Escape to Squaw

Over the weekend Bob and I went to Squaw Valley for some well deserved rejuvenation. We parked in Tahoe City and biked the few miles to Squaw just to take in the perfect weather and beautiful surroundings. The best part was meeting the Gimpel clan for Oktoberfest in the village. I really enjoyed the people watching... believe me there were some interesting people to watch. Before riding back the next day (with headaches in tow), Bob and I treated ourselves to a morning at the spa. If only I took a picture of Bob getting his facial with "the hot chick" as he so excitedly put it. Anyway enjoy these few pictures. Alison -many shots will look familiar as I did some one click shopping off your blog (THANKS : ) )

Cheesy poses by the Truckee River

Bob by his meadow of childhood memories. Living here with his Mom, he explored every inch of this area. It is definitely the one place he feels closest to Lisa.

Let the games begin!! Bob had a grand time at Oktoberfest... this also could account for his headache the next day

Even Ayla got into the festivities!!! I fully appreciate that Ross understands what is developmentally appropriate for his child.

The girls and I solving all the problems in the world

A final shot before going home to our lovely children, fabulous jobs, and responsibilities

Mr.and Mrs. Uncle Don

Tonight my Uncle Don married his long time girlfriend Chris. Ever since I met her a couple years ago, I knew they were meant to be. The wedding was at The Seasons Bed and Breakfast in Placerville and was the perfect setting for their union. It was wonderful to share this special night with them. Congratulations to them both!!!

A first dance as husband and wife

Macy and my cousin Abbey

The Smart Ass Gene runs in the family

Macy posing with the bouquet

A Day on the River

Just before school started, a group of us went rafting for our last day of summer freedom. It was great to spend time with everybody outside of school. It turns out that I work with some very fun people... who would of thought? We started from Camp Lotus and ended eleven miles down the river at Salmon Falls Bridge. The trip was such a hit that we are looking forward to going again next year!

Rick working hard to inflate our raft.

Jim and I before we left... He is a great special ed. teacher, and an even better river rafting guide. It's nice to have such expertise on staff!!!

Lorrie and I taking a break... and we hadn't even left yet.

Rick and Linda smiling because they will soon be returning back to work to train a whole new group of lost pups...

One disappointment of the day was our principal could not make the trip as planned. Jim drew an uncanny likeness of Ralph on the bailing bucket. As Ralph said "He was full of it all day long". At least he wore his life jacket. Safety first of course. The rafters beside us at lunch thought we were a little insane posing with a bucket until we explained we're teachers. That seemed to put everything in perspective for all the bystanders.

The group... left to right- Lorrie, "Ralph", Janice, Jim, Rick, Janie, Kim, Linda, Stephen, Sharee, Scott (our other awesome guide), and Dina

When you marry a teacher...

When you marry a teacher they will use you for all that your worth. In Bob's case, he has created many of my bulletin boards, volunteered in the classroom, served as the friendly forester guest speaker, and corrected more than a paper or two. I just "commissioned" him (at no cost) to create a mural for my reading program. I had an old book shelf that I tried to get the maintenance man to fix for the last year that got a total makeover. Well, I fixed that shelf alright!!! I bet next time I ask somebody to fix something in my room it will get done rather quickly in fear that I might paint it!!! This will definitely brighten up my classroom!!!! Thanks Bob

The artist and his Masterpiece

My program is called Rainbow Readers... since it has been named that for over ten years (and for the fact that I can't think of another cutesy name ), I feel committed to keeping it.

Stormbird Sighting

Here's another one of those classic Bob photos. We forgot to add this to the Stormbirds reunion post. While I thought this was a chicken head to match Bob's chicken legs. Bob was quick to correct me... It's a cardinal. My bad. I guess if this music thing doesn't work out, he can become Santa Cruz High School's mascot.

First Day of School Past and Present

Today Jack started third grade!!!!! Where does the time go? As a tradition, we take a first day picture at home. My how he has grown...

Kindergarten

First Grade

Second Grade ... this is a week before we had to put Sadie down. We all knew the end was near, including Jack who wanted to stay with his dog instead of going to school. Sniff Sniff -tear-tear-tissue

Today.... as a third grader.

Here's to another school year!!!!

AP NEWS: Stormbirds Reunite

S T O R M B I R D S

AP California: On August 8,9,and 10 the rock band Stormbirds met in Santa Cruz to play their original music from 1987 and 1988. The reunion was low key and only those close to the band knew the secret studio location deep in the bowels of Santa Cruz High School.

“We didn’t want any frenzied attention that would distract us from having a good time and making music,” said Twig, the bands bass player. “You know how the media outlets are always finding the negative in everything, and they didn’t even offer to purchase our secret photos,” added Twig. The Stormbirds lead guitarist Elk arranged the weekend meeting saying, "It's important to just get together and see how we all get along." Elk added, " If great music comes out of this then we have succeeded and proven to our dedicated fans that the Stormbirds still have it." Elk masterminded the meeting site and arranged recording equipment along with his extraordinary engineering skills.

The bands' lead singer Leaf came primed and ready to not only sing the songs but express the energy and spontaneous emotion brought on by many of their original songs. Leaf was satisfied with how the reunion went and was heard exclaiming "we came and f**ked a rocket!"
The sometimes exuberant lead singer known for his imaginative use of prosthetics, broken glass, and other implements of creativity needed to be constantly calmed by his bandmates to save his vocal chords.
Knuckles, the drummer proved his ability to sustain the backbone rhythm just like in the era of spandex pants and big hair. "You know," said Knuckles "We just were ahead of our time and groups like Poison and Bon-Jovi needed their space." The Stormbirds played most of their original songs including a blistering version of hypnotized which brought both Knuckles and Elk to their knees."We were totally sprawled out on the ground sweating like the salty dogs we are," added Elk. Leaf fully produced all the emotion needed on the truly disturbing song Babys' Judgement and continued to ride the wave through several other songs like Runnin Blues, After the Fire, Pacific Bridge, Counterfeit Love and Suicide.

On Sunday morning the members met to talk about their successful Santa Cruz session and vowed to do it again at a yet to be disclosed location in Northern California. Leaf and Twig agreed that there may be promise to pursue a gig for our limited hardcore fans in a public venue.

After 20 years there is one thing for sure- The Stormbirds still rock!









The Stormbirds would also like to provide a big thanks to everybody in Elks' family for providing the most professional gig space you could find in Santa Cruz, all the good food, and a great lawn to crash on.