Christmas 2008

Dear Family and Friends:

Greetings:
Not much has changed for us in 2008, thank heavens. We attended Bev’s grandson’s wedding in Clovis CA last November, which is where this picture was taken. Scott was the last of the grandkids to get married.
Our daily lives are filled locally with the blessings of Bev’s son Patrick, Daughter in-law Diane, teen age grandson Harry, and beautiful 3 year old granddaughter Colette.
Beverly has been very busy this past year with her church work and as President of the Episcopal Church Women of the Diocese, which has been a full time job; her schedule is kept full. Bev is now very excited about Spring 2009 and her long awaited trip to Italy, she will be going with two of her close friends. After the tour they are extending the stay so that Bev can visit her father’s birthplace near Genoa and do some family research. Larry is staying home this time to take care of our furry child; a trip like this would be a bit much for him travel-wise.
We had a wonderful trip to San Francisco earlier this year, Elliot, Larry’s retired district manager, had a get together of what is now the S.F. district alumni. It was great getting together with many of the people Larry worked with and we socialized with for so many years.
Larry did have a splendid trip to Oregon in July to be with his sons. The oldest, Ron has a nice boat, and the younger son Jeff has a motor home so the three of them took off for the coast to do some fishing. This year they got lucky catching a limit of salmon two days in a row; are they ever delicious.
We are looking forward to 2009 and any surprises that may come our way.

Merry Christmas & Peace, in the New Year.

Larry and Bev

Hello BI Alumni Friends and Merry Christmas:

Oh time is going so fast, I forgot to write the customary Christmas letter. Sometimes regarded as the annual good news and brag sheet. (no one wants to talk about all the bad things that happened in the past year and with the state of our economy, that should fill up the bad news part of any letter.) I never thought we would see another DEPRESSION in our life time and I remember many stories that my parents told me about the big one and how good their lives were since they both had good jobs, bought a new house and car etc.. As my Dad said, well there were 25% unemployed and that meant 75% employed. That was more than half so things weren't so bad for more than half of the population.
Well now there is only 6-7% unemployment and that means that more than 90% are doing ok or better. JUST DON'T LISTEN TO THE NEWS and or look at your 401K or investment portfolio. Before you know it the market will be roaring up and our portfolios will be back to what they were a year ago. (maybe a year or two?)
This was a good year for our family overall. Except the crab season closed early due to the catch being down 85% and the salmon season was closed altogether. My son Matt is trying to make it now with Herring fishing in the bay. Matt's daughter, Malena made honor roll and scored the highest in all of the 4th grade classes in the Math exam. Her little sister Marisol is in Kindergarten and reading at the 4th grade level in both Spanish and English. Son Paul, was just promoted to Captain in the CDF and is staioned in Petaluma, bicycle distance from his home. Jim is still running the WINE HARDWARE chain, developing the web business and now investing in distressed real estate. While Elizabeth just moved back to the City and is an ICU nurse at SF General, engaged to Cooper, a Google engineer. Donna is at the Gym several times a week and looks fabulous, and with the grand daughters at the farm in Sonoma for a couple days per week.
The Vineyard had a very hard time of it this year, with production down 50% due to the very irregular cold Spring followed the the heatwave. But the quality was exceptional and we enjoyed top prices for our grapes from leading Napa wineries. I made only one barrel of Cab Franc for our own cellar. Our vintages from 2004 through 2007 are all exceptional and we are preparing to market early next year. I submitted 3 wines for the first time to a professional competition and received 2 Gold medals and 1 Bronze, (American Wine Society).
Our Publishing company p is going well. We received a Best Professional Wine book Award in London in April for the WINE MARKETING book and the Andre Simon Award for our NAPA WINE HISTORY book in Frankfurt in October.
2009 promises to be a challenging year for all business, so we plan on lots of time at Tahoe for the winter, a cruise to the Baltic in June, NYC Book expo in May, Canada in July and before we know it, will be time to pick grapes in September. Cheers! Elliott and Donna

