Saw the most amazing thing last night. My brother owns a TR cassette.

NORAD tracks Santa - http://ping.fm/i3cbH - check out Google Earth, plus the videos. Great fun!

In the lobby waiting to be seated for The Nutcracker. It's been 20 years since we've seen it.

Just got up to see the lunar eclipse. Perfect viewing conditions with clouds giving way.

Bought three tickets for the Sacramento Ballet's Nutcracker tomorrow night.

I'm curious. What did people call Scrooges before Dickens named the first one?

Taking a State-mandated Defensive Driver Course. Always valuable even for private driving.

Felt a little guilty eating the dessert bread. We paid for it, but later found it was stollen.

I'm afraid someone else has inhabited our bodies. Christmas decorating completed on December 5, 75%+ shopping and all wrapping completed.

Our annual Christmas letters, for the past 18 years: http://ping.fm/XP6yl

will tip back a Dr Pepper in honor of their 125th anniversary today #drpepper

Happy Birthday to Dick Clark, Billy Idol, Clay Aiken and Mark Twain!

Put up most of the outdoor lights, and sent a staple right into my finger. It hurt more removing it.

Decorating the Christmas tree today. May hang outside lights if it stops raining. Neighbors already beat me to it yesterday.

It's Thursday and an early Starbucks run. They close at 3pm.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! Our turkey goes in the oven around 2pm for an early evening meal.

Coldest morning of the year so far and there is little heat on the train. Glad I'm wearing two coats. And yes, 32F is cold in CA.

Now downloading iOS 4.2 update for iPhone

At Mountain Mandarin Festival in Auburn

Three hours of TSO. I'm in heaven.

Going to see Trans-Siberian Orchestra today at Arco Arena 3:00 PM. Any other locals going to be there?

Saw a live skunk crossing the road. I always thought they were born dead and flattened.

The 7th floor of my building smells like bacon

In ER with Cece. She may have to spend the night. Chest pain, but not likely heart.

Without planning or intention, three of us at work are attired the same.

Playing the TR Connection ToddCast Halloween Special (produced by eeeeej) for all the trick or treaters.

will be enjoying dinner with some Rio Linda Class of 1974 (Cece's graduation class) tonight.

I refuse to feel guilty for listening to and enjoying "Something/Anything?"

65 total, 3 running, 62 sleeping, 0 stopped, 0 zombie

I expect this to increase in zombies by Sunday night.

Got into the new spa for the first time this morning. 101 Degrees of goodness.

Interesting weather dynamic in the office today. AC turned off over the weekend, office is in the 90's. Portable AC engaged.

Happy 34th Anniversary Cece! I Love you as much today as always.

There are a million eyes watching the world tonight, but some of them, like mine, are watching the newly-mixed Todd/Healing PPV.

Starbucking in Rocklin

Visiting brother-in-law in the hospital.

walked 3.77659 miles at lunch

Putting new strings on the 12-string

walked 1.7 insignificant miles along the rim of the Grand Canyon on 10/4/10. The view was significant.

Buying a hot tub. Does not include time machine.

And we're home

On the ground in SF

Waiting to board the flight home

Back in Vegas. Saw Beatles Love. Loved it.

At the Grand Canyon

Enjoying a meal at a Vegas Denny's. Did not order from the senior menu.

Today is one of nine binary days this year. 010110, 011010, 011110, 100110, 101010, 101110, 110110, 111010, 111110. (ddmmyy)

walked 5.48460 miles at lunch

My oft-delayed "For Lack of Honest Work" is finally shipping today from Amazon.com

Enjoying a cinnamon dolce chai tea frappuccino

Invested in Regional Transit for another month.

Drove 304.4 miles to Bodega Bay and back. Did not start the fire.

He ocean ate my ToddStock sandals

Pre-ordered Paul Myers' "A Wizard A True Star: Todd Rundgren In The Studio" and hope to be enjoying it the first week of October.

Walked 1.78913 miles to the bus stop

When I was in Boy Scouts, a five mile hike was an annual event, which I didn't particularly look forward to. Times have changed.

Celebrating the last few hours of summer with a 5.21780 mile walk

Walked 5.01123 miles at lunch

walked 4.50280 miles at lunch. Encountered TR fan in the wild.

I am watching Shine and crying. It is so joyful.

