JCEscape.com

Friday, Feburary 25, 2011

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7:59 PM Jeff -
Just a little update of our apartment that is slowly starting to look like home. With a few trips to Target and some good purchases from Craigslist.com we made a comfortable abode out of our small space.



Thursday, Feburary 24, 2011

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11:57 PM Jeff -
Long Beach Rehab with Bad Brains rocked the Summit tonight! Although it was a cold walk we made our way downtown for some happy-hour appetizers before the show. They played a lot of old Sublime hits along with some new stuff. We were greated on our walk home with temperatures in the teens. I guess we could only avoid the cold for so long... can't wait for spring!!



Wednesday, Feburary 23, 2010

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4:29 PM Jeff -
Took a walk to the Old Mill District today to clarify my date of birth to the Social Security Administration. It was a brisk 32 degrees but I managed to take some good pictures. On my walk home Cali called me and we met up for some $6 lunch at Amalia's after she got out of work. Excited for tomorrow's Long Beach Dub Rehab's (former members of Sublime) concert at the Summit tomorrow night!



Thursday, Feburary 17, 2011

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7:45 PM Cali -
Well, the snow has arrived!  Not to worry as they say it's the last big snow fall of the year, and the weather still remains in the mid 40's.  As I look back over the past few months, I still cannot believe how far we have traveled and the sights we have seen.  It almost feels surreal, yet amazing beyond belief.  I am so glad we found the courage to move forward in our journey of life.   




Wednesday, Feburary 9, 2011

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6:40 PM Jeff -
What a gorgeous day for a drive. After hearing that our families were not enjoying the biggest snowstorm of the season, that forced us to enjoy the sixty degree weather. It's nice to see the snow-capped mountains in the distance as the sun shines down in town. The pictures are from the Old Mill District where Red Robin is located, you get a nice view of the mountains along the riverside.



Thursday, Feburary 3, 2011

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6:21 PM Jeff -
Who would have thought that a cloudy sunset would be so beautiful on my walk home from work. What a nice treat after being called in for a double-shift on my day off. I think I'm growing up because I was excited to get some extra hours and the opportunity to work, two years ago I may have thought otherwise, I'm glad that Oregon has put my mind in the right direction.



Saturday, January 28, 2011

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5:04 PM Cali -
Another beautiful day in January, with no snow in sight.  I can't complain with all this gorgeous sunshine and warm weather!  It feels great to be working again, saving money, and enjoying the outdoors.  I think I could really get use to this Bend lifestyle!



Friday, January 21, 2011

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3:37 PM Jeff -
A smart woman once gave me some words of wisdom that I saw on the side of a building today. Ain't it the truth, the more patient you are with life the better it unfolds. I think this logic has gotton us (Cali & I) a long way along our journey. It really is true take life "one day at a time".


Monday, January 17, 2011

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4:15 PM Jeff -
Apparently deer have a great sense of smell as one came at me today when I left eating a banana. I thought I would deter the massive mama deer by throwing my banana peel to her, but I was surprised by five more coming out of nowhere. I still am yet to see daddy deer, and when I do, I will be staying out of his way...


Friday, January 14, 2011 

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7:25 PM Cali - Our appartment is at the end of the rainbow... Now, where is the pot of gold hidden?  What a warm and beautiful January afternoon, as we spent it checking out the Dillon Falls. It had to have gotten up to 60 degrees today, and the snow is gone!  With low water levels we were able to walk onto the rocks, literally inches away from the falls!  Just another great adventure checking out new areas in Bend.   



Friday, January 7, 2011

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8:00 PM Cali -
 It's First Friday!! The first Friday of each month, the businesses of downtown Bend showcase local art work.  Everything from clothing stores to art galleries provide generous free samples of wine, cocktails, shots, and appetizers.  It is a great way to get people in the stores and to sell some merchandise.  Between some friendly window shopping and happy hour at 10 Below, The Summit, & The Oxford, it made for an eventful night on the town.



Thursday, January 6, 2011

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6:22 PM Jeff -
Nothing like fifty degree weather to get you outdoors. Took some advice from the Swaneman and headed over to Shevlin Park. A nice trail with lot's to see and plenty of good photo opps. Headed outdside of the trail boundaries for a bit and were greated by one of the biggest deer I have ever seen, so we headed back. Needless to say we enjoyed the wonderful weather and another beautiful sunset view on the way home.



