February Blog - Stimulus Time

WOW – this year is flying by. We are already into mid February and a lot is happening. President Obama is in and Bush is out and the recession carries on. Stimulus package number two has been passed on Friday the 13th, GM and Chrysler are hitting their deadlines, loans are coming due or being called in by banks faster than TARP money can be passed out. I have had clients (yes plural) dreams shattered by the infamous Bernie Madoff who made off with their money and the funding for their projects. We are blessed with some wonderful new projects in the last six months but we are definitely seeing another wave of fear and reluctance out there. Everyone is so uncertain and who can blame them?

Those clients that are moving forward are doing so whereby they can get the very best in talent, expertise, and pricing, I’ve seen in the thirty years I have been doing this. Everyone is motivated, every staff is down to their best people, attention to service is first and foremost, and we are all working twice as hard for half as much. But that is ok – being an architect I guess I just am wired to love to work – I love what we do. Some of our best work ever is either just being completed or on the boards as I write this. I look back at the work done in the 30’s and 40’s and really that too was some of the best work over the last 80 years – so there is something to all of this.

We were fortunate to have one of our homes featured in the February issue of Phoenix Home and Garden Magazine. It's a beautiful home in Silverleaf constructed by Schultz Development decorated by Treken Interiors. It’s still on news stands so please pick up a copy. We also have a kitchen featured next month in a national magazine and I understand one of our homes will be on the Phoenix Home and Garden Magazine home tour in November. So we are very excited about that. I am also acting as guest chef for a paella dinner in conjunction with Kitchen Southwest and SubZero next month. I find people need to get out, talk, share stories of what is going on and opportunities spring forth. It’s amazing how far some good food and vino go to get people excited about an idea or a project and I am always surprised by the connections and six degrees of separation events like this create.

I am contemplating our seventh Italy Trip for this fall. Ten full days starting in Florence for two days, living in a country house in Umbria for six days, and winding down in Roma for two days. I have several clients, designers, vendors, and contacts interested in the trip this year. I have gotten so many great leads I would have never imagined from this yearly adventure. Not to mention the inspiration just being there each year does for me as an architect and someone who appreciates and preaches good living. I hope we can pull this together and get a good group to go. If interested, please contact our office. I try and limit the trip to four or five couples as the Trattorias can be quite quaint and when you walk in with 10 or 12 hungry Americans it can be a bit overwhelming. It’s a great trip and I will dedicate an entire blog just to this trip very soon.

We have a client with whom we are designing a classic Santa Barbara home for so we are planning a research trip there next month. I hope to write a nice summary of that trip in the weeks ahead. Two other clients want to take me to the Far East this year to research new sources for ironwork, stonework, windows, you name it. We have a couple companies that want us to design our own line of pre-cast elements, ironwork, doors, etc., etc. Like I say, good thing its slow out there!

I guess, its easy to get down on the economy and all the doom and gloom out there – trust me I fall victim to it – ask my wife (she has permanently banned me from CNBC in the morning). But we need to keep plugging on and what happens will happen – we’re all feeling it. The Stimulus Package is passed and the extra $13 a week we will all see in our paycheck should at least allow me to add my Spanish latte back into my morning routine!

I’ll keep drawing, creating, and trying to bring happiness to our clients through our beautiful homes. I love being an architect, a friend, a husband and a father.

Top Trends for 2009

Top Trends affecting Design and Lifestyle for 2009

We start 2009 with a whole new outlook – good riddance to 2008. In reviewing several magazine articles, websites, and blogs, below is the prevalent list of items that seem to be on everyone’s radar. It seems a return to simpler times and ways is definitely the direction as people move towards familiarity, comfort, and retro. Mixed in with what’s green and techno.

Return to the Kitchen:

This has been noted on several trend watches and prediction articles for 2009. I have to agree with this one and we are definitely seeing this in our practice. I think with the current state of the economy people are staying home more and where do you spend more time than in the kitchen. Cooking, game playing be it on a computer or handheld, and simply getting back to family conversations, we will all return to the safety and closeness of the Kitchen.

Rise of the Cottage Industry

We are definitely seeing this and the internet is helping this along. We are seeing the Craft Room, and Hobby Room taking over the wish list on people’s homes and we have seen businesses grow from these activities. Book writing, gardening, textiles, sewing, jewelry making, photography and film making, and of course cooking,….Look for this trend in what is being called credit-crunch couture. – check out Hermes Do-it-Yourself status bags.

Urban Gardening

From indoor herb and spice gardens to full on outdoor gardens we are seeing this trend really taking off. People want fresh produce and are willing to do more to get it. We have clients taking their entire property and planting olive groves, pecan and date groves, orange and citrus groves, raised vegetable gardens, and herb gardens and of course a compost pile to make use of the household wastes in an eco-friendly way.

Virtual Tourism

We are seeing this trend starting to pop up. With travel becoming so expensive and again with the downturn in the economy we see several services starting that basically give you a virtual tour of any city in the world. People are then able to hook this up to their home theater system and sit with a glass of wine in their own home and enjoy a trip to Prague without fighting the crowds, needing a passport or having to go through security and a 22 hour plane trip. We see this even entering the Dining Room whereby you can have friends over for dinner on the rooftop in Rome or overlooking the French Riviera. Watch this trend both in terms of how it changes design and the way people entertain.

