen was crowned.

The rodeo events with Tie-Down Roping of a calf ,Team Roping of a steer, Steer Wrestling, Bull Riding and Team Bronc Riding. Very exciting events but at this less then high level of competion there were more misses then successes. They were still fun to watch.

A funny time the Bull after a bull riding event could not be corralled into the exit gate. The two wranglers trying to laso the bull kept failing. It about 5 minutes before the bull found his way out of the arena.

A crowd pleaser accorded when a man parachuted into the arena with a very large American flag. I was impressed how the parachutes could avoid the high voltage power lines which hang over the stadium.

Another fun event was Mutton Busting, where boys and girls of about 6 to 7 years of age try to hold onto a sheepish steed before being bucked off. The 12 child riders had a good time and and the crowd were much entertained.

After more performance by the Painted Ladies by friend and I decided to leave as we believe we have seen enough.

On our way out of the rodeo, a Reporter from the Folsom Telegraph newspaper asked if would be interviewed on my feelings of the rodeo. This was fun and told her of my fun time at the rodeo.

Well know I can say I have seen a rodeo event and found out more about what goes on at this historic event. Will probably find more rodeo events to go to as everyone is having a good time and I'm always looking for a good time.

Pictures of the Folsom Rodeo can be seen at the public link below:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/album.php?aid=63473&id=1507778102

El Dorado County Museum and Gold Bug Mine

2010-06-25T18:26:00.001-07:00

On Friday 25 Jun 10, I traveled east from Folsom along Highway 50 to visit the El Dorado County Historical Museum in Placerville, California and the Gold Bug Mine about 1mile north of Placerville.

This area of California has towns started during the gold rush which started in 1849 and is dotted with many abadon gold mines. As a matter of fact the famed Sutters Mill, which started the rush, is 8 miles north Placerville.The Museum, which is next to the county fair grounds, has many artifacts from this California County from the Native America baskets to covered wagon Studabarkers, gold mining equipment and old county stores. Very well presented with the long ago life in the county and the various eras which makes this area very interesting.

Afterwards I drove north on Bedford Ave to the former gold mine of Gold Bug Mine. There is a self guided tour of the mine with audio device which tells you of the various aspect of the mine at different location along the 352 feet long mine or drift. The give you a helmut as the low ceiling would allow you to hit your head on the sharp rocks.

The audio device played at 13 stations along the mine explaining how the mine was made, how the gold ore was removed and the geology of the mountain. Lots of dripping water inside the mine and nice an cool.

Part of the mine tour was also a visit to The Stamp Mill where an old Joshua Hendy Stamp Mill was perserved in its original location. Funny thing is I use to work at Northrup Grumman in Sunnyvale, the original site of the Joshua Hendy Ironworks, even worked in the original building. What a small world. The mill was used to crush the gold ore in a continuous manner using a cam and muliple piston crusher. In the Mill there is a working scale model of the Stamp Mill. The docent turned the model on and it was very noisy, can't image what the sound was like when the full scale mill was working. Docent said that the people of Placerville can hear it even at night, that if the mill broke, the silence would wake the folks up. The Cornwall Mineral Collection with specimens from all over the world is on display in the building.

Had a great time seeing the history of this part of America and California, a very nice day to learn this history.

More photos can be seen at http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=62622&id=1507778102&l=424f10f53d

Going into the mine

The Stamp Mill

Working Scale Model of a Stamp Mill

Entrance to the Museum

Inside the Museum

The original Stamp Mill

Visited Nevada City, California

2010-06-20T20:15:00.000-07:00

On Saturday 19 Jun 2010, I traveled 57 miles north of my home in Folsom, California to the historic gold mining town of Nevada City, settled in 1849 at the start of the gold rush. Took longer to get there then I had hope as many people were on the roads on this nice day.
Nevada City is a nice little town with many shops, arts gallery, history sites and unique restaurants. There was a farmers market when I got there with many folks singing and selling produce. The town is full of very eclectic folks with many Buddhas and Hindu images everywhere. Also there are several art galleries and wine tasting areas.

There a many artifacts to its gold mining history including hydraulic mining tools, stone crushers and water power wheels. Along Broad Street many of the building have plaques stating their history from the gold rush era. I stopped at the Chamber of Commerce and was informed that every Father's Day, there is a bicycle race in town. Well I should have gone the following day.

Many Cornish immigrants(from southwest England) brought their mining expertise to the Nevada City. The city has a twin city of Penzance in Cornwall, England to commerate this relationsip. Found out there are some exchange of artifacts between the two cities but City Hall was closed and could not see them.
Really nice place will stop by again.

Photos can be seen in the public Facebook Link Below:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=61881&id=1507778102&l=a8d2ce9c14

Folsom Prison Musuem

2010-06-12T06:21:00.000-07:00

Visited the museum at world famous Folsom Prison located in Folsom, California. The prison is still active and the small museum has many artifacts from this site. This is where John Cash performed his "Folsom Prison Blues" in 1968. Prison openned on 26 July 1880.

Lodi, California High Party

2010-06-07T20:23:00.000-07:00

On Saturday 5 Jun, I headed about 1 hour south of Folsom, where I currently live, to the town of Lodi. A friend from San Jose had invited me to join a get together in her home town. The party was at the home of one of her classmates parents. This is where the hung out during their high school days, which was during the mid-1970's.

I met lots of fun people, there was lots of food, drink and happy people. Most are in their 50's with lots of gray but shared stories of those days in high school and what they were doing today. Many had moved out of the area of the years and returned for this day.

What was funny was seeing the childred of these Alumni hanging out together near the backyard pool. Someone stated that was the next generation.

I was eating most of the time, can't resist a good bar-b-que and had several glasses of wine during the course of the day. At night many of the folks had their guitars and sung many songs from their era.

The night was very memoriable with so many great people and everyone just having a good time. I gave my contact information to some of them who live in the area and hope to catch up to them in the near future.

Below are some pictures of this party.

The rest of the album can be seen in the Facebook site below.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=60247&id=1507778102&l=9fc632268e

Me and a couple of Lodi High School Alumni.

Heading to Lodi, California tomorrow(5 Jun 09)

2010-06-04T21:39:00.000-07:00

I was invited by a friend in San Jose, California to be an invited guest at a high school reunion party in Lodi, California on Saturday 5 Jun 10. I never been to Lodi and it is only 1 hours south of Folsom, California where I currently live. The party startes around 1pm until the time people pass out. I'm bringing some cookies, wine and appetizers. My friend is from the area but don't know anyone, I hope to make new acquinatances when I am there. Might stay overnight but hope to leave in the evening as I wish to make it make to Folsom for Sunday morning.

The only thing I ever heard of Lodi was an old song by Creedence Clearwater Revival called Lodi with the chorus "Oh, Lord, stuck in Lodi again,". It is also the birthplace of A&W Rootbeer considered to be the first fast food place established in 1919.

Well hoping for a good time. The weather is expected to be great. I will of course take lots of pictures.

At Negro Bar Campground in Folsom

2010-05-31T15:24:00.000-07:00

On Sunday 30 May, I took a walk around the Lake Natoma at the edge of Folsom, Ca. First I stopped at the Sudwerk Riverside Restaurant which has a great view of the river from the left bank. One can see the kayakers in the water and the Rainbow Bridge.
I then walked down the walking path to the water's edge which takes you to the Negro Campgrounds State Park. There were many kayakers in the water and families just hanging out at the water's edge just having fun and staying cool from the day's sun.
Looking north, upstream, the Folsom Truss Bridge can be seen and makes a great view against the rocks in the water.

