Mystical Land of Gualalaaaaaaa

Good Afternoon Ladies & Gentlemen,

When last we spoke, I had just turned 32 years old... and there was a mysterious mystical journey that the great ladyfriend Dizzy was going to take me on. Well, she took me to a few places on this road trip... but the end destination was the city of Gualala. What? You've never heard of it? Me neither... but it's beautiful & I highly recommend it. Oh, you want more info? Maybe some pictures? Okay... can do...

The scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway basically had several beautiful views every few feet... so you kind of half to be selective if you only have 70-80 years to take it all in. Here are some places that we decided to stop along the way... and it started out as an overcast day & was pretty windy throughout... but still well worth it...

At Goat Rock, we got to walk through the wild irises and other wildflowers...

Then we pulled over at Gualala Point for a magnificent lunch of sourdough bread, fancy cheeses & salted meats, sugar snap peas, strawberries, and an incredible view of the city of Gualala. BEHOLD!!!

Then we took a little walk along the bluffs to a point where, during season, whales can be seen... and since we often have luck with seeing whales on my birthday, even out of season, we thought it was well worth it just for that. The sun came out & just made it a wonderful romantic jaunt...

After that, my phone basically died (battery is getting worse I think) but we drove up to Point Arena, then thought Mountain View Road back & of course... it was a beautiful windy mountain road. We got to Cloverdale... and found Hamburger Ranch BBQ... and let me tell you, that stuff is LEGIT. We had some ribs, tri tip, and a few sides... but the barbecue was magnificent... and we weren't even that hungry. If you're ever in the area, check it out, it's just off the 101.

Then we drove back around sunset, watched a few movies (later post) and just had a wonderful evening together. So yeah, go check out Gualala & enjoy the splendid nature that surrounds us here in Northern California. Now I just have to figure out how to top this wonderful weekend when Dizzy's birthday comes around in a few weeks. Hmm... I'll have to start brainstorming. Have a great day everybody!!!

Two to the Fifth Power

Good Afternoon Ladies & Gentlemen,

 

Sorry it has been so long since my last real update (non-movie review related) but it has been a little busy & a lot of fun. Today marks my 32^nd birthday (or as I prefer… two to fifth power) but first, I’m going to take you back to last Friday…

 

Dizzy & I spent the Friday going up to Wine Country because yes… I actually had a weekday off from work. I know… mind… BLOWN!!! Anyway, we drove out there with really no plan (or map) so I yelped a few wineries in the area around the wine train. First up was Del Dotto Winery & Caves. Unfortunately, because we didn’t set up a tour ahead of time we didn’t get a tour of the caves where they keep their wine… but we did have a nice sampling… and the décor is obviously spot on. By the way, I kind of want to find a dive winery. Do you know what I mean? Like… a winery that’s kind of just… wood planks around… various wines are paired with hot dogs & churros or something cheap like that… employees are nice & bathrooms clean of course… but it’s not like the usual there were everything is marble & artsy or whatever. I wonder if Charles Shaw Wineries are like that... for those who know “Two Buck Chuck” it’s now “Two-Fitty Chuck” thanks to the “recession” or whatever.

 

Next stop was a very small, yet very nice vineyard called Razi Winery. We pulled in & thought that the place was closed… but then a nice gentleman invited us in… so we had a nice tasting (very reasonably priced) paired with some great cheese… and then we found out… it was actually the owner who had invited us in & treated us while he was waiting for another party with an appointment about an hour later. Nice guy… great wine… go buy some… we did. After that, we grabbed a bit to eat at the Fatted Pig (there’s also a location in San Francisco I found out) and then it was time for…

 

The Napa Wine Train – So we met up with Dizzy’s aunts & cousin… and boarded the Wine Train. Basically, it’s this well-maintained & very posh train of about a dozen cars that goes from Napa to St. Helena & back over the course of 3-4 hours. The ride to St. Helena was during the “Golden Hour” so everything was beautiful as the pictures will show…

 

Then on the way back, we enjoyed a great 5-star dinner (with actually decent proportions) and eachother’s company. I highly recommend it. Yes… it’s absolutely pricey… but because it’s worth it. Especially for a special dinner date or something… guys… hint.

 

Saturday, we went to the Cherry Blossom Festival in Japantown. It was almost the same as last year… but had a good time there… oh and there was this shirt that I thought you’d all enjoy…

 

Sunday was a pretty lazy day but then we helped sell raffle tickets with the Meals on Wheels benefit that I volunteer for twice a year. Luckily this time I got to treat my lady to some of the fine wines & hors d’ouevres from celebrated chefs around the world that are a part of the benefit. Had I money to donate & be a full-on rapist… sorry, I’m being told it’s pronounced philanthropist, I’d totally be down in attending more of these things. In the meantime, I can donate my time… and maybe a little money (I didn’t win anything on the raffle). Great night!

