The Bruin Boy Bunch

the post Labor Day Sojourn

2011-09-07T20:41:00.000-07:00

our annual trip to the desert....right after labor day when everyone with kids go back to school. It has taken us many years until we also had no kids in school but now that we do .... well we look forward to these 4 days.

the only kids here are the ones who are to young for school and are still very cute.

Today we went to the pool and then when the temp got over 112 degrees (around 11:30a.m.) we came back to the room and enjoyed the air conditioner

o.k. so the original plan was to eat out on the patio but the fact that it is still 108 out side we moved our dinner inside.....where the weather was great and the company wonderful. And so is his cooking skills

our last orientation

2011-06-18T08:47:00.000-07:00

how did it happen....I can remember taking her to the bus on the first day of kindergarten.... and now we are talking about dorm rooms...oh pardon me Sonoma only has suites and apartments...l don't remember college living to be that nice (but I digress).

So we are now proud Seawolf Parents, the orientation was great probably the best one we have been on...it's a nice small school and as such people get to know each other.
The library (donated by Charles Schultz) is sad and exciting amazing...the technology that they use for book retrieval is sad and exciting at the same time...no strolling the shelves looking for a book...and the dewy decimal system...will my grandchildren even learn how to use it? oh there goes my digressing again... Another great feature at Sonoma is the Rec Center complete with Rock wall and $39 60 minuet massage...this is not the way I remember college.

golf cart on campus

But then again we didn't have Amecci pizza delivery truck when I was in school either.

doesn't this look famiiar

2011-06-15T15:00:00.000-07:00

wasn't it just a few days ago that we were here?

driving north on the five....

for a college orientation.

Wasn't it just 4 years ago that we were heading up the five to UC Davis for Samantha's college orientation and the just 5 days ago that we were heading up the 5 for the last time to go to her graduation?

But that was Sam and even thought the road might look familiar actually it is the exact same road we are starting a new chapter... in this chapter Ashleigh is the college student and we are proud Seawolf Parents.

but my only question (o.k. maybe not the only one) why do they always look the same when you go to orientation

Graduation Day

2011-06-11T06:12:00.000-07:00

It is a beautiful Saturday morning it started a little cool and a little windy but we were excited because we were all together to celebrate Samantha becoming a U.C. Davis Grad.

Bubbie and Morgan were so excited because they found pink roses Celia and I found a pink lei, Kathy and Ash found more pink roses... now all we needed to find was Samantha.

But they were opening the doors and we wanted to get a good seat (we did). Once were were situated Celia and I went out to see if we could find her....

we were looking where they were lining up ...but there was no Sam.

We called her and she said she was on her way she was riding her bike over....

yes you read that correctly...

she was riding her bike in full graduation garb.

But she made it and she wasn't even the last one in line...and she did graduate and then it was time for the picture taking...

We have the Sisters....

The Parents

The estrogen

And the family.

Pre Graduation Events

2011-06-10T21:12:00.000-07:00

So we survived the drive. Checked in to the hotel and relaxed for a little bit but then the excitement started to build...

Samantha had worked her last shift at the COHO so the good - bye's were in full swing. Once the CoHo goodbye's were done our hello's got to start and we were very happy to start our celebration with dinner at Bud's Pub and Grill in Dixion. The food was delicious and the company was better. After dinner the old folks... went back to the hotel and the sisters went out for the night.... well actually Sam took them back to Davis to show them off.

It nseems like just yesterday

2011-06-10T09:33:00.000-07:00

I can't bellieve that we are on our way to Davis for Samantha's graduation... it seems like it was just a few weeks ago that we were going up for her orientation, and now she is a graduate.

So we have 3 cars going up (Kathy and Ash, Celia and Morgan and the Barry, Bubbie and me in the last one) to help her celebrate this moment.

So many lasts, the last time we will drive up the 5 and think we are one third of the way there becase we see and smell the cows.... the last time looking for Patterson as a stoping point the las time we sill be wondering where all these truck come from ...but then next week we will start a whole new set of firsts...as we take Ashleigh for orientation at Sonoma State.

May 24, 2011

2011-05-24T20:05:00.000-07:00

So many moments and so little blogging..... so what has happened since Sept 2007 I know that was not a date you were expecting, but that was when we left Samantha at U.C. Davis.

Our little Sammie who first started school in 1990 managed to make it all the way to graduation from Calabasas High School in 2006. And now we are waiting just a few more days until we

get to go back up to Davis one more time for another graduation.

Where does the time go

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

I am sitting here looking at the calendar and just like 4 years ago I am wondering where the time went?

So here I am with 56 days to go until Nativ 30 will be history and Ash will be home.

I know how is it that 7 months have already passed s ince she left? but it true. and I know what she has been doing but what worries me now is what I have been doing or what I have been doing with her room.,..

So what has happened since she left... well I have managed to fill her room up with stuff... now some of this is stuff that I have been mailing to her since she has left but the rest is well.... storage. So it's time to move it out and make room for Ash to move back into her room. But that will only be for a short while becasue she might come back in 56 days . She leaves again for Camp Ramah in 72 days

and then just 142 days from today she is off again to Sonoma State everything seems to be moving so fast.

10 days later

2011-02-28T09:52:00.001-08:00

So here we are 10 days later almost back were we started .... sitting in an airport waiting to get on a plane, only this time we are heading home Tel Aviv to Philly- Philly to LA. 26 hours from now LA time we will be home.

We has some change of schedule and a few wet days but on the whole it was

a great trip. From a sleeping standpoint I am looking forward to getting home. From a so many exciting things to see standpoint I have run out of time to see things long before I have run out of things to see.

Ash you were a great tour guide.... we had a wonderful time and you left us wanting to come back.

צְפַת‎‎ Tzfat part 1 The Citadel

2011-02-26T02:51:00.000-08:00

There are so many words that look so wierd when they are translated from hebrew to english, Tzfat is one of them. But that only adds to the mystical history of the the city. So our first stop in Safed (yes that is another spelling) was The Citadel the drive up here was an experience (not an easy or comforting one) but once we got to the top we were able to get out of the car and walk around.

There are seating areas there were built in the early 1200's.

At the very top is the memorial to The Independence fighters who started their battle to regain control of Tzfat on the evening of May 5, 1948 and their battle was successful and they regained control on May 9th. On a clear day (which Tuesday wasn't) you can see Tiberius so we just listened to the recording and read the plaques.

צְפַת‎‎ Tzfat part 2 The Religious side

2011-02-26T02:50:00.000-08:00

As I said earlier Tzfat also called the mystical city is famous for many things military battles, candles, artists and Religion.

So as we were walking amongst all the different artist we found all these different religous sites The Sanz Congrgation which was founded in 1869.

But I think the most amazing site that we found was" The Yosef Caro Synagogue" the synagogu that Rabbi Joseph Caro, scholar and Kabbalist, author of the "Shulchan Aruch" actually practiced and developed Kabbah Judaism.

one of the more amazing things that we saw but they wouldn't let me take a picture of was the Genizah where they have books and other religious items dating back to the 14th century.

Amirim

2011-02-25T04:22:00.001-08:00

Amirim ...there are even some Isralies that don't know about Amirim but I can tell you after staying there we will be back.

What a wonderful moshav, only 150 families and they are all vegitarians but that just adds to the quaintness of the experience.

So our arrival at this hidden little moshav came completely by accident . I mean we did have reservations but no one I asked had ever heard about Amirim. Thankfully the GPS did. Amirim has everything you need, a beautiful view, a synagogue, artists galore a sculpture garden two restaurants (we only ate at Stubs and it was good), a few spas (didn't get to try any of them this time) and probably 60 Bed and Breakfasts.

One other thing that they have is a Jet? yes a fighter jet, and no I
don't know why.... there is this little park with this jet on display. We didn't even find this for the first 2 days becsue everytime we drove by it it was either at night or in crazy rain and we didn't see it. I guess we will just have to go back and find out about it.

The first Morning in Jerusalem

2011-02-23T21:22:00.000-08:00

I know your thinking what a great place to start .... but actually I am going to write about our arrival and first evening. It's just that everyone is still sleeping and I saw the sunrise.

So we returned the car in Haifa and took a bus to Jerusalem it was an amazing way to see the countryside and experience the people. It was a little strange to see the soldiers on the bus walking up and down with their rifles but Ashleigh explained that if they ever lose their rifle the punishment is very severe. So Barry, Ashleigh and me got comfortable for the 2 hour ride to Jerusalem.

It was a little crazy with all the luggage and the security but we made it through the mall and out to the street and to the hotel. A little unpacking and we were off. Down the stairs and down King George past Agron (we did stop to point out Beit Nativ, and the balcony above Barry's head was Ash's room for 6 months) to Liberty Bell Park. Where Barry was going to meet some of his family for the first time.

