Dave Koz CD Release Party

October 14, 2010

B scored wrist bands to a new CD release party.  It was in our backyard at the Rancho Bernardo Inn.

Veranda Fireside Lounge and Restaurant

More Info We're bringing Dave Koz to the Rancho Bernardo Inn for the CD Release Party of his newest album, "Hello Tomorrow." Dave Koz will be performing a live mini-set and Kelly Cole will be on-hand hosting a Q and A session.

We learned from the last one and got there earlier so we could get seats.  B had some tacos and I waited until after to eat.

Dave Koz is a saxophonist.  He usually plays soprano or alto saxophones, but sometimes plays tenor.  The music was great and it is a tremendous setting looking out over the golf course.  He played several new songs and explained the insiration for them.  It was a nice mellow evening.

USC vs Washington

October 2 and 3, 2010

We got going in the morning to drive to Connie and Russ's house.  We stay at what my sister calls, the B and B.  The accomodations are great and the breakfasts the next morning are fantastic.  We got there without incident (110 miles) and ate lunch.  Pizza from a local place.  It was really good.  We picked up sandwiches at Panera for our dinner at the game.  We then drove to USC.  Ran into some traffic as we were approaching downtown, but Russ knows all the shortcuts.  We spent some time on campus looking at the new student union and bookstore.

USC was 4-0 heading into this game.  There was a subplot to this game.  Steve Sarkisian and Lane Kiffin both were at USC during the Pete Carroll reign.  Kiffin moved first to the Oakland Raiders, then to the University of Tennessee before coming back to USC.  Sarkisian left USC to be the head coach at University of Washington.  During the week both played down any rilalry between them on the local radio shows.  Washington beat USC last year in Seatlle and that started the downward spiral for Pete Carroll in his last year.  After 7 consecutive BCS bowls, 7 Pac 10 Tiltles and no losses in November for 21 straight games the wheels came off the bus.  Pete then left for the NFL.

The game started okay.  USC jumped out to a 7-0 lead.  Then fell behind 17-7.  At halftime usc clinged to a 21-20 lead.  Washington seemed able to move the ball and our defense could not get the big stop when it needed one.  We were ahead 31-29 but we missed a 40 yard field goal.  It seems Pete forgot to leave us a defense and a kicker.  Washington got the ball and drove down the field, converting a 4th down and 11.  With no time on the clock they kicked a field goal to win 32-31.  Disappointing!

We drove back to the house.  We chatted, watched the recorded lingerie football game and had Manhattans.  Off to bed. 

Got up the next morning and Connie made a fabulous breakfast. Always a starter like yogurt with granola or a smoothie.  Today we had French Toast.

Drove back to San Diego, a great weekend that could have been better with a win.

Carrie Underwood

October 1, 2010

And now, he's wrapped around her finger
She's the center of his whole world
And his heart belongs to that sweet, little, beautiful, wonderful, perfect
All-American girl
                         Carrie Underwood

I met B in Mission Valley and we headed to the Sports Arena in San Diego.  Parking there is ridiculious, they charge too much and the parking lot needs to be resurfaced.  We park in a neighborhood and walk there.  Takes about 10 minutes or so.  As we got closer we noticed the stop lights were not working.  The electricity in this area was out.  We were going to eat dinner before the show.  Lucky for us the electricity came back on within 5 minutes.  We got in line at Chili's.  They had emptied the restaurant when the lights went out.  Now that they were back on, they were firing up the grills.  We got seated fairly quickly and ordered the 2 for $20.  Chili's is basically in the Sports Arena parking lot so we walked on over after dinner.

There was an opening act- Sons of Sylvia.

Ashley Clark – lead vocals, acoustic guitar, fiddle
Austin Clark – dobro, lap steel, vocals
Adam Clark – mandolin, acoustic guitar, vocals

All sons of Sylvia, their mother.  They are kinda a country/pop crossover group.


oooh
what you waiting for
One More step and you're out that door
Oh what you waiting for
All we've got is love left to lose
                        Sons of Sylvia

Next up was Billy Currington.


God is great, beer is good, and people are crazy
                                             Billy Currington

The boy has seriously curly hair and how does he maintain a 3 day beard all the time.  He was good and I didn't realize all the songs I knew.
I Got a Feelin', Must be Doin' Something Right, Good Directions, People are Crazy, That's How Country Boys Roll and can't forget this one

I ain't much, On mowin' thick grass.
I'm too slow, For workin' too fast.
I don't do windows, So honey don't ask.
But I'm pretty good at drinkin' beer.

Carrie was up next and it was quite a show.  Stage moving up and down, swing, change of wardrobes (many times), hologram duet with Randy Travis and a truck that was suspended from the roof and went out in the audience while she sang.

