Spring in Winter

La Jolla, CA
Hello Friends,

Today, Wednesday January 12th, the sun was shining, not a cloud in the sky and a cool breeze was coming in from the ocean. The natives wore a light jacket and we could hear conversations about how chilly these 60 degree days are. We are truly lucky to be in such nice weather right now. I just read an article about how there is snow in forty nine out of the fifty United States (Matt reading a weather article? No...). I have even been hearing about other MCT teams, some of them brand new, who are having snow days after snow days and are missing rehearsals. I definitely can not complain.

For those of you bracing for yet another bout of winter weather, I end with two pictures of the wonderful sunsets I have been experiencing these past few days taken at Bird Rock. Enjoy!




The Adventure Continues - ML

Lovely La Jolla

La Jolla, CA
Hello Friends!

Yesterday we bid a fond farewell to little Hilmar. We had great performances that were attended by over 300! Not bad for a town of 3,000. A big thank you to Rod and Norma who took us to dinner after the show. We really enjoyed Cool Hand Luke's! We also received a Hilmar cheese gift box - AWESOME!

The drive to La Jolla was 7.5 hours. It took us over the Tejon pass right before LA and things were pretty good. No bad traffic to speak of, though we were plagued once again horrible fog until we began our descent into the City of Angels.

La Jolla is gorgeous! Located just north north of downtown San Diego, this hip, funky little berg is awesome! I just got back from a 10AM stroll in 65 degree sun around the neighborhood I am staying in (this place is definitely out of my tax bracket...) Not far from where I am staying is a place called Bird Rock. As a matter of fact it was only a two minute walk for me to get this picture from where I am staying. I can even hear the ocean at night as I sleep.

I am also lucky to be near my very good friends from Portland who are now in La Jolla at UCSD Mary and Nathon this week and I will be spending a lot of time with them as well as many adventures over the next two weeks. TWO WEEKS?! - you may say. Yes our next week canceled so while Shawna flies away to visit her beau in Spokane I will stay in lovely San Diego next week and take in many adventures.

For now I hope you enjoy these pictures of my home this week and of Bird Rock!

The Adventure Continues - ML

Hilmar Cheese

Hilmar, CA
Hello Friends,

Who says there is nothing to do in Hilamr! Yesterday Shawna and I took in what is probably the reason for Hilamr still being a town, I speak of course of the largest employer of the town and the reason for the aromatic "farm" smell that stings our eyes everyday, yes we went and toured The Hilmar Cheese Company.

This place was great. While it wasn't a huge facility, there was a lot to do. First we ate at their cafe which boasted a bevy of very tasty treats. I opted for a small Italian sub paired with their renowned cheese chowder. The soup was so-so, cheesy but not with much flavor. Still I ate it all. The cafe also had free samples of Hilmar cheese. The cheese curds were the run away favorite and the habanero cheddar was pretty good too. Now I am going to be a bit of an Oregon snob here, but I have to admit, I think Tillamook cheese is better. Then again I think my Northwest bias may have something to do with that... Still it is nice cheese and if I was given a platter as a gift I would gobble it down.

After lunch was had we headed upstairs for the "How we make cheese" exhibit. It was not too big, but it was free and the photo opportunities were amazing. It is never a good thing to give tour actors costumes to try on, even if they are meant for children.

Just so you know that all the pictures I post on the blog can be seen larger if you click on them. May your cheese be tasty and firm!

The Adventure Continues - ML

Bronner's CHRISTmas World

Hilmar, CA
Hello Friends,

I had many adventures this past holiday season and one of them was a trip to the largest Christmas store in the world, Bronner's CHRISTmas World. Located in Frankenmuth, MI (a lovely Bavarian town located in eastern Michigan). This massive store is equal parts amazing and terrifying. I must confess that I have been here before as it is only about an hour or so south of Pigeon, MI and is one of the few MUST DO activities in the greater thumb area and therefore is required when you first visit Pigeon. Still it is sort of like a new experience every time you go. Why? Because this place is HUGE!

