Monterey Peninsula

Greg's aunt, Kris, took us on a scenic trip to Monterey Peninsula where we hit up Pebble Beach and the 17-Mile Drive, Point Lobos State Reserve, and Pacific Grove.

On the 17-Mile Drive, we saw various types of marine wildlife, got an eyeful of coastal scenery, and as any normal person would do, ogled rich people's houses:

Seals lounging on a rock island:

Lone Cypress:

Then, we walked a trail in Point Lobos State Reserve, where we saw more wildlife, including a doe and fawn:

Jellyfish:

Doe and fawn:

We ended up in Pacific Grove for dinner, which was a nice little historic town. We had some time to spare before dinner, so we walked around and visited some art galleries. There were some little shops around, but most were closed by the time we got to Pacific Grove - I'd be interested in going again to do some window shopping.

See all of Greg's photos here.

Winchester Mystery House

Greg - not sharing my enthusiasm for old houses - graciously accompanied me to the Winchester Mystery House and took pictures for me.

We've been to San Jose several times before, but never went on a tour of the house because honestly, I think it's kind of pricey (almost $30 per person!). In any case, I thought it was interesting because (a) I think old houses are interesting in general and (b) this house has unique architectural features.

Door to nowhere:

Stairs to nowhere:

View from the gardens:

Harley's Collar

Harley, Greg's Aunt Kris's cat, had to get some stitches for a laceration in his right armpit. This is what he has to wear for the next 10-12 days:



"Humans, it's not just an ordinary collar, it's a fashion statement. I'm bringing sexy back with the revival of the Elizabethan ruff."

RainDance

Greg and I tried out this RainDance exhibition yesterday with Greg's aunt, Kris, at an outdoor mall:



You stand under streams of water with an umbrella and you can hear music in the water:

"RainDance is an interactive sound installation by electronic media artist Paul DeMarinis. The installation uses water to create non-water sounds. Jets of water modulated by audio signals carry sound vibrations that are inaudible to the human ear. The sounds cannot be heard until the water jet is intercepted by a large umbrella. The sound is then decoded and resonated from the surface of the umbrella. The umbrella thus becomes a new and different kind of loudspeaker."

Kind of interesting . . .

California . . . Here We Cooommmeee

In honor of our California trip, Greg and I busted out the following songs on the iPod during the drive:

• California by Phantom Planet
• California Dreamin' by The Mamas & the Papas
• California Girls by The Beach Boys
• California Love by Tupac Shakur
• Californication by The Red Hot Chili Peppers

There was much singing along to be had, a la VH1's Motormouth, sans hidden camera. We are silly . . . tee hee.

Landscaping the Backyard - Day 4

Paver half-patio for the BBQ and layout of the circle paver patio:

Landscaping the Backyard - Day 3

Paver walkway:

Landscaping the Backyard - Day 2

Plants in ground!

Landscaping the Backyard - Day 1

The landscapers started work on our backyard today:




We got some curbing, irrigation trenches, and plants!

Tomorrow: Day 2!

Rocky Point

Fresh tortillas? Check.
Fresh guacamole? Check.
Fresh tacos? Check.
Bacon-wrapped hot dogs? Check.

And also, a good time with Julio & Stephanie and Brad & Tara, complete with fun and games.

Views from the condo:



(Lack of clouds makes for less interesting sunsets).
There was also some jet ski action this weekend, but maybe Stephanie and/or Tara will blog about that . . .

On the Agenda: The Next Four Weeks

I finished my last final this semester on Tuesday (Governmental and Not-for-profit Accounting!) and I'm FREE. Until summer session starts. I came home to cupcakes and mint chocolate chip ice cream (courtesy of Greg) - a delicious combination, although the giant cupcakes proved to be more than my appetite could handle.

On the agenda for the next four weeks:

• Greg's list of things for me to do before school starts again
  • Fill out his CPA application form (reason: I have better handwriting)
    
  • File my basketful of papers
    
  • Organize craft room
    
  • Finish touching up paint in my craft room
    
  • Finish my magazine file project
    
  • Put together IKEA shelves
    
  • Touch up flat paint around the house
    
  • Organize craft room
    
  • Attempt to make a baby quilt
  
  
• Weekend in Rocky Point
  • Eat fresh tortillas
    
  • Eat fresh guacamole
    
  • Eat fresh tacos
    
  • Track down man with hot dog cart and eat bacon-wrapped hot dogs
  
  
• Trip to California
  • Visit Greg's Aunt Kris
    
  • Visit Greg's new baby cousin, Nina
    
  • Tool around Bay Area
    
  • Visit the Happiest Place on Earth
    
  • See Wicked