Outdoors with Don Q: Selected memories from 2014

As I look forward to the year of 2015 with high expectations, hopes and dreams, this is a good time to reflect back on some selected personal memories from the rapidly ending year of 2014.
Here are my top memories of this year, ranging all the way from right here in our very own Carson City to two islands in faraway Hawaii.

Celebrating two birthdays in Hawaii:
We celebrated Elaine's and my son Jim's birthdays in Hawaii in late February-early March on the Islands of Oahu and Kauai. Our personal favorite was Kauai with its spectacular ocean and island scenery.

Deer eating our flowers and vegetables:
We were very proud of our new flower beds with their colorful varieties, until deer discovered all of the tasty goodies in them. They ate the flowers and wiped out Elaine's tomato patch. She said some very nasty words!

Eye-popping water bill:
Expecting a normal bill of $40-45 for April, we were dumbfounded by a bill for almost $250. When we questioned the amount, we were told perhaps we had a leaky toilet. No such thing, but we still had to pay the full amount.

Expensive costs in Honolulu:
If you plan to visit Honolulu, have lots of money, have lots of money!
Here are two examples: Breakfast for four was $101 (coffee was $4.50 per person!) and dinner for four was $271.71. Hawaii is not cheap!

Favorite afternoon cocktail location:
Our front porch was an ideal location on warm weather days for a leisurely afternoon cocktail beginning at 4:00 p.m. We had all kinds of relatives, neighbors and friends join us for tasty munchies and drinks.

Favorite waiter:
If you go to Bodine's for breakfast or lunch, ask to be seated in "Michael's" section. In addition to the great food, Michael is one of the most personable and friendliest waiters you will ever meet. Remember: Ask for Michael!

"Fishing The California Alps":
Each year, I write articles with photos by Elaine for this annual publication, and each year, it is a "Ton of Fun" to do so. Gloria Washam of Woodfords, California is the publisher and she is delightful to work for.

Flying First Class to Honolulu:
When we flew to Honolulu in late February with my son and daughter-in-law, Jim & Kathi had arranged for Elaine and I to fly first-class with them, as a surprise for me. It was my first time and now, I'm spoiled forever.

Outdoor Editor for Carson Now:
I have been writing weekly articles (together with Elaine's photos) for that Internet website for four years; and working with Jeff Munson and Kirk Caraway is a great experience, week in and week out. They are the best!

Skyping with our good friend, Barry Drury:
Barry and Susan Drury live in Watson Lake, Yukon, Canada, and Barry and I Skype with one another on an almost daily basis. I love to tease him about their nasty northern weather and he loves to tease me about everything. 


Spectacular views:
On a recent deer hunting scouting trip, we drove to near the top of Genoa Peak (9,000+ elevation) and had spectacular views of the entire length and width of Lake Tahoe plus the big peaks to the south. Unforgettable!

Surprise of all surprises:
Our good friends, Barry and Susan Drury conspired with Elaine to surprise me for my birthday in May. Their arrival in Carson City was the last thing I ever expected. I was totally blown away by their appearance but delighted.

Tummy filling dinner:
The roast turkey dinner at Bodine's. It includes large pieces of sliced turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, dressing and cranberry sauce. You have to be a HUGE eater to polish off that meal. Elaine and I share one dinner.

Virginia Lakes Resort:
If you get the chance next year, rent Cabin No. 07. It is very comfortable for two persons, has an awesome view of Little Virginia Lake and the mule deer (more than one!) will come to visit you, each and every day.

Weirdest sight:
The hands-down 2014 winner is the lady who walked past our cabin at the Virginia Lakes Resort, while pushing a baby carriage. In the carriage was not a child but a Toy Collie dog! I told Elaine, "I think I need a drink!"

Finally:
I hope that you have as many pleasant memories of the year 2014 as I have.
It has been a great year and I hope that 2015 will be even better.

Bet Your Favorite Pigeon
Bet your favorite pigeon that he can’t tell you which of the above memories was the very best of the year.
If he grins and says, “Don will tell you that his best memory for 2014 was all of the memories listed above," he is either a relative or a close friend of ours.

— Don Quilici is the Outdoor editor of Carson Now. Don's wife, Elaine, is the Outdoor photographer. They live in Carson City and can be reached at donquilici@hotmail.com.