CARDS ANYONE?

Anyone who hangs out with Roger or Diana knows that they love playing 'Progressive Rummy'.

Its a card game that is actually quite easy to learn and play. And the great thing about it is that you can actually drink, eat and play all at the same time, really! These things not necessarily in priority order, seem to be top choices for things to do with

the Davis'. So if you are incline to give it a try and join in. There will be a number of our guests on hand to teach you. So don't be afraid to inquire. So who are they you ask?...well, Buzz, Karen, Russell, Martie, Paul, Mike, Laura, Reagan, Fumi, Ani, Tim to name but just a few...

During this trip we will be having a bit of fun competition for those wanting to play. NO, of course it's optional. YES, it includes winners, prizes and verification of scores of course. You really thought we would trust you? Not when it comes to cards!...oh so now you want to play huh? Well join in, hang on to those scoresheets as we will be keeping track to determine the awards of the prize. Karen and Buzz has graciously accepted to assist us on this activity. And so check-in with them and ask them for the rules to win.

More specific details for this contest will be provided at the resort... Following is the rules for the game...but trust me, it's a lot easier to join in and pick it up from actually playing the game...it's not hard, really-give it a try!

PROGRESSIVE RUMMY GUIDELINES

1 standard playing deck of 52 cards plus 2 jokers (minimum) • 6 players maximum per 1 deck of cards

Object of the Game – Player with lowest point wins

RULES OF THE GAME

• Determine who will start the deal by turning cards face up in front of each player and the first player with a “Jack” is the first determined dealer.
• All cards are face value……Ace’s = 1 (with the exception for the first round in which the Ace is a wild card and worth 15 points……tens and face cards= 10 point each. Wild cards are worth 15 points including the Joker cards.
• Begin the first hand with “Aces” being wild; the second hand “Twos” are wild…..through Kings.
• Ace is always low as one , and never high King.
• Dealer deals 7 cards to each player, starting at his/her left.
• Dealer turns over the top card after dealing everyone 7. Dealer is the first to play by either taking the card turned over or drawing from the deck. If dealer gets a wild card, he/she has the option to keep it to play later.
• Object is to get rid of all cards in your hand with the lowest point value. You must initially have 25 points to lay down and can do so with a minimum of three of a kind (3 tens would work or 2 fives and a wild card, etc.) or a run of three or more of the same suit that add up to 25 points. You can also have two sets of three cards or more that add up to 25 points as well (Example; Game 5, Fives are wild, you can lay 3 Fours = 12 + 3 cards of the same suit, 5, 6, & 7 hearts = 18, your total points 12 + 18 = 30 to lay down, qualifies for 25 or more points).
• Once you lay down your initial 25 points, you must wait until your next turn to play cards in your hand on any other players “lay downs”. You may continue to lay down additional runs or three of a kind that are of any value on your turn. You may also exchange a card in your hand that is being used by a wild card on any of the “lay downs”….but the wild card taken from the table on others set lay down cards must be used at that time. You cannot hold the wild card for use in your hand for a subsequent turn.
• If you draw a wild card off the deck pile you have the option to use it or choose to play it later and keep in your hand till your decision to discard. Again remember, Wild Cards are worth 15 points!
• Once the draw card pile is gone, then the play is to go around one last time till a player cannot play in which case the game is over and everyone counts their points to tally or…
• The first player to get rid of all of their cards is the winner of that round. All other players get charged the number of points in their hands for the score sheet.
• At the end of the game (13 rounds……..Ace being the first round and the King is the last round) the player with the least number of points is the winner of that game.
• Each game must have a minimum of two players and a maximum of no more than six players.
• The winner of the 13 rounds will be the player with the lowest average for all games played.

Spotlight by Roger: "REAGAN & FUMI "

Fumi is Diana’s mom and Reagan is her younger brother. Both have been to just about every travel adventure that Roger and Diana have been able to put together.....and they are really fun to have along. Every once in awhile Roger and Diana are able to convince mom to come to Laguna Beach and spend some time with them. The trip usually lasts just a few weeks before mom needs to get back to Sonoma and be with Butch and Mylet (two miniature poodles) who are spoiled rotten....go figure!! Reagan holds the dubious distinction of having accumulated the highest score (not a good thing) in the infamous Progressive Rummy game. He has been accused of sand-bagging so don’t play him for money.

