Sisterly Lunch In Paso Robles

Christy and I left Mason at home exploring unknown galaxies and headed to Paso Robles.

We were meeting our sister Janine for her birthday lunch.

Jani had never eaten Thai food so we met at Basil Thai Restaurant in Downtown Paso Robles.

Christy had eaten here before...

...but Janine and I were first time visitors:

I ordered the Pineapple Rice.

I wanted to play with the pineapple:

Janine was served complimentary "fish sticks" and ice cream.

(Those were really fried bananas which were unbelievably delicious)

We strolled around to corner to check out the new luxury hotel in town:

This is the reception area...

...which leads out into a private enclosed courtyard:

Christy and Janine lounged about like tourists:

We weren't looking so relaxed at 11:15am on December 22, 2003.

We were sitting in Park Cinemas waiting to see "Return of the King" when a killer 6.5 earthquake struck.

We exited the theater, looked to the right, and this is what we saw (photo from CNN website):

Things were looking much better today:

This is the Clock Tower building that collapsed:

Downtown is so beautiful now:

The Clock Tower has been restored:

We spent the afternoon strolling around and shopping.

The Wine Festival is next weekend.

Come check it out.

You won't be disappointed.

Central Coast Chillin'

I arrived safely in Atascadero yesterday afternoon, right before the huge brush fire broke out in LA.

I am gratefully breathing clean, fresh air and soaking up the peace and quiet.



We have given ourselves over to casual grazing of delicious Trader Joe's cuisine...



...and Farmer's Market produce:

More later (possibly a lot later).

I've got some eyelids I need to check for holes...

It's a Wrap!

I played the last show in the "King and I" run this afternoon.

The San Gabriel Civic Auditorium is magnificent:

I rarely get out of the pit.

I took some time, though, to look at the posters:

This is where I was for the last week.

(My stand light is the one on the right):

Do yourself a big favor.

Go to The Pizza Place across the street from the auditorium. That's where we spent our dinner break yesterday.

They have the best Bar-b-que Chicken Pizza made with smoked gouda cheese.

I'm a sucker for smoked gouda:

Conductor Richard stopped by with his beautiful daughter:


After that amazing meal it was time to return to work:

Our last show was this afternoon.

School's out, show's over.

I am now unemployed.

I'm heading up to Atascadero to visit my family, breathe some clean air and drool for a few days.

I'll keep you posted.

Quintet Road Show

The APU Faculty Woodwind Quintet hit the road today.

We visited Valley Christian High School to play for their orchestra class.

Nathan is the band and orchestra director.

He is an APU grad currently working on his Masters:

Here are Rufus and Jenny before the concert:

Stephanie always sounds great:

Jane is ready to go:

I'm still a little hazy from last week's work:

We've got a few more road shows coming up.

I'll keep you posted.