Sometimes life is pretty good. Sure, the cats may be hating each other, a little less each day, but my life feels pretty great. It was another learning week at work. It was my second full week at Job Service. My official title is Customer Service Consultant but the boil down is that I work with employers to provide business services and because it’s a small office, I also help job seekers find job opportunities and work with their resume and anything job related. I know that this learning stage is a necessary part of starting a job, I’m excited for when I’m a bit more confident about things going on at the office.
Matt and I have been slowly unpacking...It’s still a matter or sorting things through. It is nice to see some of my clothes that I haven’t seen for a year or so…and I’ve also opened the giant picture box and I’m excited to dig in and start putting those things up too.
I did have a little issue this week, that Matthew thought was so funny. TonyDanza likes bread, or at least he thinks he likes bread. He usually remembers he doesn’t like bread once he rips into the bag and drags it all over the floor. So in an attempt to stop this expensive little habit, I had been storing the bread in the fridge. Matt disagreed with this so I’ve been putting it in the microwave, which had been working until I had to defrost the sirloins we were having for supper. So in an attempt to save the 4 hamburger buns and the entire loaf of bread, I put them in the oven. This was a great plan until I came home and Matt and I decided to bake pasta. In the oven. Which Matt turned on. And I remembered about 10 minutes after he turned it on. Needless to say I ruined that loaf and pulled the melting package and loaf out of the oven while Matt watched laughing.
The highlight of my week was Saturday. My Aunt Descie and Uncle Randy threw Matt and I an engagement party/Welcome to the Family party. It was amazing to be surrounded by family and fun. We took pics, were toasted, and ate an amazing meal! I don’t know what I liked more, the brisket, the pork, or the turkey…mmmm, I don’t think I have to even tell you what the best meal was. I’ll be enjoying those left overs for a couple days. Matt did a little name training. How to say and spell Remynse and we all did a little wine drinking. I did have to laugh at Aunt Janie’s gift of Matt’s favorite gin, which they enjoyed together when we went to Fargo this past summer.
The other awesome part of the night was that Kemma and Carsteyn thought that our engagement party was our wedding. We had to explain to them that we aren't getting married right now but have to wait until Kemma goes to Kindergarten. She had some rules for our wedding. 1. She has to dance with me 2. She has to wear a white dress and I told her that I had to have her hand out programs at the wedding! And Carsteyn has decided that he has to get a new tie to wear! I love those two kids. So cute.
We finished off the week helping Mom and Dad at the farm. I helped sort in the morning while Matt drove the payloader up to the field and in the afternoon when I met with our realtor and drove back to Dickinson, Matt helped give shots to the calves. I was glad he was there to help and glad that they gave some hands on training. When I got home, I had two kitties who had a present from Michele. She had gotten them catnip blankets. Oh my, were they happy. The funny thing is that Michele gave them to us at Randy and Descie's, where their cats attempted to take them out of the bag and even tried to drag them across the room! So when they got to TD and Lola, they couldn't wait to get them out. Oh and the rolling and the licking and the rubbing. Such happy cats!
“Can we get a breadbox now?” - MJR
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
58601-ing it.
So it’s more official, I live in Dickinson. I’ve been changing my address over to Matt and I’s place. It’s a slow tedious process that I’ve been getting better at, especially since I’ve already done it once this year. We are getting more settled in the house, the cats and I. Nike is still unhappy with the whole arrangement and has been known to demonstrate her feelings on occasion. I got a smack today after trying to arrange food bowls to better accommodate all three. Lola has taken to burying. We are now finding occasional lumps under the comforter where she has decided she’s going to escape to and take a nap. It’s happened at least three times the past week, I’ll admit it’s pretty cute. TonyDanza seems to be in a shell shock. He’s pretty clingy and doesn’t stray too far from me when I’m at home.
I’ve also learned some things about my beloved man since I’ve moved in. I’ll continue to highlight them as the need arises, but will present these as I discover them. He’s a pillow stealer. I’ve woken up a few nights with him grabbing the pillow that MY head is on and him pulling it towards him. AND if that does work and he can’t steal the pillow, he’ll sleep on my pillow, the one that my head is on. When confronted, he says it’s because he wants to be closer, I’m not buying that story yet. We’ve been getting more settled in and unpacking a car load as we bring it. It’s a slow process and I usually start a list of things to bring when we come back that we couldn’t fit in the current car load. It is helping the unpacking and sorting process as it’s slow going and trying to find places to fit things has become creative. The camper will be getting some updates but some things are just going. How many scales does a couple need? My toaster is crap, it’s going. Pictures will be a fight when we are ready to talk about these, and I think both of us are avoiding it; however it’s been so long on some of my things, I don’t even remember what they are, I’m excited to see them.
