Dawgs House

To My Grandma

2010-02-08T22:32:00.001-08:00

On Tuesday night February 2, 2010 my Grandma past away after suffering a stroke, she was 85 years young. My Grandma raised two children, help raise 5 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, and dozens of family friends children who she lovingly called "her kids". When she past it created a huge void in my heart that will never be fixed. I do find comfort in knowing that my "Gram" is up in heaven looking down on me and her whole family with a glass of Ginger Ale and saying. "I lived a great life, and I left some really great people back there who will never forget me." So knowing that she is looking down on me I thought it best to write her a letter to let her know what she means to me.

Dear Gram:

Thank you for being my Grandma, you always had time for me when others were busy or off at work. You always had a ear for me to talk to, and opinion to give back to me. You taught me how to treat others and how to love unconditionally. You taught me never to cheat yourself, because cheaters never win. You showed us how to give of yourself without expecting anything in return. You taught me that saying "Thank you" can take you a long way and in turn make someone else's day. You also taught me that food doesn't taste good because of all the herbs and spices you may put on something. The best tasting food is the food that is made with love, because love is the spice of life.

When I started working at my current job everyone was saying what Culinary School they graduated from and why the decided to go in the culinary field, and I had nothing to say to them it was just my job. However, that changed at my wedding when I introduced you to my Boss and told him that I graduated from the best culinary school on the planet, your kitchen. You taught me so much about food without even knowing at the time. I use to love sitting there and watch you do your thing. I am going to miss eating all the wonderful things you would make. Even though I have an idea of how you made everything there is just always going to be something missing from the spaghetti, turkey, the roast, and tacos are never going to be the same again.

One thing that I am going to miss the most will be looking into the stands at games and not seeing your smiling face looking back at me. You have always been at my games since I was a blond haired, snot nose 9 year old playing for the PAL Sargents, through High School basketball, and now on through beer league softball with a bunch of fat out of shape 40 somethings trying to hold on to one last stitch of our youth. I loved it when I told you of the new home run rule and you said in that the rule was idiotic in your own way. That you didn't come out to see someone hit a home run then trot down to first and then back into the dugout to sit down. When you said that in front of everyone it got everyone laughing because you were right.

I am so happy that you got to know my wife and my daughter. I still remember the day after you met Dawg-ette for the first time at Kim's. You gave her a hug and welcomed her into your heart and into your family. Then the next day you called me in the morning and told me I picked a good one and to hold on to her because she is the one who is going to make me happy. Even to this day you are so right. I also still remember the first time you got see Puppy, and how your eyes teared up with joy and that unconditional love you have for everyone. I know that both of them miss you just like I do.

Gram, I know that you are always going to be there watching over me and everyone else. You have done so much for me over the years and you use to always tell me how proud you were of me. But I never got to tell how proud I was of you. You gave a lot of yourself to everyone and never said boo. You never complained about anything, you just went along for the ride. And I know that as I am writing this and the tears stream down my face. You are right here with me trying to make everything better. Gram, I told you in the hospital that I would never say "good bye" to you. Only that I would see you later, and I mean that.

Gram one last thing. I know that you watched the Super Bowl yesterday and I know that your happy the Saints won because they were the underdog. I was hoping they won too, because I knew you were pulling for them. Oh ya, and the Sharks won tonight 3-2. I know you want to know that too.

I miss you and I'll talk to you soon. Love you Gram!

We're Still Here

2010-01-13T12:46:00.000-08:00

Wow! Can it be possible that I have not blogged since October? A lot has happened since the last post so I'll give everyone a quick update on what is going on at the Dawgs House.

Let's start with Puppy. Puppy is growing so fast and is fast getting a mind of her own. Without question she is my pride and joy. Puppy now talks to Dawg-ette and I in sentences. It is the cutest thing when she comes running up and asked us to get something for her. Her Christmas was special for her. Santa bought her a Fur Real Pony. This horse is amazing. It does everything a real pony would do except walk and do it's business. Other than that it moves it head to where the sound is coming from. if you pet it she whinnies, and shakes her head. All in all Puppy had a really good Christmas and Holiday.

Dawg-ette just got a new car for the New Year. Dawg-ette's lease was up on her BMW so she needed to turn it in and get a new lease or buy her old car. Well to make a long story short, she did not like her car to much so she looked and found a used 2007 BMW 328-i. This car is so much nicer than the old car. There is more room for things, and more leg room for me. Plus the extra features are exactly what she wanted.

Now on to yours truly. I just had root canal yesterday. It wasn't as bad as everyone was saying it was going to be. I was in and out of the dentist office within 90 minutes. Today I am feeling a little sore but nothing to bad. My dentist said I should be feeling 100% by the end of the week.

Well that is all the time I have for right now. I hope that everyone had a wonderful Holiday and a very Happy New Year. We hope that everyone has a great 2010. Talk to you all soon.

Sick Kids

2009-10-22T07:45:00.000-07:00

Okay, I have taken some time off from my blog and in the time away a few things have gotten me a little upset. One of which has gotten me back up on my "soap box" to let it all hang out.

Recently Dawg-ette and I have enrolled Puppy in a gym class where she can run around and play with other kids and learn something while doing this, and for the most part it has been a joy watching Puppy grow her personality, confidence along with learning new things. But like just about anything that we do now a days everything comes with a slight risk, and that risk is careless parents who bring their sick kids to class. Now, the parents are not 100% to blame because the gym should not allow them in if they are sick, so they too play a part in this.

What the hell are these people thinking bringing their sick kids out to infect other people. I understand that keeping your kid stuck in house while they are sick is not easy on the kids, but it is harder on the parents because we need to now entertain all day long, and that can be very stressful on the parents. Keep your kids at home so they can get better.

