Random bits of me

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from Lotus and the rest of the family. =)

I can’t believe another Christmas has come and gone already.  I have to admit, Christmas totally snuck up on me this year so the last week has kind of been a blur.  Marshall and I started shopping last Saturday and finished Christmas Eve day.  We then began the long  and then 7+ hours of driving within 48 hours to visit the family.  =)

First we headed to my Uncle John and Aunt Tiffany’s in San Ramon.

Marshall and Me. =)

Santa visited us and we sang my favorite “Merry Christmas to You” which is essentially “Happy Birthday” (another Hollfelder favorite).

Merry Christmas to you, Merry Christmas to you, Merry Christmas dear Santa, Merry Christmas to you... =)

Hmm, wonder where Dad was when Santa came…  Oh there he is.  =)

Dad and me. Best dad in the world. =)

Jeffery made me laugh with his ridiculous “My Cousin Vinny” impersonation.  I’m still laughing.

First we're gonna get like 45 of the same pictures and then we're gonna put them on the paper. =)

After opening presents Marshall riled the kids up by pretending to eat candy that they had given me.  He also started a wrapping paper fight which I’m sure my aunt and uncle didn’t appreciate.  Fortunately nothing got broken.  He’s such a big kid.  =)

Marshall really had the kids going pretending to want the basket that the girls used to hand out Christmas raffle prizes. What a silly guy. =)

Thank goodness this was just a piece of wrapping paper as Jeena's dead-on accuracy beaned Marshall and the camera a split second after this picture was taken.

After a couple of family pictures it was time to get back on the road so we could pick up the dogs and head to Twainharte to see Marshall’s family.

The cousins: Robyn, Tessa, Jeena and Neomie

We're a totem pole. Hiya-hiya... =)

It was about 9:30pm when we finally got on the road to Twainharte.  Fortunately there was very little traffic so I was able to get there in 2 hours (seriously, 2 hours).  Marshall fell asleep when we were driving through Manteca but he had put Caddyshack on so I had that to listen to.  Ah I love that movie.  =)

We arrived at Marshall’s parents around 11:30 and after getting the dogs settled we watched about an hour of “17 again” with his parents, sister and her boyfriend Kyle then headed to bed.  We had an early morning followed by a long day of driving to prepare for.  So sleepy…

Around 7am I woke up and checked on the dogs.  The sun had already started to come up so Marshall and I took them outside to use the bathroom and get some nice pictures of them in the snow.

Marshall and Lotus =)

Sierra and me =)

Next it was time for Christmas presents Marshall’s family.  Since camera flashes set of migraines for Jack I was only able to take one picture.  Fortunately it’s an awesome picture of Marshall and his family.  =)

Marshall, Lori, Jack and Andrea. Merry Christmas guys. =)

Everyone gave incredibly thoughtful gifts and we all had a great Christmas morning.  After presents, breakfast, and some IT support to get Lori’s scanner working we had to leave to go to my grandma Gillott’s in Salinas (about a 3.5-4hour drive).  Thanks for everything you guys.  We love you!

The drive to Salinas was a long one but everything worked out and we were welcomed with open arms upon arriving at Grandma’s.  Ah I love Grandma’s.  =)

While waiting for the rest of the family to arrive we snacked on delicious food that Grandma had prepared including a bunch of different types of cookies and pastries.  Delicious!  Then it was time for presents with the family.

One of the few times Grandma actually sat down to relax with the family. The rest of the time she was working to prepare the Christmas feast. =)

Merry Christmas Mom and Dad. =)

After dinner Jeriah, Heather, Jeffery, Grandma, my mom and Marshall played a game of Pictionary (my grandma’s favorite) while I read my new Photography book and worked on a 3D puzzle.

Pictionary! Marshall and my mom made a good team. =)

Finally it was time to head back home.  Marshall had to work the next day so I wanted to make sure he had plenty of rest and got to sleep in his own bed.  Fortunately Marshall has no problem falling asleep in the car when I’m driving so he got a nice little nap on the way home.

