Salt Lake Jake

Our Friend, Robert 'Jake' Jacobsen has passed away Christmas Eve within months of being diagnosed with brain cancer. He was 66. We met the Jakester and his wife Marian in 2001, and rode together on our first Harley ride to Sturges, South Dakota. A native of Salt Lake City, Jake was a dedicated fire fighter and started, "Burn Pattern Analysis" in 1984 where he worked until his death as an arson investigator. He loved that Harley and I had to laugh this summer as he rode his motorcycle to the hospital for brain surgery. Jake and Marian had been guests at our Lake Chelan cabin in the past but couldn't make the invite in August.

These photos were taken in 2004 on a motorcycle ride to the California wine country. In the pool, left to right are Mike, Greg, Mary, Paul, Phil, Jake, Marian, and Patsy. The raunchy riders in bottom picture taken at the Duckhorn Winery in California are, John, Cindy, Paul, Greg, Mary, Marian, Jake, Patsy, Phil and Julie. Jake was preceded in death last year by our riding buddy Greg Gammack, also shown here. I'm guessing that they will shine the chrome and take that ride in the sky together. Jake always said "Keep the Shinny Side UP",,,,, We will sure miss you my friend.....

Wireless Christmas

This year was all about electronics and Santa treated us well. Our first wireless HP printer that arrived, is linked to our Iphones and Ipads. On the left is a small Bose boom box which will rock the house and is blue tooth active. Next is the new version of the Kindle which replaces buying any more books. Bottom right is a charging dock that will charge the IPad and IPhone together. I had to show the wireless wine bottle holder that Julie got from Santa. So now I can sit on the sofa with my TV remote, Play my music from my IPhone (bluetooth), Print any thing with a wireless signal from my IPhone, read my Kindle, and send a voice activated text to my 'beer bringer' for another cold pint. Life can't get any better!

Chicago

The Musical Chicago was our entertainment Saturday here in London. Built in 1889 the West End Garrick Theater hosted Chicago, which is the Worlds longest running American Musical. This story tells of the growing popularity of celebrity criminals in the 20's. It had everything I needed to be entertained. Murder, Greed, Corruption, Exploitation, Adultery, and Treachery. This is the 20 th show that we've seen since moving here in 2007. My favorites have been Billy Elliott, Mama Mia, in London and Moulin Rouge, in Paris. At the very bottom of my list is 'Woman in Black'. These shows are a great way for us to pass time in the winter months here.

Kasabian

Last night we were back in the O2 Arena for a private party. This followed with a good ol rock concert that left our ears ringing the next day. Kasabian is a hot UK rock band who are very popular with the younger crowd here in Europe. It looked like a full house to me with standing only on the lower floor. The light show and sound affects were incredible. It reminded us of Octoberfest in Munich, with pints of beer thrown everywhere. No one on the ground floor stayed dry, Now these guys know how to party. I'm watching it snow this morning for the first time here in London. Winter has arrived.

Paul McCartney

We returned to home in London from holiday in the US, on Sunday at 4:30 PM. With a 10 hour flight and the 8 hour time zone change we were totally knackered. The hot water was out in our flat and Paul McCartney was playing at the O2 Arena Monday night. All these issues hit us on our return. London is the biggest market in the world for live concerts, so when the big names come to town, we make every effort to attend. The 20,000 capacity O2 Arena was sold out for McCartney's one night gig, and is only 10 minutes from our flat. We got great seats about 20 meters from the side of the stage. The 69 year old McCartney rocked the house for almost 3 hours. The entire stage erupted with flames and smoke during the hit song 'Live and Let Die', shown in the photo. Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood was a surprise guest, and played with McCartney's band (second photo). I don't know if I'll ever want to leave this city.

Arizona Holidays

We are just finishing our holiday parties with family and friends here in AZ USA. All this sun and blue sky's are killing us so we pack to go back home. We did have a great visit with Brent, Sandra, and Grand Daughter Kiana, shown here. Brent does a great job each year of extending his pool table another 10 feet to make room for 30 during Thanksgiving. Julie and I always want to get invited back so we try to not overstay our welcome. And we want to be extra nice to our kids Brent and Brooke, who insist that they will be supporting us when we move back to the US. Bless Them!