So Kate and Frank came for a visit. The plan in place and reservations made months ago. Arrive August 11, spend August 12-19th in Tahoe and say goodbye on Sunday the 21st. A mini whirlwind with a little Tahoe relax time in between. We picked Sammy Sturm up at her house and went to pick up Kate and Frank at the airport. Hugs and kisses all around and into the car for a drive to the city. Kate and Sam have a tradition of going to Pier 39 to get pearls from some shop on the pier. It also gave us a chance to show Frank just a little bit of the city. Before heading into the city though, we stopped at Joe's of Westlake for a little lunch.
The wharf was good.... the fog was in.. saw the seals... looked at Alcatraz across the way, and waited for the girls to do whatever it is girls do. Oh, one thing they do is go to the hat store and try on hats. Fun stuff eh? Just like old times. Drove down Lombard street, through the Marina and onto the Golden Gate Bridge. Took the "long way" home over the Richmond bridge and down the eastshore freeway. Shortly after we got home Kelly arrived from Pasadena, so we were all set for a Tahoe family vacation, this time with our new son in law. Not sure Frank knew what he was getting into marrying into clan Flaherty, but he would find out soon enough.
Friday was travel day. Dropped Mali and Bruno off at Matuszak's house (thank you Ashley for watching our doggies!) and picked up Ron and Marie for a 4 car caravan to Tahoe! Arrived in south shore right at check in time. Got a great room on the 5th floor facing the lake. Since Kate and Frank were newlyweds and had just celebrated their one year anniversary, we decided to give them the master suite. We would sleep in the studio with Kelly (and a Camello one night) for two nights then move to our own place at the Stardust.
Saturday we had a little party on the beach. Fun in the sun with friends and family. The planning and prep all came together and we were able to have a great time introducing Frank to Kate's family and friends. We are blessed to have such a fine young man come into Kate's and our lives. Thanks to everyone who made the day so special. Thanks to my bro John for taking some pictures of the day.
We lucked out with the weather all week. I think the high was 81 everyday. No afternoon thunderstorms. We did get an overnight low of 37 one morning, so it was true alpine summer experience.
Sunday we said goodbye to almost everyone and settled in for the week. Team Downing stuck around for awhile (it was Michelle's birthday) so we did get to spend some quality time with them. Bloody marys for breakfast and a walk to state line for brunch and "shopping". We checked into our place at the Stardust. We got a great, remodeled room, so we were very happy. I think I like the Stardust even more than the Lake Tahoe Vacation Resort!
Everything from here on is sort of a blur. Blame it on the jack, the stoli, or the bud(weiser), or the fact that I was in vacation mode and we really weren't doing much more than relaxing and enjoying each others company. It was a time for Frank to get to know the Flaherty family and for us to get to know him a little better. I think I was able to provide some good info on what it takes to survive living with a Flaherty woman. : ). Like I told Frank, the first 25 years are the hardest.
Monday was massage day. Kate had scheduled couples massages for us. I really liked my massage but Barb was a little disappointed. But a massage is a massage and in the end its all good. Kelly made us dinner. Steak, mashed potato, salad and bruschetta! YUM! Finally getting into the Tahoe groove.
Tuesday we went white water rafting down the Truckee river. This is the 3rd time we've done this and it's always a blast. Barb sat out this trip because her shoulder was still giving her problems, so it was just Kate, Frank, Kelly and I to take on the mighty Truckee River. Having a couple of Marines paddling made the trip down the river a piece of cake. We survived all the rapids and our guide said we were one of his best crews ever. Kelly wanted to "family" gamble at the casinos before she left so we went and had dinner at the Lakeside Inn, then went to Harvey's to try our luck. We wanted to play blackjack and all table were $10 minimum bet, so our stay at the blackjack table only lasted a few hands. The girls did have some fun playing the penny (max bet $2) slots with their mom.
Wednesday Kelly said goodbye. It was Wet Woody Wednesday at the Riva Grill. Half price for the strongest drink on the lake. I don't remember much after the second one. I do remember that Frank had four!
Thursday morning I met Frank and we went for a little early morning bike ride. We cruised 13 miles out to Fallen Leaf Lake. Thanks to John Downing,
I took Frank on the same ride he took me on last year. First to the north side of Fallen Leaf lake, then up (hill) to the south side and the waterfall that cascades into the lake. It was nice to spend some quality time with Frank. Thursday afternoon we went on the Tahoe Queen out to Emerald Bay. What I thought would be a touristy ripoff was actually pretty fun. The captain filled us in on all the history and folklore of the lake and surrounding area. Great idea Kate! Since this was our last day/night in town, we were packing up and eating everything in the fridge in preparation for our Friday morning departure. GOOD BYE TAHOE!!
Friday we left early so we could stop at Auntie Diane's on the way home. Kate really wanted to show Frank the ranch and introduce him to the rest of the Flahertys. As always, we had a great time visiting. Diane prepared some great food for us. Frank and Diane bonded immediatly and talked a lot about horses, ranching, rodeo and their mutual love and respect for President Obama (not). A great way to wrap up our Tahoe vacation. We pulled into our house right around sunset. Unpacked and crashed out.
We did have plans on saturday and sunday but we pretty much just took it easy. Kate and Frank went to visit friends. Sunday afternoon we went to Steve and Vicky's for a farewell BBQ and then it was off to SFO to say goodbye to Kate and Frank.
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