Countertop Complete for the Lobsterfest!

Although it has been done for a couple of weeks, I forgot to post the finished slate countertop! Since starting at a new client for work, and riding after work every night, I get home at 9pm and have had barely any free time to post!

Luckily we finished in time for the surprise party, I had been planning for my brother's 40th birthday. He was really surprised!

We had a great lobsterfest!

Lobster, steamed in beer, the only and BEST way to make lobster!!!

Now that the patio is done. Next project is the rest of the backyard.

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L.A.H.J.A. Medal Finals - Round 2, Fill The Boot, Paseo Cantina

I wasn't able to make it to see round 2 of the L.A.H.J.A. Medal Finals, but here are the round two results. Juniors: 1st - Cayla Richards & Capone, 2nd - Belle Calkin & Belle Agio, 3rd - Callie Selchau & Spa Sciences Southern, 4th - Hannah Warde & Monty Z.
Adults: 1st - Lisa J. Brown & Corinth, 2nd - Laura Fairbanks & Ferris 16, 3rd - Erica Schmandt & The Architect, 4th - Jennifer Jacky & Discreet (my friend and barn mate).

Instead, Chad and many other firefighters participated in the annual "fill the boot" to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The firefighters stood on street corners downtown and held firefighter boots to collect donations. The fundraiser is part of a larger effort by the International Association of Fire Fighters. Who could say no to a bunch of good looking firemen in their tunout gear?

We then went to celebrate Christina's promotion at Cantina Paseo. There was a great showing of firefighters, friends and thier significant others, we took over the entire outside patio. It was fun, the food was good, the service was attentive, and the drinks were strong. A bunch of the guys on duty came by too, which was nice.

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Art's 40th Birthday Party

We went to help celebrate Art's birthday last night (Chad's captain). Art's brother-in-law made him an awesome beer cooler. He made it from a "confiscated" ice cream push cart (brother-in-law is a cop). He refurbished the whole thing into a Pasadena Fire Engine with lights sirens, temp gauges, drain. It was really unique. The theme of the party was gambling. We were all given $300 fake money to gamble with. There were real dealers and tables to play on. I just wasn't too motivated to gamble with fake money.

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White Trash Party

Last night we went to a trailer trash party at Malibu Family Winery (Saddlerock Ranch) which is located on 1,000 acres in Malibu for Chris Ramstead's 30th B-day (its his girlfriend's parents winery). The family has a "trailer park" set up called Camp Cabernet. The space features seven chicly remodeled Airstreams, Dalton, Spartan and Shasta trailers dotting a scenic vineyard-view (they were unbelievable). It was a perfect setting for a white trash party! We drove out with the Bagan's and everyone was dressed so great! I had the ugliest pink housedress on with curlers in my hair, a ring on every finger and a black eye. Chad had a long black wig, a flat billed hat and a plaid flannel. There were lots of pregnant costumes, missing teeth, 80's rock band shirts, stretch pants, skin-tight jeans, curlers and bathrobe, heavy blue eye shadow...hilarious!! They even had redneck food...mac and cheese, coors light and lots of 40's, squirt cheese, Funions. Chris did a great job putting it all together.

Daytime view of "Camp Cabernet"

Inside view of one of the Airsteams:Night view of the trailer park.....

Chad and I going "home"....

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Kevin & Jamie's End of Summer Bash

We went out to Yorba Linda last night for a end of summer party and to check out the Amblers' newly landscaped yard. It is really impressive with the whole built in "kitchen" outside, fire pit and huge over hang porch. It had a Havana type feel to it, beautifully decorated! They hired a steel drum musician who was fantastic! Shelly, Stephany and I jumped on the trampaline. It was a great time.Pasadena Fire FightersSome of the Pasadena Fire Fighters

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Fondue Party at the Bagan's

Last night we went to a great party at the Bagans, a fondue party! Lots of people showed up probablly 30 or so and we enjoyed some chicken, shrimp, veggies, bread, and meat dipped in a variety of different cheese fondues (Emnenthaler, Fontina, Pepper), and lots of beer. Delicious! Ave even had two chocolate fountains for dessert. Thier landscaping is finished and looks fabulous! After the feast we all sat around the fire pit and everyone had a great time.

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Bridge Party

Sponsored by the Pasadena Heritage Society this event is a fund raiser. It is a chance to also party on the "Suicide Bridge" as it is blocked to traffic and bands, food vendors and high octane cocktails are available to make for a really fun and entertaining evening. Food, Bands (A roster of local favorites includes Aluminum Marshmallow and the Age of Aquarius Horns, The Cain Enablers, the Chuck Manning Quartet, Flattop Tom and His Jump Cats, Mercy and the Merkettes, Pasadena Scottish Pipes and Drums, Snotty Scotty and the Hankies and Wreck ‘n’ Sow.), Bar Tents and dancers, doesn't get much better on a summers evening. We saw tons of people we knew (Tana, Charlie & the kids, Bethsheba (Doggie Nanny), Tamara (Michelle's friend), Cheryl & Michael Anderson, Victor Cass (on duty), Station 38 firefighters, (on duty), Chief Wells, Chief Downs) and met alot of new people. Our group (Kim, Leslie, Missy, Bradley, Linda, John & myself) had a great time. We drank too many mojitos, and danced in to the night ending up at Twin Palms dancing some more, and taking a taxi cab home.

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Happy 4th of July!

I had a nice peacefuly ride in the morning before heading off the the Gem & Jewelry Show in Pasadena. I picked up a few things, some beautiful Peruvian Opal, Tourmaline, onyx, Amethyst and some Bali silver findings.

Kim and I went went to one of the surgeons houses she works with at Huntington Hospital for a great 4th of July party. The house was on Linda Vista, and overlooked the Rose bowl for a spectacular view of the fireworks. Chad and Pete both had to work.

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Retirement party for Battalion Chief Alvin Blades

Chad and I attended a nice retirement party for Battalion Chief Alvin Blades at Villa Sorriso. It was a crowded house. Every guy on duty came down to congratulate Al. The street was lined with fire trucks, fire engines, and RAs. It was quite a site to drive up to. The Pasadena Fire Deptartment is definetly a brotherhood and they embrace all the family members. It was a nice feeling to look around the room and see so many familiar faces smiling back at me. After Calvin made a speech all the guys in service from the surrounding towns called in on the radio to wish Al the best of luck and congratualte him. It was really cool to hear.

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