Pet Spaces

We are seeing more and more space dedicated to one’s pets. From pet rooms with access to a contained courtyard with various features such as a small pet pool or exercise equipment dedicated to one’s pets., it is amazing what people will do for their little four legged friends. With the demographics getting older and more and more empty-nesters in the years ahead we see this trend growing.

Home Stages & Virtual Activity Areas

With the Virtual Guitars, Rock Bands, and virtual Bowling or Golf cropping up on Wii and Xboxes we see a stage space working with the Theater space. Whole families and friends come over and perform rock concerts and with a Club room or Bar space next to this you have yourself a real party.

Microtechture

With the downsizing hitting all aspects of the economy we see both the bigger houses getting smaller and the smaller houses getting even smaller. 3500 square feet will be the new 7500 square feet on the large homes and we see smaller homes being remodeled rather than enlarged. Smaller will allow for nicer furnishings and interior features and accessories and so more attention will be given to the details instead of just having a lot of vanilla space.

Comfort & Sustainable Foods

See more home baking and scratch cooking as nostalgia, retro, and a return to the safety of the home takes hold. Soups, salads, stews with simple ingredients will become very popular as they will save money and make people feel good. Watch the continued rise of the farmer’s markets where local farmers can sell their produce directly to the consumer and reduce the carbon footprint and consumers can be assured the food is safe and organic. We see the trend of larger pantries and the walk-in refrigerator is becoming more popular and being incorporated into nearly 25% of the houses we design.

Social Networking

Websites, Facebook, blogging, YouTube video presentations, Skype – all are affecting the way we work and live. Skypeing with your family whereby you can talk and see them live sure can save on a lot of airfares. Same for meetings – no more flights necessary for a business meeting. All of these technologies are changing the way we stay in touch with friends, clients, vendors, and family.

Green Movement is Huge!!!!

All of these trends noted above seem to all have a Green aspect to them. Generally, I see people using their homes more and staying home more and spending more time with friends and family. Living and living in harmony with nature will become a real focus again.

Christmas Miracle

I know a lot of you were following our trials and tribulations in our efforts to get to Coeur d'Alene for the Holidays. Well we finally made it and on Christmas Eve to boot.

It all started on Saturday morning. I took my wife to the airport that morning as she was scheduled to go out on Friday but changed her flight to Saturday due to the first of three blizzards to hit the Northwest. Her flight got out and she landed safely in Spokane that afternoon. She was able to have the shuttle take her to the house in the midst of a major storm. My flight was later that morning but I had the flight time entered into my IPhone incorrectly and when I got to the airport with my two little girls the plane had already departed!!! No more flights on Saturday. I called my wife and needless to say she was not too happy.

I immediately got on the phone with American Express and they found me a flight the next morning at 11am from Phoenix to Spokane via Portland. Well we got to the airport at 9am - wasn't going to miss this flight!!!! We get to the checkin counter and immediately we are told the flight has been delayed from 11am to 4pm due to the bad weather. Well I was following the weather in Portland and it sounded like we would be able to fly in but then be trapped there until Sunday. Fortunately, the flight was cancelled by 3pm from Phoenix so more tickets were now necessary.

I called the wife, to tell her our new flight had been cancelled and to start looking for flights for Monday. She called me back and had booked us flights for Monday morning to Spokane via Salt Lake City. By this time my oldest daughter had flown in Sunday morning and my mother-in-law flew in at midnight but neither could get out of the Spokane Airport due to the road conditions and the newest storm so I was able to get them checked into a hotel by the airport.

Well Monday morning came and I checked all of the flights and we were a go. Got the girls up, bathed, dressed and off to the airport. We left the house at 6:30am with all of our luggage and our spirits up as it appeared we had green lights all the way to Spokane. We got to the airport and everything was on-time!!!! We boarded our flight to Salt Lake and we were airborne. Landed in Salt Lake and our connecting flight was on time and would be departing in 90 minutes. We were very excited as it looked like we were finally going to make it. My wife, was on the way to the Spokane Airport to pick up her mother and my oldest daughter and then pick us up. Well we grabbed a little lunch and then we heard the news....our flight to Spokane had been cancelled. Well I called my wife and told her the news and called my office whom proceeded to try and find us other flights to Spokane or back to Phoenix. Well the soonest flight to Spokane from Salt Lake was on Sunday again but we could get a flight back to Phoenix in a couple hours so we booked it and headed home. We made it, our bags did not.....



Well while in the air my wife found us three tickets on a direct flight from Phoenix to Spokane. So Tuesday we hung out and made calls, ran errands we were unable to finish before we left, and I took care of my two little monkeys. That evening one of my project managers, Braden Santarcangelo, met with one of my clients and told him of our situation. I received a call Tuesday night from this client, who will remain nameless, offering to take us to Spokane on his Citation 3 on Christmas Eve. I told him we had flights booked for Christmas day but that we really appreciated the offer. Well he insisted and told us to be at the Scottsdale Airport 2 pm sharp - wheels up!

Normally, one would have been very excited but I knew there was another blizzard scheduled to hit on Christmas Eve and I told him this. He didn't seem to be too concerned seeing he was from Ohio and had plenty of snow flying experience. So I got the girls to bed and we prepared for flying the next day.