As for the Gym. If they see that someone is sick they should have the guts to tell the parent that they can not have their child in class until they are over whatever it is they have. The Gym we use is very good about disinfecting everything the kids touch, but they can't disinfect the kids themselves. The kids will run into each other, wipe their runny nose with their hands and then pick something up and now another kid picks it up and the germs on now on them. "Come on Mom & Dad's, wake up!" If your kid is sick keep them at home until they are over their illness. I am tired of your kid infecting my daughter with your colds and flu's.

The funny thing about this is that everyone in one way or another feels the way I do about this, but if their kid is sick they will still take them out to infect others without even thinking twice about it. I am guilty of this too. No one is perfect, and all we do is try to live our crazy lives. Maybe we should take a step back slow down for one second and think "Hey, my child is sick, maybe I should not be taking them out today."

That's all for now. I'll now be getting off my "soap box." Until next time ...........

Boneyard Blast

2009-07-17T13:30:00.000-07:00

This past weekend my softball team played in the Third Annual Boneyard Blast up in Reno. We went up there to have a good time and play some softball against teams from all over the Western US. The basis of the Tournament is for everyone to have a good time and play for 48 hours. So the first games began at 12:00am Saturday morning and didn't finish until sometime on Sunday early evening.

Anyway, our first game was set for a very early 2:00am against a team from. What for it, San Carlos. We drove all the way to Reno, Nevada to play against a team from our own backyard, and the funny thing is we played against them in a league about 4 years ago. Go figure. Well anyway, we played an alright game but came up a little short. We lost 12-10. So we got stuck in the losers bracket and our next game was against the looser of another 2:00am game, and that game was set to start at 10:00am. So when we get to the field for that game we find out that we are scheduled to play another team from California. Cool, maybe a team from SoCal or Sacramento. No. We get another team from home. This one from Daly City. We started out putting up 5 runs in the first, then we had a really bad inning and gave up 11 runs. I lost track of the score after in was 13 - 6, but we cut down to about 5 runs in the end. So then we have one more game before we are done and out of the tournament, and this game is set for 2:00pm out in Sparks at a very nice 8 turf field complex. Now playing on turf is very different than playing on grass because everything is faster and the heat is magnified. So with that on to the game. This time we get another California team, this one a little farther away from home, but not by much. We played a team all the way from San Jose. Anyway, we played to have fun and not get embarrassed. Again we came up short and were eliminated from the tournament. But not empty handed. By being the first team eliminated in our bracket we were given a new gas BBQ, and our team MVP walked away with a new $165.00 Worth Softball glove.

Even though we didn't win a single game we all had a great time in Reno, and the best part of all is that after everything was all done all the guys wanted to know if we were going to do it again next year. My answer to that is: HELL YA! For those of you who play softball this is a great tournament all the way around, and even if you are not that good there is something for everyone to do at the tournament.

Talk to you all soon

So Long King

2009-07-08T13:40:00.000-07:00

I have been watching the news on the passing of Michael Jackson over the past two weeks, and it has given me some thoughts on the "King of Pop." First, I am going to remember him for his music and for all of his talent's as an entertainer. He was amazing to watch on MTV or to hear his songs on the radio. The first song I remember hearing from him was "Rock with You" and thought it was a cool song. But when he came out with Thriller and I bought for my sister as a Christmas present I couldn't believe what I was hearing. It seemed at the time that every song on the album was a hit song. even after 25 years the songs still song fresh and new every time I hear them.

Over the years his music has grown on me just like a ton of stuff from the 80's that I originally didn't listen too. His music will be around forever, for all of us to enjoy whether you like it or not.

So, from this life time Rock Fan. Michael, Thank you for all of your music and your videos. You will be missed by billions of people all over the globe.

Happy 2nd Anniversary

2009-06-16T14:12:00.000-07:00

First off we are still here and we are all doing well. Okay, some of us better than others. Let me just say that it is hell getting older, but that is for a different blog.

Today is Dawg-ette my 2nd Anniversary. So "Baby" I love you so much and thank you for putting up with all my crap for the past 2 years. You have given me so much in the time we have spent together and I am forever grateful to you. You always give of yourself and make me feel like I am the luckiest person on the planet. You are the best wife any guy could have, and you do an awesome job with Puppy who is growing like a weed right in front of us. So from the bottom of my heart, I love you so much and don't change anything.

Special shot out to my cousin and her husband, "Silver Back." Happy Anniversary to you as well.
Our Love , Dawg, Dawg-ette, and Puppy.......

We'll be back soon with some updates. Until then, Peace out. Have a great summer......

Puppy Turns 1

2009-04-27T22:14:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday Dawgette and I watched as our little Puppy turned 1. It is just amazing that it has been a year since Puppy was born and over that time she has grown up so fast. Before she was just a little baby that needed to be carried all over the place and her day consisted of sleeping, eating and pooping. Now, she is walking all by her little self, eating real food, not drinking formula, trying to talk, and still making our lives better everyday that we get to spend with her.

I never thought that being a father was going to be so rewarding. Being a Dad is the best thing I have ever done and Puppy makes Dawgette and I the happiest parents in the world.

So in closing, Happy 1st Birthday Puppy! Mom and Dad love you so much.......