Watching Todd/Healing show on PPV webcast

Had Darnelle's Vegetarian Enchiladas (p. 100, TR Cookbook.) Yum.

Rick Springfield rocked

An outstanding set from Herman's Hermits

Enjoyed a nice opening set from Davy Jones

I realize now that seeing "Shine" performed in Akron is one of the top musical moments ever.

"For Lack of Honest Work" delayed yet again on Amazon. What is going on? Now I won't see it until October.

It's intermission in Akron

i about ready to head to airport for trip to Akron

bought two tickets for Kasim Sulton Beach Party, September 5, 2010 in Akron, OH

bought tickets for Trans-Siberian Orchestra, November 20, 3 PM, ARCO Arena

bought tickets for Trans-Siberian Orchestra, November 20, 3 PM, ARCO Arena

Chaired our Toastmasters Club Table Topics Contest. The one word topic: "Healing"

Bought two tickets to see Rick Springfield, Peter Noone and Davy Jones at Thunder Valley on September 11

Cece and Roger walked 2.74569 miles on a fine Sunday evening.

How far will I drive to save $2.00 off a 24-pack of Coke? 69.0434 miles, apparently.

Got my wedding ring repaired and am wearing it again after four months not. I had Cece put it on me, like the first time.

Watched HHGG episode 1 from Netflix streaming on my iPhone on the bus/train. Cool.

Published July podcast sermons for Ascension Lutheran - http://ping.fm/n5D5y

It's a scummy job, but someone has to do it. Cleaned the algae from the waterfall.

Attended and benefited from Toastmasters Leadership Institute VP Education class.

received a Starbucks "Gold" card yesterday. I'm in the clique.

donated another pint of blood

The ten available appointments are now zero thanks to faithful DWR blood donors. A total of 75 are signed up!

has offered up the final 10 appointments for the DWR blood drive tomorrow. Expect them to be gone before noon.

Out watching the meteor shower

Hot grande raspberry chai tea latte. Mmmmm.

walked 4.79385 miles at lunch.

Celebrating Joe Jackson's 55th birthday today by listening to as many of his albums as I own (that would be eight.)

Had to walk through sprinklers in the park to get to the bus stop. Somewhat refreshing, but inconvenient.

Brother-in-law came through surgery just fine, after three bypasses. Now the long recovery begins. Thanks to all for thoughts and prayers.

My brother-in-law Chic is having heart surgery today. Keep him in your heart.

is visiting brother-in-law in the hospital. Free wi-fi :)

Visit toddfestwest.com today to see live updates.

Oops. Almost forgot that today was Katemas. Will be listening to some Kate Bush today.

At the California State Fair today? Look for me!

is a bit disappointed that only three of the Rio Linda Class of 1971 attended last night's all '70s reunion. Other than that, it was fun.

A funeral, a BBQ and a class reunion. All today.

Purchased school supplies for "Operation Backpack"

wishes all a Happy Lunar Landing Day. Man on the Moon 41 years ago today.

They're going to try to shuttle 12 traincar loads of passengers via buses? Good luck with that.

Accident on the tracks causes train to reverse diection and go back to transfer us to buses instead.

Spent a warm but enjoyable day in Virginia City.

had no problem installing iOS 4.0.1 on my iPhone 3G

A complete stranger handed me a HTC cell phone at my bus stop and asked me to give it to "Kevin" on the bus. He left it in her car. I did.

Death Valley is currently 97 degrees. That is also the low for the day. At least I'm not there.

is once again enjoying a Thursday evening at Starbucks

booked a round-trip flight to Cleveland

Download the Zoo Seven album Lifesaver for FREE - Zoo Seven: http://ping.fm/JLcaN

walked 1.74511 miles, possibly the shortest route, to my new bus stop.

enjoyed a Green Tea Frappuccino on a brief layover.

walked 3.13622 miles at lunch

ToddFest/West 2010 - July 31 - Oakland, CA - More info: http://ping.fm/30Egq or http://ToddFestWest.com

rebuilt named on phantom server

Happy 4th of July. And if I don't see you tomorrow, happy 5th of July, too.

and Cece walked 3.11195 miles before it got hot.

is technically working for minimum wage until a California budget is passed.

drove 2014.66 miles from Antelope to Wyoming and back 6/21-6/29/2010

walked 2.10972 miles on 6/25 in Bedford, WY

walked 2.69825 miles on 6/21 in Bedford, WY

is installing iOS 4 on my iPhone 3G. At the restore step and wondering how all that water got under my screen :).

