surfer bob

First Trip 2012

2012-01-26T19:04:00.002-06:00

Bone marrow Bob was off to Nashville. Granted he has been there before and always ends up on music row. Mainly because the souvenirs are so tacky. Souvenirs are pretty bad where ever you go, Paris, the Vatican, Branson, Mo., but this beats all. I can understand shot glasses,guitar picks or bottle openers in the shape of a guitar, but who is the genius that came up with flyswatters?! They have them everywhere, in every color. this batch is from the Country Music Hall of Fame as you can see. Since he had time to kill Surfer Bob toured the CMHF. He enjoyed seeing all the guitars. Most of them were Martins which Bob has a soft spot for. His first guitar was a Martin 0018 like this vintage model here. The outfits by Nudie where really great too.
I think I've said this before but Nashville has great food and its not all biscuits and grits. Venture off music row to find quality cuisine.

Holiday

2012-01-18T21:21:00.003-06:00

If you plan to fly west hope the air is clear. Like 30,000 ft above the Grand Canyon. Yosemite was beautiful at Christmas time. No snow but that way Surfer Bob didn't have to trade in his surfboard for skies. Here is his poor man's tribute to Ansel Adams "El Capitan".

Buenos Aires

2011-10-17T19:30:00.003-05:00

Ah, Argentina! What to do, what to do after the product is delivered. Wine ,tango, beef, Evita.
The biggest tourist attraction is probably the Recoleta Cemetery. Why, not because it is huge and beautiful, also called the city of angels or the city of cats, but because Evita is buried there. Bob got there before the Japanese descended upon it. Outside the cemetery is an enormous fig tree, another famous attraction. Surfer Bob is a wine lover so he went to a tasting in Palermo Soho and made many new friends. He was the life of the party! Next stop ... La Boca. Truly a tourist trap but very colorful. Here Surfer Bob could indulge is massive plates of beef and tango. A great time was had by all.

Stanford

2011-09-05T12:52:00.003-05:00

Since it is still hot in Texas, Bone Marrow Bob jetted off to Stanford for a delivery. Ah Stanford, that bastion of brainiacs, the nucleus of West coast stem cell research, a cutting edge cancer center, and BMB was in the thick of it. Stanford is a beautiful campus with a most amazing chapel. Leland spared no expense on the construction. BMB marveled at the hallowed halls of higher learning and made a few friends along the way.

R and R in Scandinavia

2011-09-05T12:31:00.001-05:00

Surfer Bob likes to escape the summer heat. This August he found himself in St Petersburg and Norway among other places. In Russia he toured many palaces. He really wanted to sit on Catherine the Great's throne. His tour guide, Irena, took a shine to Bob and tried to help with his request but this is a close as he got. In the galleries of the Hermitage, Surfer Bob was overwhelmed by the collection and the size of this Matisse.

The fjords and waterfalls and glaciers were pure eye candy and the cool weather was nice too. He couldn't resist getting his picture made in front of a glacier while friends back home were wilting in 107* heat.

Nashville Cats

2011-06-24T20:25:00.002-05:00

So Bone marrow Bob has been on the go in June. Dwayne begged to go to Music City. Its as close as he can get to Graceland for now. Music Row was a hoot! Dwayne recorded a song while Surfer Bob ate BBQ. Then there was a little jam session followed by a lot of bourbon. If you look closely you can see that Dwayne's dye job is not so good.

Any foodies out there in blog land take note of Virago and City House. After all that jammin' the boys were hungry!

Cleveland

2011-06-11T19:52:00.003-05:00

Has Bob been demoted? No, no,no. Bone Marrow Bob goes where ever he is called to. The question is...how come such a large airport has such small planes?

London Redeemed

2011-06-07T20:27:00.006-05:00

So, Bone Marrow Bob had a return trip to London and his official photographer made sure not to loose the pics. Somehow a couple were still lost, but, never mind. I guess the photographer needs to go back to school. I digress, Surfer Bob's cousin Dwayne tagged along. He fancies himself as an Elvis impersonator but we don't talk about that. It was 2 for 1 happy hour at the Slug and Lettuce. Dwayne has always wanted to see Big Ben but Surfer Bob went on his own to the British Museum. Dwayne's not much into culture, however they both stopped to smell the roses. Bob had his picture taken on the first trip waving from the balcony of Buckingham Palace before the royals did it the next week. This is as close as he got this time around.

Bob is Shunned in London

2011-04-24T19:29:00.002-05:00

Bone Marrow Bob traveled to jolly olde England to deliver product. He was most excited to be going while the Royal wedding hullabaloo was going on. He thought, perhaps, he could snag an invite to the wedding of the decade. But no!!! Misfortune reined on our surfer dude. Not only did he not get an invite, no one will ever know he was there because although he was spotted in the West End, at Harrods, Parliament, among other sights, his official photographer inadvertently erased all the photos. What you see here are photos taken from another camera( and believe me the lost photos were ALOT better). The tacky royal window is from the Westminster gift shop. The gardens were in full bloom and gorgeous. The Union Jack was flying everywhere. If you note the green tent in the background, that is for media. Scaffolding was everywhere. NBC has set up shop in Trafalger Square. Did I mention Lulu's house was on the way to the hospital?

Kansas City

2011-03-20T17:35:00.003-05:00

Bone Marrow Bob made some new friends on his turn around trip to Kansas City. For all the dissing he does on the TSA. they are usually supportive of his mission. Officer Martinez wanted his picture taken in front of the "Best TSA Station at DFW"after he patted down Bob. The photographer inadvertently cut off the accolade. BMB was met at the airport by Thomas in the Super Shuttle. Its the next best thing to a limo. Finally, Dean met him in the lobby of the hospital to make the exchange. Everyone was thrilled to get to know Bob

NYC @ Christmas time

2010-12-22T21:10:00.005-06:00

So BMB was on a mission but it happened at an auspicious time, John and Leslie's 30th anniversary, so he brought them along. It was frigid in the city but that didn't stop Bob from joining the masses at Rockefeller Center's Christmas tree.Bob is always one for an iconic pic. Oh look! Where am I? Remember Surfer Bob's penchant for art. Dinner was at Picholine, a fine French restaurant with fine waiters.The fromager* has a peculiar odor. Surfer Bob never fails to make friends with the wait staff anywhere he goes. Reoccurring themes in Bob's travels are food, art, friends, and surf(see previous post). Life is good for a little man in a red suit!

