Here Comes the Sun

More Chicago Shots

2010-12-19T15:10:00.000-08:00

The Surprise Visit

2010-12-19T14:45:00.000-08:00

Jack and Faye celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary. I flew in to Chicago and posed as their waitress at Smith & Wollensky in downtown Chicago. We had a wonderful time on the rainy Chicago day. It was great to reconnect with family and old friends.

4th Fun

2010-07-22T14:28:00.000-07:00

Sam at the Beach

2010-07-20T21:49:00.000-07:00

Meet the Challenge

2010-07-19T21:58:00.000-07:00

Outdoor Ed

2010-07-19T21:55:00.000-07:00

In May, Claire participated in a 3 night, 4 day Outdoor Ed experience. Mommy was a chaperone and we had a great time.

Goodbye 5th Grade!

2010-07-19T21:51:00.000-07:00

Claire said goodbye to her 5th grade classmates this June and it's off to Middle School in the fall.

Grandpa Jack is Famous

2010-05-13T13:03:00.000-07:00

Check it out at: www.cbs2chicago.com/someoneyoushouldknow

Sam's First Visit to the Snow!

2010-04-19T20:11:00.000-07:00

Hiking up Oat Hill Mine Trail

2010-04-19T20:01:00.000-07:00

Sam at the Dog Park

2010-04-19T19:54:00.000-07:00

Napa Hikes

2010-03-23T07:41:00.000-07:00

Big Boy

2010-03-20T11:46:00.001-07:00

Sam In Action

2010-03-01T18:47:00.000-08:00

Lord Sam

2010-02-21T19:53:00.000-08:00

Welcome Home

2010-02-07T11:47:00.000-08:00

Sam is enjoying acquainting himself with his new surroundings. He is very popular and has had many visits from friends and neighbors. He is handling his fame very well. He is a mellow puppy and likes people. We adore him!

Introducing Sam

2010-01-31T08:43:00.000-08:00

He will join our family next Friday. I've finally caved in....well, at least he's cute!

Saying Goodbye to 2009

2010-01-30T08:47:00.000-08:00

On the last day of 2009, we spent the day at the beach in Santa Cruz. It was a lovely way to end the year.

The Much Anticipated Day

2010-01-30T08:38:00.000-08:00

Ring Ring!

2010-01-30T08:22:00.000-08:00

Over Christmas break, Claire and Joey rang bells for the Salvation Army. They had a great time singing Christmas caroles and handing out candy (Joey's favorite part!).

Ice Skating with Snoopy

2010-01-30T08:16:00.000-08:00

Over Christmas break, we trekked over to Santa Rosa and went ice skating at the Charles Shultz ice skating arena. It was great exercise and great fun!

Posing for the Christmas Card

2009-12-21T16:26:00.000-08:00

My 15 Minutes of Fame

2009-12-16T20:27:00.000-08:00

Children sing, sign seasonal melodies - Vallejo Times Herald

Giving Thanks

2009-11-26T09:03:00.000-08:00

Greg Brown

2009-11-16T19:09:00.000-08:00

Yes, we were this close. He played some great ones: Kokomo, Canned Goods, You Drive Me Crazy, and Fat Boy Blues - just to name a few. He rocked!

Halloween Fun

2009-11-16T18:58:00.000-08:00

Bay Bridge Repairs

2009-11-10T21:13:00.000-08:00

Well, it's about time!

SF Waterfront

2009-11-10T21:05:00.000-08:00

A Visit with the Grandparents

2009-11-04T20:22:00.000-08:00

20 Years Ago

2009-10-19T19:49:00.000-07:00

In October of 1989, I moved to San Francisco and started a new job with MCI Telecommunications. I worked in the above pictured building on the 6th floor. The view from my cubicle was of the Bay Bridge, pictured below.

I started my new job on October 17, 1989. At approximately 5:04 p.m. as I was packing my things to head home, the building made a big jump and then started swaying dramatically back and forth. As the building jumped and rocked back and forth, I stood in a door jam and stared out the window at the Bay Bridge. The experience was quite breathtaking, both physically and visually.

