Best Sandwich in Los Angeles

I spent this past Saturday through Tuesday in Los Angeles helping out with Microsoft's student software design competition called the "Imagine Cup". While there I stayed at the Biltmore Hotel on Grand and 5th, just a couple of blocks south of the Music Center and Disney Concert Hall. Our event was held at the Orpheum Theater located at 8th and Broadway. Of course most of our fondest memories of California center around food: In N Out Burger, Kosmos Burger, Patty's, etc. No trip to LA would be complete without a stop a Philippe the Original: Home of the French Dip Sandwich. The place has been operating continuously since 1908. It required a little logistical maneuvering, but I made it on the way out and took my boss with me. Nothing has changed (including the old ladies behind the counter). The sandwich costs $5.25 and lemonade is now 60 cents, but other than that everything is still fantastic, including that hot spicy mustard. YUM!!!!

Jane, Jarom & Bryson

When I saw the latest batch of pictures of Bryson and Grandma Jane, I remembered that we took a similar picture of Jane and Jarom about 27 years ago, so I thought some of our viewers might find the comparisons interesting. First some facts:

• Jarom weighed 3lbs 10oz; Bryson 5 lbs 1oz
• Jarom was 15 inches long; Bryson 17 inches long
• Jarom was born at 27 weeks; Bryson was born at 35 weeks
• Jarom was in the hospital 4 weeks; Bryson was in the hospital 5 days
• Jarom was discharged weight 4 lbs 8 oz; Bryson was discharged weighing 4lbs 13oz

Deja Vu?

That is a special sized "preemie" Pampers disposable diaper Jarom is wearing. Jane still has one in her dresser drawer. They are about 3 1/2 " x 5" folded.

Jarom was too small to have an IV in his hand, so his was in his scalp; hence the shaved spots on his head.

Jarom in the isolet; notice that they used a doctor's mask as a diaper when he was under the ultraviolet light for bilirubin treatments

I think this is a newborn picture.

Jarom masked for the bili light

Notice the surgical mask "diaper"?

Melissa; do those bandaids on the heels look familiar? When the light is right, you can still see the scars on Jarom's heels from all the blood gas draws. Staci has them also from her newborn pneumonia stay.

This was discharge day; Jane was 22 years old with her 3rd child.


This was in the tan station wagon that we inherited from John and Pearl. Notice the high tech car seat in the front seat. This was before we knew about child safety. There weren't seat belt laws or car seat laws yet. And Jarom's first bath at home. This would have been on the kitchen table at the Virginia Ave. house. Look carefully and you'll see one of the avacado place mats that we used to have.

Its Prom Time!

Springtime means time for the prom. There has been lots of activity at ThunderRidge High School in preparation for the big event such as anti-drinking assemblies, solicitations of parent chaparones, etc. ThunderRidge doesn't do Grad Night like they do in California; rather, they do "Post Prom", which is still pretty much an all night party put on by parents. So why am I talking about the Prom? Because while I was digging for last year's tax returns, I found this old picture of Jane's prom picture when she was a junior at Western High School (or is that Molly?). You might recognize Patty Romero in the pink dress. Mom's date was Scott Stowers. Scott's sister Jodi is pictured on the far right next to Patti. The picture was taken in late May 1976.

Winter Isn't Going Down Without A Fight

While it hasn't been exactly balmy, the signs of spring are everywhere and leaves are starting to appear on bushes, trees, and our rosebush by the front door. However, there is still the potential for interesting weather, and in the early hours of the morning this "winter" storm hit the Front Range. Fortunately it is barely freezing, and this snow is quite soggy, so it isn't sticking on the pavement. My guess is that most of it will be gone tomorrow. In a way, the snow is better than rain since it gives the moisture a chance to soak in instead of running off, so its better for the plants and nearby streams. It was a perfect excuse to work from home though, so I did!

The deck patio table; how else would we be able to know exactly how deep the snow is?


Nothing sticking on the driveway, sidewalks and streets = happy


Its not popcorn popping on the apricot tree, but "Spring" had brough us such a nice surprise...



Pan shot from the loft window looking southwest towards the church, school & Rocky Mountains