Barry's work on his genealogy over the last few years has given him a much larger family than he thought he had. But one of the most reward discoveries has been the Israeli arm of the family. Many years ago before I was even doing this blog Barry found Ari Applbaum in Israel (that story will have to wait for another blog) so when Samantha was in Israel for Nativ 26 she was the first member of the family to meet Ari. Then when Bubbie and I wer e here visiting Samantha we also were able to meet Ar i and Na'ama. We had a suprise when we were in Boston back in 2007 for a wedding Ari had joined the David Project and he was going to be living in Boston for a while so Barry did finally get to meet his cousin. But time flies and Ari and Na'ama added some members to the family which up to last night only Ashleigh had met.

But last night we made up for lost time not only did Barry get to meet Na'ama but we both were able to meet the boys (and I must say cute twins do run in the Applbaum family) and as an added bonus Ari's parents also joined us. It was a wonderful afternoon and evening and a great way to start our stay in Jerusalem.

Love from home

2011-02-20T15:57:00.000-08:00

a little over 4 years ago (yes it has been that long) Bubbie and I came to visit Sam when she was on Nativ 26 and yes she did ask for stuff and yes she did have Daniel and Andrew here with her that I was bringing stuff for But I never thought much about it until I was packing for Ashleigh. That was when Sam told me that the Jr Mints (now kosher) and the Slurpy Machine (now missing in action) were the height of my arrival, and I thought she wanted to see me.

So fast forward to the stuff on Ashleigh's list: leggings, paint, fruit leather, boston baked beans, lavender lotion, removable hooks, anything warm and so many other little things.

So this time I paid more attention to the look on her face as I was taking things out of the suitcase.
The requested necessities were greeted with thank you's.
The leggings and t-shirts were greeted with smiles.
The new new fleece jacket and sweatshirt got oohhhs and aaahhhs and thank yous
But it was the other stuff, the paint, the food, the picture books and pillow that really made me realize that when you are away from home it's the stuff from home that really is the best.

what is it about vacations and rain?

2011-02-20T06:10:00.000-08:00

We were thinking about it and all of the big vacations we have been on have included rain...

Hawaii it rained (I know your saying it rains all the time there, but we did have

to rearrange things becasue of rain).

Williamsberg (spring break with Sam, Ash and Bubbie) it rained although we did

get some nice umbrellas as souvenirs.

Boston in 2007... it rained we have yellow ponchos as souvenirs of that trip.

Then there was the cruise of 2010 where the schedule was changed because of

hurricane Thomas and it rained in one port.

So why should we be surprised that there are thunderstorms for our

first day in Israel....yeah... we have it all,

wind, rain, thunder and lightening.

So we started the morning driving up to

Rosh Hanikra and the rain was

sporadic sometimes just drizzle sometimes

heavy down pour sometimes nothing at all. When we got t

here the wind was unbelievable and they were closed. It seems that they just don't feel that the aerial tram would be safe in high wind, go figure? s

o we looked over the cliff at the waves crashing.

We realized there would be no Rosh Hanikra this trip and decided to see if it was raining in Akko. Well as I am sure you can guess by the title of this post there was rain in Akko,
not just a little rain but heacvy rain and wind by wind I mean real wind the kind that turns you umbrella inside out. So here we are driving round and round not able to find a parking spot (I know why are we looking to park if the weather is so bad, just chalk it up to "in for a dime in for a dollar"). So round and round and round we went from one round-about to another and then all the way around and back through the same streets again. But we found a place to park and readied our selves and got out.

We read the book we knew Akko was a
walking tour and that most of the time is outside... but hey who thinks of these things we were on an adventure. Well saner minds did prevail so no tour, but we did have brunch (well a meal at 10:00a.m.)at a little stand on El-Jazzar and waited to see if the weather would change....it did we had sunshine for about 10 min and then the rain came again and this time harder. Since we were already soaked we decided that the rain won and we were going back to Amirim.

Where by 12:30 we were back in our cabin having a cup of tea and taking some well needed naps....and so is the tale of our first day in Israel.

I drove in Israel!

2011-02-19T13:12:00.000-08:00

and we are still alive to talk about it.... O.k. with that said we have arrived, and although it has been dark more than it has been light and with a little help from Barry's new GPS we made it up to Karmiel and Ashleigh and then we gathered her up and went on to our Bed and Breakfast in Amirim.

Now I have no idea what this area looks like in the daylight but I am already in love with this place, and I will give them my full attention as soon as I have some daylight pictures. (I am also having some picture loading issues so more later)

But the important thing is that we have arrived and we have seen Ashleigh and her apartment.

All our bags are packed were ready to go

2011-02-18T08:16:00.000-08:00

So here we sit Friday morning LAX I have already sent my shabbos texts so for those of you who are a time zone or two behind me I apologize, Everyone one else hope I didn't wake you.

I think I got everything done and packed... and the luggage came in at 49.5 pounds each...is that good balance or what?

So we are sitting in LAX for at least another 21/2 hours before we board the plane and my mind is going back to the last time I was leaveing for Israel (it was also my first time), Samantha was on Nativ 26 Bubbie and I were going to visit. Bubbie had been there in 1952, 1987 and now 2007 it was a great trip we had a lot of fun.

But this time it is The Bear who is going for the first time. However we will be going to so many new places that it will be like a new trip for me too.

but back to watching the dynamics of the airport, watching the people and the stories you create just to pass the time,,, we had a guy in a wheel chair pushing another wheel chair that was empty, and the poor mother with 3 kids the oldest being maybe 4, and the most recent person o f note would be the woman with her blond hair pulled back designer duds and her poodle dressed in a coordinated harness/vest and leash, and yes they have started to look alike well at least dress alike.

and it is only 9:00 a.m. but it is the family of 7 that has just gone past all in turquoise golf shirts... I really thought that was for summer camp only. then we have the the young couple waiting for the plane to somewhere I am not sure if they just got married or are off to get married... but they have been here almost as long as Barry and I and I don't think they have seen anyone else.

and now I know one of the good things about texting..... I don't have to hear your conversation. yes this is directed towards the tall guy who has been standing next to me talking to a friend but entertaining everyone within range... he gave himself a present of a trip to Australia and now he is off for a weekend in Vegas and then home to New York I don't want to get into the drama that is going on with his friends that he has missed out on....but soon he will be back in the mix of it.

An hour and ten till we board the plane.... next post will be from Israel!

Kehilat HaKerem

2011-02-16T06:53:00.000-08:00

A synagogue right next door... just like back home. As many of you know Ashleigh has grown up with Shomrei Torah Synagogue just down the street. In Jerusalem I don't think you can walk down any street with out a synagogue being there but as you move farther out to the north in Ashleighs case you have to look a little bit to find a shul and in Israel you have to look a little harder to find a Masorti shul but I am very excited to report that she has found or someone in Nativ has found a Masorti shul right next door.

Kehilat HaKerem the Masorti shul is actually right across the street. I am looking forward to seeing the shul when we get to see Ash in just 4 days.

we had our aliyah...I guess it's time to pack

2011-02-13T21:17:00.000-08:00

O.k. so we are checking things off the list ... Most of the items so far are for Ashleigh
but that is o.k. it is cheaper then sending packages, well maybe. but enough about that

Now it's time to work on our trip and the excitment is starting to kick in... or maybe it is just the euphoria of having only one more load of laundry to do.

Barry is actually admitting to being excited, he is going to Israel he has spent so much time sending his girls to Israel and now it is his turn.

So on Saturday we had an aliyah and the Tefilat Haderech that we should travel safely, not be eaten by wild beasts or fall pray to bandits or ambush and I am hoping that too. However, we can now consider ourselves blessed we just have to be careful until it's time to go.

I wonder if the prayer covers the packing process also.

But packing is for later...

Now it is time to plan... in the North we have heard about De-Karina Chocolate , Petler Winery and Yarden Winery. A friend in shul was telling us about a facility to see in Haifa that he supports and is affiliated with Masorti it is called Ahava Village for Children and Youth. There is Rosh Hanikra and Akko and Cesaria and Haifa and Safad and ohhhh my I could name so many things and that is only in the north.

Eretz Israel here we come

2011-02-06T15:19:00.000-08:00

o.k. so not yet but in a few short days I will start doing laundry, then shopping (Ash has given me a list of items needed) and then we will pack and then we will be off.

Now when I last wrote about Ash in Israel (yes I know it has been a long time) I had mentioned that she was going to Ber'Sheva. Well that plan has changed and she is now living and working in Karmel (as Barry puts it 120 miles north of Jerusalem and 10 miles south of Lebenon). In the morning she is working in the morning she is working at the local elementary school and in the afternoon she is working in the Mercaz, at last conversation she does not know what she is doing in either place. But she is excited because The Bear and I will be coming to see her.

So when Sam was there just a few short years ago Bubbie and I went to visit it was a great trip my first Bubbie's third. We basically stayed in Jerusalem visiting with Sam and seeing the sights of the old city and other local hangouts. But this trip will be different... for starters Ashleigh has moved on to the second half of her year in Israel and she is no longer in Jerusalem, and second it is not my first trip but there are still so many new things for me to see. and third... The Bear will be with me and it is his first time in Israel.

