Donavon Frankenreiter – Belly Up

I got a Belly Up email notifying me I won tickets to Donavon, one of his surfboards, a meet-and-greet, and a Billabong wetsuit just hours before his sold-out concert.

I contacted a number of people to see if they were interested in going. Not one taker. Lame friends.

Donavon plays a laid-back vibe concert. I was told to stick around after the encore, and after about 15 minutes I was escorted back to meet-and-greet. Donavon was cordial and signed the surfboard.

 Everyone in the bar was oohing and ahh-ing the board as I walked out from the Belly Up. The next day, I got an email from Billabong asking for an address and size for a new wetsuit.

Sometimes you win.

Gaelic Storm – Belly Up

I caught some of their September 2008 show in Albany.  Quite energetic so I splurged $18(!!!) for a Belly Up concert.  Wow!  Gaelic Storm really puts on a concert and must be seen live.

 Their finishing encore number was completed from the Belly Up’s bar.

Gordon, Wendy, Christopher, Benjamin, And Mesi Visit For A Week

Always good times when they visit, which is about every third year. On past tours have been: zoo, pizza port, beach, and a Torrey Pines hike. This year’s additional tour stops are Wild Animal Park and Lego Land. I had gotten discounted zoo, Wild Animal Park, and Lego land tickets through work. G&W rented a suburban assault vehicle, a Toyota Sienna (AKA “Swagger Wagon”).

I was worried about not having enough bed space with the addition of another child. Wendy told me the kids were fighting over who got to sleep on the floor. Why do I worry about these things?

Saturday we traveled to Quail Gardens. None of us had been there before. We got to see many types of bamboo and succulents. At the first pond, we saw the king frog having a pawn frog lunch.



It's Good To Be The King Frog.  Not So Good For Other Frogs.


Sunday we hiked Torrey Pines then traveled to la Jolla Shores for kayaking.

Torrey Pines

Each adult was paired with a kid for the two-person kayaks. The ocean swells were big enough that cave exploring was not permitted. Ben and I had a false start due to broken back support. The waves were big enough to pay attention to; you don’t want to get sideways when the waves come in (more on this later). We traveled out a bit into the La Jolla cove, riding the ocean swells. A large lea lion was perched on a cave entrance until a large wave washed him off. We watched as he swam out to sea by us. As we were paddling back to La Jolla shores, a kayak guide asked if we saw the leopard sharks – they were closer to shore than we were earlier. So we traveled in closer while keeping an eye on the ocean swells becoming waves. We did see several sharks swim underneath. Way cool. And we had some large swells lift and drop the kayaks. This works fine if you are pointing towards the waves. Apparently, Wendy got sideways, a wave approached, and you can guess the rest - Wendy and Christopher were washed out.

Wendy And Christopher Before The Dunk

After lots of laughing, they managed to get back into the kayak and out past the waves. As for the beach landing, Wendy again got caught turning the kayak so she and Christopher were again washed out. All laughs until Christopher is run over by the kayak. Ben and I stay out until Gordon and Mesi successfully beach their kayak. Then Ben and I surf to the beach. Onshore, Christopher is traumatized and can barely stand on the injured leg. I mouth to Wendy, “should I carry Christopher?”. Wendy smiles and shakes her head No. Less than 5 minutes later Christopher is in a full sprint up and down the beach. He heals quickly.

Monday we traveled to the zoo. Afterward, we had an early dinner at an Ethiopian restaurant in North Park. This was my first time having Ethiopian. We had two large pie-type shells with a bread/pancake bottom and dollops of various foods on the bread/pancake. You would pull off a piece of the bread then pinch in some of the food. Very tasty and spicy.

Tuesday we traveled to the Wild Animal Park. Beautiful grounds. The giraffes were impressive. We stopped by Rene’s workplace ‘Realm’ in Carlsbad, for drinks and dinner that evening. Realm is a wine bar. Yes, we took three kids to a wine bar. G&W bought a wine case to be shipped home. And everyone but me made plans for breakfast on Wednesday. I would be working that day, and G&W+kids would be going to Lego land.

Wednesday, I worked. G&W+kids and Rene met at Panakins Encinitas for breakfast. They got to see Tony Hawk (skateboard guy) stop in for coffee. Rene said that G&W+kids have to stay at her place on a future visit; Ben responded that Rene had to have a place for Randy also since Randy is part of the family. Ha-ha. Then G&W+kids took off for Lego land. Prior to their visit I had lukewarm reports on Lego land, but they came back with high approvals.

