Special pool peeps

Day after day, rain or shine, logging laps, laughs and sharing life lessons and challenges in the tiny Franklin Pool locker room with these amazing ladies. Rarely do we see each other without swimsuit, cap and goggles, so this was a treat. ... Hit 104.6 miles for the year today, and about 400 to go! Thanks to three fast and fit firefighters (they do burpees and pushups between laps as one must stay on deck at all times in case they get a call) for the motivation Tuesday to a 2017 PR mile of 30:15.

Quick visit with Megan and Chris in wine country!

So special to meet up with Megan and Chris as they wine tasted in Napa and then we had a great lunch and they continued their fun getaway adventure.

Special Arizona reunion!

Last-minute Arizona reunion pulled off in amazing fashion, despite the rain we had an absolute ball catching up. In your 40s, there's talk of pre-teens, kids' issues, health challenges, job pressures, life. Love these gals so much, and we caught right back up!

 The rain broke for a bit and we got in a quick Papago Park hike! We missed Megan after dropping her off at the airport nearby. I got to Papago five times in eight days and to the pool five times.

The girls came to get me the Camby Hotel after work and met all my baseball manager friends, including Giants skipper and dear friend Bruce Bochy, who wanted to join the party.

Few recent shots

 I've known Cubs manager Joe Maddon for years now and he is among the most thoughtful and insightful human beings you'll come across. He came across the field to give me a warm hug and kiss on the cheek when he saw me. Fun to spend the first day with the World Series champs. 

http://bigstory.ap.org/article/e33330a4fe1548aeb493ecfd3c81ebb1/champion-cubs-get-started-fanfare-big-expectations

 With Milwaukee-based AP photographer Morry Gash. We've had some fun adventures over the years, including curling in Green Bay before the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.

 An hour before tipoff of what became her 1,000th career victory (just the second women's coach to do it after the late Pat Summitt), Tara VanDerveer asked the writers for a photo with her. She's among the best people I've covered in my career. Just a wonderful soul.

Story leading up to her 1,000th: http://bigstory.ap.org/article/tara-vanderveer-chases-more-history-1000th-career-win

Story from her 1,000th win: http://bigstory.ap.org/article/4dec450ee0b646b7b66fc68db5ea1b48/stanford-coach-tara-vanderveer-joins-elite-1000-wins-club

Shelly Smith from ESPN, her courageous breast cancer journey below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzWnhmfUud0

Maya Lin talent show

 Lily improvised for the talent show, deciding on the fly to do some gymnastics and even Emma and Aliza didn't know she had done it behind them until later when we told them. Proud of these girls!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ae8432ERb_c&feature=em-upload_owner#action=share

People helping people

When we help each other, the world is a far better place!

http://bigstory.ap.org/article/7a0e65247508490fae2f15fa81ba46fe/cal-virginia-rally-rama-ndiaye-after-cancer-diagnosis

http://bigstory.ap.org/article/c8766f8ec5424ec6bfa2e6e284f44dfc/adam-rosales-mentor-hawaiian-high-school-shortstop

Birthday with the Warriors!

 We are ready!

 Defensive guru assistant coach, Ron Adams

 Just hanging with KD!

 Concession stands dinner!

 A's catcher Stephen Vogt was nice enough to stop by!

 Steve Kerr invited us to his postgame press conference.

 Andre Iguodala

 Shaun Livingston

 Klay Thompson

And star 49ers linebacker NaVorro Bowman stopped us on our way out. He knows mom.