Memorial Day Tradition

Breakfast at McClintock's was a significant tradition at the Compound when Robob was here. It was practically mandatory for Memorial Day weekend when he would put on his paratrooper shirt and proudly wear it to breakfast. Not that he would talk much about his experiences, but you could readily tell that his war experience left indelible marks. So, today, we remember. Lots of things.

511th Parachute Infantry Regiment.

Today at McClintock's, a Bloody Maria
for Robob and for all who serve.

Legally Blonde Previews Tonight

It's all coming together! And the show previews tonight, opens tomorrow night. Tonight's a bit unique in Compound history. There will be FOUR Compound dwellers actively engaged in the show. Serafina is in it, of course, but in addition, Tracy, Lynn, and I will be moving sets. It's how I "earned" my tech crew shirt for this show. Did you know Tracy and Lynn led the set team from design all the way through?! We're pretty excited...

Legally Blonde the Musical, Jr.
Presented by Coastal Youth Theatre
Directed by Natalia Salsbury
In the Studio Theatre at the Clark Center
May 20-29, 2016

The Delta Nu set.

Just love how the sets/props crew is in UPS shirts!
We deliver! On time and to the right spike!

The Hair Salon set.

"No pictures of me"

That's what Matteo reported to Tracy from the free magazine stand in front of Doc Burnstein's in the Village after celebrating the cousins birthdays with ice cream. I looked at Tracy a little inquisitively, and she mentioned that Matteo had been on the cover of Central Coast Family Magazine quite a bit lately. I had no idea. But sure enough, the May 2016 cover. Tracy would not have known but for someone mentioning they thought Tracy was on the cover, but "the kids looked too young." Yup, this shot was taken a few years ago...

Cal Poly Pier

The Cal Poly Pier (near Avila Beach) is only open to the public two Saturday mornings per year. So, Papa Jamie, Matteo, and AJ took advantage of today's Open House.

All the pics are here.

Noah's Baptism

Cousin Noah, that is. Most of the boys (all but Sam who was with Don and Zoe) ran over to Visalia today to attend cousin Noah's baptism. And then stay and play with everyone and have a little lunch at Nicola and Danny's place for a while. The adults didn't see much of the kids! The trip included a stop at Big Bubba's Bad BBQ in Paso Robles on the way home - oh my!

The stage direction given was "be depressed."

"Best Day Ever"

Them's mighty powerful words from such a little girl, but she managed to squeeze them out on the way to the car at the end of the day. Tracy and Serafina joined Erin and family at Disneyland today. I hear Tower of Terror was a first...

Let There Be Light

Matteo (and Lucy) helped us set up lights at Grace 5 Cities this morning. We set up and hooked up the ten of these lights that run along the front of the screens and stage. You can see one of the lights pointed nearly at you in the upper left corner of the photo.

An Irish Wake

Well, sorta. We took the most fun parts and left out the rest, and had one heckuva party in honor of Lynn's Dad and Founder of the Compound, Bob McDonald. The most commonly heard phrase all afternoon and evening, was "Bob would have loved this!" The second most commonly heard phrase (a very close second) was, "This was the best memorial I've ever been to!"

It was pretty simple. We invited whomever we could think of that might want to attend from here in our neck of the woods. We mixed that with many of Bob's favorite foods and libations. And voila, a party!

All the pics are here.

This post contains a fun slideshow of "Bob pics".

And here's Bob's obit in the San Luis Obispo Tribune.

To Bob! (This happened many times.)

Serafina would be quick to point out her makeup is for a show she's in.

Bob's youngest offspring on Lynn's branch, Lexi.

Die-hard shenanigans.

From Pat McCann: Bob in Kinsale, Ireland.

In Summer...

Two of my faves: Wolff Petite Sirah, and Olaf. I sang Olaf's "In Summer" for my Bye Bye Birdie audition. Must have done OK - I'll be in the show which runs June 3 through July 2 at the SLO Little Theatre. Good job, Lynn! Rockin' it at Vons again!

Lexi's Up and At 'Em

Guess who can pull herself up into anyone's business these days?...

Oso Flaco Lake

We took on Oso Flaco Lake, the walk through the dunes, and the beach this morning. All the photos are here: http://www.jamie-foster-photography.com/160416-Oso-Flaco-Lake/

The Torch is Passed

Tracy's been working in the children's ministry department at Grace Central Coast for several years now. A little over a year ago, she became the director for the children's ministry program at the soon-to-be Grace 5 Cities campus, which actually "went live" last October. She got the program up and running, and is now passing on the torch. This Sunday morning the pastor and congregation thanked Tracy for her ministry work!

Set Painting Day

The sets for Legally Blonde, Jr. The Musical have been amassing in our garage for some time now. And today is painting day, which means a number of other set volunteers are pitching in for concerted effort this weekend and next. (There's a 3rd weekend available, if needed.) This group of cast members got a chance to immortalize themselves on one set piece!

To the Zoo by Train

Another fun outing by train to Santa Barbara. In addition to the zoo, we breakfasted at Eladio's, visited Teavana, and had dinner and peanut butter pie with Jon at the Brewhouse.

More pics are here.

Went right to sleep at dinner...

Easter Weekend

We started Easter a little early this year. Trevor's family and David Regusci's family joined us for a braised rib dinner Saturday evening followed by a - wait for it - glow-in-the-dark Easter egg hunt! Oh my. All the pics are here.