Christmas Eve arrived and we started our preparations for the flight. I called Southwest in search of our bags but they were no where to be found in the system. My client and friend, Patrick Murphy, offered to take us to the airport and we made our way there. We loaded up and by 2 pm we were up in the air on our way to Spokane. Flying private is such a treat, no ticket counters, no security, no one else on the plane - talk about getting spoiled. My girls loved it. Bella worked on the laptop and Sophia fell asleep.

Two and half hours and we were on our approach to Spokane when the radio tower broke the silence and announced that the Spokane runways were closed down due to blizzard number three. My client, who was flying the plane with a copilot buddy, turned to me and said, "Wow, you really are jinxed on this trip!" The tower came back on and said if you can circle for 45 minutes we should be able to get a runway cleared for you to land. So that is what we did - circle, circle, circle. I tried calling my wife from the plane phone but couldn't reach her. I left her a message that the runway was closed but they were going to try and get us in. Her and her mom and dad were waiting at the executive terminal in Spokane praying we would make it. Finally the tower said, "we have a small window open. Make your approach but make it fast."

Down we headed, no visibility, bouncing around. The girls were calm and I was silently praying we would make it. The two pilots seemed calm and focused and down we came through the whiteness. Finally you could see the ground and then the lights of the runway just barely through the blowing snow. Down they came and then touchdown! It was really an amazing experience and one I will never forget.

The runways were buried and it was actually more of an adventure getting from the runway to the terminal. We never made it and had to stop short and basically carried everyone out and to the terminal in the blowing snow. Trust me Mom and Grandma were happy to see the three of us. Well at least they were happy to see the two little girls!




Thank you again to my client and friend who got us up there. It was an amazing experience and one I will never forget. it just shows how generous and kind some people really are. The two pilots flew home to Scottsdale that night and called to let us know they made it safely home. It was truly a Christmas Miracle.

The video of our landing is located on the side of this blog. Enjoy.

Closing out 2008

Well this year is finally winding down. What a crazy year......

As I look back at my posts from the summer to where we are now it has only been six months but it feels like we have gone through six years. From oil at $150 a barrel and $4.25 a gallon gas to $35 a barrel and $1.45 a gallon gas.....funny how the math doesn't quite equal out??? A new President, a new direction, not one but two or is it three bailouts...still waiting for mine. Actually, I think I will be responsible for paying for the bailout come April 15th!!! These are definitely crazy times, yet this year was a better year for Candelaria Design than 2007 so who really knows. One thing I do know is really no one does know. From the stucco subcontractor, the Thomas delivery guy to my most wealthiest and astute clients - everyone has been hit by this market and no one has a clue as to where thing are going - NO ONE.

I have learned through the last year what is important though and as I said earlier in the year it is just like sports - the fundamental values will always carry you through. Hard work, working smart, taking care of your friends and neighbors, and appreciating the simple things in life - the real things. I am glad to see people looking at the homes as places to live, and enjoy their families rather than investments and packaged flips. I definitely see my clients and friends thinking of ways to conserve and save and be conscientious of what and how they are spending their money. I see my employees really valuing their jobs and clients and putting forth the extra effort. I see our consultants, vendors, and referrals appreciating our business and giving us better service. So although there is a lot of pain we are all feeling, we are seeing a lot of great things coming out of this and the groundwork being laid for the next cycle.

Hopefully, we all remember these times when the good times return and we keep our values in the right place. I firmly believe that helping others, going the extra mile now, and playing for the marathon and not the sprint will pay big dividends in the future. We have some amazing projects underway and I am very thankful for the wonderful clients, contractors, consultants, subcontractors and most importantly my employees and my family who all make what we do possible. A 40 hour week is unheard of even in this economy. I think we are all working 50-60 hour weeks and darn glad to be doing so! I love designing homes and working hard with a team that is so excited about what we all do and really putting their heart and soul into it. It is rewarding and I know we are creating something that is real and of value.

So I leave 2008 with a lot of memories and lessons learned. I look forward to 2009 knowing where my focus is and spending quality time with my family, friends, associates, and clients. Thanks to all of you for making my life very interesting and fulfilling.

Scottsdale Charro Ride 2008

Howdy!

Well I completed another Scottsdale Charro Ride. Number three for me and each one gets better. This year it was in the Superstition Mountains. 130+ guys of all ages riding for four days and three nights through the wilderness. Everything from riders with 44 rides under their belt to rookies just going for their first time. It is a great trip and a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the beauty of this amazing state we live in and reflect of all the good things in life.

The Scottsdale Charros are a group of men committed to education and supporting various causes having to do with teaching, scholarships, etc. I’ve included their website so you can read more. They sponsor the Spring Training games each season for the San Francisco Giants at Scottsdale Municipal Stadium. The members consist of everything from dentists, stockbrokers, bankers, contractors, florists, and even cowboys! I am a guest of long time member John Schultz of Schultz Development who has built a number of our homes over the years. I believe this was John’s 12th ride and he was the Trail Boss this year meaning he had to scout the trails for the ride and put it all together. John in my opinion is a real cowboy – the guy can ride and he is big enough that you don’t want to mess with him. It is a real honor to go the last three years.

Over the course of the last three years I have been around these guys when times were great and now when times are lean. And although we all are going through our own unique tribulations the spirit was the same – all a bunch of guys trying to scrape out an existence and do what is right for themselves, their families, and the community. Yes the gambling was down a bit from the good years but the laughter, jokes, and smiles were the same. No one is feeling sorry for themselves and everyone was positive and exploring new ways to market and capture the opportunities out there. That is what makes America great in my opinion.