What I did on vacation this year by: Larry

Hi Gang: Last month (Aug 2nd - 18th) I went to Oregon to see my son's. Jeff, the youngest, lives in Salem. He met me at the airport in Portland which has grown and changed so much I hardly recognized it. We stopped on the way to Salem to see my granddaughter and the three greatgrand children. I could hardly believe how the kids have grown and matured; made me feel old. I spent the first week at Jeff's, working around the house (picture my work). That Wednesday night we went to the down town area that virtually closed off for a food and wine festival. That area has vineyards and wineries all over the place. It wasn't that way when I lived there; of course that was 33 years ago. Hot, it was unbelivable hot, in the high 90's and 100's and the evenings didn't cool off much. Then at the end of the week it cooled off and actually rained one night. It started heating up again and Sunday so Jeff & I headed for the coast in his motorhome. We met my oldest (55) son Ron at Lincoln City. He brought his boat down for a week of fishing in the Ocean. You could still catch coho salmon. Monday we went out of Depoe Bay and caught 5, that afternoon we went to Newport where we planned to stay till Sunday. Tuesday we went out and by 2:00 pm we caught 6 more; all were a good size as you can see from the picture, the biggest ones were mine. The next day they closed the salmon season. The rest of the week we were weathered in so went crabing in the bay and fiddled around; Salem was 105+ degree. Sunday the ocean calmed a little so we headed out for Halibut fishing. Sixteen miles out and two hours of fishing the ocean began to kick up so we headed in. I'll tell you, two hours traveling in those waters, heading for port, I was glad to to reach the calm waters of the bay. All in all It was a great trip and a wonderful time to spend with my son's, see picture, I'm the slim one in the middle.

George Erdman for President

In this election year we have had little choice for President. Now something new has come to light; there is hope after all. Click on the following link and see what I mean. http://www.thelopezfamilyonline.com/play.php?first=George
Larry
PS:At the bottom of the tv screen click on the (>) to start video.

Captain Elliott

Every summer, Donna and I visit her family in Canada. While Donna is doing gin and tonics at the summer cottage with her mom and sisters, I go sailing on Lake Ontario with the boys.
Here is my picture from last year.

Elliott's "Tea Party"

Sunday night July 13 4:00 PM Elliott & Donna's bungalow on the hill: There was a gathering (reunion of sorts) of S.F. District retired and current members. Those present are shown in the picture to the right. Two kinds of "tea" were served, and elegant red and an adorable white. "Tea" cakes (hors d' oeuvre) of delectable varieties were served. We had a great time passing around rare old photos of bygone days with memories reflected as they were passed. Many 'remember when's' were discussed as well as updates on current livess and activities. Lou reflecting on travels and experiences abroad, Wanda up dating us on current life and kids, Bruce introduced Julie to us, quite happy and together I might add. In case you are wondering that's Bruce without the beard. Who would have recognized him otherwise? Then there was Barry to bring us up to date on current B.I. happenings (sad), Linda Ng all the way from Virginia, paid a surprise visit with her two delightful children, and Olga Kelly, Attorney at Law, was there bringing us up to date on her life since B.I.

All in all it was a wonderful time enjoyed by all present, we missed those who couldn't make it and hope to see you next time. Far away out of towners always give us an excuse to meet.

Hope to see you all again soon. Larry

Hi Elliott,

Thanks for sending the picture of the Reunion. It is nice seeing many member of the team.
You, Donna, Lou, Wanda, Linda and Bev look very much like I remember from years gone by
Roopa and I wish we were there.
I am hoping that we will be able to be ‘in the picture” before long.
As mentioned earlier, we are slowly recovering from the Jet lag, after our trip to India.
We have acquired some property (apartments) in Mumbai and Kochi (in Kerala). As they say, timing is everything…..We invested a couple of years ago, which happened to be a good time to invest in these cities.
Both investments have appreciated considerably. Such appreciation cannot be found in most places in the US, as you know.
Life will return to normal once Hemant returns to school. He will be getting into High School (9th Grade)
Roopa will be spending most of her time attending to the various items in Hemant’s education and extra-curricular activities.
My schedule requires a lot of travel to Washington, Oregon, Nevada, and most cities in Northern California.

