2024 Anniversary Trip - Day #1

CURRENT THEME FOR FALL 2024

Color Theory

Join Merchant Roots as we revisit one of our classic themes - Color Theory, this time in an all-new facility!

Chef Ryan Shelton and our team have developed a thoughtful, aesthetically pleasing menu, which highlights the beauty of red, orange, blue, green, violet, and black using various textures and techniques. Delve into color theory and expound upon the meanings and messages of colors, and the ways in which they draw reaction and incite emotion.

Color Theory explores the art and science of color through 10 monochromatic courses.

Over the years, we have tried to take a trip to celebration our anniversary. Several months ago, Sharon made a reservation for a restaurant in San Francisco. We turned the reservation into an early anniversary celebration.

We rolled from Carmichael about 11:40 am. With two quick stops, we were in the city before 2:00 pm. We had an adventure finding the hotel. We are staying one night at the Hotel Nikko.

Sharon had paid for an early check-in and an upgraded room. The room wasn't ready! After checking in and sitting in the lobby for a few minutes, they came and gave us keys to a room. They decided to give us a suite. We ended up with a very large two room suite on the 24th floor.

We had room service bring a couple of glasses of champange to the room. It is Fleet Week in San Francisco. We got a view of the Blue Angels practicing above the city. We were in San Francisco for our anniversary trip in 2012 when it was Fleet Week.

We caught an Uber to the restaurant. We had a 5:30 pm reservation at Merchant Roots. It was a very different experience. There were really only six tables. They gave us a tour of their new venue. We had the starter in the wine room in the back.

There are no waiters. There is a team of chefs who prepared and served everything. While we were eating, they changed the colors of the lights to match each course and showed pictures and videos on the walls.

The menu is shown below. With the starter, there were eleven courses! We both had the wine pairing. The pours were very large!

The food was good, but we have had a number of very good meals on the Scandavian and Balkans trips. The major issue was that we felt very rushed. The courses were served over about two hours and ten minutes. In my opinion, it should have been a three hour plus meal. They needed to get us out of there; there was another seating at 8:00 pm.

We caught an Uber back to the hotel. The hotel had given us a couple of drink coupons when we checked in. We had a nightcap in the bar. Afterwards, we crashed fairly early.

Israel/Egypt/Jordan 2023 - Day #17 - Dead Sea

Dead Sea Museum

Fascinating Exhibits. Spectacular Views

Learn about the natural and cultural history of the legendary Dead Sea while taking in stunning vistas.

The lowest point on Earth, this saltwater lake has long been sought out for the curative properties of its waters and the pivotal moments in history that have unfolded along its shores. You will drive with your guide to the Dead Sea Panoramic Complex, perched at the edge of the Zara mountain range between Ma’in Hot Springs and the Dead Sea basin. During your visit, you can browse exhibits that shed light on the waters’ rich past and the prospects for its future. You can also view and touch geologic specimens of rock from the region. As you explore this fascinating museum, step out onto the observation deck to marvel at some of the most magnificent views of the Jordan Rift Valley, from gentle desert sands to the soaring Judaean Mountains.

Our 27th Wedding Anniversary!

A second travel day in a row. As part of my post-trip musings, I need to talk about the schedule for the three weeks.

Up at 315, we had to have the luggage out in the hall by 4 am. We were on the bus to the airport at 430 am.

We caught a 730 am Royal Jordanian flight from Cairo to Amman. We were on the ground on schedule just before 9 am. Viking did a great job of getting us through passport control, but it took forever to get all of the luggage. Several people, including the Gainsleys, had binoculars in their luggage. These bags were pulled aside and taken apart.

Although on the schedule for tomorrow, our first stop was Mt. Nebo and the Memorial Church of Moses. This church was built in the 4th century AD to commemorate the death of Moses. It is now a ruin, but it is still an impressive sight. The church is mentioned in the Bible as the place where Moses was granted a view of the Promised Land before his death.