This past weekend we made a trip to Bismarck, we are getting the condo ready to sell. I’m not excited about it but know it’s a necessary thing and will be a huge cost saver. It’s just so wonderful and bright, makes me start dreaming about Matt and I’s forever house. We went through and did the first round of staging, I’ll wait to hear from the realtor now on what else should be done or if we are ready to list. I also tried on some dresses for Shantelle and Rick’s wedding. She’s having a fishing themed wedding, set for June, with sunshine yellow and tangerine orange. It’s been great planning and talking things out as we go regarding plans and tips. I’ll have my girls try on dresses soon.
Best meal: We cooked all weak, but I think I liked our taco’s the best.
ALM: (texting): Are you reliable enough to be my emergency contact? Are we there yet? MJR: 2 hours later ALM: Are you serious? You didn't respond to my text? MJR: What text? ALM: (look) MJR: Oh, that text, I was in a meeting. ALM: What if I was dieing! I called my mom and she answered on the FIRST ring!
I’ve also learned some things about my beloved man since I’ve moved in. I’ll continue to highlight them as the need arises, but will present these as I discover them. He’s a pillow stealer. I’ve woken up a few nights with him grabbing the pillow that MY head is on and him pulling it towards him. AND if that does work and he can’t steal the pillow, he’ll sleep on my pillow, the one that my head is on. When confronted, he says it’s because he wants to be closer, I’m not buying that story yet. We’ve been getting more settled in and unpacking a car load as we bring it. It’s a slow process and I usually start a list of things to bring when we come back that we couldn’t fit in the current car load. It is helping the unpacking and sorting process as it’s slow going and trying to find places to fit things has become creative. The camper will be getting some updates but some things are just going. How many scales does a couple need? My toaster is crap, it’s going. Pictures will be a fight when we are ready to talk about these, and I think both of us are avoiding it; however it’s been so long on some of my things, I don’t even remember what they are, I’m excited to see them.
This past weekend we made a trip to Bismarck, we are getting the condo ready to sell. I’m not excited about it but know it’s a necessary thing and will be a huge cost saver. It’s just so wonderful and bright, makes me start dreaming about Matt and I’s forever house. We went through and did the first round of staging, I’ll wait to hear from the realtor now on what else should be done or if we are ready to list. I also tried on some dresses for Shantelle and Rick’s wedding. She’s having a fishing themed wedding, set for June, with sunshine yellow and tangerine orange. It’s been great planning and talking things out as we go regarding plans and tips. I’ll have my girls try on dresses soon.
Best meal: We cooked all weak, but I think I liked our taco’s the best.
ALM: (texting): Are you reliable enough to be my emergency contact? Are we there yet? MJR: 2 hours later ALM: Are you serious? You didn't respond to my text? MJR: What text? ALM: (look) MJR: Oh, that text, I was in a meeting. ALM: What if I was dieing! I called my mom and she answered on the FIRST ring!
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
One Big Happy Family
So it’s official, almost, I live in Dickinson. I say “almost” because I still have the condo and some things in Bismarck. It’s like I have a well furnished weekend home in the near metropolis. It’s more official now than before because the cats have come with me. TonyDanza and Lola are now living in Dickinson and we are one big happy family with Matt and Nike. When I say, we are one big happy family, I mean Matt and I are happy to be together, the felines are not. There was much carrying on and crying and hiss and yowling and screaming. And when we thought that it couldn’t get worse we saw hiding and punching and swiping and growling. I kept thinking I heard a jake break from the semi and I didn’t know where it was coming from until I realized it was coming from the cats, just because they felt like it. I’ll admit the first night was very hard, but since then we’ve made great progress, the hiding isn’t as bad and the screaming is happening with longer intervals between now.