Six month dental checkup. All OK

Sweet Home Antelope. I should write a song.

With all the road construction going on, these highways better be perfect the next time out.

is having a cozy breakfast of cinnamon rolls and chocolate milk in the Raley's parking lot in Winnemucca.

Pocatello to Winnemucca with only one stop in Jackpot. Failed to jackpot in Jackpot.

Jackpot!

From Cody, WY to Pocatello, ID in 12 hours. A new record... for slowness.

is enjoying an ice cream cone in the Old Faithful lodge

A nice dip in the 104• hot tub before bed. Mmmmm, good. I feel like a Campbell's soup.

Yo Jackson! This time for real.

Just passed through Smoot, WY. Old-time Awizzers will enjoy the reference.

And the nephew passed his driving test. I would warn others, but he actually drives really well.

Nephew is taking his driver's test today

It's rather unnerving, but a whole field of cows is staring at us as we walk by.

Yo Jackson! Only because Yo Benford sounds lame.

Breakfasting at the Coffee Mug restaurant. Not having coffee.

Destination acquired

Lukin fa lub in Lovelock

Destination, Elko!

is living life on the edge. Having Spaghettios for lunch.

willbe celebrating my son's first Father's Day. I've had thirty of them.

broke a mirror on purpose for disposal. By declaring it publicly, I will avoid 7 years bad luck.

wonders if today is the last Furlough Friday

walked 5.04124 miles

Feet in the pool today

picked up my guitar and played, just like yesterday, well, 6 1/2 weeks ago.

is spending the evening with friends in San Francisco

is already tired of the wind

Voted in the California primary

walked 3.28317 miles and checked out the new Promenade out of Old Sacreamento

is wanting to upgrade to iPhone 4

is preparing to watch WWDC keynote coverage

and Cece walked 3.04068 miles

has discovered that shoulder rehabilitation exercises can be painful

walked 2.68164 to and fro along Miner's Ravine Trail in Roseville

is walking the Miner's Ravine trail

Beginning physical therapy today. Hoping for a miracle, but expecting minor improvement.

listened to Lennon/Ono's "Unfinished Music No. 2" and wondered why "Two Minutes Silence" was the only song I fast-forwarded through.

The TR Connection is 16 years old today

I hope I'm not suffering from false expectations, but I think that some feeling is coming back in my left hand after more than a month.

is enjoying s'mores by a backyard firebowl

walked 3.06637 miles with Cece.

digitized old 45s of my Uncle's wife's father and brother singing in the '40s

Line wait to order taken: one hour.

Saw a rocemabra in the wild in the word microdermabrasion. If you move a couple of letters.

Waiting in a very long line for Squeeze Inn in Roseville

fell asleep on the train and missed my connecting bus. Waiting 45 minutes for the next one.

walked 3.93684 miles at lunch

Don't let anybody tell you Sacramento is hot. It's been 8 months since the temp hit 90 (9/27/2009). Info comes from KCRA's Mark Finan.

tied a pair of shoes for the first time in a month.

has been jbossing all day

is hoping he can stay up late enough tonight to see the "Lost" finale

is going to a memorial service to honor an old friend and former brother-in-law

I'm out of the brace, but not out of the pain. Time heals.

It's raining once again.

discovered that a newly-issued credit card was interfering with my office electronic key. Separated the two and all is well.

After two nights of good sleep, slept lousy last night. Ready to move on.

enjoyed Darnelle's vegetarian enchilada recipe, then helped as Cece mowed the lawns.

did grocery shopping. A bit of a chore one-handed, but we succeeded.

walked 3.38602 miles with Cece. It's been a while.

Watching "Easy Rider" for the first time since I originally saw it at a drive-in back in 1969 or 1970.

a bird just flew head first into my family room window and he did not survive the impact. Very odd.

it ages me a bit when I realize that my youngest turned 27 today. Happy Birthday Brad!

Continuing with system software installations today.

working on a software install

Back in the old days, I could put on a pair of socks in less than two minutes.

enjoyed taking my wife, mother and daughter-in-law, plus their spouses, infant and an uncle out to dinner to celebrate Mother's Day.