Monday, January 3, 2011

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5:46 PM Jeff -
Took a nice drive up to Mt. Bachelor today. Their wasn't much snow in town, but their sure was a lot up in the mountains. The snow drifts on the sides of the road were taller than me. It is crazy how different the environment is after you take a short twenty minute drive down the road. It was cool to look at all the snow but even cooler that we could simply drive back into town to 45 degree weather.



Saturday, January 1, 2011

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2:10 AM Jeff -
HAPPY NEW YEAR!! After a long day at Zydeco, Cali and I headed downtown for a few drinks to celebrate the new year with some co-workers from the kitchen. We went to the D & D, which is right next door, and enjoyed some drinks and shots at the ball drop. Afterwards we did not enjoy, as much, the brisk walk home from the bar, but warmed up quickly when we got home.



Saturday, December 25, 2010

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12:49 PM Jeff -
Merry Christmas everyone! Nice relaxing day as we had three wonderful meals and enjoyed each other's company. Definetly a different Christmas for both of us, but we kept in touch with some nice phone calls to our friends and family. Had a nice dinner and enjoyed a move, pineapple-pork tenderloin, bacon braised brussel sprouts, wild rice, and mashed potatoes. Afterwards we slept like babies.


Wednesday, December 22, 2010

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5:16 PM Jeff -
47* today and we took adantage of it and went for a hike at Lava Island Falls. An easy hike through the woods was the perfect thing to do on this gorgeous day. A short 10-minute drive outside of town and you feel like your so far away. What a peaceful experience.



Tuesday, December 21, 2010

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9:23 PM Cali -
What a beautiful day of sunshine and tempatures in the 40's.  Jeff and I have been spoiled with several days of presents showering us before Christmas arrives. It can't get better than that!  Except tonight we got to check out Oregon's largest light show! It was pretty amazing, but I have to say, I may have seen better (i.e. Holiday Roads Lights show in Spring Lake, which includes music that plays along with the blinking lights... I'm just sayin! :)  To be nice though, I have never seen anything like it and it was nice to see all of the holiday joy and spirit in the air.  Merry Christmas and God Bless!



Monday, December 20, 2010

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11:56 AM Jeff -
After a weekend of snowstorms, woke up to some beautiful sun shining down on the Deshutes. Clear blue skies and mild temperatures usually follow a hard snow in Bend. Looking forward to a good week at work before Christmas Day which we are going to spend relaxing, eating food, and staying warm. Can't wait! ... and to all of our friends and family an early Merry Christmas!



Sunday, December 19, 2010

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7:45 PM Jeff - Pictured left is the 909 Bond Building that Zydeco Kitchen and Cocktails is located in. I'm working a double today as a big snowstorm hit today and we got totally dumped on. Got a few nice pictures of downtown on my way to work, as it was all covered in snow, including the tree on the corner of Wall Street. Work is going well as we are beginning the end of a busy holiday season and preparing for the January and Feburary months ahead.



Friday, December 17, 2010

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11:00 AM Cali - Another beautiful day in Bend, and I'm excited to finally be working again.  It is crazy to look back at the adventure of our journey to Bend, and see how far we have traveled.  In the past year we have drove across the country, and seen more than I could have ever imagined.  The best part of this trip was the learning experience.  It has definitely taught me to look at the big picture, and helped me to realize that driving across the country really is not as far as I had imagined. Now, the most difficult part of the trip was leaving my friends and family behind.  Yet, knowing that I will be back to visit will only make everything more memorable in the end.  


Thursday, December 16, 2010

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9:12 PM Jeff -
Enjoyed a nice day off with Cali as we relaxed and enjoyed some delicious Faki (Greek Lentil Soup), I got the recipie out of an early Christmas present from her mom and dad. Perfect meal for a day where the weather has brought us a cold front for a couple of days. Got a package from my mom with some random stuff that we couldn't cram in the Escape on the way out here. We then took a nice drive up the road towards Shevlin Park, and enjoyed a breathtaking sunset in the outskirts of Bend.



December, 10, 2010

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7:23 PM Jeff -
For the holidays I thought I would post a bunch of pictures from our journeys. A sort of greatest hits from the last year. I began to go through all of the 1600+ pictures we have taken since we began talks of our journey to change our lives. So here they are, and to all of our friends and family I wish you a sincere HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!