So when I say I’m living in Bismarck, it means I’ve quit my job at Bold and had to say good bye to an amazing line up of clients and an equally unique roster of co-workers. They were all super good to me and it was hard to say good bye to certain parts and people. I will miss the creative sessions and the characters, that’s for sure. I started a consultant job at Job Service where I’ll be working with businesses and job seekers in Dickinson. I’m excited to start the new opportunity but I know it will be a big change from what I was doing at the agency.
My last weekend in Bismarck was “packed”. Well, we didn’t pack my things per se, but we filled it up with events and people. Matt and I had our last official Bismarck date on Friday at our favorite Bismarck restaurant, the Peacock. We love the martinis (when I say “we”, I mean I), we love the Mediterranean nachos (and I mean “we”), and the beer options make Matt happy. We filled our bellies and went home to bed to wake up early to go hunting. I played guide and Mom and Dad played host to Matt who celebrated opening Pheasant in orange with a shotgun. He limited out both days and I made an excellent “flusher”. Saturday night we had the official parental meet and greet. Our parents had their first official date with wine and roast. It was fun to get them together and talk plans. On Sunday, we didn’t play lazy either, we met my aunt, Wendy and Grandma at Mom and Dad’s for brunch. It was good to catch up with her and I was excited that she accepted our invitation to read at our wedding ceremony. After noon, we headed into town and took in the Seven Seas Bridal Show. We actually felt pretty good when we left as we asked a few questions, saw a few things, but didn’t see anything exciting or new that we missed. Matt did see an ice punch bowl that he was trying to make a case for, I said we’d see, I hope his hopes aren’t high. We ended the night with the cat convey and official meeting.
Best meal: Red and white wine with roast beef and mashed potatoes with mashed sweet potatoes and scalloped corn.
“MEOWWWWW” “HOOOOOWLLLLL” “RHHHHHHHHHH” “HiSSSSSSSSS”– Pick a cat.
So when I say I’m living in Bismarck, it means I’ve quit my job at Bold and had to say good bye to an amazing line up of clients and an equally unique roster of co-workers. They were all super good to me and it was hard to say good bye to certain parts and people. I will miss the creative sessions and the characters, that’s for sure. I started a consultant job at Job Service where I’ll be working with businesses and job seekers in Dickinson. I’m excited to start the new opportunity but I know it will be a big change from what I was doing at the agency.
My last weekend in Bismarck was “packed”. Well, we didn’t pack my things per se, but we filled it up with events and people. Matt and I had our last official Bismarck date on Friday at our favorite Bismarck restaurant, the Peacock. We love the martinis (when I say “we”, I mean I), we love the Mediterranean nachos (and I mean “we”), and the beer options make Matt happy. We filled our bellies and went home to bed to wake up early to go hunting. I played guide and Mom and Dad played host to Matt who celebrated opening Pheasant in orange with a shotgun. He limited out both days and I made an excellent “flusher”. Saturday night we had the official parental meet and greet. Our parents had their first official date with wine and roast. It was fun to get them together and talk plans. On Sunday, we didn’t play lazy either, we met my aunt, Wendy and Grandma at Mom and Dad’s for brunch. It was good to catch up with her and I was excited that she accepted our invitation to read at our wedding ceremony. After noon, we headed into town and took in the Seven Seas Bridal Show. We actually felt pretty good when we left as we asked a few questions, saw a few things, but didn’t see anything exciting or new that we missed. Matt did see an ice punch bowl that he was trying to make a case for, I said we’d see, I hope his hopes aren’t high. We ended the night with the cat convey and official meeting.
Best meal: Red and white wine with roast beef and mashed potatoes with mashed sweet potatoes and scalloped corn.
“MEOWWWWW” “HOOOOOWLLLLL” “RHHHHHHHHHH” “HiSSSSSSSSS”– Pick a cat.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Breaking News!
It’s official. We are moving, again. Again. AHHHHH-gain.
This is a bittersweet move. I’m going back to Dickinson and moving in with Matt. (Don’t tell Grandma Elaine, she told me if I ever live with a boy, lie to her.) We’ve decided enough is enough. No more driving, no more back and forth, no more mine and yours, we are combining kitchens, bedrooms, and kitties.