Getting ready in the morning is a painful chore. I'm ready to be better.

had a Cinco de Mayo lunch. More for dinner.

is listening to Rundgren Radio http://ping.fm/898HK

Is at the doctor, but not for me this time. Cece has a routine appt.

Two more minutes of fame - http://ping.fm/R85It

walked 4.96914 miles at lunch

is going to sing with praise band without guitar today

Walked 10.3091 km on a 5k walk. To, on, and from.

Is on a 5k walk

Disappointed. Walked 4.27319 miles and no one bothered to stop me for an autograph.

Bought new ear buds. The old ones were damaged during the theft.

invested in another month of transit riding by buying a May pass. I haven't given up faith yet.

More publicity: the local newspaper just interviewed me by phone. Plus, my story was also discussed on a radio station yesterday afternoon.

is back at work today

just had a nice visit from my daughter-in-law and granddaughter.
Just the right ticket to raise my spirits,

Because my fingers were swollen, they had to cut off my wedding ring. I've never not had it on since 1976.

is now at the orthopedic fracture specialist

My story will be on Sacramento channel 58 at 10 tonight and on ch 3 at 11. A new twist on the earlier story about a station shooting.

Holy cow, the police recovered my stolen iPhone.

recovering from a dislocated shoulder

published the "ToddStock: All Excess" pre-release DVD review - http://ping.fm/echUM

is taking a Documentum training class all week.

and Cece walked 2.38543 miles in W. Sac.

mowed lawns, dug weeds and planted flowers.

registered for the Antelope High School boosters 5k fun run/walk. Gee, hope I can make the distance.

is going to see the granddaughter. She turns 3 weeks old tomorrow.

is not denying that he's going to Denio's

was Traveling Riverside and walked 5.23205 miles. Listened to RJ/TR/LZ versions, plus America's Riverside.

is preparing Table Topics for today's "Earth Day"-themed Toastmasters meeting

updated internal-only "Out Today" web application at work.

walked 4.65425 miles. A long way to go for an ice cream cone.

walked 5.12817 miles.

and Cece did a combined walk in two separate locales of 3.4768 miles

and Cece went out and about and surprisingly ended up visiting our old friends the Heples.

has been looking forward to this day (or one just like it) for a long time.

watched a special DVD and am preparing to give a review

is finally getting to enjoy a nice spring day. The rains return in a few days, though.

and other members welcomed six guests to their Toastmasters meeting today

finally will get to see my granddaughter today for the first time since the day she was born (I've been recovering from a cold).

Is enjoying a margarita

made reservations for Akron City Center Hotel

walked 4.84995 miles on a cool Spring day

sunk 3 G's into a new set of ear buds. In pennies.

planted vegetables: corn, beans, cucumbers and tomatoes. Yeah, I know they are not all vegetables.

and Cece waked 2.59094 miles near the American River and Fair Oaks Village

and Cece took an 3.04008 mile evening stroll last night

is at the BloodSource Chairperson Luncheon

has decided not to pursue a new production of "40 Days" this year. Planning on doing it next year, though.

is back at work, feeling a bit better

is still sick, but improving. Should be able to return to work tomorrow. It's just a cold, with a slight fever. Hits me every few years.

Boy, do I still feel lousy. It will pass, I keep telling myself. Missed an opportunity to see my granddaughter today, but Cece got to go.

is at home sick today. Prognosis: I will live.

walked 4.37122 miles without the assistance of a cane (yes, another grandfather reference)

Overheard this morning: Girl -
"I wasn't born yesterday." Mother - "Yes, you were." Girl was my granddaughter. (Lame jokes will end soon)

My granddaughter has never lived in a world where there wasn't an iPad

Just got back from seeing my granddaughter. What a beautiful child, if I say so myself :)

welcomes Diana Grace Linder, born about a half hour ago on Easter Sunday. Our first grandchild.

and Cece walked 3.80221 miles

showed up for scheduled/registered men's breakfast at church this morning and no one was there?

visiting ducks were back this morning in our pool

Stargate Universe is back... in Pog form!

pulled a big switcher-roo for today's Toastmaster's April Fool's meeting

survived the MRI. Actually, enjoyed the experience.

took it easy today and only walked 2.74182 miles due to giving blood and semi-inclement weather

Sorry, vampires, you won't get your fill today. I gave at the office.

is saddened that my bus route is among those cut by Regional Transit after June 20. Next stop after that is 1 1/2 miles away. More walking.

