Fall is here

So, I see I've been bad about keeping up with this already...  

Well, Fall or Autumn is in the air in Lincoln now.  The days are getting shorter, the leaves are starting to yellow a little... the change in weather is nice.  It wont be long now and it will be time to carve the pumpkin for Halloween.  It seems like just a couple months ago Philip and I were out looking for a costume for him!

Thankfully, only another month remains until the Presidential election.  I cannot bear to listen to any more of the incessant banter between the candidates about the most trivial matters.  I'm thinking a six month vacation, in another country, from May to November, every four years, would be ideal!  

Well that's about status quo for the moment... Hopefully, October will provide something a little more to report on. 

Georgia at War

Because of my love for Georgia, I am obviously quite concerned about the situation in South Ossetia... I have been in contact with David but have not been able to contact Nodar, Ziko or Nikusha.  

Russia has bombed civilian targets in the town of Gori, which is about half way between South Ossetia and Tbilisi, as well as civilian targets in Senaki which is David's home village.  David said the Georgian army has taken 10 large trucks from his father's factory in Senaki to use to transport equipment and ammunition.  So far, the fighting has not reached Tbilisi...it would be devastating if it did.  This has been a festering situation for many years which hopefully, now, has gained enough attention from the international community to pressure Russia to remove their presence from Georgian territory...

Dad and Elene's Trip

Monday morning, Elene and I started off on our train trip to Santa Clara, CA for a couple nights stay.  We both agreed it was much nicer than driving.  The bonus for me was that I was able to sit back and enjoy a beer!!!  

After checking in our hotel, we spent the afternoon at the pool and later took the light rail train to the Great Mall and had dinner.  

Tuesday, we were the first ones in queue to enter California's Great America park when it opened. 

Elene and I were the only ones on the first roller coaster we rode. 

The first hour or so it felt like we had the whole park to ourselves. Elene turned out to be quite the thrill seeker as she had no fear riding some crazy rides that leave you hanging upside down.

I sat out a few of the spinning ones as that is not for me however, it didn't stop her...she went on them herself with no hesitation.

 

We had a very nice trip...it was nice to spend time just as dad and daughter together.  I suddenly realized how quickly she is growing up!

Ready for Holiday

Elene and I had planned on driving up to Canada however, we both decided to protest the high gasoline prices by not driving anywhere.  We have planned instead to take the train from Sacramento to San Jose and spend a few nights there and visit Great America park.  Of course, the hotel has a nice swimming pool... this is a surprise huh Philip?  

Oliver, I'm glad your surgery went well... It really boosts the self-confidence when everyone laughs at you eh?  Just remind them, what goes around comes around... :)

Intro

Ok, Im going to give blogging a shot.  I have enjoyed so much over the past year the blogs of Oliver, Philip and Manuel, I figured I should reciprocate.  What a great way to stay in-touch with everyone.  Never have I kept a diary so, it may be difficult for me to remember to keep up with it but, I'll try.