Tuesday, November 29, 2005

I am glad I'm not a turkey!

Nevertheless, I really like turkey - especially for Thanksgiving...

We had a rather untraditional version of celebrating tDay due to the fact that not one token American joined our feast and the dishes were not what you (means Americans) would expect on a Thanksgiving table. As expected, Uli the Chef did a great job in preparing the turkey and a delicious herbal soup. Valma made a yummy sweet potato side dish, and Mara was responsible for the best dessert in town. The red cabbage/ potato dumpling-feast took place at the Schroeder's residence where celebrations went on until 1.30 a.m.

Gallery [ pw required ]

Saturday, November 12, 2005

Hiking Towsley Canyon

On Thursday an email from Peter proposed a hike at Towsley Canyon on Saturday morning. He promised it would be an easy/moderate hike through the local Santa Clarita mountains. A group of very motivated people confirmed right away.

Ed Davis Park in Towsley Canyon is a fairly easy to reach recreational area for walkers, hikers, runners, and bicyclers. Especially in spring it must be a very beautiful scenery. At the top - half way - one has a great view over the Santa Clarita Valley. During the hike one will pass shaded areas, water streams, beautiful flowers, and mountain lions (just kidding). But they are around and you should be aware of their presence.

Our group took the 6.47 miles (about 10 km) round trip in about 3 hours including a 20-minute-break at the top. We had a wonderful time hiking, observing, and talking...

Details: Ed Davis Park in Towsley Canyon
Nov 12 2005 @ 9:45 am: Gallery [ pw required ]

Wednesday, November 09, 2005

Become An Audioblogger

Well, this is really great. I have just set up my very first audio blog. From now on, I can record messages while I am shopping, waiting at the car wash, or while I am on the road exploring the wild, wide world.

The set up is fairly easy: You need to have a blog, then you go to Audioblogger and complete three easy steps. After that you are ready to post your first audio message on the web!

Posting a message: You call a certain number [415.856.0205] from any phone, enter your primary number, enter your pin, and record your message. Changes are possible on the fly. The message is available right after you hang up.

Schluff Goes Audio

Example:
this is an audio post - click to play

Rolling Stones - You Rock!

Despite the fact I am not an obsessive Rolling Stones fan, I was looking forward to Nov 8 and seeing the Rolling Stones rocking at the Hollywood Bowl. I am lucky to say I was a witness of the sold out Stones' "A Bigger Bang" show. After more that four decades of rocking together, these "old guys" presented quite a performance. I have been impressed by the high level of energy the band presented while listening and dancing to the favorites of Get Off My Cloud, Satisfaction, You Can't Always Get What You Want, Start Me Up, Honky Tonk Women, and Sympathy For The Devil.

The weather forecast predicted rain for Tuesday, so there was a certain amount of fear that I may have to stand in Section P2 Row 15 Seat 119 in the wet watching Mike Jagger doing his self-mythologizing sidekicks. But the later the evening the greater the insurance that it would stay dry and the fireworks would make the Bigger Bang Party even bigger.

Summary: You missed somthing!

Sunday, November 06, 2005

Race Day: Santa Clarita 1/2 Marathon

It's 5:13 am. I just got up after a very restive night. I am so nervous - wasn't able to practice the last week, for I felt 'sick' all week long. I don't feel ready for this race...
7:00 am - the race starts right around the corner on McBean Pkwy - 21 km / 13.1 mi to go.
9:01 am (2:01:51 later) I pass the finishing line. Juchuuuuuuuuuuuu. Thanks Mara and Björn that you both kept me company and cheered my up over the entire race - especially towards the end. I indeed did it and ran my first 21 km - Half Marathon!
10:00 am after some stretching and taking a shower, we meet at Peet's Coffee to have some coffee and cake - getting ready for our weekly Sunday volleyball match...
Event Link - Results
Half Marathon Gallery [ pw required ]
Volleyball Gallery [Pictures of today's volleyball game]

Wednesday, November 02, 2005

C-C-Currywurst

I just received an email providing a link to a short movie: Take a few - actually 23 minutes - and watch the movie. You'll learn a lot about Currywurst, German culture and the real Berliner...
Movie