*stinky cheese man

R and R

2010-12-22T21:07:00.003-06:00

Bob went surfing with the fishes. He must have scared them all away when this picture was shot.

Surfin' in the BVIs 'nuf said.

I'm going to Graceland

2010-11-20T19:25:00.003-06:00

So BoneMarrowBob checked a couple of places off his bucket list. First off was a delivery to St Judes, founded by Danny Thomas and if you didn't know that its all over the place. Bob has been to many of the elite research centers but this is his first drop at the famous St Judes. Ohhh... watch out for the radiation machine, Bob!!

Next day was reserved for sight seeing. Stax Museum was amazing! I didn't have time to see the Sun, but maybe next time.

Bucket list No. 2

Graceland! I don't know why. I guess its one icon meets another. It was everything and more Surfer Bob had dreamed of. He had chills running up his spine( put a wet suit on) How about that jungle room? I love the gold suit. I'm walking in Memphis.

San Antone

2010-10-12T16:30:00.003-05:00

Bone Marrow Bob had a spur of the moment delivery to San Antonio last week. He likes those down and back trips especially when he can see his able bodied assistant, Callie. Photos are often a challenge for BMB. He could have chosen an iconic shot in front of the Alamo(not sure if Surfer Bob has not done that before, I'll have to check the archives). Oh no, it was much more fun seeing the winning pushcart from the pushcart derby.Too bad he couldn't take a spin in the cart.

Chicago

2010-09-27T19:42:00.002-05:00

Bob's a ramblin' man. Before he could recover fully from jet lag, Bone Marrow Bob was in the air again. This time, back to Chicago. Always a good time but no pictures because he was travelin' light.He enjoyed the evening with old friends and art openings and the food film fest.The next day was spent trying to navigate around the slower runners in the race for the cure that had all the streets(important ones, anyway) closed. How is a Surfer dude supposed to get to the Art Institute? Fall is in the air from Chicago to Ft Worth and it happened over night.

The Hills are Alive

2010-09-27T19:09:00.004-05:00

Surfer Bob took some time off from marrow runs to enjoy a hiking trip in Bavaria and Tyrol. I would like to say it was for R and R but hiking 6 hours a day does not constitute as rest. Fun never the less and he did not have to exert himself if he didn't want to. Some days he took easier hikes than climbing straight up 3000 feet. After such climbs, Bob was rewarded at Das Kransbach with its many saunas and heated pools. The breakfast buffet was one of the all time greats! The views were straight out of "The Sound Of Music" and it was hard to keep from bursting into song while twirling around the hidden valleys and meadows. Use your imagination.

M-I-A-M-i

2010-09-02T21:45:00.002-05:00

I will take the Miami marrow any day. Life is a day at the beach. Catch a wave and you're sittin on top of the world. Me and Julio down by Ocean Drive. Ok enough with the cliches and word play on song lyrics. What better way to spend the last days of summer. The marrow was delivered time for a mojito and the beach. My new best friend, Julio, mixes a nice mint libation. Surfer Bob was a happy camper.

Salamanca Spain

2010-07-01T16:00:00.003-05:00

Bone Marrow Bob was thrilled to go back to Spain and its so much fun to say" SalaMANca". Salamanca is a beautiful old city a little northeast of Madrid. It's a UNESCO site which means its well preserved. This incredible Gothic and Romanesque cathedral was the view from the hotel. ASCOL is not where the product was delivered but was right across the Roman foot bridge and in front of the cathedral. Basically, I liked the sign. After seeing the sights in Salamanca, Bob stopped in Avila on the way to Madrid. Avila is also a UNESCO site. It is a walled city with most of the wall still standing. It is possible to walk on the wall and imagine what it was like to guard the city 500 or so years ago.
Onto Madrid. What's a surfer dude to do but head to the closest guitar shop. Ramirez guitars are some of the finest guitars in the world and Bob was gaurenteed a fabulous guitar to tickle his fingers. Top that off with tapas and sangria and you have a near perfect few hours in the Spanish capital.

Cincinnati,Sin-cinnati

2010-06-10T21:11:00.003-05:00

Ever wonder what marrow looks like? This is the lab right before i almost got locked in the stairwell. Long story but better getting locked in after I delivered the product than after.

Any questions?

What can I say about Sin-cinnati. I've been there twice for a total of 8 hours. No reason to hang around. It is a beautiful old city and has industry that keeps it going. Proctor and Gamble come to mind. They can rule Wall Street and the Gulf. Dawn, my friends, is the safest, bestest cleanser of pelicans and dishes and everything in between.

Finally!

2010-04-17T17:31:00.003-05:00

Bone Marrow Bob got his first courier trip of the year. He was antsy to get on the road again. Destination - Portland, Oregon Portland is not one of Bob's favorite cities but he found a few things to like. First, its all about the food. Only in Portland would they come up with Hillbilly Bento. There is some exceptional food in this city. The oysters are fresh as they come and slide down easy with home brewed Dead Guy Lager. Other things to like about Portland - free metro, no sales tax and great shopping. You don't even have to leave the airport to find beautiful art that Portland is known for. Did I mention no sales tax? Austin's airport has got nothing on PDX. They have live music and pretty good food.

It was a quick trip as usual. As Bob was headed toward his car to go home he spied the 4:20 to Frankfurt(a flight he often takes). He was glad he was not on it since the Iceland volcano had erupted. That plane might still be flying around somewhere.