That’s right, TonyDanza and Lola will now have Nike. Nike, a fickle feline, who runs Matt’s life, beats up her litter box, neighborhood dogs, and unsuspecting birds. She comes and goes as she pleases but has a personality all her own. She’s not a cuddle bug like mine, unless you are Matt and then she’s all about cuddling. Matt and I are a bit nervous about this official introduction and I know there will be a cat fight (literally) and that can’t be avoided. We’re opening for 1 fight and then some Mexican standoffs and that be the end. We’ll see.
We took the first load out this past weekend. Yea for parents. My mom came and helped box things up last week, until I didn’t let her. Then Matt’s parents came and loaded a bunch on the trailer including my couch, coffee chest, bedside table, dresser, closet items, boxes, and my garage compactor. They were patient with us this weekend as we worked our way through our items and organized. We have a long road of “conversations” in front of us as we work to combine two houses with two separate styles, but in the end, it will all work out. Also huge shout out of appreciation to Michele and Randy for cleaning and taking care of the litter box too to help us out as we continued to settle and unpack. That was amazing.
We also took in the Dickinson Rural Fire Department Sports Stag, which raises money to benefit the department. Great meal, was last year too. It’s great that Michele and Randy can come down and support Matt. And it’s awesome for me as I have someone to analyze the auction items and talk with during the event, if they weren’t there, I’d be all on my lonesome.
I also have had time to work some much-needed lunches into my last weeks in Bismarck. I had lunch with Grandma Dar, Aunt Grace, and Cousin Kate this past week. Great to catch up and I hate that the miles means that this will happen less. I’ve somewhat taken it for granted that these people opportunities were here and I wish I had done it more often.
Best meal: Baron of beef at the stag.
“Don’t put that thing near me, it’ll go crazy.” - Randy said to Matt, who had just found a stud finder in his tool box.
This is a bittersweet move. I’m going back to Dickinson and moving in with Matt. (Don’t tell Grandma Elaine, she told me if I ever live with a boy, lie to her.) We’ve decided enough is enough. No more driving, no more back and forth, no more mine and yours, we are combining kitchens, bedrooms, and kitties.
That’s right, TonyDanza and Lola will now have Nike. Nike, a fickle feline, who runs Matt’s life, beats up her litter box, neighborhood dogs, and unsuspecting birds. She comes and goes as she pleases but has a personality all her own. She’s not a cuddle bug like mine, unless you are Matt and then she’s all about cuddling. Matt and I are a bit nervous about this official introduction and I know there will be a cat fight (literally) and that can’t be avoided. We’re opening for 1 fight and then some Mexican standoffs and that be the end. We’ll see.
We took the first load out this past weekend. Yea for parents. My mom came and helped box things up last week, until I didn’t let her. Then Matt’s parents came and loaded a bunch on the trailer including my couch, coffee chest, bedside table, dresser, closet items, boxes, and my garage compactor. They were patient with us this weekend as we worked our way through our items and organized. We have a long road of “conversations” in front of us as we work to combine two houses with two separate styles, but in the end, it will all work out. Also huge shout out of appreciation to Michele and Randy for cleaning and taking care of the litter box too to help us out as we continued to settle and unpack. That was amazing.
We also took in the Dickinson Rural Fire Department Sports Stag, which raises money to benefit the department. Great meal, was last year too. It’s great that Michele and Randy can come down and support Matt. And it’s awesome for me as I have someone to analyze the auction items and talk with during the event, if they weren’t there, I’d be all on my lonesome.
I also have had time to work some much-needed lunches into my last weeks in Bismarck. I had lunch with Grandma Dar, Aunt Grace, and Cousin Kate this past week. Great to catch up and I hate that the miles means that this will happen less. I’ve somewhat taken it for granted that these people opportunities were here and I wish I had done it more often.
Best meal: Baron of beef at the stag.
“Don’t put that thing near me, it’ll go crazy.” - Randy said to Matt, who had just found a stud finder in his tool box.
Friday, October 5, 2012
Making my birthday last!
So I'm playing catch up a bit, but I'll tell you about last week's great weekend. But then again, it was a birthday weekends amd they always are great.
I celebrated my first 29th birthday with one of my favorite meals (potato soup) with two of my favorite people (mom and dad).
From there, Matthew showed up on my doorstep on Saturday and I finally have become an Elite coffee drinker! I got a Keurig for my birthday! I’m so excited. It will be perfect for me! We did some running around town and then headed out to my parents house.