Wednesday, December 8, 2010

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6:32 PM Jeff -
Christmas is in the air as we take a nice drive around town. The picture is of downtown Bend's Christmas tree on the corner or Wall Street and Newport. It's been a very mild week here as temperatures have almost hit 60 degrees. We both are loving the milder winter as we hear that a big snowstorm and chilly temperatures have hit Michigan for the first time of the season.


Thursday, December 2, 2010

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8:59 PM Cali - Tonight we enjoyed a nice dinner at Bourbon Street, compliments of Gavin, the owner of three popular downtown Bend restaurants.  Dinner was followed by a show at the Tower Theater where "Big Bad Voodoo Daddy" played live swing music.  Definitely an interesting performance, and very entertaining to say the least.  We spent the evening with some great friends, Jeff and Amanda, as well as meeting several new faces which hold a variety of success in this town.  A very eventful night, and a great one to remember.


Wednesday, December 1, 2010

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7:09 PM Jeff -
Spent the morning watching Cozette with Cali, at the Swaney's. Helped out and shoveled their driveway for them and was greeted by a deer. What a cute well-behaved little girl, sorry Mom for what you had to put up with... haha. Excited for a dinner at Bourbon Street tomorrow, before a show at the Tower Theatre.



Sunday, November 28, 2010

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8:00 PM Cali -
Today was great, as we hiked five miles through the snow to visit the beautiful Tumalo Falls.  It was a warm 26* outside, and we were lucky enough to make it back just before dark.  It was definitely worth the trip, and something we can enjoy doing again.  Maybe next time we can invest in some snow shoes, or try cross country skiing, as everyone seeemed to be passing us.
 
8:01 PM Jeff - Who'd of thought a five mile walk in cold weather and snow would be so worth it. Got some amazing views and pictures of Tumalo today. Great ending to the holiday weekend with some excellent motivation for the week ahead.



Saturday, November 27, 2010

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11:48 PM Jeff - Sad day for the Boilermakers as I woke up and had to see a terrible overtime loss to those stinkin' Hoosiers. Enjoyed a nice walk with Cali around town during the day, followed by a busy Saturday night at Zydeco. Then we went out with a buddy from work, Eric, and his fiancee Jen, to the Domino Room for 80's night.


Wednesday, November 24, 2010

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11:39 AM Jeff -
Settling in for a Thanksgiving on the West coast. Heading over to the Mulder's tomorrow for what should be some excellent food and good times. Waking up early to watch the Lions, and relaxing for the day are on the agenda. Then planning for a busy weekend and Zydeco, and heading out for some cocktails Saturday night with the gang from work. Oh, and HAPPY THANKSGIVING to all of our friends and family in Michigan and around the country!


Saturday, November 20, 2010

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11:45 AM Jeff -
Couldn't get up early enough to watch the whole game... but woke up to a halftime score of Purdue 21 and Michigan State 13. Watching some college football and relaxing with some coffee and cinnamon rolls this November morning. Heading up Aubrey Butte later to see what's been going on at the new Swaney estate. Then I'm off to work at Zydeco tonight, before a long day of work tomorrow.

Boiler up!! ... o ... and tomorrow... Go Lions!!


Friday, November 19, 2010

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11:00 PM Cali -
Today, I enjoyed lunch with Amanda and met her friend Alicia and son Everet.  We went to Thai Thai in NW Bend, for a delicious meal and some nice conversation.  This evening, Jeff and I walked downtown Bend to check out all the christmas lights and hit up our new favorite pizza joint, Pizza Mondo. It's time to relax now, because I feel like next week is the start to a new beginning for each of us.


Thursday, November 19, 2010

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7:54 PM Jeff - After a nice morning coffee break with Matt talking about life and whatnot, we headed to Redmond to a gift and food festival. It turned out to be a bust so we made our way back to Bend and wandered around Dillon Falls, but not before getting some nice shots of a goat farm on the side of highway 97. We had an "Absolute"-ly good time wandering around the falls, and then headed home for a nice home cooked dinner.