I wasn't quite sure if this was a common occurrence and if it was, I certainly wasn't sure if I would be staying around to experience another. Once the shaking stopped, I learned that this was something very out of the ordinary. Something that doesn't occur regularly and hopefully won't happen anytime soon with the same magnetism. At any rate, I'm scratching my head now wondering how 20 years has slipped by!

Working Grandparents

2009-10-10T22:44:00.000-07:00

The Grandparents are here for a visit and we are keeping them active with cleaning projects around the house!

Hardly Stricktly Bluegrass Festival

2009-10-10T22:31:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, we ventured to Golden Gate Park in San Francisco and enjoyed the sun while listening to some of my favorite singer/songwriters. Guy Clark is pictured here singing either L.A. Freeway or Homegrown Tomatoes. We had a wonderful time and we were even able to meet up with Rochelle amongst the hords of people (750,000 attendees!).

Preparing for First Communion

2009-09-29T06:56:00.000-07:00

They're Coming to Take Me Away

2009-09-26T22:41:00.000-07:00

Harnessing the Power of the Sun

2009-09-26T16:05:00.000-07:00

Her First Falafel

2009-09-26T15:59:00.000-07:00

Delicious!

Ocean Critters

2009-08-24T21:34:00.000-07:00

One thing I forgot to mention about our 4th of July activities is that this little fellow decided to make an appearance to judge all of the sand creations. He was quite friendly; but, we all decided to keep our distance just to safe! Apparently, the seals have been coming up on shore lately. Some of our sources say they are not well and others say that they are healthy. We are not sure of the reason, but, he was cute and not at all violent. Oh and btw, he cast his vote for the Micheal Jackson creation!

Sand Creations

2009-08-24T21:21:00.000-07:00

I'm reflecting back in time to the fun we had celebrating the 4th of July in La Selva Beach. It seems like everything for us started in La Selva Beach. John and I first met in La Selva at a friend's beach party. We bought our first house in La Selva and we lived there when the children were small, moving to Napa when Joey was about 9 months old. We had a wonderful time visiting our friends, seeing people that we haven't seen in years and participating in all of the 4th of July activities.

One of our favorite activities was the sand creation contest. Team Kinion decided to make a tribute to Michael Jackson. Their creation was pretty amazing!

Saying Goodbye to Summer...

2009-08-22T13:17:00.000-07:00

Adios summer! Look out fall, here we come!

Gualala River to the Ocean

2009-08-10T12:46:00.000-07:00

We hiked up the Gualala River to the ocean. When we arrived, we found a wonderful collection of drift wood that flows up the river during the winter. In the summer, the water recedes and the driftwood collects on the beach. Previous visitors to the beach have built little make shift shacks from the wood. Joey had a wonderful time exploring and attempting to build his own hut.

More Camping

2009-08-08T20:28:00.001-07:00

Got Drought?

2009-08-02T16:54:00.001-07:00

We went camping last week near the Gualala River along the coast of California. We had a wonderful time despite our shock regarding the water level of the river. You can see by the pictures that the water is very low and in some parts, completely dried up. The rocky areas in the pictures are where water flows at sometime during the year, mostly in the winter after the rains. We have been told by our friends who have been visiting the river for many years that the low water level is common for this time of the year. Regardless, California is experiencing a drought and walking along the dried up river bed was a sobering experience that helped to further drive home the value of water.

Gardening Progress

2009-08-02T11:22:00.001-07:00

My sister-in-law, Alex, taught me a new skill for sharing photos. The collage technique via Picassa is a wonderful way to showcase all of your pics on a specific subject. Thanks Alex!

Camping Fun

2009-08-02T11:14:00.001-07:00

Golden Gate Park Attractions

2009-07-25T18:42:00.001-07:00

This picture was taken at the California Academy of Sciences.

In the background is the DeYoung Museum.

The California Academy of Science has an extensive aquarium.

The Conservatory of Flowers in the background.

All attractions are located within the Golden Gate Park!

Anticipation

2009-07-17T21:23:00.001-07:00

Harvest Time

2009-07-17T21:20:00.001-07:00

Sunbathing, Chicago Style...

2009-07-12T22:40:00.000-07:00

Chicago Beaches

2009-07-12T22:36:00.001-07:00

Cubbie Fans?

2009-07-07T09:57:00.000-07:00

Ahhhhhhh Chicago....

