This will Make your Day!

INSTALLING A HUSBAND

Dear Tech Support,

Last year I upgraded from Boyfriend 5.0 to Husband 1.0 and noticed a distinct slow down in overall system performance, particularly in the flower and jewelry applications, which operated flawlessly under Boyfriend 5.0.

In addition, Husband 1.0 uninstalled many other valuable programs, such as Romance 9.5 and Personal Attention 6.5, and then installed undesirable programs such as

NBA 5.0,
NFL 3.0 and
Golf Clubs 4.1.

Conversation 8.0 no longer runs, and Housecleaning 2.6 simply crashes the system.

Please note that I have tried running Nagging 5.3 to fix these problems, but to no avail.

What can I do?

Signed,
Desperate.


Dear Desperate,

First, keep in mind,Boyfriend 5.0 is an Entertainment Package, while Husband 1.0 is an operating system.

Please enter command: ithoughtyoulovedme.html,

Then try to download Tears 6.2, and do not forget to install the Guilt 3.0 update.
If those applications work as designed, Husband 1.0 should then automatically run the applications Jewelry 2.0 and Flowers 3.5.

However, remember, overuse of the above application can cause Husband 1.0 to default to Grumpy Silence 2.5. Happy Hour 7.0, or Beer 6.1.
Please note that Beer 6.1 is a very bad program that will download the Snoring Loudly Beta.

Whatever you do, DO NOT under any circumstances install Mother-In-Law 1.0 (it runs a virus in the background that will eventually seize control of all your system resources.)

In addition, please do not attempt to reinstall the Boyfriend 5.0-program. This is an unsupported application and will crash Husband 1.0.

In summary, Husband 1.0 is a great program, but it does have limited memory and cannot learn new applications quickly.. You might consider buying additional software to improve memory and performance. We recommend
Cooking 3.0 and
Hot Lingerie 7.7.

Good Luck!
Tech Support

Bragging about my lawyer!

Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith General Liability Newsletter Fall 2010

GENERAL LIABILITY GROUP VICTORIES

San Bernardino partner Lawrence Rookhuyzen received a defense verdict in the Riverside Superior Court case Stilwell v Final (9/03/10). Plaintiffs' lawsuit alleging Assault, Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress and Trespass was retaliatory for our client's complaints to animal control that his neighbors were feeding dozens of cats who then used his backyard as their kitty litter box. The jury voted 12-0 in Defendant's favor. Mr. Rookhuyzen was able to obtain evidentiary rulings excluding plaintiff's expert witnesses, loss of earnings and a video tape that had not been shared.

San Bernardino partners Lawrence Rookhuyzen and Dean McVay and associate Manuel Sarmiento successfully defended an appeal from a 12-0 defense verdict in the SBSC case Camarata v Abbate claiming the trial court abused its discretion in granting a non-suit on the issue of assault, striking the testimony of plaintiff's child psychologist as to the ultimate fact, and allowing the defense expert to testify on issues of DNA and child sexual abuse. Oral argument was by Mr. Rookhuyzen. Plaintiff's Petition for Rehearing was denied.

On 8/5/10, San Bernardino Partner Lawrence S. Rookhuyzen received a defense verdict in the case of Yolanda Ochoa v Omnitrans, a public transit agency, tried before a jury in SBSC-Rancho Cucamonga. Ochoa, a bus passenger, was injured when a car pulled in front of the bus. Plaintiff's demand was $3.8 Million.

Los Angeles partner John Rea and San Bernardino partner Lawrence S. Rookhuyzen settled a wrongful death claim for $75,000 ($37,500 each to the decedent's divorced parents) in the consolidated Riverside Superior Court case Kazmark/Romero v Chappies Bar. The bar served the under aged [19] decedent, who later rear ended a parked mobile home, and died in the crash.

Saturday, September 11 in San Diego

Saturday, September 11, I drove to San Diego to spend the day with Morgan and family. We started the day with a trip to WalMart for ingredients to make two new versions of Chex Mix! One involved white chocolate...yum! Then we wen to Michael's for some yarn. While there, I also bought a foam kit to build a "farm." It looked fun and would give us something else to do with the children. That turned out to be one of the funnest things ever!