 

Tuesday night after work, I met up with one of Dizzy’s friend from Detroit & we hit up a few bars. She wanted dive bars but… there really aren’t any dive bars in the Financial District / SOMA. Dive bars don’t have $7 beers. We probably could’ve made it out to the Castro where the beer flows like wine… but we only had a few hours and most of that would’ve been travel by bus. Still, great chick & we had a few drinks, then met up with Dizzy, then apparently she left town on the train a few hours later. So that was that…

 

Thursday night was Big Sky by the Bay a.k.a. The Carla & Larry Show a.k.a. Save Sharkey as it has been called over the years… which is basically a benefit that my friend Carla (oddly enough, who I met at a Meals on Wheels thing) and her friend Larry try to raise money for their common friend Sharkey. Basically it’s telecast live on the interwebs, but it’s a variety show, live auction, raffle, party & a half all rolled into one… and this year it was held at the Hi Dive bar located at right next to the world famous Bay Bridge. Here are a few pictures…

 

 

 

Today was my birthday… and yes, I got to spend it at work… but my coworkers really know what I like, so they got me a German Chocolate cake… and then they decorated my closet office up in Mardi Gras theme. There were beads & some masquerade confetti EVERYWHERE along with green & gold banners and the like… and then there was this…

 

So yeah, it’s been a great birthday week… and this weekend, Dizzy is taking me to a secret location on a road trip… the only thing I know is that it’s north of here. I think I may have spoiled it though because she mentioned it last night & I asked “Is it Point Reyes Lighthouse?” “… N… No… Dammit… yeah, it is… I mean… not anymore…” Of course it was the one place north of here that I’ve visited… but I’m sure we’ll work something out. The weather’s supposed to be a little windy & cold anyway so worst-case, just snuggling next to the fire or whatever works too. We’ll be okay. Which brings me to something that I haven’t mentioned in a while… mainly because I haven’t been doing my job of keeping you up on the REAL news… but without further ado…

 

Apocalypse Update – Yes, the Apocalypse continues… but it’s not just India, Sri Lanka, Florida & other third world countries (ba-da-tish) but now it has spread into another state. Snakes have slithered into a Mississippi courthouse this spring, posing no threat… but definitely giving workers the creeps. Five of the brown DeKay's snakes — sometimes called earth snakes — have been found in the Hinds County circuit clerk's basement office since April 8. A deputy clerk, Kelly Phillips, says the largest was as big around as her finger and a few inches long… though she said that she didn't stop to measure it. Former zookeeper Percy King went to the courthouse to identify the allegedly non-venomous snakes. He says they have soft teeth that probably couldn't even break a human's skin. They can enter buildings through tiny holes. Phillips says the first time she saw one, she screamed, "Snake!" and several co-workers scattered. One coworker (probably a dude) picked it up with a paper clamp and took it outside. So… it’s not like the Everglades being overran by giant Burmese pythons or the entire justice system of Sri Lanka collapsing because of the Slithering Death… but still, keep your eyes peeled out there.

 

Anyway, that should do it for this evening. Thank you all for the birthday wishes… and have a great weekend everybody!!!

Birthweek Update

Good Afternoon Ladies & Gentlemen,

I’m officially 31 years old now, which seems like a big number… but whatever. I’m just 21 with a decade of experience & better retirement savings (now that I’m not wasting money on college… stay in school kids!!!). I celebrated the big birthday by… well, going to work. My coworkers put streamers up in my office (closet) and some Golden State Warriors logo… because they knew that I was going to the basketball game at Oracle Arena that night… just might’ve missed that it was against my favorite team since I was 8 years old, the San Antonio Spurs. Still pretty cool & thoughtful of them… and they gave me some of my favorite treats too so, kudos!!!

After work, Dizzy & I met up at Oracle Arena (she drove, I took BART) and we wandered around the arena because it was the season finale & Fan Appreciation day… which meant that food, beverage & merchandise were 50% off!!! So basically it meant that AVAILABLE food, beverage & merchandise were reasonably priced instead of the usual ridiculousness. The lines were long… but I bought some Warriors relax pants (basically long underwear), t-shirts & a few little things, even though I was really looking for a jacket… but I’ll probably just get a SF Giants jacket, cuz the colors are a little better… and I have to represent for the REAL Giants, not those suckers in New Jersey.

We also grabbed some beef brisket sandwiches and a few beers to start the game. Again, this was the regular season finale… and the Spurs were #1 in the west & going to the playoffs… and the Warriors missed the playoffs yet again… so it was basically a matchup of their last 5 available bench players with all the stars resting for the playoffs or starting their summer vacations early. Regardless, I love basketball… so I enjoyed watching these less popular professionals… and it kept the game good & close down to the final minutes, which is really what you want, right? Good times.

Friday was more work… but then my karaoke birthday party at Pandora in the Blue Moon room (yes, based on the beer). Bubbles, Dizzy & I walked through the Tenderloin (corner of crack & cocaine) to get to Pandora, but we also made a stop at a nice little bar based on an old speakeasy called Bourbon & Branch. There’s really no signage or anything from the outside… but then you knock & give the password (make it up?) and they have a few different rooms behind bookshelves & mirrors and such… and it’s pretty cool. I enjoyed it. I tried a drink called the Citizen Shame… and it was delicious.