Parmesan Crusted Chicken Wings

2009-03-26T21:19:00.000-07:00

I know that I put a recipe for chicken wings a few weeks ago, but this new one is "Awesome." It is the new favorite snack of the kitchen crew at work. It's pretty simple, not to mention very tasty.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken Wings

Chicken wings separated
5 parts Parmesan Cheese
2 parts Cracked Black Pepper
1/2 part Cayenne Pepper

In a mixing bowl mix together cheese, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Bring a pot of oil to 375 degrees and fry chicken wings for 4 minutes, long enough to bring a nice crust to the skin. Remove from oil and immediately toss with the cheese mixture, now place in a 425 degree oven for 10 – 15 minutes or until fully cooked. Remove and serve.

Happy Birthday Sprout #4

2009-03-19T07:50:00.000-07:00

Today is my youngest niece's 2nd Birthday! Sprout #4 is a mirror image of her mom. Just like her mom who was the mirror image of our mom. Anyway, Sprout #4 Happy 2nd Birthday! You are growing up so fast just like your brother's and sister. Auntie J, Baby K, and I are looking forward to celebrating your Birthday with you on Sunday. See you then. Until then, Happy Birthday!

All our love,
Uncle Buddy, Auntie J, and Baby K

Happy Birthday Sprout #3

2009-03-11T07:32:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my nephew Sprout #3 who is turning 4 today. Sprout #3 is turning into quite the little man, and it doesn't seem possible that he is now a 4 year old kid. Seems like just yesterday he was brought home from the hospital and I sat with him on my sisters couch and he slept all afternoon in my arms.

Happy 4th Birthday "Big Guy!"

Much love,
Uncle Buddy, Auntie J, & Baby K

Stuffed Cheeseburger

2009-03-06T12:58:00.000-08:00

Here is the newest recipe, Stuffed Cheeseburger. This one is really good, and you can change what you want to put in it.

Stuffed Cheeseburger

1 pound of 80/20 ground beef
1 pound of 93/7 or better ground beef
Pinch of salt
Pinch of black pepper
Pinch of garlic powder
Cheese of your choice (Cheddar and Swiss work well)
Any other type of items you may like (Just make sure they are cut small enough to fit)

In a large mixing bowl combine all of the ground beef. Once you have combined all of the meat together roll out an even amount of meat balls, about the size of a baseball. You are going to need two balls per bun. Then flatten out all the meat balls and place your cheese and other toppings on the top of half of the patties leaving enough room to seal the patties up. After topping the patties cover with the other remaining patties and seal. Making sure there are no openings in the stuffed burger. Now preheat a grill pan or your BBQ and season the patties with your salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Cook your patties 4 minutes per side, and let rest for 5 minutes once you remove them from the heat. Place on a toasted bun and enjoy.

Spicy Fried Chicken

2009-02-23T20:40:00.000-08:00

Okay, it has been brought to my attention that I have missed a few weeks of recipes. So here is one that I have made recently and it is very taste. If you don't want the sauce to spicy add some extra butter to tone down the heat.

Spicy Fried Chicken
4 oz Clarified Butter
2 Tablespoons Garlic Powder
4 oz Buffalo Wing Sauce or Hot Sauce
Cut up chicken pieces (As if you were making Fried Chicken)

In a saucepan reduce butter and skim to make clarified butter. Once butter is clarified add garlic powder and wing sauce. Bring to a simmer then remove from heat and set aside.

In a pan, dredge your chicken in seasoned flour and let sit for 5 – 10 minutes to let the season flour stick to the chicken. At this time preheat your oven to 375. Fry the chicken pieces until you have a golden crispy crust on the outside. Remove chicken from oil and finish cooking all your pieces. Once you have completed frying the chicken toss with the sauce and place on a cookie sheet and place in your preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove and enjoy.......

Dawg in the news

2009-02-13T22:09:00.001-08:00

A few weeks ago I was getting ready to play a pick up hockey game over in Half Moon Bay when I was approached by a reporter from the local newspaper who asked if I didn't mind answering a few questions for a story he was doing on the new local rink we were getting ready to play on. "Sure, no problem" I told him. So he asked his questions and we spoke for a few minutes before I jump over the boards and started my Saturday morning skate. So today I checked to see if the story had been released yet, and what do I see. The story had come out. It is a nice little piece about the rink and how it got started, and yes I am in the story too. Below is a link to the story, so if you get a chance click the link and have a nice little read.

http://www.hmbreview.com/articles/2009/02/13/sports/doc4993453b0eb5a763230063.txt

Recipe #2

2009-01-26T20:20:00.000-08:00

OK, the Big Game is in less than a week, and a Super Bowl party is not complete without a platter full of crispy Chicken Wings. Everyone has their own recipe when it comes to Wings, but I made this one on Sunday and they were AWESOME! So I thought I would share it with everyone.

Beer Battered Chicken Wings

Pack of chicken wing cut in half (Make sure they are thawed completely)

1 1/2 cups of All Purpose Flour

1 Dark Beer

2 Tablespoons Salt

2 Tablespoons Black Pepper

1 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper

In a mixing bowl bring together the flour, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Then slowly poor in your dark beer while whisking and make a thin paste. Your going to use about 1/2 to 3/4 of the beer, so drink the rest. Bring a pot of oil to 380 degrees for deep frying. Place the chicken in the batter and cover completely. Then carefully place the wings into the hot oil a few at time for 3 to 4 minutes until they form a nice crust. Then remove from the oil and place on a sheet pan and place into a 375 degree oven for 10 to 15 minutes to finish the cooking process. This will also give you enough time to make a sauce for your wings.

Sauce

Equal parts butter and your favorite hot sauce.

