Cameron's a teenager !! - November 30th 2011

Our nephew Cameron (Tony's brother Mark's youngest), turned 13 today. Happy Birthday Cameron.
Also a belated birthday to his older brother Robert (16). We missed a blog post for October 20th. Sorry mate. Just your Uncle Tony being his normal organized self....not.

Cameron playing his STAGG Guitar. (Fantastic guitar BTW)

Happy Birthday Jen !! - November 26th 2011

Pictured with brother Scott

Jen's Birthday today. Unfortunately she was working all day and studying the rest of the week-end so we didn't get a chance to go out and celebrate. After school finishes in 3 weeks we'll make up for lost time!!

Xmas Lights - November 25th 2011

Our House

With Jen working for a couple of days, Tony took the opportunity to put up the outside lights. Not bad & the first on the street to do so. Obviously set the standard for the neighbours to follow.

Thanksgiving - November 24th 2011

Thanksgiving is a huge holiday in America, and always take place on the 4th Thursday of November. We went over to Jen's Mom & Dad's in Anaheim Hills, and were joined by Ken's brother (& family), Jen's girlfriend Myle (& crew) & Jen's brother Scott.

From left (Clockwise) - Kevin Bue, Myle Phan, Jen, Dave Pruzinsky, Ken, Pat Pruzinsky, 

Jim Pruzinsky, Scott, Mary Ellen

Sorry for the picture quality (taken on a cell phone). We'll post some more pics once we get a chance to download onto the computer

Always nice to have a great meal, good wine & a four day week-end .

Brit Meet Up/ Karaoke - November 18th 2011

Tonight was the monthly Brit Meet Up with our British Ex Pat friends in Temecula. Tony went solo as it was on a Friday night, and Jen wasn't back from Orange County yet. Still - It didn't stop him having a good time and the hosts (Paul & Sharon Little) had a Karaoke machine.

The pics below were taken by our resident pro photographer Patrick.

"You've lost that loving feeling" sung by:

Patrick Shelton & Tony, with Dawn Deniz looking on

Tony pictured with the ladies - Geraldine Shelton & Margaret Rhydderich

Tony gets his Permanent Residency - November 14th 2011

Tony today received his Permanent Residency in the USA. This is the Official Green Card which replaces the conditional (2 year) Green Card. This means he is now good for another 10 years. Yeaahhhh!

A well deserved night out at Don Jose's - November 11th 2011

Jen enjoying her Strawberry Margarita

With nursing school consuming Jen's entire life right now we decided to have a rare night out at a local Mexican restaurant (Don Jose's) in Lake Elsinore. Nice to end the work week with a couple of margarita's !!

Tony Graham Signature Snare Drum - November 9th 2011

One of Tony's dealers (with a good sense of humour) decided to name one of the drums Tony's company sells after him. (The Tony Grahm  - he cant spell... "UK Stealth" Signature Snare) 

Pity he only thinks its worth $69.95 - He even faked a signature....They already sold one.

Still waiting for a royalty payment.

Breakfast at Annie's Cafe - October 30th 2011

Annie's Cafe is THE place to go for breakfast in Lake Elsinore. It is actually run by Brits (Jan & Kevin) and aside from serving great food, they entertain you while you eat with periodic dances, singing & silly hats if it is your first visit! - Jan's personality makes it, and the locals love her. Today the staff were all dressed up for Halloween. Sorry no pics :(
We met friends of ours Fay & Ed at 8.30am. If you are there after 9.00am on the week-end there is a line out the door - very popular. Below is a clip we found on You Tube which gives you the idea. The owner is in black and doing the high kicks!

Pictures from Tony's Travels - October 26th & 27th 2011

This week Tony was traveling his normal territory in Southern California but stopped to take a couple of pictures on his way. On Wednesday he was way out in the desert in El Centro & Calexico. Heading back towards Palm Desert he drove alongside the coast of the Salton Sea.

The Salton Sea from Highway 111

From Calexico to Palm Desert

On Thursday he was in South Orange County and took Ortega Highway (74) back through the mountains to Lake Elsinore. It is a nice drive during the daytime and you get a great view of Lake Elsinore on the way down.

