Capitals of Eastern Europe

Sharon's brother Tom spent three plus weeks on the Capitals of Eastern Europe Viking River Cruise. In addition to a pre-tour in Prague and a post-tour in Bucharest, the trip included Austria, Slovakia, Hungry, Croatia, Serbia, Romania and Bulgaria. They sailed into the Black Sea. This is definitely on my list of trips!

White Lotus - Season Three - Spoiler Alert

Sunday evening, Sharon and I finished watching season three of The White Lotus. We finished season one in September of 2021 and season two in December 2022.

White Lotus is a satirical comedy-drama anthology television series created, written, and directed by Mike White. Season three premiered on HBO on February 16, 2025. It was filmed in Bangkok, Phuket, and Ko Samui from February to August 2024.

The season features an ensemble cast of Leslie Bibb, Carrie Coon [Gilded Age], Walton Goggins, Sarah Catherine Hook, Jason Isaacs, Lalisa Manobal, Michelle Monaghan, Sam Nivola, Lek Patravadi, Parker Posey, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Tayme Thapthimthong, Aimee Lou Wood, Sam Rockwell [Three Billboards outside Ebbing Missouri and Vice], and Scott Glenn. Natasha Rothwell and Jon Gries reprise their roles from prior seasons.

The third season shifts the luxurious, chaotic backdrop to the beautiful landscapes of Thailand, following a new group of wealthy guests checking into a White Lotus resort property there. This installment explores themes centered around death, Eastern religion, and spirituality, examined through the show's signature satirical lens.

My prediction for the finale was wrong. I admit that the conclusion is true to the major thread running through the season: Rick's [Walton Goggins] quest for revenge. I was very glad that the plot veered away from having Jason Isaacs as Timothy Ratliff kill himself and most of his family. I was doubly glad that Sam Nivola as Lochlan Ratliff was not accidentally poisoned... Although the season three is slow in the middle, I enjoyed it and recommend it.

The series has been renewed for season four. There are some rumors that the next season will be set in Europe. It will be interesting to see if any of the characters from the first three seasons of White Lotus recurr in season four.

I have added Ko Samui to my list of places to travel.

Prediction for the Finale of White Lotus Season 3

View on Threads

At Whitney Oaks

While I weedeated, Sharon and Marlene played Whitney Oaks. They finished the day with dinner at Mia's Kitchen and Bar. They split a caesar salad and a ribeye steak.

Kitchen Remodel - Day #65

The under cabinet lights as well as the lights in the cabinets were installed towards the end of the week. The chandeliers were installed in the kitchen and the garden room. Hanging lights were installed over the bar area. Starting Monday, they were are scheduled to install the countertops. We hope to have the sinks and dishwashers installed by the end of the week.

The initial pictures of the kitchen before the demo started are here.

2025 Silverado - Day #3

Up early, Sharon and I packed up the room. As we were getting ready to load the car, the pro shop called and said that there was another frost delay. They moved our tee time from 8:10 am to 9:10. With some time to kill, we drove to the Market and Bakery for coffees, a breakfast burrito and breakfast turkey sandwich.

We ended up teeing off just after 9 am. We were the second group on the south course. After a strong start over the first four holes--bogey, double-bogey, double-bogey, par--I fell apart. I was very inconsistent. I had a horrible back nine. I got very discouraged. Given that I have been taking lessons for almost two years and going to the driving range more than once a week, I feel like I should be better.

On the fourth hole, they turned off the cart path only restriction. Although part of it may be how badly I was playing, I didn't enjoy the layout of the south course. Like three years ago with Holly and Van, I found the greens more difficult than the north course.

We were playing team skins: Kevin and Donnas total versus Sharon and I. Sharon and I were down one skin through eight holes. I started playing so badly that we were down eight skins by the end of the day.

Silver Trident Winery

Pizza and wine make a beautiful pair — we believe that’s particularly so when local, seasonal ingredients accompany the nuances of our current releases. Five of our small production wines will be poured with pizzettas, such as raclette and king trumpet mushroom, braised short rib with fennel, butternut squash with feta and hot honey, and more. This is a fun, delicious and one of a kind experience in Napa Valley.

Sharon had made a reservation at Silver Trident Winery for a pizza and wine pairing. The wine and the pizza were very good.

From there, we headed home. Although I worked in the Napa Valley for almost two years, Waze routed us home a way that I had never gone before. It took us on Monticello Road to Wooden Valley Road to Suisun Valley Road. We ended up in Fairfield. It was a slog. It took almost two and a half hours to get home.

It was a very nice getaway. I enjoy Donna and Kevin's company!

On the South Course at Silverado Resort

par on the fourth hole of the Silverado Resort South Course

2025 Silverado - Day #2

With Sharon sleeping late, I did a ten minute Peloton bodyweight workout. Afterwards, I walked to the Market and Bakery for some coffee and a breakfast burrito.

