VitaTour 2006: June 2006

Friday, June 30, 2006

Show me the Whey

The exhibit hall is open today. We met Toni from Champion at the booth. Brian, a bicyclist sponsored by both Champion and ourselves, was also there. Brian is two years post and an avid racer. He looks incredible for a 300#er shrunk down to the 150’s. Whey to go, guy!

Toni is our rep at Champion. We met her mom yesterday and it’s obvious the good looks are genetic (can I get away with that , Michelle?) We had a good day on the floor. We received a lot of positive input on the new Cookies and Cream Pure Whey Stack. Even from those I had to wrestle to the floor and have Toni pour a sample down their gullet. Dang its some of those RD’s and RN’s are so tough to get to try protein. Only a very few refused and we had them arrested. We met and chatted with a number of doc’s, RD’s, Program Coordinators and RN’s.

Michelle and Carol spent most of the day in classes and I look forward to hear what is happening.

Toward the end of the day, Rene (the company bio-chemiest) and Mike Z (the owner) joined us and we were happy to have them around.

Tonight was the Welcome Reception, where we get to mingle with everyone. There were hundreds of doctors, including Fobi (CA), Sweet (PA), Cordova (NE), Oh (WA) and his big brother (NY), Marcus (MD), and Baltasar from Spain. So much experience in one room. We had so much fun telling stories and hearing so many experiences.

Tomorrow is another day on the floor and in class, so of to bed for now. See ya all tomorrow.

Thanks,

Don Curran

Stumblin' in Frisco

Happily (?) in San Francisco? Actually the hotel is nice. We are on the 17^th floor with a nice view from here.

Great architecture is something I enjoy more than Michelle.

We got settled in and unpacked. The set-up here is different than any of our previous conferences. We have to go a couple of blocks to the conference hall rather than in the same building. Parking is off site also, so this is a bit different.

Anyway, we managed to get comfy under this wonderful comforter. Slept like logs until 6:30 when Carol G called to remind us we were late already.

Now let me tell you about Carol G. 100% pure energy, focused and absolutely nuts. She is from Chicago, and darn proud of it. Very successful and lil’ Mrs. Hard Body. This girl works hard to stay toned and fit. I want her on my team, let me tell ya. Amazing lady.

We registered and Michelle was off to class. Carol and I just enjoyed a leisurely breakfast. Chatting about patients success and struggles. It’s good to hear different perspectives.

This evening we have a support group to attend in Palo Alto. As we were getting ready and I was running to the truck with a box of info for the meeting, I stumbled over my big feet, flipped and scattered myself, the contents of the box, my camera and my body. Oh, and my pride, too.

Well, after collecting my where-with-all, loaded the truck and went the 2 blocks to pick up the girls, (via 12 right and 17 left turns) finally gathered up the ladies and off we went to Palo Alto. We arrived at 7:10 and the meeting was already over, much to our dismay. Let me publicly offer our apology to this wonderful group in Palo Alto for any inconvenience caused by both my big feet and lack of planning. We were looking forward to the meeting and regret our late arrival.

Well, Carol, Michelle and I did find a wonderful Chinese Restaurant off University Street, after finding the last parking spot. Carol also treated us to the most sinful Lemon Italian Ice Cream (spelled with no milk). We returned late as the SF Giants ball game was letting out and we arrived back at the hotel around 10:30.

Night girls! I’m going to bed now. See ya tomorrow…..

Thanks,

Don Curran

Monday, June 26, 2006

Days 7-8: Tailgating a little early at Monster Park

San Francisco, CA, here we are. At a campsite in town at the Candlestick ball park (now known as Monster Park).

On our way here we stopped in Fairfield and met Flo (Flozzz) and Laurie (llory) at Marie Callender’s.

First we dropped Barney off to get a haircut to beat the heat, so if you don’t recognize this hairless licking machine, you’ll know why. He also got a dose of the doggie “D” and made a mess at the groomer’s. He seemed to settle own later in the day, but had a little problem last night, too. Poor pooch.

I digress, back to lunch. We want to thank both Laurie and Flo for meeting us. Hey Laurie, I hope you didn’t miss too much of the OH Conference. Laurie is 11 months out and has done so well. Flo has come a long way via a hard road. She brings the reminder that some prescribed medications can cause increased appetite. Along with that can also come the old tapes that beat us up with self-defeat. The thing with this gal is, she is gonna beat it and get back to where she wants to be. I love to see that kind of courage.