Lake Elsinore from Ortega Highway

San Clemente to Home via Ortega Highway

Ollie & Psych getting friendly - 24th October 2011

For you cat lovers out there you will appreciate this. As you can see Ollie has recovered well from his recent surgery and is best buds once again with everyone. Enjoy !!

Jen finishes top of the class - 14th October 2011

Jen finished the first half of her first semester today and Tony is proud to announce that she finished top of the class (about 50 students) with an A (94%).
On Monday she starts Medical Surgery for the next 9 weeks which will take her up to mid December.
With less homework to do this week-end we actually took a day out and went to Palm Springs for some R&R.

September Catch Up - 2011

Ooops!! - We haven't got to post for a while. Sorry about that. Actually we had a quiet September with Jen diving into nursing school. It is taking up a lot of her time (80 hours plus per week) so the social life has taken a back seat. Still here are some late August/ September highlights.

Pete & Andrea with Jen

August 27th - 

Peter went to school with Jen's brother Scott. Jen & him have been friends for years. Recently Pete got married in Hawaii to Andrea, so his parents threw him a reception back at their place. Tony couldn't make it, but Jen went along with her Mom & Dad.

Jen & Dad - Ken

Other misc. September highlights below:

We need to brush Sadie more often !!

Jen with Nursing school colleague's (& friends) Sue & Shelby

FYI - Jen is doing great at school. Grades so far in the 90% plus range. Keep it going Jen!

Happy Belated Birthday Mum!

September 19th.  - Next year is a biggie

Brit Meet Up night - September 24th

Tony's bum pictured with Jacqui Montana & Kate's Purse

We all went to the Barley & Hops Irish pub in Temecula. Had some grub & a few pints. We are really pleased we joined this group. A great bunch of people.

Curry Night at Mantra Temecula

October 1st 2011

It's hard to find a good curry place in America, but a new restaurant just opened in Temecula called Mantra. Tony met some friends here tonight & despite the slow service, the food was very good. Will definitely go back.

Tony goes to Colorado - August 24th- 26th 2011

Home/ Ontario Airport/ Denver/ Colorado Springs/ Fort Collins

Tony has a new rep who started a couple of months ago covering the Rocky Mountain states. Due to Tony's injury he hasn't been able to travel out sooner, but this week he flew out to Denver in Colorado and travelled around the Denver/ Colorado Springs/ Fort Collins area. Colorado is a beautiful state and one worth visiting (especially if you like winter sports!)

Robbie Keane signs for the LA Galaxy - August 20th 2011

Keane with other star players Landon Donovan & Becks.

OK - Not directly related to our life in America, but when you don't have much to shout about from a football stance over here, its nice to see another European signing for the LA Galaxy. Hopefully he will be a great addition to the team. Debut tonight against San Jose.

BTW - Well done Luton Town - Noticed we won 5-1 against Southport. Win the game in hand and we go top. - like you care...

Happy Birthday Deb - August 16th 2011

Deb pictured with Jen last Xmas

Deb is Tony's sister in law (married to Tony's brother Mark). It is her birthday today and the card is in the mail ...honestly... HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!

Jen starts Nursing School - August 15th 2011

Jen got accepted into the RN Nursing Program at Cerritos College in Los Angeles. She has always wanted to finish the program and finally now has her chance. It means staying in Orange County during the week at Mom & Dad's due to the distance & traffic, but once done she will have an excellent future ahead of her. It is a 2 year/ 4 semester program finishing in May 2013.
Lots of hard work ahead, but the reward at the end is worth it.

First day in uniform

By the pool at Mom & Dads with Sadie

An evening with Gary & Jacqui - August 13th 2011

Gary & Jacqui are two of our British friends from the meet up group Tony belongs to. We met up this evening for a meal in Temecula at the Yard House, and then went back to their house. Jen & Jacqui had a girly chin wag around the fire pit, while Gary challenged Tony to a game of pool.


Gary has never won a pool tournament on his home table and last time he & Tony played, the score was 5-3 to Tony. This time, Gary won frame 1, before Tony won the next 4 to take a 4-1 lead. Gary pulled back to 4-4 and then in true Steve Davis/ Dennis Taylor fashion  it went down to the final black. Tony has to admit it - he choked on the black not once but 3 times, and Gary cleaned up. His first victory 5-4.

