Half Moon Bay

On Sunday, the day after the chicken tribulation, we stowed our bikes on the Acura and headed west to semi-cloudy Half Moon Bay. On a whim we stopped by the new Devil's Slide trail that was once part of Hwy 1, but then had traffic rerouted once the tunnels opened (too many slides). Great view, but a little steep, so we only went half-way. We stopped for a waterfront brunch at the Moss Beach Distillery just down the highway before heading to our normal pumpkin stop, Pastorino Farms. In a couple of hours, we had seven pumpkins picked out, and did the required train ride, petting zoo, jumping house, and haunted house staffed by two 11 year olds who at first couldn't be found...they were too busy riding the train. To cap things off, we drove the coast just a few blocks and found the trail along the bluff that lead to the super fancy Ritz Carlton Hotel. I had to ride the bikes up to the valet parking in front right next to a Maserati, and then asked the attendance where we could park our bikes ("anywhere against the building" he muttered). We grabbed a seat outside near the live band and ordered a beer (me) and ice cream (everyone else), not realizing how HUGE the portions were. I wonder how we ever made it back to the car.

Caramel Dawson: 2000-2004

Saturday was one of our saddest days in memory. Believing Caramel was egg-bound, we gave her a warm bath spa and kept her indoors. The next morning we took her into the vet and found her internal organs were causing her eggs to drop into her abdomen cavity...it was irreparable. That was hard for the kids to hear. Many tears were shed as we said our goodbyes in the office as they put her to sleep, and we drove home empty-handed, except for a couple of feathers bound in ribbons.

Napa

While the kids were toiling away on Friday, Gina and I grabbed breakfast in Napa, then walked off the calories by walking downtown. I had no idea there was so much widespread damage from the earthquake with whole buildings and blocks sectioned off. We kept saying what a huge shame it was since downtown Napa has always been economically depressed (compared to the monied winery estates surrounding it), and yet had just underwent a multi-year facelift that was taking shape. Most buildings were yet untouched. Tied up in insurance paperwork, I'm sure.

A Berkeley Sunday

After a raucous Saturday evening at the Lafayette Art & Wine Festival downtown (and a very dark bike ride home), we met up with the Deacons to do a typical Berkeley day. We met for lunch at Cafe Colucci, an Ethiopian restaurant. Ethiopian is similar to Indian food, but served on a large sponge bread called injera. No utensils required: just rip some injera and scoop the food....yum. 

We then headed to Omega Salvage where they sell pieces of historic buildings which have been demolished or renovated. The kids were mainly interested in all the locks and hinges, but we left empty-handed. Finally, we told the kids we were headed to a brewery (to gauge their response...oddly, no complaints), but really finished the day at the famed Fenton's Creamery. As we approached the building Nate said, cool as a cucumber, "Yeah, I like THIS brewery." 

Oakland A's baseball game

Nate and I went to our first baseball game together, thanks to Gina's brother John (and his son Joe). Great game, even for a couple of Giants fans....it didn't hurt having first-base seats so close to the action. 

Kidless in Seattle - Part 2

The day after seeing Dave & Chris, I met up with Mom & Dad for an all-day impromptu driving tour of the Kitsap Peninsula. We started with crepes at Kingston, then headed to Point No Point to see all the onshore salmon fisherman next to the lighthouse, then Port Gamble for a nicely done historic museum and one of the funkiest elm trees you'll ever see. Lunch was at Poulsbo (the upstairs and hard to find Tizley's Europub) before heading home to Edmonds via the ferry. We were the next-to-the-last car which gave us a close up view of the fire drill off the back of the boat.

Kidless in Brush Prairie

Dave hasn't yet figured out he could be charging for food/views/company like this, so meanwhile I'm going to take advantage of this as much as possible. There's even ample leg-licks provided by a very friendly and wiggly dog, free of charge, and demonstrations of sound systems I can only dream of. Thanks for the company guys, and Katherine especially for the demonstrations of your Minecraft prowess. I now know where to go whenever I need plums in the summer!

Kidless in Seattle - Part 1

It didn't seem right to wait until December to see Seattle and nearby family, so I booked a flight with Southwest and headed for Seatac, leaving Gina alone to fend for dinners and errant homework assignments. The winds were gusty and from the north, so the plane landed after flying low and close to Mt. Rainier (always a nice homecoming sight). It was great seeing Mom and Dad (thanks guys!) and perhaps my greatest trip highlights were driving into Seattle to do the SAM, Great Wheel and eat lunch at the Pink Door. The Wheel is so tall and stretched out over the water, it seems impossible, but the ride itself glides smoothly and serenely up towards the skyline before dropping back down again. The Seattle Art Museum is even better than before, seemingly larger than before and yet more intimate with the uncrowded displays.