Italy in February

2010-03-16T12:41:00.007-05:00

Its been a long dry spell for Bone Marrow Bob. There have been no courier trips since August. That's the nature of the beast. You never know when the next trip might be. There were a few last fall but most of them got postponed or cancelled. Don't ask. There are some on the horizon, however, so stay tuned. In the meantime Surfer Bob was tired of sitting on the shelf so he up and went to Italy again. This time, Rome and Venice and places in between. Three coins in a fountain and check out all the people having their picture taken in St Peter's Square. A photo op Bob could not resist. Surfer Bob paid homage to Alaina in Siena. Here he is in front of Il Duomo where Alaina took one of her most beautiful photos. There were many churches and art museums to see and as much as Bob is a fan of the Renaissance, a trip to Venice would not be complete without a visit to the Peggy Guggenheim with its fabulous collection of 20th century art.

Oh the grande canal, the gondolas, the bridges, sigh.

Paris

2009-11-11T17:12:00.007-06:00

Surfer Bob has always wanted to go to Paris, with or without marrow. Last week he went without.

He had to have an iconic picture taken in front of the Eiffel Tower, a la the Travelocity gnome or the yard gnome in "Amelie". He hit all the hot spots, the Louvre, Sacre Coeur, Notre Dame, Champs-Elysees, Arc de Triomphe. Pretty much saw as much as he could in 4 days. Of course, he ate his way through Paris. The boulangeries were amazing. What happen to the cheese course in the restaurants? They don't exist any more. Paris is getting so modern. There are too many museums to see them all in a short time so a rainy Sunday found Bob at the Musee D'orsay, a veritable who's who of Impressionist artist. The collection makes the Art Institute of Chicago or the Met look second tier. And everyone in Paris was there to enjoy free museum day. A trip to Paris would not be complete without some evening culture. The ballet was performing at the Opera Garnier. The opera house was built in the mid 19th century and is a rococo wonder. Here Surfer Bob does his best impression of the phantom.

There's no telling where Bob will turn up next.

Salt Lake City

2009-08-26T18:03:00.003-05:00

Bone Marrow Bob can not stay still! Three days after he's back from vacation he's on the road again. Doesn't the Mormon Tabernacle Cathedral look a little like Disney Castle? The side view is taken from the visitor center, which was the only way to get a photo. BMB was approached to convert but the lady was a little taken aback by his appearance and backed off. Didn't Brigham Young have any imagination when it came to setting up a city? Couldn't he have come up with better names for streets than East, North, 900,etc? It makes Temple Drive sound unique. Here's a fact that you may not know if you are over a certain age, High School Musical is filmed at East High School. Located on East Street(see above) in Salt Lake.

The Radisson at the airport has its good points and bad points. Good: free happy hour served by maybe a distant Mormon relative, Tyler Savage.

Bad: the swimming is dry. What is it about airport hotels that they can't fill the pool(see Phoenix)

Trip Advisor

2009-08-23T20:00:00.003-05:00

Well, purely on vacation, Surfer Bob went to the wine country. Napa Valley, to be exact. Here he is surfin the grapes. The food, wine and weather were all great.

A few trip advisory notes and observations: if you go to Frankfurt you can skip the doubledecker bus tour especially if it is at 4:00. The tour guide can be stereotypically German in his delivery," on the right.... on the left...." no stops for pictures. My favorite...last stop, get out enjoy and walk back to your hotel.

New York is still expensive in the dead of summer. You might think twice about staying at the Hemsley Park Lane. The rates and location are good but the interior is a little smarmy. Apparently it is for sale just as soon as Leona's will is out of probate.

Wondering what happen to Sarah Palin after she left office? I think she is a flight attendant for AA , and I might add, she is not doing any better at that job than governor.Ok so maybe it was just someone who looked like her.

Impossible Germany

2009-08-05T16:54:00.003-05:00

It's really not impossible, that's just the name of a Wilco song. It was a very brief trip and the donor went over and above what most donors are asked to do. I can't go into details because who knows who reads this blog and might possibly figure out who's stem cells went to whom so I will leave it at that. I will say I wasn't sure of my flight until the very last minute, like when I was on the plane.

Don't you hate it when you go to Europe and all the sights are covered in scaffolding? This magnificent castle is half way surrounded. The good news is I've already seen it.

This cat sculpture guards the gate to the old city of Heidelberg. HE's holding a mirror but since I don't read German I don't know why.

Frankfurt has many wonderful museums. One I didn't go in, but Bob couldn't resist getting his picture taken with this character, is the Museum of Characaturas.

Italy in the Spring

2009-06-09T16:42:00.003-05:00

BoneMarrow Bob loves the international trips! This time it was back to Milan. Actually the clinic was outside of Milan and finding it would have been next to impossible if not for Bob's driver, Adrian. Here's my plug.... if you need a car and driver in Milan go to: www.MILANOBYCAR.com It is competitively priced and excellent service.

After the drop, its all play for Surfer Bob. The roof of the Duomo is a good place to hang out. I don't need to mention that Milan is the fashion capital of the world. Surfer Bob could use a new red designer suit but, let me tell you, the prices are no cheeper in Italy. But what a selection, Vesace, Armani, Brioni, Dolce and Garbana , the list goes on. Ah, la dolce vita!

Reception immediately following at the Beverly Garland Holiday Inn

2009-05-01T15:50:00.007-05:00

If you are on a budget and are planning a wedding in North Hollywood you may consider the Beverly Garland Holiday

Inn and Conference Center. www.beverlygarland.com Seriously, this grade B TV and movie actress was the propriotess of a Holiday Inn and let me say, there is nothing special about it. Nevertheless, Bone Marrow Bob was excited to be in Hollywoodland.

BMB's tour guide for this great adventure was Robert(Rob, Bert, Boy). If you can't see any celebrities then you might as well be chauffeured around by someone who looks like one, n'est pas? The grand tour included a trip to Griffen Park and the observatory. No trip to Hollywood would be complete without a stop at Grauman's Chinese Theater. Look at those tiny footprints. All happiness, all good.

