Memorial Day Weekend in Volcano...

Our holiday weekend in the foothills of Amador County was especially fun with family, friends, neighbors and pooches. Special thanks go to our gracious hostess Doreen who welcomed us all to her lovely mountain home. The barbeques were roaring, everyone brought some special side dishes, wonderful wines were flowing, and the weekend was wrapped up with a visit to downtown Volcano for goodies at the St. George Hotel, and then a visit to "Heaven on Earth," the beautiful home, gardens, vineyards, peacocks and animals belonging to Willie and Carolene.

Just look at how much fun we're all having.....it could not have been a more festive weekend!

Kay Bess - A wonderful evening of music...

We were all treated to a wonderful show by one of the best singers we know, our good friend Kay Bess. She dazzled the audience at the SOhO Restaurant and Music Club in downtown Santa Barbara, where a full house of church family and friends had a wonderful evening with Kay and her band. We were also treated to special guest Katrina Carlson, who is also a wonderful singer. Congratulations Kay and Katrina.

We're looking forward to seeing and hearing her perform again soon, hopefully in our hometown of Santa Barbara, or even better, up in our neck of the woods, San Francisco. Visit Kay's MySpace page for some samples of her music:

http://www.myspace.com/kaybess

Guide Dog Puppies in action...

It's always fun to start Springtime with a recap of Guide Dog Puppy pictures from 2007 - 2008. I've also included a new photo of Mick with "Mickey," now being raised in Washington.

Without our raisers our job would be impossible! And we're always looking for more puppy raisers, so visit the GDB website for details:

http://www.guidedogs.com/

The World-Travelers return...

Congratulations to Mom and Dad on their recent excursion to China, and are now safely back at home. They traveled with a large group from Santa Barbara to see the many sites, including the Great Wall (pictured above), and their good luck during the trip was prompted by Dad's rubbing of Buddah's belly...

Stay tuned for more of "Rudy and Ann's Adventure Overseas"....

Memories of our Junior-boy

Our boy Junior is no longer with us here on earth, but he is up there romping through the fields of doggie-heaven. He was an incredible dog who lived with Russel, Camber and I in Sausalito, Guerneville and San Francisco, and then lived out his final months with Nicole and Jay, Blackberry and O'Malley in the beautiful Alexander Valley. He was well loved by everyone who met him, and will always be remembered in our hearts. We have a lot of fond memories of Junior, and even more photos of him to share. Goodbye Junior........we love you, and will always remember you.



Junior, in one of his favorite poses, and with his many dog-walk buddies.




Camber and Junior on Rosemont, and on Stearn's Wharf with Russel and Camber.

Thanks again to Nicole and Jay for letting our boy enjoy their ranch, and to help "break in" their new olive trees.