Jp in SD

My step-brother lives up in Thousand Oaks, so I decided to join them for xmas this year, instead of flying out to South Carolina to have xmas with my brother and his family, like I did last year. Pete (my step-brother) and his wife and son moved to Thousand Oaks earlier this year, but this is the first time i've gotten a chance to see the new house.

Pete has about 18 cabernet grape vines in the back. He picked them this year, got a grape press, and made his own wine! He's got about 2 gallons from the harvest, fermenting right now. How cool is that?!

On the 24th, we went horseback riding at a place about a mile or two from their house. 6 of us went horseback riding; Pete, me, Jackson (Pete's son), Erik , Charlie, and Pat (Pete's mom, my step-mom). The ride itself was really nice. We saw a couple coyotes on the trail ( i tried to get pictures, but didn't get anything other than tall grasses. oh well), and also some birds and other little creatures. And some great scenery!

I haven't ridden a horse in ages, tho. Seriously. Like... over 20 years, so I was really rusty. My horses' name was Pablo, and for the entire time we were out, Pablo and I had a discussion about who was really in charge; him or me. When we got back to the stables, I still don't think Pablo and I could come to an agreement on who was truly in charge. ;-)

In Pablo's defense, I'm sure he's not used to having some 250+ pound lard-o on his back, either.

On the other hand, he didn't really have to bounce THAT much when trotting! i bounced around so much before I remembered to hold on with my knees. Today, tho, my whole body aches; especially my shoulders and my thighs.

Christmas today was really fun. Lots of presents, and everybody was smiling and having fun. I left Pete's about 2:30, and drove back to San Diego, then rushed over to Justin's to have christmas dinner with him, Don, Carl, Larry, and Jason (?). More gift exchanges there, and then on home were i'm about to crash.

I think I may take a hot bath and soak my muscles a little before going to bed.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays too all my friends, old and new.