Look at the smirk on his face !

This picture is going to be framed and put up his pool table room. At least he agreed to put Tony's victory picture from before up as well. Next time Gary......Next time mate...

Ron's Retirement get together - August 7th 2011

Ron & Judy live next door to us. Ron has worked for the same air conditioning company for over 30 years and he just turned 65. He decided to retire and asked us to join them and some of their family for a meal at   Tap's Brewery in Corona. We had a very nice evening with good company, good food and good champagne!

Judy & Ron

Complete with cake - Boat themed!

Ron is looking at buying a boat. He lived on one for a while a few years back and now wants to get another. He has promised to take us out on the lake as soon as the deal is done.

Ollie's Surgery & Back Home - August 6th/7th 2011

Our little dude made it through surgery on Saturday morning, and was ready for going home by Sunday afternoon. As you can see from the picture, they had to shave his back 1/4 for the surgery and you can see his staples. We have him on pain medication and antibiotics for the next 7 days, and he needs to be isolated, so the downstairs restroom is Ollie's home for the next 2 weeks. Thankfully the pain medication sedates him a lot, so he wont go nuts in a confined space. We also have a lampshade style collar for him to stop him pulling out the staples.

Poor little guy - Thankfully he has a life left!

Orange County Fair, Costa Mesa - August 5th 2011

While we were in Fountain Valley, we decided to head over to the Orange County Fair for the evening. It is close by in Costa Mesa, and happens every year in July/August. It is packed with fairground rides, food & drink stands, music stages, retail booths etc etc. Always a good excuse to go and eat all the foods that are bad for you! Tonight our friend Paul was playing sax on one of the main stages with a Bruce Springsteen tribute band. We watched for a while and then just walked around having fun.

Tony eating a Turkey leg!!

Ollie breaks his leg - August 5th 2011

Just after midnight Ollie tried jumping up onto our night stand (bed side table in English!) & missed. Tony heard it happen but did not see it, but it was clear that he had broken his leg. At 13 years old he is not as agile as he once was. Of course these things always happen after regular vet hours, so Tony met Jen in Corona (Jen was in Orange County at the time)  at a 24 hour vet. They took X rays and yes a confirmed break in the lower back leg. Actually in an awkward spot, that requires surgery. We left him overnight at the vet for close monitoring, and waited anxiously for a call the next day once they had a chance to talk to an Orthopedic surgeon.
As it happens the surgeon was out of town so we ended up taking Ollie to a specialist Orthopedic place in Fountain Valley. The vet there was fantastic and he gave us 3 options.
1 - Try a complicated repair to the leg with pinning. Very expensive, no guarantee of success and a 8 week recovery for Ollie.
2 - Amputate the leg - Less expensive and a 2 week recovery
3 - Put him down


We couldn't put him down for a broken leg, so ended up deciding to amputate. He is booked in for surgery tomorrow!

Ollie with cast en-route to the 2nd Vet.

Happy Birthday Jimmy ! - 3 years old, July 29th 2011

Jimmy with his cousin Josh

Jimmy is Tony's sister Lynn's eldest. 3 years old on July 29th. Happy belated birthday Jimmy! Hope you had a good one. Love Uncle Tony & Auntie Jen.

Tony's Injury Update - July 28th 2011

Tony had another post op appointment with the surgeon today. The foot is doing well as far as motion but still quite weak as far as strength. This is normal and he is only 2 months in to a 6 month recovery. He can now lose the boot and wear a normal shoe, and continue his Physical Therapy exercises at home. He can also do some cardio but no running.  2 months now to the next appointment.

Happy 2nd Anniversary to us - July 25th 2011

2 years ago !! - Fantastic Day

We both took the day off work, and actually just chilled out at home. Jen is due to start Nursing school on August 15th so we have a lot to sort out before she starts. Having a couple of days off really helps!