Warming up on the driving range, I felt very good. I was striking the ball very consisently. Donna, Kevin, Sharon and I had a 10:30 am tee time on the North Course. With a frost delay, we ended up teeing off about 11:00 am.

We played individual skins. Unforunately, my success on the driving range didn't carrying over to the course. I made a mess of the first hole. I had a short four foot putt on the second hole for par to win the skin, but missed the putt. Over the course of the day, I had a couple of chances to half some holes with Kevin, but could never make a putt. Overall, I was very disappointed with how I played. Kevin ended up winning thirteen skins.

After the round, while Sharon shopped in the pro shop, we had a cocktail at the bar in the Grill where we had dinner on Tuesday night.

Getting cleaned up, we took an Uber into downtown Napa. We had dinner at Napkins. For starters, Sharon had Crab Cake [Dungeness crab, jicama slaw, citrus dressing, and passion fruit aioli], while I had Clam Chowder. For entrees, Sharon had Halibut [White beech mushroom, cauliflower, corn, roasted potatoes, lemon beurre blanc sauce, and shrimp garnish], while I had Pan Seared Scallops [Pan seared scallops, orzo, cauliflower, beach mushrooms, corn, and saffron beurre blanc].

After dinner, we walked along the river for a few minutes. Catching an Uber back to the Silverado, I crashed hard about 9 pm.

2025 Silverado - Day #1

Rolling from Carmichael at 9:40 am, we headed towards Napa. We are going to stay a couple of nights at the Silverado Resort with Kevin and Donna and play a couple of rounds of golf. We did the same trip with Holly and Van in '22.

Fighting our way through the traffic in West Sacramento and on the Causeway, we got to Clos du Val winery just before 11:30 pm. We had a very nice tasting. The educator was Sarah. She was born in Brazil.

From there, we headed to Rutherford Hill Winery. Sharon had selected the stop because it had some great views of the valley. Unfortunately, the outside tasting seating with the views was closed due to the rain. We ended up tasting in the caves.

I didn't enjoy the wines as much as Clos Du Val. Sharon was annoyed with the educator and disappointed that we were inside the caves...

We got to the Silverado Resort just after 4 pm. Checking in, both couples got one bedroom suites along the first and second holes of the North Course.

After getting settled in the suite, we walked to the driving range. Carrying a couple of clubs, I hit balls for about twenty minutes.

The four of us had a cocktail at the bar in the resort. We finished the day with dinner at the Grill. Sharon and I split a Caesar Salad. For entrees, I had Short Ribs Bourguignon [braised in red wine sauce, potato purée, baby carrots, pearl onions, bacon, cauliflower, red wine reduction], while Sharon had Roasted Half Chicken [mozzarella & jack cheese stuffed pepper, avocado, pepitas, polenta, cilantro].

2025 A's versus Cubs

I met Tomasin and Snipes in the Old Sac parking lot in the late afternoon. The three of us had an early dinner at the the Yard House in DOCO [hamburger].

From there, we walked through Old Sac and across the Tower Bridge to Sutter Health Park. We went to the Athletics versus Chicago Cubs Major League Baseball game. It was the Athletics home opener; the first game that they have played in West Sacramento. It was a sell-out crowd of 12,119.

The Cubs jumped on the A's for two home runs and four runs in the top of the first. With the game never in doubt, the Cubs won by the score of 18 to 3. The 18 runs allowed by the A’s were the most by any team in a home opener in 100 years.

Cubs catcher Carson Kelly hit for the cycle. He homered in the fourth inning, had a two-run single in the fifth, doubled and walked in the sixth, and tripled in the eighth.

With 21 hits, the Cubs amply backed right-hander Ben Brown (1-1), who struck out five in five innings for his second career win. The losing pitcher was Joey Estes (0-1). Estes gave up nine hits and six earned runs in four innings.

I don't know the A's players at all. With all the A’s players wearing No. 24 to honor late Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson, I was very confused about who was who...

We ended up leaving the game in the top of the ninth and heading home. I will definitely see the Athletics play a couple more times this season.

At Sutter Health Park

Back from Orinda

After breakfast, Sharon and I packed up the car. Rolling about 10:30 am, we were back in Carmichael at 12:15 pm. It was an easy uneventful drive.

We had a very nice weekend. It was great to spend some time with Drew and Carmen.

At Drew and Carmen's

Spending the night at Drew and Carmen's house, we had a leisurely breakfast of scrambled eggs and pastries. After breakfast, we headed to Redwood Regional Park. Sharon and I have hiked this park twice in the past [January 2019 and May 2015.].