* my blogging skills need a little work

Return to Zombie Jockey Land

2009-04-09T19:03:00.004-05:00

Yes, It was back to Lexington. Not exactly blue grass but green grass and blue skies. This was a very quick trip. How quick , you may ask? So quick the same flight attendant was on both flights. That is flight attendant singular because its the little airplane that takes you to Kentucky, unless you are the sheik of Arabi. Bob was too lazy to get up and watch the ponies workout at dawn and left before the first post time. He did have time to catch some of the pre race action at Keeneland. Surfer Bob loves to pet the ponies!

Seattle in 09

2009-03-10T19:37:00.000-05:00

Let me say this straight out, Seattle is not my favorite city. Not a big coffee drinker, don't have the right outdoor clothes and the waves aren't big enough to surf. However you can get great salmon anywhere, anytime. They even had it at my free breakfast buffet. I know I am setting myself up for comments but especially this time of year, what's to love? What really yanked my chain was, here in the land of the internet, there is no such thing as free wireless! Surfer Bob had to trek around the corner to the public library and hang out with the homeless just to check his e mail. The good news is the Seattle Public Library is an architectural jewel both outside and in. No visit is complete without paying homage to "Working Man". I will allow that the flight to Seattle is usually a beautiful view and this time did not disappoint. A picture through a plane window could not do justice to flying into Seattle over the cloud cover at sunset with Mt Rainier peeking through. Superb.

Is that bone marrow for horses?

2009-02-27T19:00:00.001-06:00

I was actually asked that question and although that is an actual procedure I don't think BMB will be a courier for them anytime soon. (Actually, the transplants are autologous,. No need for BMB) It's all about horses in Lexington. That's all anybody and everybody knows or does. Surfer Bob got a V.I. P. tour from Linda, an old school chum and fellow riding buddy. Obviously, Linda stuck to horses while Bob choose a different kind of ride. The rolling hills of Lexington are beautiful even on a chilly, rainy day in February. One stop on the tour was Ashland Stud Farm. Here you can see some of the past champion thoroughbreds that are now in the heat of stud season. Sorry couldn't resist. The noble beast, Henrythenavigator, liked Bob's red suit.

What's up with those zombie lawn jockeys?

4 days in Paradise

2009-02-13T10:56:00.000-06:00

Finally a courier trip Bone Marrow Bob could sink his teeth into. A short trip to Italy. He started out in Milan hitting all the famous tourist spots. Il Doumo was amazing even in the rain. Oh how Bob wished he could be inside La Scala. Early the next morning Surfer Bob hopped a train to Tuscany to visit friends. The Italian countryside is beautiful even in February. Back in Milan it was no shoes, no shirt, no Last Supper. Inappropriate attire will not get you in to see da Vinci's masterpiece no matter how much you beg. Unfortunately Surfer Bob had to stay outside Santa Maria del Grazia and settle for some sublime Caravaggio's at the Brera. No photos inside so he settled for his portrait with a banner.

Follow the Paws

2009-01-22T17:30:00.001-06:00

When you are lost in a children's hospital in So Cal you follow the paws. That's what Bob did anyway to get to the cell lab. Otherwise it was another uneventful mission. No hassles at the airport. On the contrary, the 2 TSA agents were the same ones as the last trip. They recognized BMB so it was a breeze getting through security. The captain of the flight was curious and asked a lot of questions like," what happens if the marrow doesn't get there?" Through rain, sleet, snow and slow flights the marrow will get through. He made every effort and succeeded in bringing the flight in early.

Surfer Bob met his plastic soul mates!!! How serendipitous. The best part is the building is being torn down. What are the chances of Bob finding one of these dudes on ebay? I have no idea what is going on with the Surfer Bob shadow puppet. It looks like a dinosaur from the La Brea Tar Pits is about to chow down on Bob.

So long 08 welcome 09

2009-01-09T12:54:00.000-06:00

Bone Marrow Bob is on the road again. Looks like it's going to be a busy year. First stop.... Chicago. It was cold and snowy but that didn't dampen Bob's spirit even though that made sightseeing a little difficult. How high is the Sears Tower? Don't know didn't see the top.

Ever the art lover, BMB toured the Art Institute of Chicago. They have one of the best collections in the world. Surfer Bob has always wanted his picture taken with " Sunday Afternoon on La Grande Jette" and here was his chance. He couldn't pass up the iconic "American Gothic" either. Unfortunately Bob's table manners need a little polishing. Here he is playing hide and seek in the table decoration at The Custom House. You never know where Surfer Bob/Bone Marrow Bob will turn up.

Winston Salem

2008-11-09T16:00:00.001-06:00

North Carolina is exquisitely beautiful in the fall. I didn't get a picture of the trees because a picture just doesn't cut it. To quote the writer Edward Hoagland ,although he was speaking of another place, "The beauty is so concentrated, excessive, it is slapstick".

So Surfer Bob coasted through the elections. While sight seeing in he passed the Obama headquarters in this newly blue state.

If you're ever in W-S I strongly suggest eating at Sweet Potatoes. There's nothing better than Southern cooking, shrimp and grits, barbecued duck with red and white fries, indeed! Owners Stephanie Tyson(right) and Vivian Joiner(left) took a shine to Bone Marrow Bob and his mission.

For a while I had a hard time figuring out why smoking was still accepted in restaurants and other public places, then it hit me ....Winston Salem duh!

Cincinnati

2008-10-13T14:34:00.000-05:00

As I muse about Cincinnati, I find I really don't know much about it. It's home to Proctor and Gamble, the Cincinnati Reds (terrible season), the Bangles(even worse season), the sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati and HBO's, John from Cincinnati. Actually John from Cincinnati is only the name. It has nothing to do with the city. It's about a mysterious guy that shows up in California and says he's from Cincinnati. Kind of like the coneheads are from France. Speaking of TV shows, the image I have of Cincinnati is of Les Nessman from the afore mentioned show WKRP tossing turkeys out of a helicopter for a radio promotion. So, it's about time Bone Marrow Bob paid a short visit. There were not a lot of photo opts so here he is crossing the Ohio river. In the courier business you see lots of cities that you otherwise have no reason to go to other than to say "ah yes, I've been there".

