Above

I found it pretty amusing today at Dad/Grandpa's speech therapy when asked to write a sentence using the word above he wrote the following:

"It is good to be above ground when you are 77."

Wow, wow, weekend.

I got a double wow weekend to share.

The first wow is Dana and I just signed the lease on a new place. We are moving to the Richmond area (not the bad part/we might get shot at Richmond but a nice area). It's the top floor of a triplex, ~2,000 sqft and has a huge kitched and bay windows that we can see 3 bridges and San Francisco from. The unit was just remodeled last month with brand new, top of the line appliances, granite counter tops, floors redone (carpet and hardwood) and walls painted. The inside is gorgeous. That was Friday.

Wow number 2. On Saturday, Dana and I got engaged!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Dana was down in L.A. for a photo shoot for Speedo. I drove down Friday night after signing the lease. Saturday morning we had plans to go see the aquarium in Long Beach, which just so happens to be across the street from where the 2004 Olympic Trials were held. So, much to her confusion, I drove past the turn for the aquarium and turned into the fairly deserted parking lot that was the temporary competition pool. We got out of the car and I told her how this exact spot, 6 years ago, was where I was standing the first time I saw her. I explained how it will be a spot I will always remember and, now, I wanted to make it a spot she'd always remember. I got down on my knee and she said..."Are you serious right now!?!....YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

We ended up having an incredible weekend, largely thanks to her agent who got us reservations at an amazing restaurant, on the A-list for an exclusive invite-only club and we spent Saturday night in a very nice, classic Hollywood hotel.

Mckenna+Lunch=Sleep

So Mckenna passed out at lunch time but she managed to finish her enchilada before passing out. Gotta love it! Absolutely PRICELESS!!

Happy Birthday Andy

Thought you would enjoy this picture. It would take a lot more sand to cover you up now! Have a great day.

Another meet, two new records

On Sunday I swam in my second US Masters meet. This time I focused on the 500 Free and 50 Free. In the 500 Free I went 4:24 to break the American Record for the 18-24 age group by 5 seconds. In the 50 (done as the first 50 of a 100 Free) I went 20.25, which tied the record. That means I now have the 50 (tied), 100, 200, and 500 Free, 100 Fly and 200 I.M. records for the 18-24 age group. Sadly I move on to the 25-29 age group before there is another meet that I came go to. So I'll just have to be satisfied with only 6 American Records (in the 18-24 age group). The 50 time was the fastest I have ever been (my best official time was a 20.66) which is quite exciting. Not too bad for only 3,000 to 4,000 yards 4 times a week.

Hope everyone is doing well, especially you grandpa! Have they fed you yet?

Andy

Dad's Concerns

This is the board which hangs in Dad/Grandpa's room where they write the date and nurse on duty, any tests pending, etc. Notice under Questions for Doctor. This is where most folks are asking things like when do the drains come out? How much longer do I have to have the oxygen in my nose? Will the pain level off soon? But what is Grandpa's main concern - the state of his tummy. I really got a kick out of this. Even fresh out of surgery he was asking for a drink.

Back in the USA

We had a wonderful time in Mexico. We are taking an extra day here at the Best Western Suites at DFW to do laundry and re-coup. Our days on the National Geographic ship, Sea Bird, exploring the Sea of Cortez were expecially interesting. Dad/Grandpa took the strenuous hikes while I took the leisurely or moderate walks. We also briefly kayaked and snorkeled. Each island stop was different. Santa Catalina has beautiful cactus forests of Cardon cactus, tall with groups of colums pointing to the sky. Also Giant Barrel cactus, fat and tall. This island is the only place they grow! At another island there were barking Sea Lions and many, many birds. We circled in Zodiacs which was fun. Some people swam with the Sea Lions but I chose not to! That evening on another island we had a beach barbeque: salmon from the grill and other good things and then around the campfire they brought out somemore fixings, delicious. Sky watching away from the fire was magnificent, even better than at the hunting cabin! The leader had a lazer especially for sky watching which was very powerful and pointed out stars with ease. I could also lay on my bed and look out at the awesome sky during the night. Food was especially delicious three times a day with fruits and nuts available between meals. You will probably notice we are a few pounds heavier!!!

The train trip to Copper Canyon was very scenic. At 8,500 feet it was cold! The canyon has more vegetation than the Grand Canyon so it looks very green. It is beautiful. We took a bus to view points along the rim and we chose to walk back to the hotel. The Mirador hotel clings to the side of the cliff, every room has a balcony hanging over the canyon! Magnificent sunrise and sunsets.
We also went to a Tarahumana Indian village. Such a simple lifestyle--I wondered what they would think walking through our home as we walked through their two room home. There is a clinic where we delivered medical supplies paid for by a previous Elderhostel group and a boarding school through grade 6. The classroom I looked at was very simple. I wished I could give them my school desk that's in the basement! They were clean and happy and the women and girls weave simply beautiful baskets of all sizes. The children are delightful. This was another excellent Elderhostel (the new name is Exploritas). I have a few good photos that you will see sometime, if you wish.

I'm glad motels have computers and cell phones so we can keep in touch. We've only been gone 2 weeks and miss you but are looking forward to seeing the Grants. Love, Mother/Grandma