We marrieds!

We went to the alameda county clerks' office this past friday and tied the (legal) knot!
There were two homo couples in line ahead of us, and the energy was high and festive!
(until we had to sit there for an hour waiting for our judge to marry us!)

We got married by the "marriage commissioner" who happened to be a lady with a judges' robe and motorcycle boots! (in the club, perhaps?) It did seem unusual and sweet that after performing our ceremony, she asked to take a picture of us. We are making history, folks!

My coworker Ann made us an amazing cake and bought us the most beautiful bouquets. A most unexpected surprise! It just made our ceremony so special.

We honeymooned in Gurneville, CA by the russian river. The weather was iffy, so we spent some time in the redwoods at Armstrong Woods. An amazing place, 3 miles outside of gurneville.

This is me and Colonel Armstrong, a 1400 year old tree.

This is the place on the river where we got our own little funky cabin, complete with private deck and kitchen!

Tragedy on the Lake

This weekend my parents came to visit and we spent a lot of time on wonderful lake Merritt! We were hanging out at the bird preserve when we saw it: the first duckling of the season. Allegra and I had been waiting for a long time to see this little guy. He was adorable.

I hunted around the preserve to find another but he was the only one. The problem was, he seemed all alone. No parental ducks would claim him. He chirped for help but no one came!

And then it happened.
Almost before I realized it, the Evil Seagull appeared.


Sure you may think they are innocuous seabirds, but they have an evil agenda.

They eat ducklings.

And before I knew it, I was watching this sweet duckling being crushed and swallowed up by the seagull. It was really violent. I surprised myself at how disturbed I was.
And then there were no more ducklings.
My dad said, thats just nature. But argh! That was horrible.

they just call it Twang

This is Twang, the newest incarnation of my dad and his pals' musical talents.
They recently played McKenna's on the bay in Long Beach, a real classy joint.

Notice the nice photoshop job Dad did. Very professional looking with the "enhancements".

The band gets ready to play. Yes, they turn off the TV when they played.

Dad really sung his heart out this night. It was magical! I only regret the sound clips i tried to record on my camera did not come out; otherwise, you could experience the magic too!

We spent the rest of the weekend relaxing in chilly southern california. An Excellent trip, thanks to Mom who planned the whole thing. Good work all around parents!

cataract creek

In Marin there is some amazing hiking a few miles out of the town of Fairfax. The entire trail is straight uphill, but there is waterfall after waterfall the whole way!

The entire trail is also shaded (which you are thankful for since it is so demanding) and culminates in a beautiful meadow where you can lunch at picnic tables and use the questionable latrine.

Definitely a must see.