Y5 – Day 137 – Berkeley Again

It’s 2018 and a visit was due.

First and foremost, reuniting with kidlets.

Second, VEGAN FOOD!

Third, atmosphere.

I traveled well and let my daughter drive as I relaxed. We listened to her well-planned playlist that hit all the right notes intended. Dogs were such great company too.

It’s so good to hug and laugh with your adult children.

Love you guys.

Back to the Future 2018

Our first meal was in the automotive repair district in Oakland where they took advantage of the warehouse and set up a vegan eatery (formerly a food truck) named Hella Vegan Eats.

Y5 – Day 136- Cindi and Addy visit Henry

Tonight, Cindi and Adelaide went to visit Henry in Oakland and we enjoyed our vegan and non-vegan pizzas as the dogs plopped onto the couch while our host pup guarded his food bowl. 

My oldest made deliciously sweet vegan Thai Teas for his sisters and we enjoyed vegan chocolate mint cookies and a bran walnut banana muffin he served for dessert. Thank you J and M.

Y5 – Day 27 – Go North Momma

When this entry posts, I hope to be on the 5 north and approximately six hours later-in Oakland.

 

Cindi and I are staying at a dog friendly waterfront hotel and can’t wait to see Henry and Adelaide.

 

Oh yea, and we are super excited to see the kids!

 

Our last chickadee is graduating college,

UC Berkeley!

Go Cal!

Go Bears!

Y4 – Day 225 – Happy Birthday E!!!!

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img_2418To my beautiful, youngest, E.

You are sunshine!

Your favorite color suits you well.

From Computers to Japanese, you shine.

Music, math and racquetball –

Your vegan baking and cooking, divine.

Dedicated, compassionate, strong and that’s not all,

You sing, you draw, you teach and excel,

And you have a heart of gold, everyone can tell.

We are so proud – our hearts just swell!

Happy 21 – you are one sweet doll!

MUAH!

 

 

 

Y4 – Day 190 – Avila 2016 Tour

Last year, approximately same time in August, we headed for Avila Beach for the first time. We are on our way today, same hotel that offers hot chocolate croissants at breakfast and fresh from the oven, home made fruit pies with vanilla ice cream in the evening hotel, different room.

Last time we stayed on the first floor. Our suite had a kitchen, a huge outdoor patio, two fireplaces (one in the corner of the outdoor room with seating) and spa tub for two. Let’s see what this year brings. It is for couples only so it’s awesome for honeymooners, romantic getaways and empty nesting with their dog Cindi mini vacationers.

I am looking forward to the cooler weather by the beach. Hopefully, we will go shopping in the town of Morro Bay where I found the organic Japanese charcoal and walnut scrub last year. That stuff leaves your face and body smooth as velvet.

The picture below depicts a partial face of the teeny town from the beach. La Fonda Hotel is two blocks in. A short and scenic walk. This picture was taken at dawn. Do you see the older gentleman sitting at the top of the steps? The pigeons and the one lone seagull are perhaps expecting a nibble or crumb.

That same evening, the boardwalk was covered in food tents for the Saturday market/fair and live bands played while leashed dogs barked.  The pigeons and gulls had plenty to scavenge the next morning while everyone else was asleep with full tummies.DSC00365The following picture is Morro Bay at dusk. I tend to gravitate towards lower light levels and pictures of piers and sailboats. Notice the massive rock close into shore which gives this town its notoriety.

The coast of central and northern California never ceases to amaze in its raw, rugged beauty.

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