Reagan likes a good Sea Breeze cocktail (not sure what this is but rumor has it that it comes with a little pink umbrella) and mom likes Sunkist orange soda. Of course many of you might recall when Buzz got Mom pretty well looped on Bloody Mary’s at Roger and Diana’s wedding of all places......so maybe just one....OK, two at the most...naw go for it Mom, it's your Birthday live it up!!

Let's Rendezvous in CUN...maybe?

Listed below are the approximate arrival time for our group. After clearing all the required airline arrival regulations & procedure with immigration, baggage claim and customs. Proceed to the public area where the awaiting public, shuttle, transfers and yes unfortunately timeshare promoters will be. Find the APPLE VACATION representative with the appropriate ID badge and check in with that individual for your pre-paid shuttle service to the resort. You will need your Apple Vacation Voucher. Tips/Gratuity is not included.

I have listed the individuals that are in our group so you can perhaps cross paths at the airport, pending the waiting time to fill the shuttle vehicle to the resort. So if you recognize someone, you might very well be seated in the vehicle with them. See you at the resort soon!

Date: Saturday, March 5

Time noted are anticipated flight arrival time

Russell & Randy there already, planning to be at resort around 2 or 3pm

Reagan & Fumi 3:45pm

Tim & Ani 3:45pm

Laura & Dell 3:45pm

Mike T 4:20pm

Naomi & Joan 4:38pm

Rocky & Peggy 6:05pm

Roger & Diana 7:20pm

Karen & Buzz 7:20pm

Jim & Jan 7:20pm

Diane 7:20pm

Melissa & Ben 7:20pm

Marty 7:20pm

Alex 7:20pm

Mike & Dani 9:35pm

Martie & Paul 3:45pm (Monday, Mar 7)

** Flight arrival time was checked as of Saturday, 02/27/11

Photo provided by Flickr.cameronparkins

Spotlight by Roger: "MARTY"

Marty is also single and given the fact that he has a home in both Irvine and Hawaii, drives a new Lexus and wears designer clothes he may be the answer to several of our other singles........except for a few important factors. First off, he’s not old and doesn’t have one foot in the grave (sorry Diane) and secondly, he’s not gay (sorry Mike)....geeze no one catches a break here!! Marty met Diana and Roger thru the City of Irvine (notice the word “work” was not mentioned!). He claims that we all met in Las Vegas where Roger won Diana in some sort of poker game....huh? Since retiring, Marty has been on a very successful weight loss program and is one of the most positive persons either Roger or Diana have ever known......way to go Marty. Marty was last in Cancun in 1999 and is hoping to once again hook up with the girl of his dreams who will wait on him hand and foot, see that his every desire is met without question or delay and be with him for at least the next several nights.......keep on dreaming and/or keep the alcohol and drugs flowing......what color is the sky in his world???

Marty tried to do the volunteer thing and all was going well until they had the nerve to suggest a SCHEDULE......WTF??? So now the only volunteer effort is to join Roger and Diana on their travel adventures. Seems his favorite drink is a Red Bull cocktail or and I quote here “anything with a parasol, sweet and tangy on my lips, and a good kick”......WTF?? And he likes his women this way too.” Again, WTF?!?

"Say a Few Words?"

Seems only fair to offer this opportunity to our guests who would like to say a few words , share a story or perhaps get even with Roger for his article blog or maybe just torment Diana for having to tolerate scrolling through paragraphs of blah-blah-blah on this #*%@ Blog?

Whatever the reason, we do think of you and wanted to give you this opportunity. So if you need some preparation time you have this coming week to pull it together and .... our Cocktail Reception will be the time to share and present.

All you need to do is let Roger know, so he can coordinate this opportunity ... the stage will be yours.

Photo provided by Flickr.net-efeket

Spotlight By Roger: "NAOMI & JOAN "

Both Naomi and Joan live in Hawaii and got to know Diana through their mutual professions in Parks and Recreation. Seems the Hawaii folks attended a conference in San Diego back in the ’80’s, met Diana, and started taking trips to Ensenada to enjoy lobster in Puerto Nuevo and steak at El Rey del Sol in Ensenada......and the rest is history. They did this for 20 years until they all retired. Of course Ensenada is still talking about their naked pool adventures, tequila shots (a “hot-flash” in a bottle per Naomi), miso soup in the rain, and Naomi’s famous survey questions (i.e. “other than your spouse, who would you like to have sex with?”)......some answers were really surprising and some couples are still recovering.