She also played guitar and piano and put forth a great effort.  It is interesting to know that she is writing songs too.

He’s a good time cowboy casanova
Leaning up against the record machine
Looks like a cool drink of water
But he’s candy-coated misery
He’s the devil in disguise
A snake with blue eyes
And he only comes out at night
Gives you feelings that you don’t want to fight
You better run for your life
                     Carrie Underwood






It was a good concert and B was happy to see another A. I.  Me sometimes I just go along for the ride, but this one was worth it.


 







USC Tailgate & Dinner

Sept 25, 2010

My sister, Connie and her husband, Russ came down to watch the USC vs Washington State game.  B provided an excellent menu for the tailgate of meatballs, 7 layer dip with chips, turkey wraps, veggies and lemon bars for dessert.  USC won so it was a great day.

We had dinner reservations at Bellefleur in Carlsbad.  We had been there for Sunday Brunch and it was quite good.  I ordered the wedge salad.  B ordered the Seafood Pasta and I had a Halibut with macademia nut crust.  We shared a raspberry cheesecake for dessert.  It was a very good day for friendship and food. 

Restaurant Week San Diego

Sept 19,2010

Nick's at the Beach

B had a pressed salad, crab legs and creme brulee.  I had shrimp skewer, filet and cheesecake.  A nice setting in Pacific Beach and good food, just like Nick's on the Pier in OB.



Sept 21, 21, 2010

Cafe Luna, Carmel Mountain

We both sarted with the Rosetta, a pasta sheet rolled with ham and swiss cheese and baked. then a Della Luna Insalate, then B had Vitello Marsala and I had a veal chop.  We both had creme brulee for dessert.  Great food.

Sept 24, 2010

The Butcher Shop, Kearney Mesa

Okay tonight we started with the French Onion Soup.  B had Slow-Roasted Angus Prime Rib of Beef & I had Medallions of Beef Tenderloin.  For dessert B had creme brulee and I had a selection of sorbets with cookies.  Very satisfying.

Sept 26,2010

The Shores, La Jolla

B started with the Crow pass farm organic greens and I had the buttercup squash bisque.  We ordered the wine pairing so we had 09 Gewurztraimer, Handley, Anderson Valley, CA.  Next up for both of us was the Lemongrass butter basted Maine Lobster with a Chardonnay, Mi Sueno, Cameros, Napa, CA.  For dessert there was a trio of Callebaut Chocolate Fondant, Praline Liqueur Creme Brulee and Coconut gelato with NV Brachetto Malvira Piedmonte Italy.  Delicious.

H2O Tour

September 17, 2010

Inflatable pool full of dad's hot air
I was three years old splashin' everywhere
And so began my love affair with water
                                           Brad Paisley

We went to Cricket Ampitheatre to see the Brad Paisley Tour.  Our 4th time seeing him.  He puts on a really good show and is an excellent musician.  His opening act was Justin Moore & Dairus Rucker.  We ran into alot of traffic and just made it there by 7:30.  I hate traffic, but I guess I should move because that is all California has lately. 

Give me a Saturday night my baby by my side
A little Hank Jr. and a six pack of lights
Old dirt road and ill be just fine
Give me a Sunday morning that full of grace
A simple life and I'll be okay
Here in small town USA
                          Justin Moore

Justin Moore started out , then Darius Rucker.  My brother-in-law use to call him "Booty and  the Blow Fish" back in the day.  He was good and sang some Hootie and the Blow Fish songs.

The star was Bradley and he put on a great show.  All the classics and his new ones.  Really a great show.   

A few pictures from the show.

And since the day I left Milwaukee,
Lynchburg, Bordeaux, France
Been makin a fool out of folks
just like you
and helpin white people dance
I am medicine and I am poison
I can help you up or make you fall
you had some of the best times
you'll never remember with me
Alcohol
                    Brad Paisley

She Sells Sanctuary

Sept 14,2010

Finally I am a winner.  B is known for her skills at winning prizes at radio stations.  We went to a local radio promotion and I spun the wheel and won.  I choose tickets to see The Cult at 4th and B.  A small venue downtown San Diego.

We first had dinner at the Hungry Hunter.  Apetizer, salad/soup, main entree with two sides and dessert for $20.00.  Such a deal.  We both had prime rib. 

The story with 4th and B is that they say it starts at 7pm but that is when the doors open.  They hope you buy their drinks because the show starts around 8:00pm.  The first band was Black Ryder.  They are from Austrilia and play pysch rock.  They were good and set the tone for the evening.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWl5e2zsM4k

They then took an hour to set up the stage.  Again hoping you are buying their drinks because it doesn't take that long.  I hate that.

The Cult took the stage and rocked.  They played all their old songs plus some new ones.

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DzOlZKH8KU4c&h=30e9c