Danny, the photographer

So these pictures of Marley are pretty amazing. Not only are they beautiful, but they also make her look like an angel. I would like to admit that they are because my dog is so well trained, but really this was the work of a wonderful photographer I like to call my brother-in-law, Danny. Danny is a man of so many traits: a dentist, a car mechanic and now a photographer. He is so patient and quite a perfectionist when is comes to getting just the right lighting. Thank you Danny for helping capture the beauty of Miss Marley. Next up...I'm gonna request a photo of my recluse cat, Sage. That should be a real challenge, considering she only sees light for about 2 hours a day.

If you are interested in having Danny take some photos for you, check out his new blog:
LINK HERE
Danny McMillan Photography

Arizona 2008

We just got back from Arizona and had an awesome vacation with friends from ASU. We rented a house that came with everything we could ever need: a fire pit, pool, spa, grill and close to downtown Scottsdale. Since all of us live in different parts of the country, we've been really good about meeting up every year for some fun. This year was truly the best yet!

Here are some pics and highlights of the weekend:

We visited ASU campus to see everything that has changed. It is amazing how much has been built on campus. Sadly, our favorite College Street Deli is now closed. However, one thing that hadn't changed in 10 years is Jerry from "Jerry's Drive-Thru Liquor". He was still there and looking as good as always. We couldn't resist taking a picture with him at the drive-thru window.


Ryan and Jason enjoyed a morning dip in the hot tub. Our backyard was so relaxing with an amazing, dramatic view of Camelback Mountain. There truly is something so peaceful about the desert.


Cheers to dinner at the Pink Taco.


What is a trip to the Devil's Martini without dancing with a random old man? This guy was hilarous and knew all the words to every song. We couldn't get enough of him all night long. Even the guys had to get a picture with him.



Kadie and I thought it would be hilarous to try and get everyone to play "Light as a feather, stiff as a board" when we got home. Sadly, didn't work quite how it used to.


One of our favorite activities of the weekend was sitting by the firepit. I've put one of these on my wish list for my next birthday.


On Sunday, Jason and I went to breakfast with Michelle and then got to see her place in Scottsdale. I loved being able to spend some time with her and meet her doggy, Sabo.


What a wonderful trip! Can't wait for next year. I'm voting for a tropical location.

MIGRAINE

Sadly I had to miss out on Calistoga this weekend due to having a migraine starting Friday night thru Sunday. I've only had one previously and can't believe how debilitating they are. I feel so bad for anyone that has ever been cursed with them and am hoping this past weekend was a one time deal. I feel so much better today and am hopeful that they don't come up again. The scariest part about having them was the flashing lights that come on prior to the headache setting in. You truly can't even see straight and everything turns to blurry vision.

If anyone has any good advice on treating them, please send along.

Calistoga

Jason and I are looking forward to heading up to Calistoga tomorrow for the weekend. Every year (for the last 20 years), Jason's family has spent a weekend in March in Calistoga with family friends. We always look forward to going since Calistoga is such a beautiful spot in the Napa Valley that has so much small town charm. Marley is coming with us, so I was lucky to find a cottage where we can stay with her. We are looking forward to relaxing, reading, visiting a few dog friendly wineries and of course, eating.

Tyler's 2nd Surgery

So Tyler has completed his 2nd heart surgery and recovery seems to be going great. I just got back from visiting him and Heidi at UCSF for the day and it was amazing to see how good he looks just one day after surgery. His breathing tube has been removed and although he is still pretty sedated, all his stats are looking where they should be.
I don't know how Heidi and Danny do it. It is exhausting to be at the ICU all day, but they never complain. Heidi is on top of it all and has become a real advocate for Tyler. You realize when you have a child in the hospital, you are their voice. I'm so proud of Tyler. He is a true angel to me.