Gangbusters Getaway

Dec. 10 & 11, 2009

Dec. 10th we were on our way by 9:30am.  We went off the beaten path about 10 miles to a restaurant for breakfast called Alma’s Cafe in Walnut Grove, CA.  It was pretty good.  Stopped for gas a couple times and munched along the way.  Since breakfast was so late, we decided to skip lunch.  We stopped in Santa Clarita, CA at the Courtyard by Marriott.  We were going to have dinner down in their bar area, but we didn’t get waited on quick enough to suit us and it didn’t look all that appetizing.  After talking to the guy at the front desk, we decided to walk a mile to some shops and restaurants.  We’re so glad we did after being in the truck all day.  We ended up at a place called George’s Bistro and each had a big salad and some potato soup.  We took a taxi back to the hotel.  Just hung out and caught up on computer stuff.

Dec.11th we drove to Desert Hot Springs, CA and spent the night at the DHS spa.  It was a nice, relaxing time.  The weather was kind of rainy, so we didn’t do much touristy stuff.  Just had dinner brought to us and enjoyed some down time.

Dec. 12 – 18, 2009

Dec. 12th we left the hotel at 11am and stopped in Blythe, CA for lunch at a local restaurant called Steak ‘n Cakes.  It was “ok”.  Arrived in Phoenix at Ryan and Marcia’s at 5:30pm.  They left to go to his Grandparents for a Christmas Party, and we unloaded our Jeeps and got situated.    When they got back, we all went next door to Kris and Lauren’s for a little Holiday Cheer.

Dec. 13th we all pitched in and made pancakes and bacon and some homemade juice.  Marcia had to go tutor some kids, Joann went for a walk and I helped Ryan get the Charger started.   We took the trailer down to Ryan’s Dad’s (Mark) shop to store it there.  Ryan gave us a tour of the store.  I’ve never seen so many nuts and bolts in all my life and everything was so organized!   Joann and I went to Elt and Nancy’s for dinner.  Joann was in her glory as she picked us a bag of grapefruits from Elt’s tree!  Marcia joined us there too for dinner.  Ryan had to get some sleep, as he had to go to work that night at midnight and work all night.

Dec. 14th I washed the Grand and Joann took a walk around the neighborhood.  We ran some errands together and then went to Happy Hour/Dinner with Marcia, Ryan, Mark, and Joni at Oggi’s Pizza and Brewing Co.  Excellent pizza.  It was great to catch up with Mark and Joni again.

Dec. 15th Joann and I went for a 3 mile hike at Thunderbird Park.  We ended up going all the way around a mountain!  Some steep areas, some rocky, very challenging.  I detailed the Grand some more and Joann did laundry and bills. 

Dec. 16th went back to Thunderbird Park and did a 2 mile hike with Ryan. (Marcia had to work)  Some great views!  Joann went to Whole Foods while Lee waxed the Grand.  Ryan, Joann, & I went to a local Farmers Market.  It was nice, but really small.  Joann made dinner and then afterwards we all watched the movie Hangover and enjoyed some homemade popcorn that I made.

Dec. 17th took a 2 mile walk in the neighborhood and Joann made spaghetti for dinner.  We all watched the movie The Proposal.

Dec. 18th Joann made the traditional Cornflake Wreath to bring to Elt and Nancy’s Christmas party on the 19th.  I worked on the car some more.  Joann and I went to Elt’s to help him figure out how to remodel his master bathroom.  Joann made the Plum Pudding Sauce for the Plum Pudding and then enjoyed herself sitting in the sun and reading a book.  For dinner, Ryan, Marcia, Joann & I went to the Valle Luna Mexican Restaurant and then came home and watched the Ice Age Dawn of the Dinosaurs.

Dec. 2 – 9, 2009

We spent the next 8 days at Lee and Wendy’s and thinking about our next plan of attack.   Joann ended up getting a nasty cold and was feeling low these days.  Wendy had it too and before long, Lee C. got it.  We were all lounging around the living room blowing our noses non stop! 

Dec. 2nd we went to the usual Wednesday night Mexican Restaurant with Lee and Wendy and their friends (and ours now!)  Bob and Gisela.

Dec. 3rd and 4th Joann and I went into Placerville (also known as Hangtown) and took a walk around the area.  Had some Gileto frozen dessert!  I had Chocolate Carmel w/Sea Salt and Eggnog mixed together and Joann had Orange and Vanilla mixed.  Wendy made a nice dinner that night (as usual) and we had Apple Hill Pie from the local area.

Dec. 5th we went over to our long lost friend, Jackie and her husband Greg in Roseville, California.  It was ironic that we just re-connected with Jackie on Facebook and found out how close to each other we were.  They made us dinner – Greg grilled some tri-tip sirloin while Jackie made some potatoes and steam veggies.  For dessert we had Key Lime Pie.  We had some great conversations that night.  Lee brought along his guitar and played some songs, which inspired Greg to get his out and get back into practising.  We stayed overnight and they made us some pancakes, sausage, and eggs for breakfast.