Although we would have loved to have been able to spend more time with everyone, I was very grateful that we got to see all the families.  I know it’s tough on Marshall’s family especially so perhaps we’ll do Christmas Eve at their house next year.  We’ll see.  Anyway, thanks to our families for a wonderful Christmas.  Merry Christmas to all and a Happy New Year!  =)

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! =)

Thanksgiving was at my Grandma Gillott’s again this year and as always, it was wonderful.  =)  Grandma made an awesome meal of succulent turkey paired with mashed potatoes, carrots, cole slaw, stuffing and gravy.  So delicious!!  But I’m getting ahead of myself (again).

While my grandma worked on dinner in the kitchen, Marshall, my dad and uncles played a couple games of Pinochle in the living room.

Marshall, my dad, Uncle Tom and Uncle Tim playing a traditional game of Pinochle before dinner.

Amazingly Marshall and my Uncle Tom beat my Uncle Tim and Dad at Pinochle. Check that man's sleeves!! 😉

While the guys played cards, Heather, Jeffery and I hung out with the cousins and our dogs.  It would have been great to have a family photo with everyone and their baby dogs but that didn’t happen.  Instead I got a few cute shots of them here.

Hey, it's Classic Sierra (get it?). =)

Lotus!!

Little Girl (Mom and Dad's dog)

Winnie (Heather and Jeriah's dog)

Froggy Leykis (Jeffery's dog)

Apollo (Cousin Alli and Mitchell's dog)

Playing with the puppies was a lot of fun and so was playing with the settings on my camera.  I think Sierra looks quite nice in black and white, don’t you?  =)

After dinner Marshall played another game of cards while my sister, mom and I helped do dishes.  We chatted a bit more after that and then it was time to hit the road.  All in all Thanksgiving was awesome.  Thanks for another wonderful Thanksgiving Grandma.  =)

Weekend at Grandma's... always a pleasure. =)

This weekend I had invited my mom to go hiking with me, “V” and the SOC group in Gilroy and then head to my Grandma’s in Salinas for a visit.  When my mom didn’t call to confirm on Friday evening I figured she wanted to let the whole thing slide…then I got a call at 7:15am on Saturday morning.  😉

Instead of doing the hike with “V” we decided to head straight down to my grandma’s.  I liked this idea a lot more because I could bring Sierra and spend more time with my grandma.   I haven’t seen my grandma since Easter so it’s been too long.

Since my grandma wasn’t expecting us until later she almost had a heart attack when I yelled “Surprise!!”  She was still busy cleaning and preparing freshly made spaghetti sauce from home grown tomatoes so my mom helped her in the kitchen and I headed out to the backyard to take some pictures and talk with my Uncle Tim.

My grandma has the greenest thumb. Not literally green, although I haven't actually checked... hmm...

That whole sprawling plant is a tomato plant that started as a volunteer and just took over from there. Seriously, there must be something in the water. 😉

My Uncle Tim also has a green thumb and uses it to grow wicked hot peppers.  In addition to growing hot peppers my uncle has also written some amazing QBasic programs, has PI memorized to 1000 places (he’s recited off two full pages of numbers to me, no joke), and can probably out hike me even with me doing bodypump and backpacking trips.   But back to the peppers.  =)

They look pretty harmless right? WRONG!! Merely touching ones finger to the cracked skin of these peppers and then touching your tongue results in several minutes of extreme burn.

My brother had grown these peppers from seed and gave the plants to my uncle. Looks like they're doing quite well. =)

My uncle takes great pride in the heat of his peppers so after having fun seeing my reaction to following his instructions to put my finger on the cracked skin of his hottest pepper and then touch my tongue he egged me to eat a good-sized piece of the pepper.  Was he insane?  Would I die if I actually ate a piece?  The answer to both questions is “No” so despite the fact that my mom was fearing for my well being and telling me not to do it I followed suite after watching my uncle pop a piece into his mouth.  For the next 5 minutes we kept pointing and laughing at each other as we coughed, eyes welling up with tears from the intensity of the burn.  Ah, good times, good times…  =)

After playing with fire in the form of hot peppers I decided on a less dangerous game.  I know I take after my mom in a lot of respects and also share many of my dad’s traits (not to mention his physical features…we both have piggy noses and grandma hands).  As I looked around my grandma’s sunroom however I realized that I also have a lot in common with my grandma and uncles as well.  First there was the dead things box and yeah, it’s just what it sounds like.  =)

Check it out, my grandma has a collection of bones and other dead things collected over 40 years ago when my uncles would bring them home from the creek as kids. Sweet!