1 1/2 tablespoon of Garlic Powder

In a small pot melt your butter. Once the butter has completely melted add your garlic powder and mix together. Then add your hot sauce and whisk that together. By this time your wings should be done in the oven. Remove and place the wings in a bowl and toss with the sauce. Serve with Blue Cheese or Ranch Dressing and enjoy. If you want your sauce hotter add more hot sauce to the butter and garlic, or if you don't want them as hot don't add as much.

Recipe of the week

2009-01-18T20:51:00.000-08:00

Here is the first installment of the "Recipe of the Week." Well, with the Super Bowl now set and everyone getting ready for their Super Bowl Party's here is one that will please everyone, and you won't believe how easy it is. Now, before I give you all the recipe I need to give credit to where credit is due. I actually got this one from my Father in Law. So Dad, thanks for telling me about it, and letting us try it.

First if you are making mashed potatoes or another dish that requires you to peel potatoes this is a great appetizer.

Potato Skin Strips:

Peel your potato skins in long strips and soak in cold water to remove the starch. While your skins are soaking heat a pot of oil (Canola, Vegetable, Corn, or Peanut) to 375 degrees, and warm your oven to 350 degrees. Make sure you only fill your pot half full! Drain your potato skins and dry the skins completely. Remember water and oil don't mix! Once you have your skins completely dry and your oil has reached 375 degrees place a handful of the skins in the oil and fry for 3 to 4 minutes or until crispy. Once you have fried all your skins sprinkle them with some Parmesan Cheese and place in a warm oven for 90 seconds or until the cheese has melted.

Other toppings that have gone well with this have been: Truffle Salt, Fresh Cracked Black Pepper, and Cheddar Cheese.

We will try and get a few more recipes for you before the Super Bowl and since the 49ers aren't in the game this year. We are going to be cheering for our second favorite football team. Lets go Steelers! Enjoy the appetizer.......

New for 2009

2009-01-15T09:09:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone. I have taken some time away from blogging, but I have not forgotten about it. I have been thinking of some new ideas for this blog and I have been working them out and hopefully I will have them up and running by this weekend. One of the new ideas I have been kicking around to adding to this blog is a recipe of the month or of the week. We'll see how it works out. Some will be pretty simple and fun to try and others will be pretty extensive, but they will be very good eats.

I will also keep you updated on Dawg-ette and puppy, and everything else that is going on in Dawgs House. So here is to a great 2009, and check back to see whats happening at Dawgs House........

We're still here....

2008-12-29T22:25:00.000-08:00

It has been well over a month since my last post, and like many of you we have been extremely busy with the Holiday Season. Puppy just celebrated here first Christmas and she had a great one, but I think next year she'll really have fun with it. Santa brought her a new changing table and a little covered wagon. She is still just a little to small to take it for a ride, but the time is not to far off. A few other things she got for Christmas was a Elmo Live, Elmo DVDs and some new clothes for the spring and new sleepwear for her to use now. I couldn't help myself so I got her a cute pink Sharks jersey and some Shark PJ's. Dawg-ette and I are going to Puppy to her 1st Sharks game in February and she needed something to wear. All in all we had a very nice holiday, and New Year's is right around the corner.

We'll hopefully I will have another post before the end of the year, but if not Happy New Year to all of my readers out there. Until next time, peace out.

Gobble - Gobble

2008-11-27T12:49:00.001-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. On this day lets all give "Thanks" for all of our family and friends and everything they mean to us. Also take a moment to think about those who are not as fortunate to be with their family and friends this Thanksgiving.

So to all of you out their "Happy Thanksgiving" and for everyone who is going shopping tomorrow on Black Friday, have fun with all the crazy people.

Much Love from Dawg, Daqwg-ette, and Puppy

Good Bye Old Friend, Hello New Pal

2008-11-16T20:40:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a bitter-sweet day for me. On one hand I had to say good bye to an old friend, my 1996 Isuzu Rodeo. After 12 years and 200,483 miles the time had come to move on to something new and just a little more reliable. The picture above was taken minutes before I sold her to someone I hope will use her and get their money out of her. My Rodeo has taken me many places to enjoy time with my family and friends. This was the ride Dawg-ette and I took on our first date, on our honeymoon, and the ride that brought Puppy home in from the Hospital after she was born.

The final mileage for me, 200,483. Many trips to many events and good times with family and friends.

Now for the new Pal.

Last weekend Dawg-ette, Puppy and I decided it was time for a new ride, so we went car shopping and found our new ride. We picked out a 2006 Dodge Durango Limited. The first time I drove it I fell in love with it. It has everything that we wanted in a new car except navigation, but that was something Dawg-ette wanted and we'll take care of that down the road. For Puppy, it has a DVD player in the back so she can watch DVD's when we start going on road trips. Seating is outstanding. We can seat 8 people, and they each have their own cup holder as well. But the thing I like most about our new ride is the room I have behind the wheel. I have a ton of head and leg room. So now I feel like a normal sized person when I am driving, and not cramped behind the wheel unable to stretch out.

Well now we will be making new memories in our new ride, but I will not forget the memories I had in my old ride. Thank you old friend for the times we had, and the trips we went on. Hope you are as good for your new owner as you were for me.

Proud to be an American. Embarrassed to be a Californian

2008-11-05T20:37:00.000-08:00

So it has been one day since this great country elected Barack Obama to be its 44th President and 1st African-American President. I am very proud of the fact that the people of this country finally look past the color of someones skin and looked to see if they could actually do the job. I am glad to know that after 8 years of the current administrations bad policies and mismanagement of this country that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. We will see what President elect Obama will do in his 1st term as President and hopefully the powers that be in Washington can finally all work together and get this country back on her feet again. I am so excited about Americans future.

