On Friday afternoon, Barb and I headed down Highway 5 towards San Diego. Our first stop was Cardiff By The Sea. We grabbed a hotel and called up Chuck Peterson.Chuck took us on a tour of the coast including stops in Del Mar and La Jolla. We even got to see the castle Tony Robbins used to own.
After watching a beautiful California sunset, we were off to supper at an excellant Italian Restaurant. Thanks for making us feel so at home Chuck.
On Saturday, we retraced our drive from the night before to spend a couple more hours in La Jolla. This is a very nice area with lots to see and do.
Our next stop was El Cajon, home to John & Nita Arnott and the World Famous Ted Bukovscak, more commanly known as TBuk.
John operates his sign business, SignGraphics, from his home. His wife, Nita, operates a typing service business from the same address.
In addition to his signs, both John and Nita dabble in fine art. Their paintings cover the walls of their comfortable home. We have some photos to share with you at a later date, but here is a prevue.
We bid John and Nita a fond farewell and set out in search of Tbuk. The map instructed us to head up a large hill and look for a general store on the right.
After several minutes up driving a steep winding road, Barb spotted a strange looking character sitting on a rock holding a sign. As we got closer, we were shocked to see the sign read "Shortreed." After years of chatting via e-mail and phone, I finally got to meet Ted.
I have to be honest. Over the years, Ted has at times been a real pain in the butt. Tbuk is no shrinking violet and never has a problem expressing exactly what is on his mind. His unique writing style has brought a smile to many of us. There has also been times, I could have strangled him. 
Ted took us back to his home/shop. After tying up the dogs, he took us on a tour of his shop and opened his home and heart to us.
He offered his bed for the night and after reassuring us he would not be in it, we accepted.
We talked and debated the rest of the evening away. At the end of the day, we agreed we would never see eye to eye on some things, but agreed we would always be buddies. I like Ted. If you are ever passing through El Cajon, drop him a line and say hi. Thanks for the memories Ted!
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Steve Shortreed
144 Hill St., E.
Fergus, Ontario
Canada N1M 1G9
519-787-2673
steve@letterhead.com
ICQ 316338
www.letterhead.com/profiles/shortreed/
A
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