I hope all’s well with Donna and you, and your very talented and accomplished children.

Looking forward to see you before long.

I will contact you when Roopa, Hemant and I visit the lovely city of San Francisco, when it will be our pleasure and privilege to treat you and Donna to dinner, at one of the many excellent restaurants in the city.

Best regards,

Philip

Hello Philip:

We had a wonderful gathering and hope to get together at least once a year, or whenever there is reason to do so. Linda Ng, flew out all the way from Virginia with her two kids and it was great seeing her. Beautiful well behaved children!. Wanda Chin came and announced that her son Ryan just got a ful ride scholoarship for the UCLA law school!. Bruce shaved off his beard and looked much younger and is very happy with his new mate, Julie. Also Olga came and presented her new business cards for her law practice.; We all toasted you and Roopa and our other absent colleagues. Shirley Ng, could not make it but was recently liberated from BI. Other news, too much to report, read it on the BLOG!

Regards,
Elliott

Elliott's Teaparty

Elliot has asked me to make the following announcement: Bruce Weese is reentering the San Francisco atmosphere for a brief space walk during July. Elliott thought it would be nice if all intrested parties could get together for a "high tea" at 4:00 pm. Any one having old district photo's bring them along for sharing. It will be alot of fun and catching up. R.S.V.P. Elliott and let him know if you can make it at: Elliott@wineappreciation.com
See you all then: Larry

Greetings from John Sant

Hello everyone! Over lunch with Shirley Ng, she told me about this site. Cathie and I are in our 3rd year of 'retirement' travelling and enjoying our grandchildren, who now number 4. Attached is a photo of the whole crew taken at the Sea Ranch last July. (Left to right; John Sr., Cathie, Joanne, Zackary, Mikayla, Mark, Jennifer holding Sadie, John Jr. holding Brennan)

Cathie still dabbles with Real Estate on a strictly referral basis, and I continue to pursue my landscape photography.

We were planning a 30 day trip Europe this year, but have put it on temporary hold until our 40th wedding anniversary in 2009 (not to mention the current obscene exchange rate with the Euro).

For any of my ex-compatriots who would care to drop me a hello, my e-mail is: jpsant@aol.com.

Best Regards

John

Greetings from Olga and happy birthday, Elliott!!!

Hello all,

Hope all is well with all of you. Elliott, I do not have your email, so the only way to wish you happy birthday is to post it on B.I. Alumni San Fran District webpage.
Happy Birthday, Elliott!!!
I'll add more news about myself next time.
Best wishes to you all,
Olga

Hi from Washington D.C.

Hi everyone:

It's been a busy year, Kingman has been traveling a lot for work and I am helping out in my children's school and drive them around for ice-skating lessons, piano lessons,Kung Fu lessons, Chinese class on Saturday. They keep me Hooping everyday... even I am at home I don't have too much time for myself.  My family will be visiting us for Spring break next week, we will visit all the fun places, hope I will have time to post some photos for everyone in two weeks. 

Bruce Weese has retired!

I retired in January. In February I celebrated a one year anniversary with Julie Boxer by driving to Baja California for a month long camping trip. We took kayaks and found some remote beaches where we were the only visitors. We did a lot of hiking as well. Whale watching on the Pacific coast and occasional hotel stays rounded out the trip. I'll try to include a picture or two. Oh yes, after 30 years of wearing a beard I'm now clean shaven.

Greetings from the Northwest

Hello Hello, from Micheal Crunican

Not sure I have a right to be here but I am a BI alum and after all I did room with Lou once. Larry it appears I now have your e-mail and will write to you separately. I got this process from Tom Woods. Tom, Ed Jones, Bruce Weese with his new lady, my new lady friend, and I all had dinner Monday night in Vancouver.

Elliot how the heck are you? What little I have read it sounds like other than deep snow in Tahoe your are doing well and that makes me happy. I have thought of you often but life just seems to happen and we don't take the time to do the things we really should be doing. Boehringer just takes so much personal time anymore. My target date is 6/30/08. That will be 34 years and four months. HR told me that I was third or fourth in seniority in the company. Bet you had no idea when you hired me that I would last this long. If I had just taken your offer when we first met I would be second or third right now. Ray Cofer, Jerry Appleblatt, and I have forgotten his name but he was the Hospital Rep in OK. are ahead of me.