For supper, we had a great night, as it was Mom and Dad, Matt and I, and Alaina and her boyfriend, Robert. They enjoyed steak fingers and those that were interested enjoyed smoked salmon that Matt prepped! MMMMMMMM, this girl loves some salmon!
We finished off the night with a game of Whoonu, which is a family favorite!
Sunday was a catch up day as we assessed my belongs that will one day be intermingled with Matt’s things, did some running around, got Matt his birthday dehydrator, and ended up watching “Iron Lady”, I ended up crying at the end. I’m such a sucker for an emotional pull. I don’t know how Matt puts up with me.
Favorite meal of the weekend: salmon, I love how Matt smokes that fish!
“I don’t know why you didn’t just let me get a nice movie about kids killing each other.” –ALM crying referring to “The Hunger Games”
I celebrated my first 29th birthday with one of my favorite meals (potato soup) with two of my favorite people (mom and dad).
From there, Matthew showed up on my doorstep on Saturday and I finally have become an Elite coffee drinker! I got a Keurig for my birthday! I’m so excited. It will be perfect for me! We did some running around town and then headed out to my parents house.
For supper, we had a great night, as it was Mom and Dad, Matt and I, and Alaina and her boyfriend, Robert. They enjoyed steak fingers and those that were interested enjoyed smoked salmon that Matt prepped! MMMMMMMM, this girl loves some salmon!
We finished off the night with a game of Whoonu, which is a family favorite!
Sunday was a catch up day as we assessed my belongs that will one day be intermingled with Matt’s things, did some running around, got Matt his birthday dehydrator, and ended up watching “Iron Lady”, I ended up crying at the end. I’m such a sucker for an emotional pull. I don’t know how Matt puts up with me.
Favorite meal of the weekend: salmon, I love how Matt smokes that fish!
“I don’t know why you didn’t just let me get a nice movie about kids killing each other.” –ALM crying referring to “The Hunger Games”
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Californication...
Our final day was sad. I determined I hate leaving California.
We all loaded in Jason’s truck to head back to San Jose. The best part was that we stopped at Sonic, which sounds silly to be excited about but Matt and I live too north of the nearest Sonic and had never experienced it. So we stopped. I think I love the Cherry Limeade. I’ve tried to duplicate it; so far I haven’t 100% succeeded.
And then after that the worse thing happened. Jason left us at the airport. Kicked us out of the truck and dropped our bags on the curb and left. Boo. I wasn’t ready to be left. I wasn’t ready to be kicked out. I wanted more vacation! Don’t kick me out!
And then Matt made me go in the airport. On the plane and away. Our best flight was the final one into Bismarck as we had an exit row all to ourselves. Mom picked us up from the airport and dropped us off at home, so vacation officially over. The only thing we have left is memories, pictures, and our Chart House menu.
I do have to say it was another week where I realize I hit the jackpot with Matt’s family. Not only have his parents been amazing to me, but also Jason, Sara, lil Jason, and Kevin were awesome hosts and really showed us a good time. Letting us stay, giving us a vehicle to use, directions and recommendations that were awesome, not charging us for phone charging or showers, feeding us…they were wonderful and I’m so glad it worked and we made the trip. I’m excited to become part of their family and introduce them to mine!
Also, I have an addition from a previous day, I forgot to mention how Sara and I, with Kevin as our foundation (and the best cheerleader ever), kicked Jason and Matt's behinds in trivial pursuit. And not just a little, but a LOT. They even had to get nasty about J.K. Rowling so we got nasty back with Tea (versus Chamomile Tea). And don't ask either boy about Alan Shepard. But you can ask us girls about chickens and marigolds! We didn't only win the first game, but the second! Winners! Girl Power!
Best meal of the day: cherry limeade. (it’s not a meal but I could make it one)
“That lady in front of us ordered a diet cherry limeade, what is she thinking?” Jason
We all loaded in Jason’s truck to head back to San Jose. The best part was that we stopped at Sonic, which sounds silly to be excited about but Matt and I live too north of the nearest Sonic and had never experienced it. So we stopped. I think I love the Cherry Limeade. I’ve tried to duplicate it; so far I haven’t 100% succeeded.