Dec. 6 we got back to Lee and Wendy’s and they were predicting snow for tonight.  But surely even if it did snow, it wouldn’t stick around for long.  It never does in that area of California.  However, “Lee and Joann” are here, so anything is possible!

Dec. 7 we awoke to the most beautiful wintry wonderland you can imagine – 9 inches of snow!  The snow covered the trees.  This came with a cost though, as the power went out at 5 am.  Their two Standard Poodles had never seen snow and they were so funny to watch get used to it.  Before long they were jumping and playing in it.  Joann and I made use of the packable snow and made two snowmen.  We sat in the car awhile to warm up and re-charge the batteries on our computers.  We found out via Facebook that our friend Paula, who we met on the plane coming back to California from Florida, didn’t have power, but they did have a generator.  Trouble was they needed gas for it and their driveway was too steep to get out of.  I always love a challenge, so off we went to see if we could help get them so gas.  We made it up their driveway with no problem and George and I went to the gas station.  Joann and Paula had tea and some conversation.  That was the first time we met George, and he was so appreciative of us.  Got back to Lee and Wendy’s and we all helped make dinner.  While Wendy was cooking, I was holding the flashlight above her!  They had kerosene lanterns going throughout the house.  We had a nice candle light dinner! 

Dec. 8th still no power and it was getting cold in the house – 49 degrees.  Joann and I started organizing stuff to get ready for the trip to Phoenix.  Finally the power came on at 11:30am.  Yeah!  I got the Wranger on the trailer and ready to roll.  We took much needed showers.  We went to Papa Giannis Italian Restaurant for dinner.  Wow, that was the best Italian place we’ve ever been too.  Frank, the owner, used to work at the grocery with Wendy.  Frank and his kids make everything from scratch.

Dec. 9th we got everything packed that we could.  Went to dinner with Lee and Wendy and Bob and Gisela to The Placerville Brewing Company.  They have the best Fish & Chips ever!  The beer wasn’t bad either. 

November 29 – Dec. 1, 2009

Nov. 29 – Said goodbye to Joann’s folks and headed to Coldwater, Michigan to drop off the turkey cooker and a few other things.  Drove up to my brother, Pat’s, in Kalamazoo, Michigan for the next two nights.
Once we got to Pat and Betsy’s we had a delicious Seafood soup/Venison/potatoes and veggies, then enjoyed a few games of pool on our old pool table.  Had to get Pat and Betsy to bed for it was a school night, and they needed to get up early; unlike us.
Nov. 30 – We started the day with the process of “get everything in order” for the trip back.  We also had to prep Pat’s truck with a full tank of gas, and a little something for him. It was so nice of him to let us use his truck for the time we were there. Later that night we all hooked up for dinner at Fat Tony’s in Kalamazoo with Kacie Winter.

 
Dec. 1 -  Pat took us to the train station on his way to work and we said our goodbyes, and now it’s off to Chicago for our flight back to Placerville, California.  Later that evening, when we landed in Sacramento, our friends Lee and Wendy picked us up to take us back to their place.

November 25 – 28, 2009

Nov. 25 – Before we left Coldwater, Joann got a hair cut from Mom.  Billy Hawes came by to say hello again.  We got our of there around noon.  Got to Joann’s folks in New Haven, Indiana about 3:30pm.  Lugged everything in and got situated.  Joann & I went downtown Ft. Wayne to watch Santa and his Reindeer’s annual lighting.  We went to the Famous Ft. Wayne Coney Island and had a couple coney dogs and some chili.  We met some of Joann’s family downtown – Jill-Elysia-Erika Smallwood, Elysia’s friend Zach, Julie-Keith Kundert, Nathan-Rheannon Schaefer, and Jill surprised us by bringing Ernie Greenwood.  Jill and Joann used to work with Ernie at Kinney Shoes back in 1979/80.  

Nov. 26 – Happy Thanksgiving!  Joann and her Mom worked on getting the Thanksgiving meal ready and I got set up to deep fry the turkey.  Julie Kundert (Joann’s younger sister) and her husband Keith showed up, along with their two kids – Nathan & Rheannon Schaefer and her boyfriend Jeff.  Jill Smallwood (Joann’s older sister) followed shortly after with her daughters Elysia and Erika.  The meal turned out great and we had a nice day of visiting.  Joann & I took a walk that night in the rain, but it was well worth it.