However, while I am so proud to be an American I am equally embarrassed to be a Californian. On the same day when we vote into the highest office in the world the 1st African-American President, here in California we take away the right of "Same Sex" couples to get married. For the rest of this blog refer to the first post I ran that stated everyone has an opinion. Well, not only do I have an opinion I have Freedom of Speech in the country and guess what? I am going to use it.

I am embarrassed that I live in a state that tells two people who love each other that they cannot get married because they are of the same sex. Excuse me, WHAT! If I remember correctly everyone has "EQUAL RIGHTS" in this country, and the ignorant people of California are saying if you are gay that's okay you have the same rights as straight people, but you can't get married. This is so wrong. If two people want to take the steps to get married they should be able to do so.

Over the history of this country people have fought for rights everyone else had. Slaves fought to be free back in the 1800's, women fought for the right to vote, early in the 1900's, and the Civil Rights Movement back in the 50's and 60's. All of this have gotten us to this point in our country's history, and then along comes some uptight people who think that California schools are going to teach kids about same sex marriages, and "gay lifestyle" along with some other misconceptions. Small minded idiots!

History has been, at first if you gay hide in the closet and act straight in public. Then came don't ask, don't tell. Soon after that being gay was not looked down on or that the person was not strange or different. Then you had stars like Elton John, Ellen DeGeneres, Rosie O'Donnell, and George Michael come out and say they were gay, and that was okay with everyone. Then same sex marriages started happening and people freaked out. And so you have a group of people take it on themselves to get the new law of same sex marriages outlawed.

What has this state come to? I am extremely embarrassed to be a Californian. Hey people pull your heads out of the sand they are people too and they have rights just like you and me. If they want to get married let them do it. I mean honestly are two men or two women getting married going to somehow physically, mentally, or financially hurt you? I really don't think so. Get over yourselves and worry about something that is important. The sad state of the schools, the economy, the war in Afghanistan and Iraq, the unemployment rate. Something like that, not that two women want to get married and raise a couple of kids. Grow up already.

Congratulations President Elect Obama on making history. And California. Well, way to go on legalizing discrimination on a group of people. So not proud to be from California.............

Scary Morning

2008-11-05T07:34:00.000-08:00

You know that your day could turn out to be a bad one when your car decides to die on the freeway.

So, as I am driving into work this beautiful morning listening to some Def Leppard on the radio and thinking what a great day today could be "BANG." My car just up and stops cold in the third lane on the freeway. Good thing was that we just hit stop and go traffic. So I quickly got out and lifted the hood and smack the battery and hope that this would work, ("It usually kick starts right back up"). Well not this time, so as cars are going by me on both sides I get out and try it again and thankfully it work on the second go around.

Needless to say that once I got the car started and moving again I took the next exit off the freeway and made it to work on side streets. Hopefully the rest of my day is better than my morning commute to work. I don't need another heart pounding experience like this one for a long time.

Here's to a better day to all of you and to a bright future..........

4,368 Days

2008-10-24T21:17:00.000-07:00

Well today marks 4,368 days since I bought my 1996 Isuzu Rodeo from Anderson's Honda / Isuzu in Palo Alto. I remember when I went in to look at buying a new SUV what I wanted. I was looking for a Blue or Black Rodeo with tinted windows, CD player, split back seat, and remote entry. Just like at any car dealer you don't get much time to look at the inventory before you are assaulted by a salesman, and this was no different. So after we exchanged the information on the type of Rodeo and extras I was looking for I was shown two that the salesman thought would interest me. The first one was a loaded black Rodeo with everything I wanted and more, but this one was used by the dealer as their car and had something like 6,500 miles on it. Then he showed me a Mica Blue Rodeo that had half of the extras I wanted and had 9 miles on it and cost $5,000 less than the black one he had shown me earlier. Well, he didn't need to twist my arm to go for the blue one. I settled for a CD player, and a privacy cover for the cargo area, so no tinted windows, and no remote entry. So at around 5:00pm on that November Saturday I drove off the lot with my new ride. A happy and content 26 year old.

Fast forward almost 12 years, (OK 15 days short of 12 years, yes I did the math.) So on the way to work this morning at 6:54am as I'm exiting 101 at Marsh Road the odometer clicked over like it had thousands of times before, but this time all 6 numbers decided to click over and the magic number of 200,000 miles glared me in the face. I have driven this SUV all over the place. It has driven me to hundreds of Sharks, Giants, 49ers, A's and Warriors games. Numerous camping trips and vacations. It was the vehicle that Dawg-ette and I took on our Honeymoon, and the car Dawg-ette and I brought Puppy home in from the hospital after she was born. This SUV and I have been all over the place and have done so many things its hard to remember everything. I know that my Rodeo is on extended play and the time is running out but I will always be grateful for her getting me where I need to be.

Dawg-ette and I have been serious looking at getting me a new SUV. I hope that whatever we decide on getting to replace my Rodeo will be just as good as the one I bought almost 12 years ago. Thanks for always getting me where I needed to be...........

The Big Roll Over

("Don't worry I took the picture in a parking lot")

Did you know? The 200,000 miles driven, average out to 45.79 miles driven a day since I bought my Rodeo.

Food......Finally Real Food

2008-10-17T20:44:00.000-07:00

Tonight was a big night for Puppy. She got her first taste of real food. Well, not real food like you or I might want, but for her it was like a nice big juicy burger. Dawgette and I gave Puppy a small bowl of rice cereal. She ate the cereal like she was an old pro. She would try and do a little bit of chowing and she swallowed the cereal no problem.