It is amazing the thoughts that go through your mind when the cell phones and emails are turned off and you are just riding a horse through the quaking aspens or under the shadow of a 500 year old saguaro. You realize what is really important to you – your family, your wife, your employees, your friends, your clients, your home…..the simple things. I don’t think this slow down is all bad – trust me being on this four day ride really showed me that everyone is now seeing what is really important to them and how good we really have it.

See y'all later!

Fall is Here

Fall is fully upon us now. Halloween is a few days away and the elections are right after that followed by Thanksgiving and then well you all know where this is leading. 2008 is rapidly coming to its final chapters. As I wrote just a few months ago during the Olympics this is the year of great changes…..well I was right and we still have two months to go.

When I reflected on the year last time a barrel of oil was $148 a barrel now its back down to $64 a barrel. Funny how it hasn’t dropped that quickly at the pump. It sure seemed to keep up when the price of oil was going up. Since the Olympics the world has apparently gone into a slow down. Those Olympics must of worn us all down. They were amazing after all! Credit remains frozen, unemployment has risen, everyone traded in their leased SUVs or quit driving to work because they don’t have jobs and now the price of oil is down to $64 a barrel again. This all in a matter of three months. Ok so where does that leave us three months from now????

Obviously we will have a new President elected in three months. I can definitely predict that… or will hanging chads keep that from happening again?….I sure hope not. Whoever wins let’s just get this over with and move forward. Whatever party you are for, the winner will take credit for whatever happens positively and will blame Bush for anything that happens negatively. So we can’t lose either way….at least that is what I am trying to convince myself.

Oil, commodities, interest rates, stock prices….. who knows? My most savvy clients who invest millions (probably billions) don’t know which way is up right now. I’ve never seen markets this confusing. However, I am seeing a number of clients buying real estate or starting construction now – in the midst of the turmoil – and you know theses are the same people I saw step forward after the S&L and dot.com bubbles of the 80’s and 90’s and ended up being on the right side of the cycle. Land prices have fallen and there are great opportunities again. Commodity prices and labor are falling and so construction costs are finally falling – it’s like oil it just takes time to see it at the pump. The stock market – never could figure that one out. I know my 401k is now a 40k or something to that effect, but I keep putting more in every two weeks so they tell me I am dollar cost averaging. My average just seems to be lower with every quarterly statement! Retirement is no where in my immediate future anyway so I guess I am ok.

2008 has been a year we will all remember – or will do our best to just forget. I always like even numbered years better so I am not sure what that means for me. 2008 has been a better year for Candelaria Design than 2007 and we have definitely been seeing things pick up since June. As architects, we seem to be the first to see things slow down and the first to see them come back so I hope that holds true moving into 2009 – uhg an odd year.

Italy 2008 - Day 5 Panto Island Party / Venice

Our final day in Italy was fantastic. Today we took a private boat to Panto Island - no tattoo and Ricardo Montalban weren't waiting for us - but a wonderful feast, and the delightful Panto family was.

The Panto Island is located about 4 miles east of Venice and is a private island owned by the Panto Family. The island is now a family compound and is absolutely beautiful. Giorgio Panto who started the company died in a tragic helicopter crash just off this island in November 2006. I was fortunate to meet him on several occasions including just two weeks before the accident when he and Simon stopped by my office for a visit and a cappuccino. He was an interesting gentleman having started several media stations in Italy, started a political party, and of course owned and operated the Panto window and door company. He is survived by his two sons and daughter. One of his sons and daughter hosted our party - they were very gracious and most delightful.

Our afternoon on Panto island started of course with a Bellini served on the patio. Meanwhile the food was all being prepared with the main course being freshly caught derado from the nearby Adriatic Sea cooked in encrusted sea salt over a hot charcoal grille. Of course for starting courses we enjoyed a lobster/potato salad, polenta, deep fried langostinos, and just a few thick grilled t-bones. The fish was amazing - moist with a salty, crisp crust. Fantastic!

Dinner was capped off with a wonderful dedication by the youngest son to his father - there was not a dry eye in the house. Their passion, and love for their father and all he had built and created were celebrated. The business, besides a great product, was about the relationships that had been created through the years. We were all part of the Panto family and they made you feel this way. With the dedication complete the son hopped on the private helicopter and flew away just as his father had done so tragically just two years ago. What drama - totally Italian! But what a day - very relaxing and most memorable.

After a few glasses of wine, a challenging game of foosball, and a group photo we were off to Venice for the remainder of the day. It was a great trip and I cannot thank Simon and my friends at Panto enough for this wonderful trip.

Italy 2008 - Day 4 Palladian Villas - Asolo, Italy

Italy Day 4 was one of my favorites - the tour of two beautiful Andrea Palladio villas north of Venice, the famous Carlo Scarpa Brion Cemetery in San Vito d'Altivol, and finally a relaxing afternoon in Asolo, Italy.

We started at the Villa Emo. Villa Emo, located in the village of Fanzolo di Vedelago, was built in the period 1559-65. The central residential space features four columns (two of them engaged) in the manner of a Greek temple front. barchesse (farm buildings) The building extends symmetrically from the left and right of the central structure, with the ends of the barchesse surmounted by dovecotes. The result is the famous 5-part profile familiar in later Palladio-inspired architecture, including the U. S. Capitol building (with the Houses of Congress replacing the dovecotes!). This is a beautiful villa and like all of the Palladian villas I have seen they are picturesquely set and provide order and symmetry to the landscape. The frescos by Giovanni Battista Zelotti inside the central space are spectacular and are in excellent condition. We had a private guide, which in Italy is the best way to see any site or town, and she gave us a very detailed explanation of all the rooms, gardens and frescos. It is simply fascinating the time and attention to detail these architects and artisans put into these projects.