Carmen, Drew, Sharon and I ended up hiking 5.6 miles in just under three hours. The route included over a 1,000 feet of elevation gain! Sharon and I hadn't hiked the Madrone Trail or the switchbacks up the Chrown Trail before. It was a nice work out.

We stopped and got some Vietnamese Sandwiches for lunch at kibi's cafe in Orinda. After lunch, we explored their property.

While Carmen and Sharon went into Orinda to do some shopping, Drew and I watched the end of the Florida versus Texas Tech NCAA basketball game. Florida was down by nine points and came roaring back to win. We watched the first half of the Duke versus Alabama game. I was surprised that the game wasn't closer... I was interested in seeing Cooper Flagg play; he is projected as the first pick in the NBA draft.

Carmen made a nice dinner of pulled pork shoulder sandwiches, corn on the cob and coleslaw. We finished the night playing seven rounds of Mexican Train. Sharon was the big winner. We crashed after 10:30 pm.

To Orinda

About 1 pm, Sharon and I took off for Orinda. The plan for the weekend is to spend a couple of days at Drew and Carmen's. We rolled up at their house just after 3 pm. Jack was already there. He had taken BART over from the City and Drew scooped him up.

We had a leisurely afternoon catching up. Eventually, we headed into Lafayette for an early dinner. We had an interesting dinner at a Peruian restaurant called Barranco Kitchen. The five of us split Chicharrones. I had Pescado a lo Macho [Local catch roasted over seafood stew, mild rocoto-paprika sauce, and coconut rice]. Sharon hac Seco de Res [Slow braised short ribs in cilantro, Cusquena beer, and Panamito bean served with jasmine rice],

The five of us finished the night playing Unstable Unicorns. Jack won the first game, while Carmen won the second game.

Drew ran Jack back to the BART station at the end of the evening. Jack has an early tee time in the North Bay on Saturday. It was almost 11 pm by the time we crashed.

Sound Bath Essentials - Apple Music

Drew's Instagram Post

Sound Bath Essentials - Apple Music
Sleep Sound Bath - Peaceful Ambient Tones for Restful Nights Sleep - Spotify
Rain, Oceans & Rivers (Natural Water Sounds) - Spotify
Meditation Sound Bath - Spotify

2008 Oscars

Best Picture

    Atonement
    ✔ Juno
    ✔ Michael Clayton
    No Country for Old Men - winner
    There Will Be Blood

Best Actor

    ✔ George Clooney - Michael Clayton
    Daniel Day-Lewis - There Will Be Blood - winner
    Johnny Depp - Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
    Tommy Lee Jones - In the Valley of Elah
    Viggo Mortensen - Eastern Promises

Best Actress

    Cate Blanchett - Elizabeth: The Golden Age
    Julie Christie - Away from Her
    Marion Cotillard - La Vie en Rose - winner
    Laura Linney - The Savages
    ✔ Ellen Page - Juno

Best Supporting Actress

    Cate Blanchett - I'm Not There
    Ruby Dee - American Gangster
    Saoirse Ronan - Atonement
    Amy Ryan - Gone Baby Gone
    ✔ Tilda Swinton - Michael Clayton - winner

Best Supporting Actor

    Casey Affleck - The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
    Javier Bardem - No Country for Old Men - winner
    ✔ Philip Seymour Hoffman - Charlie Wilson's War
    Hal Holbrook - Into the Wild
    ✔ Tom Wilkinson - Michael Clayton

Best Original Screenplay

    ✔ Diablo Cody - Juno - winner
    Nancy Oliver - Lars and the Real Girl
    ✔ Tony Gilroy - Michael Clayton
    Brad Bird, Jan Pinkava, Jim Capobianco - Ratatouille
    Tamara Jenkins - The Savages

Best Adapted Screenplay

    Christopher Hampton - Atonement
    Sarah Polley - Away from Her
    Joel Coen, Ethan Coen - No Country for Old Men - winner
    Ronald Harwood - The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
    Paul Thomas Anderson - There Will Be Blood


More Oscar Nominations

Golftec plus Pebble Beach at Waymaker Brewing

I had a lesson at Golftec in the morning. I continue to struggle with my swing being outside in rather than inside out. We worked on the position of my elbows with an impact ball and rotating my right hip.

After the lesson, I wandered next door to Waymaker Brewing. After hitting on the range for a few minutes, I started playing Pebble Beach. I didn't intend to play 18 holes. Once I got to about the 11th, I decide to just keep going. It took me about an hour and half to play the course. Although the putting was killing me, I enjoyed the round!

