Went for a Ride Today

First Road Bike

T'was much too nice of an afternoon to pass up a bike ride.  What with an hour more of afternoon sun, an impending week of wet weather, not to mention the daily dose of middle school...the ride was a must.
Eighty minutes of mental bliss (don't tell that to quads and glutes--they were not in bliss), a semi-peaceful and uneventful transit on the ribbon of asphalt called the American River Bike Trail.  Peddle peddle peddle, up and down the rolling trail along the river.  Power up for the inclines, freewheeling down along the parkway around Lake Natoma.  Nice!

Current Road bike (Photographed at Folsom Lake)

We Visit Hearst Castle

Hearst Castle is located near San Simeon, California

A fabulous experience to say the least--everyone should visit at least once.  Be sure to also take in the movie that documents the planning, building and people involved in the development of Hearst Castle.  Lots of famous people over the years.  Mr. Hearst was an iconic "mover and shaker" during his time.  Wasn't able to determine if he was a nice person or not.

Twin Towers setting off the front of the Castle

Jody and Mark in front of the front door beneath the twin towers

You know who taking advantage of some lounge time

John and Ally admiring their new digs

Guess they didn't need DBW funding for PFDs

Splash of color accentuates the monochromatic palette

Old Goat in front of an even older ancient Egyptian original

Real gold inlaid mosaic tiles at the indoor pool

High dive platform I'd like to leap off of some day

 Our tour took 45 minutes...we wandered the grounds for several hours...then saw the movie. We could have easily stayed another 2-3 hours.  Next time...

www.hearstcastle.org

Point San Luis Lighthouse Station

We took a tour of the Point San Luis Lighthouse Station on Saturday.

Ally, John and Jody by the trolley that we rode on to get to the lighthouse station.

Steam Generator that at one time  powered the fog horn

4th order Fresnel lens that provided the light

Restored original lighthouse and living spaces

Modern technology that replaced the old eqipment

Looking south from the lighthouse tower

Jody & Mark on the trolley

Dam 2 Dam Great Ride

Beale's Point looking southwest towards Folsom Dam

Went on the American River Bike Trail today.  Parked at Nimbus Dam, rode across the Am River on the Hazel Ave bridge to the north-side trail up through Negro Bar, Folsom, and up to Beale's Point...and back.  Segment between Folsom and Beale's point is up-hill, some 7 % incline.  Burn those Quads! Nice down-hill on the way back...Great 18 miler.

Nimbus Dam --Bike Trail is on the other side

They're Engaged!!!

Early in December, 

            future Son-in-Law Ryan asked my "permission" to

marry 

my youngest daughter 

  Melissa.  

Asked when he would pop the question to her, he replied, "Soon..." 

Apparently, "soon" was the following week.  

At the Top-of-the Mark (San Francisco) no less! 

Upon returning to earth the next day, they officially announced their

   engagement 

  to us and the rest of the world. 

Reasons to smile

 Later,  our family threw a small impromptu 

engagement celebration.

We all helped make the cheesecake

Celebratory sentiments

The  celebration continued later that week with Ryan's mom, Kathy, at Chicago Fire Pizza.

More happy family

 Sparkling holiday accouterments

The celebration continued at their fabulous Holiday Open House bash!

Smiling Fiances

                                                    As to when the wedding will be?

The happy couple says,

  "Later..." 

So, looks like it'll be one of those

 looooooong e n g a g e m e n t s.