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January 28, 2012

Sand hazards in Scottsdale, AZ

Play it where it lays?
Yay - got out of the sand trap with one stroke!
Even if you're in the sand, you
have to admit the azure blue sky
and the cactus are beautiful!
Javelinas look like wild pigs, but are actually
closer related to the hippo.  In Arizona, they
are hunted in winter months.  Run, RUN!!!
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January 1, 2012

Seattle's EMP - Experience Music Project
is based at the Space Needle.  It's a jam
thru NW music history (Hendrix, Nirvana,
Heart, Foo Fighters) and a great party space!
One of 5 stages for NY eve - we had 2 DJs, 2 live
bands, and a comedy stage.  About an hour later,
the dance floor was elbow to elbow.
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Noisemakers:  Mark, Sarah, Sue, Jessica, Anthony
and Mike (with the iPhone countdown)
Eight minutes of spectacular fireworks -
and we were right underneath it!
Since cabs were nowhere in sight
at 1:30am, we ended up walking
over a mile before Sarah rescued us
with a car.  Mike earned his first
husband points of the year by giving
me his shoes, and walking in his
socks.  Chivalry lives! 

December 25, 2011

Christmas in Seattle

The tea table is set - complete with goodie bags,
filled with battery operated earrings and marzipan.
Great grandma Bev with the
newest descendant, Ethan.
The Rockettes have nuthin' on us, or our
attempt to burn off 1/100th of the tea calories
we just consumed.
Christmas Eve by the fire - Mark & Sarah.
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December 20, 2011

Red Rock Canyon near Las Vegas

Mike spent a good chunk of December analyzing historical market data back to 1965 - spreadsheet models galore.
Mike's sister Kathy and I took the opportunity
to check out Red Rock Canyon Park.
This is only 25 minutes from the Strip!
Sometimes we couldn't figure out the path -
and then one would appear.  Just like real life.
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Golfing in San Diego

Check out brother Mike's reaction to the course!
Cyndi demonstrating her stand-in-the-golf-cart trick!
My coach for the day, giving me advice.
Watch your head, Mike...
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December 19, 2011

Lake Tahoe in Decembrrrrrrr

The discussion: "Look that pier is falling down."
"Let's sit on it and take a picture!"  "Are you
serious?" 
Mike and Dan talking business in a
a pretty nice looking office :)
Top of Eagle Point - short, steep hike,  A+ view
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December 18, 2011

Figgy Pudding in Seattle

Downtown Seattle closed to traffic for the annual
Figgy Pudding caroling competition, to raise
money for the Pike Place Market Senior Center.
 Songs both religious and secular (imagine
"Dreamliner flight" instead of 5 golden rings)...
It's not only about the singing - awards are given
 for best choral performance, most original,
 people's choice, and the coveted "Figlanthropy"
award to the group that raises the most $$$.
Nieces Megan and Jessica braved the chill,
cheering on the competitors.
Looks like this Florida Santa
took a wrong turn and ended
up on Seattle gingerbread!
Pike Place Market aglow with holiday
strawberries, carrots and pears.  Healthy Holidays!
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December 17, 2011

Luminous Art Exhibit in Seattle

Buddha, as interpreted by Japan, China and
Thailand.  Each culture has its own version,
but all have elongated earlobes, to show how
Buddha left his privileged life behind in the 6th
century, no longer wearing the heavy earrings
of the royal family.  Buddha, meaning
 "Enlightened One", directed his followers
to create no images of him.  The first images
didn't appear until just before the birth of Christ.
My mom loved this exhibit, having spent
years in Japan and China while my grandfather
was a Post Engineer in the military.  My parents
were married in Yokahama, Japan.  She taught
all her kids how to expertly use chopsticks -
the test was to pick up a single grain of rice!
Seated Indra, a Hindu god of wars,
storms and rainfall - from 13th century Nepal.
 Hinduism and Buddhism are similar,
both believe in reincarnation,
and meditation as a path to enlightenment.
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December 16, 2011

Thanksgiving in St. Louis

Chef Jeff, the turkey expert.
Justin, quality control.
Jenny buttering up the 72 rolls (yup!) Justin brought.
Sophia and daddy Jeff - peas in a pod.
Apples to Apples, sudden death - serious crowd.
How 'bout them Cowboys!!


The iPad was a hit - it's nice to make a cake
with green icing without the cleanup!


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Jeeping in Tahoe

A few miles into the 45 mile Rubicon trail, Mike
and Dan had to park the Razor ATV because of
a traffic jam!  4 cars were backed up...
Mike & Dan to the rescue!!

Check out how much narrower Dan's ATV
is than the jeeps.  Able to squeeze through
majestic pines and over the boulders.
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