The box on top contains dried out snake skins, birds nest with abandoned eggs and this guy, a perfectly preserved horned lizard. I love it! =)

The box on the bottom contains the skulls and jawbones of several different animals. I think it's very neat to be able to see the skeletal features of animals up close. It's all in the name of science. SCIENCE! =)

Then there was this awesome hand sculpted dinosaur (there are actually several) that my grandma has stomping around a prehistoric environment of succulents.  I’m not sure if my grandma made this or possibly one of her students when she taught elementary school for 30+ years.  Either way, it’s SO cool!  =)

Raar!!! I'm a dinosaur with short little T-Rex arms. Fear me!! =)

I just thought it was cool to be able to see some of what I consider to be my weird little quirks and preferences kind of showcased in the form of these displays created by my grandma and uncles so many years ago.  =)

After an afternoon of chatting and hot pepper eating it was time for a delicious home cooked meal of spaghetti, salad with fresh home grown cherry tomatoes and bread.  I had been good and only ate an apple at lunch and didn’t snack on junk food before dinner so the meal was absolutely amazing.  Seriously, best dinner ever.  =)

After dinner my mom, grandma and I watched “The Glass Bottom Boat” with Doris Day (very funny) and then it was time to head to bed.  Sunday came and went all too quickly.  My grandma had to leave for church around 9 so my mom and I packed up the car and left around 8:30.  It was a wonderful trip and just like my grandma’s home-cooked meals, they always leave me looking forward to the next one.  Until then, the pictures below will have to hold me over.  =)

Uncle Tim harvests more of his peppers for pickling. He also makes a sweet pepper jam that my parents love on pancakes and toast.

Until we meet again hottest of the hot pepper plants. You were a worthy adversary but ultimately you were bested by my stomach acid. 😉

My grandma's back yard is like a secret garden to me because it backs up to trees that line the creek and contains some of the most beautiful flowers and landscaping I've ever seen. It always makes me feel at home.

Thanks for having us over Grandma.  I had a wonderful time and can’t wait until Thanksgiving.  Mmm, turkey, cole slaw, mashed potatoes and gravy…yeah, I can’t wait!  =)

I can hardly believe it but my little cousin Robyn is turning 13.  Although Robyn’s birthday is actually Monday, my Aunt Tiffany and Uncle John hosted a family party on Saturday so we could all get together.

My dad, big brother to my Uncle Greg and Uncle John.

Uncle Greg, the middle brother and the uncle that always makes me laugh. =)

And my Uncle John. Father of Robyn and youngest of the Hollfelder brothers.

And of course Meemers and Marshall. Man he's such a Fanboy. 😉

Then there were the kids (I still consider my brother a kid).  😉

Tessa shows off her pet salamander named Sally. Nice! =)

Jeena grabs cousin Neomie and smiles for the camera.

Ok, so he's a big kid. =)

Next it was on to the pull up bars and swing set so Jeena and Tessa could show me their gymnast skills (and wait, is that Marshall?).

Hey, I like doing this too! Way to get air Jeena. =)

Ok, now Jeena and Tessa are actually holding real pull-ups. Guess who's standing on their feet. 😉

After dinner Marshall and Robyn happened to start talking about Pokemon to which Marshall said “Hey, do you want [insert good Pokemon character here]?”  Marshall plays Pokemon all the time for relaxation (hey no judging here, I watch crap shows on VH1 like Real Chance of Love and the like) so he didn’t mind parting with his best players.  With as much as he plays he’ll probably have those characters back in a couple days.  Plus it made Robyn really happy.  =)

For Robyn's birthday, Marshall gave Robyn a few of his prize Pokemon which Robyn seemed to really enjoy when they battled after dinner with her new team. =)

After dinner, presents and cake it was time for Marshall and I to head out to Tracy to check on Heather’s horses.  Heather and Jeriah went to Disneyland so we’re watching their 3 dogs and had to feed the horses once while they were gone.  When we got to the house we found a water geyser shooting out of her pool house.  The back pasture was flooded.  =(