I have included photos of us doing it then the finished product.

We also went to the park to let the kids run around and to let the tortoises wander around. They have two tortoises now that belong to Steve, Morgan's husband. They are pretty fascinating to watch. They are moving into a house at the end of the month and management wanted to show the apartment. We had dinner at Hometown Buffet and had a good visit. I headed for home before 8:30 PM. It was a wonderful ten hours!

Trial Attorney wins big --twice!

Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith News…

“San Bernardino partner Larry Rookhuyzen obtained a 9-3 defense verdict this week after a 5 year case involving a bus accident in 2003. The bus was driving down the street when a car pulled out from a stop sign resulting in a T-bone. The plaintiff was one of the bus passengers. The adverse driver admitted she did not see the bus because her vision was obscured by cracked window tint. After settling her case with the adverse driver, the plaintiff continued her lawsuit against the bus company.

The case was tried in 2006, and the jury found that although the bus driver was negligent, the negligence was not the cause of the damage. The plaintiff filed (and was granted) a motion for a new trial.

The plaintiff had demanded $3.8M in 2006 and never dropped her demand. A year ago, an offer of $50,000 was made, but a week before the second trial all offers were revoked. After several days of jury deliberation the verdict came back 9-3 for the defense.”

The second trial involved a man (the plaintiff) feeding dozens of cats who then went next door to leave their “souvenirs.” The receiver of the souvenirs, the defendant, was less than thrilled with this can called the police and animal control who were not able to assist. Animal control finally gave him some traps and the defendant trapped 34 cats in less than three weeks. The Plaintiff had also set up a video camera in the defendant’s yard. The D threw it over the fence. P sued. Larry won this handily in only four days. Everyone asked why the D had not counter-sued. His answer: he just wasn't the law suit kind of guy!

Back to Camp!

Last weekend I had the chance to return to the girls camp in Big Bear where all my girls attended camp each summer for a week. I spent a lot of time up there, seven years as an adult leader and nine years as the camp cook. I put on three meals a day for a week for 200 girls and leaders! And it is one of the major highlights of my life! I loved being up in the mountains. I loved being with my girls even more.

The women's group in my church went up overnight for a "retreat." We slept in the bunks, ate our meals in the lodge, played games, listened to special speakers, stayed up late doing girl talk, made crafts and just had a blast.



Crafting













eating



setting up

IT'S OFFICIAL

Robert starts his new detective job Monday, Labor Day. I guess that is fitting.
Here he is with his new badge!

I believe I mentioned he will work M - F, 8 -5, with a clothing allowance and a car to take home.

You go, Rob!

My Own Personal Detective!

My son Robert was recently promoted to the rank of detective with the Washington County (Oregon) Sheriff's Department! He called us a few nights ago with the good news. There was quite a detailed selection process for this, including interviews, presentations and other tests. There were multiple applications so we are especially proud of this accomplishment.

He has been assigned to the child abuse unit, which investigates physical abuse cases and sexual assault cases. (Ugh!) His pay will stay the same but he will get a take-home car and a clothing allowance.

He will switch from swing to day shift and enjoy a normal Monday through Friday schedule. He starts the new assignment in September.

I have never had my own personal detective before!

Car Woes

I forgot to mention that, on our way up to Salt Lake City for Brenda's graduation, the Kia Sorento that has 100,00+ miles on it, developed an awful sound. We stopped in Beaver UT and the mechanic said the case bearings around the drive shaft needed replacing. Thought we could get to SLC OK. So we limped another 200 miles arriving at our long-time friends, the Ethingtons.

Bryan is the controller or something for three area family-owned dealerships. He took Larry (and the Sorento) down first thing Saturday morning and the Mitsubishi service could see it quickest. He also rented us a beautiful huge SUV for $25 a day. Went to the graduation, had a nice day with the fam.

