Del Mar Horse Racing Opening Day

I decided to attend the racetrack opening day since I have a newfound free schedule.  The racing is a moot point; it’s the people watching and the scene that’s entertaining.  I saw outrageous suits, too small miniskirts matched with 5+ inch stiletto heels, fat cigars, and general bad behavior.

Steve Sherman was working and paying the price for having to wear a coat and tie.  He opened his jacket showing he was sweat-soaked in the upper 80's temperature

Sherm was working that day

And that's "The Hoff" making an appearance

Toad the Wet Sprocket @ Belly Up

Gotta love the ‘90’s music.

Last Day at Cymer/ASML

It was a great ride while it lasted.

Having started in October 1997, I worked as a contractor for 2 years before Joe Conway hired me in November 1999.  Many roles, many applications, many go-lives, and too many application retirements later I felt I needed to do something else.  So I told Alberto Avila in early May I was moving on and we settled on this date.

Somehow, having the last day of Friday the 13th seemed appropriate

Maureen and Elaine Visit

Maureen texted me saying that she and Elaine were visiting San Diego, and we decided we should get together somewhere for a drink.  Not knowing where they were staying (turns out to be Vista) or where they had dinner plans, I tried to work out an agreeable location and minimize Friday traffic impact.  It turns out they had dinner reservations at Jakes Del Mar.  Excellent choice, so I hopped on the beach cruiser and met them there.

We walked up to La Fornia for a glass of wine.  The sunset was awesome as we did some catching up on what has happened over the past 43+ years.  And it seems I have led a boring life, comparatively speaking.

Maureen, me, and Elaine.  They haven't changed since high school

Maureen and me going to the high school prom

Nicole Atkins @ Belly Up

Nicole was the opening act for ???? but I was there for her.  Nicole covers David Bowie’s Heroes with Postmodern Jukebox and that’s what got me to get a ticket.

She played with ace guitarist Steven Cooper. 

Wow.  What a voice.  Goodnight Rhonda Lee.

Switchfoot Bro-Am

Every year I bike to the Switchfoot Bro-Am and leave before Switchfoot takes the stage.  Too many people and the beach isn’t really a great concert venue. 

But this year I was invited to visit with Sara and Chris who live within walking distance to Moonlight Beach.  Others at the rental units were also socializing in the common veranda area.  And after a drink, we walked down to Moonlight to see the warmup bands.

Sara (with Amelia), Chris, and James

Chris Trapper at Lestat’s

I always enjoy a Chris Trapper concert.  And I am surprised he continues to come back since the crowd turnout is consistently small, like less than 40 (at the most).

The opening performers have been great.  Previously, Lisa Sanders opened for Chris and was in the crowd.  Mary Schotz was tonight’s opening act. 

Chris has witty banter between songs and it’s never the same.

Chris with Mary