Do the hard-working author a favor and get your very own copy here!
Category: Old Friends
Wisconsin – Again
I took Kelly with me on my second trip to Wisconsin this year. We had such a wonderful time that we’re just about ready to move there. (I know – before we do that I need to bring her to Wisconsin in February…) We spent much of our time in Williams Bay, but also visited…
Congratulatons, Paul!
I’d like to take a moment to congratulate our very good friend on his most recent accomplishment – being promoted to vice president of his company! As of now, pretty much everyone in his whole company reports to him. Along with his new responsibilities comes a hefty salary increase, and a new home in Temecula….
Working at Home
I’m working at home today. We’re having the tub refinished, (results) and someone needs to be here. Of course this is cool, because it gives me a moment to post another image from my past. I know you’re all dying to see a picture from my year in Diego Garcia. I believe this was taken…
Scanning Old Images Again
Due to popular demand, I have begun to scan my old slides and negatives again. In the process, I am coming across images of which I have no memory whatsoever – like this one. Can anyone tell me where I was when I shot this picture of Jeff in September or October of 1989?
Wonderful Wisconsin
Last week’s trip to my home state was the best ever. Everything I did exceeded expectations. I just wish Kelly had been there. Of course, 4 days in July during some of the nicest weather I’ve ever known in that state might be a bit misleading. It’s one thing to talk about Wisconsin winters –…
The Day Started Out Well Enough…
Of course, after breakfast at Paragon, wine tasting at Rosenblum, sushi at Tachibana and not one, but TWO strong mai tai’s at the Conga Lounge, we all felt a teensy bit thrashed by the end of the day. Good thing I won’t be seeing these people again for almost four whole weeks! 😉
I Just Can’t Seem to Get Rid of This Guy!
Yes, folks – he’s back again! Straight from Madison, Wisconsin – it’s Jim Rowe!
Chris’ Masterpiece is Finished!
I got a peek at the upcoming Extreme Weather book written by my good friend Chris Burt, and it’s awesome! The book is gorgeous – loaded with beautiful maps, stunning photographs and unbelievable weather facts. Chris has endless enthusiasm for all things related to weather – and it shows in the quality of this amazing…
Rinsed, Ozonated and Gassed
You absolutely can not beat an event at Rosenblum – our favorite winery in an airplane hangar five minutes drive from our loft. Ten bucks gets Wine Club members the chance to taste 60 premium wines and eat a ton of delicious food – including Tucker’s fabulous Zinfandel ice cream – and you get to…
On A Moment’s Notice…
…without warning, a couple of our friends called to say that they were on their way to a party just four blocks from our loft. So, we gathered up a few of our closest friends and neighbors and crashed the party. The reason for the party was to celebrate the completion of a live/work loft…
Happy Birthday, Tom!
We were blessed with perfect weather for our first visit to Tom’s new pad. We were there to celebrate his 41st birthday. It was beautiful! Many thanks to Julie and Emile for the totally awesome chow. And, of course, let’s not forget Tom’s mother’s amazing lumpia! We love your place, Tom. I’m looking forward to…
Tai Chi Under a Big-Ass Tree
Jim is here! His visit coincided with an eleven day record-breaking heat wave. We made the most of it by spending as much time outdoors as possible. Despite thedude’s well-known disdain for nature, we trekked up to Muir Woods where Jim was able to fulfill his wish to practice Tai Chi among the majestic trees….
Happy Birthday, Joanna
Jim and Kelly will be very sad to see our dear fiends Paul and Joanna move to Temecula next month. None of us were thinking about that tonight though, while toasting Fatso’s 39th with a couple pilsners and a smoked pork shank with spaetzle at Speisekammer. Happy Birthday with lots of love from Jim and…
Very Special Friends
One of the world’s foremost authorities on Indonesia, the always lovely and vivacious Ben, the world’s authority on extreme weather and the world’s number one wife – all in the same shot! The occasion was a dinner to celebrate Bill Dalton’s sale of his home in Chico and his permanent move to Bali. Best of…
She’s My Daughter, And I’ll Call Her What Ever I Want!
