An Irulan Moment

Yeah, so I forgot to mention to whole reason behind the trip to Monterey: Sunday marked the eleventh year since Jennifer and my first date.

Way back in 1998, I invited her to a picnic in Golden Gate park. Now thinking back this was insanely optimistic as we were experiencing an El Niño event. But as it turned out, that Saturday was the one day without rain for a month in either direction.

I had prepared marinated/grilled pork tenderloin, shrimp cocktails, crackers with goat cheese (her favorite), and Grand Marnier chocolate mousse. I keep the picture I took of her that day on my desk at work.

The day turned into a "Many Views of San Francisco". We stopped first at Treasure Island, then went to the Palace of the Legion of Honor, Twin Peaks, and the had the lunch n the park. After eating, we went down to Fisherman's Wharf, walked around, and got clam chowder in a bread bowl. We think we got the last ones the guy sold, because 10 minutes later when we were walking back to the car, he was gone as if he had never been there. The day ended with a stop at Treasure Island again to see the city at night.

Monterey - Day Three

And today we returned home. Pom was very happy to see us, and is now enjoying her evening outside until bedtime.

We didn't do much in Monterey today. We slept in a bit, got the free breakfast, and loaded the car. Jennifer said she wanted to drive up the coast, so we took Highway 1 all the way to San Rafael, and then took 580 to 80 to 4, and home.

It was a beautiful drive with clouds, and blue sky, and short showers, and music.

And Friends trivia.

We didn't eat much on the way except for when Jennifer said she wanted a chocolate chip cookie. Two minutes later we came across a bakery, and got two cookies with drinks.

We got to see the progress on the Devil's Slide bypass tunnel, and we raced a container ship to San Francisco Bay. We won, but I think by the time we were crossing the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge it was coming through the Gate.

Monterey - Day Two

Today was a fun relaxing day. We didn't make it to the free breakfast after staying in bed much too late. But we did find a nice French bakery where Jennifer had a orange, anise-seed brioche, and we both had very large hot chocolates which were served in essentially soup bowls.

We felt the line from Friends was appropriate.

"Which, I'm sorry, might as well have nipples on them."

Then we went next door to a game store, and then we walked down to the wharf. It was a dreary day, but nice for the lack of rain. At the wharf we had a crab cocktail and tasters of the various clam chowders from the restaurants trying to get us to come in. After three tastes, I didn't need lunch.

After about an hour on the wharf, we walked back, and went to the Crown and Anchor, which has become our traditional place to eat.

No hot tub tonight, but we have been enjoying the fake fire.

Monterey - Day One

Today was a long day.

We didn't get moving until late, due to the advantages of not having to get to work at all today.

Then we did some errands around the area for Jennifer, and then finally got on the road at 4:00.

Traffic wasn't that bad, and we made our traditional stop at the Cochrane Road Chevron in Morgan Hill for a pit stop.

Then we got our room which is cheesy, but cool with a hot tub in the room. Then we ran to Macy's for robes, and then went to r. g. burgers for dinner and Trader Joe's for dessert.

All this before watching The Bourne Ultimatum from the hot tub.

Mystery Weekend, but not

This weekend was supposed to be a surprise outing for Jennifer and Me. She told me to ask for the day off, and that we were going away for the weekend. She said it was a surprise, and that I would find out the day we left.

About a week ago she let slip that were going to Monterey. It was completely an accident, because she is looking forward to this as much as I am. But I give you one bit of advice:

Geminis are terrible at keeping secrets.

Mom wasn't very good at it either.

There are certain things that I have learned that Gemini's do (common traits between mom and Jennifer), and there are things I have learned that redheads do (common traits between dad and Jennifer). The scary bits are when Jennifer does something in the way that combines being a redhead and a Gemini that can put me on the floor gasping for breath while I'm holding my stomach laughing.

Anyway, we'll see what else is on the agenda for the weekend soon.