Puppy has been watching Dawgette and I eat very intently for the last two months or so, and she has been leaning towards food that is near to her. She will be getting rice cereal for the next week then she will move up to smashed bananas. Then will come the pureed sweet potatoes. After that I am not sure what she will be getting. All I know is I can't wait for the day when I hear "Daddy, will you make me some BBQ."

Enjoy the pics of Puppy's 1st meal.....

Puppy's 1st Sharks Experience

2008-10-12T21:55:00.000-07:00

So this is where Daddy sits at the games!

Puppy & Mommy at the Shark Tank

So excited to be at my first Sharks Practice

I was uploading some photos from my camera today and found these that I want to share with everyone. A few weeks ago the Sharks had their annual Teal and White game for the Season Ticket Holders and we took Puppy for her first Sharks event. As you can see she had a good time.

Sharks Win!

2008-10-10T08:19:00.000-07:00

Last night the Sharks began their quest for the Stanley Cup with a 4 -1 win over the Anaheim Ducks. The excitement of Opening night was felt all throughout "The Tank" before the game. As usual the Sharks player introductions were once again excellent. The opening video that is usually played on the video board was projected onto the ice for an added bonus. All the players were given their normal loud applause's as they were introduced, and then the banner for winning the 2007 - 2008 Pacific Division was raised to the rafters. The only disappointment about the opening ceremony was that the big Shark Head was not able to be lowered down to the ice.

As for the game itself the first period was pretty boring. A few scoring chances for the Sharks but nothing to exciting. The second period was a completely different story. The Sharks took the play right to the Ducks and there was no backing down. Jonathan Cheechoo scored his first two goals of the season, and Jody Shelley, and Jeremy Roenick both had huge hits in the period. Two new comers to Team Teal had big periods as well. Both Rob Blake and Dan Boyle picked up their first points as Sharks on Cheechoo's goals. The third period was much like the second, big hits and two more goals. Christian Ehrhoff and Devin Setoguchi both scored their first goals of the season, the Ducks scored a late goal to give them their only goal of the night.

So all in all the Sharks looked pretty good to start the season now we'll see if they can keep it up for 81 more games. Oh ya, and congratulation to new Head Coach Todd McLellan on getting his first NHL win as a Head Coach.

Next Game: Saturday Night vs Los Angeles Kings @7:00 on CSN Bay Area Ch.40

The Season Starts Today

2008-10-08T21:42:00.000-07:00

I've got Daddy's Sharks tickets!

Well, it has been nearly 5 months since the San Jose Sharks took the ice in a game that actually meant something. Usually during the off season I can't wait for the next season to start. But this off season has been full of new experiences. I have spent the last 5 months watching my little Sharkie (Teal Shark-eh, as my Mom use to say before she was born) grow and skate her into being a huge Sharks Fan just like Dad. We have already taken Puppy to her first Sharks event. She attended her first "Teal & White" Game a few weeks backs. The Teal & White game is a private practice for season ticket holders. She seemed to have a good time, spending allot of time looking around and seeing what was going on down on the ice. She got to see Sharkie from a distance so things with him were okay. She didn't get to meet any of the players on this night because Puppy wanted to eat instead of meeting some of the players. That was okay because she has time to meet the players down the road.

As for me, I am really looking forward to this new season. The team looks very good on paper with a new coach and a handful of new players. They have added depth back on defense with Dan Boyle, Rob Black, and Brad Lukowich, and they have gotten a little stronger on the offensive side as well with addition by subtraction. Personally I think the regular season will be pretty much the same as the last few years. Strong regular season and get a high seed in the playoffs, but they really need to be focused and aware of what needs to be done once the playoffs start. They need to simplify their game in the playoffs and play to their strengths.

So it is off to "The Tank" for another great season of Sharks Hockey. Oh, and yes at some point this season Puppy will be making her first Sharks Game appearance with Dawg-ette and myself. Most likely during one of the Saturday games during December. As you can see in the picture she already has her ticket to get into the building.

GO SHARKS!!!!!!!!!

Fall is here

2008-09-29T20:41:00.000-07:00

Dawgette & Puppy Getting ready for Halloween!

I was sent this picture from my FIL (Father in Law for those who don't know) the other day and I wanted to share it with you all. Dawgette is holding Puppy in her new Halloween dress after her busy photo shoot, for her first Halloween card. So now that summer has officially gone bye bye, and fall is now here we are starting to get the fall decorations out. The pumpkins and scare crows are out, along with leaf place mats and napkins. Soon the Halloween decorations will be out too.

Man, hard to believe that the year is 3/4 over. Where has all the time gone?

5 Months

2008-09-25T07:47:00.000-07:00

Today Puppy turns 5 months old. Boy how the time has flown by. She is growing so fast and everyday she does something new. Lately she has started to recognize food, she is trying to sit up on her own, and she is just starting to roll over without any help. She always has a big smile on her face, well except for when she is hungry and wants a bottle.

So to my little princess, Happy 5 month birthday. Mommy and Daddy love you very much...

Thank You!

2008-09-09T22:50:00.000-07:00

Gram, Mom, Puppy, and Me

I was sitting here tonight doing some email and computer stuff and kept thinking that I am forgetting to do something. Well here it is. I have been wanting to do this for a while now.

My Mom and Gram have done so much for me my entire life. They have both given of themselves without ever saying "what am I going to get out of it." They have come to my baseball games since I was an 9 year old Little Leaguer who thought one day he would take Billy North place in Center Field for the Giants. And my softball games today, so they can watch me relive just a little of my childhood dream . Or my High School Basketball games, eventhough I was not going to get much playing time. They have been my test subjects for the many errors in the kitchen growing up, and they never complained that the food they just had to force down tasted like shoe leather. They have both taught me many valuable lessons; family always comes first, treat others like you would want to be treated, and most people are good people.

