High as a Kite

Brentwood, CA

Yesterday I moved out of Antioch, but today I had a few loose ends to tie up. Amy and I dropped off the UHaul trailer, and then went to Lumpy's for lunch. As we were driving from Lumpy's to the movie theater we saw this huge thing hovering over the Mormon church. We stopped to check it out and were informed all about this kite, it's orgin and how fun they are to fly.
Next was a movie and then I turned in my keys with my former landlords. Following that, we went to Benecia to see some Christmas Fairy Vomit. All in all it was a great random day.

suck on this

Oakley, CA

One of my jobs at work is to take care of the fish across the hall when their care takers are on vacation. This particular fish (I think it is an algae eater) is getting really fat but the other fish aren't.

More Birthday Chocolate

Antioch, CA

My birthday buddy struck again this year. Looking at what I got last year and looking at what I got this year - I'm detecting a theme.

Not pictured is the book I got: "have a little faith" by Mitch Albom. I'm 50 pages in and really enjoying it.

from a friend, for a friend

Antioch, CA

A friend of mine sent this to me for my birthday. She is one of those friends I never want to see leave and whom I miss terribly. I can't wait to see her once the cold Idaho winter is over.

the forest through the trees in northern CA

South of Crescent City, CA

Today we drove home from Amy's Sister's place. It was a very nice drive filled with scenery like this. Once we got home, we un packed the cars, fed the cat and then went to celebrate my Birthday with a nice quiet dinner at Black Angus.

Waves of Oregon

Brookings, Oregon

I haven't been to this part of Oregon or Northern California for about 13 years. So Amy and I went for a drive today. We first went to a light house, then a campground. We saw surfers and the US Coast Guard at work before just getting an eventual taste for Oregon while we were there.

Sugar Plum Ring (minus the plums)

Crescent City, CA

Keeping with my families tradition, Amy and I made a sugar plum ring for breakfast this morning. Unfortunately the dough wasn't ready to be shaped until the afternoon so it wasn't technically for breakfast but it was still good.

the presents have the tree surrounded

Crescent City, CA

In a big change from my personal life, Amy and I drove up to Crescent City today to spend the holidays with her huge family (It's actually not that big except for people like me that are used to spending Christmas with just my dad). Hopefully the next few days won't be too over whelming for me.

Kissie Kissie Time

Oakley, CA

There is mistletoe that grows every year out side my office.

Temples at Costco?

Antioch, CA

I was getting my tires rotated tonight and wondered Costco while I waited. I was surprised to see a book on temples at Costco. It had some good pictures in it.

pea fog

Oakley, CA

There was a time in Idaho where I didn't see fog for two years. For the past two weeks I've seen it every day.

I make fire

Vallejo, CA

I don't remember who I started this tradition with but I try to have a bar b q on the first day of winter every year because of a scripture in the Doctrine and Covenants. Tonight was tri-trip.

getting friendly with each other

Vallejo, CA

Robin, Jeremy, Amy and I were hanging out at a Michael's tonight while we waited for the movie to start. Are imaginations got the best of us.

(BTC - the short hike)

Wedding balls and cakes

Fremont, CA

I over came my fear of wedding receptions and went to the first one in over 5 years tonight. I took Amy and Robin with me. They both knew the groom. I not only have known the groom for 8 or 9 years, but I've known the bride since she was born. Additionally, the reception was attended by people that have known me since I was 2; People I adopted as mom after my mom died; people who helped get me my eagle or taught me how to build roofs. And many of these people I haven't seen for a year at least. So it was nice going "home" again to see friends from the past and watch a union for the future.

(a note on the cake - each layer was a different flavor and my friend Barbara made it. She went to a culinary school and is probably the best pastry chef I know.)

Abandon School

El Cerrito, CA

I had to go to El Cerrito for a meeting today. It being my first time in El Cerrito in the 30+ years I've lived in CA, I went out at lunch and toured the town. I came upon this abandoned school where children used to shoot hoops but now the weeds reach toward the hoops.

Soup at Lumpy's

Antioch, CA

Today at lunch I had a soup and sandwich. It was really good. It was so good that I bought a little extra soup and took it to Amy's tonight for dinner.

A Day in the Life of Sean

Preventing homicide

Brentwood, CA

As seen on the back of a car at the Michael's Craft store. I LOVE my anti depressant so I feel this is a cause worth supporting.

--
In an unrelated item - Welcome Home Melinda!

Amputated Sugar Cookie Men

Oakley, CA

I don't want to sound demented or anything, but when I saw last night that there were two amputated cookies I just knew I had to bring them into work. I work with severely disabled children.

Christmas Cookie Tradition

Near Vallejo, CA

I'm spending Christmas with Amy's family where I will be introduced to her family's traditions. Tonight I introduced her to one of four traditions my family has of making and giving away Holiday Cookies.

going grey

Near Vallejo, CA

Amy has this beautiful black hair. However, today as we building a ramp at her house, the rain was drizzling in. Add to that the sawdust and her hair started turning different colors to the point she almost looked gray today.

(BTC - the ramp in waiting)

White Elephant

Antioch, CA

I'm going to a white elephant gift exchange tonight.

Service Giftafied

Oakley, CA

Yesterday at work there were two people in the building struggling with some software. They struggled for 90 minutes before coming over to the therapy unit and asking for my help. I fixed their problem in 10 minutes. They were both so grateful. One brought me in a half loaf of Pumpkin Bread. The other brought me this. I'm so happy I'm so loved.

(BTC - I'm fatter than Santa)
(BTC- Random act of Violence)

I endorse these potatoes

Antioch, CA

I finally got to talk to the head chef today at Lumpy's. Scotty confirmed for me that these potatoes come from Idaho. So I fully endorse these potatoes.

the snow is still here

Antioch, CA

The snow remained.