Larry and Morgan rented a second car Sunday night so they'd be able to get home on time for work Monday. I had to stay until the car was fixed and drive home by myself. Don't ever rent a car one-way unless you absolutely have to. It cost us $260+ for 24 hours! Unfortunately for Larry, Morgan was sick all the way and he also had to drive the 700 miles solo--and help care for the kids!

I hung out Sunday with my friends. I hung out Monday with my friends. Monday night I got the call saying they had the car ready. We picked it up at closing that night and they told me it would make it home but it also needed work on the actual drive shaft as it was bent. Advised me not to ignore it for long. Great. I wondered later why they didn't just call me and get authorization to do the drive shaft, also?

I left SLC bright and early Tuesday morning. It ended up being kind of fun driving alone--the first 500 miles! I could play my CDs as loud as I wanted, NO talk radio, the temp was on high refrige...awesome! I stopped where and when I wanted, once getting out in the Gorge area between NV and into AZ to take photos of Joshua Trees. You don't need to say it, I know. I have no idea why--but I LOVE Joshua Trees! I really do. Something about them eeking out an existence in the bare desert....anyway I included one for your enjoyment.

I was on the road almost 12 hours. Boy, way I glad to get home!

A New "Master" in the Family

My CA pink-slipped school teacher daughter, Brenda, received her Masters degree in Special Education last weekend from Western Governor's University, an online post graduate college.

Larry and I traveled with Morgan and the kids to Utah for the event. Robert also came down from Portland to help celebrate. The graduation ceremony was held on the University of Utah campus, Kingsbury Hall. They had 1200 graduates from around the nation; thankfully, only about 10% attended in person!

After the ceremony, they hosted a wonderful luncheon outdoors on the grounds of the college. It was a very nice event. If you are interested in watching a short video, let me know and I will send it to you.
















Brenda had a very good mentor...






When Brenda was pink-slipped, she decided she'd use the time off to further her education and hopefully cement her ability to get a teaching job in the process. Unfortunately, things didn't quite work out that way. She never was hired on as a teacher again and has now moved to Vermont where she got a job as 5/6 combination teacher with 12 students AND a full-time aide. At least some states know the importance of education and her abilities will be put to good use. Her husband has been in VT the last month where he was able to get hired as am engineer for the local telephone company.

California's loss was Vermont's gain.

I will miss her terribly.

The Ride Along with Washington County's Finest

Of course, during my trip to Portland, I had to do a ride along with one of Washington County' finest, my son, Corporal Robert Rookhuyzen! He switched his usual graveyard shift to one through which I could be conscious, noon to 10 PM. (My last ride along, graveyard shift, I was only partially conscious the final 4 hours!)

Rob's car was outfitted with a dandy computer that kept him going all shift! I have long considered myself to be a good multi-tasker but he put me to shame. He often had the radio, dispatches and his walkie talkie thing going simultaneously--and was communicating on
all three! Yes, this was done often while driving! We responded to several interesting calls:
1. picking up evidence from the scene of a month-long dead body that had been overlooked the night before. We both thought how sad it was that no one had missed this woman for 30+ days! He asked if i wanted to come in with him--duh! The smell was unbelievable. I guess maintenance had been in that morning to see if they needed to replace the carpet! They will need to replace the floor! There was lot of gooey human left behind.

2. We also responded to what they called Sex Abuse incident (the fourth in a month and the second that day) at the world campus of Nike, wherein a man riding a red bike rode up behind women joggers and grabbed their crotches--then riding placidly away! Of course all the women were using their iPods at the time so they had no forewarning of anything. Scary!

As a result of that call and interviews of victims, the Commander put Rob t in charge of a "mission," their term for a 3-day undercover op to catch the perv. He made many calls and wrote reports in prep for the op which would take place the next three days at a variety of hours. (Unfortunately, the perp never showed.)

I also got to watch a "lay down." This is where a photo lay out was presented to witnesses (at their place of employment or wherever) of a drunk driver who left the scene of the crime. In separate "lay downs," both witnesses immediately picked out the driver. Hopefully another drunk driver bites the dust! It was her fourth DUI!
