Rather than stopping for lunch, the guide passed out a falafel on the bus. The second stop was the Dead Sea Museum. It is a history and natural history museum dedicated to showing the history of the Dead Sea and how civilizations developed around it. There was an interesting graphic on the floor showing how the Dead Sea is shrinking. I was surprised that the area is continuing to sink four cenimeters a year. The museum is housed in a modern building with stunning views of the Dead Sea.

We rolled up to the Movenpick Dead Sea about 2:30 pm. We are spending one night at this hotel. It is a very large resort.

There was more than a little chaos checking into the hotel. We settled in the bar waiting for things to get sorted out.

Eventually, we got settled in the room. Getting changed, everyone wandered down to the Dead Sea. We floated in the Dead Sea. It was a very wild experience. I didn't anticipate how buoyant you would be... The Dead Sea is the lowest point in the world.

Sharon and I considered having dinner by ourselves to celebrate our anniversary. We decided to keep the reservation that we have for tomorrow. We ended up joining the group for a buffet dinner in the hotel.

Wiped out from the early start, Sharon and I crashed about 830 pm.

Twenty-six Years

To celebrate our twenty-sixth wedding anniversary, Sharon and I went to dinner at Canon East Sacramento. Over the years, this was been one of Sharon's favorite restaurants. Frankly, the experience was a little subpar. Both Sharon and I felt that the menu seemed kind of limited and the service was not good. Several times in the course of the evening we literally had to wave our arms to try and get some service.

We started with a couple of OYSTERS [estate vinegars]. We split a ROASTED CABBAGE SALAD [oyster mushrooms, nashi pear, miso apple butter, dill seed vinaigrette]. For the entree, we shared BLISTERED ROMANO BEANS [horseradish-tomato jus, oyster mushrooms, gypsy pepper] and WHOLE FRIED FISH [brazino, green tomato nuoc cham, fresno chili, lemongrass]. We have had a lot of brazino over the last month.

The fish was good. I was pleasantly surprised to find a Greek wine by the glass on the menu [Romeiko - Manousakis Winery - Nostos, Crete, Greece].

2021 Oregon - Day 13 - Benham Falls - 25th Wedding Anniversary

Moving a little slow, we had breakfast at the Cafe Sintra in the Sunriver Village. I had a FETA CHEESE & PROVENÇAL OLIVES omelet [with fresh basil and sweet peppers], while Sharon had the SPINACH EGG CREPE [Filled with scrambled eggs, goat cheese, sautéed spinach and mushrooms with a side of fruit].

Sharon had originally wanted to drive northeast to hike. With a long drive planned for Thursday, I talked her into staying local. We drove to the Benham Falls East Trailhead. We hiked north to Benham Falls and then continued along the Deschutes River Trail. In total, we hiked four miles in about an hour and fifty minutes. A map is here.

Visually, it was an interesting hike. There is a section of the river below the falls that was running hard. The other side of the river is the Lava Lands.

Afterwards, Sharon did some shopping in the Sunriver village and at the lodge. We picked up some ice, crackers, cheese and meat at the market.

For the rest of the afternoon, we hung out at the room. We had a comfortable two story room looking out on the 10th fairway and green. We had a light lunch and a couple of glasses to champange to celebrate our 25th Wedding Anniversary and exchanged gifts. We sat for a while on the deck, but it has been cold the last couple of days with highs only into the 40s.

We finished the day with an anniversary dinner at Ariana in Bend. Passing on the seven course tasting menu, we shared HAMACHI CRUDO [passionfruit-habanero kosho, avocado, radish] and BONE MARROW [king trumpets, roasted bone jus, parsley salad, grilled bread] for appetizers. We split the SOUP DU JOUR [butternut squash]. For entrees, I had SCALLOPS [seared wild jumbo scallops, sea urchin risotto], while Sharon had RABBIT [bay cream braised leg and thigh, potato gnocchi, chanterelle confit]. The meal was very good.

As part of the card that I gave her for our anniversary, I included a list of things that I appreciated about her that I had written more than twenty years ago. The list is still very apt today.