2008-10-10T22:33:00.000-05:00

I seem to be writing a lot about the TSA. I guess they're always good for a story, but even that gets old. I will try and find something of more interest from now on. However, that is part of the point of this blog. You travel, you have travel stories. My secret desire is to have Surfer Bob ride the x ray belt, but again the TSA would not find the humor in that. Stay tuned.

TSA hell

2008-09-21T21:48:00.000-05:00

I've got nothing against Phoenix. It's a great city and the saguaro cacti are truly monumental, but the TSA ............... who do they think they are? If you keep up with my blog you have read about them before. Be warned, they will search you, scrutinize you and show their stupidity. Unfortunately, our return flight from Maui was cancelled and we were rerouted through Phoenix. I guess because we were rerouted on another airline we were predisposed to being body checked. They are not subtle and have no sense of humor. The body check wasn't too bad but then she took everything out of my purse(except BMB) and wanded it. I only wish I had something embarrassing(use your imagination) in there. Perhaps I am being unjust. Perhaps it is only the TSA agents in the American terminal that are so voracious. I don't know because that is the only airline I take to Phoenix, since we are based out of DFW. Maybe your experiences are better. If so let me know.

Bob does Hawaii

2008-09-21T21:27:00.001-05:00

Surfer Bob finally touched the sacred sands of Hawaii. The waves weren't so great but the sunsets and MaiTais were. Gotta say, if you are ever in Maui, you need to stop by Mama's Fish House for the freshest fish on the island. The drinks aren't bad either.

Nashville cat

2008-08-27T18:47:00.000-05:00

What's up with the TSA? It's a different experience every trip. In Dallas everyone I came in contact with had never dealt with bone marrow. I usually refer to it as bone marrow because they really freak if I call it stem cells. The TSA agent that checked my cooler says" Is this going to be gross?" Whereas another agent comes up and starts telling us what gross is like a head on collision and pulling bodies out of the wreckage or recovering drowned bodies. UCK! The poor young agent and Bob did their best to ignore this guy. A lot of the TSA people are either starting their careers or are on their last job. Scary. Meanwhile no one at AA is paying much attention to me until I get up from my seat to make sure the captain knows I'm on board. I have letters you know. So the flight attendant reprimands me and tell me to take my seat. They are aware I'm on board and I shouldn't call attention to myself. Believe me that's the last thing i want. So then one flight attendant comes back to my seat and hands me my papers and says something to me. Then the first one come back to my seat. Now who's drawing attention to me????

Bone Marrow Bob was glad he didn't have to go all the way to Greece to see the Parthenon, and it's not even in ruins.

After dropping off the product Surfer Bob headed downtown for a little sightseeing. Man it's true, everybody plays the guitar in this town. There are singers and pickers in the Starbucks, hospitals, Holiday Inn ... everywhere!

Bob was most excited to visit the Ryman Auditorium, the original Grand Old Opry, to set foot in that hallowed hall where Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Ernest Tubbs and Minnie Pearl walked before him. What to buy in the gift shop? Hmmm? How about a flyswatter in the shape of a guitar? Watch out Surfer Bob!

St Louis III

2008-08-27T18:46:00.000-05:00

St Louis is a popular destination. I don't know why. No pictures this trip. Next time I won't forget the chocolate.

Camp Sanguinity

2008-07-12T19:01:00.000-05:00

Camp Sanguinity is at Camp John Marc, deep in the heart of Texas. It is a camp for cancer kids so, of course, Bob wanted to go. He had to keep a low profile because we can't publish any of the kids pictures so he fought off Indians with his cowboy body guards when the kids weren't around. He was the sheriff of the Ft Parker cabin. Bob enjoyed fishin, horseback ridin, and all the rest but he was not too keen on the food or sharin a cabin with 5 seven yr old boys. They snore and talk in their sleep. Mostly BMB liked the camp. What a special place. They even have fireworks!

Detroit

2008-07-12T18:52:00.001-05:00

What can you say about the Motor City? Bone Marrow Bob sandwiched a trip in between Phoenix and camp. A quick run to the hospital then back to the Crowne Plaza( Bob refers to it as the crown Royale) at the airport for an early flight out. He caught a ride on Jim and Gayle's motorcycle. What do you call a three wheeled motorcycle? Who cares. It's cool!

A flury of activity

2008-07-12T18:30:00.000-05:00

While in Phoenix, Bob checked out the action on Mill Ave, a familiar drag for all you ASU alums. Unfortunately that is a smoke cloud making the beautiful sunset in the background.

Meet Army medic McDonnell. Doesn't he look happy? He is on a 2 week leave from Iraq to meet his new daughter and see old friends. And by the way, let's not complain about the heat people, in Iraq it's 125 and you have to wear all those clothes. Bone marrow Bob had a nice chat with Army medic McDonnell on the way to Phoenix. BMB was on the job after a long dry spell.

Bob spends quality time in the Big Apple

2008-05-27T22:40:00.000-05:00

Surfer Bob , he's cool , he's suave, he did what every red blooded cool, suave, surfer boy does while in New York... has his picture taken by the Playboy sign. It's true. Everyone can eat your heart out because he WAS there picking up his date. It's true, just not a bunny. A reporter. That's why you read the magazine right? For the articles.

His raison d'etre for being in New York was to witness his date, Callie, graduate from Columbia . It was quite a ceremony. "Pomp and Circumstance" played for 45 minutes while the students marched in. Luckily the mix on the PA was outstanding while all the families waited for the show to begin and the playing of "New York, New York " by ole Blue eyes himself was, although not a stroke of genius , a perfect ending to such a classy event.

Surfer Bob visited many of his old haunts while in the Big Apple. He couldn't resist being seen with the Airstream, his favorite mode of transportation, at MOMA. The valentine at the top of the page is a Jeff Koons sculpture at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Don't miss it if you go to NYC this summer.