So back to the plan, since Ash is in the north so we will be staying up there for a few days at a little bed and breakfast in Amirim called Eretz HaGalil and then we will be going down to Jerusalem for a few days including Shabbos. It is all starting to get very exciting as the plans come together. As I know more I will post.

Who's sleeping in my bed

2010-11-20T20:41:00.000-08:00

yes I know it's me and the bear... but every night when we came back to our state room there was something new made of towels on our bed.

Everyone want's to know about our room. So we have the standard stateroom with a balcony we were on Deck 9 there was plenty of room it was very nice even the shower had plenty of room. Our room was located up towards the front of the ship right under the the helm. and when we were on the balcony of our room he could wave at us and we could wave at him...and we did on a regular basis.

so here are the lobsters, swans, bunny's stingrays, bats and hearts on our bed at the end of the day.

Food Wonderful Food 150 Central Park

2010-11-13T20:13:00.000-08:00

I now understand how it is that people can go on a cruise one weight, still do a lot of walking and sightseeing and come home heaver than they started.

The Bear and I were discussing how great the specialty restaurants were and I said that all of the food was great it was just that Chops, 150 Central Park, Vintages and The Chefs Table were so amazingly fabulous that everything else paled by comparison.

So the first place we ate was 150 Central Park and yes you are looking at popcorn...carmel corn to be exact in my soup. Yes it was kind of weird for us to but then we tasted it and well who cared what it looked like because it was delicious.

But again I have gone out of order ... so here we are all dressed up and walking through Central Park on deck 8 when we
found 150 Central Park. The restaurant has warm rich interior and chairs that can create a very privet encounter even in the middle of the restaurant. We are created and offered a wine menu or the option of doing the chef's paring. This evening we did our choice and had a wonderful Ferari Carano Fume Blanc. So on our table was a covered dish that actually looked like a flower when I opened it we first thought it was salt and pepper but what we found out was that the miniature sour dough baguette was served with sweet cream butter and that these were actually 6 different salts from around the world each one having a distinctly different flavor. I was impressed enough with that part of the meal but then we had the soup Camembert and Lager with the popcorn crouton (still my favorite). Now this is a tasting menu which means that the Chef has created this and we get a taste of it all. It is actually wonderful because it is just enough to get the flavor and not to much that you feel full so you can go on to the next course (6 in total). By the time the evening was done we thought we had been fed the most wonderful meal and it couldn't get any better, boy were we wrong but more about that in the next post

Food Wonderful Food Chops

2010-11-13T20:08:00.000-08:00

So here we are in Central Park again a little calypso music in the background, it is day 4 and we have been busy today.

We have finally gotten off the ship and spent the day touring St. Thomas (more about that in another blog).

It is time for another specialty dinner at The Chops Steakhouse and
I can't wait.

What a wonderful experience, we arrived at 7:30 to a quiet restaurant nestled in Central Park. You open the door and you are in a completely different world.

The first thing that hits you is the aroma ooohhhh so good. Then you are seated and they hand you a menu and you realize you are in trouble... way to many choices and each one looks better than the next.

The wait staff is no help if you can't decided and ask for a recommendation they tell it is all good and bring you both.

So now we move on to the main course and side dishes...again way to many decision but they are all good and yes the potato was that BIG.

Up to now each course is probably worth 2 laps of deck 5 (that will be explained in another post) but it was all delicious and we enjoyed it but now they brought the dessert menu and the waiter kept saying if you can't decide we will bring you both...I know he thought he was being helpful but I would be on deck 5 all night but it would be so worth it.

Food Wonderful Food Vintages

2010-11-13T20:02:00.000-08:00

If you like to taste new and interesting wines (and we do) then Vintages (in Central Park) is a must. Not only is it a quaint warm and inviting area with over 150 different wines to taste it is also a Tappas bar. But what it really is, is just plain our favorite place on the ship after the chefs table. We actually went there on 3 different nights.

On Monday night we had some reds with some rustic hearty appetizers. My favorite is the cherry tomatoes mixed with some garlic ( how can it go wrong) basil, olive oil and tarragon and some toasted baguettes

then we came back on Wednesday for some of the whites... and we had some quecsos machengo along with them yes even Barry liked these whites.

on both Monday and Wednesday we just stopped for an appetizer before we went on the the main dinning room for dinner.

Which brings me to Friday when we just stayed at Vintages for the entire evening we started with some whites and then moved on to the reds and then it was Robert the Sommelier's choice. We also let him choose the tapas to go with each course it was a wonderful evening.

Food Wonderful Food ~ The Chefs Table

2010-11-13T20:00:00.000-08:00

This is the meal that you always hear about and then when you are actually a part of it well it is everything you dream of.

On Wednesday we received a invitation in our state room from the chef inviting us to his table on Thursday the other dress up day. So a maximum of 10 couples (we were at the maximum) met in the library on deck 11 dinner would be held in the concierge lounge (a special area for those who are diamond members or have reserved a suite). The area was magnificent and the chandelier was quite unique. and that was the beginning of our experience each step of the way Maarten Smeets our Sous Chef would come come out and talk to us about the way he prepared the course, why he choose the ingredients and how we were suppose to eat it if there were any specific directions. Then Phillipe our Sommelier would tell us about the wine that was recommended and served with each course. it was an amazing meal and if you are ever offered a chance to
go you have to do it.

I want one

2010-11-10T18:51:00.000-08:00

Day 2

2010-11-09T18:38:00.000-08:00

Well we were suppose to go to Nassau today however Hurricane Tomas has put a kink in that plan so our our day two at sea starts now.

We are getting our sea legs, I am not quite sure what getting our sea legs are doing for us but we are swaying with the best of them and it is always interesting to take a step only to find that the floor is meeting your foot as you step down.

But we are learning a lot of things... I personally am learning to nap...I have never had so many little naps in one day. My favorite place to nap is the is stone chairs in the spa they are warm stone chairs and the are oooohhhh so wonderful.

Today we did a lot of walking we walked deck 15 where there are pools, deck 16 where there are adult pools, jacuizze, miniature golf course, basketball court, flow riders, and zip line. and deck 5 which has the lifeboats, evacuations floation devises and the walking track (2 laps is a mile) It is a really nice walk with all kind of cute statements to keep you walking.

So tonight is one of the two dress up nights, however instead of going to dinner in the regular area we went to 150 Central Park where the dinner was delicious.

We had a Camembert and Lager soup with Caramelized Popcorn as a crouton,,I know I know who would have put the together but they did and it was good.

The other really cool thing was the bread at the table it was San Francisco sourdough with sweet butter and then 6 different types of salt from all over the world. I like the pink Hawaiian salt best. And with that Day 2 has come to a close.

This is One BIG Ship

2010-11-09T13:32:00.000-08:00

This is one BIG Ship!

You can read about everyth ing that is on the ship but you cant really start to understand exactly how big it is until...

you are pulling up to it at the dock and see that it has a pier area all by itself, then you actuall see it, then you see how many people are getting on with you and then...

well you have to give Royal Caribbean credit because the embarkation was sooooo smooth! We had no idea that we were on board with 5200 other people.

We signed our papers , proved it was us, took a picture and then went down the gang plank. People with kids went to the left (where each family group was given walkie talkies and the kids were wrist banded according to their age group) we went to the right and then ..OMG!!! We found ourselves right in the middle of the promenade and that was truly amazing ...and we realized "We were not in Kansas anymore"

We found our cabin (more about that later) and then we went out and started to walk.... I have no idea where we went but we walked and walked and walked and walked a little more.

2 laps of deck 5 is a mile,

we found Central Park,

Boardwalk, the carousel,

we found the sports deck with miniature golf, zip line, flow riders, full basketball court, rock climbing walls and who knows what else.... but we will find it.

bon voyage

2010-11-09T12:21:00.000-08:00

I am not sure if it was because we were so busy getting things done once we got on board or because they want to distract you from the actual exit process...But we were in the room putting things away when Barry said "hey Ren I think we are moving" and my

response was "no they didn't tell us to go on deck" but yes we were moving ....so I grab bed a camera and we went out somewhere. I am not sure where but we joined in the crowd and wow!

There was a parade on the promenade and well I guess the pictures will show you a portion of what was going on but the best part was that they (every other crew person not in the parade) shot off confetti canons at the end of the parade and there was a of confetti and it was great...if this is just the beginning then it is going to be a great cruise!

3 hours till we board

2010-11-06T07:57:00.000-07:00

However in between landing yesterday and getting on the ship we have not been sitting around doing nothing.

First we went and got some postcards....you know who you are and if you should be looking out and then went and had a glass of wine, wrote postcards, and waited for Morgan to get here,

Morgan was here by 8:15 we had dinner and just caught up. It was a really nice evening but it was way to long of a drive so she spent the night. We had breakfast and as I type she is on her way back home so she can work tonight.

