B e s t v i e w e d a t 8 0 0 x 6 0 0 o r g r e a t e r
- Rod Wood, Christmas '99 -
I-10, Just east of El Paso, TX A burningbush would have helped
December 24, 1999
2000 |
 - Rod Wood, Christmas 2001 - at Donna Sachet's "Songs of the Season" Fundraiser San Francisco, CA December 11, 2001 |
2001 |
- My Home at the Russian River A View from the Driveway -
Where I plan to spend Christmas this year
Guerneville, CA 1999
As you can see, I look much warmer this year than two years ago. I was on my way to Houston in the Jeep to spend Christmas with Pop. But with the exception of my father, I'm in the company of most of my family in the more recent shot. I didget to spend Thanksgiving this year with him and Lucille, as well as her family, and friends.
For those who are confused, it's really quite simple. I have "relatives" and I have "family". Some of my "relatives" are a part of my "family", but they are notsynonymous. This concept seems to evade most of my relatives, some of whom call me "family", but don't treat me or my father like we are. Too bad for them.
Fortunately, both my father and I have some pretty wonderful people as part of our "family". I had the opportunity to spend several evenings with some of these folks during my recent stay in Houston, either going to dinner, or cooking in.
Speaking of cooking, I did a fair amount during that stay. One of those "cooking-in" nights Tica made the best Margaritas I've ever had. We also had a fabulous Tequilla-prawn (aka "shrimp") dish that I plan to make again... IFI can remember how I made it.
And pies! I made eight pies while I was in Houston. One of my Pecan Pies resulted in a First Place award (there were 3 categories) at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church of Friendswood, TX. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised, as a pie that I made using the same recipe drew $125 at a fundraiser this last summer. Maybe I should consider thatas a new employment path...
Yep, I'm still unemployed. The last time I'd been in this condition for so long was when the otherGeorge Bush was in office. Hmmm. I believe I need another drink... "Wanna join me 'Dubya'? Okay, you can bring the girls along..."
Somehow, I don't think he'd care much for the places I'd be likely to go, or the people I associate with. I've been involved in fundraising for both people with AIDS and those with Breast Cancer. One volunteer organization raised well over $300,000 this year. It's been good being able to spend the time to help others. I also had the chance to be either "Den Dad" or judge for several contests. But I'd really like to get back to helping me a bit too.
Still, I have had some recognition for my efforts and involvement. A Certificate of Honor from the City of San Francisco (every dog has his day), the Pie award (it raised money for the choir), and the honor of becoming one of "Mama's Boys" ("Mama" was instrumental in starting the Breast Cancer Emergency Fund in San Francisco).
The only thing I've really done for "me" has been to start back to the gym. I've also improved my diet just a little bit. And now I'm in the best shape I've ever been, so I'm very happy with me.
So, while life could be better, it could be a whole lot worse. I have people in my life who respect me for what I've accomplished, accept me despite my flaws, and love me for who I am. Can't get much better than that.
- Rod
= Happy Holidays =
- Color Monitor Adjustments - Set Contrast to Max,
0) Use this to adjust Brightness. MRGB) Use this to set Gamma
For those who are confused, it's really quite simple. I have "relatives" and I have "family". Some of my "relatives" are a part of my "family", but they are notsynonymous. This concept seems to evade most of my relatives, some of whom call me "family", but don't treat me or my father like we are. Too bad for them.
Fortunately, both my father and I have some pretty wonderful people as part of our "family". I had the opportunity to spend several evenings with some of these folks during my recent stay in Houston, either going to dinner, or cooking in.
Speaking of cooking, I did a fair amount during that stay. One of those "cooking-in" nights Tica made the best Margaritas I've ever had. We also had a fabulous Tequilla-prawn (aka "shrimp") dish that I plan to make again... IFI can remember how I made it.
And pies! I made eight pies while I was in Houston. One of my Pecan Pies resulted in a First Place award (there were 3 categories) at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church of Friendswood, TX. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised, as a pie that I made using the same recipe drew $125 at a fundraiser this last summer. Maybe I should consider thatas a new employment path...
Yep, I'm still unemployed. The last time I'd been in this condition for so long was when the otherGeorge Bush was in office. Hmmm. I believe I need another drink... "Wanna join me 'Dubya'? Okay, you can bring the girls along..."
Somehow, I don't think he'd care much for the places I'd be likely to go, or the people I associate with. I've been involved in fundraising for both people with AIDS and those with Breast Cancer. One volunteer organization raised well over $300,000 this year. It's been good being able to spend the time to help others. I also had the chance to be either "Den Dad" or judge for several contests. But I'd really like to get back to helping me a bit too.
Still, I have had some recognition for my efforts and involvement. A Certificate of Honor from the City of San Francisco (every dog has his day), the Pie award (it raised money for the choir), and the honor of becoming one of "Mama's Boys" ("Mama" was instrumental in starting the Breast Cancer Emergency Fund in San Francisco).
The only thing I've really done for "me" has been to start back to the gym. I've also improved my diet just a little bit. And now I'm in the best shape I've ever been, so I'm very happy with me.
So, while life could be better, it could be a whole lot worse. I have people in my life who respect me for what I've accomplished, accept me despite my flaws, and love me for who I am. Can't get much better than that.
- Rod
 - Rod's First Place Pie Award - For his Pecan Pie at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church Friendswood, TX December 2, 2001 |
 - Rod's - Nickname From "Mama" San Francisco, CA June, 2001 |
 - Rod's Certificate of Honor from the City - Proclaiming July 28, 2001 as "Rod Wood Day" San Francisco, CA July 28, 2001 |
= Happy Holidays =
- Color Monitor Adjustments - Set Contrast to Max,
0) Use this to adjust Brightness. MRGB) Use this to set Gamma