The party at Pandora’s was fantastic. I sang a few classics like “Superfreak” & Jay-Z’s “Girls Girls Girls” while about a dozen other people came by & donated their talents as well. By the way, I have a coworker named Red… who may be on American Idol one of these days, she can perform… and she did “The Last Dance” & “Lady Marmalade” like she knew what she was doing. Anyway, a few beverages were had (but not too many) and definitely some good times. Afterwards, Dizzy and I went with CC & her Russian friend to Bourbon & Branch again for a drink, then around for some late night burritos & then we called it a night fairly early (I had been up since 6 AM as most people so not too broken hearted by it).

Saturday, Dizzy & I went on a fantastic road trip (all arranged by her) to Santa Cruz. We started off by using coupons from the Warriors game towards some free sourdough jacks at Jack in the Box (delicious) then went to the Boardwalk of Santa Cruz. If you’ve never been there, it’s a mini amusement park / arcade / eatery / historical landmark all in one. The amusement park portion is basically on par with Lagoon in Utah (only frame of reference really & a lot of VERY similar rides… like infringing on trademarks one side of the other, I’m sure) then a full arcade with a LOT of video games, a very decent miniature golf course, the usual funnel cakes, Dippin’ Dots, chocolate covered bananas & all that kind of fair fare… with one added perk… it’s located on a GORGEOUS coastline & it was a beautiful spring day… and I’ll say it, there was a LOT of ladies putting their goods on display. I felt overdressed with a T-shirt & jeans. We also enjoyed some great fish & chips on the pier there & saw sea lions enjoying the warm weather. Here are some pictures…

After a few hours there, Dizzy drove me to her favorite beach in ALL the world in Aptos – Seacliff Beach. There were some stairs down a cliff to the coast, but at the bottom was a pier… and at the end of the pier… was a sunken cement ship. The S.S. Palo Alto to be exact… and the story goes that this cement ship was ooriginally launched in 1919 and was once connected by a pier and used as part of an area amusement park in the late 1920s. A winter storm broke the ship in half, so it was stripped for salvage and turned into a fishing pier in Seacliff State Beach. The pier juts out to the edge of the ship so that you can check out it’s crumbled remains… which is usually covered with sea birds .. but still pretty cool from a completely nerdy perspective, which you know I’m all for. Not only that… we were out on the pier admiring the view as it was approaching “the golden hour” and we saw something off the pier… DOLPHINS!!! LOTS OF THEM!!! Then… as if that wasn’t enough… A MUTHA LOVIN’ HUMPBACK WHALE!!! Like… 20-30 yards at most from us at times. I could’ve easily pegged it with a football… it was truly a romantic & magical moment. Here are some pictures…

 

 Can you see the humpback in this photo?

By the way, I just wanted to mention… since I know that I haven’t been keeping up with this thing… that yeah, I officially have a girlfriend named Dizzy. We started out very casual & it kinda grew from there… but yeah, it’s official, just in case you were speculating out there. As you may also know, it’s been a LONG time since I’ve had one… but apparently I’m doing a pretty good job at being a boyfriend in her eyes… so yeah, finally I was in one of those romantic moments & had somebody to share it with. Awesome!

After a while there on the pier, we decided to head over to Capitola for some more wandering through a little tourist trap town… and it was great as well. The sun started going down & chilling a bit, so we then headed back to my apartment for a fine meal of strawberries, salami, gorgonzola cheese, sourdough bread, dark chocolate & other antipasti as well as bottle of wine that she had prepared. She’s a good woman to have around, right? She must really like me. We enjoyed it while watching… “The Conqueror” starring the great John Wayne. Okay, for those who haven’t seen this film… it’s John Wayne… as Genghis Khan. Now… think about that for a few seconds… ready? Okay. Yes, THE John Wayne plays the role of Mongolian warlord Genghis Khan… which should be awkward enough, right? Well, throw in the fact that he’s playing this notorious murderer of millions as THE GOOD GUY… and he takes a (very white) woman (Susan Hayward) as his prisoner… and then he finds that he can avenge the death of his own father… by killing her father. PLOT TWIST!!! Yeah, so… there’s a lot of betrayal… and then non-betrayal… and romantic lines like “Mother, I take this woman for my pleasure!” in John Wayne’s voice… and yeah, it’s pretty ridiculous to watch for many reasons… but yeah, what do you expect? Good times were had by all.

Sunday was mostly a stay in bed (you know why, don’t deny) and relax kind of day. We watched TV & went for walks in the Presidio & ordered a pizza for sustenance but yeah, pretty lazy day… so that was pretty much the fantastic birthday week. So good that it’s up there with last year’s adventures in New Orleans & the Mexican Riviera for my 30^th, Vegas for my 26^th, even Chuck E. Cheese for my 27^th. Big shout out to Dizzy for making it happen. Seriously! Warriors-Spurs game… karaoke party with friends & coworkers… road trip to a beach wonderland… sea lions, dolphins, whales… perfect weather… great meals… lots of snuggling in between it all… what more could a man want for his 31^st birthday celebration? Have a great night everybody!!!