Celebrating our 24th Wedding Anniversary

Typically, we try to take a trip to celebrate our anniversary. In this uncertain pandemic time, we decided to stay close to home and finish the day with dinner on the deck.

I picked up curbside takeout from Ruth Chris. We split a lettuce wedge salad, a baked potato and creamed spinach. Sharon had a filet, while I had a ribeye.

I am going to get her a new set of clubs as a present. She is getting me some golf clothes.

Given the trials of our blended family over the last three years, I have grown to appreciate Sharon more than ever. She has done a great job supporting Jack, Morgan and Lee and Drew and Shannon.

Celebrating our 23rd Wedding Anniversary - Day 2

Our original plan for Monday was a hike in the Napa area. As we were checking into the hotel on Sunday night, Sharon saw their bikes and suggested a bike ride instead.

After breakfast in the concierge lounge, we got bikes and helmets from the front desk. We rode on the Vine Trail towards Yountville. We did this ride once before when I was working in Napa.

We stopped in Yountville for coffee at Southside. Afterwards, we rode back to the Napa Valley Marriott. In total, we covered 13.6 miles in just over an hour and a half.

Checking out of the hotel, we got some sandwiches at the Safeway deli. The plan for the afternoon was wine tasting at Bouchaine Vineyards. Sharon has been a wine club member there since our first visit in 2010.

Bouchaine has built a new tasting room. We thought that it was going to be open, but it is still not being used for day to day tasting. We did get a chance to wander through the new building.

We had a nice tasting and a leisurely lunch. We rolled towards Carmichael after 2 pm. With one quick stop, we picked up Tiber about 3:45 pm.

It was a very nice get away...

Celebrating our 23rd Wedding Anniversary - Day 1

Moving a little slow after a late night, we dropped Tiber at Best Friends just after 11 am. The plan for the next two days is to head to Napa to celebrate our 23rd Wedding Anniversary.

With the traffic fairly light, it took us just under an hour and a half to get to Donum Estates. There were a lot fewer people than the event in June. I was able to park at one of the two car chargers.

Sitting at a table having a bit to eat while Sharon wandered off to check out some other food, Sharon's old friend Noel came up. He then snuck up on Sharon. We ended up sitting with Noel and his friends (Mike and Laura?) for the rest of the afternoon. Noel is the one that originally turned us on to Donum.

Sharon and I eventually took a trolley up to visit the new wind chimes art installation and the heart. The event was supposed to end at 3:00 pm, but they opened some more wine. They eventually kicked us out just after 4:00 pm. Our group was literally the last to leave!

We made a quick stop at the outlet stores in Napa. Sharon wanted to shop at Cabi.

We checked into the Napa Valley Marriott for one night. Having spent almost all of 2015 and 2016 working in the Napa Valley and essentially living at the Napa Valley Marriott, it is always weird to go back there for a night.

We finished the day with a late dinner at Ca' Momi Osteria in downtown Napa. Walking a couple of blocks to the restaurant, we were both surprised how busy the downtown was. We split a Insalata Siciliana [blood oranges, organic fennel, red onion salad with olives & orange vinaigrette]. For entrees, Sharon had Rigatoni con Coda alla Vaccinara [pasta with braised organic bone-in oxtail, san marzano tomatoes, pine nuts, celery, organic raisins & parmigiano reggiano Lazio], while I had Risotto alla Milanese con Ossobuco [veal ossobuco served on arborio risotto with saffron organic bone marrow & parmigiano reggiano lombardia]. I was very disappointed in my meal; at best, I would grade it a "B-."

2018 Fall Dinner Party

Sharon and I have made it a tradition to host a fall dinner party [2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003]. This year, the group included the Gainsleys, Sanborns, Janie and Terra. For the first time, we had someone cancel at the last minute [Renterias]. In the hour before the party, we scrambled to invite another couple, but failed.

