Alone at the Opera

I made a last minute decision to go to the opera on a Friday night in downtown San Diego. Those who live in this area know that driving downtown is a pain, but throw the Friday commute into the picture and double the time. So after an hour and a half in my car (ignoring half of the ridiculous suggestions google maps offered to avoid traffic), I... read more

Winners of Val’s Road Photo Contest

Judging this kind of contest is a blast. Each photo is like taking a mini-vacation to somewhere new. Congratulations to all the winners. To really appreciate these photos, click on them to enlarge them. Grand Prize The top prize goes to Kaela K. from San Diego, CA. Her photo was taken in Cleveland National Forest at Holy Jim* Falls Trail in... read more

Nature Photo Contest

As the year ends, it’s time to update the photos on the cover page of my blog. I’d love your help in providing the new nature scenes. If you have a photo you’d like to submit, here are the rules and prizes: RULES 1. You must take the original photo 2. The photo should have some type of road theme in it (a path or a trail) 3.... read more

Goodbye Landline, Hello Forgetfulness

We finally did it. We joined the majority of Americans who have ditched their landline phone and the fees associated with it. Good riddance to all the annoying solicitors and scammers too. I love the peace and quiet. But wait…cue in screeching brakes…how do I find my cell phone now? Instead of calling myself to find my cell phone, now I have... read more

Halloween Candy Monster

Okay, there are more scary monsters than the Halloween Candy Monster, but you know what I’m talking about. It’s the monster that attacks you in the grocery store. My Vons, in fact, has three monsters: one set at the front door, one over by produce, and one in the normal seasonal aisle. What I hate about this monster is I have to deal with... read more