Thursday, I worked and they played around. After work, we met up at Pipes beach and traveled to Fletcher’s Cove for sunset.

Mesi And Me Playing Step Where I Step

It was their last night in town so dinner was at Pizza Port.

They had an early AM Friday flight. My place is now w-a-y too quiet. On the way to the airport, Christopher asked Gordon “why can’t Randy come back home with us?”.

Wendy had prepared me before arrival, that the kids were really into Legos (hence the Lego land visit). So I picked up a few Legos kits for the visit. The kids designed my next beach house. Until then they really liked the ‘Randy’s Rocking Ranch’.

Most mornings and evenings were study time.


Study Time @ Randy's Rocking Ranch



I liked that idea so I used those times to also study. And most dinners and study times were accompanied by a nice bottle of wine. This gave me a chance to open up the Unti and Rochioli bottles I had stashed away.

Throughout the week I got subtle parenting pointers. Mesi would ask, “What time was it?” – and after a few times Wendy pointed out that Mesi really didn't understand time. But she knew asking me would get my attention, and then we would talk. And I also learned Mesi and I cannot sit next to each other to eat. One or both of us would not finish the meal. Interesting stuff.

My place is too quiet. I find it hard to wait another 3 years for their next visit.

More Pics From Gordon And Wendy And Kids October 2010 Visit

Calexico – Belly Up

Calexico brought their Mexican infused, intricate tunes to the Belly Up show for the princely sum of $20. At one point there were 13 people on stage, all contributing to the tune. Gotta like a band that uses a xylophone.

I have the same boardshorts.

I walked to the Del Mar Dog Beach for the 5th annual Dog Surf-A-Thon. There was the expected large crowd of humans and dogs alike. My neighbor Dana was one of the judges. The crowd was into it, with loud Oohs and Ahhs as the dogs got rides. Some dogs were styling, surfing backwards, sitting down, and some walking up the surfboard nose.

Dog Surf-A-Thon Pics

Supporting Local Artists

I think commissioning local artists w/ chalk is working out.

Porcupine Tree @ 4th & B

Listening to Radio Paradise has expanded my list of preferred musical acts and living in SoCal affords me the chance to catch the more obscure tours. Porcupine Tree has a hard-edged, complex drive.

I was surprised to see them come to San Diego as an opening act at 4th and B. Everyone was frisked by security upon entry – yes, we are downtown. PT played with an abundance of energy and VOLUME! It’s wrong to think they can create the complexities in a live show that comes from a CD but they made up with it by LOUD PLAYING!

My ears are still ringing. Looking over the crowd, I think I may have been the oldest person there.

Sacred Craft Surfboard Show

'Da Bull' and Mike Hynson

Sacred Craft moved from the Del Mar location to the downtown convention center. Not that I need another surfboard but I went anyway.

I did see a Gordon & Smith board I liked. And I did spot a number of old-school surfers: Robert August, Wingnut, Mickey Munoz, Mike Hynson, and ‘Da Bull’ Greg Noll.

Anyone that travels with me knows that I tend to over-plan and overpack.


Jasmine and I traveled to San Onofre for some tasty waves. Barely had room for us!

Level 42 @ The Belly Up

You forget how good some of the older bands are.  Worth the $20 admission.

Sierra The Surf Dog

More artwork on my driveway. I had to ask that Sierra, AKA The Surf Dog, would sit in for a photo opportunity.

Sierra does not really surf. But she is a cool dog anyway.

My New Ride – NOT!

Mike and Tish invited several people downtown to experience the Comic-Con vibe and have a BBQ. We met at their place, enjoyed a pint and snacks, and then walked with the crowds outside the convention center.

The car is from the upcoming Green Hornet movie. Well equipped, it appears to have been developed for driving on I-5 in rush-hour traffic.

Mike and Tish prepared a great BBQ. Two people from their building joined us for dinner.

The only bad experience was the trolley ride back to the car. Downtown parking is always bad but with Comic-Con going off, I chose to park at Qualcomm Stadium and shuttle downtown. Normally the way to go, but unexplained delays on the return to the Q took 1.5 hours. I told Jon that was my last trolley ride.

Psychedelic Furs @ Belly Up

Richard Butler and the Furs put on another great show at my local venue.

