Livermore Loop

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What a ride! We met at the Airport in Livermore just after six o'clock in the morning.  It was cold (of course) but there was almost no wind.

From Livermore we headed north through Collier Canyon to Danville and then came face to face with the Devil himself... that's right sports fans... Mt. Diablo !!!  We made the climb to the ranger station (half way up) with no stops (easy feat for Chuck but not for me and Bill).  The climb was made more tough since we had a 20 mile ride just to get there.

We descended from Diablo and headed into Walnut Creek (after my flat of course) and then cruised through Clayton.  Little did we know that the fun had just begun.

Our second helping of hills came in  courtesy of Morgan Territory.  We climbed the several miles to the top and then hit the killer downhill road back to Collier Canyon and then back to Livermore.

What an absolute killer ride ! As I am writing this Sunday morning my legs and chest are still reeling from the pain.  As our coach always says, "Cycling rewards consistency" - he was right and now I know why he pushes me every Saturday.

Total distance: 70 miles

 

JR At 40

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You know those age progression pictures they have on the news that show what Elvis or JFK would look like today? Well.... we always assume we will grow up to look just like our parents.  For instance, everyone assumes JR will grow up to look just like Melville.

I disagree.... and offer this proof...

Here's a glimpse of what JR might look like in 15 years.

JR at 24 JR at 40?

We went to Emily's school for her Christmas performance and this guy (JR at 40) is in the front row... Fred, Flower, Dawn and I all freaked out and said, "Wow... it's like an old JR."  Even Emo, Mak, Carina and Dan saw the similarities.  Well, to be fair, Dan & Mak were just going along with the rest of us.

... much love my brutha....  reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeb

Finally Unpacked

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Well we are finally in the new house! After a very stressful couple of months we are happily (almost) all moved in. Thanks to the movin' Dawgs - Mike, JR, Twon, KW, Fred, Bob and Jammin' Jerry D for all of your help! Also, thanx to Jack and Rita for lettin' us shack up while we were between escrows.

Dawn has been busy in the new pad re-arranging things and making our house our home.  She has already busted out with a little bit of Martha Stewart by painting Mak's room.

 

5 Generations

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With the birth of their little girl, Chiara, Mike and Billie ushered in the first member of the newest generation.  Chiara Elizabeth Bowen was born on Friday, October 11, 2002.  The last time we had 5 generations represented was, ironically, when Mikey himself came into this world and Grandma Napoletano was still with us. We are all excited about our newest little baby and can't wait to see her.  For those out-of-towners, stay tuned, we'll try to get some photos up real soon.

For the astute members our family - that means that Grace is now a Great-Grandmother and Mimi is a Great-Great-Grandmother!  Wow... imagine that!

 

Remembering 9/11

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Okay, I have rarely used our site to air a gripe and most visitors would say that I avoid confrontation but now I would like to get on my soapbox.The anniversary of 9/11 is coming soon and there has been a lot of talk and hype about how we will mark - not celebrate - the day.  The History Channel is running a special for which the advertisement says, “A year we will always mark as September to September” – very poignant and very true.  The attention to this date, in my opinion, is well deserved.  The plethora of e-mails I get everyday suggesting what to do on that day, however, is not. September 11, 2001 – my “day that will live in infamy”, certainly changed my perceptions, my feelings, my patriotism and so many aspects of my life.  Nearly everyone I know agrees that the events of that day had a profound impact on his or her life. Since the last week in June I have received a ton of e-mails asking me to do a variety of things on September 11th, such as:

Drive with my headlights on during the day Light a candle Honk my horn at a certain time Wear all red, white and blue Carry a flag all day Sit on my porch all night Walk to work Don't buy gas I am not suggesting that any of these things are crazy; I think a lot of us are searching for a way to commemorate 9/11 – after all, we Americans sure are infatuated with dates, aren’t we?  I would, however, like to make my own suggestions for crazy, off-the-wall things to do on this fast-approaching September 11th.  Brace yourself, these are definitely radical ideas, but I am going to risk my reputation and just go for it!

Volunteer at a local senior center Hug your kids real, real tight Get to know your neighbors Buy lunch for a stranger Send your wife flowers Write your Senator Register to vote Learn CPR Okay folks, I am sure you now understand my perspective, but just in case you missed it… I’ll explain it.  On 9/11/01 our nation, our way of life, was attacked by a bunch of idiots who hate America and what we stand for.  I think that the best way to honor our country is to keep living life in honor of those that died protecting our lifestyle and those that perished last year. Solidarity will not be gained by everyone doing the exact same thing at the exact same thing but, in fact, just the opposite. Well, to commemorate that horrible Tuesday last year I would like to take this opportunity to say that in the last year I have seen some great examples of patriotism and have seen some genuine jack-asses. From the overpass flag-wavers and the sudden outburst of our national anthem to impatient airline passengers, that's what this country is all about.  So, what ever you do... be original!

NFL 2002

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As everyone knows; every year I make a bold prediction of who's going to the Superbowl... I have never been right so I don't mind saying that my prediction for this year is:sb_pix090702...sorry Ken and Joe, your Raiders just aint gonna do it this year... 9-7, but choke in the playoffs! as for my Chiefs... I still have faith in ya... just not foolish to think we're going all the way!kc_negmy prediction: 7-9 Teams to watch...PHILLY, CHICAGO, MIAMI and, yes, even the TEXANS!!! WEEK 1WOW... what did I say... watch those TEXANS and THOSE DOLPHINS! What about that NYJ-BUF game... crazy! UNDEFEATED AFC WEST Thanks Dwayne Rudd druddLosing your helmet sure helped my team!!!