This year's theme was the Roaring 20s. It was loosely based on Sharon and Janie's trip to Chicago in September. Everyone wore period costumes!

Janie and Terra made a great before dinner gin drink. We had a nice dinner including Chicago deep dish pizza and barbecued rib-eye steaks. I was relieved that the pizza turned out much better than the test pizza we did. The menu is here.

Although I wasn't prepared for it, we ended up watching a version of Dinner for One that I could find on Youtube. Playing in a golf tournament on Sunday, the Sanborns rolled early. By the time, Tiber and I walked the Gainsleys to the front gate, it was about 11:30 pm. Janie and Terra rolled right after them.

This was our 22nd wedding anniversary. It was a nice evening, but I missed the Larkins. This is the first fall dinner party that they have missed since 2009.

Fall 2017 New England - Day 3

Up fairly early, we had got cleaned up and had a lackluster continental breakfast. After breakfast, we walked about half a mile to the Vermont State House. With a population of only slightly more than 7,000, Montpelier is the smallest state capital. The building exceeded my expectations; I enjoy the intersection of architecture, history and geography.

We rolled from the Inn about 9:45 am. We are heading east to New Hampshire. After some debate, we made a stop at the Cabot Creamery. We watched a short video, did a tour of the cheese plant and tasted a wide variety of cheese. We also stopped very briefly at the Goodrich Maple Farm.

We got to the Omni Mount Washington Hotel about 12:45 pm and were in the room by 1:00 pm. The view of Mount Washington and and the surrounding area is spectacular. We had lunch in the hotel at the Rosebrook Bar (chowder, chicken sandwich and crab roll). The view from our table was amazing. After exploring the property for a while, we did a 50 minute history tour of the hotel; there was just Sharon and I plus one other person with the docent.

We crashed in the room for awhile. Eventually, I took my book down, sat on the verdana and watched the sun go down.

We finished the night with a late dinner in the main dining room. We started with Tasso Ham and Crab Stuffed Oysters. We spilt a Signature Caesar salad. For entrees, Sharon had Maple Braised Beef Short Rib (Pappardelle Pasta, Roasted Mixed Mushrooms, Asparagus, Tomatoes, Spinach, Mozzarella Pearls, Toasted Pine Nuts, Red Wine Veal Reduction) and I had Georges Bank Scallops (Green Pea Purée, Artichoke Rice Cakes, Peppers, Spinach, Mango Pineapple Cipollini Relish, Cashew Crumbs). We walked through the Cave speakeasy before crashing for the night.

With this dinner, we celebrated our 21st wedding anniversary. This year, we picked out some presents ahead of time. Sharon got some David Yurman earrings to match the bracelet that I got her last year, while I got two Apple Watch bands.

2016 Georgetown Family Weekend Day 1 plus 20 years

Up about 4:15 am, Sharon and I got to the Sacramento airport about 6:15 am. We breezed through the luggage check and security.

We had the 7:55 am United direct flight from Sacramento to Dulles. The flight actually left more than 10 minutes early. While I have had some struggles with the Wifi on United flights in the past, it was rock solid this time. I worked on my laptop the whole flight.

Our luggage beat us to the baggage claim. We were curbside before 4 pm. We took an UberXL into Washington D.C. With the traffic, it took almost an hour. We are staying three nights at the Ritz Carlton in Washington D.C. using Marriott points.

Getting cleaned up, we caught a cab to the 1789 Restaurant in Georgetown. Jack met us there. This is the first time we have seen him in seven weeks!

After visiting for a while at the bar, Jack wandered back to his dorm room. Sharon and I had a 7:45 pm reservation for dinner. We celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary.

I had a five course tasting including foie gras torchon, octopus squid ink risotto, rib-eye loin, a cheese plate and dark chocolate mousse. Sharon had a four course tasting that included straccetti, royal sea bass, duck, and the apple tart. The meal was excellent.

We exchanged gifts during dinner. Sharon got me an upscale band for my Apple Watch, while I got her a very nice bracelet.