View from the Sedwerks Restuarant at the Rainbow Bridge

At Negro Bar Campgrounds

Looking at the Truss Bridge

Kayakers, geese, dogs and people enjoying the day at the Park

Memorial Day Tribute Mount Vernon Memorial Park

2010-05-31T15:02:00.000-07:00

On Monday 31 May 10, I went to the Memorial Day Tribute at the Mount Vernon Memorial Park in Fair Oaks, California. Was greeted with many American Flags including a large one at the entrance to the park.
The many grave yards had flags posted on them and a large crowd was filing into the seating. Before the ceremonies two F-16 Jet Fighters cruised overhead which gave the crowed a big thrill.
The ceremonies began with the American Flag being presented to the stage. The 59th Army Band played music during this time and a couple of speeches were made by honored guests. The big event came at the end when a Skydiver parachuted into the Park with a large American flag.
The Tribute was wonderful with many people remembering those who died in the service of this nation. The whole event was very touching.
Some pictures are located below. The entire album and be viewed in the website below:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=59657&id=1507778102&l=1aa0985957

POW empty table setting
The table is round -- to show our everlasting concern for our missing men.

The tablecloth is white -- symbolizing the purity of their motives when answering the call to duty.

The single red rose, displayed in a vase, reminds us of the life of each of the missing, and the[ir] loved ones and friends of these Americans who keep the faith, awaiting answers.

The vase is tied with a red ribbon, symbol of our continued determination to account for our missing.

A slice of lemon on the bread plate is to remind us of the bitter fate of those captured and missing in a foreign land.

A pinch of salt symbolizes the tears endured by those missing and their families who seek answers.

The Bible represents the strength gained through faith to sustain those lost from our country, founded as one nation under God.

The glass is inverted -- to symbolize their inability to share this evening's [morning’s/day’s] toast.

The chairs are empty -- they are missing.

My new USB Turntable Recordered

2010-05-29T08:30:00.000-07:00

I bought a USB Turntable from ION which digitizes old vinyl records into iPod format. Setting up the turntable too a little patients as getting the correct arm balance and needle took some time to get right. Also not all the instructions as clear and left a few minor things out.

When the turntable was all set up I purchased a Johnny Mathis 45RPM record from a local antique store just to have something to try out before placing the valuable records to record. Again this took a bit of trial and error but finally got the song transferred from vinyl to iPod mp3 format.

That is cool and ready to upload my father's old tango records from Colombia which my mom wants to add to her ipod as she doesn't have a turntable to play them.

Absinthe in Old Folsom

2010-05-27T17:40:00.000-07:00

On Wedneday night I needed to get out of the house and headed down to historic Old Folsom for a drink and ended up in Scarlets on Sutter Steets. The owner of the bar happen to be there and not many others as I went in the late afternoon. Interesting place but not much decor.
Well I saw an Absinthe slow drip bottle and mentioned that I never had that drink before. He decided to buy make that drink.
This was interseting as the very nice bartender prepared the drink. He poured some Absinthe in a small glass, then placed an Absinthe spoon on top of the glass with a cube of sugar on top of that. He then open a spoot from the drip bottle where he had placed some ice water. The water slowly dripped onto the cube of sugar, dissolving it into the glass.
Seem to take forever to get done. Can't see most people waiting that long for a drink. Well it tasted much like an anise drink.
It was pretty tasty but I would not order it as the process of making the drink too awhile and really not worth it.
But now I can say I had Absinth.

Spring Fling Wine Tasting in Amador Valley, California

2010-05-22T22:01:00.000-07:00

On 22May10 I drove east of my home in Folsom, CA towards the town of Plymouth to take part in the Spring Fling wine tasting event. This event is for the newer wineries in the west end of the Amador Valley, where there are many vineyards.

First stop was Sera Fina Cellars, which had a small ballon overhead to show the passing drivers where the place is located as it is a couple of hundred yards off the main road of Latrobe Road. A nice young couple run the vineyards. Tried some very good wine, although they don't grow their own grapes yet, the owner said he will plant vines in the front of the main building.

Next stop was Convergence Vineyards located about 5 miles east of Sera Fina. The house where the tasting room is located had a patio having a great view of the valley in front of it. There was a party of about 8 young women tasting wine. One of them told me that they were having a girls day out for one of the girls was getting married. Tasted their range of wines Covergence was providing. Very good all around.

Third stop was Tanis Vineyards which was the smallest of the wineries. In the front was a chicken coop where a rooster was yelling even though it was midday. The tasting room was out of the garage. A husban and wife team poured the wine for tasting. The husban explain in detail how the wine is grown and the processes of making them. Very informative. There was also a sample of flavored oils, although they actually don't make this but it does have their label on the bottles. I enjoyed the habanero-tequila oil as it was tasting and spicy-hot. I purchased a bottle.

Last stop was Nua Dair. The large room where the tasting room is located had the ceiling partially collapsed. The owner, behind the sampling table, said that the air conditioner failed and they were replacing it for a working one. They had a food sample of what the owner said was a South African dish called bebule, which was curried rice and ground meat. After tasting the wines here I headed home the end of a nice wine tasting day.

I purchased a bottle of wine from each of the vineyards in support. I'm not going to drink them myself so plan to give them away. I was pleasantly surprise how good the wines were in this part of California. Guess I was spoiled from the Napa wines. Will definently try to visit the other vineyards in the Amador Valley.

Photos can be seen at the Facebook site:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=58777&id=1507778102&l=cd8fca0506

Small tour of Vineyards in Amador Valley

2010-05-16T07:59:00.000-07:00

On Saturday 15 May 10, I decided to take a quick tour of some of the vineyards near Folsom, CA in the region known as the Amador Valley. The drive was only 45 minutes to the first stop called Sera Fina Cellars. This place is only been open since Mar 10, but they are trying to set it up nicely. I was greeted first by a very excited Australian Sheep Dog who was jumping all over me and wanting the attention. Very cute. A large tasting room with many nice paintings of the valley, an outside patio with the view of the valley.The wines I tasted were alright, nothing spectacular but would buy a glass if offered. The wife's owner was pouring the wine and suggested a couple of other vineyards to go to in the area. I wish them luck as they seem to have a good thing going in terms of location and display.

Then I went down the road and stopped at Tanis Vineyards. The place is small and can easily pass by it. Not much parking. The tasting room is small but the owner, Andrew, was there pouring and explaining the different wines he produces. They had some good wines and bought a bottle of their TNT Dynamite red. Not sure what I'll do with it as I don't drink much any more, perhaps I'll just give it away.

I tried to find some others but got lost in the winding, narrow roads. Decided that was enough and headed home. Next weekend(22-23 May10), these two vineyards and a couple of others near by will have a bar-b-q, wine release party at their location. I think I'll head back out and take a look at what they have to offer.

The Sera Fina dog greeted me as I was coming out of my car

Inside Serra Fina
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View from inside Sera Fina Vineyard Tasting Room

View from Serra Fina Vineyards Patio

Entrance to Tanis Vineyards Tasting room

2010-05-13T21:26:00.000-07:00

On 13 May 10, went to see some festival in my new town of Folsom CA.

First was a wine tasting event in the supermarket chain of Belair. There was arts, food samples and other items outside the store.

Next I went to Visconti's Ristorante located in the same Broadstone Marketplace Strip Mall. They were celebrating their 1 year anniversary at this new location and 18 years in business. There was a live band, wine samples and food for the spectators.

It was a great evening with happy people all around.

19th Annual Folsom Handcar Derby

2010-05-09T08:19:00.000-07:00

The 19th Annual Folsom Handcar Derby was held on Saturday and Sunday 01-02 May 10 in Folsom, CA abouth 20miles east of the California Capitol of Sacramento.
The Derby consisted individual competition of a Handcar "Push" to see who can push the Railroad Handcar the furtherest on the tracks. There was categories of women, men, heavyweight and lightweights.
The main event was the team timed race.

