10.06.2008

A Relaxing, Charming Place...

I know it may look like we are some place other than Sunny California, but this was a photo I took from our hotel room balcony. It overlooked hole #1 on the Spanish Bay Golf Course and the Pacific Ocean. Every evening, Shane and I were serenaded by a Scottish bag piper as the sun set into the ocean. Pinch me, I must be dreaming.

I had to laugh when we arrived at the San Jose airport. Shane and I had NO luggage. I am not kidding! This is our 3rd trip in a row without luggage arriving. I just wanted to cry. Our connection in Denver had a 3 hour wait. I thought it was plenty of time for our luggage to be moved from one terminal to the next. It obviously wasn't. Don't worry, the luggage arrived to the hotel at 3 AM. It all worked out fine, and the bottle of wine and the chocolate covered strawberries softened the blow of no luggage.

This trip was one of the most relaxing trips I have taken. I don't know if it was the cool sea air, or the rolling hills, the laid back California atmosphere, but I was 100% stress free. We were surprised that our dear friends from Alabama were there. Oh, they just made the trip even more special. Mark and Karen were on the cruise with us when we had no luggage. It was an instant connection of no luggage that brought us together.

Together, we explored the California, Northern Coast line, tasted grapes growing on the vines of the Chateau Julien Wine Estate, strolled the streets of the Old Monterery Cannery, and dined at Carmel by the Sea...an artist community where Clint Eastwood was once the Mayor. Our last night in Monterey was spent at the Monterey Bay Aquarium http://www.mbayaq.org/ . The entire aquarium was reserved for a farewell party. It was incredible to dine watching amazing sea life from the Monterey Bay area. The story is told that Julie Packard wanted an aquarium. So, her dad Hewlett Packard made her this one. It is said that she still serves on the aquarium board of directors. She went to school to become a marine biologist.

It was nice not to rush to events and just enjoy the sunny days. I even was able to complete a book. It is a rare luxury when you are a mom. I read The Friday Night Knitting Club. It was good soul food and I recommend it. If you have a second, post what you are reading. I am looking for my next good book.



http://www.fridaynightknittingclub.com/

10 comments:

ScrapAddict said...

Looks wonderful!

Unknown said...

Talk about making my day! Wow! Absolutely gorgeous and fabulous trip of which you deserved more than you let on! I know how hard you worked this summer; bravo to y'all for 'escaping' for a while!
About the blinkies and logos-I'd be glad to help if you need me!
Big Pink Hugs to you! I'm glad to see you posting again!
Liv
PS: Add Kim back on your prayer list please-she's back in ICU today.

Christina said...

I can not believe you arrived with no luggage again! I think by this point I would be convinced the airlines are conspiring!

Looks like a fabulous time! I miss the coast. Glad to see you are back to blogging.

kathy said...

YOU guys are so cute !!!! glad you had a great time !! - The pictures make me swoon -- The views awesome - KAthy - GA

Sheila Rumney said...

I can't believe another luggage problem! Thank goodness for the chocolate strawberries! Glad you had a great relaxing time!

Leah C said...

Luggage & travel just don't seem to mix well for you:( The trip, however, sounds like a dream! I just finished the book, Marley & Me by John Grogan...very sweet.

becky said...

i read friday night knitting club and liked it too. i just finished "the lost art of keeping secrets" and really enjoyed it.

love the photos!

karin said...

These pictures are great, looks like you had so much fun!!
It is good to take a break regularly, thks for sharing
k
xx

Vicki Chrisman said...

Totally Cool Photos Kara! Glad you had a wonderful time friend!

Loreluca said...

LOVE the pictures! How awesome can it be to be serenated by a scottish pipe player?? that's just neat!!!
I have a super guilty pleasure when it comes to reading, and it is true crime... if you feel up to one of those books, i'd suggest trying Ann Rules, she's probably the best writer in that type of book...