The next Palladian villa we toured was the Villa Barbaro located in the village of Maser adjacent to the famous hilltown of Asolo. The villa was built for Daniele Barbaro, Patriarch of Aquileia, and his brother Marc'antonio Barbaro, an ambassador of the Venetian Republic. Construction began in (prob.) 1549 and was substantially completed by 1558. The central residential space is erected on the remains of a medieval castle or manor house. Its facade features four engaged Ionic columns adapted from the Temple of Fortuna Virilis in Rome. As at nearby Villa Emo, barchesse (farm buildings) extend symmetrically from the left and right of the central structure. The ends of the barchesse are surmounted by dovecotes, each with a large sundial on the facade. The interior of the central residence is highlighted by magnificent frescos executed between 1560 and 1562 principally by Paolo Veronese. Set in the hillside at the rear of the central residence is a spectacular spring-fed statuary grotto known as a nymphaeum.

The villa first descended through female lines in the same family until 1838. In 1934 the villa was acquired by Giuseppe Volpi di Misurata, who began the restoration that has returned to villa to its present condition. Today his granddaughter resides at the villa with her family. As in most things in Italy the family lineage and passion for maintaining their history, architecture and culture are first and foremost. These homes are part of their soul not investments. They become great investments later only because of the love and passion for these works of art.

We then took a break and headed to our best lunch on the trip in the hill town of Asolo, Italy - Ristorante de Gerry. This is a wonderful place up on a second floor with great views of the surrounding countryside from both the restaurant and the adjoining roof garden. We started with some fried mozzarella balls and sausage balls followed by a roast chicken salad and stuffed and fried zucchini flowers then roast pork and rosemary roasted potatoes all capped off with a fabulous apple tart with a zabaglione sauce. Of course a few glasses of prosecco and some red wine with the roast pork all capped by a cappuccino make for a wonderful lunch.

We then ventured to the famous Carlos Scarpa Brion - Vega Cemetery in San Vito d'Altivole, Italy. With the Brion Cemetery, Scarpa made his impact with an unreserved commitment ot the modern movement and a new sureness of language. He re-created here the splendor of nineteenth-century Middle Europe, where beauty had the power to redeem man from his limitations. He avoided the narrow dictates of rationalism, choosing rather to stress inner depth, dreams, and nostalgia. Carlos Scarpa said about the Tomb, "The place for the dead is a garden....I wanted to show some ways in which you could approach death in a social and civic way; and further what meaning there was in death, in the ephemerality of life—other than these shoe-boxes." Even if you do not appreciate or enjoy contemporary architecture this is a very unique and definitely spiritual space.

We next boarded the bus back for the village of Asolo in the foothills of the Alps. Known as the "Town of a Hundred Horizons" because of its panoramic views, this nub of a medieval hill town (though it was founded during the twilight of Imperial Rome) has become the secret hideaway for true Veneto aficionados. After walking through town we ventured to one of Heather and my favorite spots the famous Hotel Villa Cipriani in Asolo. Immersed in a private garden of pomegranate trees and fragrant seasonal flowers, Hotel Villa Cipriani is surrounded by the views that inspired Titian and Giorgione. Once the home of the famous poet Robert Browning, the hotel offers guests 31 rooms splendidly fitted with lovely antiques and exposed ornated beams. Recent guest have included Kim Bassinger and Rolling Stones rocker, Keith Richards. There is nothing nicer than sitting on the terrace with a peach bellini and chatting with friends while watching the sun set over the hills. It is magical and most memorable.

The day ended at a local pizzeria - a crusty coal fired capricciosa pizza. It's usually the richest pizza offered, and every pizzaiolo makes it differently. This is based on the Pizzaria Giancarlo, outside Florence's Porta San Frediano and includes ham, artichoke hearts, mozzarella, and of course tomato sauce - then you add whatever else you have taking up space in the refrigerator. Add a cold Birra Moretti and you just had a great day in Italy.

Italy 2008 - Day 3 Panto Factory/Treviso

Italy 2008 - Day 3 was the whole point of this trip - the tour of the Panto Window factory. I was on this factory tour four years ago and I have to say the second tour was as informative and inspiring as the first. What pride - what craftsmanship - what passion about a product. Panto has it all - not to mention a factory the floor you could eat pasta off of!!!

From the glass to the teak wood frames to the custom finishing it all is a painstaking process that is constantly being refined and perfected. From spraying the varnish on in an argon gas chamber because the argon molecules are smaller than oxygen molecules and it allows the varnish to penetrate to wood easier and deeper. Their windows come with a 30 year warranty, and trust me - you can see why.

We were given the tour by Walter who runs the operations - and later in the week is our fish griller. The tour lasted about two and a half hours and where we concluded at the factory showroom. Their multislide units and their tilt and turn windows and doors are simply works of art - but extremely functional. We have two houses now in Arizona with Panto windows and they have held up beautifully in the harsh, Arizona climate.

