Monterey

One weekend in early November we decided to take a trip over to Monterey. I had heard so much about the area from Ray's mom, Linda. To hear her speck about it is to hear about a school girl crush. I wanted to know what was it about Monterey that ignites such a sparkle in Linda's eyes and a sound of longing in her voice at the very mention of the place. I was soon to find out...

So, on we drove to the Monterey coast. You could smell the water even before you could make out the distant coast. Despite the rainy days that mark the winter months here, the gods gave us a beautiful clear day with a sky of blue that mocked in jealousy the blue of the waves that crashed on the shore before us. Even though the temperature was getting colder, it did not deter the die-hard surfers and sun bathers. The sandy cost was sprinkled with locals and the pier filled with tourist.

We walked the beach, picking sea shells and stones that had been smoothed to perfection in a way that only water can create. The seagulls sat in audience with us as we watched a family of seals swim by.

On the pier, the shop windows enticed deeper exploration. The perfume, an intoxicating mixture of simmering seafood and vintage wine, filled the air. Restaurants drew in the passerby who could not resist the free samplings of hot freshly made clam chowder that not only warmed the body but touched that part of us that longs to live a life by the sea, where everyday is filled with a drink of these moments and these experiences.

After dinner on the pier, when the dusk gave way to the darkness, we watched the coast transform as the fog floated in, covering the bustling area with an eerie silence. Shadows turned to ghost as the waves, that just hours before splashed in childhood play, now slowly rippled along with the age of a man that has seen too many wars.

As the remains of the coast faded into our rear view mirrors, I understood why people are drawn to Monterey. Why people are called to its beaches time and time again. It is an affair between sand and the soul. A pleasure to be experienced and never forgotten.

Halloween In Willow Glen

This October 31st marked Elektra's initiation into the time-old tradition of begging strangers for candy!

Weeks before, Ray and I searched for the perfect costume for Elektra. It had to be so cute and utterly sicking that we would be able to embarrass her with photos of the costume years from now. Our search ended when we found a pair of cute pink bunny ears at the local Halloween store.

On Halloween day starting at 11 a.m., Downtown Willow Glen merchants passed out candy to all the preschool and younger kids. Of course, never being one to turn down free candy, I bundled my little pink bunny up and we trekked our way downtown.

This picture was taken at a bathroom and kitchen store that filled one of their bathtubs and allowed kids to grab a handful of candy.

After cruising both sides of the three blocks that makeup downtown Willow Glen, Elektra came away with a nice bit of booty. (And yes, that is an actual box of Crayola crayons. Our local State Farm insurance passed those out.)

When Ray arrived home from work, we ate dinner and then prepared ourselves for the evening walk around the neighborhood for even more candy.

"Oh no! It's the scary pink bunny! Run!!!!!"

The weather was getting cold real quick, so we didn't get to trick-or-treat as long as we would have liked. But we did get to a lot of houses where Elektra's sweet smile and cute bunny ears melted the hearts of everyone.

Elektra with her Halloween Booty! Girl, you made your parents proud.

Oh, in case anyone actually cared, Ray went out dressed as a dead sailor and I was dressed as a gypsy.