After dinner, we caught a cab back to the hotel and crashed...

Celebrating Nineteen Years

With Sharon having Columbus Day off from work, she drove over and met me in Napa in the afternoon. The plan for the day was to go wine tasting and have dinner near Calistoga to celebrate our nineteenth wedding anniversary.

We started with a late light lunch at the Hog Island Oyster Co. at the Oxbow Market in Napa. We had some broiled oysters and a salad. We need to sample a couple of the other restaurants at the Oxbow Market in the future...

From there, we headed north up the Napa Valley to the Frank Family Vineyards. The Frank Family property is one of the three oldest wineries in the Napa Valley. After wine tasting there, we continued north to the Bennett Lane Winery.

After wine tasting, we stopped and walked around in downtown Calistoga. It was unseasonably warm; the temperatures were in the mid-90s.

We finished the day with dinner at the Solbar Restaurant at the Solage Resort. I had heirloom melon and duck prosciutto and seared day boat diver scallops, while Sharon had seared sonoma artisan foie gras and pan-roasted mary’s chicken. As Sharon said, the dinner was "very, very good." After dinner, we exchanged gifts [sun glasses and a vase from Peru].

We drove back to Napa and crashed at the Napa Valley Marriott.

Eighteen Years

Sharon and I were married eighteen years ago today. Typically, we have tried to celebrate our anniversary with an overnight trip. Given all of the balls in the air, including the fall dinner party, Hunter's wedding and a trip to Stanford, we decided to stay close to home.

Taking part of the day off, Sharon and I had an early lunch at Mothers. Afterwards, we exchanged gifts at the Esquire Grill. I got Sharon a Kindle Paperwhite.

We went to Gone Girl in the afternoon. Sharon had loved the audio book. I hadn't read anything about the book or the plot so I didn't know what to expect. It is definitely better to not know where the story is going. Overall, I would give the movie a solid "B." Running two hours and twenty minutes, I found it a little slow in spots.

2013 New York City Day 5

Up at 3:55 am, I got a taxi from the hotel to LaGuardia Airport. LaGuardia is a pit. I caught a 6:20 am Southwest flight to Midway. I actually ended up sleeping most of the way.

After an hour and 40 minute layover, I caught a 9:20 am Southwest flight to Sacramento. I finished reading My Fantasy Life by Matthew Berry on the plane. I was on the ground back in Sacramento before 11:45 am and headed into work.

Sharon ended up having lunch with Pat at a restaurant in Rockefeller Center.

I feel like I made one tactical error on the trip. Sharon and I always have guidebooks when we travel. We failed to bring one with us on this trip. [Note to Self: bring a guidebook even for US cities!].

2013 New York City Day 4

Another late morning start... We met the Gainsleys in the lobby of the hotel about 10 am. As a side note, I had some interesting adventures getting coffee on both Saturday and Sunday morning. Each morning, I tried to find a Starbucks that was not absolutely packed. The lines were so long on Saturday morning that I ended up giving up and heading back to the room. Both mornings, I was surprised that how many people were out and about. I had expected it to be quieter on Sunday morning, but the city was hopping.

The plan for the day was to have lunch with Morgan and her boyfriend Beau. We took the subway south to the Brooklyn Bridge and City Hall stop. We spent some time exploring the area around City Hall.

We then headed across the Brooklyn Bridge. Although it was overcast and misy, it was a great walk with some interesting views. We walked down into Brooklyn to Grimaldi's Pizzeria. Kevin found the restaurant on a list of things to do in New York City. Morgan and Beau met us there. We had a great visit with them. It was very nice to see Morgan and catch up.

After lunch, we walked back across the Brooklyn Bridge. We took the subway north and wandered around the area near NYU. From there, we took a cab to Gramercy Tavern. We had a drink there before catching the subway back to the hotel. Sharon ended up coming back to the tavern on Tuesday afternoon for lunch.

We finished the day with dinner at Oceana. Sharon and I split a Shrimp and Oyster Paella. With a very early start on Monday morning, it was the first night that we actually got to bed before midnight on the trip.

