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Jeff had a vacation from school in August and Julie squeezed out a few days for a trek to the Canadian Rockies. Until then, Lake Tahoe was the most scenic place I had seen. I was conned into white water rafting on the Kicking Horse River. I think it’s in British Columbia. One day we hiked around Lake Louise and up to the Tea House. Jeff and Julie scampered off ahead, bounced back down the mountain and said, “You’re almost there. Only 30 more minutes. You look tired. Here, have some water.” On that day, at that minute, I couldn’t remember why we decided to have children. (Just so you know, I’ve wondered about that on many occasions.) Anyway, we also rode the ski jump and bobsled simulators at the Calgary Olympic Site. Because of an extended delay on the way home, the airline put us in first class. When the flight attendant asked what I wanted for dinner, Jeff explained what she was offering. Honey roasted peanuts and Dr. Pepper are usually fine with me. I guess I’m just a coach class kind of guy.       Poor Julie had only two days to get ready for her trip to France and Switzerland with her water polo teammate, locker-sharing buddy, Nicole. They had quite an adventure. In Switzerland they stayed with cousins Leslie and Karen and their families. Thanks to them for their hospitality.       While Julie was schlepping around Europe, my cousin Brian was married in the bay area. Good luck Kathy!! (Just kidding, Brian.) Jeff spent most of the weekend with us. Brian even sang at the reception. Sort of. The weekend included weird t-shirts and cellular vaselene. You had to be there.       Jeff called late one night to tell us that Ma’s apple crisp recipe was a hit at school. Even the master chef was impressed. I eat hamburgers, french fries and M&Ms and my son becomes a chef. I can’t swim across a pool, and my daughter plays water polo. Go figure.       If you ever want a real adventure, take three high school seniors on a		car trip to visit colleges. Whew. In October, I took Julie, Matt and Erik (volleyballers) on a four day - three night whirlwind to Northern California. A few of Katie’s former students gave us tours of and the inside scoop on some of the schools. That was the easy part. I was emotionally drained when we got home. I had to be thinking every second just to keep up with their verbal banter. That, and watching the boys eat. When we visited Jeff, he took us to an Italian deli near his apartment that served 8 pound sandwiches. Matt finished his and, according to Jeff, in record time. We’ve submitted it to Guinness, but haven’t heard back yet.       Jeff was home soon after to interview for his externship at The Cellar, a fancy French restaurant in Fullerton. He’ll be working with the chef in the kitchen and with the owner, learning to purchase wines. He starts in February. I can’t even say the things he’ll cook and wines he’ll buy -- must be that coach class thing. It will be fun to have him home again.       On homecoming night at Irvine High School, Julie was one of the five princesses. I had the honor of escorting her onto the field at half-time. As we walked out, I saw the usual boring signs cheering her on. We Love Julie Fliegler and things of that sort. A few of her more intelligent friends had made the best signs: Mr. Fliegler Is So Hot and We Love Mr. Fliegler. Those signs will		be in our living room, framed, by the time you next visit. I couldn’t believe how excited I was when they announced that she was the queen -- after all, I thought this kind of stuff was terribly silly. Jeff had driven all night the night before to be there. Our wild and crazy family and friends cheered like maniacs. What a fun night. I slept in my tux.       Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. This year, like most, we made the turkey. Actually, we isn’t entirely accurate. My contribution was somewhat insignificant. I get the turkey pan (or is it a pot?) since I’m the only one who can reach the top shelf where it’s kept. But I did help put those needles in ole Tom and tie him shut. Anyway, before the traditional family football game and feast at my parents’ home, Katie, Julie and I picked up Jeff at the airport. We met him at the gate. (It’s another unwritten family rule.) We bought some flowers and went to the cemetery where Ma and Pa’s niche is. We talked about what we learned from them and how lucky we are - for good health, good family and good friends. We talked about our good year, our good years and what the future might hold. We had a family hug. It was the highlight of our year.       Have a great holiday season and only the best in 1999.

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Our College Trip to Northern California
MATT • JULIE • DAVID • ERIK
Pacifica, California
OCTOBER 1998
Photo by Jeff