The new Vibe has arrived. It is essentially a Toyota Matrix (Auris in Europe). This one has the bigger 2.4 liter motor, and a 5 speed maunual transmission.

In order to buy it, we turned in our truck under the Cash For Clunkers program- A government initiative to get older vehicles off the road. They give us money, then crush the truck. This is terribly sad, as it was a nice truck. This swap has saved me the trouble of doing some repairs, but I'll miss the truck.

Since the truck is being crushed, I stripped it of everything useable.

We got in just under the wire http://money.cnn.com/2009/07/30/autos/cash_for_clunkers_suspended/index.htm?postversion=2009073107

Harold And Lesley head east!

We are heading home shortly. I took a three month travel job in Waterville. We will miss this region, but are looking forward to getting home. Hopefully we Will have Serenity on the water soon.

We have some videos, as yet not seen on this blog:

This video had a different soundtrack, but youtube didn't like it.


Pauley Creek in Downieville. I was only able to shot a little bit.



A ski day from a short while back.


A visit from Nir.


Me, on Alpine Skis. thanks for the loan, mike.

The recovery continues. Homewood gets deep in a storm, but it doesn't really get steep. Still, nearly unlimited powder after a storm.

So- the news here is snow- Lots of snow.
Lesley's knee continues to heal, but still no skiing for her.

So-

The surgery is complete.

Removal of a couple of meniscal tears- 1 medial, 1 lateral.

In addition, the doc buffed up a few rough bits of cartilage.

all in all it went well.

Lesley is expecting to ski within a month.

check out -Hopefully link works

We took a little trip to San Fransisco, stopping at the John muir woods on the way to look at some trees.

The obligatory Mum in a tree picture.

Of course, we rode a cable car. They let people hang on to the outside, just like in the movies. this is astounding, as it is actually pretty dangerous.

I am not scared.

Also a spot for sensible people to sit.