Of course after a strenuous factory tour you need a hearty lunch. We ventured to a wonderful country restaurant where we had the best gnocchi on the trip. It was chewy and with a little pepperoncini it hit the spot. Add a cold beer and a couple additional courses which will remain nameless and you have a great lunch.

Then it was off to a quick tour of Treviso - the town just north of Venice. This town is very charming as it too has a series of streams and canals through the town only they are running with fresh mountain water and loaded with some of the largest trouts I've ever seen. My associate, Craig Stoffel, who loves to fly fish would be in heaven. The town was badly destroyed in WWII but has been nicely restored. It is amazing to think that just 55 years ago this place was like Iraq.

We closed the night off with more gnocchi with a duck ragu, and roast beef that was fantastic, and the best tiramisu of the trip - it was amazing. Another 2-1/2 hour meal and it was back to the hotel to get rested for the next day.

Italy 2008 - Day 2 Venice

Italy Day 2 started with a 6am jog through the vineyard. What a great way to start the first full day in Italy - plus not a bad way to burn off the two plates of risotto from the night before! I have to thank Heather for getting me going as she is training for her second tri-athalon sprint. I am just trying to get some exercise into my life!

After the jog we stopped for a quick bite and some coffee and then get ready for the 30 minute bus ride to the Venice airport where we would meet tour boat to Venice and Murano.

The boat ride is beautiful as you see Venice off in the distance through the thick, moist air. It is such an unimaginable place and just doesn't seem real. This is my third time to Venice and it always awes me. You see the towers all tilting and listing from vertical and you realize this place is simply a mirage in time yet it is virtually the same it was centuries ago. What is so nice about Venice is the lack of cars, trucks, vespas and police sirens. It is quiet other than the constant sound of human chatter, a mixture of many languages, and occasional clanking dishes from the back kitchens of numerous restaurants. There is never a lack of detail and architecture. It is truly architecture Disneyland.

Before we made it to Venice though we had a quick side trip and tour of a the Nason Moretti glass factory in Murano, Italy. Murano is a small island just east of Venice and is famous for their fabulous glassworks. This was my second trip to the island and is also an amazing journey each time. We were greeted by Piero Nason - 4th generation master glass blower and now runs this family business started at the turn of the last century. The business is a family business and many cousins, uncles and aunts all have their craft and role in the company as so many companies in Italy are operated. With this comes so much pride and passion. Everyone has a stake in the manufacturing, sale and success or failure of the product. Their work is stunning and always changing. Formulas for colors and mixtures are kept in a simple three ring binder in a little back room with shelves of different metal compounds that all make unique colors. It is amazing that simple sand, soda, and minerals can make something so translucent and colorful, not to mention beautiful yet extremely functional. From stemware to Murano chandeliers it is astounding the different items these craftsmen can do with a blob of molten glass - and how quickly. It is definitely worth seeing when you come to this part of Italy. Once you see the skill and style that goes into making one champagne flute you can appreciate the price for these wonderful works of art.

We then re-boarded the boat and cruised through the main channel through Murano and then around the southern tip of Venice to the main docks just south of St. Mark's Square. As our group departed the boat at approximately 12 noon it was decided we would all meet here later in the day at 8pm - so we had the full afternoon to ourselves. Most headed right for St. Mark's Square while Heather and I took off down the narrowest alleyway and away from the crowds. We were on a venture for a fantastic lunch off the beaten path - which we found at the Traverna SanLio which is a small tavern and bed and breakfast away from St. Mark's Square but not out of reach. We started with a delicious carpaccio and a glass of Pinot Grigio. This was followed by our main dish whereby I had a local specialty Venetian liver and onions on a bed of polenta and Heather had the Sea Bass cannelloni. Both were absolutely perfect. We capped this lunch with a wonderful cheese plate. A cappuccino closed out the meal and we were off exploring the city. Of course this was quickly interrupted by a gelato which we enjoyed as we strolled the streets.

After an hour of walking we found a nice street with a park bench and we sat down and dozed off for a quick catnap. We obviously felt very safe or we were simply ignorant to our potential danger but we woke up with everything still in tact and we ventured off again. Now it was time to get to St. Mark's Square. The large cruise ship was loading up so the streets were emptying and now St. Mark's Square was ours.

We arrived and enjoyed the Doge Palace facade, St. Mark's Basilica, and the Campanile Tower and of course the Piazza San Marco. St. Mark's Basilica was constructed in approximately 1050 and is an amazing representation of the collision of the cultures of the east and west. It is an amazing structure and it is unimaginable the amount of time and detail that is present in this structure - all done without power tools and building codes!

After a few photos (ok probably 100+) we sat down in the Piazza for a glass or two of prosecco and a Cuban cigar and a couple hours of just soaking in the atmosphere. The theme from the Godfather or Volare' playing the the background and the sun slowly setting over the square with the lights of the evening slowly taking hold and you have a magical moment.

Soon it was time to go and make our way back to the rendezvous point and join up with our group. We grabbed a little pizza and a beer and it was time to take the boat back to the bus and back to the hotel. A great day for sure.

Italy Trip 2008 - Day 1 Arrival and the Veneto Foothills

Well I have kept my Italy trip each year streak alive with an impromptu but wonderful trip to Venice and Treviso to see the Panto Window Factory compliments of my good friends at Panto Windows.

