Herein is my photo gallery from a quick journey around the property. The lights are bright and plentiful and the gingerbread house is ginormous. Really.

These images were enough to elevate me back to “Holiday” mode – so – Merry Christmas a little early.

All across America folks were waking up to the smell of coffee -  college football gameday, crisp air and the thought of “no work.”

As I awoke from my comfy bed at the Hyatt Regency in Bethesda, Maryland, all I thought about was how the FullAccess-Maryland Summit would unfold. Little did I know that more than 60 college students with disabilities were about to truly engage with everyone they met – with or without the help of interpreters. In the initial keynote session, we were jolted with encouragement and then challenged to go further by two of most visible people in the DC disability landscape: Kareem Dale and Judy Heumann.

Judy was the first keynote presenter. Naturally she led with her life’s story – and it is such a powerful story. I’m certain the students (as I did) found it to be emotionally moving and uplifting. Judy’s life journey left everyone feeling more empowered. As a bit of background, Judy  served in the Clinton Administration as Assistant Secretary of the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services at the US Department of Education from 1993 to 2001. From 2002 to 2006 she served as the World Bank Group’s first Advisor on Disability and Development.  She is currently the Director of the Department of Disability Services for the District of Columbia. It was interesting to watch the energy between this very visible and powerful woman and the students in the room. Questions were aplenty after she wrapped up — and there were many students talking with her after the morning session.

Kareem Dale followed Judy … wishing that he had been first (her story is so powerful). Dale is founder and chief executive officer of The Dale Law Group (DLG) in Chicago, and served as the Obama campaign’s Disability Vote Director. Dale is a native Chicagoan and received his bachelor’s degree in Advertising from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He graduated Cum Laude with a law degree and an MBA from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in May, 1999. Dale now serves as special assistant to the president for disability policy.

Mr. Dale, who is partly blind, read from a prepared Braille speech that was very eloquent and thoroughly motivating. He spoke to everyone in the room – not just those with disabilities. In his speech at the COSD, FullAccess Summit in Bethesda, Maryland he shared his views of going further in a world of change. When summing up his thoughts he asked if there were questions from the students … and 20 hands were raised. Naturally this set off a series of movements from interpreters in the room to assist those that needed help in conveying their question(s) properly. The whole process was – well – powerful.

While the college football gameday unfolded, I was snapping images of what I saw, what I felt and the certainly the interaction of some very bright collge students. Herein are some images of the day. Enjoy.

Somewhere around mid-December (this year it’s on December 12th) visions of sugar plums turn into reality for 175 area underprivileged children as they are treated to a day of shopping, lunch, and a party with Santa. The magic begins with 175 children and volunteer chaperones boarding buses to be whisked away to K Mart on Broadway. Each child goes shopping for gifts of their choosing. Following the shopping spree, the children and chaperones are bused back to the Salvation Army Headquarters to enjoy lunch and a party in a festive atmosphere provided by vendors and sponsors of the Weigel’s Family Christmas. Before their special day concludes, Santa arrives to everyone’s delight. The Weigel’s Family Christmas is funded by both Weigel’s Convenience Stores and the proceeds from the annual golf outing.

I was a “worker” and photographer at this year’s event that hosted more that 140 golfers at River Island Golf Course. I’ve enclosed a few pictures herein from my day on the course. The overall event was a tremendous success – bolstered by sunshine, smiling support staff, lots of food and the contributions of many, many partners of Weigel’s. At the end of the day I was reminded that the event is all about the kids.

The 50 ft. Santa Cruz class “Tahoe Cruz” is new to the North Shore of Lake Tahoe. The cabin down below was complete with a galley, marine head and changing berth. Top deck, the Tahoe Cruz’s 12 foot beam and comfortable seating accommodates up to 25 people … and we had 25 folks enjoying the excursion. Sponsored by a great company, the sunset ‘cruz’ was a wonderful diversion from our meetings at the end of the day. Herein you’ll find me at the helm. I was permitted to sail her for a while – and even the captain was impressed with my knowledge and abilities. From this two hour experience I see a boat (smaller!) in my future.

Sure, we were in California/Nevada, but with a sunset on such blue water it felt like the Pacific. Aloha.

Although the mountain itself is not an impressive sight, the views from the summit are among the most spectacular of all the Tahoe Peaks, encompassing a broad swath of mountains from distant Lassen Peak to the North, nearby Castle Peak to the northwest, the peaks surrounding Lake Tahoe, and Round Top to the south. The peak offers superb views of South Lake Tahoe and the Truckee area immediately below. Although the peak can be easily hiked in a half day, we took most of the day. Long story but fun none the less. Enjoy the photos.

I bought this Brinkmann Longhorn Smoker Grill constructed of fully welded, 1/4 inch thick steel and heavy-duty hinged lids from Lowe’s about seven years ago. It’s got recessed lids to give an airtight fit – which keeps the heat and smoke inside. On the left of the firebox it has an adjustable air vent and on the right a smokestack damper that in combination allow me to regulate heat and smoke. What I really enjoy is the large firebox for longer cooking times that converts easily to a grill for cooking smaller meals.

This unit retailed at $1,700 and is no longer available. I’m thankful for my personal version (serial # 35282). I just finished smoking (then BBQ’ing) three pounds of filet, three chicken breasts and a large flank steak. These smoked selections will be enjoyed all week long. Smoke oneth.