Panepinto TIMES

Benny Wins Big in Central City

A Tribute

Benancio Rodriguez, Diannas father, passed away this April. Benny loved to have a good time and make people laugh, and he gave me many great memories.

My father in-laws smile is unforgettable. He smiled often. Like the time he was boasting that he had so many watches (because Poncho had given him so many.) Or, the times he would tease me about hiring me to work at Bennys Concrete for $1/hour. He especially enjoyed teasing me about being replaced at home in California by my brother in-law.

My favorite memories of my father in-law are gambling with him. He loved to win with a passion. Every holiday would find us playing poker and trying to pull a squeeze play on the weasel. My father in-law loved to gamble with me on football games. He knew how little I understood the game; so, he would cleverly plan to catch me when my guru wife wasnt around, to trap me into foolish wagers.

Rest in peace, Benancio Rodriguez.

Aspen Get-Away

Dianna and I spent a few days in Aspen with the Macklins and Forsbergs on Valentines Day weekend. We skied, snow-shoed, rode snowmobiles, ate wonderful meals and drank great wine. We stayed in a little cabin with a pot-belly stove. What a great time we had!

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1999 Moves Quickly

Paul found an extremely exciting start-up called Black Pearl Software and joined them in August (thanks to hours of counsel by John Gonzales and Mike Mooney.) What a thrill the job has been so far!

Black Pearl makes a reasoning engine that works very much like the human mind. The job has taken me to a Southern California movie studio and to Wall Street two of my favorite places. I have been able to learn all about NYC and love it.

Thanks Brad for showing me so much of the theatre district and fine restaurants. I have really enjoyed our treks in the city.

New Yorks skyline, Central Park, the various architectures, the late-night energy, the food, 6^th, 5^th, Madison, and Park Avenues, Time Square, SOHO, and so much more are a treat. The top of the World Trade Center is a must-see.

Martha

I gained a new appreciation for my sister in-law, a nurse who takes care of people in an unusually gifted way. I never imagined how difficult her job is until I observed her administering care.

Season's Greetings

Highlights of

Dinner with Sam and Howard a great time even though the Stones cancelled the concert. We called Leonard and got through to him.

Lunch with Brian at the Cheesecake Factory in Brentwood.

Skiing with Johnnie R. and Dick P. Great snow, warm without gloves, unbelievable fun.

Visit from John & Virginia, Tanquilino, Rick & Debbie and the kids. We missed you Maria.

Tranquilinos extended stay to help Benancio and Prisciliana. Maria, Rick & Debbie, Hector & Lulu, and all the family who so thoughtfully cared for the family as Benancio passed on to a better place. Saying thank you is not nearly enough.

Las Vegas with Kent. Only the ATMs were paying off at the Luxor. The Manhattan Express was great!

Aunt Phyllis birthday at the lake in Chico and all the visits to Mom and Dad, and Gary. Jason and Cris putting up with my frequent, unannounced visits. I need to do more par course circuits J.

Rick and Laura putting us up in Kauai the island where I proposed to Dianna. Big Guy, Nancy, Scooter, Horseshoe Jim and the rest. Golf with Rick, 4x4 full speed ahead, the drive through Waimea Canyon with Dianna, "napping", the 60 Cat sunset cruise, brunch at the Prince Hotel. Mike and Scooter with OJ and Vodka for the locals, what were they meeting about?

Viva Las Vegas at the Belagio. My mother in-law rolled the dice at the tables for me to win 4 bills. Dinner with Greg, Shell and Alex.

Meeting Eugene at the airport. He gave up his 1^st Class seat to sit with me in row 237, middle seat. Great to catch up with you.

Mom and Dad giving us a beautiful gazebo for our birthdays. Thanks Dad, Jason, Nic and Matt for assembling it. All of you made Diannas birthday party an event to remember. Colleen you have to come back to see the mountains. Mom, Dad, Jason, Cris, Debbie, Aunt Joyce and Matt thanks for making the trip to celebrate.

MM Day ride and Reggies 50^th B-day at their spectacular ranch.

Doug, Ros, Scott and Trevor visit this Summer. Non-stop laughter, Scott and Trevor million dollar smiles, hiring a locksmith to break-in to the Jeep that had a broken window, the rainy drive to the Buck Snort, Breckenridge, luge racing, tram to the top of Estes Park, oh-my-god rides at Elichs, Ocean Journey.

Seeing Sal, Brad, and Cathryn in NY. Thanks for taking Dianna and me to different neighborhoods.

Sam, Diane, Howard and Joy at Paul and Kays secluded mansion near Santa Cruz.

Being godparents to Michael Jr. Thanks Michael and Janna.

Visiting Joey, Geri, Joey Jr., and Dianna at their home in NJ. Thanks for remembering the devil dogs. Seeing Mario and Jackie and his family. Hope to see you again soon.

Seeing Barry in SF and in Denver. I enjoy our beer-inspired strategy sessions.

A brief visit with the Horn at Disney.

Seeing Kyle the day he was born. The pre-reunion party at the Dorans with the sleep-n-wear suit. Hey, that 70s show.

Happy Millennium

Cohiba, the most playful dog, turned 2 this year. He loves to play with Butchy, Sheeba, Sushi and Saki. Thanks Gogo for watching the dogs when Dianna and I have been traveling. Dianna and I have been loving the NYC skyline, theatre district, and restaurants.

Matt and I had some great adventures this summer, pushing the Bronco to its limit and rescuing it with Dick P. at midnight!

Luke and I hit the dog track. I won, but lost my Jeep to the Dukiest.

Blazing guitar playing on their prized Fender Strats by Gary and Marty at the Zato's palace in Chico; water-basketball with Anthony and Dominick, belly-flop dives with Columbo, seeing Sergio and Stacey, and Geri and Claudia.

Dianna prepared a feast for Thanksgiving. She arranged for over 30 people to celebrate with us. Thanks to all those who prepared meals and helped out.

Rick and Laura met us for a Thanks-giving tour of Manitou Springs and the Cave Dwellers. Sopapillas and the melon margarita at the Loop were great!

We look forward to a millennium celebration with family in CA and the usual New Years crowd in WA.

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