2013 New York City Day 3

After a late night, we got a very late start. We met the Gainsleys in the lobby at 10 am. The plan for the day was to rent bikes and ride through Central Park. I had reserved some bikes on line.

We rode the loop around Central Park in a little over an hour. We started back around again and got out of the park at 78th street. We headed on the bikes to a deli that Sharon and Janie visited last year called Pastrami Queen. Sharon and I split an excellent pastrami sandwich and some cold slaw.

After lunch, we took the bikes back towards the park and up to the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art. Our first stop was the rooftop. There are some great views of the city and Central Park. We spent about two hours wandering the Met. I split off from the group and focused on the Temple of Dendur plus Picasso and Caravaggio paintings. While there was only one early Picasso [At the Lapin Agile], I was surprised to find four Caravaggios.

We walked the bikes back across the middle of Central Park and headed back to return the bikes. We dropped the bikes off after 4 pm.

Getting cleaned up, we met in the lobby about 6 pm. We walked next door to the W Hotel and had drinks and appetizers in the Whiskey Blue bar. We caught a cab to Times Square and the Eugene O'Neil Theater to see The Book of Mormon. As I told Drew later, the play was exceptional. I was surprised when we reached intermission. The play was so engaging that the time just flew by.

After the play, we walked through a very crowded Times Square to Sardi's for a late supper. I had a seafood cobb salad, while Sharon and Donna had a small plate of Spinach Cannelloni au Gratin. By the time we caught a cab and were back to the hotel, it was after 12:30 am. Another late night...

2013 New York City Day 2

The original plan for the morning was a tour of the Statue of Liberty. I bought tickets in July! Unfortunately, the government shutdown impacted the National Parks, including the Statue of Liberty. Meeting in the lobby at 9 am, we wandered through Grand Central Station and then took the subway to Battery Park. We walked to the edge of Battery Park and got a hazy view of the statue.

From there, we walked up Broadway to Trinity Church. This parish dates from 1697. The third and current Trinity Church on the site was finished in 1846 and at the time its 281-foot spire and cross was the highest point in New York.

We walked down Wall Street past the New York Stock Exchange. The four of us ended up having an early leisurely lunch at Delmonico's. I think that Sharon and I may have had lunch there when we were in New York in 1998.

After lunch, we headed to the St. Paul's Chapel. This is one of the oldest buildings in New York and dates from 1766. The chapel is in the shadow of the World Trade Center site and is a de facto Memorial to 9/11. George Washington, along with members of the United States Congress, worshipped at St. Paul's Chapel on his Inauguration Day, on April 30, 1789. Washington also attended services at St. Paul's during the two years New York City was the country's capital.

We walked through the 9/11 Preview site and then headed to the main site. After a quick stop across the street, we spent some time touring the 9/11 Memorial. It is an unusual memorial.

Afterwards, we jumped back on the subway and headed to the MoMA. From our trip in 2009, I had a vague memory that Friday evenings were free. We got a free ticket and did a quick tour of the museum. The museum was packed. I have been reading the Life of Picasso and focused on looking for his paintings and sculptures.

Getting cleaned up at the hotel, we walked to Fabio Piccolo Fiore for an Italian dinner. After dinner, we stopped at the Waldorf-Astoria for a drink in the Bull and Bear. The bartender started chatting us up and recommended a couple of other nightspots. We ended up going to Mimi's Italian Restaurant and Piano Bar. The piano player [Chicken Delicious] was a character. It is rumored that there may be video of Kevin and I singing You've Lost That Loving Feeling. By the time we got back to the hotel and down for bed, it was after 1:30 am...

2013 New York City Day 1

Every year, Sharon and I try to take a short trip in October to celebrate our anniversary. Last year, her annual legal conference was in San Francisco and we leveraged our anniversary trip off her business trip. This year, the legal conference is in New York City!