Morgan thanks for coming down

So that brings us up to date our bags are packed and now we wait.....

he is singing and changing the words

Our First Empty Nest Adventure

2010-11-05T08:03:00.000-07:00

I know I know I have been saying that we are practicing for so long but now the real thing is here we (just Bear and me) are off. Well actually right now we are sitting (arrived at 6:45 am for a 10:00 flight) at LAX waiting for a Virgin America (quickly becoming my new favorite airline) flight to Ft Lauderdale where we will have dinner with Morgan and then tomorrow we will board the Oasis of the Sea the largest ship in the world.

For the last week everyone has been asking me if I am excited and the answer has been not yet...and even as late as last night when I was packing but then Barry was channel surfing and came across National Geographic Man Made and the data line said it was suppose to be something made in Dubai but it wasn't it was a show about the Worlds Largest Cruise Ship (it will be on again Nov 11) and I was watching and packing and packing and watching and all of a sudden I was starting to get excited.

First it was very exciting to see how this ship came to be... but then to actually see it happen and to find out that on the day we get back into port Nov 13 it will be 1 year since The Oasis of the Sea first arrived at Ft Lauderdale.

So now I am excited and there is nothing to do but wait.... in an hour and a half we will board the plane and in a little more than 24 hours we will get on the boat.... until then I will try to catch up on some of my old entries that are still in draft status.

One Last Wave and we are Empty Nester

2010-08-30T18:56:00.000-07:00

and with that wave we officially became Empty Nester's...

So it was just 4 short years ago when I started this blog...because everyone was moving on with their lives and away from the house...

and it was 4 short years ago when Sam also made this trek to Israel but it is amazing how much can change in just 4 years... but that is all backwards not forwards

so in the very early morning on Aug 30th we (The Alfasso's and us) excorted these two beauties to LAX where we met up with 8 others who were also about the start the experience of a lifetime.

Nativ 30 a year in Israel one semester at Hebrew University and then one semester in Ber' Sheva (for Ash) or on a Kibbutz (for Matt).

so here we are....my last one is off and now Barry and I are on our own learning how to cook smaller meals, not have to worry about car pools, I don't have to sign any paperwork...how strange it is to move to this next stage in our life.....so I will need to spend less time face booking and more time blogging because there are no excuses.

off to the River...

2010-08-06T15:18:00.000-07:00

So my face book profile reads ...Wishing you a shabbos full of everything wonderful from the south fork of the American River...Ruach no problem....rest???? that will be a whole other issue. Remember the power of the cyber hug. Shabbat Shalom

yes we are off again year 3 at the American River it is becoming a really nice tradition...same time every year (the first weekend of August) the same place (Camp Lotus) and the same people o.k. some of the same people.

The first year it is was just
The Bear and Me and his Rotary Club.

Year two was The Bear and Me and some of RGEB.

This year we finally have a kid going with us....

and that kid would be Morgan.
Now it's a 7 1/2 hour ride where
The Bear usually does the

driving ...
I do the navigating and computing,
face booking or blogging
and Morgan does the

sleeping.

time....

2010-04-06T08:19:00.000-07:00

I am amazed at how fast it seems to go
no matter how hard I try to post on a regular basis
a week or two or a month or two just zip right by
and I have posted nothing
so here we go again...I have so many old posts to finish
and so many yet to be started.
I started this blog almost 4 years ago
as my oldest daughter left for Portland
and my middle daughter left for her first year of study in Israel
Daughter #4 was on her way back to Florida
and it left the Last Daughter with me she was now an only child.

So now we are 4 years later sometimes I have been really good about blogging and sometimes I have not but now my last kid is off to Israel to study and I have to get back into some good habits and blog on a regular basis.

so lets see if I can do better

A Weekend in the Desert

2010-02-15T15:00:00.000-08:00

Well we are two days in and relaxation is finding a way into our lexicon, ohhh I think the spa might have helped with that.

But we have seen Debbie and Brad and had dinner at the YardHouse very nice and then last night we saw Leslie and Bill with dinner and catching up at Matchbox and then a little stroll through Palm Springs followed up by breakfast with Leslie and Bill and then a little spa time for Barry, Leslie and me.

But we have parted ways until next year in the desert and hopefully autumn in Portland.

My Wonderful Valentine

2010-02-15T08:12:00.000-08:00

very often I say to the kids that I hope they can find someone who makes them as happy, content, and complete as Barry makes me. And even though I write this on valentines day he makes every day feel like valentines day.

When we first met 15 years ago I didn't know my life would end up being this great but my eyes did.... I know what a weird statement. But if you had been one of the people who knew me back then and asked me about who I was seeing you would have seen my eyes light up... I don't know what it actually looks like but I do know what it feels like and even now as I am typing I can feel this smile come over me and from what I have been told the smile goes with the eyes.

So back to my wonderful valentine, I am reminded from a scene from "Yours Mine and Ours" when Henry Fonda is explaining to the oldest daughter what love is really all about and it is very very true it's not the romance it is the day to day routine of living together. And we do it all Work, Family and just us it is the day to day routine that I enjoy the most.

The way we have worked together to make a single family out of his and mine and where we are not always together as a single group to often we are always a family and that is because of my valentine.

In Judaism there is a line from Song of Songs

אֲנִ֤י לְדֹודִי֙ וְדֹודִ֣י לִ֔י

I am my Beloved and my Beloved is mine

He has blessed my life and with that I hope we can set a good example for our children on how to love one another and then work on helping the world.

I hope everyone can find the someone to share the line from Song of Songs with because it is a wonderful feeling.

Why I love Timeshares

2010-02-14T07:52:00.000-08:00

I know how lame... but when I think about what a vacation is suppose to do for you...give you a chance to rejuvenate, rest and go at your own speed.

So being able to have a breakfast (the most important meal of the day) that I like without having to get dressed or pay for room service (so this morning I whipped up a batch of scones to have with the coffee of his choice and my favorite tea) that is the first reason that I love timeshares.

The next reason is the space (I know some are smaller than others) but to have a room for sleeping and a room for living is great. Then there is the ability to have that any where I want to go, I know banking takes a little more patience and creativity but if you think of it as an adventure than it works.

But the most important thing about timeshares is actually and memory and a desire.... I know what a combination. My parents who I think were the first documented timeshare addicts (they own 6) use to take one of my children with them somewhere alone if they wanted to do nothing but the pool they could, go to the zoo they could and sometimes they would even bring the rest of us with them but not always but there was always room to be comfortable and enjoy where ever they were. Now I have no grandchildren yet (the kids swear to that) but I am looking forward to continuing the tradition.

oh yes and who could not like the view from our balcony as we enjoy our breakfast?

Losing a Child

2010-02-13T20:43:00.000-08:00

No I didn't ... but my heart is going out to someone I don't know who has
In shul earlier today Maeva told me about a friend of Lee's who had been killed by a drunk driver
Then I saw Samantha's link on Facebook that she has become a fan of RIP Avi Schaefer (I joined the group also). Then I Goggled him (yes Barry has taught me well) and I found that this was not just someone's child that had been lost and that alone would have been enough to generate this kind of sadness, but he was more in a very short time Avi had made an impact that some of us can not in many lifetimes over Avi has touched many and touched them in a way that will keep his memory alive.

But I digressed (what else is new) from my original title Losing a Child no one wants to but we don't always get what we want....

Some of my friends have scolded me in past how can I send my children to Israel, not that we shouldn't have an affiliation with Israel but how can I send my children to somewhere that has so much terrorist activities? and then I think about Avi who was killed by a drunk driver right here in the USA.

So I will continue to keep thoughts of Avi in my heart and prayers and hope that my children will continue to go out and explore the world, follow their hearts and chase their passions because sometimes keeping a child close to home where you can continue to protect them doesn't neccessarily keep them safe and it will deny them the opportunity to live.

3 Long Months

2010-02-13T15:17:00.000-08:00

I keep meaning to get back to blogging and then something stops me before I even sit down at the computer.... but right now I am in the car, in traffic following a Subaru with a parrot in the back seat...Bear is driving and we are off to the desert for the long weekend.
so here is my goal for this trip ...

2 entry's a day for the next 4 days ..... and yes this one counts as 1.
to get my draft posts finished

so here we are in out little hybrid off to the desert to see Leslie and Bill and Debbie and Brad and just a little married time. You know the Empty Nest will be here sooner than we think and we have to get ready.

So as always when I come back from a long absence a quick inventory:

Celia: has been home a year this weekend and she is very happy.
Nathan: is in San Diego riding his bike and I'm not sure what else
Samantha: is still up in Davis working with Masa and sharing her love of Israel with anyone she can
Morgan: is a Happy Little Golden Knight (University of Central Florida)
Ashleigh: is getting ready to graduate ( I know who would have thought this day would come) and...she will be off to Nativ 30....and then it will be just Barry, me and the dog.

So we have 85 miles to go and then I will look for some pictures.

Eshet Chayil aka Ruth Bubbles Moroknek

2009-11-26T05:42:00.000-08:00

An accomplished woman, who can find?

Her value is far beyond pearlshusband's heart relies on her and he shall lack no fortune.

She does him good and not evil, all the days of her life.

She seeks wool and flax, and works with her hands willingly.

She is like the merchant ships, she brings her bread from afar.

