Edda's birthday ends January with a bang!!!

Edda always has a way of bringing us together for her birthday and gets us outta of the house and out on the town! This year she did it again...and I got a head start, by spending the day shopping together with her. Oh Home Goods, how I love you. But come evening time, we cleaned up and met over at one of our local Fav's, The Corner.

Edda had set us up in a private area where we could kick back and have the run of (covered) patio with heaters and a beautiful water fountain.

Once we all arrived, the drinks started as did the stories. The boys traded Droid app.s and updates-oh Brotah! It was a great event even though the rain decided to pour, there was no stopping a good time. Happy Birthday Edda-love you. K

if its possible we have a crush on an RV

and I've never been more motivated to find employment...look at her, (don't tell Woody)...isn't she cute???? ((Damn you Kerr!))

What's next?????

So Mr. Holloway challenged us, yet again, to attending the Professional Bull Riders competition at our local ArcoArena.. Tickets, Wranglers and boots purchased....we were “in!”

While initally I have a internal struggle, wondering if I could truly enjoy the event outta concern over the poor Bulls. Ya know that they put a strap or belt over their “b@lls!?” That would make me angry tooo. So I consulted my best friend, who's as big of an animal lover as I am. I asked her if she thought that I could “handle it?” First she looked at me, to verify I wasn't joking and agreed that we were both equal in our love of animals... then confirmed that I would LOVE it. She not only convinced me that I was in for a great time, she actually was jealous that they weren't going too!

Rich and I donned our new duds and started the evening with David, from Rich's work, for dinner. Both men in hats..Rich in his brand spanking new...black hat and David's white hat, whip stitched with rawhide, was more authentic...as David actually rides horses. Then we headed into the arena, through a sea of plaid, mustaches and dare I say, tight jeans, big hair and a dash of cleavage! The marketing at these events is huge, from Ford, Stanley tools, Dickies work wear, Ariat boots, Jack Daniels, Wranglers, Jeep ect. You are bombarded.

The show started with huge iron/silver bull heads pumping out flames through their nostrils and blazing red eyes. Then we were blessed with an announcer who was a mixed of Larry the Cable Guy, Richard Simmons and Robin Williams. The combination of humor, rock n roll music, lights and wafting testosterone set the stage to redefine just exactly how long 8 seconds could last. There were 6 gates that the riders were launched from. I didn't exactly know which would open and unleash the next combination of terror, power, fury and ferocity (its that belt thang again). But after the first ride...I was into it. Its combines the ceremony of the visual (thank you big screen )of the strapping your hand in, calming the bull enough that he didn't kill the rider in the stall, whipping open of the door. Some came out like a shot and bucked...others bucked out...it was crazy with the dirt and snot flying. All the excitement freezes though when a rider is hurt...the clowns (crazy profession-but so valuable) react quick to get the bulls away from the rider, so an assessment can be made of exactly just how hurt they may be. Just writing this and remembering is stressing me out again...because we saw one rider get really hurt. To see someone's head get stomped on is sobering and can silence an entire stadium. But the show must go on...so they wheeled one rider out and had the next one launched out. The endorphins, adrenaline and beer made the night zip by and damn that Brian was right-it was AWESOME!

I draw the line at Monster Trucks...Brian I don't care what you say-I ain't doin' it!!!

Thankfully Rich made us bring walking sticks...think I'd still be up there without mine

Sunday I convinced Rich to hike the Stebbins Cold Canyon (http://www.berryessatrails.org/guide/trailguide/coldcan.htm) trail at Lake Berryessa. Mind you, I have the familiar knowledge of the trail as I went with friend, Lynn back in September. Apparently it takes just about 4 months to forget...but this trail is BRUTAL. My confession is I think I wanted Rich to experience the trail just to know what I went through. Because if there was one thing that I don't do well it is rock scrambling.

You start in the valley...a casual stroll along the stream. Quickly the environment turns cold with tree canopy and the stairs/train ties start. Then come the switch backs and you climb, the initial ascent was 1200 feet. I was the one dogging the trail...huffing and puffing. Rich was stoic but little did he know, that this wasn't the hardest part. After an hour and a half we reached the top of the ridge. It is a stunning visit point...but you see ahead the ridge goes higher. You walk/hike at least a mile along the ridge. Once you reach one crest, you are only gifted with another one even higher. There were times where you are on all fours scrambling across boulders on the edge of a 200 foot cliff. I think its like the 7th crest that is the final one and again the view of the lake, Winters and way off in the distance Sacramento is truly amazing.

Coming down the ridge was scarier due to the descent being covered in clay mud. So from the top being at 1500 feet...coming down fast was not an option. You picked each step carefully and with forethought. Initially I told Rich that the total hike should be like an hour and a half...I was wrong...we were out there 3 hours. By the end, the endorphins filled us with pride and joy. Plus we were thrilled we survived. I mean Rich didn't strangle me :D

Holiday Season '10

After a couple attempts, I realized that I just can't put in words the fun and adventures this holiday season better than by just sharing some pix. I welcome the New Year and wish us all health, love, and joy!