DONNA'S MORNING COFFEE

I snapped a photo this morning while Donna was having her morning
coffee. Her reflection wasn't quite bright enough but a flashlight
took care of that. Amazing what you can do with a phone camera and a
flashlight.

VIEW FROM THE TOP

This was the reward for Saturday's hike - a great view from the top,
although the opposing ridge was a little taller.

SATURDAY SOLO HIKE

Well I pushed a little too hard on my Saturday hike and now I'm laying on the sofa recovering. The Santa Monica Mountains are proving to be a tougher challenge than I had anticipated. I got in about 3.5 hours of hiking, covering almost 2,000 vertical feet.

SUNDAY ROAD RIDE

Donna had to work today so we got out for a road ride (& lunch) before she had to head for the office.

THE HIGHLIGHT OF MY DAY

It never seems to matter what we're doing - we always have a great time together.

SATURDAY HIKE

The weather was unusually gloomy but since Saturday was our only day off together, we decided to explore a new hike in the Santa Monica mountains. Donna tested a bridge to make sure it was safe for me to cross. She was also kind enough to pretend that she couldn't keep my pace on the climbs.

THE LITTLE THINGS

One thing I love about hiking, instead of biking, is that you get to notice all the tiny details along the way - like an ant on a flower, fossils that serve as evidence that the shoreline used to be 1,500 feet above where it is now, and drops of water preserved from yesterday's rainfall.

DONNA'S POISON OAK

Donna's poison oak is finally starting to clear up but it still itches like crazy. I told her to just walk it off...

LUNCH HOUR CHILL TIME

Donna grilled some great chicken breast which I had over spinach with tomato for lunch, while sitting in a parking lot across from the office. It proved to be so filling that I wanted to take a nap afterward.

WINTER IN SOCAL

Just one morning of rain and I have to complain about it. Yes, I'd like some whine with my cheese. Someone call the whaaambulance!

MATERNAL INSTINCTS

Donna got all excited over a co-workers newborn baby in the office today. I was curious to see if the topic of children might come up this evening... nope! Whew!

MY LIFE IS A CARTOON

An anonymous co-worker left this cartoon on my desk and it brought back such fond memories of being free and creative, carrying a camera bag to work every day instead if a laptop bag.

MIXED EMOTIONS

You can't help but love puppies but it's sad to see them boxed in glass houses at a mall.

SOLO RIDE FOR DONNA

Given the nasty gargling sounds every time I exhale, Donna had to ride solo today.
- Taken at 12:17 PM on January 19, 2009 - iPhone upload by ShoZu

DONNA HAS ME ON A DIET

Thank goodness for take-out
- Taken at 10:13 PM on January 18, 2009 - iPhone upload by ShoZu

POST-RIDE CHILL TIME

We concluded Sunday's ride at the beach which proved to be a great place to cool off in the 80-degree weather. Donna has really been warm from the steroids she's on to shake off the poison oak so the cool ocean breeze felt especially good to her.

SUNDAY FUNDAY

We got off to a slow start today but despite shaking off the bronchitis I had to get out for a bike ride... something we haven't done in ages. We ventured out to the Ojai bike path and got in about 20-25 miles.

THERAPY

I used to hate the feeling of sand on my feet. I'm starting to get over it.
- Taken at 10:26 PM on January 17, 2009 - iPhone upload by ShoZu