Tuesday, November 16, 2010

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7:00 PM Cali -
What a perfect day. Filled with warm weather and sun, we decided to drive up Mt. Bachelor and then hike up the Pilot Butte.  The past week has been eventful, spending time with our new friends, trying to find succesful jobs, and meeting new people.  It is a great feeling to finally be settled in and having time to explore what this town has to offer.  



Saturday, November 13, 2010

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9:45 PM Jeff -
Peter: If you're allergic to waffles, then don't eat waffles.
                        Ethan: Then don't take me to a waffle house!

What an excellent day to relax and enjoy dinner and a movie with Cali. After many long and hard days working towards settling in, finding jobs, a place to stay, etc., it feels much deserved to spend a nice Saturday together. We had a nice lunch on the Deschutes in the Old Mill District at Greg's Grill, then went to an early movie, Due Date, which the above quote is from.





Thursday, November 11, 2010

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11:36 PM Jeff -
America... "the land of opportunity". What an amazing experience tonight. I had the opportunity to do a three course tasting for a couple that own a local restaurant. I created a farmhouse terrine (pictured at the left and below), a frisee-lardon salad with a poached egg, and finished with steak au-poivre with roasted vegetables. They loved the food and it was an excellent opportunity to recieve some feedback and gain the experience for myself.


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Tuesday, November 2, 2010

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6:30 PM Cali -
Fall is in the air! What a beautiful day, sunny and almost 70 degrees outside. Still working hard to find a job and exploring the town in my free time.  The house is coming together well, and starting to feel more like a home.  There are so many perks to living in Oregon, such as not having to pump your own gas in the winter, because it is considered illegal, and servers are paid 8.40 hourly, unlike Michigan where it is still 2.65 an hour.  Overall, there is just so much more going on in general and the town is absolutely adorable.  I am really starting to enjoy living in Bend!



Sunday, October 31, 2010

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4:14 PM Jeff -
Wonderful Sunday as we relaxed and watched the Lions this morning with some broccoli cheese frittata's, and some leftover flakey layers. Afterwards we stopped by Jeff and Amanda's to catch up and then headed up Aubry Butte to get some great aerial pictures of Bend. Finally we drove around downtown and Drake Park before Cali dropped me off at Zydeco for a slow Sunday night of work.



Friday, October 29, 2010

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11:55 PM Cali -
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!! Well, almost. Our friends Jeff and Amanda invited us to a Halloween party which was a ton of fun. :) I had a blast getting all dressed up, and it was nice to relax a bit after a long week of getting settled into our new place.  And, a late night dinner at El Jimador was an excellent way to end the evening. 

P.S. Happy Birthday Alyssa!



Wednesday, October 27, 2010

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12:17 PM Jeff -
Moved in and beginning to settle down in our new apartment. Got some good deals on a mattress and some couches. I love craigslist.com. What a wonderful view of the Deschutes River to wake up to out our back door everyday. Add a couple of trips to Big Lots and we're starting to feel right at home in Bend.



Tuesday, October 26, 2010

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8:30 PM Cali -
The seasons are changing as we explore our new town.  On average, Bend has mild winters between 40-50* and you can drive into the mountains when you are ready for the snow.  My idea of perfection!  It is such a great time just walking around town, through the buttes, and into the mountains to explore what this world has to offer.



Sunday, October 24, 2010

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4:00 PM Cali -
Taking it easy today as we have spent the last few days working hard at finding jobs and a new place to live.  We enjoyed walking the trails along side of a beautiful river with gorgeous waterfalls.  It was a bit chilly, but the sights to see were endless.  No better way to end the evening than to relax with some Sunday Football and beer.   



Saturday, October 23, 2010

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11:20 PM Jeff - Great meeting with Matt this morning, looks like he'll have some part-time work for me with Common Table and catering some local events. Had my trial run at Zydeco tonight and they threw me on the busiest station on a Saturday night. Nailed it, got the job and I start Monday. Cali and I went out afterwards for some dinner at Pizza Mondo's and had a couple of beers at a local bar called Velvet. Velvet had 40's of PBR that were served in your choice of a champagne bucket or a paper bag ... classy.