Nov. 27 – Joann and I and her folks went to the Glenbrook Mall to watch all the Black Friday shoppers.  It sure was crowded and Dad and I had to teach a few people how to use the escalators when they’re not running.  They’re stairs people!!   Got a coffee and did a lap around the mall.  Had dinner at Golden Corral that night.  Not our favorite place, but we got by.  Later that night, Joann & I went up to Rack & Helens Restaurant/Bar in New Haven to see if we could find Ernie Greenwood, but no luck.  Had a couple and left.

Nov. 28 – Went to the mall again for a coffee and a short walk.  Later that day, Joann and I met Jill, Elysia, and Erika Smallwood at Casa mare Restaurant in Ft. Wayne for dinner.  Then we walked across the street to the Coliseum and watched the Ft. Wayne Komets play the Port Huron Icehawks.  Komets won 4-2.  Erika’s friend, Leon, met her there.  Joann & I went to Rack & Helen’s again, but it was so smoky, we just walked out.  Went next door to Jilli’s and watched people do karaoke.

Jill and Joann

Elysia and Erica

November 21 – 24, 2009

Nov. 21 – Had Thanksgiving dinner today with my side of the family – my Mom, Joann & I, Pat & Betsy, Jan-Greg-Matt-Kacie Winter, Kristen & Bill Bridge, Jerry & Joyce Morris and our friend Danielle Malvena.  Danielle is our chocolatier that we met through Greg & Jan. Even though we talked to her alot on Facebook, this was the first time we actually met!  I deep fried a turkey and Mom cooked one in the air oven.  It was a great dinner with all the trimmings and great conversations.  Jan surprised us each with some plum pudding to take home and some to have that day.  A few hours after dinner, Jan started making the sauce that goes with the plum pudding.  During that time Elt, Pat, Matt, and I  picked up our guitars and started to jam.  Took a break to have some plum pudding and pecan and pumpkin pies.  The guitar playing went on for several hours….the tips of my fingers we’re in pain by the end of the evening, but it hurt so good! There’s nothing like jamming with my brothers and nephew.

Nov. 22 – Joann’s Mom and Dad came up to Coldwater today for lunch and to visit with everyone.   Most of my family left for home mid-day.  Had a nice lunch with Joann’s folks and then they headed back to New Haven, Indiana.  Joann and I went over to Angie & Tim Brewer’s house to meet up with some people Lee went to high school with.  Thanks to Facebook for getting us all connected again – Doug and Brenda Ingraham, June & Perry Fosdick, Dan & Kelli Richards.  I started playing my guitar and they were all singing along.  We had a great evening of re-connecting.

High School friends

Nov. 23 – Got up and took a much needed walk.  As we passed the house of a guy I went to high school with (Billy Hawes), I gave him a call, and sure enough he was there.  We went inside and chatted with him and his Mom for a little bit.  He’s laid off right now too.  Back at my Mom’s, Joann started cooking up a bunch of things to take to her Mom and Dad’s for Thanksgiving.  She made mashed potatoes, stuffing, and biscuits.

Nov. 24 – Took another walk – felt so good to move a little!!  My brother, Elt, taught my Mom how to make cinnamon rolls.  Paul and Donna came over for a visit and we had some tea and cinnamon rolls.  Mom had a few hair appointments that day and we caught up on emails, etc.  Joann and I went over to Dave & Carey Steffey’s after dinner for a visit.  Carey and my Mom used to run a beauty shop together, so we go way back.  It was fun to catch up with them and to see Kyle for a short time.

November 18 -20, 2009

Nov. 18th – On our way back to our rental house from Northville, we stopped at one of our favorite places – Rudy’s in Clarkston, Michigan.  www.rudysmarket.com  We picked up some lunch items and then drove to our rental house to fix the light fixture.  Then we headed back to Ray & Michelle’s to get showered up for the evening.  Ray and us went to Pizza Coco’s (now called Union Woodshop) in Clarkston and Michelle met us there.  We also met Frank and Jennifer Trovato and Jean Metz.   Kevin was sick so he couldn’t come out and play.  We used to frequent this restaurant once a week when we lived in the area.  They have very good natural wood fired oven pizza’s.

Nov. 19th – Packed our bags from Ray & Michelle’s and headed to Kristen Bridge’s (our niece) and Matt Winter’s (our nephew) office in Orchard Lake, Michigan.  We jumped into Kristen’s car and went to Sushi Ko for lunch.  Came back and checked out their office and then left them there to finish their work day.  We drove to Kristen’s house and unloaded our bags.  For dinner Joann, Matt, and I drove to the Hamlin Pub in Rochester, Michigan to meet up with some friends – Paul & Laura Henk, Tim Moore, Jeff Tull, Tricia Beecherl, Trish & Bill Pitt, Kara & Rick Jones, & Rick Garcia.  Had a great time reconnecting with everyone! 

Nov. 20th – When we woke up Kristen and Matt were gone to work, but she left us pumpkin pancake batter and everything out that we needed to cook them.  They were so good!  After breakfast we packed up our stuff and took off for Coldwater, Michigan.  We helped get things prepared for tomorrow, which is the day we are celebrating Thanksgiving with my family.