And then after that the worse thing happened. Jason left us at the airport. Kicked us out of the truck and dropped our bags on the curb and left. Boo. I wasn’t ready to be left. I wasn’t ready to be kicked out. I wanted more vacation! Don’t kick me out!
And then Matt made me go in the airport. On the plane and away. Our best flight was the final one into Bismarck as we had an exit row all to ourselves. Mom picked us up from the airport and dropped us off at home, so vacation officially over. The only thing we have left is memories, pictures, and our Chart House menu.
I do have to say it was another week where I realize I hit the jackpot with Matt’s family. Not only have his parents been amazing to me, but also Jason, Sara, lil Jason, and Kevin were awesome hosts and really showed us a good time. Letting us stay, giving us a vehicle to use, directions and recommendations that were awesome, not charging us for phone charging or showers, feeding us…they were wonderful and I’m so glad it worked and we made the trip. I’m excited to become part of their family and introduce them to mine!
Also, I have an addition from a previous day, I forgot to mention how Sara and I, with Kevin as our foundation (and the best cheerleader ever), kicked Jason and Matt's behinds in trivial pursuit. And not just a little, but a LOT. They even had to get nasty about J.K. Rowling so we got nasty back with Tea (versus Chamomile Tea). And don't ask either boy about Alan Shepard. But you can ask us girls about chickens and marigolds! We didn't only win the first game, but the second! Winners! Girl Power!
Best meal of the day: cherry limeade. (it’s not a meal but I could make it one)
“That lady in front of us ordered a diet cherry limeade, what is she thinking?” Jason
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Wish they all could be California....
California Mondays are way better than normal Mondays.
We woke up and headed into town for some shopping and exploring. Second stop was Ross. Loved it (First stop was lox and cream cheese bagels, when on a coast you gotta enjoy)! At Ross, Matt bought a shirt or two and so did I. Next stop was Marshalls, Matt was in and out of the dressing room more than I was. In fact, I didn’t step into the dressing room at all! He bought a couple pairs of shorts and I bought a microwaveable bacon tray. From there we went to Sports Authority and looked at the yoga stuff, the camping stuff, and of course, the golf stuff! Matt was disappointed they didn’t have any hockey things! Ha!
For lunch we stopped at one of the first sushi restaurants that Matt had ever eaten at. Iki Ricky’s…or something like that. I ordered a roll and then we split a plate of fish pieces. We tried crab, salmon, fish, octopus, squid, and on and on. I also liked the tempura and the tea. It was probably fun to see the look of shock when they set the whole plate down in front of us, because it was huge!
All shopped out, and on a budget, we headed to fisherman’s wharf. What a cute little tourist’s spot. There were a few shops and we looked at them a bit. We had a caricature done, which I was actually pleasantly surprised with and then looked around a bit. My favorite was the otter that was hanging out under the docks. He would swin down and grab or mussel or something come back up and knock it on the bottom of the bottom to open it. After it was open, he’d swim on back and enjoy the “fruits of his labor”. How smart! Before leaving we did stop at the salt water taffy store, Matt bought some chocolate covered cherries and I had chocolate covered strawberries. Mmmmm.
We finished the day off at Cannery Row. We took a stroll along the length of the walk, stopping in shops and even having a wine tasting. We both picked out a favorite there, his red, mine apricot. We had a 6:30 dinner reservation at the Chart House(recommendation of Sara and Jason’s). It was a beautiful fancy restaurant right on the water. We officially celebrated our engagement and they even prepped the menu for us with our names on it! We started off with an appetizer of mussels in a tomato wine reduction. Matt enjoyed the salad bar which he shared a few bites with me. For main course, I had the mixed seafood grill (crab cake, salmon, shrimp) and he had the NY strip with a side of grilled shrimp. We each had a cocktail and finished off the meal with a giant slice of key lime pie. We left fat and happy. What a great meal and it was perfect to have a stroll back Cannery Row before heading home.
We finished the night off with Jason, Sara, and little Jason. To top it off, Jason made good on his promise to get us a cake topper. We placed a bid on Ebay and ordered “First Dance” to arrive before October 10th. I like how the man handles responsibility!
Best meal: mmmm, I can still taste that salmon from the Chart House.
ALM: “Do you know that when otters sleep they hold their mates hand, so that they don’t get separated?
MJR: “Yes, I know that, Dear.”
