A touch of Germany at the Alpine Inn in Torrance

This review is of the Alpine Inn at Alpine Village in Torrance, CA. A couple of weeks ago, Tanya and I had lunch at the Alpine Inn during a networking event with the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce. We were impressed enough with the lunch that we figured we would have to make a return visit. As we were exiting I noticed a large chalkboard with numerous micro-brewery beers on tap listed. An Oatmeal Stout caught my eye, and I knew we would return. As it turns out, it was sooner than expected as we returned this past Sunday. I …

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TACC Networking at Noon for February

These photos are from the TACC Networking at Noon lunch at Depot Restaurant in Torrance, CA. Back in December I mentioned that Tanya and I had joined the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce and while I was out of town and Tanya was not in any condition to go anywhere in January, we are back into the swing of things and will be whenever we are in town. Today was the Networking at Noon, held the Depot Restaurant in downtown Torrance. They are celebrating 20 years in business, so I guess Chef Shafer is doing something right. It was a …

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Lady of Magic at Farm Stand Restaurant

Last night we drove to El Segundo to go to the Farm Stand Restaurant for dinner and to enjoy a little table magic performed by our new friend, the Lady of Magic, Sisuepahn Phila. We met Sisuepahn at her New Year’s Eve party/fundraiser for the Midnight Mission, which is a homeless shelter in downtown Los Angeles. I have to admit, I really enjoy watching her perform as it is so much more than just slight of hand card tricks. I promise, you will be amazed if you get the chance to see it yourself. That being said, this Saturday there …

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20th Annual King Harbor Boat Parade

Saturday evening was the 20th Annual King Harbor Boat Parade in Redondo Beach. After spending the day at the Mooneye’s Christmas car show and drag races, I packed up the camera and Tanya and headed down to King Harbor. We decided to have dinner at On the Rocks since they were located at the perfect location to watch the parade. The Christmas boat parade consisted of various boats that are docked in Redondo Beach, getting decorated with lights and sailing in a circle around the marina. It was a little difficult to determine just how many boats were participating, but …

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Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce Network at Noon

Today, Tanya and I went to our first Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce function. It was their December Network at Noon, which was held at Oliver’s Cafe in Redondo Beach. Synergy DTI is the parent company and since Tanya now lives in Torrance, we decided to join. I have to say, I am really looking forward to this. Business opportunities abound. I almost feel silly for not joining years ago. If you are a small business owner, I suggest at least checking out your local Chamber of Commerce. Business to business is good business. Here are a few photos from …

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Photos from Amsterdam via Paris

The day before I headed to Europe, I got a telephone call from KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. Apparently they were canceling my non-stop flight from Chicago to Amsterdam. They wanted me to wait an additional day to leave Chicago. Since I expected to be compensated for the hotel room I had paid for in Amsterdam, KLM decided to pawn me off on Air France. Air France was able to cram me (literally) onto a flight from Chicago to Paris, then I could stretch out on a flight from Paris to Amsterdam. Not exactly how I wanted to start this trip, …

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Another visit to Solvang

Last year, I introduced Tanya to Solvang, CA. Solvang is known as Denmark west due to its large Danish population. It is a quaint little town in the Santa Ynez Valley. It is a very nice ride or drive, either by car or motorcycle. Besides lots of touristy things, it is the home of my favorite winery, Sort This Out Cellars [STOC]. After a visit to STOC we found a nice hotel down the street to leave Buddy at, then we headed over to the Solvang Brewing Company. Solvang Brewing Company is fairly new and I guess we got there …

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A trip to Temecula wine country

I had a gift I wanted to give to my son and since he lives down by Temecula I decided I would kill two birds with one stone and pay a visit to the Temecula wine country. After securing a room, Tanya, Buddy and I headed out to the Inland Empire. After arriving at my son’s home we tried to find a winery, with a restaurant that stays open past 5:00 PM. I had only attempted to go wine tasting in Temecula once before and noticed that 5:00 seemed to be last call at most of the places I tried …

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Preparing for the 4th of July

There is one thing about Indiana, besides my girlfriend, that keeps bringing me back and that is the ability to buy and shoot off fireworks. I am not talking about the “safe and sane” Red Devil variety, but rather the good stuff provided by Phantom Fireworks. I am not saying I spend a lot of money there, but they send me a Christmas card every year. I got the house in Valparaiso in July 2007 and started doing fireworks shows that same year. It has become tradition. These photos were taken on the days leading up to the 4th of …

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Photos from Central Illinois

These photos were taken over the course of two days in Central Illinois. The first day I was attempting to get to Joplin, MO but I got a late start. Since there were many severe storms in both Illinois and Missouri I did not want to drive after dark. I have already experienced tornadoes at night and they are not very photogenic. When I got close to Illiopolis I had my GPS find somewhere to eat. The first place that came up was Uncle Monkey’s Bar & Grill. I admit, when I pulled up I fully expected that I would …

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