Pictures can be seen in the location below
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=56985&id=1507778102&l=2324c5c439

California State Railroad Musuem

2010-04-24T20:45:00.000-07:00

On Saturday 24Apr10, decided to keep exploring my new habitat in Sacramento, CA by traveling with my friend Jack to the California State Railroad Museum. Lots of nice railroad artifacts from large working trains to toy trains. Also took a 40minute ride on a train up the Sacramento River while in Old Town.
The museum was full of trains both full size and toy form. The most impressive was a hugh front cab train weighing over 1million pounds and just plain enormous.
There were Pullman sleeping trains, dinner cars, mail cars, toy trains and an area where kids can play with wooden "Thomas the Engine" train set.
Learned much about this once main and wonderful method of transportation.

Great day.

Photos can be found in
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=56084&id=1507778102&l=b4acdf2667

Sacramento River Cats Opening Night

2010-04-17T21:03:00.000-07:00

On Friday 16 Apr 2010, I attended the openning night of the Minor League Baseball team, Sacramento River Cats, with tickets from my friend Jack. The AAA team plays at Raley Field located in West Sacramento.
The atmosphere was nice will a stadium full of people looking forward to the game. Had a good time seeing the Rivercats comeback and win the game.
I'll probably go to more games it was rather fun.

Photos
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=55344&id=1507778102&l=3a153188d5

Saw the horrow movie "Black Christmas"

2010-04-11T19:24:00.000-07:00

On this rainy day,just saw the 1974 horror cult classic, "Black Christmas". Very good! Its from the same guy who gave us everyone's favorite "A Christmas Story". It pre-dates "Halloween" by a 4 years and many say its where the actual teen-slasher movie actually started. Funny to see a pre-Superman Margot Kidder in it.Recommend it as it is funny in places as well.
Truth be told I really wanted to see the movie as it stars the beautiful Olivia Hussey. I currently have a strange infatuation with this movie star of the past. I'll get over it once the hockey playoff starts.

Space Chair

2010-03-28T12:30:00.000-07:00

On Monday 24 Mar, I attended with a colleague, dinner of the Sacramento chapter of the AIAA, held in Ranch Cordova, a few miles from where I work at Aerojet.
The speaker was John M Powell, the president and founder of JP Aerospace. His company does high altitude balloon flights into the edge of space.
What he spoke about with the interesting "Space Chair" mission which was used for a famous Toshiba commercial which can be seen here on YouTube. For the hour he spoke, Mr. Powell captivated the audience with the details of launch a chair into an altitude of 98,000 feet. Toshiba was developing a TV commercial for its new line of DVD cameras.
The idea was the new cameras will be on the balloon, focusing on the chair and as it ascends images of strange juxtaposition of the chair and the Earth will be taken by this new device. The images the John presented were amazing as well as the strange stories of actually trying to do a commercial with the art and production crew.
That was my first trip to AIAA and the evening was rather entertaining and met very interesting people. At the end of the talk I purchase a copy of Mr. Powell's book "Floating to Space" on his companies efforts to go into space in a slow manner using balloons. Need stuff!

Household Items Moved Out of My Townhouse

2010-03-18T14:57:00.001-07:00

Today the movers arrived at my townhome in San Jose to pack my belongings which I stored in my garage before leaving for home in New York City back in Dec.

The Movers were pleasently surprised that all my stuff was in my garage and not in the house.
They made short work of it, instead of taking 2days it only took 6 hours.

Well all my belongings are on there way to Sacramento where I will make my home for the foreseeable future.

Double Rainbow in Folsom, CA

2010-02-28T20:06:00.000-08:00

On Thursday 18 Feb 2010, it was raining in Folsom, CA where I am living now. It was raining most of the day and when I arrived home from work, the sun was starting to breakthrough the clouds. As I was walking my way to my car from my apartment, I noticed in the eastern sky a rare double rainbow.
The sight of this iris in the sky made me smile.

Completed First Week of New Job

2010-02-26T22:09:00.000-08:00

Well this was the completion of my first week of work at Aerojet in Folsom, CA.
I lived. It seems the place and people will be fine for the time I am here.
Getting the feeling that I am about to be overwhelmed with work as the project I am involved with is a bit behind schedule, but that is par for the course.

I realize how much I miss my family back in New York City. That grewing old with out them is bothering me, especially seeing my mother change everytime I visit her. Watching my nephews grow up and change when I return is slamming me with emotions that I can's stand anymore.

But that is the way it is. I plan to give myself two years at this new job then move back east, close to home somewhere perhaps Virignia. I wish to be close to my mother and brother as we all get old together and enjoy our lives. The last 8months being out of work as cast some light on what important things are to me.

Folsom Powerhouse

2010-02-21T08:11:00.000-08:00

With my first weekend in Folsom, I decided to explore the small Sacramento area town. I found one place of interest was the famous Folsom Powerhouse .
The 1895 plant, one of the oldest hydroelectric facilities in the world, was the nation's first power system to provide high-voltage alternating current over long-distance transmission lines for may municipal and industrial uses. Located on the west bank of Lake Natoma at the edge of Old Folsom, the plant generate electricity by falling water and transmitted 22 miles to Sacramento to power the city's streetcars, factories, street lights, etc. The Powerhouse operated until 1952, when the new Folsom Dam was created and the old dam which supplied the Powerhouse was destroyed. The Powerhouse is now a museum.
I arrived during the end of a scheduled tour. Most of the times the musuem is open at 12pm until 4pm on Wednesday to Sunday. There is a self guided tour with signs on various areas of the msuem. The Powerhouse area consist of three areas. The Powerhouse Forebay where water flowed from 2miles of canal. Then the large pipes of the Penstocks drop the water 55feet unto the turbines which spin the shafts of the generators. The generators and control systems are located on a very nice and tall brick building.
It was great to see such old equipment and how they were used. Some of the old generators where made at the General Electric Plant in Schenectady, New York, which was funny as I worked in Albany for years with many former machinist at GE. I walked up to Forebay area with the old wooden Spillway Gate still there. Next to the Powerhouse is a one story wooden building which was the Blacksmith shop and factory.
The Docent talked with me after her schedule tour and explained alot of the history of the Powerhouse. She was very nice and knowledgeable of both the Powerhouse and other historic sites in the Sacramento Area.

Some pictures can be seen below
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=49082&id=1507778102&l=ed15cb1e34

Arrive in Folsom for new Job

2010-02-17T17:04:00.000-08:00

After flying from New York City to San Jose, I drove two hours up to Folsom, California on 16 Feb to start living on my temporary apartments. The temp. housing is very well equipment much to my surprise, the place even has internet access.

The temperature is very warm at 67F with clear skies. I wonder what the weather will be like in June with such high temps in Febuary.

Well, I'm going around trying to figure out where all the major places are located like supermarkets, drug stores, Starbucks, etc. I purchased a Thomas Guide of the Sacramento County area to have a map letting me know where everything is. That adventure should be fun.

Grand Central Station, Saint Patrick's Cathedral, Rockefeller Center, Trump Towers

2010-02-17T16:57:00.000-08:00

On Thursday 04 Feb 10, took a walk along Madison Avenue starting at Grand Central Station, then Saint Patrick's Cathedral, Rockefeller Center, Trump Towers, Mickey Mantle's Bar and ending up at the Carlyle Hotel for a nice Pisco Sour.