QUESTION....ever wonder who would buy all of that CRAP you see for sale in Mexico.....especially at the border?? Joan and Naomi please raise your hands!! Since Joan likes wine and Naomi goes for Margaritas, perhaps alcohol plays a small role in their purchasing selections........one can only wonder!?!

ITunes-UTunes-We All Tunes!

Well I asked you all about your favorite reading material...NOW for those bringing their tunes..oh you know those MP3, itune library in laptop, iphone, ipad, itouch, ay-ya-ya-ya-ay...oh my!

So what is your favorite music and singer(s)? What are you planning to bring in your playlist or gizmo machine....Name that musical singer and share away.... let's go for a list of no more then 10?

Here's mine..

DIANA's Album Choices - Top Ten Singers (not in order)

1. Michael Buble - "It's Time" & "Caught in the Act"

2. Barbara Streisand - "Memories" & "Emotions"

3. Kenny Chesney - " Be As You Are"

4. Andrea Bocelli - "Amore" & "Romanza"

5. Tommy Castro - "Right as Rain" & 'Exception to the Rule"

6. Tony Bennett - "Duet-An American Classic"

7. Patty Austin - "The Ultimate Collection"

8. Gloria Estefan - "Greatest Hits" & "Christmas Through Your Eyes"

9. Michael McDonald - "Motown"

10. Wave Aid - Various Artists from Smooth Jazz

Mike C's Music Selection

1.Sex Pistols

2. Fear

3. Dead Kennedys

4. Surf Punks

5. Black Flag

6. TSOL

7. PIL

8. Agent Orange

9. Social Distortion

& 10. Michael Bolton

Karen's Music Selection

1. Country

2. Classical - Pavaratti & Bocelli

3. R&B

4. Smooth Jazz

5. Hawaiian

6. Rock

Okay...I'm more partial to Country these days (my aging ears can actually understand some of the words), but you will find Classical, R&B, Smooth Jazz, Country, Hawaiian, Pavaratti and Bocelli, plus Rock from several eras.....but no complete albums. I mix and match the singles cuz I'm too cheap to buy the whole album ;-)

Alex's Music Selection

1.Gypsy Kings

2. Andrea Bocelli

3. 50's songs

4. 70's Disco (go Donna Summer!)

5. Tango

6. Brazilian

7. Favorite Jazz

8. Europa (makes my skin tingle)

9.

....actually most anything with saxophone will do that.

Jim's Music Selection

Country Music, Definitely!!!

No other musical genre captures the heartfelt emotions of life, love, joy, pain, and despair...and the beauty of the English language like a good country song. Just consider the following examples...Pure Poetry!

1. Were You Born an Asshole (or did you work at it your whole life)?

2. At the Gas Station of Love, I Got the Self Service Pump

3. I Don't Know Whether to Kill Myself or Go Bowling

4. Although You're Thirty, I Still Think You're Purty

5. From the Gutter to You Ain't Up

6. How Can I Miss You If You Won't Go Away?

7. I Don't Want You're Body If Your Heart's Not In It

8. I Still Miss You Baby, But My Aim's Getting Better

9. I'm So Miserable Without You It's Almost Like Having You Here

10. You Can't Have Your Kate and Edith, Too

11. If You Won't Leave Me Alone, I'll Find Someone Who Will

12. Tennis Must Be Your Racket 'Cause "Love" Means Nothin' To You

Jan's Music selection

I enjoy the following, “even though I can’t find my ipod after moving our homes...ugh!”

1. Country- the best

2. Smooth Jazz

3. R&B

4. Classic Rock, various eras

5. Sinatra, Cole, Streisand, Bennett, et.al.

6. Various Latin Jazz ex: Santana, Poncho Sanchez

7. Bon Jovi

8. Ottmar Liebert

9. Kenny G types
And finally number 10 …the “Coup de Gras” various renditions from Jim Berkson’s Pedal Steel Guitar ! ("Ear Ache")

Photo provided by Flickr:AndersLjungberg

Remember...You're A "Preferred Club" Guest!

