Across the Globe

Just returned from my first visit to the Middle East. Just between Saudi Arabia and UAE is a tiny country called Qatar, which happens to be growing very quickly. I spent a week in the capital city of Doha visiting my friend, and was surprised to find it quite westernized. Driving from the airport I passed a Chili's, McDonalds, Burger King, Applebees, Dairy Queen, and a Hardees among others. The English-speaking television stations run episodes of Dr. Phil, Oprah, CSI, Medium, Entertainment Tonight, and numerous other shows and movies we are used to seeing here. All in all, it was an eye-opening trip, and I really enjoyed it.

Back from the West

Just returned from a wonderful California ski trip to Tahoe. If you can afford it, the area is great for skiing as well as having plenty of other entertainment. It's a short drive to Reno, and there are a few top ski resorts surrounding the lake. I was at Heavenly, probably the most popular in the area, and the runs are nicely laid out so all the green runs are in one area, and several black runs take up one side as well. Beginners shouldn't be intimidated by the number of blue runs - they are very user friendly and wide. Although the first few days of skiing were good, a winter storm came through the Sierras and dumped 2 feet of snow overnight, giving us a nice powder day before we left.

On the way to Tahoe we saw the Giant Sequoias, which are magnificent! The road up is full of twists and turns, but is certainly worth the drive. There is a considerable amount of conservation that has taken place in the area, since the area was heavily exploited beginning in the 1950s. The park is the home of the largest living thing on earth, (and probably one of the oldest) a mammoth tree named General Sherman.

Arizona Trip

Chapel in Sedona and Phoenix sunset

Baby Ethan

Just returned from a much-needed vacation to Phoenix to visit friends and family. I spent much of the trip with my friend Heather and saw her new baby, Ethan, born on the 16th. Took a side trip to Sedona and the surrounding area, and took in the lovely scenery.