The Valley

May 21, 2011

she had to leave
los angeles
              X
 
We got up and drove to Los Angeles, actually the Valley to Jen and Brian's apartment.  Only Brian is not there, he is in Texas.  Jen is leaving to join him on Saturday May 28.  We volunteered to help her finish the packing and also took up some stuff that was still at our house.  Also for those who are in the dark, Jen is pregnant with her first child, and our first grandchild.  And he is going to be born in Texas.  What is up with that?  Wife-Califonia, Daughter- Califonia, Grandson - Texas. 
 
http://jenandbrianingram.blogspot.com/
 
Eventually they will get caught up on their blog and tell the story much better than I can.  They are going to close to her sister, Courtney and David so that part is good.

 
So we got there and grabbed some lunch.  Then started packing up boxes.  Ran to Lowes to get more boxes.  Packed more boxes.  We finished right before dinner.  Jen took us to a great place she has talked about on her blog.  Stonefire Grill.  It reminds us of Pat and Oscars with a twist.  The closest one to us is in Orange County.  I really recommend the Tri Tip.  Excellent choice.
 
http://www.stonefiregrill.com/
 
Jen was tired so we headed to our hotel.  We passed a Box Store on the way so we did some research on the laptop because we needed a different size than the ones at Lowes.
 
We got up the next morning, hit the Box Store then went to Jen's.  For breakfast we went to a restaurant in Tarzana called Cici's Cafe.  It was so good, with a huge menu and crazy portions.  Check out the pictures of the place and food, then look at the menu on the link below.  So good.
 
http://ciciscafe.com/

 
We pretty much had finished everything yesterday so we said our goodbyes and headed back to San Diego.  Happy for them, but sad too.

A Night of Hope

May 13, 2011

Shout to the Lord
All the Earth, let us sing
Power and majesty
Praise to the King
Mountains bow down
And the seas will roar
At the sound of Your name
I sing for joy at the work
Of Your hands
Forever I'll love You
Forever I'll stand
Nothing compares
To the promise I have
In You
          Darlene Zschech


We bought tickets to go see Joel Osteen at the
Sports Arena in San Diego.

A Night of Hope events are filled with praise and worship music, encouragment from Victoria Osteen, a special testimony from Dodie Osteen, a prayer time together and an inspiring message from Joel Osteen.


http://www.joelosteen.com/


There were over 14,000 people there and his message was one of hope and optimism.  I know some people have a problem with his ministry, but there is nothing wrong with hope and optimism.  This world could use both right now.

Open the eyes of my heart, Lord
Open the eyes of my heart
I want to see You
I want to see You
To see You high and lifted up
Shinin' in the light of Your glory
Pour out Your power and love
As we sing holy, holy, holy
                      Paul Baloche

There's so much trying to pull us down today," Joel said. "Our message is all about lifting people's spirits and letting them know that God is in control."


"Prosperity comes from inside," Victoria said. "It's not about what you have, it's really about your joy, your peace, the things you have on the inside. You can go through tough times and still have a smile on your face. We're all going to face challenges, we might as well get up and get after it."

When you take God at His word, and really meditate on His love for you, it will change you!

Let us pray, let us pray, everywhere in every way
Every moment of the day, it is the right time
For the Father above, He is listening with love
And He wants to answer us, so let us pray
                        Steven Curtis Chapman


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAR9pvItXdM&feature=player_detailpage


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PwvYwIpXGg&feature=player_detailpage

http://www.nctimes.com/lifestyles/faith-and-values/article_6f308215-58a2-5139-9816-67bef415cd2c.html

Art Walk

April 30, 2011

La donna è mobile qual piuma al vento,
muta d'accento e di pensiero.
Sempre un amabile leggiadro viso,
in pianto o in riso, è menzognero.
La donna è mobil qual piuma al vento,
                                    Verdi

It was a beautiful San Diego Day.  We went down to Little Italy for the Artwalk.

http://www.missionfederalartwalk.org/

There was 16 blocks of art and food.  Some very talented artist but the prices were high.  No bargains here as they wanted to be paid for their effort.

Little Italy is a great area in San Diego.

http://www.littleitalysd.com/

April Smith and the Great Picture Show

April 26,2011

if you dig under my feet
you will find things that you don't want to see
things that i hide deep down inside
a menagerie of the tragedy i caused and all of my flaws
and my demons are all that can see
then what would you do ...if you only knew
all of the things that I've done
terrible things...you would never believe
things that I've done
Oh how you'll run
if you knew a single one
all of the things that I've done
                                   April Smith and the Great Picture Show

Bridget got tickets to a private listener concert from a local radio station.  It was held at a Lexus dealership in Escondido.This particular Lexus dealership was built with luxury in mind.  You won't believe the pictures of the 3rd floor. 

On the level three, the views of the Escondido hills and local mountains frame the spacious West-outdoor event area with outdoor fire tables and a capacity of over 300 guests make this a spectacular location for private and public parties, weddings, concerts and more.

http://www.lexusescondido.com/LexusEscondido_TheLexusCenter

April Smith and the Great Picture show came out and put on a good show.  Her song "Terrible Things" was used as a promo for Season 6 on Showtimes "Weeds".  She was quirky and her band played all kinds of instruments, like the drummer play drums and an acordian at the same time.  There was a caterer serving food and a bar setup.  It was a beautiful So Cal evening.  Enjoy the pictures.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gg9-I0ULERA&feature=related

Bridget's pics below

Trojan Huddle 2011

April 23, 2011

We have been going to the Trojan Huddle for many years.  Noah got a picture with Johnnie Morton and the next year we got it autographed.  We met John Robinson, Rob Johnson and Charles White there in previous years. 

We drove up to the LA Coliseum and met Connie and Russ and Jen and Brian there.

It was a beautiful day to play football at the Coliseum in downtown Los Angeles today. I hope that it symbolizes a bright future for the USC football program as fans got a taste of what Kiffin is cooking at USC.

Fans were given schedule posters and rosters who ever attended the scrimmage.
Anyway, teams were divided by white and cardinal jerseys with white being the offense and cardinal being the defense. There was no punting in the game, only field goal kicking. There wasn't a kickoff as every drive starts at the 30-yard line.

The defense won with 2 Matt Barkley picks.  Hope that doesn't happen in the regular season.  Afterwards we walked on campus and then had dinner at LA Live at the Farm of Beverly Hills.  We each chose something different.   12 hour day when we got home.  Proud to be a Trojan.

http://www.thefarmofbeverlyhills.com/

Spring 04/16/11

Decided it was time for color.