PREFERRED CLUB guest...that's you at the NOW Jade Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa. I recently wrote and posted a blog article titled...."What Do I Really Need to Pack?" There are additional perks for selecting this caliber of category for the resort...and you should be aware of it to take advantage of this service.

One of the handy one is when you first arrive to the resort. There is a specific check-in process for Preferred Club Guest and so the long lines that you may see when you arrive may very well not be your check-in area. So be attentive to that and let your resort attendant know that, if they do not direct you accordingly.

As many will be coming in a group, others will be staggering one-on-one, since I won't be there to assist you personally. Please read and reference the perks of this status. Including all the document information that you received from Alex.

The other perk that comes to mind is with the Preferred Club status, there is a special upgrade menu for your room mini-bar and also the room service menu. If you get in late, you may want to check this option out instead of trying to head to the restaurant or buffet. We have a very early start (I believe it was around 7 or 7:15am for Sunday) for our Coba/Tulum/Cenote Excursion. Check the document that Alex sent you from Apple Vacation. I know she inserted details for our excursion that you will need to know

So this information should easily get you started...but what will keep you going during this trip will be the tipping or gratuity with the people who serve you. Many of the service staff makes $5.00 a DAY or thereof.. not the USA's $5.00+ per HOUR. So tipping is appreciated and the generosity that is sent may very well come back to you. So think about it and prepare those $1, $5, $10 & $20 bills!

Photo provided by Flickr:bryan_chan

Spotlight by Roger: "MELISSA & BEN "

Melissa worked with Diana at the City of Irvine many years ago and for those keeping track, she will have an Amethyst jewel on her badge letting everyone know she has also attended Roger and Diana’s 15th renewal ceremony in the Caribbean......badge??......what badge???......we don’t need no stinking badges!! Melissa is also a gemologist and bunked with Jan on the Caribbean cruise. Jan is now engaged to Jim and Melissa is married to Ben. Nobody has met Ben so this could all be just a figment of Melissa’s imagination......we’ll see, won't we!

Ben’s favorite drink is Diet Coke and he loves Mexican food. Melissa likes ginger ale and has been seen enjoying a gin and tonic when the occasion calls for it. Both are looking forward to seeing some Mayan ruins and just relaxing. However, if it’s just ruins they are looking for.....perhaps a close-up encounter with either Roger or Russell would do the trick.....it’s not pretty folks...but ancient & ruins, hmmm!!

Spotlight by Roger: "DANI & MIKE"

Can you imagine?? Mike is Russell’s son!! Stop for a moment here.....take it all in.....think about it.....Mike is Russell’s son!! Can you imagine??.....those formative years, bringing girlfriends to the house, father/ son talks, their first drink together, bringing girlfriends to the house, etc., etc. Well, Russell must have done something right ‘cause Mike is one fantastic “kid”. He’s married to Danielle (Dani) who is not only drop-dead gorgeous but also has a great personality.....way to go MIke. Dani is a dental hygienist (and a really good one I hear) and poor Mike has a really shitty job you only hear about. Seems he’s some sort of mukity-muk with a national surf board company and has to travel all over the Western world surfing.......gotta be tough!!

Dani likes champagne and Mike prefers tequila. Appears they both just want to relax and hang with Russell. Remember Diana’s request for information??? Under threat of both Roger and Russell making up stuff if they did not respond, Mike was so quick to respond it reminded Dani of their honeymoon

Photo provided by Mr. Michael Cobb's Private 'Self Portrait' Collection

Spotlight by Roger: "ROCKY & PEGGY "

Many of you might recall that Diana sent out an email requesting information about yourselves for these articles. The threat was that if you did not furnish any info, Roger would make stuff up about you.......so, having received nothing from these two....here goes. Diana met Peggy in the 4th. grade and Rocky in the 8th. grade. They have two kids, were high school sweethearts and then got married.....not necessarily in that order. They have both starred in the adult film industry-but never together in the same film....hmmmm?? They and their two kids were at Roger and Diana’s wedding in Hawaii in 1990 plus Rocky and Peggy attended the 5th. renewal in Las Vegas and the 10th. renewal in Maui. They are both multiple graduates from the Betty Ford Clinic.