Pictures can be seen below
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=47226&id=1507778102&l=fdf8b4e3c7

Visit New York Historical Society

2010-02-17T16:56:00.000-08:00

On 02Feb10, went and visited the New York Historical Society which is located directly across the street from the Musuem of Natural History. The musuem had an exhibit "Lincoln and New York","John Brown: The Abolitionist and his Legacy" among the other splendind permanent exhibits.

Of course, I could not take pictures of the main exhibits but was allowed on the top floor at the "Henry Luce III Center"{http://emuseum.nyhistory.org/code/emuseum.asp}.

This was a very great musuem with lots of artifacts about New York City. The Lincoln exhibit really conveyed what the people of New York thought of this President.

https://www.nyhistory.org/web/index.html
Location: 170 Central Park West between 76th & 77th Street

Pictures of my visit can be seen at:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=47267&id=1507778102&l=ea4bb58b52

Visited New York Museum of Natural History

2010-02-17T16:54:00.000-08:00

Visit to the New York Museum of Natural History on 01Feb10.
http://www.amnh.org/

American Museum of Natural History
Central Park West at 79th Street, New York, NY, 10024-5192

Photos of my visit can be seen below
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=47152&id=1507778102&l=45de88991c

Snow Storm in New York City

2010-02-11T11:50:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday 10 Feb 2010, New York City finally got hit with the "Snowmageddon" which has affect so much of the mid-Atlantic states. I stayed indoors and watched through the windows of my mom's house in Forest Hills, Queens as the snow came down. The snow actually looks nice, when viewed from a nice, warm comfortable indoors.
I took a video as the snow came down looking at the house's backyarkd. Large snowflakes came down but there was also some high wind at times.
Me and my mother shoveled some of the snow in the front steps at about noon, but the snow came down so fast, the path was covered again withing two hours. Good thing is the neighboors shoveled later in the day which made the work less tedious for everyone.
Glad it is over. Really hate this white stuff.

Packing for Relocation to Sacramento

2010-02-06T12:04:00.000-08:00

Well after packing up my house in San Jose, California, to move to New York City, I am now packing up for relocation to Sacramento, California to start my new job at Aerojet-Gencorp.

I throw away lots of things particulary cloth I will no longer wear. Still don't have an address of my temporary housing to ship but getting everything ready so once I now I can send it away.

The first day at work is slated for Monday 22 Feb and I'm getting excited but also feeling sad as I have spend almost 2 months with my family and just don't want to leave again. But these are the times and got to follow the oppurtunity. Realize how much I love them all in my stay in fridged New York City.

The plan is to fly to San Jose, pick up my car and some belongs, drive to my temp housing in Sacramento a few days early and prepare for my life in the state capital. God willing, this will all turn out good for all.

Vietnam Veterans Plaza in Mahanattan

2010-01-29T07:35:00.000-08:00

After my visit to Fraunces Tavern Museum, I decided to go down about one block to the Vietnam Veterans Plaza located on 55 Water Street. The site was dedicated for those 1,741 New Yorkers who died during this conflict. This small plaza was first dedicated in 1985, then redone and reopenned in Nov 2001.

The center piece of the Plaza is the "Memorial" which is long greenish, tranlucent slab of stone where is engraved various parts of letters sent by soldiers from Vietnam. Most of the wording is hard to see until one gets very close to the Memorial itself. The official website actually has the wording which are inscribed onto the Memorial. The Memorial runs east-to-west in the direction of the triangular plaza. On both sides of the Memorial are a "railings" in which many visitors leave momentos such as flowers, shoes, dolls, flags, etc. Today I did not see any items there, then again it was so cold and windy, any artifacts would not have lasted long.

Along the walkway leading up to the Memorial from the west side, from Water Street, is the "Walk of Honor", consisting of several five foot high black granite pillar where the names of each of the falled is engraved on metal plates. The names are listed in alphabetical order with the age of each of the dead.

At the end of the walk, on a very low polish rock platform, a map of Vietnam with battle signs is engraved on a stainless steel plate. The maps was hard to see due to the daylight but still interesting to see.

On the south side is a round, granite fountain when it is operating shoots water but considering it was winter, the water did not flow.

In line with the Memorial, on the northside of the plaza are three large stainless steel plaques with the images and information on three individuals from the conflict. One is Lieutenant Father Vincent Capodanno, who died in action and given the Medal of Honor, posthumously. Next is Specialist Fourth George C. Lang, Army, also recieved the Medal of Honor. An the third is Marine Private First Class Dan Bullock, the youngest servicemen killed during the war at the age of 15.

On the east side of the plaza, facing the FDR drive, are flag poles with the flags of each of the military services and a flag with the Vietnam Veteran Service Ribbon.

In all it the Vietnam Veterans Plaza was alright for me. It has a bit less then I wish they had as they used such stark materials as granite and stainless steel. Then again these outdoor Plazas, rements of the 1970's urban revitalation efforts of New York City, were meant to be enjoyed during the nice weather, not the dead of winter I was visiting. The venue did, however, convey the sense of "memorial" as much as any other I have been too.

Photos I took can be seen at the Facebook Photo site below:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=46403&id=1507778102&l=84497741da

Fraunces Tavern Museum and Magna Carta

2010-01-28T07:25:00.000-08:00

On 27 Jan, I headed out to visit the Fraunces Tavern Museum located in the financial section of lower Manhattan on the corner of Pearle and Broad Street. It was the sight of George Washington's famous Farewell Address to his generals after the British evaucated New York City on 25 Nov 1783. The museum also had on display one of the four remaining copies of the Magna Carta signed by King John in 1215. Thought it be good to see them.

I took the #5 Train got off at the Bowling Green Station and walked a couple of blocks to the Museum. Fraunces Tavern is still a working restaurant after all these years. Entering the restaurant, one goes upstairs to the 2nd floor where the artifacts are located.

The most famous is the "Long Room" where Washington's Farewell Address was delivered. The room is kept in the same form as it would have been in the 18th-century. Nicely laid out with food, chairs, tobacco pipes and writing quills. There is also a couple of other rooms on this floor belong to George Clinton, the first Governor of the State of New York, in the same period setting. He hosted a dinner party for George Washington after British Evacuated New York in 25 Nov 1783. Along the hall walls, are images from various artist of the time of George Washington. Some were fanciful images of his Farewell Address. Most of these were sketches used in the newspapers of the times and part of Stanley and Elizabeth DeForest Scott's collection on permanent display to the museum. The images give a glimpse of what people's feeling at the time were towards the First President.

Going up the wooden stairs to the 3rd floor is a large museum rooms filled with artifacts collected by the Sons of the Revolution, the folks who take care of the museum. Items like muskets, statues, a lock of George Washington's hair, a piece of wood from his coffin(before being placed in a tomb), one pair of Washington's false teeth and period clothing were on displayed. Also information and images of the Sons of the Revolution, Daughters of the American Revolution were also there. Nice collection of period items.

Walking into the adjoining gallery was a large room with information on the Magna Carta. It is in this room, near the side one sees the display of a hand written copy of this great document. The copy is on loan from its home in Lincoln Cathedral in England. The "Great Charter" is behind a glass booth, the document itself is small about 11 x17 inches, gray and hard to read. Information around the area explains some of the words and its implications. Before entering this area there is a large copy of the Declaration of Independence. The plaques claim this is the only one of two original copies of the Declaration still around.

Around the exhibition rooms flew some flags of various Kings of England, which added the flare that the Magna Carta is very much British. Next to this gallery were paintings showing New York's involvement in the Revolutionary War and times leading up to it. There were also paintings of many of the significant events/people such as Molly Pitcher, Van Stuben, Thaddeous Kosciusko and others.

Also on display were many of the famous paintings by John Ward Dunsmore. Most have seen his work but this was a display of his original painting. Paintings were dramatic representations of some of the events like the Battle of Yorktown.