Being a corporal, Rob gets to choose the calls to which he will respond. He pulled over one driver with expired tags (I don't know how he sees what he sees and runs plates while driving!!) and no insurance. The poor man who was driving his boss's truck, left with a very hefty ticket.

I am old and cannot recall everything we did but it was great fun as always. Robert told me every city/county police force welcomes ride alongs from citizens. He says he often checks the board before going out on patrol to see if there is anyone waiting to go. He likes showing what the police do for better citizen understanding from the public. So...check it out!!

I am so proud of him for what he does, each and every day. I always enjoy these outings!

Travels to Portland

I recently traveled to Portland to visit my son and to attend my twin sister's only son's wedding. It turned into a family reunion as all my sibs came: Butch from Reno; Linda from VA; Judy from WA; and me from CA. GREAT FUN! We are a gaming family and many games such as Boggle, Sequence, Canasta, dice, etc. were played, often into the wee hours into the night.

Weddings bring great food and this was no exception. We attended the rehearsal dinner at Amalfi's, a delicious Italian restaurant. Kim was a outstanding hostess and planned delicious meals. She also had inflatable beds for overflow guests of which I was one. Her best plan by far was the day of the wedding. The five sisters (we adopted our sister-in-law years ago) ate breakfast out with the whole group, then we split off to go to a nail salon for mani's. Kim, Linda and I also had our eyebrows done. It was a first for both Kim and Linda. I heard several loud "Ouch's!" from the back room!

Then home, where Kim's personal hairdresser made a gigantic house call and did all our hair in the kitchen. Here is a photo of me and my sis! Can you tell which is which???

I























The wedding was held outdoors at a local college's Rhododendron garden. We had our own lake. The only negative was that Portland was in the grip of a terrible heat/humidity wave and we melted most of the day but our joy was not impinged upon. We just enjoyed it through our sweat!

It was a wonderful wedding and a wonder family reunion.

Funeral Trip to Utah

Morgan, Brenda and all the kids took the quick trip to Utah with me to attend my dear mother-in-law's funeral last Monday. Robert drove down to attend, also.
















As usual, in my family, funerals are wonderful family reunions...and this one was no different.


My kids connected with cousins not seen for years. All of Larry's seven brothers and sisters were there with all their kids. I think we counted 85 total family members!

The service was very nice. It was a hot day in Ogden and we sweated! Larry booked usinto the local Motel 6 and the kids took advantage of their nice pool.

All in all, it was a sad occasion with periods of great reuniting with family members.

Larry's Beloved Mother Dies

On Wednesday, June 23, 2010, Larry's mom died. She bore and raised eight children: Eileen, Larry, Marilyn, Mark, Paul, Nancy, David and Karen. She is survived by her husband, Sid, who lovingly devoted the last 10 years to caring for her.

Her funeral and memorial service will be held in Ogden, Utah, Monday June 28, 2010, and she will be buried in Ogden. She was 87 years old.

Larry's mom, Elva, was always so kind to me. I came to the family a young divorced mother with a small child, Jennifer. Elva was solely responsible for many happy Christmases during law school years when we had practically nothing. She made sure the kids had gifts and treats and we had a place to spend holidays.

It has been a singular privilege to have this dear woman as my mother in law. I will miss her greatly.

San Diego County Fair in Del Mar

Morgan invited Brenda and I to join her at the San Diego County Fair in Del Mar--and we accepted! It was a nice day, not too hot. There were a million other people there but we still had fun!





The kids got to ride a few rides, we ate more than a few things we probably shouldn't have and just had a grand time together.

We got to see a free concert while we were there, for just the price of admission: Switchfoot. They were fabulous!

Thanks for the invite, Morgan!!

Memorial Day Follies

Brenda came up with what ended up being a great unique idea for memorial Day festivities. We went to Lake Perris and rented a "luxury" pontoon boat for 3 hours. The guys went golfing and we went to the water.

