Vacation
Well, I'm starting my second week back from vacation. It doesn't seem like it's been that long since I was in California. It was the first real vacation I've had in my adult life where I wasn't traveling with someone. Let's take a look back. The MP3 player with the relaxation music helped while I was waiting for my flight at DFW. After that, I didn't need it. The flight wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. The vacation started fast with a great meal at a restaurant called Claim Jumpers on the way to Sara's house. I had something called Whiskey Chicken. It had an apple stuffing and was great. Sara's home is fantastic. It's comfortable and the back yard is to die for. Most of it is deck, but she and Jim have made it a sanctuary. You can see some shots of it in my photo section. There are hummingbirds everywhere. With feeders on each side of house in the back and one just outside the kitchen window, they stay around all day. And they don't mind buzzing you to get from one feeder to another. Sunday was for relaxing, including a deckboat ride on the lake to see the beautiful homes along the shore. Monday, we went to San Francisco. What a city. Saw most of the sights. The Haight-Asbury section is amazing. Even though the hippies left years ago, their influence is still seen in the shops and the vivid colors. If you like bay windows, you'll love it there. They're everywhere including apartments. And the colors of the homes and apartments are like you've never seen. There are all shades of blue, green, yellow, red, pink, and purple. The Golden Gate Bridge is even more impressive in person than in pictures. Fisherman's Wharf is a bustle of activity and you can buy any kind of prepared seafood right on the street. My favorite place was Boudin's Bakery. You can watch them making bread through a storefront. And the bread is the best. I bought a pound loaf of their sourdough for a little over three dollars and it was worth it. They have a bistro and restaurant in the same building. Prices for souveniers in the area are very reasonable. The most I paid for a ceramic coffee mug was a little over seven dollars.(I collect them.) I got scamed in San Fran, but I enjoyed it. While walking to to Boudin's a man called me over and said I was breaking the law. As California laws are kinda crazy, I figured I was smoking in a no-smoking area in public. No, I was given a citation for not smiling! Uh-huh. I listened to his spchiel and he said I had to make a donation to charity,(Probably His.) I kept asking how much ii was gonna cost me and he said $20, but he would throw in t-shirts for Sara, Jim, and me. Well, I figured t-shirts would cost me $10 a piece if I bought them somewhere else, so I'd save $10 by paying the "fine". Told Sara about it and she thought I was crazy for going along. I told her it was worth it just to hear the guy talk. Lombard Street is amazing. I can't believe people use it in everyday life. It's just too steep and crooked. Tuesday was used to get over San Fran. Wednesday, we went to Sacremento and Old Town. It was mostly souvenier shops. Thursday, was Old Town Auburn. A cute little town where I should have taken pictures. Sara and Jim live near there. We had supper on the lake Thursday night. It was on Thursday that we started worrying about "Ike". It was heading toward DFW. Friday morning was spent fishing with Jim. Had some problems with tackle, but it was fun. The flight back wasn't bad, but the weather on the way to Vickie's house was bad,,high winds and heavy rain from "Ike". Tried to wait out the storm at her house, but gave up after 2 hours and headed home. It took me twice as long to get home from DFW than it did to get from Sacremento to DFW. I've probably left out a lot of stuff. Check out the pics in my photo section. let's say your prayers for the flight were answered and I'ved got a lot of great memories.
Replies
This is what I\'ve been waiting for. A review of your great trip and how well it all went for you. Hoping you work on another trip as soon as possible as it makes life fun. No waiting a life time. Sue
I\'m so glad you had a great trip, Mike, you really deserved it. I quite enjoyed seeing the pics of you (all of you, lol) and the beautiful scenery around you. And see, the plane trip wasn\'t as bad as you were worried about. Glad the mp3 player worked. I love mine -- keeps me from stressing at the worst moments. Lots of hugs and kisses, maybe next journal you can tell us about Roxys\' homecoming. Bet she was happy to see you! Deb :0)
Mike, this is a great recap. Thanks for sharing it, and I look forward to your next excellent adventure!