February Events

Feb 7th - the NHRA Winternationals.
I'm so behind in blogging about the exciting stuff that's been going on in my world. So to backtrack, on February 7th Carl and I went to the NHRA drag races at Pomona. We met up with my brother, Roy. The weather was stormy and they were able to get a few runs in before it poured. Still had fun.

Pete and Carl; Pete works for Lucas Oil Hospitality and is a longtime friend of Carls.


Here is Al-Anabi racing, the first time this team will be racing.


Here is Carl, I cut myself out because I looked really too scary.

Here I am all bundled up, it was freezing.

This is my brother, Roy. I cut myself out again. Boy do I take bad pictures.

The clouds were heavy - full of rain.

We tried to find Teresa, so I snuck past the guards. Easy deal! I just look important and I flashed them my camera, it looked sort of like a pass. It was shiney.

Some video of the races.

More bleachers action. Jerry Ruth and friends.

February 20th - Phoenix, Arizona
Then.... on the weekend of the 20th we headed to Phoenix, Arizona. The NHRA drag races were there, but that's not why we went. We went to see the Copper State Classic, Dirt Champ cars, Sprint Cars and Midgets. 6 solid hours of racing on Friday night.
Our foothills were covered in snow from the storm during the week. This is Upland.

We stopped in Palm Springs at a reststop, you know, to go.
Tourists!

On our way there we stopped for lunch in Blythe, it doesn't get much better than that. Actually we found a great little Mexican food restaurant and I had carne asada, yum.
We headed directly to Manzanita Speedway to watch qualifying. We were in the stands from 5 pm til 11:00. It was freezing, to me anyway. I had on a sweatshirt and a coat and a blanket and gloves and a scarf. I'm sure I looked like a dork, but oh well.
Carl was having fun watching the cars go around in circles, just like a little boy. All the men were having such a great time watching the cars go in circles. The women were jabbering away, eating, posing, the usual stuff. A three year old boy, out with his dad kept me entertained for quite a while. He kept staring at me, I don't know why. I suppose it could be because I was wearing goggles on top of all the other crap I was wearing. But, I'm sure I looked good. Ha Ha!

Copper on Dirt, http://www.manzanitaspeedway.us/news.html check out the racing site.

So on Saturday, Carl told me it was my day to do whatever I wanted, just so we're back in time to attend the final race that day. I chose to go to the Cheesecake Factory for lunch. We had salads and shared a Strawberry Shortcake for dessert. Then we walked around this really nice and new outdoor mall. Most of the stores were vacant and there wasn't hardly anyone shopping. I did my share by purchasing the Lancome special at Macy's. I just love to get the free gift.


After lunch Carl told me that he wouldn't be offended if I didn't join him for the races that night. I stayed in the room. I did go walking around the hotel and took some pictures of cactus and flowers. By the way, on Saturday morning and on Sunday morning I went to the hotel gym and worked out. Nobody was there, either day.

This is a huge cactus, a Saguaro, the state cactus.

I was standing under it here.

Do not trip, Kathy.

I had a pleasant night in the room, fell asleep by 8:30. Oh YA!

Sunday morning we go up early and went to breakfast at Bill Johnson's Big Apple. It was like going back in time, a country western place where the waitresses all wore holsters and real guns in them. The food was great, we ate, got gas and headed home. Fun weekend getaway. Thanks Carl.

Margarita Night
Last night we had the neighbors over for margaritas and BBQ Tri-tip and tortillas.

The love-birds and the love dogs. Lili loves to have Cooper visit.

A fun time had by all.

Lot's of Jack Daniel's talking going on.

Neil was showing me his fork. Shannon - we all missed you at the party. Everyone says hi to you and we are all excited about you coming home soon, especially me.

That's all the blogging I can do in one night. And to you other bloggers who read my blog, keep on blogging, it's good to read and see what's happening in your worlds too. For those of you who do not blog, you should try it sometime.

Kathy

Watercolor Class

On Tuesday nights I attend a watercolor class at the Claremont adult school. This week we were learning how to paint snow. Have you ever seen purple snow?


I think I must like purple by looking back at most of my paintings.
Lot's of fun.
Kathy

Art in a video slideshow

I'm always playing around with the different software programs that I find in my Programs list. Not really sure how they all work, but have lots of fun experimenting. Here is my latest compilation.

It's Raining, So I'm Painting.

This is my latest creation, a lizard done in watercolor. I saw a picture of this lizard online, probably on someone's myspace or facebook. It was so colorful and eyecatching. I downloaded the picture at least a year ago and finally painted it. You can click on the picture to enlarge it.

Kathy

Carl went fishing

Carl went fishing last Friday out of San Diego into Mexican waters.

Here is his story told in photos.

Winter in Baja

Legend bunkroom

Carl's biggest rockfish ever. Caution - fish in photo may be larger than it appears.

Some guy's hat.

Best looking deckhand in the fleet.

Carl's catch 1-31-09

Rockfish bin

I suppose I missed out on another wonderful fishing trip. Oh Well. Tonight we eat "Rock Fish".

Kathy

Super Bowl Party 2009

Yesterday was Super Bowl Sunday. Michele and Junior held their annual party with about 120 guests. We ate custom hot dogs and sausages and hamburgers by Jerry's Dogs. There were appetizers all over the place. The full bar was specializing in Bellini Martinis for the gals served by Veronica the bartender. At half-time Baskin Robbins set up the ice-cream buffet, with about 10 different flavors of ice-cream and about 30 different candy toppings, hot fudge, whip cream, banana split fixings. Nobody went home hungry!

Me with baby Dean. (photo by Lacey D)
Here is a video of the pool deck in the backyard.

Brandon by the infinity pool (photo by Lacey D)

Grandpa and Grandma (oops, that's Great- Grandpa and Great-Grandma) with 6 month old Dean.


Amanda, Lacey and Kristen - your cousins miss you Shannon.


Great GP and GP Carl with Dean.


Lacey - GP and Dean


Here is our hostess, Michele on video.


Auntie Amanda with Dean


Video of Amanda and Dean.

The backyard waterfall and river. (photo by Lacey D)

Michele's Mushroom Garden (click to enlarge, photo by LaceyD)

Shannon, everyone asked about you and we are all really excited about your upcoming homecoming. The girls want to plan a party for your return, so get ready.
Kathy