The Killers at the Lake Tahoe Summit

To quote 13 year old Sam sitting behind us, "How many people can say they saw their favorite band and the President of the United States, all on the same day? Not many!"

Formed in Las Vegas in 2001, The Killers were a band that our sons really liked in high school. I knew some of their songs and loved this concert.
Brandon Flowers really entertained and had all the ladies pretty much swooning.
Many of the attendees left after the speeches so we moved up to the 5th row and totally rocked out in style.

The Killers are considered the most successful rock act to ever emerge from the state of Nevada... It was extra fun when they led the group in a sing-a-long to the Nevada State song! The perfect end to this perfect day.

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President Obama at the Lake Tahoe Summit...

Since the Presidential Forum in 1997, the annual Lake Tahoe Summit has become an important yearly gathering of federal, state, and local leaders dedicated to the goal of restoring and sustaining Lake Tahoe as one of our most precious environmental treasures. This year, the Keynote Speaker was President Barack Obama... AND WE GOT TICKETS.

At the first Summit in 1997, President Bill Clinton – joined by Senator Reid as well as other key leaders from Nevada and California – jumpstarted a two-decades-long, successful partnership to restore Lake Tahoe’s legendary water quality, and strengthen the region’s economy for future generations. Today was a continuation of that admirable goal and we were beyond excited to be a part of it all.




It was a who's who of Honorables... including Senator Barbara Boxer, Governor Jerry Brown and Senator Dianne Feinstein, the Master of Ceremonies. It was hosted by Senator Harry Reid. Wow, right.
Brown said something, regarding the need to help the Lake, that I really appreciated, "Beauty transcends politics."
At Lake Tahoe Summit, Obama Administration Underscores the Importance of Strong Partnerships and Innovation in Tackling our Shared Climate and Conservation Challenges.
In keeping with the unique history of collaborative and innovative conservation efforts that have surrounded the Lake Tahoe region for more than two decades, today’s announcements include a series of commitments to build upon the successful conservation legacy at Lake Tahoe, boost innovative approaches to conservation, and address threats to vulnerable communities at another of the region’s key water bodies, the Salton Sea.
This was history in the making and we were a part of it all. This was the first time we had ever been in the presence of a President and it was almost surreal.
After the President spoke, we stayed for a concert by the awesome band, The Killers. It will be in a separate blog post... they were so great, they deserve their own write up. This video shows a very fun side of Obama that we really enjoyed. What an incredible, unforgettable day.

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Mentioning 'Unmentionables'...

The presentation by Jan Loverin, Curator of Clothing and Textiles at Nevada State Museum's Marjorie Russell Clothing and Textile Research Center, was excellent.

Interesting, engaging and informative, her lecture about our most intimate attire- underwear was one of our more unique history lessons learned at the library.
We hosted Jan for the night, after the talk. We shared wine and more stories while sitting on our front porch. The evening was delightful and we have a new friend (who knows a whole lot about underwear).

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Last Emerald Bay Day...

All things must come to an end, and there is a sadness when we have to acknowledge that we are finished with our volunteerism for the Summer.

One of our most rewarding volunteer jobs has been being ADA guides to Emerald Bay. Normally there are only two ways to get down to the shore, hike or boat in. When the California Parks started their handicap accessibility program, we were so happy to help since we love sharing Emerald Bay with as many people as possible. It has been a highlight of our summer and it will be missed. We ended our season sharing it with Margaret and Lee. It was pretty perfect. 

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Catching Up with Friends...

We spent our day in the company of some wonderful friends.

John and Cathy have a magical backyard, so to have lunch in it was absolutely lovely.



After lunch in town, we headed to Folsom for dinner. Keri and I have been friends since way back, when both of us were ÜBER volunteers for the Temecula Sister City Association. It is always wonderful to spend time with her family. It is never enough time, however.
“Friendship is the only cement
that will ever hold the world together.”
– Woodrow T. Wilson

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Bijou Bash Neighborhood Gathering

Each Summer, Steve and I host a potluck in our front yard. Those in our neighborhood, with whom we have a connection, are invited. 