Remember that a word of encouragement may be all it takes to help someone return to a successful path.

As I said we finally got to our spot here in SF. This particular park isn’t much more than a parking lot. We basically dined WITH our neighbors since our rigs are so close you have to walk sideways between them! The wifi and doggie amenities mentioned in the literature is not as promised (like NONE?), but we will park the trailer here for the few days we’ll be at the hotel and conference. We did find a friendly Starbuck’s that has wifi access available so all is not lost.

As far as the lack of doggie run, Barney, being a boy, will certainly be able to find a bush or two.

This is the view from the park, less than charming?

I think we will avoid this place in the future. This is a much better place for a 49er’s tailgate party.

I did accomplish hooking up the BBQ and fastened down the TV for travel. All in all a good day’s work. But then any day with Vitalady, is a good day. Tomorrow we move into the hotel (I hope) and will get together with Carol G. That’s gonna start a whirlwind week. Hang on folks…

Thanks,

Don Curran

Saturday, June 24, 2006

The heat in Winters

We finally hit a spot with no cell communication and probably no computer. We are in Winters, CA. I got busted going over the speed limit in the park. Actually, I was in granny low and if I tach out the diesel, maybe 3 mph tops? Too much dust, they said. What do they expect in a place that’s never seen rain? But hey don’t upset the locals.

I have to say, Barney has been a good traveler and companion. He pees only when we stop and seems to be having fun. We were a little concerned but he’s a trooper.

Well, Winters doesn’t seem to be more than the RV park. So we found a tree and pitched it for the night. This is part of our camping club, so it’s a bit different than usual. They were serving hot dogs and burgers at the lodge, so of course to we hade to join in. Nummm. There was also line dancing. WHAT ARE THESE PEOPLE THINKING? It’s 108 degrees out there!

Tomorrow, lunch in Fairfield, then SAN FRANCISCO….

Thanks,

Don Curran

A visit to the Cat House and Main Street USA, Oregon Style

I think it is getting TOOO HOT here. I sure don’t know how the locals do it. 104+ (as Don is waving his hands to cool off.)

We are in Redding, CA. On our way, we stopped in Jacksonville, OR. Cute little town, with a history prior to the 1880’s. The main street is lined with what appears to be original buildings from that period, including the Fire House, a couple of general stores next to each other. I felt like grabbing my six gun and head for the saloon, for a SF Sarsaparilla.

In our walk around Jacksonville, we happened up this particular home that appeared to be a “Cat House” At least I think that is what it is called. There were cats everywhere. Big fluffy cats deliberately lying ornamentally everywhere in the gorgeous yard, just beyond our reach.

I also saw a deer taking a leisurely trot trough the street we were parked on. I wasn’t fast enough to grab my camera.

We crossed into California and were greeted shortly thereafter, by our first view of Mt Shasta. Beautiful and majestic, but if I must say, not as impressive as our Mt Rainer, in WA., but beautiful all the same.

And then…How the heck can I hook up the barbie when there isn’t the correct hose? It taps into the trailer’s propane system with quick couplers. So off we go looking for ANYONE still open with the right stuff. We run to the Ace Hardware in Redding, found what I needed and to save my life. Michelle really wanted to BBQ the steak. I figured I was in good until I found the difference between ¼” and 3/8”. Who woulda thought an eighth of an inch would make the difference between life and death? Cost? One bundle of $$ for the “free with the unit” BBQ.

Day 4 was also spent finding the hose and a few other parts we needed. The 106+ heat kept us from doing much of anything. Cost? One more bundle of $$ to find the RIGHT hose for the “free with the unit” BBQ.

This morning Barney had a chance to frolic 3 year old golden named Shasta in the fenced off leash area.

On to Winters, CA tomorrow

Thanks,

Don Curran

Rogue River Scenery

This is a beautiful area. The river glistening in the AM, nice park with shade.

We did some laundry here and just kicked back for a couple of days, after hunting for a few trailer parts. Barney seemed to enjoy searching for just that right spot.

He seems to do that a lot. He met and frolicked with a 10 year old Samoyed named Candy.