DWR blood drive is full up with 75 appointments today

wonders "If I fall asleep in the MRI machine, will I get a sunburn?"

walked a combined 5.85090 miles - 1.03245 AM stroll, 4.81845 lunchtime walk.

upgraded to MacOSX 10.6.3

walked a marathon, and it only took one week. 26.46384 miles from Monday-Sunday.

and Cece walked 4.46180 miles on the last expected pleasant evening of the week.

and Cece walked 3.58081 miles

walked 3.84720 miles

walked 6.41090 miles

walked 3.74135 miles at lunch. Shopping and a 1 PM meeting limited my distance.

walked 4.42178 miles at lunch

Is at BloodSource luncheon

bought a Fishman Humbucking Passive Soundhole Pickup

workday at Ascension

is deconstructing NWO

needs a new acoustic guitar pickup. The old one broke. Probably going to go for another Dean Markley.

It must be spring. I can totally smell the garbage dump at the light rail station.

I wouldn't have watched The Masters without Tiger. Come to think of it, I won't be watching it with him, either.

walked 4.81724 miles and have the sweat to prove it

in this day and age, it's a pain to deal with modems

Brad's cooking buffalo steak for dinner. Should accompanying dinner music be Todd's "Buffalo Grass" or selections from Buffalo Springfield?

and Cece walk 3.54893 miles, partly against a slight chilly breeze

picked music for Palm Sunday contemporary service

is converting SXSW MP3 files to AAC

now realizes that it's not a good idea to consume 42 oz. of beverage before attending a 90 minute presentation.

Why is it I can name the members of the classic Deep Purple lineup (Mk II) but can't remember the name of someone I met 30 minutes ago?

had lunch with Cece

did some more yard work and trimmed off some of winter's final dregs

is doing some tweaking

walked 3.54678 miles between storms

is feeling quite tired today after a late night at the Bon Jovi concert. The show was quite fantastic.

is heading out to the Bon Jovi show. And it's Jon Bon Jovi's birthday, so I'll bet it'll be extra special.

is at lunch with Cece while she's on her Jury Duty break

walked 4.77955 miles at lunch

is going to see Bon Jovi on Tuesday at Arco Arena

is going to dinner to meet a long-time Todd fan.

is preparing sheet music

Walked 4.16088 miles

had to hop the back fence/sound wall to catch the bus on time

Apparently, I will walk 4.26400 miles for a Starbucks, even is there is one closer.

is going to a "40 Days: Resurrection to Ascension" pre-production meeting tonight.

is no longer working in a dungeon. The lights in my cubicle have been fixed.

is seeing a higher than usual spam volume traveling through my mail server

walked 5.09280 miles on a brisk, but sunny, mid-winter day.

is out running errands after eradicating weeds. Accomplished in 90 minutes what previously took three months.

An easy job will always be harder that it looks.

is getting ready to mow the lawns for the first time this year.

served as Chief Judge in our Toastmaster Club International Speech Contest

Whatever you do, please don't tell my wife.

walked 3.69109 miles on a Trader Joe's run

is watching "Lost"

walked 6.37787 miles. Whew.

and Cece walked 3.22324 miles on yet another springlike Sacramento day.

Posted new magazine AWATS reviews on the TR Connection

Gas $2.87 a gallon. Park entrance fee: $5.00. Walking the bike trail on a springlike day with my Valentine: Priceless.

and Cece arewalking on the American River bike trail. One cannot imagine a more beautiful day.

updated Ascension Lutheran's podcast - http://ping.fm/EImRA

is going to brave a Sierra crossing today en route to Reno

Thirty-six years as a couple. Today, February 10, is the anniversary of the first date of Cece Bennett and Roger Linder.

walked 5.18103 miles in a light drizzle

Baby steps: first walk in a month - 3.52966 mi

On the road again? Due to weather and training, it's been exactly four weeks since I took my last long walk. I hope to remedy that today.

It's a conundrum: How do I recognize new commercials, when I generally skip them?

Getting ready for the Super Bowl! Yeah, right. The DVR is set so later I can skip the game for the commercials and The Who.

is so glad the dryer is repaired

Wind is picking up. Looks like a nasty one is on its way

is finally done with online class

is done with class for the day, but still has class.

is going to the Home and Landscape Expo

Cece is giving a baby shower for Katherine today. It's going very well.