ALM: “You’re my otter, because it doesn’t matter where we float, as long as I have you, I’m good.”
MJR: “Yes, Dear.”
We woke up and headed into town for some shopping and exploring. Second stop was Ross. Loved it (First stop was lox and cream cheese bagels, when on a coast you gotta enjoy)! At Ross, Matt bought a shirt or two and so did I. Next stop was Marshalls, Matt was in and out of the dressing room more than I was. In fact, I didn’t step into the dressing room at all! He bought a couple pairs of shorts and I bought a microwaveable bacon tray. From there we went to Sports Authority and looked at the yoga stuff, the camping stuff, and of course, the golf stuff! Matt was disappointed they didn’t have any hockey things! Ha!
For lunch we stopped at one of the first sushi restaurants that Matt had ever eaten at. Iki Ricky’s…or something like that. I ordered a roll and then we split a plate of fish pieces. We tried crab, salmon, fish, octopus, squid, and on and on. I also liked the tempura and the tea. It was probably fun to see the look of shock when they set the whole plate down in front of us, because it was huge!
We finished the day off at Cannery Row. We took a stroll along the length of the walk, stopping in shops and even having a wine tasting. We both picked out a favorite there, his red, mine apricot. We had a 6:30 dinner reservation at the Chart House(recommendation of Sara and Jason’s). It was a beautiful fancy restaurant right on the water. We officially celebrated our engagement and they even prepped the menu for us with our names on it! We started off with an appetizer of mussels in a tomato wine reduction. Matt enjoyed the salad bar which he shared a few bites with me. For main course, I had the mixed seafood grill (crab cake, salmon, shrimp) and he had the NY strip with a side of grilled shrimp. We each had a cocktail and finished off the meal with a giant slice of key lime pie. We left fat and happy. What a great meal and it was perfect to have a stroll back Cannery Row before heading home.
Best meal: mmmm, I can still taste that salmon from the Chart House.
ALM: “Do you know that when otters sleep they hold their mates hand, so that they don’t get separated?
MJR: “Yes, I know that, Dear.”
ALM: “You’re my otter, because it doesn’t matter where we float, as long as I have you, I’m good.”
MJR: “Yes, Dear.”
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
California Wine Down.
On Sunday, we woke up and enjoyed the final morning in Rio Vista as Kevin’s spread. He was amazing to have us in his home, share his puppies and pizza, and the visiting was great. We took off and headed back to Monterey but did make a lunch stop at “In-n Out Burger” before we got back to town.
Upon return, we decided it was time to partake in the local wine crop! We visited a few tasting rooms. There is this perception that you go to where the grapes are grown, see the vines, and then partake in the wine that is happening right there. That’s not the case and after some thinking about this, it’s really okay. The vines are grown in rural areas in California where nothing is really surrounding it and then they have tasting rooms where locals and tourists, such as ourselves, can tour the town, pay the price and sample wine after wine and just walk door to door. That’s what we did. We stopped at about 4 tasting houses. We started getting smart, we split a tasting either shared it or Matt enjoyed his dry reds and I took in the sweets. It was pretty brilliant once we got the hang of it. One thing I discovered from our adventure, I do not like Chardonnays. I’ll stick with my fruit wines and other whites! Here’s my favorites: Apricot, White Merlot, and then an almond champagne!
We headed back to Sara and Jason’s that night and enjoyed Sara’s Chicken piccata. We did think it was “fresh” chickens, but we were informed that they were not the chickens we’d seen earlier in the week! It was great and I wouldn’t kick Sara out of the kitchen ever. We recouped on the couch and just enjoyed some light conversation and the harmonic tones of little Jason!
Best meal of the day: chicken piccata with asparagus and artichokes!
“We won’t ever enjoy a bottle of wine together will we?” –MJR as he drank a cab and I had a glass of cranberry spice.
Upon return, we decided it was time to partake in the local wine crop! We visited a few tasting rooms. There is this perception that you go to where the grapes are grown, see the vines, and then partake in the wine that is happening right there. That’s not the case and after some thinking about this, it’s really okay. The vines are grown in rural areas in California where nothing is really surrounding it and then they have tasting rooms where locals and tourists, such as ourselves, can tour the town, pay the price and sample wine after wine and just walk door to door. That’s what we did. We stopped at about 4 tasting houses. We started getting smart, we split a tasting either shared it or Matt enjoyed his dry reds and I took in the sweets. It was pretty brilliant once we got the hang of it. One thing I discovered from our adventure, I do not like Chardonnays. I’ll stick with my fruit wines and other whites! Here’s my favorites: Apricot, White Merlot, and then an almond champagne!