November 16 & 17, 2009 

Nov. 16th - Even though it was our 24th wedding anniversary, I went deer hunting in the morning with my brother and our friends.  (What can I say, I have an understanding wife!)  At 1:00pm we left Coldwater, Michigan for our friends, Kevin and Jean’s, in Davisburg, Michigan.   We needed to get the truck back to him that he let us borrow.  We decided to stay at the Holly Crossing Bed & Breakfast in Holly, Michigan thanks to a recommendation by our friends, Paul & Laura Henk. www.hollybandb.com

It was a great B&B and they had just decorated for Christmas.  They have about eight rooms to choose from.  We chose the “Anniversary Suite”.  It had a jacuzzi tub right in the room!  We walked to the Holly Hotel for dinner.  Stopped at the store on the walk back and picked up our favorite wine - Chateau Ste. Michelle Chardonnay.

Nov. 17th – Breakfast was ready when we woke up and it was delicious.  We were the only ones at the B&B, so we really felt spoiled.  The Innkeepers, Dan & Bobbie Strauk, served us a Frittata, potato pancakes, banana bread, poached pears, coffee, tea, & juice.

After breakfast, we walked (ok “ran”) over to St. Rita’s for the 9:00am Mass.  This was our only opportunity to see Fr. Dave while were in town, and we didn’t want to miss it!  We got to talk to him and Bob & Virgina after Mass. 

After we packed up our stuff from the B&B, we drove to our rental house and I trimmed the trees in the yard and took the light fixture down in the kitchen to see just what I would need to repair it.  We went to the Springfield Inn for a famous burger and then headed to Ray & Michelle’s in Northville, Michigan for the night.  Her and Ray made us Beef Stew, salad, and crescents along with brownies & strawberries for dessert.  Of course, we solved all the world’s problems this evening!

Holly Crossing B&B

from across the street

Twenty Four yearsBreakfast at the InnThe Holly Hotel where we had dinner the night before

November 14th / 15th, 2009  Took off from Jean and Kevin’s and headed for Coldwater, Michigan to my mom’s place where we also have 40 acres next door to her.  Kevin forced us to drive his Dodge Ram 2500 Laramie Package. Kevin works for Chrysler and has gold star status, which means he gets a company vehicle to drive under one condition that he lets people drive it for evaluation purposes.  Well how can I turn this down?  What a nice truck, heated steering wheel, backup camera, and anything else you’d want .  Oh yeah It’s got a Hemi!  Can’t complain on the mpg either; 19 mpg  on the highway.  With a big truck like this that’s not too bad.  Once we got there I checked out my shot gun for tomorrow’s opener for deer season, it was in operating condition.   Later we all got together at Patrick’s high school friends place for a little pre-deer season opener party where they surprised Joann and I with a cake celebrating our 24th wedding anniversary.  We played guitars, sang some songs and then it was time to get ready for the morning hunt.   Going to bed on opening day eve is like the night before Christmas - in the morning you just don’t know what you might wake up to or what might walk past you.

November 15th 2009  OPENING DAY!  Wake up early, have breakfast and talk about which way the wind is blowing so that our scent doesn’t ruin the hunt, and then get all your gear together, jump in the truck and head down to the property.  Once we got to the field it’s load up the gun and start the hike to your spot to sit nice and quiet.  There is nothing more exciting than sitting in the woods before daylight.  You can’t see very far in front of you, but you try and manage to find your spot to sit quietly.  Then it’s the waiting game, what will move first?  Well I sat down and it wasn’t no more than 15 minutes later a buck comes sneaking by me, he was about 35 feet from me and was circling around me as he went.  This guy was about 2 years old with a 6 point rack from what I could see for sure, and could be a possible 8 point.  (we had a pact before we went out, you take a monster buck or a big doe, but no little bucks)  This buck ended up going around me and started to head out into the field behind me where I walked in.  I thought he’d pick up the trek I made, but he didn’t notice it.  So now he’s walking away from me and can’t really see me anymore, so I thought why not mess with him?  I snorted like a deer would at him, and he turned around so quick to see what that was, and came back towards the woods.  He looked into the woods, and I could almost see what was going on in his head “WHAT WAS THAT?  I JUST WALKED THROUGH THERE!”  He looked and looked but couldn’t see anything, he then turned and walked along the woods edge turning towards the field again.  I hit him with another snort and again he turned looking and wondering.  After that he decided that was enough and made way for the field like planned.  Oh well it was fun while it lasted.  The rest of the morning I had a couple other yearlings walk up on me, they spotted me but couldn’t make me out as a threat so they just turned and moved on.  A spiker walked by about 100 feet out in front of me; not bad excitement for a day of hunting.