When we attempted to flip on the barn lights nothing happened so Marshall had to use his game boy to light our way.  He immediately headed through the 6 inches of swampy horse crap and mud into the hissing pool house to see if he could figure out how to shut off the leak.  After about 5 minutes the barn lights flipped on and I freaked out thinking something had happened to Marshall and that he was arcing an electrical circuit causing the lights to flip on.  I yelled to him a couple of times and he finally came out saying he had been flipping switches inside the pool house thinking that might stop the flow of water through the broken pipe when one turned on the outside lights.  He realized at that point that he probably shouldn’t be in a flooded pool room with a live electrical panel there.  Good call.  😉

We finally got the situation under control after calling my brother who reminded us that Heather is on well water so we just need to turn off the electrical circuit for the well pump and we’d be good.  Using the gameboy for light Marshall located the electrical panel on the side of Heather’s house and flipped the switch to the well.  The geyser stopped.  Hazzah!…  Great job Marshall.  Time to head back home and get to bed.  Goodnight!  =)

Welcome to the Pumpkin Festival (only a few more miles and about 2 hours of driving). 😉

Hurray so it’s October which means the Hollfelder’s yearly trek to Half Moon Bay for the Pumpkin Festival.  Yep, every third weekend in October since I was a little kid my parents would load up the kids and make the long trip to the coast.  If we left super early in the morning we could make it in about 45 minutes.  Unfortunately as we grew up and no longer participated in the children’s parade and costume contest we began leaving later which meant anywhere between an hour to two hour drive to get to the festival.  This year I think we achieved a personal best with 2.5 hours for 35 miles (average of 14mph).  Craziness.

I happily played chauffeur for the day and Meems took over taking pictures on our 2.5 hour trip to Half Moon Bay.

After getting into a slightly heated discussion with my mom about letting people live their lives and “to each his own” I encouraged my mom to check out my camera.  Within minutes she was completely absorbed with taking pictures of everything and everyone within range (Ooo, shiney!.. she’s just like me).  😉

I asked her to take a picture of the place where 5-6 years ago my dad had to pull over so I could, um, “use the restroom” when I couldn’t hold it any longer (note, the portable toilet was not there when this happened several years ago).  =(

I wonder if I was in the inspiration for putting a portable toilet at this turnout. Man that would have come in handy several years ago. 😉

I also asked her to take a picture of the pampas grass because I thought it looked cool against the blue sky (she stuck both arms out the side window to get this shot).

I love this shot. All askew and yet it looks natural to me. Nice picture Meems. =)

Of course there were tons of pictures of the family which got old after awhile apparently.

Grumpy at sitting in traffic and my mom taking so many pictures, my dad strikes a mean muggin' face.

Even Heather was caught sneering at the camera when my mom snapped this picture. What's up guys?

Marshall took the high road and hid from the camera (nice Apple hat). =)

Since everyone was avoiding the camera my mom had to get sneaky and started doing point-and-shoot shots under her arm.  This one actually came out pretty good.  It had me laughing hysterically.  =)

Ha! Gotcha! =)

And who do we have to thank for all these great pictures?  Why it’s none other than the famous photographer Meemers!!  =)

Great pictures Meemers. And nice workout shirts. 😉

Since traffic was so backed up I took the camera and shot a couple pictures including this super sweet one of a metal thestril.  And now on to the festival.  =)

Cool metal thestril welcomes festival goers. Awesome. =)

The arts and crafts at the festival were really great this year.  I found an amazing felted hat that I fell in love with and bought, and Marshall found a very cute sculpture of a Doberman that we convinced him to purchase.  My dad started a tradition that I fight at first but ultimately acquiesce to which is that he gives each one of the kids $100 to purchase something special for ourselves.  Very generous and so thoughtful.  Thanks Dad.  =)

I normally greatly dislike hats but something about this one called out to me. After walking the entire festival I finally decided I wanted to get the hat with the money my dad had given me. Thanks Dad. I love the hat. =)

We also saw Farmer Mike who carves amazing (although kinda scary) pumpkins each year.

