I figured out the yesterday, that other than San Diego, I have visited ALL of the main hot spots of California, in just the past few weeks. After the trip through Yosemite, the first time visit to Disneyland and moving into my sister's house in Atascadero, I have done, still more, than the average Californian does in a lifetime.
Two weeks ago today, I headed up north for many reasons. The foremost reason was for a job interview that I requested from a medium sized firm in Auburn, Ca. Auburn sits in the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas. I was driven to my interview by Doug, who's family has once again graciously allowed me to stay in their home. The interview was simple, mainly a comparison of professors we both had and a few comments on my graphic and layout abilities. Because Jeff, who I interviewed with also graduated in a time of slow hiring he understood my reasons for requesting the interview, gave me a kudos and guaranteed me, that though I have had few nibbles, someone will bite.
After realising I had left my phone in Doug's car I had to return to the office to use their phone so he could come pick me up. That in the end worked out because I am sure the administrative assistent, Mary, will remember me. Doug returned quickly after i called him and we headed into the hills in search of an park to eat our picnic. After driving for a good half hour, and no park in sight, we eventually settled on eating under a tree in the sports fields of one of the local private schools. We ate a sandwich, cheese and crackers and some delicious grape juice that I purchased on my way north. Doug also told me of his anger against an oak in the outfield. Apparently he hit a home run back in high school into the tree that was then inaccurately called an out by a stand-in umpire. It's amazing how those high school grievances still itch.
Because it was two weeks ago, I am not sure what we did in the early part of Thursday, but we did lose track of time. I was floating on my back in the swimming pool when, lo', Sean Kircher walked outside the door of the house. Apparently traffic was the best it has ever been and he arrived almost an hour early to pick us up for Tahoe. Yay Tahoe!
The drive to Tahoe was full of inside jokes and guffaws brought on by the two men in the front seat. Though we passed the view of smoke beyond the mountains, I was quite content with the ride. We arrived at Sean's house in Carnelian Bay at almost dinner time. Sean's dad Tim was there, ready with the 23' speedboat to bring us to his brother's condo down the shore for dinner. Once we got to the dock, I was a little wary of disembarking because the dock was atleast up to my shoulders when standing on the edge of the boat. In the end it worked out because there were many afoot, including sean's cousin, ready to help. The boat was tied off with what are called whips. (some devilish contraption that look like fishing poles and suspend the boat both at the dock and slightly away from it) WE headed up to a condo with a view unsurpassed by many living rooms I have seen. Floor to ceiling windows across the entire lake side of the condo. Our dinner was one of Kobe beef tri-tip salads and wine. After the sun set we headed back out on the lake to enjoy the fireworks held in Tahoe City...I think. We stopped for a drink at the bar across the street from sean's house and then went to one of the Casino's in Nevada where I quickly lost two of Doug's dollars. :( After having good times and bad, Sean left up $20 from some games of blackjack, unfortuenately, his cousin did not fare so well.
Our actual Independence Day was rather cool but the lake was still. We took the boat out again and went tubing behind it. It was cold, but enjoyable. Though we had snacks on board our boat, we stopped at a house on the west shore owned by a family friend. They also were armed with delicious food, and a much needed bathroom. After lunch with wine and Mai Tai's we headed back out across the lake towards Carnelian Bay. We did stop once however for Tim and Doug to throw Sean in the Lake for a much needed dip. After we returned to sean's house, he took a nap and Doug and I enjoyed a delicious rib dinner with his parents.
On Saturday we spent the entire day out on the Lake, with Pam's (Sean's Mom) Springer Spaniel puppy Dutton, in Tow. (Not literally) We tubed for a while, I was pushed in, no less than three times, once, fully clothed, we swam and even let Dutton take a try at it. Though, he too, was wearing a life vest. All of us, except for Pam and the Pup did something that is rarely done, we tubed across the middle of the Lake. (apparently the waves are a little high for most people) The day was basically a tour around the lake, except for the one cut across the middle we made. Tired and beaten by the sun, we ate cheese, crackers and chicken that night followed by much game playing.
The next morning Tim asked his brother if we could borrow his wave runners. We spent about 2 hours on the lake leaping over wakes and exploring the more affluent shore fronts from afar. I was suprised at the not so suttle difference of driving a finicky waverunner with a passenger, versus, a responsive one alone. We ate lunch at a restaurant filled with foreign servers. Ours was a Russian girl who told me that Coke and Pepsi were the same thing......language barriers.... We said our goodbyes and headed towards Sacramento to the tunes of Journey, Queen and Clapton.
Thank you Sean for driving...and for the invitation as well.
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