I still stay in touch with Jack Smoyer and probably average about 2 calls a week to or from him. He has really been through some trials but lives in Clovis, Calif has been married this time for 30 plus years and has two children from this marriage, three from the first.

Joyce and I divorced about eight years ago and I was engaged for a few years but when I moved to Vancouver, Wash we decided to go our separate ways. I have two daughters and they are now married and educated. Ashleigh graduated from Seattle Pacific University and now teaches in Washington, D.C. with her husband. They plan to teach in Central America next year and then return to the states, someplace in the south, close to the sea. Adrienne graduated from Azusa Pacific University and her and her husband has located here in the Portland area. No grandchildren yet but hopeful.

I now work on the cardio/pulmonary team and cover from Longview, Washington to Roseburg, Oregon with a side trip to Bend. I am out about two nights every other week. Since I do cover parts of Washington I moved across the river about 2.5 years ago primarily for the tax advantage of no state income tax. I am in the middle of an inventory problem right now so I'd best get back to it but hope to hear more about you in the future thanks to Larry.

Best to all

Micheal Crunican

Amy Harris Decker and Jimmy in Paris in February

Dear Elliott,
Attached our new photos of my oldest boy Jimmy, in Paris. I took Jimmy and my nephew Connor for 10 days in February while Carl stayed home with Jack. My son Jimmy speed skates competitively and was thrilled to participate in the Paris night skate. It is the worlds largest organized street skating group and meets weekly. He wore his local GT speed skating uniform to skate in. Jimmy is the best child traveler!

I am photographed with my good friend, Anja, a German artist living in Paris whom I visit yearly.
Feel free to send these photos on to old district members.
Amy

Dear Elliotts' District.

Attached are several photos from a February trip to Paris. Also I have attached a photo from last year of my 2 boys at St. Barts. The children are Jimmy (6) and Jack(3). They are good travelers. We are looking forward to moving to the West Coast next year. Amy

Leighla, enjoying Merlin the Dogyce

Lou In Egypt

This is a picture, one of several, of Lou on his fabulous, spectacular, amazing trip to Egypt. He has written some very colorful commentary about his trip, perhaps he will share more with us in the future.

Elliott has signed in.

Well it is more complicated than I expected but I will work with it over time. I will have to get some interesting photos up and running. Larry has done a fantastic job in getting this going and I really hope we get everyone providing at least a brief note.
News, hey yesterday, Nancy Pratt stopped by on her way to New Zealand. She looks great, I think her hair is a little darker than I remember, but it has been 7 years already! She resigned from BI a couple of months ago and has a very cool job with a Sales Training/Consulting company and talks a very sophisticated line about it. She owns her house in Ct and is shopping for a second home in Florida near her mother. Hey Lou, how about selling her your penthouse condo in Florida?
Donna and I have been spending a lot of time the past few weeks in Taho, last week was spectacular with 3 days of solid snow and the powder was alomost too deep for me. I am around the city this weekend and we are enjoying glorius sunshine. Next couple of days at the vineyard to check out any damage from the storms and planning some grafting and replanting for Spring.
Will stay in touch.
em

Sandy Lee Belshe Update

Hi All - Just a quick posting today. Here's my family unit, including my husband Bob and our daughter Nyla. She is just over 8 months old and has just gotten her second tooth. It is a very busy time for us but we are having so much fun. Hope you are all well! - Sandy

Open Blog

It would appear that the question has been lifted and we are now able to enter our info.

The Old Guard

As we met together late last year when Helena visited.

Summertime

Our tomatoes last summer.

Elliott...I am having fun with this.

Bev

I think he's got it!

So it looks like Larry is on his way with the Blog. Come and join in the news.

Bev

This picture was taken when Lou and John Borello and Johns wife cam to see us lat last summer. John wa from the San Antonio district and came west to visit Lou and see the sights. With Lou leading the way, see the sights they did; then went home to rest.