So Mom, Gram. I know that I don't say it enough to you, but "Thank You!" You two are the best, and I love you both so very much. I just hope that I have been able to give you both back something the years. I know that Dawg-ette and Puppy love you and appreciate all that you do for us now.

We all love you, and Thank You!!!!!!!!!!

KISS Summer Goodbye!!!!!

2008-08-31T21:36:00.000-07:00

Me with Eric Singer (The new Cat Man)
Shout it out Loud
Tommy Thayer as Space Ace
Strutter

Well, summer is now officially over. But it didn't go away without a bang. I just got home from a weekend in beautiful Lake Tahoe where on Saturday night I closed out the summer of 08 with KISS. The show was being called "An Evening With KISS" and they did not disappoint. At 8:30pm the lights went down and there was the hum of guitars and then over the PA System came a calling. "All Right Lake Tahoe, You Wanted the Best You Got the Best the Hottest Band In the World." KISS!!!!!! The place went nuts and the boys broke right into Deuce, and they sounded better then ever. The played for a little over two hours and rocked the house the entire time. Hopefully this is not the end of them touring and they will back closer to home in the near future. I am looking forward to going and seeing the greatest American band of all time with my beautiful wife, so she can experience the greatness that is KISS. I hope that you all had a very nice summer and there will be a few more pictures from my "Evening with KISS", but until then enjoy a few of these shots I took......

Happy Birthday Sis

2008-08-11T13:56:00.000-07:00

Today is my baby sister's birthday. So on this second Monday of August 2008. I would like to wish my baby sister a very Happy Birthday.

Much Love,
Bro, Dawg-ette, and Puppy

Not Much going on

2008-08-05T22:14:00.000-07:00

It has been a few days since my last entry so I thought I would give a quick little update on what has been happening at the Dawg House.

Last Saturday Dawg-ette and I had Puppy's Christening. We had about 40 people come to the church and about another 30 show up for the after party at Dawg-ette's parents house. I would like to thank everyone who was able to come to Puppy's 1st big event. There are two people I would like to give a special thanks to. I would like to say a big "THANK YOU" to my Mother and Father In Law. Thank you for a wonderful party and for all that you do not only for us but for Puppy.

As for the after party, all I am going to say is WOW! The food was awesome. My Father-in-law and I put out some excellent food, my smoked prime rib was not half bad . I think that puppy's 1st birthday though may top this, but we'll just have to wait until next April to find that out.

Other than that not much is going on here. I just got home from playing softball and we lost a close game 14 - 12 on a two out walk off Grand Slam. Our team played well, just not well enough to win. But we have not really played a complete game the second half of the summer. We are going to need to kick it up a bit if we are going to defend our Spring League Championship.

Well, I hope everyone is doing good. Talk to you all soon........

Happy Birthday to Sprout #2

2008-07-25T07:38:00.000-07:00

Dawg-ette, Puppy and I want to wish a very Happy 7th Birthday to our niece Sprout #2. Just like her older brother Sprout #1 she is turning into a very special little lady. She always brings a smile to our face every time we see her.

So for Sprout #2 Birthday tonight she is going to see Toby Keith. We all hope that she has a great time.

Sprout #2 enjoy your birthday, and have fun at the concert.

Auntie J, Baby K, and I love you very much........

My Angel

2008-07-23T14:17:00.000-07:00

Puppy is growing so fast, hard to believe that on Friday she will be 3 months old. Here is a picture that her Nonno took of her for her Christening. Pretty soon she'll be running up and down his long hallway having a great time. Dawg-ette, and I are very happy with our little puppy.

Happy Birthday Sprout #1

2008-07-22T11:58:00.001-07:00

I would like to wish my Nephew, Sprout #1 a very Happy 11th Birthday today. Also, Dawg-ett, Puppy and I have something very special planned for him when we can all get together.

Sprout #1 is the most thoughtful 11 year old I know. He cares so much about everyone, and he tries so hard at everything he does. Knowing that makes me extremely proud to say he is my nephew. So Sprout #1, Auntie Dawg-ette, Uncle D, and your little cousin Puppy love you very much. You are growing up so fast and turning into be quit an amazing young man. Not only do you make your Mom and Dad very proud of you but everyone in our family. Keep it up, and you will have a very fulfilling life ahead of you.

Happy 11th Birthday and we all love you very much.........
Uncle B, Auntie J, and Baby K

For Sale By Owner

2008-07-17T08:33:00.000-07:00

So I am driving down 101 this morning on the way to work when I am passed by a Black Chevy Tahoe with a For Sale Sign on it. Now I know it is not uncommon to see cars with For Sale signs on them all the time, but what got me thinking was the fact that the sign read "For Sale By Owner." Duh! Unless the Bank or the Repo Man is selling your car it should be sold by the owner. For once I would love to see a sign on a car for sale that reads maybe "For Sale By Renter" or "For Sale By Pissed Off Ex-Wife/Ex -Husband."

Well, that is my thought for the day. Ok, maybe just the first thought of today. Hope everyone enjoys their Thursday......

PS. Bozo, Thanks for the 9 volt battery joke. I am getting miles out of that one, awesome joke Bro.......

Finally

2008-07-13T16:01:00.000-07:00

Well today Dawg-ette, Puppy and myself finally got to meet my sister's new boyfriend. I am happy that we were finally able to meet him. He seems like a very nice guy, and he really appears to truly like my sister. She too seems to truly like him and she seems to be very happy. Dawg-ette and I are extremely happy for her, she seems to have met a really nice guy who wants to take care of her and love her. Basically be her partner. They look like they really get along together and enjoy each others company.