As usual Surfer Bob ate well - best hot dog, Greys Papaya. Saw a show - "Cry Baby" and went to some awesome bars- La Quinta rooftop.

Miami

2008-04-26T09:30:00.000-05:00

Time for a little R & R for Surfer Bob. Miami in the springtime is beautiful, but then, when is it not? Bob went to Miami , not for marrow, not for swingin' South beach but for the yoga. A weekend of intense yoga.

Forgetaboutit!He had more fun having girls bury him in the sand.

St Louis Redux

2008-04-26T09:25:00.000-05:00

Well Bone Marrow Bob was back in St Louis in March. These trips are starting to repeat themselves. Actually Bob bowed out of another St Louis trip because of a previous engagement. He's hoping for a new destination soon.

Back in LA

2008-03-02T20:50:00.000-06:00

OK I haven't quite figured out this blog thing yet so my photos are backwards. No problem I will narrate backwards.

Bob was glad to be back in surfin USA .As you can see it was a little overcast and Bob didn't have a wet suit. Too bad. The waves were puny and there wasn't enough time to hang ten anyway. These trips are, for the most part, rather short.

Here Bob is enjoying the ride. No that is not the marrow!!!!! He has dropped off the product and is chillin in the back of the longest whitest limo he has ever been in.

City of Hope is one of the best hospitals in the country. This picture does not do the size justice A courier could get lost in there.
This is Jim the RN who was anxiously awaiting the delivery of the product. He looks very happy to see Bob and the cooler.

2008-02-15T18:55:00.000-06:00

It's been a long winter. Here's Surfer Bob catching some rays. You can see that all this traveling is taking a toll on him.

Buckeye Bob

2008-02-15T18:46:00.000-06:00

Bone Marrow Bob took a quick trip to Columbus last week. I guess you could say the most famous thing about Columbus is the OSU campus. Unfortunately it was late when Bob arrived and early when he left so he didn't get to take in the sights. Maybe next time.

They sure are proud of their football team!!

on the road again

2008-01-20T20:36:00.001-06:00

It's a new year and Bob is back at it. Road Warrior Bob spends a good deal of time on the tarmac.
First stop : Phoenix

Been there done that

2007-11-29T19:21:00.000-06:00

Surfer Bob begged off of going to New York again. Figured he'd been enough and seen everything. Big mistake!

The colors in Central Park were beautiful. The weather on Thanksgiving was perfect. Much better than snow flurries in FT Worth. Perfect day to view the Macy's Parade. What a once in a lifetime experience especially since it wasn't raining and/or freezing. On Black Friday we visited one of Bob's old haunts, the Museum of Modern Art, instead of fighting the masses of humanity on 5th Ave. Too bad, Bob.

East coast West coast Bob was there.

2007-11-04T21:35:00.000-06:00

Bone Marrow Bob was in Anaheim for a meeting while California was burning. This is one of the San Diego fires.
Later that same week BMB was back on the West Coast to deliver marrow to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. The weather was beautiful as were the fall colors.

2007-11-04T21:22:00.000-06:00

Bone marrow Bob was a busy dude in October. First he was back in New Jersey. New Jersey, as we all know, is not that picturesque especially where Bob goes. So Bob had his Jersey picture taken with a brilliant doctor, Dr Bernadette Cracchiolo, a dear friend from another lifetime.

While on the east coast Surfer Bob visited that distinguished school of higher learning, Columbia University.

Did you ever wonder what your weight on the sun is? From East coast to West coast. Surfer Bob has always wanted to say "I'm going to Disneyland"

2007-10-08T21:19:00.000-05:00

Bob was sighted lately on the Circle of Life Bike Tour, an awsome bike ride that raises awareness for blood ,tissue, marrow, and transplant donation. You have to experience it to really get the full impact. John rode one day, from Tyler to Dallas. It was a beautiful day and Bone Marrow Bob was the unofficial mascot.

Chic-fil-A donated a high carb, fat filled breakfast before taking off. Love the car!
Joe Canel rode for Alaina. What cute ass.

BMB goes to City of Hope

2007-10-08T20:58:00.000-05:00

BMB could not wait to get back on the west coast. While there he had his driver stop at the In and Out. You can get pretty hungry on the courier runs. The light really captures the drivers left ear. I don't know how to photo shop that out.

Once I got to City of Hope in Duarte, CA I had to change limos. Here is my experienced driver telling the newbie how to get back to the airport. He's also giving him the lowdown on the In and Out stop. Nice!

2007-10-01T17:43:00.000-05:00

This just in about the previous post. In answer to my question, try :

http://www.sandykastel.com/

Bone marrow bob took the summer off to find new digs and take the great American road trip. That's right my friends, from Denton Texas all the way to Gig Harbour Washington.

There is plenty of big sky out there. Our adventure started out long and boring through Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Colorado. The second day we hit the Frontier Days in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Lots of campers and cowboys. Bob was fascinated by the antler archway in Jackson Hole. Finally destination was reached with a scenic view of Mount Rainier off the back porch. Before reaching Washington we had one more stop to make in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. If you've read much of this blog you know Surfer Bob likes the Flamingo Hotel. Therefore, he couldn't resist staying at the Flamingo Motel. A true blue motor lodge equipped with everything the weary traveler needs, including magic fingers that really work. At least inflation has not hit the fingers. What a bargain for 2 bits.

Who the hell is Sandy Kastel?

2007-10-01T17:39:00.000-05:00

Over the summer I came to the conclusion that people who blog have way too much time on their hands. However, sometimes you just gotta get it out there. If anyone has ever heard of Sandy Kastel please write in. She will do anything for a photo op including having her picture taken with Surfer Bob. Is she the Wild Child?

Bob and his new best Friend

2007-07-12T22:27:00.000-05:00

This is Surfer Bob and his new best friend, St Joseph. SJ is just about to make a nose dive into the ground by this sign. St Joseph is the patron St of house selling. Surfer Bob is catching a new wave and needs to sell his old digs. Maybe, if there is a communial prayer, Bob will be able to ride the big Kahuna without any worries . Let's see if it works!