2009-07-07T09:48:00.000-07:00

Pre-Wedding Hoopla

2009-07-07T09:16:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, we travelled back to the Midwest in June for my niece's wedding. It was quite an event -- the journey and the wedding! We had a wonderful time and some fond memories to recall. I've posted some of our experiences right before the big event....

Cast Your Vote

2009-06-26T09:23:00.000-07:00

I'm not looking forward to the day when my children are taller than me. I know that some day I must face that reality. My sister-in-law, Alex, may be facing that situation right now with her daughter, Gabrielle. What do you think? Who is taller, mother or daughter?

When will Joey be taller than Keelan?

Father's Day Part II

2009-06-25T15:59:00.001-07:00

Wedding Bells

2009-06-23T14:46:00.001-07:00

Chicago Fun

2009-06-22T19:08:00.000-07:00

Hanging out at the Pirate's Exhibit at the Field Museum.

Joey was in heaven!

A Challenge

2009-06-21T20:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day!

2009-06-21T15:58:00.001-07:00

California Coastline

2009-05-22T21:19:00.001-07:00

A National Treasure

2009-05-22T20:43:00.000-07:00

My love affair with John Prine began in 1988 after my good buddie, Leah Fietsam, took me to one of his concerts in Chicago. She thought I would like his music and boy was she right. In my opinion, John Prine is one of our country's greatest song writers (maybe THE greatest). Apparently, I am not the only person who has this opinion. He was recently honored by the National Library of Congress for his songwriting. Whenever he is in town, I jump at the chance to go and see him. The most recent concert that we attended was in San Francisco at the Warfield. As always, he was amazing.

The Ladies

2009-05-17T12:07:00.001-07:00

When I lived in the city 20 years ago (YIKES!), the Ladies were a regular sighting. I was pleasantly surprised and excited to see them on my most recent visit. They were quite vibrant, walking the hills of San Francisco in their stunning matching outfits! They are San Francisco royalty and television stars -- as I recall their appearance in Doublemint chewing gum ads from my childhood days.

Hanging Out In The City

2009-05-01T14:15:00.001-07:00

Eureka, I Found Her!

2009-04-27T20:47:00.001-07:00

Kathleen, Me, Mark

Well okay, um, she was never lost. But, it sounded good. We have reconnected, thanks to Facebook, after not being in contact for approximately 16 years. Kathleen was one of my roommates on Waller Street in San Francisco. The Waller Street clan (Jill, Eddie, Robin and Kathleen) took me in and set me up in their living room. It was wonderful to see her again and to meet her really tall, handsome and sweet boyfriend. The best part however, was that she couldn't recall the location of my room. HA! That's a good sign seeing as though I invaded their living room! My how time flies...

Exploring

2009-04-27T20:39:00.001-07:00

Easter

2009-04-27T20:30:00.001-07:00

Hiking in Vacaville at Uncle Pat's Mom's house...

Slugger

2009-04-20T20:54:00.001-07:00

Photo compliments of Jennifer Burns

Kid Stuff

2009-04-10T11:06:00.001-07:00

Containing a child is easy, with the correct equipment!

Softball stars.

Panning for gold in Old Sacramento.

Around Napa

2009-04-10T11:02:00.001-07:00

Homeland Security

2009-03-29T14:55:00.000-07:00

In the wake of protecting our national security, I initially decided to keep my blog private. However, since many of my friends, relatives, and blog-o-shpere followers can't seem to manuever through the process of remembering a website name, google user name, AND password; I've decided to go public with the 'ole blog. So, here we are out in the open, raw and real for all the world to see. If I detect any funny stuff, I'll move the security threat to red and put the privacy filter back on. Until then, enjoy!

P.S. BTW, if you come for a visit, I'd love to know that you've been here so, please leave a comment to tell us that you've stopped by : ) !

Disney Land Fun

2009-03-29T14:42:00.001-07:00

It's a Bug's Life

2009-03-29T14:37:00.001-07:00

Cherishable Sounds

2009-03-15T19:08:00.000-07:00

Rain

I like the sound of the rain
coming down
steady, steady

Transports me back in time
old memories
San Francisco, Chicago, childhood days
sitting by the window
watching, waiting

Keep coming down,
we need you, old friend
The rain

A Rainy Day in the City

2009-03-03T21:13:00.001-08:00

Look closely to see the Golden Gate Bridge off in the cloudy, rainy distance.