Brenda got us out of the dock area then I took over the driving! Call my Kaptain Kay! We rode around the lake, stopped on the island for a while and let the kids play in the water. Everyone wore their life jackets like good little sailors. Kent wasn't too happy getting on the boat but, when it time to turn it in, he was pretty sad it was all over!

The girls had to find big rock to use as our anchor on the island. Good thing they are young and strong!

We had a family barbecue at Brenda's afterwards. Grilled ribs, brats, kielbasa and wings plus all the trimmings! Brenda had a good friend who had no plans. Her husband is deployed in Iraq so we felt privileged to have her with us. It was a great day.

Larry Turns the big 6-1

We all knew it was coming. May 17th. Larry turned 61 with a bit of fanfare and a nice family gathering. He played golf with Dan in the morning, we had a nice family dinner at our house that evening.




I made a chocolate-chocolate cake and we had the traditional singing. He blew out his candles and opened a few gifts.

Morgan and the kids joined us for the occasion.

THE CRUISE NEWS

We went on a short 5-day cruise the first part of May. We drove down to San Diego and boarded beautiful Holland America's Oosterdam, affectionately known as one of those "dam" ships. We joined up with Rob an hour or so later.. He had come in with a huge a huge group from Seattle. We enjoyed a wonderful lunch then set off north!




We had good days at sea and choppy. When it was choppy and cold and windy, they locked the doors and wouldn't let us out on deck. Good thing we had plenty to do.

We went to the art auction both days. I fell in love with a Charlene Mitchel water color. The next day it was offered again. Rob asked me if I still liked it. I responded with an enthusiastic yes. He bid and bought it. Isn't it gorgeous??? Quite the Mother's Day gift! Thanks, son!

The other days went by swiftly. We had a couple very choppy days at sea where I verified what I had long suspected: I do indeed have a cast iron stomach! Larry was very queasy a few times but his discomfort never involved either method of food removal from the body!

I was a bit annoyed because they shut us off from the outdoors...we couldn't even walk the decks! It was a sight to behold, the seas and the waves. I loved it. They even closed the curtains in the dining rooms so as not to alarm people, I guess.

Each night we went to the main show. There were a few Dutch officers on board; also dozens or more Indonesians as room stewards, etc. Larry spoke to one the night before we docked in beautiful Victoria and arranged for a room service meal of Bami Goreng and all the trimmings! We were so excited and hoped no one would forget.

We spent a partial-day only in Victoria, deciding to spent the time touring the lovely Butchert Gardens of which we had heard so much. It took a while getting there involving various forms of public and private transportation and money exchanged hands. IT WAS WORTH IT. Here are a few photos:

It was acres and acres of gorgeous, master-planned flower beds, lots of tulips, my favorite. I experimented with my camera and got literally hundreds of photos, close-ups, etc. Yay!
















The day was beautiful weather, too; people told us the day before had been blustery and cold. It was sunny and bright but cool.

When we returned to the ship before 8:00 PM, we only waited a few minutes in the stateroom before our Indo meal arrived. OMG!! YUM!

We went to another show that night then I watched Rob play Roulette for a while. He and I also attended the very late Indonesian Crew Show. Late bedtime that night!






Here is photo from the Formal Dinner night. We attended a cocktail party thrown by the company through Rob booked the cruise, Travel with Alan.

The next we disembarked in Vancouver and began the hours-long ordeal of getting on tour buses and making our way back to the U.S of A. Going through the border proved exasperating. we waited in the bus line for hours!

The wait proved fatal for several people's chances of catching return flights, including Rob's! He missed his but was able to go stand-by only an hour later and get to work on time.

Larry and I made ours with 20 minutes to spare, which was good as none of us had eaten anything since breakfast aboard the ship! We grabbed a burger in the airport. It was good to get back to Southern California. Our friends picked us and we made it home before midnight. It was a great short vacation. Thanks, Rob, for inviting us, for taking care of all arrangements, etc. I love a good cruise!