Rocky recently retired from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department-Homicide Section and Peggy is retired from Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners Advisory Committee & University Medical Center-Respiratory Services. Not sure what they both drink, but given their history with the former First Lady clinic, looks like all options are open. Ask Roger about the story when Rocky badged him at the poker table at the Rio in Las Vegas....oh my!

Spotlight by Roger: "TIM & ANI "

Ani (pronounced Ahnee) is Tim’s girlfriend and Tim (pronounced Tim) is Roger and Diana’s nephew. They both live in Sonoma where Ani manages the Red Grape restaurant and Tim works for Ani’s dad doing construction. Tim helped Roger and Diana celebrate their 10th anniversary in Hawaii and both he and Ani are so looking forward to this 20th anniversary celebration. Roger has been trying to convince Ani that this is a clothing optional resort so if you see her showing up naked at any of our events or even by the pool, just act natural and give her lots of encouragement......who knows, she may start a trend!!

Ani likes champagne and Tim likes most kinds of micro brews. (Editor's note: Both have been seen drinking just about anything with alcohol in it. So don’t hesitate to ask them to join you in whatever you’re drinking).

Spotlight by Roger: "JAN & JIM"

Jan and Jim (no relation to Jan and Dean for you older folks) are both retired and living in Lake Forest in Southern California. Roger and Diana met Jan through the City of Irvine where Jan was in charge of the Recycling and Waste Management program....AKA The Trash Queen!! They’ve been together for several years now and have been on Russell’s annual Harley ride to Big Bear and on Roger’s 70th. birthday cruise to Ensenada. They’re now engaged and it turns out that Jim is retired from the air force as a fighter pilot. Not sure when he served, but rumor has it that he was on a first name basis with the Red Baron.

Seems they both like mai-tais and some of those other umbrella type drinks, yuk (now, I know why they enjoy enjoy Happy Hour with Diana)! Apparently Jan is looking forward to just relaxing in the sun by the pool and Jim is looking forward to finally seeing Jan naked......I and the rest of the guys are with Jim on this one!!!

Spotlight by Roger: Diane

Finally a single female!! Yes folks, Diane is single and available.....with kinda of the same criteria for a relationship as Mike (you know, old, rich and ready to go). Diane met Roger and Diana through her late husband Mickey who was Roger’s mentor when he “worked” for the Coast Community College District. For Roger it was a match made in heaven as Mickey had the same sick/twisted sense of humor and, of course, liked to drink and play cards.

Diane claims that her favorite drink is a tequila sunrise or sunset but we’ve all seen her toss back a mai tai or two, enjoying a glass of either red or white wine so I’m guessing you could buy her just about anything and she’ll enjoy it!! Diane is also looking forward to learning how to play that “damn rummy game” that most of us play while drinking and eating. However, I’ve seen her play poker so if she wants to play rummy for money.....do so at your own risk

Photo from our Roger & Diana's Mexican Riviera Cruise 2009

Spotlight by Roger: MARTIE & PAUL

OMG......what can one write about these two?!? Paul has also known Diana since 3rd. grade so he too is one of her “oldest” friends. Paul and Martie live in Sonoma and both are still working (compared to most of us who are retired). Paul owns a towing service in Sonoma and Martie works for Jacuzzi winery....you know, the one that tastes like spa water (just kidding here....this wine is really good!!). Their daughter Melissa went to school at UCI in Irvine which resulted in many visits by her concerned parents. Typically, Paul and Martie would stay with Roger and Diana

and the bonding has been incredible for all of us...despite the fact that Martie always wears flannel PJ’s.

Martie will be the officiant at the renewal ceremony. Among her many credentials which qualify her for this awesome responsibility is the fact that she is the Exalted High Priestess of the Sonoma chapter of the Mystic Knights of the Sea. The Kingfish would be proud!! Martie really enjoys a good lemon drop and just about any other flavored drink that ends in “tini”. Paul, on the other hand, enjoys a good cold PBR or Coors light. He will also rarely turn down a Mai Tai

Spotlight by Roger: LAURA & DELL

Laura has known Diana since 3rd. grade which makes her one of Diana’s “oldest” friends. Despite the passage of many years, Laura still has not forgiven Roger for “keeping” Diana in Southern California (you see, Diana was in love) and passing up an opportunity to work with Laura in Santa Rosa (geeze Laura...get over it). She and her husband Dell live in Healdsburg in the beautiful California Wine Country of Alexander Valley and would still like to see at least Diana join them. Many of you will recall that it was Dell who wore the flamboyant tuxedo to Roger and Diana’s five year renewal in Las Vegas and then really out did himself at their tenth year renewal when he showed up as a Catholic priest in Maui......what will he do this time?? Yes folks, he’s a little crazy but it’s what makes him so adorable.