Well it was sad I was not allowed to take pictures of the exhibits and artifacts, I really don't understand this since most of what is on display already have pictures some where else on the Web, but it was a really good experience. The viewing was less then one hour and seeing the places that was built so long ago surrounded by modern builds made for financing was rather striking juxtaposition.

Photos of the outside of the building can be seen in location below:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=46377&id=1507778102&l=45961cd35f

Lunch at the New World Trade Center 7

2010-01-23T14:46:00.000-08:00

On 21 Jan 2010, I was invited to lunch at the new World Trade Center Tower 7 in Manhattan. It took the E-train at the Forest Hills MTA station to Chamber street station, and walked about a block where one can see the large 59-story building, gleaming with the reflective glass panels. This new building that replaced the one that was destroyed back on 9/11 and opened on 2006. It is also New York City's first " green" office building being certified Gold by the US Green Building Council under the LEED rating system.
First thing ones sees is the fanciable large mirror-polished sculpture called "Balloon-Flower" by Jeff Koons located at the small plaza in front of the entrance to WTC 7. It looks like a balloon-dog that those clowns make during family nights at a restaurant, which is actually what Mr. Koons says it is.

After getting checked in by the friendly security and getting an adhesive badge, I was let into the building. Passing a security turnstile, I took the elevator to the 19 Floor, where the cafeteria is located. In front of the entrance to the cafeteria, I met my host. The hallway and elevator were very spacious and bright, very nice to be in.

The WTC 7 cafeteria is located on the southside of the building. My main interest was that this side had a view looking down into the construction of Ground Zero at the World Trade Center site.

From the 19th floor one can see how much work is going on at the site. The Freedom Tower is now several stories high, with many cranes located at the top floor. It has progress much since I visited in Nov 09. The Tower is on the west side of the site. On the south side is the beginnings of the World Trade Center Memorial with the two large squares which are the "footprint" of the original Twin Towers.

At the east side was large empty area area the future PATH train station will be located. First this site one can see the large concrete "bath tube" which goes around and under the entire site. It is used to hold back the water from the surrounding rivers. One can also get a taste of the scale of the site by looking at the 5 story parking lot which is double high but still underneath street level.

Across Church Street from east side is ancient St Paul's Chapel which many of the rescue workers during 9/11 recovery used to recuperate during the long days. This Church has many stories to tell on this tragic time. It was also the Church that President George Washington visited right after his first inauguration. Much history in this building.
Lunch menu at the cafeteria was extensive from fresh salad to well cooked platters. This was one of the best cafeteria I have been to and it did not accept cash. We had a nice meal and talked about the times. Most of the people who worked at the WTC 7 were from the financial sector. The cafeteria had a great view and I would probably stay there for many hours if I had my choice.

Visiting the new WTC 7 was rather uplifting to me and it was the first time I went to a functioning building of this site since the destruction of 9/11. Seeing that the other parts of the site particularly the Freedom Tower and Memorial were finally beginning to take shape after many years and much delays(all self centered by those involved-IMHO) gave me some sense of optimism for New York City, my home town.

Photos can be seen on the Photo Album Site of Faceboook

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=45901&id=1507778102&l=143415c5e6

Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace Musueum

2010-01-21T11:30:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday 20Jan2010, I decided to visit the Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace Museum in Manhattan located 28th East 20th Street between Park Ave and Broadway.
I took the F train subway from Forest Hills Station to Lexington Ave and transfer to the #6 train downtown and get off at 23rd street station. Just a couple block walk to the museum which is located in the middle of the block.
This place was a reconstruction of the brownstone in which President Roosevelt was born and grew up and located on the same spot. There was a guided tour at 1pm but having gotten to the museum a early, I had a chance to look around the first floor gallery on images and artifacts of Roosevelt's life. This included information of his ancestors up through is political career and post-public life.
It was rather informative with much information. At 1pm me and two others gathered at the entrance where the tour guide took us up one flight of stairs to the second floor of the museum. There was a main gallery of TR's personnel belongs most prominently a large oak desk which he used at home and when he was Seceratary of the Navy. On each side of the desk was a woodend engraving of the iron clads during the US Civil War.
On the second floor was also the Guess room, the family room and the main dining room. Very nice with lots of the original furniture for the Roosevelt's collection. Some items that were not original were found that were of the same period and something the family probably used.
Going on the the third floor were the bedroom areas. The first room were for the little kids as they were just infants. Attached to this room was an interesting exit to the back of the house, where the Roosevelts had set up a gym for thier children particularly TR, as he was asthmatic and his parents thought regular exercise would be beneficial.
Next to this room was the masterbed room where TR's parents slept. A large painting of TR's mother was in the room. A very nice desk, bed and amore were in the room, items donated by the Roosevelt family.
Along the hallway next to the masterbed room was a small room. The tour guide mentioned that no one knows what this room was used for but it was in the original plans for the house and was made. Inside was the original wooden file cabinent where TR filed his articles when he worked for the Kansas City Newspaper. Also a list of book TR wrote. He wrote and read alot during his life, very amazing.
This was the end of the tour and I hang around the second floor gallery to take a better look at the artifacts there. The tour took about 45 minutes with the guide full of information of the house, the Roosevelt family and Theodore Roosevelt's life.
It was a nice tour of a great man, the only American President born in New York City. If one is ever in New York I recommend going.

Some photos can be seen in Facebook Album

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=45691&id=1507778102&l=30c2679adf

Time Square and Titanic Exhibition Visit

2010-01-17T12:16:00.000-08:00

On Saturday 16 Jan, the weather was warm enough in New York City for me to venture out to visit Manhattan for the first time since I arrived back home in mid-Decemeber. I heard of the Discovery Titanic Artifacts Exhibits near Time Square, in the former New York Times printing office building so decided to take a look.
I took the New York Subway F-train from the 71-Continental Station as it is normally an express to Manhattan. This weekend , the F-Train was traveling local in Queens due to work on the subway line. Getting off at the Bryant Park Station, it was less then a block to Time Square.
Time Square is alot different now since I was growing up in New York 30 years ago. The area is full of electronic bill boards and modern buildings. I found the Titanic Exhibits off 44th Street across from the famed Shubert Alley. There was actually a fairly long line to get tickets and took about 15 minutes to purchase one ticket and an audio phone for 26 dollars.
The interesting thing was at the entrance to the exhibits, the ticket attends give you a "boarding pass" with the name and information of a passenger on that ill fated ship. The ideas is at the end of the exhibit one finds out if that passenger survived the accident.
They did not allow pictures to be taken of the artifacts which was sad as there were some interesting items in the exhibit. Most of the artifacts were small personal items behind a glass case with information about the object. Explanations were made on the different classes of passengers from First Class, Second Class and Third Class. Objects like shoes, brief cases, perfume bottles, hair brushes and shaving razors were displayed. The Exhibit also had full scale replicas of the different Class cabins and an interior corridor.
Information billboards were around all the exhibits. What I liked was information on the different passengers from the famous to the ones just traveling for a new life.
At the end of the exhibition, a video of the recovery effort by Discovery was presented on what they are going to preserve the Titanic remains. In the final room was the list of survivors and dead from this terrible disaster . I got my "boarding pass" and looked to see if the person named survived or not. They listed the passengers by Class and Crew.
Overall I thought the exhibit was "OK" but thought they would have more of the ship's hardware and cover more on the Third Class passengers and more audio/recording tour. The passage through the exhibit were narrow at points which slowed down the flow of people going through. If it wasn't a post-Holiday crowd, it might have taken much longer to get through all the exhibit.
After leaving the Titanic Artifact Exhibit, I walked around Time Square, trying to familiarize myself with more of this new part of New York City, well at least for me it was new. I found an ESPN Zone sports bar and went in to grab a bite to eat. Actually never been inside this establishment even though I watch ESPN all the time. Not many people there as most of the Christmas Holiday crowd went home.
I had a good time at the Titanic Exhibit, visiting Time Square and grabbing a meal a ESPN Zone. Hopefully I will be out more to Manhattan now that I have more time after moving my brother to his new house.