(BTC - Pano)

Antioch, CA

Last night the temperature dropped and we got snow. That isn't all that significant, but the fact that we got snow at about 500 feet above sea level is rather significant. We NEVER get snow that low around here.

I will try to take a better shot tomorrow, if it doesn't all melt away.

H1N1

Pittsburg, CA

In an effort to stop the spread of the H1N1 flu, Health Services gathered 6,000 people together, put them on close quarter buses and then had them stand in line together before getting a poke in their arms.

I volunteered as a traffic enforcer.

Back on the court

Berkeley, CA

After a year long absence - I returned to being an Assistant Referee today. See me in my cute out fit.
I did a lot of running today which brought to my attention a need to get back to exercising and eating right. Since I had the flu in October, I let my healthy eating subside and I felt it today. Man did I feel it today!

Fairy Vomit

Antioch, CA

According to Nina, this is an example of what it looks like when the Christmas Fairy vomits all over your house.

The return of the snowman

Oakley, CA

The snowman returned today and the tree went away. I decided I hated the hat it used to have, so I gave it a new hat along with a scarf, which I hate. I have a therapist coming in on Monday to help the scarf.

(BTC - I finished the project for my photo class)

Turkey "Sandwich" Dinner

Antioch, CA

Today the special at Lumpy's was open face Turkey Sandwiches. It was really good, though I might suggest that if you get it - ask for extra gravy. The bread really soaks it up.
(Once again I was unable to confirm if the potatoes were from Idaho so I can't attest to their quality.)

--
Reminder - to see all things Lumpy related on this blog, simply click on this link: Lumpy's

Beginning of Christmas lighting

Antioch, CA

Now that it is finally December I feel safe publishing pictures of Christmas lights.

Sun Shadows

Antioch, CA

I had to be up at 3:30 this morning to take Nina to the airport. When I got back to my house I saw this and I loved how the light was shooting through the trees.

The Twain the Twain

Sonoma, CA

Nina needed to go shopping for one last person so today we skipped church and headed North. On our way we stopped at Train Town (one of my favorite "theme" parks) and took a ride. I was very giddy though the experience.

(BTC)

Muir Experiences

Marin County, CA

Today Amy, Nina and I went to Muir Woods and Muir Beach. At the woods we went hiking and at the beach we watched the sun set.

(BTC - Video from the beach)

Nina's trip to SF

San Fran, CA

Today I took Nina back to SF. It was a lot of fun but really tiring.
We took the Ferry from Vallejo to SF. Then we went to ATT park so that Nina could take pictures of Palm Trees. From there we rode a Cable Car to Guiradelli Square. We checked out some boats, hung out at Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 39, and the Musee Mecanque. (In fact - while at the Musee we ran across early pornography.) We even did a bit of shopping. To top it off, we had real bread bowls at Boudins for lunch and dinner at Johnny Rockets. All in all it was a really good day.
The top two images are my favorite from the day.



(BTC - Nina in CA)

The big meal

San Jose, CA

After several years of non-traditional Thanksgiving Dinners, this year my dad's girlfriend hosted Nina, my dad, and I for a traditional meal. It was very good.

(BTC)

Both sides of the Bridge

San Francisco and Marin Headlands, CA

My first adventure for Nina after she flew in this morning was to see all sides of the Golden Gate. Initially we stopped at the North West side, parked and walked underneath. Next was a walk out onto the bridge, then we drove across to Baker Beach for some sunset pictures. Once the sun had set, we were back to the North East side to a spot suggested by my friend Kelley. All in all it was a rather fun day. Friday should be the biggest adventure - Taking on as many SF tourist spots as possible.

Post #900
898 Daily Pictures since Day 1

Lumpy Rims

Antioch, CA

Today is Lumpy's 1 year anni of being in business. So Lumpy's truck was there sporting these rims.

The green grass and leaves - as a reminder

Oakley, CA

Today and Yesterday, Cindy was lamenting about the grass disappearing under a blanket of white fluffy stuff. When the winter gets too rough, I hope she can turn here an enjoy a bit of green.

the last photo for the semester - taken

Antioch, CA

I have all 12 photos taken for my final project. Tomorrow I'll develop the roll and just make prints for the next few weeks.

Christmas Palm Trees caught in a sunset

Oakland, CA

Today Amy and I returned to Temple hill to continue working on the set for the Magic of Christmas. We were joined up later in the day by Krista, my ex-girlfriend who I hadn't talked to in 4 years.

Oh Christmas Tree Oh Christmas Tree

Oakland CA

Tonight for our date, Amy and I went to temple hill to help build a set for the "Magic of Christmas" Celebration next Saturday.

A stoney wall Antioch

Pleasant Hill, CA

Ever so slowly I'm developing more and more prints for class. 2 developed so far, 10 more to go (plus another roll to develop)

Meatloaf Sandwich ** Post Edit

Antioch, CA

Man I just love a waitress that can read your mind. All week long I have been thinking "When I go to Lumpy's this week I want something different. I need something different." I walked in all ready to demand a menu. As I walked in, my waitress came up to me in a rush: "We have something new and I instantly thought of you when they unveiled it." It was sooo good. However, it was not totally filling so I asked for the dessert menu (a first for me at Lumpy's). Today I came the closest to tasting my mother's cheesecake than any other time in the 6 years since her death. If you live nearby - take an opportunity to indulge yourself. You won't regret it.



**Post edit - I never found out if the mashed potatoes were from Idaho or not so I can't speak for their quality - but they tasted good.