Catching Up -

Hi Everyone,

We have been remiss - though I am willing to bet that the few of you have given up on us.  I am going to try and update all the latest, so that next post can be all current stuff.

Let's see - in short, the cruise was a blast with the exception of the weather.  We had a ton of fun catching up with the Macrate clan (and Mudge's, Barbee's and Steer's) and experiencing the gorgeous scenery and wildlife of the Alaska/Canadian coast.  There were a ton of whales to see along the way (really, all you had to do was look out the window and there they were!)  The only thing we would change is the amount of rain that fell on us - it is very clear why that part of the world is so green and lush.  Ironically we heard while in Juneau, it was apparently 85 degrees a few days before which set record high temps.  We did a few of the excursions that were offered along the way, including a sea kayaking adventure and orca whale watching (at sunset no less).  Much to Pam's chagrin, no bears were sighted.  Overall - an excellent time was had by all.

We jetted back to California as quickly as possible after disembarking - though not without our share of plane delays.  Our excellently planned 1:00 arrival turned into almost 4:00 and a mad dash north up the 405 to our dear friend's the MacRae's.  Kelley and Jason had very graciously offered their home for a BBQ catch up with our home town "posse" and we didn't want to be late.  We rolled up just in time and had an awesome time hanging out with our friends.  Sunday was an opportunity to visit with Kelley, Jason and Dave - we ended up at the Malibu Winery enjoying the amazing weather (finally some sun for Bill and I) and good wine (except for Kelley, but that's cause she is incubating, so we excused her).  The day went too fast though - before we knew it, it was dinner time (Mexican, Bill and I were dying for some good Mexican food, its not the same in Australia).  Then it was back to Long Beach to see the Barbee's for a few hours more, do laundry, pack and get ready for the long flight back.  We didn't think we would get to see much of Steve, Nicole and family because they were heading to East Coast, but it turns out that they caught a later flight than planned so we had a chance to say a proper good bye.  Our flight back to Sydney was uneventful and Bill even got an extra day off the day we arrived (meanwhile I worked until 6:30, but I digress).  We had an amazing time in the states and can't wait to get back there at Christmas.

Phew...that was a mouthful :-p  On to our life since returning from the grand adventure has been busy.  Bill has been working up a storm and I have been travelling up a storm.  Seriously, I have been to New Zealand 2 times in the last 3 weeks (2 different cities, but still).  All for a good reason though - there are a lot of sales opps to be had.  We did make some fun 2nd anniversary plans (we are heading to Fiji!!!!) and the weather has finally turned (or at least it did this past weekend).

I would be remiss if I didn't also share our cat's wild adventure.  Anyone who has met our cats knows we have a lazy, fat cat and a mischievous troublemaker.  In the past, Sidda (the troublemaker) has made several attempts to escape the comforts of home - but has always (or almost always) been caught.  This past Saturday night, not only was she successful - but she had a whole girls night out before we realized that she was gone.  To be fair, I was sick (so much so I napped for 4 hours!  That never happens) and Bill was putting around getting things done but still.  We didn't notice she was gone until Sunday morning.  At that point I panicked a bit, we even made and distributed posters around the neighborhood.  I even had a hard time enjoying the first Husky game (hard to believe I know with the stellar performance they pulled out against EWU).  In an attempt to keep this story short, I can happily report that Sidda strolled on home just in time for dinner - in fact she was demanding it while she attempted to sneak in the house.  Diving through the window she snuck out of the night before - and walking right into the kitchen to eat.  It was hard to believe that nerve, but there you go.

As I typed, she has made herself comfortable on Bill's lap waiting for me to finish on the computer.  To that end - I will cut this off.  Until next time, and promise it will happen sooner!  Ciao friends!