Celebrity Sighting

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Last week at Market Days Tom ran into Ronald McDonald. He was in town for a 5k fun run to support the local Ronald McDonald house. If you are not familiar with the Ronald McDonald house, they provide housing for families of sick children. We had an opportunity to experience their hospitality in the mid 90's and they work hard to give families a safe and comfortable place to stay. One less thing to worry about. If your interested in donating time or money to worthy cause, you might consider supporting the Ronald McDonald house. I hope you don't suffer from caulrophobia!?!.

The Birds

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Today's interpretation of yesterdays's pink flamingo yard art. I rather like these colorful metal birds. Recently seen at Market Days in Uptown.

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Ahwahnee Hotel - Yosemite

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I have not been out shooting because of my workload (and Thriller practice). You have to have your priorities straight you know, so I am taking a side trip today to Yosemite. We visited Yosemite in May 2009. A couple hours drive from SF and here you are. We did not stay at the Ahwahnee (a bit rich for our blood) and we preferred the "adventure" of the "cabins" in Curry Village. Maybe next time.

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Yosemite gets more than 3.5 million visitors a year and the Ahwahnee is just one of the places for visitors to stay. The hotel opened in 1927 and was placed on the register of historic places in 1987. The Ahwahnee has 123 guest rooms. The rooms feature comfortable furnishings including upholstered chairs, televisions, refrigerators, bathrobes, hair dryers and bath amenities. Some rooms have king-size beds. Each room is accented with original Native American designs and is ideal for those guests who desire more service. (This from their website.)

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We stayed in Curry Village, but we did come over for a visit one day. They have a wonderful gift shop, beautiful grounds, and amazing common areas. If you have some money that you want to spend on the luxurious. accommodations while in a nature setting, this is the place for you. Otherwise come over for a nice dinner, check out the grounds and spend some time in front of the fire place.  

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Purple

Thriller, Thriller Night ...

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... or was it day? Team Appreciation Week Character competition. We were pretty stoked going into the competition. We had rehearsed for a whole 2.5 hours, our make-up was in place but melting, and we were # 5 in the line up. Henry, in the red as Michael Jackson, is a very accomplished dancer and Denise was our choreographer. I must say, we rocked the house. Even in the 90 degree heat.

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We won a lunch for our entire department. Not sure when we're getting it, where we're getting it, or what it's going to be, or if it will be any good, but the experience and team building was seriously terrific. I was the oldest in the group and I kept up with those youngsters just fine. We are considering adding some moves and reprising our 'zombie roles' for the fall United Way talent competition.

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From left to right, front to back:

Anita, Robert, Renarda, Chris, Henry, Denise

Julie, Ausu, Ashley, Matt, Barb, Carrie 

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