12 Rules to Live By - Robert Louis Stevenson

Make up your mind to be happy. Learn to find pleasure in simple things.

Make the best of circumstances. No one has everything and everyone has something of sorrow.

Don’t take yourself too seriously.

Don’t let criticism worry you. You can’t please everybody.

Don’t let your neighbors set your standards; be yourself.

Do things you enjoy doing but stay out of debt.

Don’t borrow trouble. Imaginary things are harder to bear than actual ones.

Since hate poisons the soul, do not cherish enmities and grudges. Avoid people who make you unhappy.

Have many interests. If you can’t travel, read about places.

Don’t hold post-mortems or spend time brooding over sorrows and mistakes.

Do what you can for those less fortunate than yourself.

Keep busy at something. A very busy person never has time to be unhappy.

Frolicking Thru the Flowers

Hi all,
Just wanted to send an update on my weekend. Had a lot of fun and it went by too fast (of course).
1) Friday night -- went to the A's game and watched the fireworks after the show. The A's won so it made the night exciting.
2) Saturday - Went to San Francisco and frolicked through the SF Botantical Gardens; I had not been there in 20 years. I really enjoyed the variety of flowers and greens in the garden. We were lucky enough to spot a hawk that had just killed a rat; it was devouring it's prey; what a sight! I was only 10 feet from the bird; it was amazing. After roaming the gardens (and lots of picture taking), we had dinner at Bucca de Beppo; very filling and yummy. We then went to see "Get Smart"; not my favorite but it had funny moments.
3) Sunday - Took the Pan Toll Hike (8 miles) to Stinson Beach and back. The hike down was a breeze but the hike back always takes longer. We spotted two snakes, many banana slugs, and lots of birds. It was refreshing to be outdoors and enjoying nature.
4) Monday - back to work.
Happy trails,
V

Too Short

Have you ever thought that long weekends are too short? Yeah - me too! Have a 3-day weekend is wonderful but it just leaves you wanting more.

We had a fun 4th of July weekend filled with fun and fan fare. We went to a Drum & Bugle Corp Competition at Stanford. Yes - the Blue Devils are awesome! I remember them back when I was a kid (100 years ago) and they were great then. They still remain on top after all these years.

For us it was a quiet weekend of eating out, movies, and house chores. It gave us a chance to catch up around the house and not be on the go. It was well accepted.

Hope your celebration was a blast!
V

Happy 4th of July (Early)

Freedom is never free. -- Author Unknown

Things I Love

Take me Out to the Ballgame...

Howdy,
Tonight is the perfect night for a baseball game (with traditional fireworks after the game). We are headed out for some peanuts, cracker jacks, and a good 7th inning stretch. (Let's hope the Giants win!)
Cheers,
V

45 and counting!

Hi all,
Just returned from my birthday/anniversary weekend in Las Vegas. Just want you all to know that although I'm now officially 45, I'm old and grey but ready to play. And, that's exactly what I did during our stay.

We had a blast! We started the trip on Thursday night (6/26) with a delicious dinner at PF Changs.

Friday morning, marking the start of my 45th year of life, we took the opportunity to soak in some rays of the 103 degree sun. It was nice to be pool side and enjoy some ice cold sodas and water. Greg had purchased some VIP tickets to Le Reve (the show at the Wynn Hotel); we dined at the Wynn buffet (which we have both agreed is not as good as the Bellagio buffet) and then took our VIP seats at the show; these seats were accompanied with champagne and chocolate dipped strawberries. The entire package was awesome! We then wisked off to the Jay Leno show at the Mirage for a charity fundraiser benefitting the Iowa victims. Jay was a riot! He is quite comical.

Saturday we went on a little jont to Red Rock Canyon where we rock climbed for 3 1/2 hrs in the 102 degree heat. It was challenging and beautiful all at the same time (see photos). We felt like the dudes in the Cliff Hanger. A few times I didn't think we'd make it back alive. Not a good way to start the first day of my 45th year!! At the end of the day, we treated ourselves to the Bellagio buffet followed by third row tickets to the "O" show. Another spectacular production and highly recommended.

Sunday (6/29) was a lazy day of laying out, shopping and then dinner at Maggiano's -- the most delicious Italian food; this was a 3-hr ordeal and yes we ate tons. The restaurant overlooks the Wynn and the Las Vegas Strip. Don't go there without reservations.

Monday (6/30) was our 8th wedding anniversary. We slept in and hit up the Carnival buffet at the Rio; stuffing our faces once again was a great way to polish off this wonderful weekend. Trust me -- we will be hitting the gym hard this week.

I couldn't be happier as I start this 45th year; one in good health and happiness. I am blessed!
Happy trails,
Veronique