About jackiep

After almost 20 years in the corporate high-tech world, I took off to learn about the stock market and kick back a bit. I am still working on both those goals. My idea of a good time is a long hike, a brisk bike ride or a visit to an interesting place. I've got geek DNA and am equally fascinated with the world inside my computer screen.

Repentant Elton John Delivers

Posted on May 18, 2012 by jackiep

Had a delightful treat of an Elton John concert while in Las Vegas to present at the MoneyShow. He and his band rocked!

Elton’s fingers still fly with an amazing reach to play his signature chords and get down with a little rock and roll boogie woogie piano.

Got an extra half-hour with Elton John engaging the audience between every song and often stepping out from behind the piano to chat us up. Evidently the show two days before was cut short when Elton John threw a tantrum and left the stage after 35 minutes. Now he seemed eager to make it up.

As you can see, the chameleon piano morphs its skin to match the nifty visuals on the background screen.

With three percussionists, the band made itself felt. When they reached a crescendo, my clothes would literally vibrate.

Good vibes indeed!

San Antonio Valley Ranch

Posted on May 11, 2012 by jackiep

I just like the feel of gravel under my feet.

In this case, the gravel is at San Antonio Valley Ranch.

This Nature Conservancy property is on the way to becoming an ecological preserve. It is home to a herd of elk — no photos sorry. But elk! Just over the hill to the east of silicon valley!

Here is the fun and scenic route we took that day. The hybrid was so quiet, we surprised a bobcat on the road. No photos of that either. She ran the other way in an instant.

Back at the ranch, the newly planted trees are fenced to protect the new kids on the block from browsing animals.

If you appreciate the Nature Conservancy’s work, or just want to do a Good Thing, please visit my personal fund-raising page and consider a donation.

View of Google from the Weeds

Posted on April 27, 2012 by jackiep

On a recent hike around Shoreline, caught a view of Google HQ from the weeds:

Of course the Google-plex has its share of parking lots, but maybe more interesting is the alternate transportation. Over the hill lounge the shuttle buses, waiting to take the Googlers home.

Further down the bay are the NASA blimp hangers, in process of restoration by Google execs in exchange for parking spots for their personal jets.

Horses R CurioUs

Posted on March 16, 2012 by jackiep

Maybe not as curious as cats, but still the horses wonder about their new house guest…
Maybe wondering if the new human is a feeder…

Plenty of grass to go around, even early in the season

A day off from dressage for this self-assured athlete:

What can I say about this beast that hasn’t already been said by the dog?

Here’s what the horse thinks of that!

In the end, I made a new friend

C’mon Up to Castle Rock

Posted on March 6, 2012 by jackiep

Castle Rock is a park on the edge in two respects:

It sits right up at the top of Skyline and drops steeply to the southwest, giving expansive views of the redwood forest out to Monterey Bay
Its on and off and on the closure list of state parks, which means you might want to check out those views while you still can.

On Feb 26, I acted as the sweep for a Sempervirens Fund hike around the Saratoga Gap and Ridge Trails. Hike leader Scott Peden snapped excellent photos, including a panel of wildflowers. He also got a great shot of the woodpecker we saw.

Here’s Scott pointing out all the land across the San Lorenzo watershed — half of which is scheduled for closure in July if it can’t find funding.

Along the trail…my role as caboose gives a nice vantage point.
Nobody can resist touching the Madrone “refrigerator trees”. Old growth redwoods live in Castle Rock, too.

When you visit Castle Rock State Park, I just have one request: Please pony up for parking or buy a parks pass. Your dollars count towards keeping the parks open and maintained.

Bingo!

Posted on December 7, 2011 by jackiep

Accompanied my mother to the senior center for a game of “high stakes” bingo with all the trimmings. They rip through the numbers at a quick pace for a newbie with 18 cards and a hot dog to manage!

The Ponies of the Fort Worth (Live) Stock Exchange

Posted on October 30, 2011 by jackiep

While in the area for the Traders Expo Dallas, I stepped off the beaten path and back in time during a visit to the Fort Worth Live Stock Exchange. I’d arrived too late in the day to see the actual livestock but outside found some of childhood’s favorites: Coin-op ponies!

You can clearly see their different personalities. Look at this perky pet:

This guy is looking a little stressed out:

And check out this serious worker pulling the cart. He’s a far cry from the comical cow in the background. As a kid I wouldn’t have been caught dead riding that cow.

THIS is my idea of a serious steed:

Here’s why: a real stirrup.
Giddy-up!

Traders Expo NYC 2011 Pics

Posted on June 3, 2011 by jackiep

A few pictures to share from my trip to New York City for the Traders Expo in February 2011. A (very) little bit of art above…

The 911 memorial is under construction, but meanwhile we have this one:

Of interest to traders and train riders:

The subway mosiac leads to NYSE behind protective fences:

No tours of the exchange, so back on the train:

NASDAQ on Times Square:

Oh yeah, I did work on this trip. Here’s my presentation on Divergences at the Traders Expo New York:

Finally, a little rest and refreshment in the room:

Beaver Creek Gently

Posted on February 27, 2011 by jackiep

This year’s Beaver Creek trip was tamer than usual as I am recovering from injury. In fact, it wound up being as much swimming as skiing:

So rather than ski the mega-steeps, I got to photograph them from afar. Here is The Brink – the steep run on the top right – a favorite from last year.

Its was tough (sarc): 11 inches of new snow on my birthday and I had to ski green groomers. At least the cake was good!

Las Vegas Traders Expo 2010

Posted on February 27, 2011 by jackiep

In 2010 I did’t post to this blog as often as I’d like. For 2011, will at least post a note on my travels. With this post, I actually go back to 2010 for the Las Vegas Traders Expo….

Even though I wasn’t presenting, I decided to go to the Expo and attend the sessions. As a bonus, my cousin Kris was in Las Vegas the same week and so my mother decided to come along. Here’s the three of us in the cafe in front of the Paris hotel:

A good time was had by all !

UnIncorporated

Tales of Adventure and Musings by Jackie Ann Patterson

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