Laura will also be one of Diana’s “Bridesmaids” and Dell.....well, who knows what Dell will be??? They both really like good red wine and Laura has been known to throw back a few lemon drops.

Our Guest List Updates...in case you wanna know!

Alright, so you heard my words on going with the flow, accepting changes & outlook and life in general during the creation of this event blog, right? Well wanted to update you on our current status & changes of our guest list and who you might be hanging out with or not. Yes, we are truly on countdown mode mi amigos.... so here's the scoop to keep us connected!

With much regret and hard decision on both Alex and Ted's part...Ted had to bow out - So sorry! His new 'venture with his 'Flavor Rush' gourmet truck has required his full speed momentum and so decisions had to be called upon and responsibility beckoned. Ted will unfortunately NOT be able to join us. We will miss you Chef Ted, but totally understand. On the upside however...count Alex as a solid YES, she'll be there! She wants you to know that she is still available for a cold cocktail at the bar. Just say when?

On the sweeter note our friend Dell will be joining us. Dell and Laura are together and you are gonna love them. Stay tuned for the possible surprises that may very well occur, if history holds true! More on the two of them upcoming - check our blog article on Roger's Spotlight series. Of course Ted will be shattered now that Dell has joined us...bummer boys! Ask Roger or Alex to share the story about Ted & Dell from the Davis' Med Cruise. Now if you're hearing this with cocktails, you might very well want to confirm the validity of the story with Dell or email Ted when you can. Welcome Dell!

Lastly with much sorrow...we received report of two couples whom cancelled... Duane & Linda AND Julie & Jerry! Both couples send there regrets. But we respect their decision and will look forward to thinking of them with warm wishes from the warm beaches of the NOW Jade Resort & Spa.

Okay, I think that's it for now...as of today, we have 22 days till departure on March 5th, Yahoo!

Meet you on the beach....

Spotlight by Roger: "MIKE"

Unfortunately, Mike is not related to the famous Tiffany family but this has not stopped him from having expensive tastes in just about everything. Mike loves good food, vodka and his gourmet influence on Diana has cost Roger plenty! Mike is also single and available.......to the right guy! He’s looking for someone really wealthy with one foot in the grave and the other on a banana peel (well, aren’t we all???). Mike lost his home in the infamous Bluebird Canyon landslide and has just recently bought another (still in Laguna Beach).....so any donations will not be refused. Mike took Roger to see Bill Maher (the political comedian) on New Year’s day and despite their political differences, they’re still talking to each other.

Mike will also be a Groomsman supporting Roger. Although fairly new to Roger and Diana’s “Rat Pack”, Mike fits right in since he loves to laugh and drink (and vice versa??). His favorite drink is a very cold vodka martini or perhaps some old vine zinfandel

NEW FACES ... joining us!

Although our payment deadline was in December and you all might have thought we would have had finalized our group by now, the update is not quite so. We are pleased to announce that two new faces have joined our group, our friends Naomi & Joan will be joining us from Hawaii. I know, what an honor, three friends from Hawaii - yes our friend Marty is also from Hawaii. Glad you are all with us. So our current total is a grand group of 28!

Within the next week or two we will be sending you an email roster with a list of everyone's contact so you can be in touch if you like. Counting the days....

Mucho Gracias for joining us!

Diana and Roger

SPOTLIGHT SERIES by Roger

Allow me to take this opportunity to once again introduce my one & only hubby and the writer of our upcoming blog post series "SPOTLIGHT", by Roger ! In these upcoming future blog articles, Roger has graciously offered to contribute his creative writing abilities and fun sense of humor to introduce our guests who will be joining our 20th Anniversary Renewal.

So as Roger often says ... get comfortable, grab your favorite drink and return often to see if it's you're turn to be "Spotlighted". Our kick off series start with Karen and Buzz Vaughn as they have not missed any of our group social gathering or trips. What loyalty, huh? So please revisit us here as it could very well be YOU next....