The Bros Are Back in Town!

Well, after three weeks of Rotary club visits, it was time to head to my Dad's place in Oakdale. We arranged to meet the first weekend in August since Kim and I would be finishing up a week of Governor's visits at the Rotary Club of Ione. The only down side was that we had to take two cars as Kim had to head back home on Friday, while I headed the opposite direction to Oakdale. I drove down in the old 1966 VW Bug (Maggie calls it Stalin). Primitive, but fun to drive!

It was a great early morning trip from Ione. Cruising along at 55 mph through the foothills, vineyards, and orchards in the valley, with the windows and wind wings open. I made it to Dad's place in a little over an hour and a half. Everyone was out in the garage repairing the door since Don had gotten distracted and back his car into it. No permanent damage, and we quickly got it squared away. After visiting for a while, John, Mike and I took off for a walk around the subdivision. I took along a little 10 pound "kettle bell" weight and did arm exercises as we walked and talked. It was hot, and we worked up a good sweat, as we walked for about a half an hour.

Took this with my timer.

We came in and woke Dad up after the walk. He spends most of his time in bed now, so we climbed in with him and visited for a while.

Dinner time was special, as Don and I went to the store, and selected some good looking rib eye steaks, and Big John was the grill-master, with Mike as grill adviser. I sauteed up a vegetable medley, and Don whipped up a salad. It was a great meal with better company!

After Dinner Shelly came over to stay with Dad, and the four boys headed out for a movie. We saw the latest Batman movie "The Dark Prince Rises". It was entertaining, but a little long, and I think over hyped. Don't get me wrong, I very much enjoyed it, but I would rate it a 7 out of 10.

The grill masters!!

Today, I made some spanish tostada y tomata para mi hermanos. They loved it! Shelly came by again, and off we went to Calaveras Big Trees State Park. It was a little bit of a drive, but well worth it. We took some sandwiches and had a picnic lunch in the shade of the giant redwoods. After lunch, we headed out on a trail through the park. Walking through the forest brought back may good memories.

Don and Mike

Up the trail.

Ancient Giant!

John had the trail brochure!

Ancient root wad!

Tomorrow, Mike and I will head back north and join Teri near Sacramento. We plan on an In and Out burger lunch (animal style of course). After lunch Mike and Teri will be heading to the airport, and I will head back up the hill to home. It is always so much fun to get together with my Bros!

That's All!