From the Sea to the Source

Written by JBMoney Thursday, 28 July 2011 12:17

In April, my Dad (Rick Maybe-Bressler) and Uncle (Allen Maybe) did something that nobody one else has done. They navigated personal water craft (perhaps better known as "Jet Skis") from the Pacific Ocean to the source of the Sacramento River. They started by passing under the Golden Gate bridge, then navigating the San Francisco Bay, San Pablo Bay, Suisun Bay, and the Sacramento Delta region. They passed through the cities of Sacramento, Chico, and Redding, while continuing north to the source of the Sacramento River (somewhere past Lake Shasta). In all, a trip running four days and a little over 400 miles, some of it across pretty rough and debris-prone waters (at least for a Jet Ski).

Neither of the two are strangers to this sort of modern day exploring. In addition to other notable accomplishments on a PWC, Allen Maybe has traveled the entire Santa Fe Trail and Oregon Trail on horseback (one of only a handful of people living to have done so). Rick Bressler has traveled the Santa Fe Trail on horseback, done extensive 'Jet Ski' exploring of Sacramento River tributaries, and hitchhiked across country.

They didn't make too big of a deal out of it. There were a couple receptions with folks who provided the gear and such, but I couldn't even talk  Rick into sending out a press release beforehand. There was extensive preparation work though, as they talked with most of the law enforcement agencies on the way. San Francisco, in particular, is very sensitive to bearded guys on jet skis riding under the Golden Gate.

Oh, by the way, I forgot to mention that they are both over 65 years old. I thought that was a pretty big deal. I sure hope that when I'm 65 I'll be physically able to ride a Jet Ski for four days straight. To be perfectly honest I'm not so sure I could do it now and I still have 20 years to go.

Good job fellows.  

More pictures here. 

14 years and nary a scratch on 'er

Written by JBMoney Wednesday, 13 July 2011 00:00

Fourteen years ago today we picked up a scared little terrier from the Sacramento SPCA. She was about seven months old. I remember suffering the horrified glares of a little girl and her family as I stole Phoebe out of the cage, while they debated getting her themselves. Another 5 minutes and we would have never seen her.

Fourteen years later, Phoebe is still going strong. She's not the little tough she used to be. The legs are getting shaky and the hearing is shot, but she's still getting around fine, going for short walks, avoiding Fianna expertly, and tussling with Dutch in the backyard.

Back in the day, she used to purr when pet, smile and squint when pleased, and, for the first year or so, get so happy when the people came home that she tinkled. She's always been a charmer, winning over every household visitor with her good nature, smiles and wags. She's always been our best friend.

2010 Scottish Games in Woodland

Written by JBMoney Sunday, 16 May 2010 15:43

A big group of us made it to the 2010 Scottish Games in Woodland. The Carmichael Bresslers (JB, Jennifer & Fianna) and the Wilson Gang go every year, but this year we also met up with the Sacramento Bresslers and The Favettis who were visiting from new Jersey (Tony, Lauren & the Twins).

As always, there was too much to do and too little time to do it... but plenty of island beer to pave the way. Unfortunately, I was trying to spread my time among everyone (who wanted to do different things) and ended up not seeing enough of anybody.... such is life.

Forgot to do take much in the way of photos, but posted a few here.

March Madness

Written by JBMoney Wednesday, 17 March 2010 16:00

Rumors on the internets mention 'March Madness' as some annual sporting event conducted with a round orange dimpled ball, carried between opposing goals. I wouldn't know much about that, but around here March Madness refers to the annual combined birthday celebrations of myself (JBMoney), Jennifer (Buffy), Laura (Princess B), and Sean. We all have birthdays in March (in the order listed above: 20th, 14th, 31st, 17th). Unfortunately, Fianna (born 2-28) missed it by one day, but she was allowed to attend as an observer. The four of us have been doing this for quite a few years. This year it was San Francisco's turn to 'host'.

More pictures...

Go Chargers 9-27

Written by JBMoney Sunday, 27 September 2009 16:00

Had a great weekend with the old college gang, and Bill Hoge (who I hadn't hung with in a few years), in SD this weekend... abusing Chris's lager tap in his Club House, playing cards and drinking Scotch until the wee hours, tailgating the rest of the morning and then watching the Chargers beat the Dolphins. Perfect! ... More Pictures