Farmer Mike has been carving pumpkins for as long as I can remember. It wasn't until 3 years ago that we finally started noticing a few grey hairs. Seriously, that guy doesn't age! It must be the unicorn blood. 😉

Finally it was time to head back to the car so we could make a 5pm dinner reservation for the Moss Beach Distillery.  Heather had suggested we go to the Distillery after the Pumpkin Festival last year and we enjoyed ourselves so much we have added that to the tradition.  Hurray for another great time at the Pumpkin Festival.  =)

Marshall and me overlooking the ocean at the Moss Beach Distillery.

Dinner at the Distillery was amazing as always.  We started out with delicious steamed mussels and went through 3 baskets of bread sopping up the best part of the dish, the buttery, well seasoned juices.  Heather and I had the same thing we had last year, a succulent seafood medley over linguine and Marshall ordered filet mignon with cheesy potatoes that he enjoyed much more than the dish he had last year (thank goodness).  =)

After dinner we feeling good so we took the opportunity to take some family photos.  First up, Mom and Dad.

They may fight like cats and dogs at times but they still love each other. =)

Next, Heffies and me.

What, what!? =)

After Marshall took this picture my mom said “Marshall, take a picture length-wise” to which I jokingly added “Yeah, do it right Marshall.”  Marshall responded by then starting to randomly snap pictures and talk with a “Bruno-esque” accent saying “Oh, I don’t even know what I’m doing.  I’m an arteest.  It’s crazy.  It’s madness. ”  I endulged in playing Marshall’s “model” and couldn’t stop laughing which led to this series of pictures.  Gotta love it…  =)

Work it!

Oh I'm being so playful!

Ok I can't take this anymore. My sides are splitting and so are Heather's. =)

No more, seriously, you're killing me! =)

Oh man, I needed a laugh workout after that meal.  Thanks Marshall.  =)

Aw, you're the best photographer Marshall. And you make me laugh like crazy. =)

After that it was time to head back home.  I think this may have been the best Pumpkin Festival ever.  Thanks Mom and Dad for treating us to a wonderful dinner and a great time with my family.  I love you guys!  =)

Since it’s been a few years since Heather last had to train a puppy (9 year old Freckles was the last one) she decided to enroll Winnie in puppy school.

While Heather was listening to the instructor, Winnie sought out some good tanbark to chew on. Mmm, tanbark.... =)

I’m a huge fan of the positive reinforcement method of training so I was excited to hear that Heather was going to take Winnie to a class that would use that method to teach dogs to sit, shake, stay and walk nicely on a lead.  It’s amazing how quickly dogs pick up what they’re supposed to do when you quietly reward the for doing the right thing.  =)

Look at how nicely Winnie is sitting and paying attention to Heffies. What a good dog. Here's a treat. =)

After both trainer and puppy learned some new tricks the dogs were rewarded with some play time together.  Winnie loved this part and made a new best friend, Kona (black and white Boston Terrier mix).  Kona and Winnie played tag until the instructor called time and they had to leave.  Winnie can’t wait until the next training session to see Kona again.  =)

Finally it was time for puppy play time. Winnie really liked Kona (dog on the right) and played tag for about 15 minutes before it was time to wrap it up. So much fun. =)

After playing with other puppies Winnie lays down and gets a treat for being calm. Good job rewarding Winnie, Heather. =)

Finally it was time to say goodbye and head home.  Winnie did an excellent job at her first day of training and so did Heffies.  Thanks for inviting me to join you guys Heffs.  =)

I’m so happy for my little brother.  Nearly a year ago his dog Foxy passed away suddenly and left us all in shock and a hole in our hearts.  Since then he has been looking for a dog like Foxy or ideally, one of her relatives.  Amazingly enough my sister was able to find one of Foxy’s relatives, a 4 year old named Katie, who just had a litter of puppies and needed a new home.  Jeffery eagerly volunteered to adopt her and then found out that he would also be the proud owner of one of her puppies.  =)

Jeffery's new 4 year old named Katie. She's the mother of Likus and Winnie. What a good dog. =)

