practice, practice

I will use my mini iPad in Paris, so I didn't take the laptop on this trip. We are

in Pismo Beach and I'm sitting in the lobby at the Edgewater Inn, where we

spent a restless night. I miss my laptop, my own strong first cup of coffee

and my bed. But other than that, we had a lovely day yesterday and I

will try to attach a photo or two here. The drive was easy and I had a good

swim when we arrived. After our search for some fruit for breakfast, we 

will head to Santa Barbara to stay with Ginger and the three dogs. By

Saturday I should be used to this iPad, no?

culture shock, SF style

After almost a week in Pismo Beach, Santa Barbara and
Summerland, it was a delight to plunge back into our very
diverse city yesterday. Too white-upon-white down there.
I told Husbando that he was the only Jew in Pismo Beach
and I used to say to Michael, "I saw part of the black family
today!" when I visited Santa Barbara. Actually I think they
must have moved away because we did not see ONE person
of color. Well, lots of South of the Border people to do all
the restaurant, gardening, cleaning and hotel work, of course.

So yesterday we had a walk on Clement Street and visited
one of our favorite Chinese restaurants ~ Taiwan at 6th Ave.
and Clement. Yummy food, exceedingly low prices and
friendly service. Then we drove over to Irving to find
fresh basil at reasonable prices. Man, so many people
out shopping, eating, visiting on the streets and trying
to find parking. Almost all Asian, almost all speaking
languages other than English. This is what I have always
loved about this city ~ the pockets of interesting cultures
and, like every big city, we are a great melting pot of humanity.
Yes indeed, we appreciated being home yesterday!

nutrition for body and soul

Cinnamon roll with whipped creme cheese

at the Fatcat in Avila

Leaving Pismo Beach ~ finally sun, go figure

Sunset walk at Padaro Beach

Yesterday morning we drove north to Avila, about 5 miles from
Pismo. The luscious cinnamon roll was our breakfast treat. It's a
very small town with only one main street and about 400 motor
homes parked right on the water. Plus a luxury golf resort and that's
about all that we could see.

We had lunch at the Padaro Grill and arrived at Ginger's about 2pm
and I scurried over to visit Michael with a chocolate milkshake in
hand. He is doing fine, heading into the worst part of the chemo
slam, but staying positive. By now he knows the entire staff and
most of the other cancer patients. He also met a 12 year leukemia
survivor as part of the hospital outreach program and you can
imagine how helpful that kind of thing is. I'll go back this afternoon,
of course.

Ginger, dogs, Husbando and I did the beach walk last night and
saw some dolphins frolicking. You will be pleased to know that
there has been fog and more fog down here too. But still, so
beautiful and peaceful.

oh yes, I forgot to prep you...

Lunch in Salinas

Funky home in Pismo Beach

The sun sets on Pismo Beach

Sorry about that. We are at the $99 a night Edgewater Inn right here
on the beach at Pismo. Had a wonderful night's sleep and yes, we did
check the mattress and drapes for bed bugs before unpacking. It is
very clean and comfortable with a view of the ocean. We can walk
everywhere, which we needed after the drive.

What is better than an old beach town where the sandy sidewalks
lead to not-great-food-but-who-cares? Some funky cottages, some
gorgeous beach homes. The ocean is the star here, nothing else
really matters. I don't even mind the fog this morning, almost
like I'm getting used to it.

Michael has put his order in for a chocolate milkshake and I will
visit him this afternoon after checking into our ultra comfortable
home in Summerland. Eager to see Ginger, the dogs and the
platypus. Michael is back in hospital with his next-to-last chemo
treatment and he seems to be handling it much better this
go-round.

no, no, not utica

We are in Pismo Beach ~ that family gathering wedding thing was 5
years ago (and they are still married!). Tomorrow we head for Santa
Barbara but we would like some sunshine, please.