Hackensack in June

2007-06-17T15:52:00.000-05:00

Barely having time to breathe, Bone Marrow Bob was back on the East Coast. I couldn't find a good picture of Hackensack but I did learn that Hackensack is Soprano country. The Medical Center was auctioning off this signed Harley-Davidson.
What a nice custom paint job. The Badda Bing Club(Satin Dolls) is just down the street from the Holiday Inn Hasbrouck Heights. They offer free shuttle service.
Now if I may vent a little.... the Hackensack University Medical Center is supposed to be one of the 50 best hospitals in the country. I don't know about the care they give. I hope the transplant doctors are among the best but the facility is gross! In the cancer wing the public toilet was stopped up and there was no soap. The furniture in the lobby had seen better days. If you live in the area and have a choice, you might consider crossing the river and going to Sloan-Kettering.

New York, New York

2007-06-17T15:51:00.000-05:00

This is a far better view from the hotel room. How many times do you get a room with a view in New York? I highly recommend staying in the Battery.
Surfer Bob loves to go to the museums when he's in town. He's a classy guy.
No telling who'll you meet in Time Square.

Next Stop St Louis

2007-06-17T15:29:00.001-05:00

Bone Marrow Bob has had quite a tour of the heartland. The view from the hotel was scenic. Unfortunately it was from the end of the hall. The room view was of a ....parking lot. The metro is a very good way to take in the sights, a closer view of the arch. No trip to St Louis would be complete without a stop at Busch Stadium.

Bone Marrow Bob in Iowa City

2007-05-27T15:25:00.001-05:00

Iowa is very flat and that's coming from a North Texan.

No one was jealous of this trip(except maybe Gretchen) but BMB goes where he's told. It was an easy journey and Iowa City is a fun college town. The people there are the salt of the earth.

Surfer Bob does Vegas!!!!

2007-05-27T15:23:00.001-05:00

2007-05-27T15:21:00.000-05:00

In May there was a reunion of old school chums, I mean old, some going back to first grade. We picked Las Vegas because of it's blatent tackiness. There were 10 people invited and 4 of us showed. Not a bad percentage after 30 years. We manged to hold our own in Sin City and Surfer Bob was there to witness it in all it's glory. There were Bob sightings in the casinos, at fine restaurants, and the pool. I do not reccomend staying at the Flamingo Hotel , but if you must make the most out of it. Surfer Bob was able to work on his tan. He fit in quite well with all the bridezillas and wedding parties. It's amazing how many wedding chapels there are around town and that's not including the drive thrus. Saturday was spent at the cabana by the "adult" pool. Almost single, Candace, had her eyes and hands all over Bob.
Bert couldn't wait to have his picture taken with the spitting flamingoes in the background.
I don't know what David is doing with Surfer Bob but he seems to be amused.

2007-05-27T15:07:00.000-05:00

30 plus years ago!!! Look at all the hair. Sorry David and Annie.

Surfer Bob enjoyed getting up close with the "Stance". Unfortunately, the pools were too crowded for us to perform sinking leg. Although nothing is left of the original Vegas hotels, here Carol Merrill shows off the monument, or shall I say, shrine to Bugsy Malone. Think of what a legacy this man, this mobster , left to America. People flock to this desert oasis from all over the world to snag a little piece of the hedonistic lifestyle.

Here we are indulging in that lifestyle. The picture is small because we're not as young as we used to be. If you dare you can click on the pic and see us warts and all.

The Team

2007-05-01T21:36:00.000-05:00

This is the Cook Children's team that Bone Marrow Bob works with, or for, or is there for their amusement. They probably prefer that I don't use names but I will say that it is a cracker jack transplant group of doctors and nurses. Oops. you are not seeing double and fear not there are not identical twin transplant docs, it's just my computer randomly picked Meaghan to make the picture symetrical.

Chicago Bob

2007-05-01T21:14:00.000-05:00

Bone Marrow Bob was on the case last week. He averted major storms in DFW to get the product through. Unlike the postal service that is supposed to come through rain , sleet or snow, Bob actually does manage it.
A nice sign in Wicker Park
Who can go to Chicago without enjoying a slice? This was no ordinary Chicago style pizza at Piece, in fashionable Wicker Park. Build your own hand thrown, thin crust red or white.

2007-04-09T21:10:00.000-05:00

Surfer Bob spent Easter in Austin. Even though the weather was the strangest in Texas history, it did not detour Bob from being entertained. Friday evening he went to the Blanton Museum to see the a fabulous exhibit on Latin American geometric art. The museum is open late on first Fridays and besides the free hors d'eouvres and blantinis they had tango music and dancing. Here's Bob trying to tango without a partner. Not the same!

Saturday Surfer Bob took a sidetrip to San Antonio to visit the McNay Museum. One can not go to San Antonio without stopping at Mi Tierra for a bite. The guacomole and the music were as good as he remembered (?????).

Alas the weather was too cold and wet for Bob to surf around for Easter eggs. Maybe next year.

2007-04-08T19:01:00.000-05:00

Jo thought no one would notice her as she tried to smuggle Bob out for her trip to India.

Surfer Bob goes to Washington

2007-04-08T18:50:00.000-05:00

Surfer Bob had a great time sightseeing in DC last week. It was the peek of cherry blossom season.

Why, oh why can't I make this picture turn 90 degrees?

Bob could not resist taking the perfect photo of the Jefferson Memorial.

2007-04-08T18:45:00.000-05:00

After Portland, Bone Marrow Bob went to Duke where Lynn was kind enough to give him a tour of the medical center.

After awhile all bedside tables start to look alike.

