BEE-ING ON VACATION

We have had an exciting summer so far.  Beginning in early June, as you know, we went to Las Vegas where I played in the World Series of Poker.  That was followed up by a visit from our son and daughter-in-law.  We began our adventure as we normally do by enjoying San Diego in all of our favorite haunts and eateries.  We then went to the Padre game on the 4th of July, a departure from our usual 4th of July in Coronado, and then left there that evening for our expedition to Napa Valley.


We drove the first evening to Ventura County, which turned out to be the perfect time to leave while everyone was off the road enjoying fireworks.  The three of us played a car bingo game for 3 hours.  The driver, my husband, never plays games but enjoys giving answers when he is not supposed too.  During home games of Trivial Pursuit and the like,  he will be in another room voicing answers inappropriately much to the chagrin of the players. 


We stopped over the first night and began our trek to Monterey the next morning.  Our first stop in Monterey was a winery which is my personal favorite for Chardonney's called Talbot.  You may have heard of the family they make clothes as well.  We had a great tasting there and then went to our fabulous hotel on Cannery Row overlooking the ocean.  Simply beautiful.  We ate dinner in the hotel that evening and got up the next morning for our next leg to Napa.


We made Napa by 1:30ish, checked into the Napa Valley Lodge, and struck out immediately for some wine tasting.  We went to about five wineries and then went back to the hotel to change for our remarkable dinner at the famous Buchon.  Buchon did not disappoint.  We had several courses of everything.  By the end of the meal (which was our son's birthday) we were bursting at the seams.  Food to die for and I literally thought I might. 


The next day we visited more wineries and the Napa Olive Oil Company.  Fantastic little old garage (which has been featured on the food network) converted into their sales office for the finest olive oil in California.  We also stopped at the CIA (culinary school) and toured and shopped.  We then headed out for a fabulous lunch to my personal favorite, Mustards.  I always get the Mongolian porkchop and the onion rings.  Bobby Flay even featured the Mongolian chops on "the Best Thing I Ever Ate" on the food network.  I could literally die a happy camper after that meal. 


Finished the day with more wineries (I am the designated driver) and drove to my mother's in Sacramento to spend the next two evenings before returning to San Diego.  Mom's house highlighted chicken marsala cooked by grandma Rose and the next day we went to Guy Fieri's restaurant, Tex Wasabi.  We played a two day game of dealer's choice poker which was fun, except for one non player watching PBS in the other room.  At least he couldn't call out any answers.


Back to San Diego and three days later they were gone. 


You may think the adventure ends there, but as we were dropping off our son and daughter-in-law we were picking up my sister-in-law and two nieces.  They actually overlapped by 5 minutes.

For the last week we have been on a San Diego harbor cruise, Coronado beach and shopping, (they went to Seaworld without me (exhaustion was setting in)), North Island Officers Club pool, Seaport Village, San Diego Wild Animal Park, Carlsbad Outlet Mall to go especially to COACH, out to eat several times and finally to a nail salon for mannies and peddies.  Everyone had a great time.


On Tuesday of this week everyone left.  My husband off to Washington D.C., my sister-in-law and nieces back to Oklahoma.


This month has been fun and filled to the brim.  Our home has been remodeled with family in mind.  The large kitchen is the center of love and creativity, especially when we have guest chefs (son, daughter-in-law, mother).  Everyone loves to be in there.  The "Hotel California" bedroom has two queens (non-smoking) and is already cleaned and made up for the next family or friends who come to visit.  Our home since 1985  continues to give us pleasure and memories that have been shared with all that are dear to us.


Today, with a quiet house and no one play with, I head off to my little playground.  Can you guess?  It's called Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino.  I will relax, play and say hi to some friends I haven't seen in awhile. 


Until next time, I apologize for being away from the blog for so long, but as you can see, I've been busy(bee).


Happy Summer.