On this particular Friday:
(back row) Jeff, Doug, Brian & Ron (front row) Peter, Alan,
Greg, Spencer, Jerilyn, Marilee & Todd.
(Photo by Ed W.) NOTE: Although this background view of the
chain-link fence is quite unimpressive, the reverse
angle is stunning.
Although there might be 9.9 million people that call Los
Angeles home, on any given Friday night there are only a
miniscule percentage atop the most beautiful spot overlooking our
fare city. With the lights down below, the views
are excellent. The sunsets are better. And
the company at the top is the best of all.
Welcome to the 3100 ft summit of Mt. Verdugo, about 10
miles north of downtown LA - home of the
long-standing
Friday Night Ride.
Participating in this weekly ritual requires a bike worthy of
mountain terrain, a set of lungs that can withstand the
occasional searing pain and legs that can hold steady for the
entire elevation gain. But the most noteworthy requirement
is (insert number here) containers of your favorite beer.
Of the 50+ Friday's each year, you can bet that by
5pm the first of the riders has nearly reached the top with
others on their way as schedules allow. Even in
extreme conditions - there will always be a few hearty
riders grinding to the summit. The stinging heat of Summer,
cold winds of Winter, pollen and bugs of Spring, Fall,
in the
clouds, dust or smoke from wildfires or wild animals - it matters
not!
Dec 9th - Winter Concert at Madrona Middle School
Danielle is in 7th grade at Madrona Middle School (in
Carson) and is
a member of 'Advanced Band' playing different percussion
instruments including chimes, triangle and bass drum.
Their first performance was on the 9th along with the
school's Beginning Band and Jazz Band. The concert
included traditional Christmas songs as well as other
winter themes. Her Dad, Mom and I sat in the small
cafeteria along with all the other parents to see them
do their thing. We were all really proud - the
kids did fantastic!
See Danielle below playing the chimes on "Carol Of the
Drum"
Dec 12th - Company Christmas Party
Luckily and thankfully my employer is fairing the
economic crisis - and even had a small Christmas party
this year. A simple event at the Moose Lodge in
Santa Monica, Virginia and I met up with the spouse's
and kids of co-workers I've had for nearly 12 years.
An open bar was especially nice! There was a
raffle (the proceeds going to a needy family) tons of
Mexican food and awards to a few employees for years of
service. Non of my co-workers had met
Virginia, and many did not know that we were engaged.
Needless to say I had a fun time introducing her to
everyone. The common response to her was
"Congratulations! You must be a hiker!".
Dec 16th - A Little Blast of Winter
Tuesday morning 6:15 AM, 34 degrees. Ok - I
can see my relatives in New England yawning over such
an irrelevant December temperature. Fair
enough, but for a winter morning here in Tujunga it's
about as
cold as it gets. Very wintery, with snow in the mountains
around my neighborhood.
A nice view from my morning hike.
Dec 25th - An Extended Christmas Weekend
We had a very nice and relaxing time during our 3 day
stay together at my house. Despite what you may
think, we rarely are in the same house (hers or mine)
together for more than a day & a half. The
logistics of living separately (yet being a couple) is
an endless puzzle that continually frustrates.
We started at Chris and Lizzy's house for Christmas Eve
dinner and gifts. As usual it's always a good
time. Notable for this year was Virginia's first
ever apple pie from my Mom's recipe. Although
there was a 'perceived' crust issue, the pie and home
made whipped maple cream was delicious!
Our Christmas Eve:
Dec 31st - 2008 Forever Gone But Never Forgotten
I have mixed feelings about this past year. Personally,
I accomplished much - especially on the home improvement
front. Here at the end of the year, I can see the
great results of a year of 'hard labor' on my new living
spaces. It looks good and I feel good about it.
As citizen this year, I was both disgusted and proud
to be an American. The embarrassment of Bush'
presidency and administration proves to me that
political process is too corrupt and broken - to the
point where we allow the wrong man to the post of
President. He nearly ruined this country beyond
recovery. As well - the level of
separatism of the Bush administration from the current
American culture is downright outrageous and dangerous.
Yet we Americans re-elected him for
another 4 years? Why are we so foolish?
Then came Obama - and my pride in America is coming
back. I've noticed that I'm not alone in my
optimism. His efforts to quickly establish a new
cabinet and form strategy before he's actually in the
White House has got everyone feeling better about the
country's future.
Ok, enough politics. Let's get on with 2009.
Happy New Year everyone, get out there and make
it a good year!
