Happy Holidays!

I want to take this opportunity to wish you and your family the best this holiday season. I think this year has challenged many of us more than usual which has emphasized the importance of friends and family. In this light, I want to share some of the highlights of my past year and invite you to call, write or email me so that we stay in contact more throughout the coming year. My email is tmills@sonic.net and my phone is (707) 526-5760.

I have lived in California for more than a year now. I had the opportunity through the year to share this wonderful area with some friends and family. Showing them (and me) more of the area was a real pleasure. If you have not seen northern California, I invite you to come visit. I think you will find it a wondrous place with friendly people.

In early March, an old friend of mine from high school, Debra, visited for several days. We hiked 8 miles in the Armstrong Redwood Park up to a small lake. On another day, we met some of my friends and flew kites on the windy and cold northern California beach. We also visited a few wineries and some nice restaurants. This is the typical travel package that I offer to most visitors.

Later in March, my sister, Valerie, and her Fiancé, Jon, visited. I took them to the redwoods and to Goat Rock Beach where we also flew kites. Goat Rock is a huge rock that has become a small peninsula. The waves crash up against the north side of the rock and the seals play in the turbulent frothing water. I think Jon enjoyed flying my 8 ft kite. On a windy day, it will pull you down the beach. For the last part of the tour, we visited some wineries. Ledson's is a favorite of mine. And of course it is hard to avoid eating lots of good food here.

In June, about 20 of my friends went white water rafting at Cache Creek for 2 days. Some of us built gigantic squirt bazookas to shoot water at other rafters. We tested our designs in my back yard and they shot water 30 feet in the air. On the river in the heat of battle, they exploded with the first squirt. We were relegated to just enjoy the rafting experience, which was awesome.

In August, I returned to Spokane for the Spike and Dig volleyball tournament. I played with some dear friends of mine. Frankly, I was a little homesick after the visit. I connected with many old friends and enjoyed every minute. One of the highlights was talking to an old friend whom I have not spoken with in 6 years. She was one of my best friends and it was great to talk again.

Upon my return from Spokane, I met my Dad and Aunt Jackie at the airport in San Francisco. We went to the wharf and we ate at a restaurant in China Town. We were in shock when the waitress ordered for us since we were new to the area. The food was extraordinary and by the time we left there was a long line to get in. We stayed the night and enjoyed a wonderfully funny theatrical performance that evening by a man named Shiner. I was thrilled to show my Dad and Aunt the wharf area and some of the highlights of SF. We drove to Santa Rosa and went on my standard tour package of redwoods, beach and wine. One of my personal favorites was the food we ate at the River's End restaurant near the coast that had wondrous sauces. 

Later in August, I flew to Oklahoma for Valerie's wedding. She and Jon were married on August 18^th. They had an elegant ceremony and a party of a reception! Valerie's friends came from everywhere. Some of whom I have not seen in a decade or more. My Aunt Jackie was there. My Uncle Bob stole the show on the dance floor. I think he surprised all of us.

One last thing that I want to fit in here somewhere is that in February I started back to school for my Master's Degree in Leadership Management. What does this mean? It is a program of experiential learning to broaden and sharpen my leadership abilities. My new job involves working more with people and less with technology. I am learning the technology of working with people. I hope to graduate November 2002!

I hope all is well with you and your family during the holiday season and in the coming year. 

Best wishes,