She arises while it is still night, and gives food to her household and a portion to her maidservants.

She plans for a field, and buys it. With the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.

She girds her loins in strength, and makes her arms strong.

She knows that her merchandise is good. Her candle does not go out at night.

She sets her hands to the distaff, and holds the spindle in her hands.

She extends her hands to the poor, and reaches out her hand to the needy.

She fears not for her household because of snow, because her whole household is warmly dressed.

She makes covers for herself, her clothing is fine linen and purple.

Her husband is known at the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.

She makes a cloak and sells it, and she delivers aprons to the merchant.

Strength and honor are her clothing, she smiles at the future.

She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the lesson of kindness is on her tongue.

She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Her children rise and praise her, her husband lauds her.

Many women have done worthily, but you surpass them all.

Charm is deceptive and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears God shall be praised.

Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.

Women are amazing

2009-11-18T14:59:00.000-08:00

Women have strengths that amaze men.....

They bear hardships and they carry burdens, but they hold happiness, love and joy.

They smile when they want to scream.

They sing when they want to cry.

They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous.

They fight for what they believe in..

They stand up to injustice.

They don't take "no" for an answer when they believe there is a better solution.

They go without so their family can have.

They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.

They love unconditionally.

They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards.

They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding.

Their hearts break when a friend dies.

They grieve at the loss of a family member,

yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left.

They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart.

Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.

They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how much they care about you.

The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning.

They bring joy, hope and love.

They have compassion and ideas.

They give moral support to their family and friends.

Women have vital things to say and everything to give.

HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN,

IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

When sisters are together it always requires a celebration

2009-10-25T16:17:00.000-07:00

And this time we had more to celebrate than just being together (although that would have be a good enough reason) Celia had just recently turned 25 ( I know can you believe that I have a 25 year old daughter) So after a little bit of discussion we decided on dinner at Pasta?

But the opportunity for the sisters to be together happened because of Family Weekend for Sigma AEPie and even though we tried to have all the Big Girls Club together but alas we only had half the group in person the other half in puppet.

I was a great weekend and a great reason to celebrate.

We are proud Sigma Parents

2009-10-25T15:43:00.000-07:00

What a lovely weekend with Sam and her Sigma sisters. After a slight change in our schedule we started our drive a second time and made it to Davis just in time for Shabbos. I was a very nice dinner (that Sam cooked with the help of her Sigma sisters). We had dinner on Friday and then brunch on Saturday followed with a trip to the farmers market, shopping at the Davis MU (student union) and then a little down time where I built her shelf that we didn't get time to finish before I had to leave the last time I was here. Barry watched a little football and the girls had some time to be together. We had another brunch on Sunday morning and it was all over.

Sam I just want you to know that you planned a beautiful weekend and we had a great time. I am glad that The Bear and I got up here for a Family weekend and now we just have to get up her for picnic weekend.

327 miles to Davis...

2009-10-23T13:15:00.000-07:00

You would have thought that by now I would have some cute pictures of what Barry and Ashleigh are having for breakfast since we got out of the house so early and after all we were ahead of schedule.

But you know one of my favorite lines..."man plans God laughs" well he might be laughing but we (Barry, Ashleigh, Celia and me) are not laughing. We left the valley ahead of schedule at 10:00 and everything was good... dropped Celia's car off for some work ...as we were driving past Der Wienerschnitzel we stopped got them some breakfast (not my choice) and we were on our way...but just before the tunnel on the 5 coming out of the valley something happened that changed our plans...we don't know what but something hit our windshield and well the pictures tell the rest of the story...so we went back home changed to Allegra and left the valley right on schedule by 12:00 noon.....so Sammie we are on our way just a little delayed.

I know your wondering what am I posting

2009-10-21T16:47:00.000-07:00

o.k..... so it's a memory, but it is a really nice memory of when Barry was still in banking (a life that was a long long time ago)...in the old days he would get up first and lay out his cloths for the day...he would hand his shirt on the armoire and then he would ask which tie? When Ash was little (before age 8) she would be in bed with me for a morning snuggle and she would help pick out the tie of the day ( I know I am really regressing here, I wonder if this is a symptom of Empty Nest).

But that was a long time ago ...and Ash doesn't crawl in bed for a morning snuggle (matter of fact she is usually the first one out the door)

and Barry is usually in a

RGEB golf shirt

but it was a nice momentary flash back to a time long long ago. But damn did he look good this morning when he went out the door.

I have a child how old!

2009-10-21T16:13:00.000-07:00

How did this ever happen... I can remember the day like it was just last week what do you mean it was 25 years ago? (26 in reality)

But I guess there has been a little bit of time between when Celia was born and today but I just can't imagine that it has been 25 years.

But October 18th was the birthday for a lot of wonderful people in my life.

update: I know it is now 11-5-2010 Celia is 26 and I just need to add pictures when I get home.

Up Up and Away.....

2009-10-11T05:22:00.000-07:00

O.K.... we did it, I know your asking what did we do?

We checked one more thing off our empty nest list.... A HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE!!! yea ha!!!but instead of saying done that, don't need to do it again.....this is definitely going in the do it again category.

beautiful, smooth, fun, exhilarating all words that can be used but don't do the adventure justice.

we started before sunrise....the Hot Air Expedition van picked us up and off we went to the launch area.... which is actually a large (these balloons are 3 stories tall and actually displace more square feet than the good year blimp) flat area where they get the balloons set up

and watching the process is actually quite interesting (Marty I think you would like this), they fill the balloon with cold air, and then when it is full they start to use the burners to heat the air and right the basket.

while the ground crew is getting everything ready our Captain Mike D gave us a few instructions

and before we new it we were in the basket and getting ready to leave the ground.

And then we were off....

it was smooth actually that was the biggest surprise to me was how smooth and peaceful the ride was, and if you didn't look down you didn't even realize that you had left the ground.

and that is how it started...we slowly lifted off and then up UP and Away!!!! we did have one slight detour when one of our basket mates...no not Barry, had a panic attack and we had to set down so she could get off ...but that was quick and then we were up again.

And then it was just an amazing experience full of moments when you realize that ....

that God does exist....and she is right in front of you...no matter which way you turn.

We were so busy looking that we didn't realize that our hour had passed....we had been up to 4,000 feet traveled about 5 miles and it was time to set down again for the celebratory toast, The Ballonist's Prayer, breakfast and the presentation of our Certificat d'Ascension En machine Aerostatique.

And yes this is us at 4,000 feet

and we can't wait to do it again

I hope some of you will join us next time.

Off on a new adventure

2009-10-09T19:38:00.000-07:00

This year we are experimenting with Empty Nest....I know I know Ashliegh is still in school and at home (kind of...but that is for another post) so we are trying to just do little trips...and that is what we are on this weekend.

We are in Arizona, at The Kierland Resort and Villa's in Scottsdale to be exact...using a little timeshare for a little rest and relaxation.

One of our favorite places to relax is in the Lazy River....a 900 foot river pool where you grab an inner tub and just float....when we get home I will put up the pictures from the Lazy River (oopps forgot the sync cord for the water proof camera).

And as wonderful as it is during the day

it is a great place to walk and sit at night.

with little lighted seating areas an fire pits all over the property.

I think I am going to enjoy this empty nest thing...

It's Sukkah Time !!!

2009-10-05T21:24:00.000-07:00

I love Sukkot for many reasons:

I get to use my tools to build something.

I also get to see how my girls have learned to use power tools...sometimes that sight is a little less reassuring than I would like

I get to have all my kids (from a time when they were young and cute) around me. O.k. so it is really hard to see but, when we first built the sukkah (way back in 1999) I traced the kids on to the wall panels so they would be with me all the time, this picture is of Nathan. If you can't see it ...you will just have to come to the sukkah and see the real thing

We get to have ushpizim (visitors to our sukkah) over. And you all know how much I love throwing a party

And when the weather is nice I love to sit in the sukkah for breakfast, which is probably one of my favorite times of day.

This is the 10th year that we have put up a sukkah and each year it gets better and better.

It started 10 years ago when I (with a lot of help) put up my first sukkah.

here is the first assembly crew

I have had many helpers over the years ...

Nathan in 2004

Shomer always tries to help

Ben, Sam and Ash helped in 2004

David and Sam did the framework in 2007

Ashleigh, Sarah, Zander and Hannah helped decorate.

Over time my little sukkah grew from it's original 8x8x8

to a 10x10x8 and that worked for quite a few years,

but then last year I decided it was time to make it a little bigger I know I know.... but it really didn't look that big on paper. But it was ... and my little 8x8 sukkah grew to be

a 20x10 major construction event.

which might take a few more people to assemble and it might require a few more boxes (up to 8 now) to store. It is still a great time of year and my favorite holiday.

and Shomer always likes when visitors come to our sukkah.

the start of a tradition

2009-09-09T20:20:00.000-07:00

o.k. so maybe this tradition started way back in 2007, but we are really starting to like it. The Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday after Labor day The Bear and I go to the desert. o.k. so last year we went to Laguna just before taking Sam to school.