After reading my buddy’s blog post about cleaning his garage I was inspired (guilted) into doing some housework myself so I pulled out the weedeater and lawnmower to tackle the yard.  😉

I had just about finished when I saw my brother and his new dog Katie round the corner to my house.  I hadn’t met Katie yet but heard she looked a lot like Foxy.  I’ve got to admit, the resemblance is kind of uncanny.  Katie is really beautiful, has a great personality and seems to love my brother already.  It’s really sweet.  =)

After letting me know that there had been a police chase around Springtown today (I totally missed that) Jeffery invited me over to see his new puppy Likus.  On our way over (the sun had already gone down) we saw a police car with search lights searching the creek for whoever they were looking for.  Only a little unsettling.  I still walked back in the dark even though I was half expecting someone to jump out and attack me.  Amazing how sharp your senses are when you’re scared.  Anyway, back to my story.

In 10 minutes we had arrived at my brothers house and upon entering his living room this is what I found….  a Puppy!!!!  =)

Holy crap is this dog cute or what? So cute. =)

Jeffery named his puppy Likus.  I guess because he really likes him?  I didn’t get the story on that name.  I’ll have to ask next time I see him.  Anyway, here’s the proud papa and his new baby.  =)

Likus and Jeffery

Aw come on Likus, smile for the camera

I think Likus is ready for bed. What a good dog laying at Daddy's feet though.

Ok, ok, my turn to play with the puppy now.  =)

Most adorable picture ever. I made Likus laugh by telling him a funny joke. We high-fived afterwards. 😉

Aw, so cute! I'll babysit any time for you Lil' Brudda. =)

After hanging out in the backyard for a while (my brother has done a ton of work back there) we headed into the kitchen.  Jeffery’s cat Awesemo immediately hissed at me.  The cat is seriously insane.

About a second after I took this picture Awesamo attacked me and the camera. That cat is vicious man.

He loves Jeffery though.

Jeffery and Awesemo (a.k.a Devil Kitty)

So I’m really happy for my little brother.  He’s doing really well and I’m so proud of him.  I think he’s got a pretty kick-A little family too.  =)

I love you Lil’ Brudda.  =)

Katie, Jeffery and Likus (happy family)

Ok, an update on the mini-emergency regarding my mom’s swollen knee.  Let me start by saying everything is ok so no need to worry.  =)  And now on to the story.

So Heather and I headed out to Castro Valley to take my mom to Kaiser emergency for treatment and found her laying down in bed doing leg lifts with her good leg with a bag of frozen peas and chicken thighs on her bad knee.  So ridiculous.  😉

I have neither frozen peas or chicken thighs in my freezer. Good thing my mom makes dinners from scratch. =)

At least she's still smiling. I made her laugh by joking that I couldn't tell the difference between her swollen knee and the good one. Ha! =)

After I got my mom to stop doing leg lifts and just relax I asked her how bad her knee hurt.  This was her response.

Ouch, that looks really bad. 😉

Let’s check out the damage.

Yeah, it's swollen all right. Ouch!

Wait, a second.  I’ve seen those knees before…

Dang it, my knees look nearly as bad as my mom's busted knee. Oh well... =)

Ah well, nothing a little puppy love can’t fix.

Aw, this cute little puppy is enough to make anyone forget about their horribly swollen knees. 😉

Ok, enough pictures, time to get to the hospital.  It was no easy feat (slight pun intended) but we finally got my mom into the Freestyle and to the hospital ok.  Heather went and got a wheelchair for my mom and I parked the car…in Hayward…on the street, not fun.  As I was walking to the emergency doors two large, loud women got into a fight with one throwing her big gulp drink at the other and both yelling profanities at the top of their lungs.  My intention was to ignore them completely but then one started walking towards me shouting, “Oh she saw it, there’s a witness” and other such things.  I walked a bit faster and was very relieved when I made it through the hospital doors.

I let the security guard at the front know and he totally ignored the issue.  Ten minutes later one of the women came in and ended up filing a report and being seen by one of the doctors.  There were 3 security guards at her room and we could hear her sobbing loudly.  Crazy.  I greatly dislike Hayward.

Anyway, other than that everything went well and my mom is now home and resting comfortably.  She’s just got to take it easy.  =)