We had a whale of a time!

And the Winner Is...

2009-03-01T09:27:00.001-08:00

Me!

We went to a fundraiser for Claire and Joey's school last night and I won a raffle prize.

It's a gift box filled with scrapbooking materials. I only wish that "free time" was incorporated into the prize because I don't know when I'll find the time to use all of the materials!

The Drought Do

2009-02-17T18:39:00.000-08:00

This is my new fashion stement designed specifically for the drought.

Less time in the shower = less water wasting.

Uh Oh, it's been raining a lot lately.

Could we be exiting the drought?

Eh, no matter, I like it anyway!

I've also cut my "getting ready" time in 1/2!

FREEDOM!

Fun in the Snow

2009-02-07T18:05:00.000-08:00

She Blinded Me with Science

2009-02-07T09:29:00.001-08:00

Claire entered the 4th grade Science Fair at her school. She made a spectroscope which allowed her to analyze light emitted from different sources: The sun, light bulbs, candles, black lights, etc. It was quite a project (involving the whole family)! Her favorite part of the project was participating in the fair and seeing all her classmates creations.

Birthday Celebrations

2009-02-07T09:23:00.001-08:00

My babies turned 10 and 7 on January 25 and 26. I can't believe how the time has flown...

Birthday Dance

2009-01-25T09:30:00.000-08:00

Here comes 2009........

Hope

2009-01-20T18:42:00.000-08:00

Claire Burns
Mrs. Gjestvang

January 20, 2009

Seven things I think after hearing the Inaugural Speech

I think he will stop war because in his speech he said no more tanks or guns.

I also think he will send some money to schools and they can buy more things for the schools.

I think he will help the economy.

I think he will help the poor and the people who need help because that would be very sweet.

He will try to help to make our environment better.

He will make us feel safe when he makes a change, because he is smart.

He will help us make the world a better place, because he is our president and he is supposed to do that.

Owl Tree

2009-01-18T21:18:00.001-08:00

We went on another hike today with Aunt Jennifer to Buckley Station. We hiked out to a special tree that she has named "Owl Tree." She explained that she often sees an owl late in the evening close to this tree. We walked up and John spotted the owl sitting on a branch. My pictures are not the clearest; but, if you look closely, you can see him or her.

Following in Mommy's Footsteps

2009-01-18T21:09:00.001-08:00

Claire in her new glasses.

Lists

2009-01-13T20:50:00.001-08:00

I don't know exactly why, but, I hate lists. I think it has something to do with a past boss and her obsession with lists. She started her day off with a list and couldn't end her day until everything on that ridiculous list was crossed off. She really wanted me to have a list too. And if I didn't make a list, she would make some snide comment about my "list less" (no pun intended) day. Always implying that my work day would be so much more productive if I would only make a list.

My disdain for lists is deeply rooted. It's so bad that I rarely make a list to go grocery shopping. When I do actually take the time to sit down and write a list, I usually forget where I put it - causing me to walk around the grocery store trying to remember what was on my misplaced list. The funny part though, is when I am in the grocery store, I pine for my lost list. And when I return home and realize what I've forgotten, I usually vow to write a list next time.

I am coming around to lists, however. I witnessed my friend, Lyne, thoughtfully and respectively cross items off her list as we were packing up to leave Tahoe. The manner in which Lyne managed her list was very impressive and I made note of the stark contrast of her "list behavior" as compared to the "list behavior" of my old boss. As Lyne crossed items off her list, she seemed to become calmer and more sure of herself. My old boss just became more frantic when she crossed things off, it was like her life was dwindling away and she needed to find more "stuff" to add to the list.

There has to be a happy middle ground for the world of "lists." Maybe I will find it. Maybe I won't. I'll keep you "posted" (pun intended) on my progress.

A Night Out

2009-01-11T13:43:00.000-08:00

On the advice of my Social Coordinator/Job Share Partner Extraordinaire, I went on a date with my hubbie last night. We started our evening with a dinner out at an Indian restaurant and then went to see the movie "Slumdog Millionaire."