But this year we are back in the desert relaxing in the heat of the day by the pool and then a walk or two around the grounds.

Yesterday we had the pleasure of visiting with Debbie and now we are on our own. just having to enjoy all the things that the Westin has to offer.

So this morning we were sitting at the pool and then this afternoon we went to the Spa....it was very nice Barry had a pinucalda massage and I had a blue honey facaltini I didn't name them I just enjoyed them. Followed by a little more laying around in the sun then a ride in the car with a great sunset to a little hole in the ball restaurant named Tooties Texas BBQ.

We had a great day and a great night and now it's time for a bath... how can you pass up a tub like this.

and then I am sure it will be time for bed.

So here is my question?

2009-09-08T16:25:00.000-07:00

You know when your driving into the Palm Springs area and you see all the windmills? How come some of them are turning and some of them are not?

Why are they not all spinning their little arms off making electricity?

And it can't be that the wind isn't blowing because the tower right next to them is turning.

O.K. so here are some Pictures

2009-08-09T19:34:00.001-07:00

so on day one we started at the campsite in Lotus and we rafted all day down to the lower end of the south fork on the river...it was a great day....a few bumps and bruises....but it was still a great day.

We were on the river about an hour or so when we got to the point where we could jump out I was the first to go (this was my view from the river)

and then Barry and Chrissy followed by Leslee.....

Michelle decided that she was not going to go in the river (so she thought, but we will get to that later).

That was the first uhhhoh....the river was a little cold and Barry wanted to get back in ...but his vest was a little loose and Aaron (our guide) pulled and pulled and finally he got in but wait his glasses...got a little tweeked....

and wait where was Leslee.... while Aaron was dealing with Barry Leslee got a little down stream... so Michelle pulled me in and we got Chrissy in and then we went after Leslee...and that was all before lunch

Where did you sleep?

2009-08-09T16:36:00.000-07:00

and we are on our way home a little more banged up than last year ...but it was still a wonderful weekend.

If you remember last year we were in the little tent....o.k. so this tent is actually Christine's (can't tell will all the orange) but that is what we were in last year and Barry really didn't like having to get dressed laying down. So this year we waited and when we saw the sales start we did it....we bought our own tent

It's 10X13 and can sleep 6 if you really need to .... but personally I think it is great for just one queen size air mattress and room for all of our stuff and Barry really likes that there is room to stand up and get dressed.

Our Travel Buddies

2009-08-07T17:32:00.001-07:00

last year Barry and I kind of did this alone....there were a few of his Rotary people but most of the people were new to me.... but this year it's different...we talked about this enough that we wet the appetite of a few members of RGEB.

So Christine, Leslee and Michelle have decided to take the plunge ...so to speak and conquer the river.

Exactly what are we doing????

2009-08-07T17:22:00.000-07:00

WE are going river refting on the American River the south fork of the American River to be exact it has over 50 different rapids ranging from class 1 to class 3. The Chart below shows you the different tpes of rapids and what makes them what.

EASY BEGINNER
CLASS I-II
Rivers with Class I flat water interspersed with occasional Class II rapids: waves 1-2 feet high. Using a self-guided watercraft is an option. *Best for young children and tentative adults.
BEGINNER - INTERMEDIATE
CLASS III+
Rivers with Class I - II water interspersed with Class III rapids: waves usually 2-3 feet high, passageways contain some obstacles. Rapids are challenging but not overwhelming. * Best introduction to rafting for the widest range of people.
INTERMEDIATE
CLASS III-IV
Rivers with Class I - III water interspersed with occasional Class IV rapids: waves and drops 4 feet high and sometimes higher, difficult passageways containing some obstacles. Unintentionally falling out of the raft may mean an uncomfortable "swim". * Best for those with previous Class III experience wanting to try-out Class IV whitewater, and for athletic, adventurous first-timers.
INTERMEDIATE-ADVANCED
CLASS IV+
Rivers with Class I - IV water and more difficult Class IV+ rapids: 4-5 foot waves and drops, complicated by difficult passages containing obstacles that require quick, precise maneuvering. Falling out of the raft and "swimming" in a rapid will be difficult. * Best for those with previous Class III or Class IV experience wanting a more difficult whitewater challenge.
ADVANCED
CLASS V
Rivers with Class I - IV+ water interspersed with long, tumultuous Class V rapids: 5-8 foot drops and obstacles that must be avoided. Falling out of the raft means an extremely difficult and potentially hazardous "swim". * Best for those with previous Class IV & IV+ experience seeking the ultimate whitewater challenge.
UNRUNNABLE
CLASS VI
Rivers containing rapids that are so difficult that safe passage is doubtful and chances of serious incident, injury and death are almost certain. If attempted and successful, luck deserves the largest portion of credit.

Gas on the 5

2009-08-07T16:14:00.001-07:00

It's highway robbery....can you imagine? $3.79 a gallon O.k. so where did this atrocity happen? The 5 and the Stockdale Highway...and yes we did pay the ransom.

Los Banos was a little better....#2.79 if you pay with cash $2.99 if you pay with a credit card....

note to self: when you come up with Sam check gas prices.

Empty Nest or Revolving Door

2009-08-07T13:39:00.000-07:00

So June was a very busy month...I went up to Davis to help Sam come down a day later she was down in Redondo Beach working for Camp Menorah. Then we took Ashleigh to Camp (she is a counselor now) then a quick trip to New York for business and then San Francisco for our anniversary and my birthday. After that we thought it would be a leisurely summer of breakfast, work, walks and time to do what we wanted to .... o.k. so we thought wrong

So we came home from San Francisco on a Monday and Ashleigh was home on a day off on Wednesday for 21 hours so by Thursday noon 1:30 she was gone.

But not for long...we had 4th of July to ourselves (and it was good) but then we had kids again...Sam came home for a weekend then Ashleigh was back for intersession and then Same came home with friends ....and then Morgan Arrived

While she was here we had another meeting of the Big Girls Club, a trip to Olivero Street and a ride with Shomer in the convertible. And just a quick as she was here ...she was gone but it was a great trip.

But we would not be alone for long Morgan left on Tuesday and Ash came home on Wednesday and left on a Thursday and then Sam came home on Thursday night and Barry took her to the airport today for a quick trip to Vegas....(Happy Birthday Julia), Celia leaves for Vegas tonight, Sam comes home Monday Morning and then leaves for Georgia, Ash will be home on Tuesday and then leave on Wednesday, Sam will get home Sunday and leave for camp on Monday...Ash gets home from Camp on Aug 19 Sam is done with camp on the 21st....and then we leave for Davis on the 29th....do you think Shomer is as dizzy as I am?.

Just like last year ...well kind of

2009-08-07T11:27:00.000-07:00

Empty nest or revolving door I was planning on one and ended up with the other....my days and nights alone with my hubby and the dog....well they have been very few and far between... but this weekend it will be different.....o.k. no it won't we just won't be at home we will be on the South Fork of the American River with about 75-80 of our best friends (well maybe). So those of you who followed our adventures last year knew about our first river rafting trip, and we had such a good time that we are doing it again this year. Just like last year we will be going with River Runners And just like last year I am blogging on the ride...so what is different? well because we were speaking so highly of the trip last year and how much fun we had Christine, Leslee and Michelle from the office are going to join us.

yes that is them behind us.

Michell and Leslee are driving and Christine gets to ride in the back sea

4th of July one year later

2009-07-03T08:09:00.000-07:00

This weekend one year ago I started building my little terrace garden.... no one was around and the time was right so my garden was started. and maybe if I was lucky I would get something to grow. Well lets just call last year my learning year I had a nice little harvest that was good for for one meal. But that was last year...

but lets move on to March of 2009 when I planted my new little garden with tomatoes, pumpkins, artist gourds, garlic, spearmint, yellow squash and zucchini. I hoped that maybe one or two would take...but I had no idea of what was about to happen.... this year was going to be a little different than last

I was very excite when by May 31 the first two bins of my garden were really starting to finally starting to grow...I even planted a few more tomatoes plants from Howard Gertz in in the third bin and everything was good.

but then things started to change I should say grow and on June 11 I noticed that the pumpkin and gourds were starting to creep into the next bin and you could see the growth every 12 hours... and then the tomatoes also started to grow

on June 12th I went up to Davis to help Sam move back b ack home for the summer.

we were back home by June 14

I found that there was a pumpkin and the tomatoes were starting to ripen

but then I also realized how big the pumpkin plan was starting to get.

by June 18th the plants were growing into the third bin and we jokingly started to call the plants Audrey 2.

on June 20th Barry and I left for New York and Audrey was just growing up the wall of the third bin

but 3 days later when we got home Audrey had already gone up and over the wall and was creeping into the third bin

we were home for 2 days only to leave on June 26th for San Francisco for a long weekend

but the fact that I was not home didn't stop Audrey from taking over

So when we left Audrey has started over into the third bin

but when we came home

we found that Audrey had taken over and was moving into the fourth bin. I don't know when she will stop but I am not sure how safe it is for Shomer to go with me when I water.

well I will update this as the summer goes on.

so much traveling and so little blogging

2009-06-29T16:01:00.000-07:00

so much traveling and so little blogging..... but as part of my birthday (yes today is the day) resolution I will try to catch up.... so where have I been and what have I been up to?

well last week we were in New York for business and a little bit of family on Fathers Day. and then this weekend we (the we is Barry and me) are in San Francisco for our 11th anniversary and my 50th birthday.