Hold Steady @ The Belly Up

So I had heard about Hold Steady on NPR as the best Bar Band in America. Hmmm. Are they worth the princely sum of $16?


Oh yeah. Prior to HS taking the stage, I talked to several people. Some recommended seeing them at a place called First Avenue in Minnesota (their hometown) but I would rather see them in NYC.

Great show. The band had great energy in spite of the Belly Up bad sound. Mental note: fight the crowd and move to the stage front.

Yes, worth the $16 and more.

Nosara, Costa Rica April 10-19

Randy and Bill visit Rob and Anne Kneeland at their new home in Nosara. Poor Bert, spring is a busy work time for Bert.

SAT: Bill & Randy met at Houston airport. Bill had a 5-hour layover, changed out of the hot long sleeve shirt. Rob and Anne picked us up at Liberia. CR airport. About a 2-¼ hour drive to their house with the last ½ hour on a pot-holed, rutted, unimproved dirt road. It just seemed to bang the hell out of his Hyundai Santa Fe. Bill had 20 hours from wake up to arrival at their house.

SUN: morning session in the white water for Bill. Rob and Randy worked past the head+ high waves. The session was followed by a light lunch and down time. Went back for an afternoon session. Hors d’oeuvre of imperials and shrimp served in the pool. Dinner of sea bass at Kneeland’s house. 10pm crash.

MON: wow, the surf just keeps getting bigger and bigger. Rob and Bill stayed in the white water since the surf was too big and steep. Randy got brave and went outside. Stopped for a sugar-bomb at the Paris café. Light lunch and some noon downtime. Skipped the afternoon surf session and went for a walk to Playa Paleda. Many honeybees washed up on the shore and Anne stepped on one. Bill immediately put on sandals. Happy hour and dinner at Casa De Kneeland.

TUES: drove up to WRSC and surfed at Grande (Carnaseta). 1 ¼ hour drive on a dirt road with one short paved section. Dirt road drops down into 6 rivers, which means in 2 weeks from now or after any heavy rainfall the road is impassable. Waves were mellower. Happy hour at WRSC. Went across the street to book a cheap room for Saturday night. Rob can’t drop us off at the airport on Sunday so we need to be within taxi distance. The guy at FT’s showed us a room and when we wanted to book it, he said just show up. When we said we would also need a taxi to the airport, he said he has this friend. How much? Small. Watched the first hard rain while driving back to Nosara. About an inch and a half fell into the pool in about 45 minutes. Dinner was at The Gilded Iguana. Great Thai shrimp and a band featuring Bill MacPhearson. Randy had the red snapper that was served head and all.

WED: Black sky and thunder were all morning. Just a threat, no storm. Got in our 10am morning and afternoon surf. Big turnout at the beach for sunset. For dinner, Rob picked up a pizza from Panchos. Awesome. 9pm crash.

THUR: another great morning session followed by a bamboo in the pool as we discussed where to go for lunch. The winner was a huge burrito from Panchos, then souvenir shopping and a nap. I needed a new rash guard and surf hat. Another sunset surf followed by another swim in the pool with bamboo and discussed dinner. Shrimp fettuccini dinner by Rob. Rob also stepped on a honeybee on the beach. Ouch.

FRI: early 6:30 am surf. 10am -3pm hung out at Rob’s place. Went to the beach for the sunset session but it was high tide and way too big. Even the short boarders were having a hard time getting out. Walked the beach, mainly in the surf due to fear of more honeybees. Did see 2 more on the sand. Dinner of blackened Dorian at Marlin Bill’s. 9pm crash.

SAT: up at 5am. Good morning session. The spot we picked to surf had several vultures on the beach, which were possibly waiting for us. Afterward, we had breakfast at Beach Dog café. Rob cannot drop us off at Liberia airport for our Sunday flight because he and Anne are flying out of San Jose the same day. Instead, Rob drove us to Tamarindo for the afternoon and night so we could catch a taxi to the airport on Sunday. Watched a man walk his 2 bulls down the road. Stayed at FT’s. (Across the street from WRSC). A scorpion bit Randy on his hand. It must have hitched a ride from Rob’s. He could feel his muscles tingle as the toxins passed through his body. A scorpion bit Rob on his butt while taking a shower earlier in the week. At about 7:20 pm we bought a trits ice cream sandwich. 10 minutes later the entire town lost power. Good timing on the ice cream purchase. The streets became dark and scary on a Saturday night so we turned around and headed home. Next time we need to carry a flashlight. The band at WRSC just started and was on their second verse when power went out.

