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