Tony at Summer NAMM - Nashville, TN - July 19th to 24th 2011

This week was the Summer NAMM show (National Association of Music Merchants). It is held every year at the Convention Center in Nashville,  Tennessee. Although much smaller than the Winter show in Anaheim, CA it is still a major show in the Music Industry. Nashville is a great city and the home of Country Music. It is also where Tony's company is based so is a local show for them. Tony flew out on Tuesday from San Diego, helped set up the booth on Wednesday, had a Sales meeting with his reps Wednesday evening and the show ran from Thurs - Sat inclusive, with break down on Saturday night. He then flew back on Sunday. Long days but fun to see everyone, and always a good social life.

Home to San Diego to Nashville 

Nashville Convention Center

The "Honky Tonks" on Broadway

Wine Tasting Afternoon with the Brits - July 10th 2011

This afternoon we went back to Oak Mountain Winery in Temecula for a nice relaxing afternoon with our British friends. You can bring your own nibbles with you, and wash it down with some great vino.
After closing we back to Kate's house close by, for a couple more before heading back home

Ed likes his wine

Paul Navidad's 40th @ Angels Stadium - 7th July 2011

Jen & Paul have been friends since they were kids. Paul actually went to school with Jen's brother Scott. He is now a professional musician playing Sax, Clarinet & Piano among other instruments. It was Paul's band who played at our wedding.
Today was Paul's 40th !! - He is a HUGE Los Angeles Angels Baseball fan, so his friend Gail organized a pre-game party at JT Schmid's in Anaheim for drinks & food before we all headed to Angels Stadium to see them beat the Seattle Mariners 5-1. Afterwards we went back to the bar for a drink & dessert before heading home.

Angels tickets & the cap they gave out to everyone at the game

The birthday boy with Jen

Angels Stadium

Paul's friends & family

Independence Day - July 4th 2011

This year we went over to Jen's Mom & Dad's house in Anaheim Hills. Jen's girlfriend Myle, celebrated her birthday this week-end also so she came over with her boyfriend Kevin & son Brandon. Another of Jen's girlfriends Jenny Stone also came over with her kids. Jen & Jenny have recently re-united after losing touch for over 20 years. However Jenny's husband has just got work in Colorado so the family is moving over the coming weeks. This was a good excuse to get together before they leave. We had tri-tip & sausages on the grill, along with a ton of other food. (Myle always brings some great Vietnamese stuff). Drinks were in the cooler and music was on. A nice relaxing afternoon/evening.

Jenny in the pool with kids Falyn (4) & Braden (6)

Tony gets "The Boot" - June 28th 2011

Thankfully not from Work or Jen !!


No - Today was his appointment with the surgeon post surgery, and his cast was finally cut off, and he was put in a walking boot. Now he can put weight on his foot, and needs to regain the strength lost over the last 5 1/2 weeks. At least he can now ditch the crutches and get his hands & foot back again !!
Tony needs to do daily exercises on the foot, and go for Physical Therapy 3x per week for the next 4 weeks. Next appointment with the doc is end of July.

From this...

To this...

A Busy Birthday Week - June 26th, 27th & 30th

We are notoriously bad at getting Birthday cards out on time, so thought we would at least acknowledge some Birthdays this week on the blog !

Jake Graham - Tony's youngest - 11 Years old on June 26th

Samuel Ward (Our youngest nephew) turned 1 on June 27th

Ken Pruzinsky (Jen's Dad) turned 72 on June 30th

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALL   !!!

Margaret & Gerry's 50th Wedding Anniversary - June 25th 2011

Through Tony's Brit Meet Up Group we have met some wonderful friends. Margaret & Gerry Rhydderch are two of them, and today they invited us to celebrate with them, their 50th Wedding Anniversary at the Oak Mountain Winery in Temecula. There were about 40 people present in a beautiful setting, and we were treated to a fabulous meal, and open bar. Afterwards we all went back to Margaret & Gerry's house for more nibbles & drink before leaving in the early hours. 
We spent the night at Gary & Jacqui's nearby and finally got to bed at around 5.00am. After getting a few hours sleep, Jacqui cooked  breakfast for us - Cinnamon Rolls...MMmmmm. Sunday ended up being a VERY lazy day !!
Some pictures of our friends below:

Margaret & Gerry 

Gary & Jacqui Montana

Kate Hancock & Jen

Geraldine & Patrick Shelton

Ed & Fay Hasnip