We had a great time and even enticed some friends to come along, turning the evening into a double date. The process of double dating brought back memories of high school outings when we would go out for the evening in groups of girls and boys and fondly refer to it as "herd dating." Ironically, two of my herd dating gal pals now live on farms in southern Indiana. One friend raises Bison and the other friend has a number of different animals that she desperately tried to include in her Christmas card this year.

Let's come back to the present day and focus on last night's movie. I highly recommend it! Since seeing that movie, I vow to never complain again about my life. I look around my house and sing the praises of running water, flusing toilets, electricity and just modern day stuff! I will make only one more comment on the movie because I don't want to give anything away...the conditions that the characters in this movie lived through make our current economic crisis seem like a slight inconvenience. I hope you go see it and enjoy is as much as we did!

Story Characters

Social Coordinator/Job Share Partner Extraordinaire: Emily Bristow
Double Date Partners: Steve and Mandy McAvoy
Bison/Hell Raiser: Lisa Beck-King
Animal Herder and all around great gal: Kelly Reese-Stevens

Lake Tahoe Fun

2009-01-04T09:57:00.001-08:00

Claire and Joey in ski school. By the end of the day, they were skiing pros!

Claire on the ski lift with a peek of Lake Tahoe in the background.

Joey on the ski lift with beautiful view of Lake Tahoe.

Skiing Pros
The Gammon boys (Phillip and James) at the top of the mountain.

Oh, California!

2009-01-04T09:22:00.000-08:00

Oh, California, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways...

Fall colors in Santa Cruz

Exursions to Carmel Beach with Patrice and John

Napa Views

Claire and Joey having fun in Lake Tahoe

A Chat with Jack

2008-12-30T17:24:00.001-08:00

In August of 2007, I sat down with my Dad and interviewed him about some of the events in his life. Below is an excerpt of the interview. Over time, I will upload the complete interview and place it in the side bar. You can listen to excerpts of the interview by clicking on the little sound pictures. I hope you enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed conducting the interview!

P.S. The picture of Jack in the side bar was provided by Alex Sirugue-MacLeod

Early Morning Walk Through Downtown Napa

2008-12-25T20:20:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T12:01:00.001-08:00

Fashion Statement

2008-12-22T16:36:00.001-08:00

Yesterday we pulled down the boxes of hand-me-downs that have been stored in the attic for a few years. Joey was in seventh heaven as he purused the garments from his new clothing line.

This morning after he picked out an outfit for the day, he called to me, "Look Mom, I match! See, stripes, stripes and stripes!" He was so proud of his new outfit that he even suggested that I take a picture of him in front of the Christmas tree.

Move over Ralph Lauren, Joey Burns is the new fashion designer on the block!

Thanks George

2008-12-19T11:27:00.000-08:00

Well okay, so, you and I are opposite sides of the fence on every issue facing our society today. But, we came together on this issue. Thanks George.

P.S. I'm sorry for cheering on the shoe throwing guy. That really would have hurt!

P.S.S. This still doesn't change my overall opinion of you...I won't reflect on that here, you are well aware...................and if you are really curious about the details, well, just listen to John Prine's song, Some Humans Ain't Human. He sums it up very nicely.

California Colors

2008-12-18T21:01:00.001-08:00

As the weather turned cold, the evening colors created a new version of warmth.

Apology Accepted

2008-12-14T21:17:00.000-08:00

My darling brother, Mark, left me a message the other day apologizing for a childhood mishap. His daughter, Gabrielle, will soon be taking the test for her driving permit. This milestone encouraged him to reflect on his own experience while obtaining his driving permit. Mark did not perform too well during his driving test. He failed.

Apparently, Mark decided that he could not take responsibility for this failure. He decided that the fault should be placed on a second party....ME! Luckily, I do not have any recollection of this finger pointing scenario and I do accept my brother's belated apology. Quite frequently, I see history repeating itself in my own household as the older child is constantly blaming the younger for her failures.

Interesting. Maybe there is a genetic connection. I'm wondering if Claire will be placing a call to Joey in about 30 odd years to apologize for her misguided blame? I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

Welcoming the Rain

2008-12-14T13:21:00.001-08:00

California has been in desperate need of rain. So today, as the sky opened up and the rain fell, we welcomed the rain with open arms.

Uncle Pat's Winery

2008-12-14T08:56:00.000-08:00

Views at Kenwood Winery are stunning.