This place is breathtaking and we’re sorry we had to spend time doing laundry and finding parts. The spot Michelle really wanted to see was just ONE exit further south than we were. Well tomorrow, we head for Redding, CA

Thanks,
Don Curran

Tuesday, June 20, 2006

Day 2: Drapes Derail Dreamy Dinner

Day 2 June 19th

Off early to Grants Pass, OR. Truck is handling a bit sloppy so I reset the levelers and sway control and continue down the road. Maggie is squawking something about turning here or making the first available legal U Turn. Dang thing is driving me nuts. We are just cruising down I-5 and enjoying the lush green of Oregon. Beautiful hills, with deer, goats, eagles, God’s country is the Pacific Northwest, without a doubt.

Barney is traveling very well and is getting to potty as often as we do and it seems to work. So far having fun.

We pull into Bridge View Resort in Grant’s Pass and what a place. Very nice. We are on a concrete pad, right next to the river.

Yes, they have WiFi so we can connect and get this rambling out to you. One problem, must be too many rigs in the way between us and the WiFi receiver. So off to the rec room and try to down load. Well that worked so we can delete the 1500 spam messages waiting for us and get to work.

Our neighbor has a big white fluff ball “Candy” that I think Barney has fallen for. They are cute together.

Well, let’s see. Day 2 we discover we forgot or lost the pull rod for the trailers awning. We’ll get one tomorrow. Michelle discovers we lost power. Again, out comes the tools and “the” attitude. Some day, she will tell me why she puts up with my attitude. LOL So we borrow a pull rod from Candy’s daddy and some how God fixed the power. Dinner time and Michele is pulling down the drapes giving us a romantic dinner? (One hopes) All is looking good for that special moment until the last drape Michelle drops ends up in her hands. Hmm this is not a good thing. I better not laugh. Oh heck, romance is gone and we both look at each other and decide, before anything else happens, we better eat and hit the sack.

So off we go for day #2

Don

On the road again: VitaTour 2006

Let’s see, how do I start this?

Day 1 June 18th

We are loaded, Michelle has all her shoes on board and is looking for Barney. I’m backing the truck, ready to hook up and head south on VitaTour 2006.

We are excited for many reasons.

House and the Vitalady Store has been under remodel construction for WAY too long. Still not finished but we have had enough. The new floors are down and cabinets about 95% complete. Sears has to come in and fix the leaky dish washer. The floor guy just fixed seams and trap door on the day we were leaving. There has to be a better way. Sheri from Sunny Florida is at our house watching things while we are gone. She is such a sweetie to us….. (huggs girl)
We look forward to meeting everyone and fighting with the doc’s at the ASBS Conference about nutrition.
It’s Father’s Day and all I wanted was to get away for a few days, alone with Vitalady. 8 )
And about a million other reasons that I won’t mention.

Well I’m finally hooked up and checking lights. Whatta ya mean “No lights?” Gotta be. Nope no lights. Out comes the tools and “the” attitude. Scrape a little corrosion crud here and there. Check it out after an hour of fiddling and voila… Lights.

Michelle found Barney, who wanted to ride under the kitchen table, but finally realized the back seat of the truck was better. On the road to Portland at 4:00

Michelle starts playing with her new toy. Magellan road map or what ever it is. Can’t she just ask at the service station for directions? Well, we followed Maggie Magellan to a restaurant just outside of Portland. Sounded good until we ended up on a VERY narrow road with low over hanging trees hoping that I don’t have to back out of this mess. Sorry, Maggie, BUT I CAN’T MAKE A LEGAL U-TURN ON THIS NARROW ROAD YOU PUT ME ON.

We lucked out and got back on the freeway and found nourishment elsewhere.

We finally hit the campsite around 9:00, setup and tried hooking up to cyberspace. If you remember, last year we had a lot of problems with getting connected and online. Looks like this year won’t be much different. We fell asleep, ending our frustration for the day.

Thanks,

Don Curran

A journal of the VitaCouple (Don and Michelle) as they make their way down the west coast and back for the 2006 ASBS conference in San Francisco. Read about who they met, and the things they saw on the journey. The first VitaTour was in 2005 which involved a journey cross-country to Orlando, FL. Those posts are still available.

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VitaTour 2006