On the 18th fairway at Pebble Beach

Micheal Clayton

The 25 Best Movies of the Century: No. 25, ‘Michael Clayton’

Sean and Amanda kick off their year-long project of listing the 25 best movies of the 21st century so far with a discussion of Tony Gilroy’s ‘Michael Clayton,’ the 2007 legal thriller starring George Clooney and featuring one of the best scripts of the century. They talk about how tightly wound the movie is, some sliding doors in its production, and what it means for the list to start with such a beloved movie for both Sean and Amanda.

Friday night, Sharon and I watched Michael Clayton. On Saturday as we were driving to Cronan Ranch, we listened to the Big Picture podcast discussing the movie.

Michael Clayton is a 2007 legal thriller. It is the first feature film by writer and director Tony Gilroy. The movie stars George Clooney as lawyer Michael Clayton. Tom Wilkinson, Tilda Swinton, and Sydney Pollack appear in supporting roles.

Michael Clayton, a "fixer" for a prestigious New York law firm, is tasked with cleaning up the mess when a senior litigator has a mental breakdown during a high-stakes corporate lawsuit. As Clayton delves deeper, he uncovers a massive cover-up by the firm's client, a powerful agrochemical company, forcing him to confront his own moral compromises. Facing danger and a potential life-altering decision, Clayton must choose between protecting the firm or exposing the truth, risking everything in the process.

Michael Clayton was nominated for seven Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Score, Best Original Screenplay, Best Actor for George Clooney, Best Supporting Actor for Wilkinson, and Best Supporting Actress for Tilda Swinton. Swinton won Best Supporting Actress.

Sharon and I hadn't seen the movie. We both enjoyed it. I recommend it. I am looking forward to watching more movies as Sean and Amanda count down the best movies of the last twenty-five years.

Brunch Adventure with Lee and Clem

Sharon and I took Clem, Lee, Daniel and Morgan to brunch at the Sportman's Hall.

Dinner at Kim and Brun's

With our kitchen still in shambles, Kim and Brun invited us for dinner on Saturday night. We had a very nice meal of steak, potatoes, aspargus and brocolli.

Cronan Ranch

On Saturday, Sharon and I went to Cronan Ranch. We have hiked here several times before [2024 with Larkins, 2021 with Larkins, and 2020 with Tiber].

We ended up hiking 6.3 miles in two hours and fifty-two minutes. The hike included over 900 feet of elevation gain. There were some great views of the American River and the Sierras. We stopped and had lunch along the West Ridge Trail.

Back from Santa Rosa

Spending the night at the Tomasins, I sat and had coffee with Tomasin and Julie in the morning. I eventually rolled from their house just before 9 am. With short stops for food and fuel, I was back in Carmichael about 11:30 am. It was a nice visit.

Taking Tiber with us, Sharon and I walked to lunch at the Main Event Bar and Grill at Ancil Hoffman. We finished the day watching Michael Clayton.

To Santa Rosa

One of the priorities in my retirement manifesto is staying connected with my friends. Just after noon on Thursday, I drove over To Santa Rosa.

I spent the afternoon with Tomasin. We went to the Dry Creek Bar and then to Jake and Zeke’s. Tomasin, Julie and I had a late dinner of Indian food at the Himalayan Restaurant Restaurant in Windsor. I had Lamb Korma [Lamb & dried fruits cooked with spices & creamy sauce].

While I guess it shouldn’t surprise me, Tomasin knew everyone every place we went!?! I have always appreciated that Tomasin can strike up a conversation with anyone (a skill that I don’t have). I always know that I will find my way home from our misadventures (unlike how I feel when I am out with some of our mutual friends!).

The three of us talked until almost midnight catching up.

Kitchen Remodel - Day #50

They took down all of the plastic enclosing the kitchen and garden room yesterday. Now at least, we can walk through the house. There is still a lot of work to do, including the countertops, back splash, sinks and chandeliers.

The initial pictures of the kitchen before the demo started are here.

1923 - Season One

Sharon and I finished watching season one of 1923. The series is a prequel to the Paramount Network series Yellowstone.

Season one of 1923 premiered on December 18, 2022, on Paramount+. It consisted of eight episodes.

The series stars Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren. Ford is Jacob Dutton, the patriarch of the Dutton family and the older brother of James Dutton (Tim McGraw in the series 1883). Mirren is Cara Dutton, the wife of Jacob Dutton and the Dutton family matriarch.

The series follows a generation of the Dutton family in in Montana in 1923. The family faces various hardships including Prohibition, drought, and the early stages of the Great Depression. The series is set in the period when automobiles, electricity and telephones are starting to spread across rural America.

Both Sharon and I enjoyed 1923 more than Yellowstone. Watching one of the episodes, Sharon said "this is a 100% better than Yellowstone."

I am fascinated by Prohibition. During the Rugby World Cup trip to New Zealand, I finished reading Last Call: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition by Daniel Okrent. Prohibition lasted from 1920 to 1933. It is absolutely amazing how out of control things were.