Photos I took can be seen Facebook.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=45316&id=1507778102&l=8eaf0170d9

Cold in New York and need to move

2010-01-09T07:03:00.000-08:00

It is rather cold in New York City with the wind chill temps down to 7F this morning. Glad it is not snowing. Today I have to help my brother move his household belongings he has stored in a friends garage into the garage of the new house he has just acquired. Of course it had to be on this very cold day but that is the way it turned out.

He was going to borrow a large van/truck so we can move large amount of things in one time. Fortunately the distance between the storage and the new house is only a couple of blocks in a relatively quite street of Forest Hills.

I am going to put on several layers of winter clothing as I really can't stand the cold and it is rather dangerous in these temps. Hopefully most of the job will be finished by this weekend(or today) and don't have to worry about the move anymore

Well here is to keeping warm.

Start of 2010

2010-01-02T09:21:00.000-08:00

Well I hope 2010 is going to be better then 2009. I think it will as 2009 wasn't really that bad only being laid off was the problem.
I might have a job offer from Aerojet in Sacramento, but will find out during the first week of the New Year. Aerojet seems to have lots of interesting and exciting things to do.
Like to travel to Colombia this year as I have not been there since I was a child and I'm sure it has changed immensely.
Currently I am home in New York City putting up with the cold. Man I really dislike the low temperatures and the cloudy days. Maybe I'll take a nice short trip to Florida or something.

Cold in New York

2009-12-29T15:06:00.000-08:00

Woke up with the temperature at 21F, wind gusts to 40mph and wind chills down to 4F. It is really cold for me. I could never stand the cole which is why I left to California so long ago. But I'm stuck in New York City, Forest Hills to be exact, and have to bear this until my furtunes change.
Really looking into perhaps flying to some place warm but with little money as I don't have any right now. Perhaps to Tampa Bay or something. Maybe for the Pro-Bowl.

Raining weather in NYC

2009-12-27T05:57:00.000-08:00

The rain came down to the streets of NYC this Saturday and on Sunday morning no signs of the snow that piled up just the weekend before can be seen.
This makes my constitution feel much better as sight of that white stuff makes me sad. Should be warm today and lots of sun. That is going to go a long way to getting me a bit cheery, at least until the next blast of cold air.

Shoveling First Snow of the Season

2009-12-22T10:04:00.000-08:00

I moved back to New York City on Tuesday and winter welcome me back on the Saturday day by dumping a close to record snow fall on my home town. Of course I had to shovel off the snow from infront of my mother's house.

There was about 11 inches of snow that fell on NYC(as recorded in Central Park) and the wind blew more snow onto it. On Sunday morning(20 Dec), I got a snow shovel and began to clear out my mother's drive way. What was nice is that the neighbor shoveled the snow along the path of my mom's house. He does this regularly as a favor to my mother.

The shoveling was not bad as the snow was lose. When shoveling snow, I recommend doing it right after the storm stop before the cold air freezes the fallen stuff into ice. Also helped clear the neighboor's drive way.

Well it really wasn't bad shoveling snow, did remember how it was and am still in good shape. I hope I don't get lots practise though.

In Sacremento for Interview

2009-12-22T10:00:00.000-08:00

Well the day I left for New York City, I had a phone interview with some managers at Aerojet General, a rocket design company in Sacramento, CA. This interview went well and they asked that I visit them for a face-to-face meeting. Of course, I had to tell them that was going to be in New York City for the duration. They were accompdating and arrange for a trip during the first part of 21 Dec 09 week.
Currently in Sacramento awaiting my interview. Just kind of ironic that I was getting ready to move my job search operations back home to New York City and I get a call the day before I leave to come back. Well that is just fate.

Home in New York City for awhile

2009-12-18T07:51:00.000-08:00

Well finally made it home to New York City where I am staying with my brother for while until I can figure out what my next 'gig' is going to be.
Was greeted with warm weather when I flew in but the next day the temperature dipped to the upper 20's as a high. Now there is a chance of snow this weekend in the area. Man, you have no idea how much I hate the cold weather, and now I am back in it.
But I am home and it is great seeing all the family. Really miss them. Will see where I end up, I'm sure it will be worth the uncertainity right now.

Out of my house for trip home

2009-12-14T13:53:00.000-08:00

Well, I finally put into storage all my belongings and ready for my flight home tomorrow. Decided to stay at a hotel down the street so I can have a comfortable night before I leave in the morning. I am feeling rather sad as I didn't expect to leave the Bay Area under these circumstances. I know it is best but I spent 12 years here. Of course, I might just return depending on what happens in my job search.

Over the weekend I said my good-byes to all the bartenders/servers I have met over the years. I'll be back for visit but it might be until a least two-three months.

Well, know it is just waiting for my flight and taking care of a few last minute details. Tomorrow night I will be back home with my loving family, who I miss so much and on to my destiny.

My Christmas Card

2009-12-13T12:19:00.000-08:00

Image from my trip to New Zealand this past Mar.

Pictures taken near Queenstown on an inlet near Milford Sound. Just spectacular.

Met up with friends at Maggiano's

2009-12-08T09:14:00.000-08:00

On Sunday Dec 6, I met up with a couple of friends from out of town. Deb flew in from Texas and Val came in from Livermore. We met at that fabulous Italian restaurant Maggiano's in Santana Row for a big meal. We caught up with what has happen to us in the little while we haven't seen each other.This was also the last time I will see them before I move back to New York City(Forest Hills Area) to stay with my family while I look for my next opportunity.

Deb is a University of Texas Longhorn fan and was wearing her Texan sweatshirt. The Manager at Maggiano's saw her and said that he was also from University of Texas. There was much happy celebration between both of them know this fact. Found out he also grew up in Queens, New York, where I'm from originally. The manager did provide us with some dessert which we definitly enjoyed.

Well it was great seeing Val and Deb in such a fun filled event. We wished each other good luck in the future and a happy Christmas time.

Val, Deb, Me and dessert at Maggiano's in Santana Row

Attended Red Cross Orientation

2009-11-18T08:15:00.000-08:00

I attended my first Orientation meeting and Fulfilling Our Mission course at the Silicon Valley Red Cross in San Jose on Tuesday 17 Nov.
The two classes explained what the Red Cross does and how as a volunteer, one can help. Seems there is various things that can be done, I would like to do Disater Services and helping servicemen and women. I did notice that many of the courses are not offered regularly. There has to be a demand for some of the course in order to be offered.
Looks like there can be areas I can help and look forward to being part of the Red Cross.

