What a birthday! - March 28th

The sadness of turning 32 and counting the grey hairs in my newly-grown goatee was countered by a wonderfully planned weekend by my lovely wife. It started with lunch by the beach, followed by a full body message at the local hot pool spa. Then we were off to a local fossil, rock, and gem show (we really know how to party) and then back out to dinner at our favorite Italian place, Volare. Wine, bruschetta, risotto . . . perfecto! Sunday sleep-in was then followed by the world's best fish and chips at Fresh Bobby's (for those of you who have been there, you know what I am talking about). The grand finale was a glider flight gift from my family. After a short blurb on safety (basically which buttons and levers not to push), we were ready. It is amazing how nimble the glider is. Even on the ground if you move the stick left or right the glider will tilt back and forth. Shortly after getting going you are off the ground, well before the tow plane is. I was towed to 3000 ft, and we released the wire and were off. For 30 minutes we sailed over the city searching out thermals and then spiraling upward to sail down once again. At one point we were in the same thermal as another glider and were both spiraling upwards with no engine - pretty amazing! The view was magnificent and the few pictures I have added can't do it justice. It was an excellent birthday weekend. Thanks to all my friends and family for their warm birthday wishes!