So we did the touristy thing went to the wharf and had treif I know I will repent starting tomorrow. We also had the pleasure of celebrating with Gary, Holly and Erica on Saturday night at North Beach Restaurant, delicious not inexpensive but definite value for your dollar. If you are looking for good Tuscan food then this is the place (and if you are using mass transit, take the 30 bus and exit on Stockton, at Columbus)

So we didn't plan it this way but the Gay Pride Parade was this weekend (Gary, Holly and Erica were even walking in it) so we did what any tourist would ...we went to the parade but those pictures (that I can actually post) will have to be for another time.

So it's review time where did we eat and what did we do...

so breakfast came with all kinds of recommendations Sears Fine Dining well it was good but not great...now great was Max's we actually at there twice in the city and the Barry got a pastrami sandwich from them at the airport, Sammie you want deli you need to come here.

We went for a ride (3 times) on the Cable Car it was fun to just stick the camera up in the air and take pictures...(that is when you really appreciate digital cameras, cause what ever you don't like you get rid of)

So we were down on the wharf on Friday and Saturday. On Saturday we went on the Red and White Bay Cruise it was nice we really enjoyed it just letting someone else tell you what you were looking at. When we first came out of the harbor we could see the Golden Gate Bridge.... but then as we went under the bridge (at least they said it was there) it disappeared into the fog.....

But we had a great time took a lot of pictures...I even let Barry use the camera...

I think that might have been a mistake......, there is something to be said about being on the other side of the camera.

Bringing Sam South

2009-06-13T06:52:00.000-07:00

Nothing too eventful..just a town full of caps and gowns ...it is graduation weekend, but the only real effect it had on the plan is that there are no hotel rooms in Davis....So we are in Sacramento staying at a Four Points...very nice,, completely off the beaten path the gps says the address doesn't even exist but still very nice.

Ahhh but I have gotten off track ( I know what else is new) so Sam met me at the airport after an evening of celebrating (yes she is 21) the end of the term and that her 21st birthday fell during finals so they couldn't celebrate...

after a quick stop at Home Depot for some supplies we were back at Sam's Sorority House

to deal with the task at hand.... getting Sam packed up for the summer and bring her home.

This would be the before picture.

So we packed a little and then stop for lunch and to meet up with Adi at the Black Bear Diner and we even went to see Sam and Adi's new apartment

Yes that second floor balcony is theirs ....

so is the one little staircase to bring everything up....
but you will have to stay tuned to the blog for further updates on the apartment in September.

but I digress (again) we packed most of Friday and then went to Sacramento to sleep a brand new Shereton Four Points near the airport....

very nice but the only place I could find with
vacancy's because of graduations weekend.

so this was the before picture

and this is the after one.

21 years ago

2009-05-31T20:29:00.001-07:00

21 years ago she joined the family tiny, suntan, quiet and a full head of hair, the curls didn't come until a few weeks later.

She took her sweet time before she talked... yeah I know you would never believe that know.

she loved to be a the beach..... just a week short of her first birthday and look at those curls

...and her hair and curls kept growing

and for that matter so did she in to a beautiful

18 year old and finally in to

and now before I knew what happened another one of my little girls is now 21.

Regional Convention is a STS USY Sweep!

2009-05-26T20:08:00.000-07:00

Could it have been any better.... Well yes it could I could have been there but then we would have missed Morgans graduation but other than that how much better could it have been.

We had Sarah, Kokasi and Igaal here to share the event.

Ashleigh nominated Sarah as President of Far West Region and Sarah won, so did David Weingarten as Regional VP of Mem/Kad, Gil ChenZion is the VP of Israel Affairs and Matt Alfaso is the VP of Communications.

but that's not all......

Scott was named USY Director of the year, Molly Kestin received the Citizenship Award and Ashleigh looked really cute in her dress (here I was sitting in the Orlando airport and everyone was sending me text's and facebook messages that she looked great but no one sent me a picture, but doesn't she look great).

And last but not least they received the "Chapter of Excellence"

STS USY - Rocks!!!!!

We are in Florida

2009-05-23T21:17:00.000-07:00

o.k. so we have actually been in Florida for a few days.... We are here for Morgans Graduation...

yes you read that right Morgan is a graduate... but more about that in another entry...

this entry is about a great BBQ joint that we found right across the parking lot from the hotel

Sonny's BBQ Pitt ohhh so good.

We enjoyed it so much that we ate there Friday night (just Barry and me) and then we had dessert there after Morgans graduation That would have been Barry, Nathan and me.

But Barry liked it so much (o.k. so did I) that we went back there tonight for dinner and it was still just as good.

The other part of Sonny's that we truly enjoyed was the service that we received from Paige. She was just so much fun and very helpful.

and very funny.... so Paige when you read this we looked for you on facebook but do you know how many Paiges there are? 20 pages worth so you need to find us.

And We Have A Graduate

2009-05-23T13:48:00.000-07:00

At approximately 8:45 p.m. on Friday May 22, 2009 Morgan Elizabeth Cohn became a graduate, with Honors (note the tassels and medallion). And even though we had some pretty torrential rains at about 3:30 earlier that day I kept talking to Wadah and Bubbie Celia (both of blessed memory) asking that it not rain on her night....and they did it, they took care of her and did not let it rain.

Everyone was there Morgan (of course), Nathan,

Barry (he isn't a proud Papa is he?),

Bronwen (that would be mom), David (that would be step-dad), Vern and Geri (that would be David's Parents no pictures),

Precious and Star (the service dogs)

and Me ( I really was there just no pictures to much frizz).

Visitors from afar

2009-05-20T21:21:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday May 12 at about 12:30 in the afternoon I received a text that said "They Have Arrived" I know who are they? Where are they from and Why are they here?

Well the who are they part is easy ....

they are (from Left to right) Sarah Perachim, Kokasi, David Weingarten (he is from here) and Igaal Sizomu.

The Where part is not that difficult either:

They are part of the Abuyudaya tribe from Nabagoye, Uganda. Igaal's father Rabbi Gershom Sizomu was our (Shomrei Torah Synagogue) Rabbinic Intern while he was studying to become a Rabbi and who is now the First Chief Rabbi of Uganda. Anyway I digress ...

The Why are they here part? well that is a little more detailed:

The reason that Sarah, Igaal and Kokasi are in town is because David Weingarten President of our USY chapter thought that it would be a great thing if we Shomrie Torah USY because a sister chapter to the Jewish Youth of the Abuyudayan and helped them start their own Chapter.

So Sarah, Igaal and Kokasi have been out here in L.A. for two and a half weeks learning all about how our chapter works, staying with different USY families ,
Sarah actually stayed with us ....she even got to spend time with Shomer...they had a good time together

They saw the Jewish sites in Los Angeles, promoting the crafts if their village , going to Far West Regional Convention and probably the most important thing

They went to Disneyland

a mothers day moment

2009-05-10T21:46:00.000-07:00

I have often said that if I need one day for my children to acknowledge what I have done as a mother than I have not done a good job....and it has been just another day.

But the day is an opportunity for me to thank those who made me a mother Celia, Nathan, Samantha, Morgan and Ashleigh and because without them to love and share with it would be a very boring life. I also want to thank my mom who taught me by example how to be a great mom and when the time is right how to be a great Bubbie.

Just one more year

2009-05-05T06:58:00.000-07:00

How else should you celebrate a 17th birthday?

She wasn't actually suppose to be here until June....but far be it from Ashleigh to follow someone elses schedule and at 12:03 in the morning on Tuesday the 5th of May I ended my childbearing years with Ashley (that was the original spelling) Tucker also known as Esther Yisraella. She was named for my Grandmother Esther Johnson and her fathers Uncle Robert Eisenstein.

She was a sweet little girl who loved to climb in a chair and ask for a story

and over time she started to grow into an amazing young lady

we have had the pleasure of celebrating her birthday over the years

and the fact that she was born on a holiday recognized by people other than her family can make for a very interesting celebration.

Especially since she would take Persian food over Mexican food any day. Unless Bubbie is letting her taste her Margarita...a little earlier than 21st birthday.

So this year...my co conspirator (Lloyd) and I decided that the proper way for Ashleigh to celebrate her birthday would be for us to fill her car with balloons and write a note or two on the outside so that everyone would know that our sweet little bundle of joy has grown up to be an amazing person.

She has some amazing insight and a great sense of humor. I am looking forward to the next 364 days before we set her loose on the world...and then look out.

A White Pair of Vans

2009-05-02T21:27:00.001-07:00

What do you do with a pair of white slip on vans?

well some people would say ...wear them

others might say to find some what to scotch guard them so they can stay white

but if you Ashleigh you say ..."why it's a blank canvas...I've got to paint them!!!!"

and that is what she did...

