The magical day is finally here (Monday). I have taken the tube out here once before, to my total and utter dismay, on one fine September morn. From the famous Victoria Station, it is a straight shot on the District line to Southfields exit. Then a half mile walk to the queue. Just follow the masses. The All England Lawn Tennis Club has grown considerably since 1972. It is one of the world's premier sporting events, and a major happening here in the United Kingdom. It is surpassed only by football, cricket and pub crawling, not necessarily in that order. Oh, [View Full Entry]

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After landing, we caught our Towncar into downtown with our friend Elias. We are staying at the Hotel Andra again, as it has become our favorite. It sits right above Lola, our favorite restaurant, and across the street from Dahlia Lounge (tonight's dinner), Serious Pie, and the Dahlia Bakery. We trotted across the street to Serious Pie for the best pizza in the entire known universe. We had the cherry bomb pizza,of course. It has the shape of a rounded rectangle, with home made sausage and cherry bomb peppers. Then to Pike and Western liquor store for some good champagne. Dinner [View Full Entry]

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I have been fortunate to attend many great and famous sporting events over the years. I decided to make a list, just in case I forget, in my later years. I wish my Dad was still alive so we could go together. Here they are, in no particular order. 1984 Summer Olympics, Los Angeles I saw the tennis and boxing, where Evander Holyfield was disqualified. My friend Brad and I polished off several Heinekens and Carlsbergs on this hot summer day. 1998 and 2000 U.S. Open Golf Championship Olympic Club in 1998 when Lee Janzen won, and 2000 at Pebble Beach [View Full Entry]

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I took my younger brother, Bob, to this year's Indianapolis 500 Race. Our Dad loved auto racing, and knew many of the old time racers, car owners, and builders. I often went with my Dad to the local races in the Fresno area, as well as Los Angeles, when I was a kid. I got to see many of the famous drivers of the time, like Billy Vukovich, Parnelli Jones, AJ Foyt, and Mario Andretti. This is my third year in a row for this trip and the big race. I can certainly see why our Dad loved real auto racing [View Full Entry]

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How many times have you wanted to take the thrilling and scenic cruise from the top of Haleakala crater down to the beach in Maui? While the thought of a 3am wake up call is dreadful, once I was awake, and jumped on the shuttle van with the other crazies, I was hooked. After a stop in Kahului to pick up the bikes, watch a short orientation/safety video, and meet our guides, we were ready. There were about ten of us, as we drove up to the top the crater in the spooky darkness. Once at the top, we had coffee [View Full Entry]

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Back in my running and jogging days, I ran in several editions of the Bay to Breakers Footrace in San Francisco. Back then, the race often experienced record numbers of entrants, and lived up to its name as the world's largest footrace. It begins at the foot of San Francisco Bay, then winds through the streets of the City, through Golden Gate Park, and finally onto the Great Highway and the Pacific Ocean (ie the breakers). The first race, known as the Cross City Race, began in 1912, as a precursor to the world class events planned for the 1915 Panama [View Full Entry]

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We are off to Moab, Utah to see more for our nation's natural wonders, specifically in the beautiful state of Utah. Moab boasts both Canyonlands and Arches National Parks within easy reach. Did you know Moab got its name from the Biblical name for a land that is just short of the Promised Land? It was the Mormon settler's in the 1800's that gave this beautiful area its name. There are 137 Bible verses where Moab is named. Arches National Park has over 2000 natural sandstone arches. The most famous is Delicate Arch, seen in countless photos and advertisements. The forces [View Full Entry]

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We took a flight over Canyonlands National Park this morning. We not only saw Canyonlands, but also Dead Horse Point State Park, the confluence of the Colorado and Green Rivers, and Angel and Druid Arch. We will also see the Maze, the hideout of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. After that, we will take the iconic drive to Island In The Sky. The famous explorer, John Wesley Powell first saw the canyons in 1869. We may also take a ride over to Capitol Reefs National Park, as well as, time permitting, go back to Arches for a ranger guided hike [View Full Entry]

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The Red Cliffs Lodge is our home for a few days while we are here in Moab, Utah. It is located about 18 miles up the Colorado River from Moab itself. Our room and patio overlooks the Colorado River. It was selected by National Geographic Traveler magazine as one of "129 Hotels We Love." It has been in numerous western films including Rio Grande with John Wayne. All guest rooms are along the water. King guest rooms enjoy a view of the Colorado River to the east. Queen guest rooms face west, along the soothing Castle Creek. The Honeymoon Suite has [View Full Entry]

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Are you caught up in the mania of Ed Hardy T shirts, sweatshirts, belts, denim, scarves, purses, sunglasses, shorts, wallets, and headbands? Are you shocked at the sticker price on this stuff? What if you could find it at half off or more? That place really exists, in the Las Vegas Factory Outlets on Charleston near downtown. It sits just about in the middle of the complex. There is a Starbucks across the walkway, and a food court nearby as well. We found several T shirts for about $30, and a sweatshirt under $100. One wall of the store is covered [View Full Entry]

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