Misc.

Rex's DuckssunflowerGary in relaxation mode. He has become a professional pool lounger.

Rex, our neighbor feeds the ducks but today it looks like only the males showed up for the buffet.

The sunflower is still growing and has reached the same level as Leonard's Log Cabin. I am predicting that in the next 38 days (when we leave for San Diego) the Sunflower will tower over the wall.

Warm. 86 and sunny today with a slight breeze.

Trip To Big Bear Lake

Jack, Gary and I drove up to Big Bear Lake today. The lake itself is 7 miles long and 1 mile wide. People were tubing, skiing and snowboarding at many of the popular spots. There is still a considerable amount of snow at the 5,000 to 8,000 foot elevations. The road up to Big Bear is steep, winding and curvy and I would not want to drive it in the Winter! The views up past Lake Arrowhead were pretty and would have been spectacular if not for the smog from L.A. lingering in the valley.  We were all surprised at the large number of year round homes,stores and businesses at Big Bear. We drove through Big Bear City, The Village at Big Bear and down the other side of the mountain on an equally steep road with sharp corners but wonderful views.

Went to Fantasy Springs Casino for the dinner buffet as Jack and I had free coupons...however, there isn't anything  really free at a casino!!

Slightly overcast today and windy tonight.

Final Day at Indian Wells Tennis Gardens

Hibiscus

Finally it's over! I worked 10 hours today but it went fast and it's extra $$$ for Vegas!

Gary is serving up steak and prawns tonight. Tomorrow we're headed for Big Bear.

Some Numbers

 1 day left at the Tennis Grounds
28 days until Vegas
41 days until Road Trip 2010 (watch for a new blog)
82 degrees

It felt warmer today at the Tennis Tournament than yesterday although the actual temp was lower.. higher humidity and somewhat overcast and breezy.

 Huge crowds today as the semi finals got underway. The biggest and best tomorrow. Jack read an article stating the BNP Baripas Open draws over 300,000 people and brings in $250 million dollars to the valley. It runs 14 days and there are people from all over the world. Some have their national flag draped over their shoulders  and it's obvious they are from Europe or Great Britain... others just look a bit different. By my observation, European dress tends toward dowdy or trashy, depending on the country. The young girls from Latin American favor short tight skirts,low neck shirts and the highest stilletto heels they can find. Before you guys ask "whats wrong with that?" let me tell you this mode of dress is seen on those Senorita's anywhere from 90-300 lbs. The Chinese girls wear anything "Hello Kitty" or Disney.  The British ladies wear flowery wide brim straw hats  and talk about how crowded it was at Wimbledon.  Tomorrow should go fast.

That's How We Roll

Gary and JackGary poolsideSunflower tops the wall!

After spending all day watching shirtless fit young tennis players lob the ball :) I headed to the pool  with Jack and Gary for a cool down.  Drinks on the patio, and then some of Jack's Fish n' Chips which are the best ever.

Life is good.

Day Two of Paribas Open

As you can see by the thermometer it is currently 90 degrees. There were two medical emergencies at the Tennis Tournament today...both heat related I'm sure. I must be getting used to the temps down here as I was not really very uncomfortable. Still at the player walkway under my nice umbrella.

While Jack was playing 9 today Gary, (Colombi) went to Agua Caliente and hit a $1000 jackpot! The luck o' the Irish...  oh wait, they're Italian. Way to go Gary!

Indian Wells Tennis Gardens

Today was my first day at the Tennis Gardens checking credentials. I saw both Andy Murray (top) and Rafal Nadal as well as some of the top girl players. I had a great spot at the Players Walkway with an umbrella and a chair. It was warm, I think around 85,but enough of a breeze to be pleasant.

Gary,Jack's brother flew down from Seattle this morning and was relaxing in the pool tonight with me and Jana. Rick and Jana leave in the morning.

Steaks for dinner,then Americal Idol and another day at the Tennis Gardens tomorrow.