Did I mention that the Oakland A's scored a grand slam and everyone in the stadium was rewarded with a single topping personal pizza courtesy of Round Table Pizza? Since we had 5 tickets, we could get 5 pizza just by showing our tickets. Of course, one was Marta's. So last night, the four of us headed out to Crow Canyon for a pizza dinner after a long round of tennis with Nic's friend, Anand.

So much has happened this week. We went to Central Park on July 4 for fireworks. There was a very festive mood with lots of families having picnics and bbq's, kids and their dads throwing balls, a rock concert going on with a crowd dancing in front of the stage, ... and naturally, the entrepreneurial ones at food stands selling cotton candy, drinks and some quick snacks.

Next day, I went to work. Then on Friday, we headed out North for our first college tour. To UC Davis. Man, it was boiling hot and after walking over an hour to find lunch, another one and a half hour under the blazing sun listening to a student guide tell us all the good things about the college was pretty taxing. He was a good guide and his enthusiasm for the school showed. But still I was relieved when the tour finally ended. UC Davis seems to have a lot going for it. Singaporeans probably would not naturally list it as one of their top choices but it is very strong in certain engineering disciplines, especially in agricultural and animal sciences. The school also looks "safe" - environment is pleasant and you don't get the sense that kids there party more than they study. Lots of cycling cos they are discouraged from driving seeing as the town itself is just at the edge of the campus. In terms of acreage, certainly the largest of the UC campuses. There are even very popular wine and beer making and research classes. What would you expect from being so close to Napa?

After the tour, as it was on the way back, we stopped at Vacaville for a spot of outlet shopping. So naturally, visits to Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Levi's, Banana Republic were on the agenda. The one spoiler was a whining half man who is not a good shopper. He could not wait to head back home.

We had dinner at Applebees and then drove home, dead tired.

Today, Sunday, we are about to head out the door to Stanford. Sending Doris to her conference for the next four days. And our second college tour of the season.

So here the boy and I are, at home rather tired after hours on the road and walking around Stanford. Luckily, the weather today is beautiful unlike at Davis. Perfect day to visit a charming campus with more of the easy going California atmosphere than at Davis. The tour was shorter, only 45 mins and the guide as usual rather euphoric about all the good qualities of the school from teaching assistants to professors to all the outstanding credentials of the different faculties. Well you can hardly fault him, it is one of the world's best.

Bought the half man a Stanford hoodie from the student coop that I know will get a lot of use. We were able to get up Hoover Tower this time unlike in winter. Very nice 360 degree views of the campus and much of the Bay Area as far as the foothills to the west and Fremont to the east.

We sent Doris off to her Advanced Placement in English conference and had to stay to get her settled in. There was a mixed up over her room. Then picked up a fish at the Szechuan restaurant for dinner, lots of sunflower seeds at Ranch 99 and back home for Nicole's tennis game with her friends.

I am tired...