Blog Archives

How many AAA stars do you get if you find two finger/toenails on the nightstand?

I have said many times that business travel is only glamorous to those folks who don’t do it…or have enough money to only stay in five star hotels.

Frankly, as far as business travel goes, I have it pretty good. I fly the airlines I want, which allows me to build up some status. And I stay in nice business-friendly hotels with amenities–avoiding the two-star “traveling salesman” hotels with the shampoo in tear-open ketchup packets.

But still, business travel is not all champagne and chocolates. For example, although my hotel is sitting on the Riverwalk, MY view is in the opposite direction and is of the local Denny’s.

In any case, my positive adventurous spirit will prevail, and I will have some NEW fun photos tonight.

I left San Francisco right after noon today and could see the low coastal fog streaming in through the Golden Gate. So, I’m assuming Jeff is a bit cooler tonight.

We banked southeast and headed for San Antonio…well, San Antonio by way of Phoenix. I’m in San Antonio for a few days attending a conference, and my hotel is located along the Riverwalk, which is a lazy sunken river walkway that winds through downtown San Antonio. FYI, this is the #1 tourist stop in Texas. Sucks to be the Alamo.

Speaking of which…I saw the Alamo as well. Its a couple of blocks off the Riverwalk. Its iconic, and cool to see at night. (I’m sure it is REALLY annoying during the day, since directly across the street from the Alamo is a Ripley’s Believe It Or Not and a wax museum and an IMAX theatre.)

Now, speaking of oddities of commercialized America: Hooters. Las Vegas is continuing to explode with new growth, and the town is DEFINITELY re-introducing the Sin in Sin City. One of the latest hotel’s is the re-branded Hooters Hotel and Casino. U.S. Airways in-flight magazine had a full page ad consisting primarily of a photo of a traditional, busty Hooters waitress. Well, what made me laugh was the inset photo showing a young couple on their “romantic getaway” at the Hooters Hotel.

Oh, please! Give me a break.

After a long absence from the Tribulations scrolls, Elena #1 makes a very short, heartfelt return to our lineup.

This is short letter. Just to say you hello and to send kiss to you. I am fine. Also I have hope that I can soon get all necessary to trip to you.

Ah, it makes the warm sunshine even brighter 🙂

Saturday night, Jeff and I joined friends John and David and their other guests for a fun evening of fireworks on their sailboat. Every year, John and David sail across the Bay from their regular berth in Richmond to a popular marina near the Giant’s ballpark. A local radio station (KFOG) throws this free event called the KFOG KABOOM! … before the real summertime fog sets in.

The air got cold last night, but we had a fun time chatting, laughing, and watching some spectacular fireworks set to a rock soundtrack.

On Sunday, the sun continued to bear down and push the temperature to near 80 in our backyard. So, we took off for a drive in the Marin Headlands. I’ll leave the Marin pictures to Jeff on his blog, and I’ll post a couple of pictures from our garden, and a fun tunnel picture from our drive.

Our “Natural Acts” photo show this weekend at Ft. Mason was a success. I think my work really came together nicely, and my friends who were able to stop by had a fun time. I even sold a couple of pieces, which is just icing on the cake.

Here are a few images from the show, including one of my friend Susan showing her latest series. Our opening reception Friday night was well attended. I think its partially the artists…and partially the free wine 🙂 Jeff and I capped off OUR Friday night with a really yummy dinner with our friend Chris.

Saturday was a truly amazing day. Ft. Mason sits right on the waterfront and includes three historic piers that are now used for events. The Bay was FULL of sailboats taking advantage of the big breezes and bright sun.