Missing the Land of the Sun!

As I sit watching torrential down pouring water slosh from the gutters, and try to soothe my pups as they quiver at the sound of thunderclaps...I'd rather be on a beach! (Yeah that's "their couch" they ate it they own it I suppose)

Funny how I thought I would enjoy being here again, sleeping in my own bed (instead of a king size that was made up for me as soon as I left for my morning swim) and cooking healthy food (instead of being served oysters on a half shell) and of course, back to the gym (replacing the Olympic size swimming pol and hot tub).... Not funny! Send me back! Please?

Since I left you last, I spent a wonderful day in Santa Barbara with my friend Sarah, visiting her local wine club for a tasting (I know!) and lunching on the pier at the harbor. Catching up on the way too long in between our last visit, we laughed hysterically several times--I sooo needed it!

Following my day of girltime, giggles and delicious fish and chips, was a romantic dinner at Blue Plate Oysterette and yes I know even the name is freakin brilliant. No joke, best oysters I've ever had and we have eaten TONS of the bodacious crustaceans!

All this inspired us to investigate an oystering permit for our September Cape Cod trip. I hear you can eat all you find...yummm. The bonus of the Blue Plate dinner? Smith Jerrod sat next to me at the oyster bar. Yep that guy. He looked great--the oysters had me riveted though (that means they were simply amazing)

Since Blue Plate is located right off the Santa Monica Pier, that's where we went to watch the sun descending towards the sea. A clear blue day allowed for unobstructed beauty in all directions. As we looked around, I thought--wow, imagine doing this every day after work instead of getting on a humid, filthy train. Then I put the thought out of my mind remaining calm and carrying on. No gloom on vacation! Well, that's not entirely true. This time of year, there is something that the locals call "June Gloom" which generally means the sun waits till afternoon to come out and burn us. Not too gloomy if you ask a whitey like me! (and I did get a bit pink in the morning through the haze anyway)

   

 So all in all this was a beautiful trip. Swimming, sunning, book hunting, coffee finding & simply not having to BE anywhere but with my little self. I would tell anyone to try LA but it is downright dangerous to drive Rte 1 up the coast--you may want to stay... or at least smile as much as we did!

   

The middle one is worth a mention since it was taken at a FRESH MOZZARELLA BAR! 

Who wouldn't want to have that in their neighborhood? 

Palm Trees and Pages

K