Autumn In Old Town - 09/29/07 04:47 PM
My wife, Debbie Voltura, is a jazz singer. She's putting on a concert Thursday Novemer 1 at the Temecula Old Town Theater. I went to the theater yesterday to pick up some tickets and there was little doubt that fall was in the air. I wanted to share a few photos with you and show you one of the many places near home that I'm crazy about. Enjoy!
 
 
 
 
 
 
P.S. I took Jeff Turner's advice and got a Kodak Easy Share V705. Thanks, Jeff. What a great camera!
… (16 comments)

Temecula-Murrieta Business Spotlight - Where Everybody Knows Your Name - 09/27/07 09:19 PM
Every once in a while you just get lucky. That's what happened to Debbie and me when we chanced upon Anthony's a little over a year ago. We stopped in for lunch with our friends Dan and Melanie. The food was superb, the prices were very reasonable and we have been back more times than I can count.
Tony Nanci is the owner and host. His brother Adolfo is behind the bar most nights. Tony's wife Joan is usually around early in the evening.
Not only are we made to feel at home when we come in, we've met and become friends with several … (6 comments)

(NP) From a meow to A ROAR! (Bowing to TLW) - 09/22/07 10:50 PM
This may be the funniest video clip I have ever seen. Even if you're not a cat person, it should have you in stitches..Thanks to Cyndee Haydon for walking me through the process of embedding a video! … (42 comments)

Temecula & Murrieta Business Spotlight! - 09/21/07 05:51 PM
I think the good guys deserve recognition. Too often you hear stories about poor service or bad business. I'd like to turn the tables. There are a bunch of teriffic business owners out there. When someone shines so brightly that they need to be acknowledged, I would like to point them out.
 
This time the business spotlight shines on Japanese Auto Specialty. After being treated like a member of the herd one too many times at the local "dealership", I decided to look for another place to take my car to get serviced. I got lucky on the first try. Japanese Auto Specialty … (7 comments)

Psychic Parking - Just How Does THAT Work? - 09/20/07 10:28 AM

We just returned from a fabulous trip to the Pacific Northwest. We flew out of San Diego, and as I was leaving the city and heading home, this sign caught my eye, and how! Is it just me, or is this one of the more different signs you've ever seen? How does this psychic parking business work? How much is the monthly fee? Where do I sign up? The possibilities stagger my imagination!
… (24 comments)

mmmmmmmmmMama Rose's Pizzeria - 09/19/07 04:52 PM

One of the things I love about living in a relatively small community is getting to know the folks who run local establishments. As I was leaving the post office on Losa Alamos the other day, I noticed a new restaurant, Mama Rose's Pizzeria. Since I love pizza, I walked in and was greeted by one of the owners, Pam. Right off the bat Pam welcomed me and told me they made the best pizza, period.
Two days later, I decided to see if she could deliver on her promise. I called to order a pizza, went in, picked it up, took … (7 comments)

If I Told You I'd Have To Kill You - 09/17/07 10:23 AM
Destination: parts unknown...
We arrived at the SeaTac airport Thursday where we were greeted by my sister and whisked away to Anacortes, where my brother-in-law was waiting to take us to The Island That Must Not Be Named. Anacortes is a charming town, located on Fidalgo Island, accessed by bridge from the mainland. We stopped to pick up supplies, got an assortment of tasty baked goods from La Vie En Rose bakery, and off we went.
Anacortes is where one normally takes a ferry to visit the major islands in the San Juans. Going by private boat is so much more fun!
As you … (25 comments)

Now That's What I Call Getting Away From It All - 09/12/07 08:51 AM
We leave tomorrow morning for the beautiful Pacific Northwest. My sister and her family have a cabin on a remote island in the San Juans. It's so remote, in fact, they have asked me to refrain from mentioning its name. Those who live here are fiercely protective of their privacy. Needless to say I will be out of the rain for a few days.
I'm looking forward to spending some time away from the busy-ness, computers (oops, I already feel the AR withdrawals kicking in) and overall distractions. Needless to say, I'll be bringing all my photo gear and can't wait to … (16 comments)

Go To The Head Of The Class! - 09/11/07 05:24 PM

Today was the big day. I taught a blogging class to the agents in my office. A few agents from our sister offices came by and an affiliate provided lunch. About 25 people attended. Normally we get 8-10 to show up for a class if we're lucky.
Not only was this the first class I have taught, it was the first Power Point presentation I have put together. The agents asked lots of questions and several of them were joining active rain as soon as class ended. I enjoyed the opportunity to give back. I've already been invited to give the class at another … (27 comments)

Ewwww!!! I Really Didn’t Need To See That! (not for the faint of heart) - 09/10/07 04:02 PM
I was innocently reading the Sunday paper yesterday when I came across an article that talked about how passionate the people of India are about getting recognition in the Guinness Book of World Records. Aside from the man who was able to set the record for fastest consumption of a bottle of ketchup through a straw (39 seconds)      
and the guy who set the record for skipping 10 miles in 58 seconds. Oh, there's nothing wrong with those records.
 
The one that got me was Radhakant Bajpai. He holds the world record for the longest ear hair (5 inches)  
You know, I think I could … (24 comments)

Lights, Camera, Action! - 09/10/07 03:35 PM
The Temecula Valley International Film Festival  gets underway this Wednesday, September 12. A vintage car parade and red carpet celebration will kick-off the 13th annual festival at 5 pm. More than 160 films will be screened and fourteen bands are scheduled to play.  The festival will wrap Sunday evening at 5 with a black-tie gala and awards ceremony at Pechanga Resort & Casino.  Smokey Robinson and Michael Madsen are two of the honorees.  Visit the website (http://www.tviff.com/) or call (951) 699-5514 for more information.
… (3 comments)

Chocolate - 09/07/07 05:38 PM
I just wanted to get your attention! Hospice Of The Valleys is hosting their 11th annual fund-raiser: "A Day Of Wine & Chocolate", Sunday, September 16 at Wilson Creek Winery. The event runs from 3 - 7pm and will feature wine and chocolate tasting, live and silent auctions and live music by Guilty Conscience. Tickets are $50 in advance or $75 at the door and all proceeds will benefits Hospice of the Valleys. Wilson Creek is famous for their delicious Almond Champagne! Call (951) 672-1666 for tickets and information.
I know what an incredible role hospice played when my mom was passing. They … (2 comments)

Paying It Forward - Safety Harbor Kids - 09/06/07 09:21 AM

Monday I went to Cali Camp in Topanga Canyon to take pictures for an organization called Safety Harbor Kids. They provide guidance and support for Los Angeles County kids who are parentless and/or in need. Their Labor Day picnic touched my heart more than I can say. I think these faces say it best.
105 degrees... gotta cool off somehow.
There was a drum clinic, guitar lessons (Freebo, Bonnie Raitt's former bass player, was one of the teachers), improv...
horseback riding...
a pie eating contest, swimming, rope climbing, slip 'n' slides and so much more. This is a wonderful organization. I hope you'll visit their … (13 comments)

Murrieta "Movie In The Park" Series - 09/05/07 12:24 PM
As summer winds down, I wanted to remind you that Murrieta's "Movie In  The Park" series is continuing in Town Square Park. This Saturday night it's the Wizard of Oz and Saturday the 22nd they'll be showing Charlotte's Web. What a great way to spend an evening with your family and get the opportunity to make new friends. Movie show-times run from 7 - 9 pm. … (3 comments)