We left early Monday morning and arrived Tuesday morning at the Marco Polo Airport in Venice. We were greeted by the California sales representative, Simon and his lovely wife Marcia, at the airport. We stopped for a quick cappuccino and an introduction of our fellow travelers on the tour. I was happy to see my old friend Tony Garcia on the trip. Tony and I worked together in the early 90's at CCBG Architects and he now has his own firm in San Diego, California.

We loaded on the bus to the Hotel Relais Monaco near Treviso, Italy. The hotel is an old Villa Veneta, Villa Guarnieri, distinctively converted by the famous architects Afra and Tobia Scarpa, located in Ponzano Veneto, close to Treviso, in the heart of the "Marca Trevigiana" and only 35 kms away from Venice. It is set in a beautiful vineyard.

We checked in and after flying for what seemed like 24 hours we grabbed a quick bite on the terrace of the hotel. Great way to start with a plate of spaghetti and insalata mista - the freshest greens, tomato and mozzarella. Perfect!

We quickly reloaded the bus for a quick jaunt to the foothills of the Alps and the Mionetto Winery. Founded in 1887 from the love and passion for work and for the land of Francesco Mionetta, the head of the family and the master winemaker. In 1982 the winery completely converted to the production of Prosecco - a semi-sparkling white wine - Italian champagne made popular in the Bellini cocktail. We were given a wonderful tour of the winery by the grandson of the founder. Of course the tour ended in the tasting room and after trying ALL of their lines of prosecco it was time to move on to our next destination.

After a short drive through the hills of the Valdobbiadene wine -growing region north of Treviso we arrived at the Castel Brando. After a short tram ride up the hill you are taken with the beautiful view and the over 2000 year history of the castle. The castle has been converted to a 260 room hotel and convention center but it still feels like an old castle. It is spectacular. After a quick walk around the grounds and a tasty cappuccino it was back down the tram and back on the bus and off to dinner - something you do a lot in Italy - eat!

We arrived at a wonderful country restaurant - which I cannot recall the name but will track it down - and enjoyed a fantastic dinner. We all sat upstairs and since we are a group of 29 we were served country style - but it was fabulous. Great first dinner. The restaurant had a marvelous indoor grille and rotisserie and we had roast rabbit, chicken, and pork along with several pasta dishes, mushroom risotto, salad, vegetables and of course a delicious fruit tart with a panna cotta sauce - topped off with a perfect cappuccino. By now we were exhausted. Back to the hotel and some needed sleep! Off to Venice tomorrow. Ciao.

2008 The Year of Change

The kids are back to school and we are all gearing up for the fall and winter months. Many things have changed since I left Idaho last summer compared to my departure this summer. I have changed, my family has changed, my company has changed, and the world has changed. I cannot remember a year with more change - and it is only two thirds over.....

The world is changing very rapidly and the way we are all doing business, communicating, financing, and fueling our lives is all in a state of flux. Every person in every socioeconomic group has been effected - at least that is what I am seeing. The credit crunch has hit the entire world, but that was created by excessive greed both by those speculating and those lending. Our homes became investments and no longer a place to live and raise our families. Debt spiraled out of control - from the individual consumer all the way to the level of an entire nation. The dollar plunged and commodity prices spiraled out of control. Add world demand for a better life and its limited resources and products - cars, phones, food, clothes, building materials, and of course oil and you can understand why prices are doing what they are doing. Add a war, an election, Russia flexing its muscle, earthquakes, floods, and as I said, the year is only two thirds over. No wonder I'm tired.

What can be learned from all of this? I think first and foremost our value system needs to be reassessed. Our resources our limited and we need to manage them more wisely and more efficiently. Waste needs to be eliminated wherever possible. After driving two SUV's for years that never left a paved road or freeway I have traded them in for Hybrid vehicles that use a third of the gas and pollute far less. We are not all going to be celebrities or pro athletes and creative financing or endless home equity loans will not solve our problems. America needs to get back to work. We need to have as much focus on math and science for our children as we do for basketball practice. We will need to work and educate our way out of this and produce something - something tangible. That is why I love architecture - we create something. We are at the beginning and the next beginning is now.

Watching these olympics has been very inspirational. The olympics always are. I think we all realize we - the world - not just the USA, make up this world, run this world, fuel this world, supply the world and feed the world. China is amazing - what I have witnessed just in my lifetime from when Nixon went there in the early 70's to what I witnessed the last two weeks - the change is stunning. I'm looking forward to going there soon.

Where will the US be in thirty more years? Will we be running our homes, factories, businesses and cars on renewable energy or will be still driving cars burning gas at $9.00 a gallon like it costs in Europe right now? Will our children be the leaders in technology and innovation or will they just be service providers and hamburger flippers while hanging out in Scottsdale pretending to be movie stars? Will our air be clean, our food locally produced in organic farms, our water usable and clean to drink? We are at the forefront of a new era. $4.00 a gallon gas has finally awakened us from our wasteful energy binge. Opportunity awaits all of us.

It seems to all stem on energy. Will we be able to live 30-40-60 minutes from town or have a second home in Idaho, or travel to Italy and watch our TV's, run our computers, our I Phones, Skype with our friends and family across the world, run our air-conditioning, eat pineapples from Hawaii, enjoy a Bordeaux from France, the list goes on and on. Something has to change - it already has begun.

