Lisa gets a new name

Not much going on. We had a weekend sans Justin, where we just engorged ourselves in Lost finishing season 3 and delving about 5 episodes into season 4. Man, season 4 got really good... I love the 'flash-forwards' now, where you're wondering 'will they go back to the island', and such.

I got pretty sick yesterday and ended up finishing up my workday from home after meeting Lisa for lunch at Panera's. It seemed to be a 24 hour bug; I'm still not feeling 100%, but I'm getting there. I won't get into details, but it ain't pretty. :o)

In other news, we got Lisa's new social security card in yesterday, and went to the Lodi DMV and changed her name there. It may not seem like it, but it's a pretty weird thing giving someone else your name. I imagine it's even weirder changing your name that you're had your whole life. But she was pretty pumped when we left saying, "Wow, I don't think I've ever been this happy leaving a DMV office before." :o)

Marley's been doing good. He pees a lot in the house and get in trouble. We just had him spend his first night outside last night rather than in his cage. I'll tell ya, is sure beats having to spray the crap off his cage every evening. :o( I can't wait for him being able to 'control it', when we can put a big bed next to the bed for him to sleep on; that will be cool.

Aight back to work...

The weekend update...

Saturday, I did some major clean up work in the backyard. I tore out three sections, of the dry-rot, woven, secondary fence than ran along, and in front of the shed. Then majorly cut back several bushes near the shed, then removed all the blackberry vines from the area which were concealed by the secondary fence. In the process I broke the PVC waterline that feeds all the bubblers that runs along the back flowerbed. So I did a trip to Lowes to rebuild the PVC, and picked up some Rescue Disposable Fly Traps to cut back on the invasion of flies we've had since getting the dog.

We had a very cool day yesterday, Sunday. Lisa picked up a few pies from Phillips' Farms at Michael David's Winery, and we headed to Mike and Jen's for for a little summer BBQ party they had for the family and friends. Mom, grandma, and grandpa were there, as was Eddie, and all of Mike and Jen's typical cohorts. We had a great tri-tip and dogs while the kids swam.

We stayed until about four, before we left for Lisa's dad's place in Galt. He and Olaya are heading on what should be an amazing european vacation next month, and they wanted to have a family get together before they departed. We had damn near everyone in the pool, and had a great time. Bill Que'ed up some ribs and hot links.

Othen than that, we've been catching up on Lost some more. We just finished disc 4 or season 3 last night. We're hoping to finish off season 4 by the time season 5 begins. I still need to burn those to DVD. :o)

Welcome Marley!

Welcome Marley!
Originally uploaded by davidremerson

We are happy to announce Marley as the latest addition to our family. Marley is a pedigree Yellow Lab that we just got yesterday. Lisa's aunt breeds labs, and recently had a litter and we were lucky enough to snatch one up. Now I've got my work cut out for me in building a dog run, and securing the fences as he's going to be one BIG dog. So far he gets along well with the cat, though she's a little skiddish around him. I'm sure we'll be posting many more pics of this guy over the years!

The Weekend Update

July 3rd at Hutchins St. Square
Originally uploaded by davidremerson

So Thursday I headed out of work a bit early to meet Lisa at the Sutter office in Stockton for her latest pregnancy check up. The doctor was pleased with how everything was going along so we headed back up to Lodi where we stopped at Safeway to get food for our little July 4th get together. We picked up Justin from his afterschool program got a few blankets and chairs from home and headed to Hutchin's Street Square where the city put on a pre-July Fourth show which included live big band music, presenting of the enormous 'Old Glory' flag by the fire department, and a fun march around the park for the kids (and adults) to enjoy.

There's a slideshow at Lodi News here.

Rockin Out
Originally uploaded by davidremerson

Friday we got up and immediately start in cleaning up the house for our little party. Mow the lawn, prep the hamburgers and veggies, get the beers on ice, hose off the patio furniture and setup some extra lawn chairs. About 3:30, Mikey, Andrew and Ashley arrived. Lisa and Justin visited our neighbors and Justin got to swim while me and the old gang put back a few and shot the breeze. Eventually, with Lisa and Justin back, we played a few rounds of PGR racing on the 360, then Andrew and I busted out the geetars and played some tunes. From there we BBQed it up and had a great dinner before heading out front to watch the fireworks over Lodi Lake. Holly Drive was lined with cars, and many people just lined the streets to enjoy the 20 minute firework display. We had a very full day and were beat.

Swan boat ride at Gilroy Gardens
Originally uploaded by davidremerson

None the less, Saturday we got up around 10, and with little else to do (how rare!), we decided to drive to Gilroy, Ca and check out Gilroy Gardens (previously Bonfante Gardens) as we'd never been before, and my buddy Alex from work has talked it up time and time again. I've got to say, we were VERY impressed. Though the admission wasn't cheap, the park was beautiful and a lot of fun. The gardens were lush and provided a lot of shade everwhere. Though the park seemed geared toward the very young crowd, it provided much entertainment for both older kids and adults as well. You had all the typical rides: roller coasters,

Chillin at the Balloon Ride
Originally uploaded by davidremerson

ferris wheels, merry-go-rounds, spinning swings. But you also had a lot of very different stuff like the Rock Maze which even kept me confused during my tour though. Justin really enjoyed the small water park with it's slide and water cannons. The park is exceptionally family friendly, and provides a lot of reasonably healty food choices and has plenty of facilities, and when you're tired, there's a train that runs the entire perimeter of the park to get you back to the entrance. While it was a long drive there and back, we will definately be going back!