Oh man, I was having so much fun I didn't get photos of everyone- so not like me (sorry Gene & Joanne, Carl & Kathy, Mike & Margo, and Scott & Kathy).
When we have new neighbors I invite them because this gathering showcases the best people of our Bijou Pines neighborhood. Martha and Jim (center) had recently moved here from Texas. I was so excited to see them walk down the street to join us.


One of the Bash bests is the fact that Joe and Deborah (my left) attend each year. They are the people who owned the cabin before us. We give them full credit for our move to Tahoe. Had they not created such a welcoming environment with all the work they put into the cabin, we wouldn't have fallen in love with it.

"Old friends are the great blessing of one's later years...
They have a memory of the same events and have the same mode of thinking."
-Horace Walpole

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Politics & Rock Music...

First off, I am extremely non-political and I am not endorsing any candidate by any means. I'm just sharing the happenings around us and the big news today is that Donald Trump was here doing a fundraising dinner for the Nevada Republicans. Regardless of how one feels about either candidate, when a candidate comes to your town it is news.

Wanting to catch a glimpse, we headed to Harrah's where the $200 a plate dinner was being held. The security was intense and there was a feeling of anticipatory excitement along the caution tape.

We had to leave before spotting Mr. Trump but a friend, who was at the event, sent me a photo. The press was forbidden to attend so this is a pretty cool insider image.
Our destination for the night was the park in Minden, NV for the season's last GE Concert Series performance by the rocking band- Foreigner Unauthorized.

They played and we danced to all our favorites from the amazing 80s. What a total blast which made us realize that summer is still alive and well!
And as we passed the Nevada border heading home, we paused at a red light and got the other political view, contrasting from the start of our evening. America is a wonderful place where everyone can share their political opinions and we were privileged to witness that tonight.


“We in America do not have government by the majority.
We have government by the majority who participate.”
― Thomas Jefferson

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Brooks' at Edgewood for Lunch...

Wanting to end the summer in style, Cathy invited Jenny and I to dine at the Edgewood Golf Course.

We did it. We redefined classic pub fare with an ambitious menu of our own, served it up with a side of lake views from our sun-drenched deck and topped it off with the lake's most iconic mojito. Brooks' Bar & Deck has taken its place as the premier post-play watering hole in the State of Nevada. Offering great food and an amazing atmosphere to enjoy with friends, Brooks' has become one of South Lake Tahoe's best restaurants that everyone can enjoy.
The favorites were fresh salmon, either as a fish & chips dish or on top of a scrumptious salad.

 



In addition to having a delicious lunch, we got to see beautiful flowers and even do a little bird watching.

“If you drink, don’t drive. Don’t even putt.” 
― Dean Martin

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Two Nights at Valhalla Tahoe...

We found ourselves on the Lake's edge two nights in a row... definitely not a bad place to be!

For our last event in the Boathouse, for the season, we chose Molly's Revenge.
Molly's Revenge is a dynamic, acoustic Celtic band known for its unique and infectious enthusiasm. The classic combination of bagpipes, whistle, and fiddle, with a backdrop of guitar, mandola, and bodhran guarantees an enjoyable experience for all fans of Scottish and Irish music. Molly's Revenge has performed at many of the top folk festivals and performing arts events in the USA, and prestigious events in Scotland, Australia and China. Their arrangements of traditional Celtic jigs and reels bring these dance tunes up to date with a driving, hard-edged accent that always leaves audiences shouting for more.
There exists no more beautiful concert setting than the historic boathouse.
While all three musicians were exceptional, there was something so unique and mesmerizing about David Brewer who was accomplished on Highland bagpipes, border pipes, uillean pipes, whistles, and bodhran (a shallow one-sided Irish drum typically played with a short two-headed drumstick). Wow!
Listening to these talented musicians, while watching the sun set was a pretty spectacular way to spend a Wednesday night. Irish word of the evening...Spleodar (SPLYO-dar) – Glee, joy, vivacity, exuberance PLAYFULNESS.
Tonight, we returned to Valhalla, this time for a private party hosted to honor us volunteers. What a special way to make us feel appreciated.
Evangeline was our 'boss' and was the one who made all the magic happen. She has given us such great opportunities and is a delight to work with.
The best part of any volunteerism is the quality of the people you get to be with. This is a group of exceptional individuals and we are honored to be a part of the Valhalla Tahoe team.
Those who can, do.
Those who can do more, volunteer.

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