And so, we have Dick, Fatso, Paul, Kelly and Jim at Haps’ in Pleasanton for another totally overindulgent, carnivorous, wine-drenched, Atkins Approved event. Happy Birthday, Pauly!
A Very Happy New Year’s Eve
Last night’s celebration was the most subdued ever for thedude. Kelly and I celebrated the arrival of 2004 with just two dear friends – Chris and Ben. As you can see, it turned out to be a beautiful evening. We wish all of you a healthy and prosperous new year!
Go Back Jack, Do It Again
We have our trip mapped out. It begins with champagne and brunch at Jacks Bistro at noon, moves to the city for martinis at the Top of the Mark and ends with dinner at Soizic.
Broooooce!
Our dear friend Bruce dropped by in the middle of his annual trip to the states. Kelly and I took him out for dinner one of our favorites – Le Cheval. We had a hoot reminiscing about the past and planning for the future. Unfortunately, it does not look as though we’ll have time to…
Bernard, Janet and Postrio
Janet and Bernard are in town for a few days on their way to a six week tour of seven European countries. How fun! We helped them begin their trip last night with a fabulous meal at one of San Francisco’s most famous restaurants – Postrio. Bernard brought three outstanding bottles of wine to drink…
Oh-Ann and Lexy
I dated Ann when I was 24 – half a lifetime ago! Today, Ann and her 19 year old daughter Lexy dropped in on their way to a wedding in Santa Rosa. While Alexis napped in their room at the cozy Nob Hill Hotel, I subjected Ann to a whirlwind tourist treatment. The usual –…
Tachibana – Take II
Last night finds us at one of our most favorite restaurants with two of our most favorite people – Chris and Ben. We started the evening with wine and a cool sunset on their balcony. At the restaurant, Sam, our favorite sushi chef tried a special dish on us – he calls it “Wheel of…
Lelah’s in Town!
My dear friend Lelah visits far too infrequently. It’s been almost two years since we last saw her, so we had a lot to discuss last night. I can think of no better venue for good wine and fine conversation than my favorite – Soizic! (Am I too predictable?) It just so happens that Lelah…
Hot Afternoon in Tracy
Few things can motivate thedude to drive inland on a day like today. But a BBQ at Paul and Joanne’s home in Tracy is one of those things, especially if Paul’s lovely daughter and grand daughter are in town! So, despite the threat of 100-plus degree temperatures and a long scary drive, we braved the…
An Absolutely Incredible Book
My friend Chris Burt is thinking of selling one of his most prized posessions. It’s a totally amazing book with 150+ hand-painted plates, all with with incredible detail. The book simply must be seen to be fully appreciated. The first photo below describes the book better than I ever could.
More than a Pretty Picture
When my good friend Steve Wynd shot this, it was merely a spectacular night time shot of the New York skyline and some of mankind’s greatest engineering achievements…
Milwaukee County Stadium
While on the subject of cool panoramic photos shot by friends, today’s Shot of the Day comes from my pal Mark Chestnut, who lives in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He took this full 360 degree panorama when Milwaukee’s Miller Park was nearly completed. Look closely, and can just make out the the new park in the background.
World’s Third Highest Mountain
Not all of the pictures on this site were shot by me. This gorgeous panorama was taken by my friend Jim Davidson during a trek through northern India. Maybe I can get Jim to share a few thoughts about this – by far the best shot of Kanchenjunga I have ever seen.
Chris and Ben and Toby!
Our holiday weekend ended at Chris and Ben’s fabulous home in the Oakland hills. We grazed on fantastic food and took in gorgeous views from the balcony in the unusually warm sun. Ahhh… As always, it’s great to see Toby. I have a lot of fond memories of the five years we spent together in…
Picnic in Tracy
It’s always great spending time with Paul and Joanna. Yesterday’s weather in Tracy was perfect for a barbecue. The wine was great, as was the conversation. A very special thanks to Joanna for making one of her incredible strawberry cheesecakes for us. We’ll be bringing it to another outing tomorrow at Chris and Ben’s.