Mele Kalikimaka...

Merry Christmas to Everyone...

The clock has just struck twelve and not a creature is stirring, except Kathlene and myself. As I sit in bed writing this post, I am watching Kathlene pack for her trip with Karla to Kauai. They will be traveling to Hawaii on Christmas day. Yes, they will be braving the busy airports in order to fly to paradise. And for those who are traveling Good Luck! Buena Suerte!

Kathlene and I wish everyone a safe and Very Merry Christmas.

Every year…

It’s seems like the Christmas spirit arrives a little later in the month of December every year. Last night Kathlene and I finally went Christmas shopping together. We met in San Francisco at the Apple store and made our rounds from there.

We headed to my Mom (Penny) and Dads (Bill) favorite restaurant. The food court at the Westfield Mall in San Francisco on Market St. I know you think that I must be crazy when I am talking mall food. However, if you have never been to this food court, then it’s a must go. Think mall food on super steroids. For example there is a Buckhorn Grill, Asqew Grill, Coriander Gourmet Thai, Andale Mexican Restaurant and many more. On this night we had gourmet Thai.

The mall is on Market St. just a few blocks from Union Square. This particular mall is a zoo to begin with. Now imagine what it would be like the week before Christmas. I suspect with the crowds and the lights and the crowds that some people forget why they are there, I did.

Kathlene and I finished our tour of Union Square with a photo session in the Square itself. We stopped to take in the lights and all the hustle and bustle of a busy winter night.

Photos by: Kirk Howard Copyright© 2007

Howardallofyoudoing?

Well, I finally figure out why I couldn't create a account with my hotmail account and "usual" password, I had already done it a couple of years ago using google check out. (only half of what Lisa says about me is proven to be true)

All good around here. Trying to keep Ian from eating the cameras in the house (see picture)

Busy finishing the last bits of school for the kids, shopping for Christmas, attending parties and weddings (who gets married at this time of year?) oh yeah, we did.

It's been cold for SC the last couple of weeks. Nice to be able to burn wood in the fire place. Ian's wants to break out the marshmellows every time though.

We are going riding over the Christmas holiday break on 29th, 30th and 31st for anyone interested in riding in the desert with us. Should be really fun, good damp dirt and cold!

Let me know if any of you need any Dragon stuff. Best to hit me by email, not this blog, at least not for right now, not sure how often I'll check it.

Ok, that's all I've got for now, great stuff. You'll probably want to re-read it just incase you missed the good stuff.

solid,

Will

You make me sick!

Hey all you warm California people! It makes me a little bit sick to see the weather in San Clemente at a beautiful 60 degrees, while I'm here in Utah freezing at 25 degrees! And that's probably the warmest it will get today! Anyway, I just wanted to post a quick note to say hi to everyone and update you on mine and Ogg's life! For those of you who don't know, Ogg graduated this past April and has been doing some part time work while looking for a job, which leads into the biggest news ... we're moving to Georgia! Crazy huh?! We leave in just two weeks! And I'll be a graduated woman in one week! I've loved my time at good ole Brigham Young University, but it's definitely time to move on. Ogg and I are excited to leave the west and go somewhere we've never been and be on our own for a while. I know that I'll miss my family a lot, but I'm sure we'll see them fairly often! Anyway, I have to run to work (currently working at Nordstrom in the handbags dept) but I'll post if people are interested! And I have my own blog at shaniandogg.blogspot.com. Love you all!

Shannon

Snow...

Snow, Snow everywhere and there is a ton to spare. Kathlene and I just returned from a very quick trip to Big Bear Lake. We went for the Big Bear office Christmas party.

We flew into Ontario International Airport Saturday and drove up to Big Bear. Overnight it snowed over a foot. This morning, Sunday, we drove back down to the Airport. The drive down the hill took a little longer than expected, three hours. Even though we rented a 4wd Toyota Highlander, we didn't have chains. We could only travel between 15-20 mph. Cars and trucks were piled into the snow banks up and down the Hwy 38. Did I mention that Hwy 38 was the only road open.

I think I can

I think I can... I think I can...I have pushed the orange button...Several times!

I am the bug...

I'm on!

Hey Kirk...not to worry. I think I figured all out myself. Old and smart...such a oxymoron...the moron part fits!

Don't have too much to say today...just wanted to see if I was able to get on this thing without extensive cyber help.