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Friday, October 22, 2010

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4:32 PM Jeff
 - Getting the word out that we are here and in need of work. A good friend of Jeff's (Swaney), Matt Mulder is working on a few start up restaurants in town and is having me meet up with him at one of them tomorrow morning at 11AM. He also knew of a place hiring a bartender/server, called Joolz that Cali put an app in at today. Finally got to speak with Steve Helt, executive chef/owner, of Zydeco Kitchen and Cocktails today. Cali also got to speak with their dining room manager and unfortunately they were booked in the front of the house. On the upside I have a trial run in the kitchen tomorrow at 5PM!!


Thursday, October 21, 2010

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3:15 PM Jeff -
It's been like a bit of a Le Mans race around town looking at apartments in so many area's. On the upside, we are definetly starting to get a grasp on where things are in town. The picture is a potential view out the back of our new apartment. We've filed the paperwork now just need to be approved. The job hunt continues as we both have some promising leads on jobs. The trees around town are really starting to turn as well.



Tuesday, October 19, 2010

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5:47 PM Jeff -
We made it!! Hopefully the picture looks familiar as we finally got to see if first hand. What a beautiful town. The picture is of Drake park downtown Bend. So much to see and do and so many new places to explore. It feels good to finally arrive and meet some wonderful new family friends, in the Swaney's. They have graceously accepted us into their home for a bit while we settle and find a place of our own and new jobs. Time to work hard at starting a new journey in Bend.



Monday, October 18, 2010

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5:25 PM Cali -
What a beautiful day to spend visiting Jeff's cousin, Ryan, in Redding, CA. This is a photo of Lake Shasta where we were able to enjoy a pleasent ride on his pontoon boat. It is crazy to think we are so close and only have another five hour drive before our last leg of the journey and finally make it to our destination... Bend, Oregon.



Saturday, October 16, 2010

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11:58 PM Jeff -
San Franciso here we come!! After a restful sleep in Monterey we headed north to San Fran. What a wonderful city. So big, yet so unique with so many things to see. After a wonderful day of walking around the town and seeing the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and an amazing city we settled into a town a bit north of San Fran called Fairfield. Tomorrow we're headed to Lake Shasta for one last stop before the final leg to Bend.



Friday, October 15, 2010

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7:15 AM Jeff -
An early final morning as we bid farewell to Santa Barbara, Greg, Denise, Aubrey, and Everest. We began our decent up Pacific Coast Highway and through the beautiful towns of Big Sur, Carmel, and landing in Monterey for the night. The thick fog of the ocean didn't prevent us from taking some absolutely breathtaking photos of the coast.



Thursday, October 14, 2010

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11:00 PM Jeff -
What a wonderful last couple of days in Santa Barbara relaxing and soaking up as much of the wonderful town as we could. Wednesday was kind of a regrouping day as we worked on laundry and reorganizing the Escape. Thursday was great icing on the cake with one of the best meals of our lives at Arigato where chef Takeshi took wonderful care of us with some amazing sushi rolls. We washed down the sushi with some all natural sake and finished the night with a couple of drinks at the Sand Bar.



Tuesday, October 12, 2010

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1:20 PM Cali -
Once again, another wonderful evening in California, as we spent the night exploring Laguna Beach, in Orange County, CA. We enjoyed a tasteful dinner at The Cliff  which offered a beautiful view of the ocean. Endgin the evening with a Jack Johnson concert made the night one to remember. The concert was held at the Verizon Amphitheatre in Irvine, which may have easily held 20,000 people. And, for such short notice we had excellent seating, front and center.


Monday, October 11, 2010

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9:37 AM Cali
- What a great day today!  Spending the day with Greg, Denise, and the kids we went apple picking, wine tasting, olive tasting, and toured the town of Los Olivos.  So many sights to see and what a beautiful day to go explore. All of the wineries we toured were from the movie "Sideways." We had an excellent lunch at Los Olivos Cafe, and then Jeff and I went downtown Santa Barbara for dinner and enjoyed our first Indian meal at the Taj Cafe.



Sunday, October 10, 2010

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9:19 AM Jeff -
Felt great to relax on the wonderful beaches of Santa Barbara today. Took an adventurous stroll down the beach and had lunch with everyone at the Beach House on the water. We got a glimpse of a school of dolphins in the water along our walk. After the tide subsided we walked back and were introduced to some of the Hope Ranch locals, and made our way ovey the moutain. Then we enjoyed a few beers at the Cold Stone Tavern. Finally we ended our night with some delicious ceviche and authentic mexican food at Palapa.