2007-03-22T22:37:00.000-05:00

Bone Marrow Bob went to visit his new friend Dr Dallas at Fred Hutchison Cancer Research Center in Seattle last weekend. Here he is inspecting the stem cells that Dr Dallas is manipulating to grow in the petri dishes. * These are cord blood cells and there is nothing controversial about this work. On the contrary, the research is in phase one trials with a good prognosis. Go to Alaina's page on the sidebar to learn more.
At "The Hutch" Bob got up close and personal with Dr Thomas' Nobel Prize. Dr Donnall Thomas was the inventor of bone marrow transplants. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1990 eventhough the first transplant was in the late 50s. In the late 80s the first unrelated transplant was performed in Seattle by Dr John Hansen. Bone Marrow Bob stayed out of sight and in awe while introductions were made all around. Hence, no photo op but..............................

Dr Dallas couldn't resist taking our picture with Bob as close as we will ever get to a Nobel Prize.

It was a beautiful day in Seattle.

(if you click on the pictures you can actually see Mt Rainier. Admit it how many of you have seen Mount Rainier on a clear day. You can also click on Dr Thomas' plaque and read the fine print. Ah ha)

2007-03-03T08:46:00.000-06:00

I really like this one.

2007-03-02T18:51:00.000-06:00

Surfer Bob goes for a ride.
Can you find Bob?

2007-03-02T18:43:00.000-06:00

So Bob was thrilled with his first courier trip. It was hard to choose which pictures to publish. Above are a couple of artsy collages. When you can't make up your mind throw them all together, sort of like when you don't know what to make for dinner so you throw everything in your fridge in a pot. If you are familar with blogs (ha, I know you're not) you know that it publishes posts from first to last. I can't think backwards so I started my Toulouse post from the bottom. Never mind if this doesn't make sense. The point is ...start at the bottom of the post and scroll up. Got it?

Bone Marrow Bob goes to Toulouse

2007-03-02T18:14:00.000-06:00

What do you do with only 2 days in Toulouse?

When its sunny, you go to the park and try to hop a ride on the carousel. When its rainy, go to the museaums. There are plenty to choose from. This is the Musee des Augustins.

Now that he is officially on vacation, BMB morphs back into Surfer Bob, surfing the streets and brasseries. He couldn't resist the flaming creme brulee, one of the many gastromic delights found in France. (The wine is pretty good too.)

Bone Marrow Bob is on the job. Here he is at Gatwick waiting for his flight to Toulouse.

First thing first, he delivers the goods and goes to find a cafe on the Place de Capitole in front of his hotel to watch the world go by.

2007-02-20T19:57:00.000-06:00

Ok I'm too stupid to know how to show comments(but I'm working on it) so I will tell you. The comment has been made the Dr Confer looks a bit like Mr Bean. Discussion??
Stay tuned because Bob is most excited for his first courier trip. He will be touching down in Toulouse France on Friday. Updates will probably appear on Tuesday. Pyay for NO rain.

Bone Marrow Bob goes to Keystone

2007-02-13T18:22:00.000-06:00

Surfer Bob went to Keystone last weekend for a very important conference, the BMT Tandem Meetings. This is an annual event that draws over 1500 bone marrow transplant docs from all over the world. Symposiums are held on the latest advances in transplant and post transplant research. Bob was there specifically to help give the award to the new Alaina J Enlow Scholar. To find out more about this young investigator and her research, you will have to go to Alaina's page(see sidebar). Surfer Bob, being the popular guy that he is, was busy hob -nobbing with these life savers but he still found time to do a little snow boarding.

Dr Gretchen Eames enjoyed a relaxing dinner with Surfer Bob. Bob, on the other hand, never relaxes. He's always ready for the next big wave.

Dr Mari Dallas(love that name) is the new Alaina J Enlow Scholar. She couldn't keep her hands off of Bob.

Here is Dr Dennis Confer, CMO for the National Marrow Donor Program bustin a move with Bob.

These two brilliant doctors, Marcel van den Brink and Ken Cooke, couldn't wait to get there picture taken Surfer Bob.

2007-02-13T18:18:00.000-06:00

NMDP CEO Dr Jeff Chell was envious of Bob's naturally long, blond hair. Unfortunately the pic is a little burry and i didn't realize it until after the fact. He was so engrossed in conversation with Callie that I didn't dare interrrupt them for another shot

2007-02-12T22:18:00.000-06:00

For relaxing after snowboarding and shmoozing, Surfer Bob enjoyed chillin' at Eric's in Breckenridge playing pinball.

What do you think?

2007-02-06T09:40:00.000-06:00

So I had a little help with my blog. Apparently I don't know as much as I thought I did. You can now post comments and i encourage you to do so. Bob is getting out his thermal wet suit in preparation for Colorado this weekend. He's meeting some VIPs . Be sure and check in next week for the latest update.

favorite wave

2007-02-02T21:49:00.000-06:00

I don't know how i took this picture but I like it.

2007-01-30T21:51:00.000-06:00

surfer Bob surfs guitars

2007-01-30T21:44:00.000-06:00

Another pastime of Bob's is surfin the guitar scene. Here he is enjoying some of his favorites.

Surfer Bob's favorite past times

2007-01-22T16:17:00.000-06:00

Surfer Bob trys his hand at yoga.

HE prefers to meditate on the altar.

Surfer Bob has a lot of time on his hands and he is always looking for the perfect wave so he has decided to volunteer for the National Marrow Donor Program. He will be delivering life saving bone marrow and stem cells around the world. His moniker while on the job is "Bone Marrow Bob". Check back in February to see pictures from the ASBMT Tandem Meeting in Colorado. Maybe he'll get in a little snowboarding. Trips are short notice but he may go to Italy and Seattle in the coming weeks . Sometimes,BMB, will get to visit with top researchers and see what goes on in the labs of Sloan Kettering and Fred Hutchinson. He's brainy as well as brawny.

Surfer Bob's favorite sport, when he's not on the water, is roller derby. His favorite team is the Dallas Derby Devils(www.derbydevils.com). A few of his favorite players are Ali Gorey, Anita Riot, and Scary Cherry. Those girls can jam!

Surfer Bob

2007-01-20T19:46:00.000-06:00