Training is done for the week. Train is not done, though. Still got to catch the one home.

Words I never thought I'd hear from my wife on a recent car trip - "Let's listen to 'A Wizard, A True Star'"

is back in online class again. Only 7 days to go

is stuck waiting on a virtual machine to be made available for my online class

is taking a 10-minute lunch break

is taking an online class

gonna hafta movta anew officecube, soonlike

visited and continue to pray for our friend Ted in the hospital

is listening to "Record Producers: The Extended Cut: Todd Rundgren" on the BBC iPlayer - http://ping.fm/i0QLn

and yet it still rains?

is observing wind and rain

Can't quite figure out if the train has bad brakes or the operator in inexperienced. In any case, whiplash is imminent.

is going to be examining spiritual gifts for the next two Monday evenings

I'm glad I'm no longer driving in the rain

is having some tech fun while Cece's at the shower

heading for a shower. Expecting showers.

just spoke to an old high school friend - Dennis Battenberg - on the phone

is working in iMovie to make a DVD

Appointments for the DWR blood drive on Tuesday, January 19 are 100% booked (75 donors scheduled). Here's hoping they all show up.

Was briefly interviewed and quoted for a article on Borscht: http://ping.fm/U84xq

is heading off to a retirement luncheon. Congratulations Gary!

Studies show that 97.87045% will not put this in their status for the next 23.71035 hours to raise awareness. Are you the exception?

This cause is important, and I'm betting 97.6813% will not post this to their status for the next 23.1084 hours. Will you be the exception?

Today's walk

Walked 3.84603 miles.

Merry Christmas 2009 and Happy New Year 2010

I write a Christmas letter every year, and it's a good summary of what we did the past year. Since I didn't blog in 2009, this will have to do.

After last year’s event-packed schedule, we looked forward to a bit more of rest this year. Did we succeed? Read on!

Our year-end trip of 2008 took us on a weeklong tour of twelve states, one province and the nation’s capital. Flying from San Francisco to Washington, DC on Christmas night, we arrived in DC at 6 AM, nearly 24 hours after awakening the day before. A quick nap? Not a chance! We drove on to Elizabeth, New Jersey, driving through parts of Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware along the way. We enjoyed a great meal at a local Italian restaurant in Elizabeth, and hit the sack at 9 PM ET, after being up for 36 hours.

The following day took us into New York City, then on through Connecticut and spending the night in Providence, Rhode Island, a few blocks from the capitol building. Our third day saw us in Boston to visit with an old friend, then on to Portland, Maine, making a stop in New Hampshire along the way. Returning to New Hampshire the following day, we continued on through Vermont, and crossed over the Canadian border to settle in a cold Montreal for the night. From Montreal, we traveled to Albany, NY, and stayed within view of that state’s capitol building as well. We woke in Albany to a layer of fresh-fallen snow and temps in the ‘teens, and drove on to Philadelphia, PA (spending the night across the river in Cherry Hill, NJ) to attend a New Year’s Eve party and concert featuring (no surprise here) Todd Rundgren.

Our final day on the East Coast saw us driving from Cherry Hill back to DC, to spend a few hours on New Year’s Day in the nation’s capital. We flew back to San Francisco, spent the night and drove back home on January 2. Overall, 6,000 miles of flight, 1,600 miles of driving, 9 days of travel. It was a very enjoyable time.

February saw worker furloughs twice a month for Roger (expanding to three days a month in July), which continued throughout the year. Rather than look at the downside (a 15% cut in pay) Roger chose to look at opportunities for taking care of the yard, and taking short day trips on days that Cece was also off from work during her vacations.

In April, we traveled to Southern California for a few days to enjoy some time at Disneyland during Cece’s spring break. Once home, we began preparing for a major landscaping job in our back yard, and after about five weeks of work by a professional landscaping crew, our yard was transformed, with 900 square feet of additional concrete decking around the pool, six yards of topsoil, five hundred pounds of boulders, sixteen yards of shredded redwood bark, 30 feet of additional retaining wall, a horseshoe pit, well over one hundred new plants, meandering paths, a sundial garden and a beautiful park-like atmosphere. Even our vegetable garden was full of bounty. We took no vacation during the summer, opting to spend time in our new paradise. We purchased additional outdoor furniture, hosted a Father’s Day barbecue and celebrated in July with a “yardwarming” party with family and friends.