Trimming the Tree

2008-12-14T08:53:00.001-08:00

Just Some Thoughts...

2008-12-12T13:17:00.000-08:00

I am so irritated that the auto industry loan was not approved. It just really irks me. I find it really unbelievable that we can hand over 700 billion dollars to the financial sector and bail out other white collar businesses (AIG), but, our lawmakers can't find it in them to help the auto industry. Yes, I understand that the auto industry made a lot of bad choices and I realize that the executives were pompous asses when they first asked for the money (corporate jets, etc.).

I read this morning that one of the sticking points was that the union didn't give enough concessions in their contracts. So now, they are making this a union issue? BULLSHIT! Maybe we should take a look at the congress men's salaries and their health insurance. Maybe they need a pay cut!

Angry and irritated thoughts such as these swirled around in my head this morning. They were the thoughts occupying my mind as I left my volunteer stint in my daughter's classroom and walked to my............PRIUS! As I sat in my car, the Grateful Dead song "Victim or the Crime" started pounding in my head. Wow, am I the victim or the crime? Did the purchase of my beloved Prius somehow lead to the demise of the auto industry? YIKES!

Okay, buying a a foreign car may have contributed somewhat but, whose fault is it that I bought a Prius in the first place? It's Ford Motor Company's fault, that's who! Our first family of four vehicle was a Ford Windstar minivan. I loved that minivan (never thought I would admit to loving a minivan, but I have and I did). We were being good Americans and we bought an American car. Hooray for us!

The minivan worked well for a while. However, after it hit a certain number of miles, it started breaking down (should have bought a warranty plan!). And, it was expensive to fix. After a couple of times in the shop at prices that were unbelievable, we decided to trade it in and buy a new car. We took our little minivan into the car dealership, they made us a deal and we walked off with a brand new Toyota minivan (with a warranty plan). I loved that minivan too.

When I started commuting to work everyday and when it started to cost $60.00 to fill my gas tank, John began hinting that we should look into a Prius. I resisted, saying that there was no way we could all fit into a small car. Eventually, I caved in and I've been very happy with the change. We are the proud owners of a Toyota Prius that gets 47.5 miles to the gallon. We also purchased a warranty plan and a really cool service plan that rolls the cost of servicing the car into our monthly car payment -- we pay monthly for the servicing and don't have to cough up the payment at the time of servicing. That certainly takes the stress out of getting my car serviced because I know that it's already been paid.

Whew, that's a long story and with all that being said, I am crossing my fingers for some type of aid to the auto industry. I just hope that they really take a close look at their reliability factor. In the next couple of years, we may need buy a new car for John and if the American car industry can come up with a reliable, fuel efficient car, we will give it a thorough evaluation. Until then I'll be singing another Grateful Dead song for our overall economy, "I Need a Miracle."

Gearing Up for Christmas

2008-12-11T18:43:00.000-08:00

pictures by Jennifer Burns

Welcome Distractions

2008-12-09T18:48:00.000-08:00

I have a 35 minute commute to work everyday. When this whole economic crisis/debacle happened, I started to become glued to my radio during my drive. I would turn on the raido in the morning and go back and forth between NPR and AM 740 NewsRadio. After school, I would rush to my car and quickly turn on the radio to hear what the stock market did that day. Not that I am particularly tied to the stock market. Well, my retirement account has certainly been affected by the ups and downs or should I say the tremendous downhill ride. In addition, my kids' college funds are looking pretty skimpy right now. Anyway, I found myself eagerly waiting for one person's analysis or this person's insight and wanting more and more to see how the stock market performed on a daily basis. It started to drive me crazy.

Finally, I have realized that I can't do anything about it. So, I have vowed to take a sabatical from listening to the "news." My rides to work will go back to being filled with music and books on CD. Most recently I have listened to a monologue by Juilia Sweeney. She used to be Pat from Saturday Night Live and she is really funny. I think it's true, laughter really is the best medicine.

A Christmas Miracle!

2008-12-09T18:43:00.001-08:00

Ah yes, it is truely a Christmas miracle. Both kids came home from school today and did their homework without complaining. Of course right now, they are arguing. Six of one, half......I will count my blessings and marvel at the small accomplishments.