Saturday, October 9, 2010

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9:00 PM Cali
- Well, I had a great birthday, and it feels great to be another year older.  I am so happy to be in sunny California!  It was a hot 97* day as we spent lunch at a dirty sports bar "The Hair of the Dog" in Palm Springs and watched Michigan State take over Michigan 34-17.  Continuing forward we drove through LA and stopped to take a photo of the Hollywood sign.  Finally made it to Greg & Denise' to catch a gorgeous sunset into the mountains and enjoy a dip in their relaxing pool.



Friday, October 8, 2010

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10:02 AM Jeff -
Happy Birtday Cali! We spent the night in Mesa, Arizona at a Holiday Inn Express and it was beautiful. Arizona was very hot in the desert, but we were able to beat the heat in the beautiful pool, and we made some room in the Escape and took Devin to his school so we could see a bit of what he's been up too. I made him and all of his roomates steak and potatoes for dinner.



Wednesday, October 6, 2010

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6:34 PM Jeff -
Just had probably the best mexican food of my life as we arrived in Flagstaff, Arizona. Yesterday we camped out in Albuquerque and got a free pancake breakfast along with the last available campsite. As we settled into our room for the night in Flagstaff we were told by the news that their were tornado's this morning, talk about more luck. Guess my mom was right when she said we had a guardian angel riding in the back of the Escape, I just don't know where it fit back their.


Alyssa the monkey picture is for you. Miss you!!! :)

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

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8:54 PM Cali
- What a great time in Denver, CO visiting with my sister, Jesse.  We spent a short time checking out the stores at the 16th St. Mall, my favorite attraction, before we jumped into the car for a trip to Golden, CO.  "What's there you ask?" Just simply the 'Largest single-sight Coors Brewery in the World!' We hit up a few local bars afterwards and had a great time visiting the city.



Sunday, October 3, 2010

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10:08 AM Cali -
Yesterday, we enjoyed the day with Kate, her sister Liz, and Heather in St. Charles, IL.  Touring the town in the afternoon we hit up Portillo’s for dinner, and stopped in Trader Joe’s and Halloween Spirits for some cheap entertainment.  It was nice to see a few friends along the way and check out the town, which was adorable. Next stop West Branch, Iowa (simply entertaining) then off to Des Moines, IA to stay the night. 

 


Sunday, October 3, 2010

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10:02 AM Jeff -
Seeing Chicago from a nice birds eye view was wonderful motivation and we hit the road towards Denver. After a solid 500 miles towards Des Moines we settled in for the night. Today we're on the road all day and should be arriving at Jesse's in downtown Denver around 9 or 10 tonight. I'm posting some awesome picks from the roof of the Streeter.



Friday, October 1, 2010

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7:01 PM Jeff -
The day finally came and after a wonderful lunch and some encouraging support from our friends and family WE ARE OFF!!! Drove through two states and into downtown Chicago to visit Khous and Jordan for the night and experience a bit of Chi-town. Definitely some good timing as the gas went out in their building and the building is paying for free food and beer in their restaurant. We're off to St. Charles, IL tomorrow to visit with a former co-worker and good friend of Cali's, Kate.




Wednesday, September 29, 2010

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8:48 PM Jeff - Took a walk down memory lane today as I dropped off my car and walked home to my mom and dad's and through the marina. Brought back so many good memories of a childhood and young adulthood in Holland, Michigan. This place has made me who I am and I will carry that along with me wherever I go. It was my last day at that Piper and it was good to have so much support from so many people there. Now I sit in an empty condo drinking a miller lite and couldn't feel better and more ready for the adventurous journey to come.



I close with a quote from a plaque my mom bought for me:



"One man with a dream shall go forth and conquer, til the dream shall become their present."

Sunday, September 26, 2010

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10:20 PM Jeff
- Last weekend at the Piper is over and had a nice night at Salt & Pepper, and good old Itty Bitty with the boys. Just picked Cali up from the train station as she gets back from a cold weekend in Chicago. A lot left to do to prepare for our journey but after some nice talks with family. I am ready.



