heh - bout time!! I think there was something in Cali that was blocking my Blog-brainwaves. I just couldn't eek out a single post!

I did determine that I am allergic to California. Not only do I have a visceral reaction to high property taxes and ridiculous gasoline prices, I think my body disagrees with it too. I had the worse cough ever the entire time we were there. I was a joy during conference calls. It sucked being in the same room as me. I was miserable, and I am a miserable sick person. I think that is because I don't do the "sick" thing very often, so I try to maximize my return.

So, for my kick-off post, you get a picture of our new driver - Chris Shakespeare. He is the son of Bill and Kelley - Kelley being Angie's sister. Chris jumped right in and felt at home. I can't wait to be able to nap during our I-80 drive through Nevada, Utah, Wyoming...

Lots of things went on in our short Cali stay, but click to see what the coolest thing was.

[More:]

I finally upgraded my TVs!!! Yesssssssssssssssssssssss

Front Old vs. New


Rear Old vs. New


Bottom view of front TV

OK, maybe not the "coolest" thing, but it is pretty awesome. Can you believe that in 2006, you could still buy an RV with a CRT TV? Yikes. Welcome to the '70s. The front TV got replaced with a 32" LCD, and the bedroom with a 26" LCD. The original in the front was a 25" or so with side speakers. Weak. The bedroom was... weak. That is all. Weak. They are both full of so much awesomeness now that it is hard to describe.

The big thanks goes to my lifelong friend Brian Boardman for helping me out with the front TV trim. He made the front frame and the bottom piece for me. They came out perfect. The wood and the finish is hard to distinguish from original. Thanks Brian - it looks killer.

We did a lot in Cali, best of which was seeing family and friends. We also got to spend a lot of time with Brother Roy, which was probably the best part about being where we were - he had to drive right past us, so he stopped in to see us a lot!! It went quick, as do all of our adventures. The campground we stayed in outside of San Jose was nice and new, and very empty. I am sure that when we are back mid- to late-summer, it will be full. It is way too convenient to the Bay Area not to be filled quickly.

Enjoy some pictures from our Cali stay. We are both looking forward to the next couple of months, as we have a lot going on. My daughter is getting married in a couple of weeks!!

--kev