I kid you not. If you take two Super Walmarts and put them together you are getting close to how big this place is. The thing that makes it especially disorientating are the low ceilings and rows upon rows of Christmas decorations that all sort of blend together after awhile. I am a person who does not get lost easily, but even I found myself turned around within the first few moments.

Why is it amazing? Well you can't help but be in awe of the extraordinary amount of Christmas cheer this locations exudes. You get a little giddy at all the shiny and sparkle babbles that hang around and even if you visited it in the middle of July you too would long for December 25th to roll around. (Also the photo ops are AMAZING!)

Why is it terrifying? Well like everything in life all things healthy come in moderation, and moderation is something not even considered at Bronner's. The place is overwhelming.

Regardless of the date or holiday Bronner's is a must see for any road warrior. Give yourself at least an hour to wonder this holiday maze and don't be surprised if you hum a Christmas tune upon your departure. Thanks Mom for taking me here and taking all these goofy pictures!

The Adventure Continues - ML

The Drive South

Hilmar, CA
Hello Friends!

Saturday and Sunday Shawna and I shotgunned down I-5 to get to Central California for our first residency of the Winter/Spring Tour. We were very lucky that the weather held and it was a gorgeous drive over the many passes in Southern Oregon and Northern California. Sadly I can't say the same for other MCT Teams as I read facebook updates of TAD's trapped in the Dakotas due to the interstates being closed. Thankfully it sounds as if everyone has made it safe and sound.

The highway at the Oregon and California border take you to the highest peak on I-5, the Siskiyou Summit of 4310 ft! The road was bare and clear though snow abounded. Would hate to chain drive that pass. Stopped for a scenic shot of Mt. Shasta that remains in you sight for about 2 hours after you first see on I-5, it is a big mountain.

We arrived at Turlock (about 8 miles away from Hilmar) and had a great Mexican dinner with our homestay. While it really wasn't Daring Dining material I will share that my green chili enchaldas were devine.

This week Shawna and I are staying on the Stevinson Ranch Golf Club in little cottages. They are prefab little houses with a separate bedroom and living/kitchen area as well as a full bath. We each have our own (I am 105) and they recently acquired wifi!

Well it is audition time. K-5 this week with Saturday shows and no workshops so this will be a nice way to get back in the groove.

The Adventure Continues ~ ML

Vest Quest ~ Portland

Portland, OR
Hello Friends,

So in addition to Daring Dining there will be another semi regular addition to the blog - Vest Quest. So what in the world is it? Well here's the deal. My wonderful Mother thought that this denim/wool vest would be grand for me. As you can see its not really a Matt thing. So she tried to give it to her Son-in-law who in turn tried to give it to his son.

Well when Christmas came around this year my Sister got a hold of said vest and I have found it once again in my possession. So what should I do with it? Easy. Put it on as many people as possible in weird positions and post the photos on the Compass Rose.

It is with great pleasure that my good friend Arran Robertson is the first to model the vest and even with a prop (his idea!).



Where and who will the vest quest find next? We will just have to wait and see...

The Adventure Continues - ML

2011 is here!

Portland, OR
Happy New Year Friends!

That's right I cam coming to you from the tail end of a "ninja" visit to t Portland, OR that lasted less then 24 hours yet it was great to ring in the New Year in the Rose City. Pictured is me having a New Year tiki drink at Midnight, oh Portland...

I have been inspired by my Tour Partner Shawna to actually attempt so New Years resolution. Why? Well all last year Shawna swore off coffee and made it and I am quite proud of her and she has inspired me to try some of my own. The best way to keep me honest about them is to post them publicly that way I can be held responsible for them. So here they are, my resolutions-

1. Jog 10 miles a week
2. Be MUCH better about acknowledging family and friends birthdays and annivereries
3. Be productive and do not procrastinate
4. Stop having late night snacks
5. Blog at least 3 times a week

I know these are pretty generic but I want these in my life. So heres to a great 2011! I know it is going to be grand. Next stop, Hilmar, CA!

The Adventure Continues - ML