We headed back to Sara and Jason’s that night and enjoyed Sara’s Chicken piccata. We did think it was “fresh” chickens, but we were informed that they were not the chickens we’d seen earlier in the week! It was great and I wouldn’t kick Sara out of the kitchen ever. We recouped on the couch and just enjoyed some light conversation and the harmonic tones of little Jason!
Best meal of the day: chicken piccata with asparagus and artichokes!
“We won’t ever enjoy a bottle of wine together will we?” –MJR as he drank a cab and I had a glass of cranberry spice.
Monday, October 1, 2012
California Girl!
Saturday was boys vs girls day.
Matt went off to get schooled in golf by Kevin at the Rio Vista course and Sara and I went off to tour Rio Vista and run errands.
I saw the town and ate at Foster’s, which has the most amazing taxidermy collection I’ve ever seen, including a full elephant head with tusks, trunk, and ears. Other things included a giraffe, rhino, hippo, deer, buffalo, bison, moose, alligator, cats (not domestic) and on and on and on. I ordered a salmon Caesar salad, it was so good, even thinking about it now, I get a craving.
After lunch, Sara and I spent some time with little Jason and the dog pack: Cyrus, Winnie, and Gracie. I determined the best thing was to get one of them howling (Cyrus) and they’d start all howling. HAHA! Still makes me giggle a bit thinking about it. Sara and I had some time to kill and because dogs are dogs, we noticed that Cyrus poo-ed a Cyrus size poo. In an attempt to avoid it, we took a decorative rock cover and placed it over it. I told Sara, want to watch Matt gag, we’ll save it for later. Sure enough, when the boys got home from golfing, we settled in to hear about their course-trauma. Afterward, I convinced Matt to move the “rock” back to where it was suppose to be, uncovering the horse pile! Oh, we laughed! The best part wasn’t that we got Matt to gag but we made it a double and also convinced Kevin to uncover the “treasure” that was hidden! Only time I’ve had so much fun with poo.
The best part of the evening was the fun with the pizza oven. Kevin has got a great set up for pizza, all the way from the dough flattener to the wood fired oven. Mmmmmmm. Sara and I sat and enjoyed the pizza buffet that continued to come in our direction. I think the sausage and pepperoni were my favorite! The boys did an amazing job cooking and it was awesome to watch.
ALM: “You’re going to grow up and be stinky and fart aren’t you, because you are a boy.”
Little Jason: “I’m a kitty.”
ALM: “And you stay that way!”
Matt went off to get schooled in golf by Kevin at the Rio Vista course and Sara and I went off to tour Rio Vista and run errands.
I saw the town and ate at Foster’s, which has the most amazing taxidermy collection I’ve ever seen, including a full elephant head with tusks, trunk, and ears. Other things included a giraffe, rhino, hippo, deer, buffalo, bison, moose, alligator, cats (not domestic) and on and on and on. I ordered a salmon Caesar salad, it was so good, even thinking about it now, I get a craving.
After lunch, Sara and I spent some time with little Jason and the dog pack: Cyrus, Winnie, and Gracie. I determined the best thing was to get one of them howling (Cyrus) and they’d start all howling. HAHA! Still makes me giggle a bit thinking about it. Sara and I had some time to kill and because dogs are dogs, we noticed that Cyrus poo-ed a Cyrus size poo. In an attempt to avoid it, we took a decorative rock cover and placed it over it. I told Sara, want to watch Matt gag, we’ll save it for later. Sure enough, when the boys got home from golfing, we settled in to hear about their course-trauma. Afterward, I convinced Matt to move the “rock” back to where it was suppose to be, uncovering the horse pile! Oh, we laughed! The best part wasn’t that we got Matt to gag but we made it a double and also convinced Kevin to uncover the “treasure” that was hidden! Only time I’ve had so much fun with poo.
ALM: “You’re going to grow up and be stinky and fart aren’t you, because you are a boy.”
Little Jason: “I’m a kitty.”
ALM: “And you stay that way!”
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