Hey sis, we approve. WOOF, WOOF!!!!!!!!!

It's been a while

2008-07-13T15:33:00.000-07:00

Hi Everybody. It's been a while since my last post so here is what has been going on. 1st, Puppy's 1st 4th of July was a great day. I needed to run the BBQ for the residence at work and that was a huge success, although it was a warm day down in Palo Alto. Everyone had a great time. Then I met up with Dawg-ette and Puppy at the in-laws house for another BBQ. Great Rib Eye's and corn for dinner. My father in law can really pick out some great food. Always a good time had by everyone at their house. I made popcorn ice cream for dessert for everyone, and it was huge hit. I am going to have to add that one to the binder.

Then one of my softball teams started a new season in San Bruno on Tuesday night. We were finally moved from Wednesday night after winning another championship. I think we won something like 7 out of the last 8. Anyway, we began our new night against the "Good Team." Yes, that is the name of their team. Well all I am going to say is that we are the "better team" because we double them up in a 16 - 8 win.

Finally, my company was going to be featured in an ABC news, Nightline story last Thursday night. I told everyone to stay up and check us out. Well, ABC took some of the footage that they shot at our property and cut it into another community up in Santa Rosa. They didn't show any of the people I work with or even talk about our property. Basically they made the community in Santa Rosa look extremely nice by adding features that they don't even offer.

Well, I am getting off my soap box now. hope you all have been enjoying the nice weather we have been having and I'll blog at you soon........

Smart Move

2008-07-02T07:27:00.000-07:00

First let me start by saying I think that my rant yesterday about about Barry Bonds' #756 home run ball got this done. Smart move Mark Ecco, for getting the ball to the Hall of Fame so the people can see it and see a major part of Baseball history. From a huge baseball fan thanks for giving all of us a chance to see some history. Now only if the Giants can follow your lead and stop acting as if Barry never played for them. Hey Peter and Larry, give Barry the respect he deserves. If it was not for him you would not have that beautiful ball park, and we would still have to go out and watch them at "The Stick" or on TV from Tampa.

Barry Bonds

2008-07-01T17:39:00.000-07:00

Okay, I know that I just put a post up a few minutes ago. But I saw this and it made me a little sad, but more pissed off than anything else. As most of you know I am huge Giants fan. Always have been and always will be. On top Barry Bonds is my all time favorite player.Even with his bad attitude, lack of hustle, and basically it's all about me and to hell with everyone else's attitude I am still a HUGE Barry Bonds fan. What the Giants did to him last year was just wrong. The guy was your best everyday player. He was the reason people came out to watch crappy baseball for the last few years. We went to see Barry hit the ball into the water. So what if he didn't always run out a ground ball to second or a shot to the outfield thinking it was going to be a home run. So freakin what! Barry was today's fans Willie Mays, and Willie McCovey. Even though when the Giants Signed Barry I was 22 years old I feel that I grew up with him. That is why I feel that the Giants did him wrong last year by letting him go. He wanted to play one more year, hell you should have let him do it. You could have been much worse with him than without him.

Anyway, the thing that pissed me off was I read that Mark Ecco, he's the guy who bought Barry's 756th home run ball. Is not going to work out a deal with the Baseball Hall of Fame to put the ball on display. The ball is part of history and the people should have the right to see it, not locked up in some wealthy a-hole's house. You may not agree with things that Barry has been accused of doing or even his personality, but that ball need to be available for the people to see. Last time I checked Pete Rose's all time hits ball, #4256 is in the Hall of Fame and he bet on baseball. Hell he bet on his own team. And OJ Simpson is still in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and we all know what he did.

Anyway, Mark Ecco pull your head out of your ass and do the right thing. Put Barry's #756th home run ball into the Hall of Fame. You would get greater satisfaction knowing that baseball fans get to see what they want to see, and not wonder what the ball looks like.

Kendall @ the doctors

2008-07-01T17:15:00.000-07:00

Well, Kendall had her 2 month doctors appointment today and she did amazing. Her doctor, Dr. Tanaka said that she was in the 90th% of baby's her age. She weighed in at 12lbs 15 oz, and measured 24 inches long. So you know whose footsteps she is following. She also received her 2 month vaccination shots today. The first three she took like a champ, and didn't even let out a peep. But the fourth one was the one that got her and she cried for about two minutes. Jeanette was there and ready to sooth her with some milk. There is no worse feeling that seeing you little baby crying and feeling so hopeless knowing that the pain that they are going through at that very second is actually in their best interest for a healthy life. And we get to do it all over again in 2 months at her 4 month appointment.

Opinions

2008-06-30T20:50:00.000-07:00

Like the saying goes"Opinions are like assholes, everyone has one." The problem that I see with that is that no one wants to hear what your opinion is. They think that they are the only one whose opinion matter, and who really cares what you think. Well, I say wrong to that. If you have an opinion on something then that is your right. However, if I don't agree with your opinion then don't hold that against me. I am a free thinking adult male, and have a mind of my own with thoughts and opinions of my own. If you have an opinion on something and I don't agree with it I am not going to hold it against you. We are just going to agree to disagree and move on. Life is too short to let "B.S." like an opinion get in the way of what is really important. The Love of your family and friends......

Under Construction

2008-06-28T21:03:00.000-07:00

Is the world ready for this? I am now going to be a blogger. I am following in the footsteps of my two sisters and my cousin. As you can see the title of this post being "Under Construction" the site is still being built. So more to come. Hope that you will all enjoy what is about to be unleashed..........