Museum of Modern Art in New York City

2009-11-09T15:54:00.001-08:00

Today I went to go visit the Museum of Modern Art in Manhattan(11 West 53 Street, 10019-5497) for the first time in almost 20 years and since major rework was done on it several years ago.
I took the F-Train subway in 71-Contentital Ave Station in Forest Hills and got off at 47-50th street. After walking a few blocks, the MoMA was in the middle of the block. After paying and getting a paper map, I started to explore this wonderful space.
The musuem has 6 floors of various exhibits from the different eras of modern art. As usual most of the art which I enjoyed is from the period before WWII in the 1920's. Everything afterwards appear more abstract and more "selfish" in my crude eyes.
It seems most of the crowd in the musuem was tourist, as I heard many different languges spoken throughout the hallways.
I truly enjoyed seeing the famous work by Picaso, Miro, Dahli, Klimt and van Gogh. I walked each of the 6 floors through all of the galleries and noticed that I really should have one of those Audio Guide machines as there is much information to take in. Some of the art work have numbers which one type into the Audio Guide and information is given.
At the information desk in the first floor, the lady behind the booth told me they had ran out of the free Audio Guides. She told be to go to the 6 Floor where there were more. I did, handed the attendent my Drivers Licence for collateral and headed back to the galleries to review some of the art work which caught my eye.
One thing that was disappointing to me was seeing the art work by Edward Hopper called "House by the Railroad" in an out of the way space behind the elevators, which most people would not see. Hopper is my favorite artist and this piece was the museum first ever purchase. Seeing it in a place away from the crowds to see was rather disappointing.
All in all the gallery is laid out nicely with many representation of what is know a modern art displayed equally throughout all the floors. I recommend visiting if you are passing by New York.

Some pictures I took during my visit can be seen in the public Facebook link below.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=37837&id=1507778102&l=08c718bbcc

Visited the 9/11 Memorial Preview Site

2009-11-03T14:03:00.000-08:00

On Monday 02Nov09, I visited the 9/11 Memorial Preview Site which is on 20 Vesey Street (At Church Street) in lower Manhattan, directly across the World Trade Center "Ground Zero" site and Saint Paul's Chapel. The "preview site" shows some of what the main memorial will house and be like once it is completed. The final 9/11 Memorial is expected to be completed on 9/11/2011.

There is no admission into the Museum. It is only one large room with different artifacts and information around the museum. The farside wall from the entrance is a screen with a video showing interviews of those who were at the World Trade Center on 9/11/01. In the center of the room holds a small scale model of the Memorial and its location in the final World Trade Center area.

Along the wall are images of the attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentegon. There are some samples of the artifacts which will be displayed in the final Memorial including a helmet use by one of the New York City firefighters during that day. Some screens are scattered around the room, with more information on the museum, images of more artifacts and related projects of remembering and learning from 9/11.

One part of the museum had a small sound room called "Share Your Story" in which visitors can sit down and for 3 minutes speak on what they were doing during the events of 9/11. I decided to record my feelings and what I did that day. It will be part of the memorial once it is openned.

I purchased some pins and magnets, they said the money goes to the Memorial fund. I also picked up some information on the Musuem and related causes.The small office which houses this 9/11 Memorial Preview Site had enough information and interaction to keep my attention on the final completion of the 9/11 Memorial.

http://www.national911memorial.org/site/PageServer?pagename=New_Home

http://voicesofsept11.org/dev/index.php

http://makehistory.national911memorial.org/

Saw the USS New York passing the World Trade Center

2009-11-02T15:54:00.000-08:00

The Navy's newest ship, the USS New York, arrived in New York City for commissioning ceremonies on 7 Nov 09. The ship's bow was made of 7 tons of steel from the World Trade Center. I really wanted to see her enter the harbor as 9/11 meant alot for me.

I left early from Forest Hills, Queens, taking the Long Island Railroad train at 6:19am and stopping at Penn Station then switched to the 3 subway line to get off at Chambers Street. I arrived at the World Trade Center site at 7am. The place for viewing was on the North Cove of the World Financial Center where there is a marina. I took a place along the rail facing the Hudson River. The skyline of New Jersey was vi sable from across the river. The weather was typical November weather for New York, cool and a bit wet. There were already a group of Marines and police getting ready on the shore.

There were many reporters setting up their gear and various representatives from the Services including Marines, Coast Guard, Police, Fire Department and what looked like reenacts for the New York Artillery.

At about 7:45, we all looked south along the Hudson River and can see the fire boats spraying water into the air. Some of the water was colored red and blue. We can also see the silhouette of the USS New York in the distance. The camouflage of the ship made it hard to see her in the distance. There were several helicopters floating around the ship as she approached. A about 8am, someone on the shore congregation started to sing the Star-Spangle Banner.

At about 8:15am the ship was coming directly into our view and the ship slowed down. We can see the sailors, marines and crew on the deck of the ship giving us a salute. We then heard the "pop" of the rifles on board the ship giving the shore a 21-gun salute. I was kind of disappointed with this as I was hoping the salute was from her large guns but what why would I think that? Just after that the New York Fire Department Bagpipers were playing "God Bless America".

The ship began to start and speeding up, heading north on the Hudson River where the USS New York will dock at Pier 86 next to the USS Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum. As the ship headed north, the various fire trucks, police boats, fire boats blew their horn in response. Shortly afterwards the gathering of people began to brake up at about 9am, heading to what ever the day will hold. The USS New is to be officially commissioned on Saturday 7 Nov at the USS Intrepid site.

It was a long morning and afterwards was glad to head inside the World Finanical Center, Winter Garden shops and restaurant area and grabbed a cup of coffee and danish. It was a very historic day and I was very glad that I could make it.

Godspeed to the USS New York and her crew.

Pictures on my Facebook Link which anyone can see.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=37023&id=1507778102&l=2e26b3c123

Video

Video(Facebook)USS New York approaching from the Hudson

http://www.facebook.com/v/1245241740323

USS New York arriving in front of the World Trade Financial Center

http://www.facebook.com/v/1245373703622

Bagpipes playing as the New York stops in front of the World Trade Finanical Center

http://www.facebook.com/v/1245234340138

My Mother's Birthday Party

2009-10-31T08:05:00.000-07:00

My mother celebrated her 60th birthday on Halloween Eve. My family arranged for a dinner party at the local Italian/Brick Pizza Brick Oven restaurant called Dees on Metropolitan Avenue in Forest Hills.
Most of our extended family was there from my mother's father, sister and cousins. It was good to see everyone together as it has been awhile for me to see them all.
There was about 18 of us at the very large table setting the restaurant arrange for us. The food was really delicious and plentiful. Everyone was taking lots of pictures for this one time event and catching up with each other lives. I had lasagna with a nice bolognese sauce.
My nephews handed my mother the present me and my brother picked out, a Wii with a Fit -Wii accessory. This was something she really liked and intends to use.
During the dessert, the nice service staff brought over my mother's rice pudding with a candle as we all song 'happy-birthday'. A very nice treat.
Can't believe my mother is 60 years olds as I always remember her being a young women even since I was a kid. I know there will be many more and hope to come home for more birthdays in the future.

Heading Home to New York City

2009-10-27T14:53:00.000-07:00

I'm flying home to New York City for some needed break from my job/next-opportunity search. Also it will be my mother's birthday and will be the first time celebrating her birthday in a very long time.
While I am there, the new Navy ship, USS New York will get her commissioning near the Intrepid Museum on the Hudson river. The bow of the ship was made of steel from the World Trade Center. There is a lot of sentimental reasons I wish to see this new ship.
Can't wait to eat my familiar New York style pizza.

Informational Interview for LEED/Green Industry

2009-10-20T18:32:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking about changing directions in my career and thought about going into the "green industry" and earning a LEED(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification to rate builds on how well they meet "green" standards.

Of course, I know nothing of this so I asked the building manager at my former employer to explain what is LEED and how to obtain a certification. We met at that modern establishment where all important things are talked about, Starbucks.

She showed me reference material from a Brightworks workshop she had gone through recently to obtain her certification. There is lots of name of standards which need to be memorized as the test is all rout. She explained that there are different areas which LEEDS cover from home to site certification.

I noticed in my recent search for new opportunities that certifying new construction as being "green" under the LEED's definition will be in high demand. I wish to pursue something more flexible in nature then relaying totally on project work which can end withing fiscal years and leaving you looking for another job.