Friday, September 24, 2010

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11:22 PM Jeff -
Hard to believe tomorrow is my last Saturday night at the Piper Restaurant. Cali finished her last night tonight, and is headed to Chicago on the train with Alyssa in the morning. They are meeting up with Jesse, and some other friends for a bachelorette party. Above is a nice picture of one of the last sunsets I may see for a long time in Holland. Some may say that leaving the place you've called home for the last 20 years may be hard. I, myself, can sum it up in three words... I CAN'T WAIT!!!


Sunday, September 19, 2010

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9:34 AM Cali - What a perfect day for our going away party.  It is beautiful and sunny with no rain in sight! I am very excited to get together with all of our friends and family.  The best part about tonight is being able to see how much support we have before we start our journey.  Time is going by so fast, it is hard to believe we have less than two weeks to go.



Friday, September 17, 2010

10:48 AM Jeff - Cool fall morning in Holland feels good as I prepare for one of the last weekends at the Piper. Sunday will be a good day to see all of our closest friends in one last gathering before setting sail in the Escape. Looking at roof racks today in order to make it easier to fit our life into an SUV.
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Thursday, September 16, 2010

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11:58 PM Jeff -
The super Saturn treated me well today as I finally got it back after getting the starter replaced twice. Hopefully she can find a lucky new owner before the journey begins. Today was my first day in charge of a kitchen as a young chef, and although it was very slow, everything went very well and everyone was happy. A couple of days until our going away party, and two weeks left until we begin our quest. CAN'T WAIT!!! Bend here we come.


Saturday, September 11, 2010

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12:30 PM Jeff -
Our proposed trip course is taking shape. Holland to Chicago will be the first leg. Then on to Denver, Mesa, Santa Barbara, Berkeley, and ending with a gorgeous drive up Pacific Coast Highway 1 to Bend, Oregon. We're trying to break up the trip a bit and visit as many friends and family as possible. 3292 miles is the proposed trip thus far.


Friday, September 10, 2010


11:59 PM Jeff - "It's always something..." A fun couple of days of car troubles has definetly tested my patience this week. The condo is starting to look pretty bare as so much of our lives begins to get crammed into storage bins. Looking forward to my first two consecutive days off since June. Go Lions! and Go Boilers!

Thursday, September 9, 2010

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9:44 AM Jeff -
Enjoying a nice slow week at the Piper, training and cooking. My prime rib turned out excellent last night with camelized oninon, sauteed spinach, pancetta, and roasted yukon gold potatoes. Of course as I try to sell my car the starter goes out on it and had to get that fixed. The Escape goes in to get a wheel alignment and the transfer case fluid changed. Cali and I are beginning to get rid of all the clutter in our life and condense it all into storage bins. We both definetly have extensive to do lists, but we feel prepared for the journey to come.


Monday, September 6, 2010

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12:54 PM Jeff -
Training today at the Piper trying to help them find my replacement when I'm gone. Definetly good experience for the future. Saw some old friends over the weekend, and happy that the busy season is over at the Piper. Cali has the day off at 84 East and has to work at the Piper tonight. We are also working on our going away party on September 19th, place TBD. The picture is our fish special this weekend a pan roasted Cobia with arugala peach salsita over black rice and sweet chili beurre blanc.


Sunday, September 5, 2010

11:15 PM Jeff - Last Sunday at the Piper. One more long week to get through then I think leaving will really start to set in. Cali and her sister's got back from West Branch today and had a nice night in Saugatuck.

Saturday, September 4, 2010

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12:19 PM Jeff -
Watching some Big Ten football before work. Cali, Jesse and Alyssa left in the Escape for a chilly couple of days in West Branch. Things are beginning to wind down as the end of the summer season at the Piper comes to a close. My first week as the Sous Chef was surprisingly relaxing filled with so many new ideas, numerous new things to learn, and a variey of new experiences to come.


Friday, September 3, 2010

11:32 AM Jeff - Labor Day Weekend Begins! The last busy leg of the summer at the Piper, just a few more days before life slows a bit and more time will be had to focus on the trip. Cali just left to pick up Jesse from the airport in Grand Rapids, then to Grand Haven to visit a friend of Jesse's. Tomorrow morning their off to Beaver Trail Campground, in West Branch, to visit their mom and dad for the weekend with Alyssa. Below is a picture from Bend.
Picture

Thursday, September 2, 2010

10:40 PM Jeff - Started our blog for the journey from Holland, MI to Bend, OR.