In August, The Thistle Dew Dessert Theatre featured two monologues written by Roger. It was fun to see those performed, among other works by other members of the playwright’s workshop. August also saw Cece and Roger hosting ToddFest/West 12 in their new yard. By this time, they were also planning another trip, this time to Akron, OH, to see the world premiere of a Labor Day weekend performance of “A Wizard, A True Star” by Todd Rundgren, a live concert of his 1973 album. About 2,500 fans from all over the world and several countries attended the three-day event, which included a party, two nights of concert and a trip to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. Roger and Cece also took time out during their weekend to visit Roger’s niece Katie and her husband Ben.

The final major trip of the year was a short early-December tour of Todd Rundgren dates throughout California, seeing concerts in San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles and Ventura. Once again, it was a lot of fun meeting up with fans that traveled from all over the country and enjoying four spectacular performances.

There was some non-Rundgren concert activity during the year as well. We attended concerts by Rod Stewart, Adrian Bourgeois, Autumn Sky, Matt Bolton and Trans-Siberian Orchestra. We also took in several plays at the Thistle Dew Dessert Theatre.

Roger was presented a ten-year volunteer award by the local blood bank, accepted the position of Blood Drive Chairperson for the Department of Water Resources, and donated his 120th unit of whole blood (15 gallons). He took over the position of Praise Band Director at Ascension Lutheran Church where he also played guitar in the Praise Band. He was elected as the VP Education for his local toastmasters club, and will begin serving in that office in January. He also walks up to twenty miles a week during his lunch hour, and posts his walking maps on his Facebook page.

Cece continued to work in her position at Wilson Riles Middle School, but her greatest joy of the year was discovering that she would be a grandmother in April of next year, when Matthew and Katherine are expecting their first child (Roger is pretty happy about that, too.) Cece was even more delighted when she discovered a few weeks later that our first grandchild would be a granddaughter. She couldn’t wait to begin shopping for baby clothes and toys, and will be hosting a baby shower in the next few months. She also hosted two Bunco gatherings at our home. Cece works out five days a week at Curves and also enjoys walking. She sometimes is joined by Roger on a nice evening or weekend walk in the neighborhood.

Brad was laid off his new job at Tre just before Christmas last year, but found a job at a newly built McCormick and Schmick’s, which opened in Roseville in January. Then Tre rehired Brad on a part-time basis for a few weeks, only to shut its doors, leaving Brad laid off once again. Brad continues to work at McCormick and Schmick’s as a dishwasher.

Here’s hoping you all enjoy a great Christmas and New Year’s, and if we slow down next year, perhaps our letter won’t be as long.

Roger, Cece and Brad

Updating a sadly neglected blog

Just watched Julie & Julia over the weekend, and it reminded me that I haven't touched my own blog for quite a while. Upon examination, it's just been over a year, with no entries made at all in 2009. While I certainly don't think a reboot will get me a book deal, a movie deal, or any readers for that matter, I still am going to make some attempt to keep better track of things.

I suppose that neglect of the blog is directly a result of focusing status updates on Facebook. There, I'm read by quite a few. I like making little daily quips, and I post maps of my walks (which I used to do here.)

I'm still going to post the maps on Facebook, but I think I'll start doing longer form items in this space. One of the things I'll certainly be documenting is the path to a new production of 40 Days: Resurrection to Ascension, my rock opera that was produced one time previously at Calvary Lutheran Church, Rio Linda, on May 6, 2001 by the contemporary music team, How Majestic. The band has gone their separate ways over the last nine years, and I've since joined, and now lead, the praise band at Ascension Lutheran Church in Citrus Heights.

In 2008, I posted the entire contents of the novel I wrote for NaNoWriMo, Only Golden Fingers Could Play So Heavy, and I began its sequel for NaNoWriMo in November 2009, but only completed about half of it. I intend to revisit it during the year, since I'd like to see it complete. Once done, I'll clean it up and post it. And, just like I've been threatening to do for the last three years, I'll get going on the play revisions so that maybe I can hope for a production of that this year as well.

For now, this short summary of intentions will have to do, but I'll be back. Soon.