During this informational interview, I was given much to think about and a point to explore further. More information from the US Greenbuilding Council This line of possible career is very interesting to me and will definitily gather more information to determine what needs to be done to enter this field.

Half-Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival

2009-10-19T20:35:00.000-07:00

On Saturday 17 Oct 2009, I got up early and drove to the annual Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival in the coastal town of Half Moon Bay. To get there from San Jose, one has to drive through highway 92 which is the only road that cuts across the Santa Cruz Mountains into the town. Getting there early is the only way to avoid the huge traffic that always occur in this event.

After paying $5 dollars to park my car at a town parking lot, I walked to the event center at about 7am. The downtown had its street closed and lined with arts booth being set up this early in the morning. Some of the food venues were open and I purchase a cup of coffee and a pumpkin roll, to be in tune with the festival.

I walked up and down the early morning, misty streets observing all the booths being set up for the days events. Very nice quality items, more then I find in other arts festival. In one parking lot, some of the competitors of the biggest pumpkin were on display. These things were huge and a looked like they were squashed one side. The weight of these gourds won't allow them to grow round.

As the morning progessed the sun burnt off the morning hazy and mist revealing more people were arriving at the festival. I grabbed some more coffee from different charity vendors to show my support and to get warmer.

In the main side street of Miramontes, the winner of the pumpkin contest was being ready for people to purchase photos along side the king. For a charity donation of $12 dollars was going to the Cabrillo Education Foundation. As I was waiting in line to take my picture with the winner, I attended about data on the pumpkin. He said it weighed in at 1,658 lbs and it came all the way from Iowa. The rules state that the pumpkin must be grown in a 12months period. Well I took my picture with the winning pumpkin but found out later that I had lost my photo. I went back to retrace my steps but could not find it. Upset was putting it lightly but I gathered my self and said lets not ruin a great day.

I had a great morning during this very nice autumn festival.

Photos can be seen below:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=35213&id=1507778102&l=3e95909619

Attended SME Dinner on Centrifugal Casting

2009-10-15T10:09:00.000-07:00

On 14 Oct, I went to Michaels Restauarant in Mountain View where the local Society of Manufacture Engineer Chapter 98, was co-hosting a dinner and talk on centrifugal casting by Johnson Centrifugal, a job shop in Wisconsin.

The night started with meeting members of the ASM and SME. Rather interesting to meet these folks although must have been retired for a very long time. Did finally get to meet the president of the local SME also met someone from BAE Systems who remarkably did not get laid off. Afterwards there was a catered dinner with some very nice food. Got to talk with the other SME members as I haven't been to one of these functions in a long time. Know that I am "in between jobs" there was no excuse not to go.

The presentation was hosted by Dr. Arvin Montes, a Senior R&D Materials Engineer at Johnson Centrifugal Technology in Saukville, WI. He explain in very detail the process of centrifugal casting. Essentially molten metal is poured into spinning forming cylinder, which imparts high g-loads to the liquid metal. The form cools and one has a cylindrical form to machine.

Dr. Montes explain the experimentation of using 6061 and 7075 Aluminum in both centrifugal and traditional casting to determine and compare the properties of each. To make a very long and detailed process short, properties of the aluminum cast with centrifugal method has a 85 to 95% higher tensile and yield strength while have a much more homogeneous structure in both the axial and radial direction.

Some of the products that use this process are CRT scanner head, turrets and housing for high-torque permanent magnet motor.

Overall the night was very informative on this process and met up with some leads in this industry.

Star Wars in Concert at the HP Pavilion

2009-10-13T19:36:00.000-07:00

On Sunday Oct 11, I headed to the HP Pavilion in San Jose to catch the performance of "Star Wars in Concert" which is a live performance of the music from all the Star Wars movies.

I was really excited to go as I'm a real Star Wars junkie. As I walked to the Pavilion, I saw several kids dressed in costumes already for the event. Inside the arena there were booths with props, customes, story boards from the movies. Each one of the booths had a screen showing the design evolution of the prop and another showing a scene from the movie.

Of course what would a Star Wars gathering be without fans in customes. There were many of the Clonetroopers/Stormtroopers from the the 501 Garrison, a volunteer group who makes up their own customes. Jedi Knights, characters from the movie were all representing. One I found interesting was a women with a "Grand Admiral" uniform. This character only appears in the books series so one really has to be a fan to know this.

My favorite exhibit was the display of the music worksheet which John Williams, the composer of all the Star Wars music, used for one of the movies. I was impressed how large a worksheet is used.

After mingling about the crowded display it was time to go inside the arena and take my seat. My tickets got me to a seat on the left side of the stage, in the middle level. A nice place to view the events. A set of large curtains covered up the stage so the audience could not see it. The announcer kept mentioned that the lights will turn off abruptly. At about 10 minutes after the schedule start, the lights turn off and the curtains covering up the stage dropped. The orchestra played the introductory fanfare to each of the movies. Behind the stage a large 3-story hi-def screen spanning the the stage, was showing seen from the movies. On each side of the main screen and above it were what looked like "chain mail" of low resolution screens, giving an extra dimension to the stage.

After the fanfare stop, everyone gave the orchestra a great round of applause. Then out of the side of the arena step forward the narrator, Anthony Daniels, who played the character of C-3p0 in all six movies. The audience also applauded for him. He started to speak in very dramatic tone on the nights presentation. It was really weird but he speaks exactly like C-3PO, very strange to see that voice outside the costume.

Funny thing happen as when he was speaking, his ear-piece microphone stopped transmitting, the audience grown in sadness of this. Mr. Daniels went around the stage and picked up a hand-held microphone. He said to the gestured to the audience that he is using a "Jedi mind trick" and said "that no one saw any mistakes" , then asked the audience "did anyone see any mistakes", to which everyone replied in unison "NO".

The concert went on with Daniels dramatically telling the themes to each set of music. As the music was played by the orchestra, scenes from the movie appeared on the large overhead screen. The scenes were sometimes from one set of movies and sometimes all blend of all the movies. Daniels performance really gave the orchestra performance a feel of an epic event.

The theme and music in order they were performed is below:

Star Wars Main Title

Duel of the Fates

Anakin’s Theme

Moisture Farm

The Flag Parade

Across the Stars

Battle of the Heroes

The Imperial March (Darth Vader’s Theme)

Intermission

The Asteroid Field

Princess Leia’s Theme

Tales of a Jedi Knight

Cantina Band

Yoda’s Theme

TIE Fighter Attack

Luke and Leia

The Forest Battle

Light of the Force

Throne Room/End titles

During the performance there was laser light, steam and even flames shooting from the front stage floor. The flames was mostly for the scene on Mustafar when Anakin and Obi-Wan were dueling, when the "Battle of the Heros" was played.

In performing the last theme of the night, "End Titles", scenes of John Williams conducting the actual score for each movie was shown on the screen. I truly wish there was more homage to John Williams as he was the man who compose this epic music and brought it to life.

At the end of the performance, the audience gave the orchestra, the conductor, and Daniels a standing ovation in which they had three curtain calls. No one wanted to leave. The orchestra placated our appetite for more by playing a full version of the "Imperial March". It was awesome! The lights came on, people exited the arena, the orchestra backed their instruments all while David Bowie's "Major Tom" was playing over the loud speaker.

It was great night to experience the magic behind the music.

Test to Facebook from Blogger

2009-10-12T17:50:00.000-07:00

Testing new blog site

First Day on Blogger

2009-10-10T15:57:00.001-07:00

Testing to see how well this Blogger works.

Life is like a olive tree, bears much fruit but very little shade.