Now this wouldn't be the first time Asheligh decorated her tennis shoes. 2 years ago she did her first pair of white vans... but that was just her name.

So she gathered all my paints and brushes, planed it out and then went to work

The details that she put into this is very impressive, each shoe is different...one has Jerusalem on the heal and the other has Los Angeles....

She even pays tribute to her Pilgrimage group also known as "The 808"

I have no idea how she comes up with some of her designs all I can tell you for certain is that I am sooo glad we have a replacement for the first pair of white vans she altered.

The Big Girls Club

2009-04-11T16:53:00.001-07:00

Wow, when I think back to these 5 cousins when they first got together they were so young,

but time has an amazing way of moving on no matter how hard we try to make it stand still, it doesn't happen...

which is how I ended up going from pictures called Formation (everyone lining up in age order)

Way back in 1996 they were Celia (12), Nathan (10),

Samantha (8), Calli (7), Morgan (6) and Ashleigh (4).

This is them in 1999 Celia (14), Nathan (12), Samantha (10),

Calli (9), Morgan (8) and Ashleigh (6).

but time marches on and the girls keep growing so in 2006 we did one more formation shot just for old times sake Celia (21), Samantha (18), Calli (17), Morgan (16) and Ashleigh (14)

In July of 2006 we were not sure if or when we would ever get them all together again so it we had to just be able to enjoy who ever was together when we could.

so we now have The Big Girls Club

Celia (24), Samantha (20), Calli (19), Morgan (18) and Ashleigh (16)

I know that we will have many more adventures from them

catch up time

2009-04-01T09:23:00.000-07:00

oh my gosh!!!! it has been 6 weeks and I apologize time just seems to be going faster and faster... so here is the quick up date with more details and pictures to follow:

Celia and I arrived home she started her new job and she has already moved to her own apartment Ashleigh is glad to have her bathroom back... but not for long becasue this Saturday Morgan will be out for spring break.

This will be Morgans last visit under the auspices of the court orders since she turned 18 in January and she will graduate in May! Yeah although we are still in waiting to hear from colleges window

Samantha came down for her spring break went to Palms Springs for 3 days came back home and went back to Davis for the spring semester but she will be back for Passover

Ashleigh has wheels...yes that right she drives so we never see her and she will be spending the summer the whole summer up at camp as a Madrich (Jr counselor) so we will be empty nesting again. I am making my list.

So I am hoping for a little peace tonight and I will give you more details and some pictures.

Day 3 Here We Go

2009-02-12T12:26:00.000-08:00

So last night was wonderful time with Sam, the Sigma Girls and Rodney....but all good things muct come to an end and this night was not any different...so we all went our respective ways to finish papers or get some sleep.

But this morning Celia, Samantha and I got together for breakfast at Ciocolat. It was so nice to have quiet time together to visit over a nice cup of tea.

It was really nice because we could also have Sammie all to oursleves ....

but alas we must continue on our quest for the warmer weather of home and Sammie to finish her paper....

but before we parted we gave Sammie a VooDoo doughnut...imagine our suprise when we got back to the car to find Celia's orchid trying to climb into the pink box

We Made it to Davis

2009-02-11T22:26:00.000-08:00

We finally made it to Davis and then to the Sigma House to wait for Sammie.....

We sat around and waited and waited and waited and finally Sammie came home and we were able to give her all the stuff we had for her.

After we handed out the gifts it was finally time for dinner...at Burgers and Brew..... we had a Brie plate that was soooo good.

I've escaped

2009-02-11T16:29:00.001-08:00

they opened the five at 12:38 and I saw my chance....

25 miles and I would be out of Oregon....

a chance at warm weather

but first I had to get through Siskyou Pass and past the California Border Guard....

yes Virgina (or anyone else) there are guards on the Northern California Border .... and they weren't sure if they were going to let me in ....

to think that I traveled this far and was dragged in and out of the car to stay warm and they might not let me in but Renee promised that I would only go in a house and not outside so they thought about it and discussed it amongst the bunch of them and they let me in...

Warm Weather Here I Come

Beautiful Ashland Oregon

2009-02-11T11:06:00.000-08:00

yes I know .... your asking yourself what am I doing writing about Ashland when I have just (2 hours ago) left Medford and have reservations for Davis tonight.

Well I guess we forgot to discuss our plans with the Shekinah and she decided we (and a lot of other people) needed to stop and see Ashland.

So here we sit in the wonderful lobby of the Ashland Holiday Inn Express. Waiting to see if the road will open. Our decision time is 2:00 this afternoon, to if we stay or if we go now.....

Our quest for nicer weather

2009-02-10T21:19:00.000-08:00

We have landed... for the night in Medford...and the idea of not being behind the wheel is very nice.

but I am getting ahead of myself....

So how did our day start....

well after the voodoo experience we packed the car and waited for "beautiful" to arrive for one last goodbye....

are you asking who is "beautiful"?

lets just say she helped Celia stay sane until she could get back to LA

With the baby well hugged we made our way out the door and down the road.... to start our drive now and what a drive it is

While the mom drives...the kid blogs

2009-02-10T16:30:00.000-08:00

As you all probably guessed by the title, Renee (mom) is driving and I have taken over the bloggging responsibilities for now.

I will say that it is very nice to have a break from the road and the rain. Yes, for a brief moment in time today we have seen the sun. I am sitting in the passanger seat of my own very full car and realizing that I dotn have the same knack for blogging as my mother does.

I am having a hard time figuring out what to blog about and I wonder if that has anything to do with how tired I am or if I am just not that creative. I think the first.

So, I think I am going to take a break and maybe a nap.

:)

When in Portland you have to VooDoo

2009-02-10T15:14:00.000-08:00

It's 4:00 in the morning and I am starting my day...by having The Bear take me to Burbank Airport to go up to Portland.

By 10:00 I have arrived at the Portland airport and was met by Celia.... and as per the suggestions of many people on Facebook....I asked her to take me to VooDoo Donughts the Magic is in the Whole.

Now with a place as well known as Voodoo you would think that she had been there before (after all she had been in Portland for 2 1/2 years), but noooo Celia is a Voodoo virgin...so we shared the experience together.

Sam the box is done with you in mind

It is this little hole in the wall place tiny but packed with people and all kinds of doughnuts... some standards with fancy Portland names ....like Portland Cream (that would be a Maple Glazed Eclair)

but then there are other... like a Bacon Maple Bar, Old Dirty Bastard, Dirty Snowballs and there are sooooo many more that you will just have to check it out.... but there was one that caught our attention... the Cock&Balls..... the name describes it all and yes it is cream filled.....you would think that I took a picture right..... wrong... I was to busy laughing and completely forgot. So I guess that you will have to come up and get your own.

So put this on your list for the next time your in Portland.... you must try VooDoo Doughnuts.

it is a cold wet rainy or snowy day

2009-02-10T14:51:00.000-08:00

but we have started our way out of Portland..... who is the we you ask?

that would be Celia and me...

oh yeah and a car full of stuff..... as Celia put it her whole life was reduced down to 12 boxes and 3 suitcases.

I don't know if you remember but about 2 1/2 years ago Celia left Warm Sunny Southern California for Portland Oregon for a new life....but as you might remember back in May the wedding didn't happen. So when that didn't happen it was time for plan B....which would be moving back to California.

it took a little time but she is coming back on her terms....employed and with a plan.

so at 6:00 the morning I left for Portland I arrived at 10:00 and we were on the road by 2:00 ... so here we go again my favorite thing to do when going on a road trip .... I blog.

as our time winds down

2009-01-18T20:42:00.000-08:00

I have not given enough blogspace to our friends the reason we are here...it's one of those stories where when you look back you realize that our paths were meant to cross..... many years ago (1997) there was an ad in our old synagogue newspaper (the issue announcing Celia's Bat Mitzvah) offering a house for sale.... 5 bedrooms and the Las Virgenes school district ...we went to check it out....

and the rest is history...Leslie was the Realtor that was offering the house and she ended up being the Realtor that was buying the house and then she did Marty and Stacy's house and Bubbie's house and then David and Tracy's house and then we coined her the official Realtor to the Glickman-Cohn family...but she was more than that she became a member of the family she also became famous for her slut sweaters...

Just about the time we moved into Indian Hill Lane .... Leslie and Bill moved to Oxnard.... not just Oxnard but the Beach in Oxnard it was a fabulous house full of art and antiques and just all kinds of stuff that screamed Leslie and Bill. But they were not there for long... because shortly after they got everything situated Bill retired (kind of according to plan) and they followed their son to Portland Oregon.... yes the same Portland that Celia is in (and having them up their was a relief when she moved up there) but Portland as we all know is cold in the winter months (we really do cause we have visited them twice in Nov, it is cold)...very very cold soooo when it gets snowy and cold where should you go? why Palm Springs of course....which brings us to this trip.... to see Bill and Leslie and Maddie