Till later,

Penny..alias, TwoTwoWahine (grandma in Hawaiian!)

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

It has come to my attention that there is a little confusion about the Via Alegre blog. I have put together a little Q & A to help the technically challenged. You know who you are. No need to point fingers, right mom?

Q: Do you have to have a Google email account to view the blog?

A: No, a Gmail account is not required to view the Via Alegre blog.

Q: Do I need a user name and password to use the Via Alegre blog?

A: Yes a user name and password are required to view the blog. Unfortunately in todays age of rapid spam and unwanted and unsolicited webjunk 2.0 it will be required if you would like to contribute to the Via Alegre Blog.

Q: How do I get a username and password?

A: That is easy. Go to http://viaalegre.blogspot.com/or http://www.blogger.com/ and then sign up. If you do have a Google account or Gmail account just put your user name and password for either of those accounts and you are in.

Q: Can I add someone else to the contributors list?

A: Yes and No.

Yes, you can send me an email and I will add them to the list. First, they will have to go through a rigorous screening process of background checks and cavity searches. Two, we would like to just keep it to family members. Last, anyone can view the blog, but only authorized contributors will be able to modify and manipulate.

No, you cannot add someone to the contributors list yourself. Those names and emails must be sent to the administrator (Me) at KiHoPro@gmail.com to be added. However bribes will be accepted and are encouraged.

Q: What type of content can I put on the blog?

A: Anything you deem appropriate, I will leave that to your discretion. Warning: Young eyes may read this blog, and we do not want to scar their fragile minds. I do reserve the right to remove any content that is not “G” rated. Unless of course, I am the one that put up such misguided humor, then it’s OK.

Q: What type of media format can I add?

A: Almost everything including and not limited to: jpeg, mpeg, jpg, mpg, .mov, mp3, acc, etc… I do not think it will take .ram from Real audio or video. That is a dying format and is useless proprietary piece of junk. If you have any question about formats you can browse the help center and the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section.

If you have any other questions that weren’t covered here, please email me at KiHoPro@gmail.com. Please include your full name (with correct spelling) email, phone number home and cell, social security number, credit card number (with the highest limit and lowest balance), complete stock portfolio, fico score, and the name of your first born and the estimated value they would fetch on the black market.


Cheers,


The Management

Best Holiday Ever

What other holiday is built around the tastiest carbohydrates?
None, that's why Thanksgiving is the best holiday ever.
Here's the run down of the menu this year at Casa de Bruen...
Kirk was in charge of the turkey, stuffing and gravy. Tasty!
Geri, George, Serana, Valter, and JB brought zesty carrots, sweet corn casserole, cheesecake with cookie crust and pumpkin pie. Yum Yum Yum!
Scott and Angela made sweet potato casserole and apple pie. Delish!
Kathlene made pumpkin soup and cranberry jell-o. Zingy!
Karla was in charge of mashed potatoes, lemon meringue and razzleberry pies, vegetables and making sure there was one table big enough for everyone! No kiddie table yet...
Colin brought the cute.
and
Krista was in Amsterdam.

The Past Few Months

Instead of spending every Saturday at San O, this is what we've been up to...

First things first...

OK, it’s official, we have a new blog page! It will be a semi-private page for the family. Nobody came up with a real catchy title other then “Dysfunction Junction” (thanks Mom) so we will be using the “Via Alegre” as our title.

In everyone’s very busy lives we sometimes don’t have time to catch up and deliver good, bad or indifferent news. Did you know, Will had his 12th birthday on Wednesday, and Dad, Kathlene and I weren’t there to enjoy the festivities? Also, did you know Bonnie and Luis met Kathlene and me in Cambria and we toured Hearst Castle. It's that little cottage on the hillside in San Simeon. If you didn’t know, then this is the spot to get the news.

For those of you that have never seen or used a blog it is easy. Blog is short for weblog. It is a Reader's Digest version of a website or webpage. I hope that we can share the highs and lows, the hum-drum and the exciting. It's easy to post text, pictures, and comments. You can also add slideshows, video and even audio. It is so simple that even Dad will be able to navigate the blog.

It's secure. Only the people I add to the list can view and contribute, so feel free to get personal or leave details like contact info.

Send me (kihopro@gmail.com) a list of the email addresses of family members missing from the list.