SUN: Bill had a sunrise run on the beach. Then caught up with Randy for a long walk on the beach. Primarily killing time till 9:30am taxi ride to the airport. The desk guy at WRSC called a friend instead of a taxi to drop us off at the airport. $75. Randy’s flight was an hour earlier than mine. Got there early only to find out Bill’s flight was delayed for an extra hour. The outdoor open lobby is HOT. Easy 100 degrees plus the same in humidity. While waiting Bill had 1 Imperial, 1 Cuba libre, finished 3rd book and had a long discussion about a kindle. Seat A on the left side is very hot due to the sun however you get a great sunset. Bill flew directly to Newark and had to spend the night at Ramada. The airline made me pick up and keep my luggage overnight. Bummer. Took the air train to P4 to pick up hotel shuttle.

MON: Bill finished his flight to Syracuse. Continental express flies out of terminal A. Hotel shuttle dropped me off at P4 and then took the air train to terminal A. It was such a disorganized layout.



Symphony of sounds at Casa De Kneeland:

Kissing gecko, 2 tone chirps from birds, howling howler monkeys, the high pitch of heat bugs, croaking frogs


MISC:

When feet are wet, we are to do the towel shuffle across the tile floor. Tile is very slippery when wet

After our rainstorm, the next couple of day’s crabs appeared. A couple went for a swim in the pool. Rob scooped them out onto the ground. Shortly thereafter the pizote showed up and ate them.

Neighbor June is a great baker. She sent over a chocolate-topped key lime pie. Yum.

First time here in dry season. Normally we show up just at the end of the rainy season. Presently, the landscape is very brown, few trees have leaves, can see well into the forest preserve behind their house. The road to his driveway is all rutted up and this is before the rain washes it out. The main road was graded while we were here. That is nice but will need redoing come spring next year. They put down this concrete powder/liquid stuff on top of the road. That makes the road harder and smoother but will only last 1 year and then needs to be redone next year.

Rob was explaining about this 5” grasshopper he sprayed with a toxic killer. But instead of the grasshopper dying, it got pissed off and jumped onto Rob’s chest. A creature with a serious attitude.

More pictures are at:  Costa Rica April 2010 Trip Pics

Toshiba Classic @ Newport Beach w/ Corrie

Corrie called on Friday morning saying he has 2 tickets to the Toshiba Classic golf tournament in Newport Beach for Saturday. Count me in!

Rain was threatening so an umbrella and raincoat were packed. We got to the parking area as rain started coming down but cleared up when the bus dropped us at the gate. We picked up some freebies on the way in, mingled with the crowd and then walked most of the front 9.

Then we discovered our passes got us in the Toshiba tents. SCORE! Lunch and drinks at the 18 th hole viewing tent. Excellent view of the approach shots and puts. Two guys in the front row were nonstop on the beers. Hope there weren’t driving later.

The viewing tent crowd morphed into golf commentators and critics. Like we really know how to play better than the pros. Tom Watson, Fred Couples and Cory Pavin got the biggest crowd reception.

Tom Watson stopped by the Toshiba tent after finishing out. Classy guy: he posed for pics, signed autographs and talked with everyone.

Comical moment when leaving. Corrie, I and another person got on the wrong shuttle (surprise). As we were leaving Lot D, the other guy really started working on the shuttle driver to take us to Lot E. I am guessing that in TV script writing, this would have been labeled the Obnoxious Yuppie versus the Sassy, Dreadlocked Amazon Shuttle Driver scene.

A golf tournament, lunch/drinks AND free entertainment – a good day.  Thanks Corrie!

Asphalt Artwork

One of my neighborhood kids (I think Maggie) drew this in my driveway. Sad to see the rain will take it away so I had to get a pic. Isn’t it cute to see something like this?

El Nino Rain & Flooding

El Nino brought some serious rain and flooding. Rainwater collected at the base of the hill entrance to my condo world by the time I got home. I am guessing it was 1 – 2’ at that time. The next morning, debris indicated the water level was 6+’. Emergency personnel was blocking off that road since 4 cars had obviously been caught in the flood and abandoned, as well as pieces of fences and trees were in the road. One neighbor said she had to park away and wade through waist+ deep water to get home. This picture was taken at a higher point of the flooded road – notice the abandoned car. 18 cars tried to get through this flooded road and were abandoned.