Seafood Boil on the Deck

Life on our deck in Coeur d'Alene is a big part of our summer and definitely a place we love to entertain our guests. There is nothing more wonderful than flying up from 110º Phoenix and arriving in Coeur d'Alene and hitting our deck. 70-80º weather and a cold glass of white wine or a Blue Moon beer with an orange slice and you are ready for a great evening.

Last weekend our guests for the week were my long time associate, Jeff Kramer and his wife Carmelle and their two lovely children Jason and Rachel. They have been are most welcomed guests every year since we have owned the house. We always have a great time with them.

This year they spent a few days in Seattle and then made the drive across Washington to our house in CDA. This year we demanded they hit Pike's Market in Seattle and load up on seafood for our seafood boil. They picked up lobster, crab, shrimp and clams we got the rest of the ingredients from our local farmer's market in CDA.

We started with a large stock pot on our propane cookstand sitting right on the deck - see http://www.eastmanoutdoors.com. We started with 6 quarts of water brought to a boil. Once it came to a boil we added a generous amount of sea salt, bay leaves, and the crab seasoning bags you can buy at the store. Add 6 halved lemons and return to a boil. Once boiling again add 4 medium artichokes - we added 6 because we love them. Cover and return to a boil. Let this boil for about 10-15 minutes then add a dozen or so little red potatoes, 6-8 ears of corn cut into small 2-3" sections, and 2 - 3 onions unpeeled but remove the ends. Reduce to a simmer for 5 minutes then add 6 whole unpeeled heads of garlic and 1 - 2 cups of your favorite dry white wine. Simmer, covered until the veggies are tender. Remove them to a serving platter after about 40 minutes of cooking for the artichokes.

We're almost there. As soon as you remove the veggies take two or three andouille sausages or I add a couple lamb smokies from my lamb farmer at Farmer's Market and slice them up and throw them in the boil. Let them boil for about 3 minutes. Then have all of your shellfish ready to go. Add the crabs and lobsters. Give them about 3 minutes then add the clams, then the shrimp. When the clams open and the shrimp are pink and start to curl it is showtime.

Cut the onions in half, clean the artichokes and remove the chokes. Prepare some melted butter, cocktail sauce, hot sauce, spice rubs for dipping, and you are ready to party. We served 12 easily and it was a big hit. The veggies soak up the spices and the seafood soaks up the flavor of the veggies. The sausages are always the big hit in the dish. It is outstanding and a great dinner on the deck.

Canada Pics

A few more pics from our road trip through British Columbia and Alberta, Canada - Great food in Canada - definitely a European influence wherever we ate - ay! The grizzly bears were the highlight of the trip - amazing animals. What beauty and the air was so clean and fresh - what a place.

Summer Fun in Canada

We have just returned from a fabulous road trip through the Canadian Rockies - well after exploring we realize this is an endless venture and we barely scratched the surface. We spent three days and two nights in the Okanagan specifically Kelowna and three days and two nights in Lake Louise in Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada.

Our itinerary was graciously set up by my good friend and Canadian, Patrick Murphy. While in Kelowna we stayed at the Manteo Resort. Great place - extremely family oriented with nice suites, kitchenettes, friendly, sandy beach, two pools one with a great water slide/tube which the kids loved, and a playground. Babysitting services are provided, so Mom and Dad can escape right next door at the Eldorado Hotel for a wonderful dinner on the boardwalk.

Kelowna and Okanagan Valley is the orchard and winery of Canada. It is unbelievably beautiful and fertile. Cherries, peaches, apricots and wine!!!! We sampled several while in Canada and instantly became hooked. Our favorite was the 2005 Private Reserve Gewürztraminer. It was light and not overly syrupy like some Gewürztraminers - very crisp and refreshing. We came to find virtually every nice hotel and restaurant we came across featured it. The best Okanagan red we tried was the Blasted Church Cabernet Sauvignon Revered Series 2006. I had this with a delicious venison tenderloin while at the Fairmont Hotel at Lake Louise.

After our stay in the Okanagan we headed up through the Canadian Rockies and over Kicking Horse Pass to Lake Louise. This is one of the most stunning places I have ever been! Absolutely breathtaking and indescribable. Glacier fed, turquoise streams and lakes, surrounded by cathedral peaks covered with thick forests and then this 5 star hotel set right in the middle of it all. The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Hotel ranks right up there in terms of one of the best hotels in the world. Originally built in 1893 the hotel has undergone many renovations, reconstructions, fires, well you get the picture. It's most recent renovation took place last year and it is exceptionally well done. Our room had a perfect view of the lake, mountains, and glacier.

While at Lake Louise we enjoyed a hike around the lake, the gondola ride whereon we saw three grizzly bears in the meadow below us, and a fantastic fondue dinner - and of course some more wines - at the Walliser Stube restaurant. After cheese fondue and then the venison tenderloin and of course some German speatzle, it was time for Tobblerone chocolate fondue. Ok - we indulged - we had a sitter and it was just Heather and I. Fantastic food, wine, service, accommodations, and scenery that is beyond belief.

My mom visited the resort in the late 50s and was stunned by my photos and the reduction in the size of the glacier - so for all you folks who don't think global warming is not real.....well the pics tell the tale. Today, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is recognized globally for progressive environmental stewardship and responsible tourism.

Please check the various websites listed on this blog for more information on the hotels and wines. I highly recommend a visit here to escape the Arizona summers. Fly into Calgary and its about a 2 hours incredibly scenic drive. Enjoy!