Up at 4 am, Sharon and I caught a 6:25 am Southwest flight from Sacramento to Denver. With a short layover, we were on a flight from Denver to La Guardia in New York City. We were on the ground about 4:30 pm and at the hotel before 6 pm. We will be spending the next few nights at the Marriot Eastside.

The Gainsleys took the red eye and landed at JFK early Thursday morning. They spent most of the day wandering around the city before we got there. The four of us will be spending the next couple of days exploring New York City.

After getting cleaned up, we walked towards Time Square. Sharon had made a reservation at Bobby Flay's Bar Americain. We had dinner there in 2009 with Jack. I had sea bass, while Sharon had a pork loin.

The four of us finished the night wandering around Times Square.

2012 Anniversary Trip Day 2

Up about 7 am, we had room service. The plan for the day is to hike the Rodeo Valley Loop in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. We had read about this hike in the Sacramento Bee a couple of months ago. With a quick stop in the Marina district to get water and a couple of snacks, we parked at the northern end of the Golden Gate Bridge about 9 am.

Taking the Coastal Trail out of the parking lot, the hike climbs about a mile to the top of the ridge. We continued east on the Coastal Trail and eventually connected with the Rodeo Valley Trail. We followed the Rodeo Valley Trail to the SCA Trail. The SCA trail led back to the Coastal Trail. Maps and Google Earth views of the hike are here.

In total, we covered about 7.75 miles in a little over three hours. The hike offers some great views of the San Francisco Bay. Unfortunately, after a week of great weather, the marine layer arrived and obscured some of the views. We did get a couple of nice views as we were finishing up the hike and starting back down to the car.

We headed back to the hotel and got cleaned up. Janie joined us for a late lunch at the hotel. With Sharon staying for her meeting starting Sunday night, I headed back to Carmichael a little after 3 pm and was home before 5 pm. It was a nice little getaway to celebrate sixteen years.

2012 Anniversary Trip Day 1

Sharon and I have tried to make it a tradition to get away for a weekend to celebrate our anniversary. Last year, we had a fantastic trip to Santa Barbara. This year with so other many things hitting our pocketbook [new house, new school and the Italian trip], we decided to take advantage of a business trip that Sharon had to San Francisco.

Taking off in early morning, we were in the city before noon. We are spending the night at the Stanford Court Hotel on Nob Hill. They actually had a room ready and we were in the room before noon.

After unpacking, we walked a couple of blocks and had a nice lunch at Cafe de la Presse. After lunch, we walked to Union Square. There is a crazy number of things going on in San Francisco this weekend. It is Fleet Week and the Blue Angels were performing over the bay. The sound echoed through the streets. When we got to Union Square, there was an Arab Cultural Festival.

After doing some shopping around Union Square and in the Westfield Mall, we walked down Market Street to the Ferry Building. Sharon needed to get a couple of items for the fall dinner party.

We eventually walked up a couple of blocks to the Hyatt and caught a cab back to our hotel. We relaxed, enjoyed the room and the view. Sharon spent some time trying to connect with several others parents regarding plans for the kids for homecoming next weekend.

Getting cleaned up, we walked to Venniceto for dinner. The description of the restaurant talked up the bar. We went early for a drink. While the bartender and the drinks were great, the bar was small. It is possible that what is normally the bar has been turned into more tables. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed the restaurant and the food. After splitting an antipasto, capri salad and spaghetti carbonara, Sharon had snapper and I had lamb loin. It was too much food...

We wandered back to the hotel and finished the night watching Daniel Craig on Saturday Night Live. The plan for tomorrow is to get up early and hike in Golden Gate National Recreation Area on the Marin side.

2011 Santa Barbara Day 4

Sharon and I both went for a run in the morning. Retracing the first part of our bike ride on Saturday, I ran from the Four Seasons Hotel to the tip of the Stearns Wharf. This was a round trip of just 7 miles. After getting cleaned up, we had a very leisurely breakfast on the patio of the hotel overlooking the ocean. We packed up the room, checked out of the room and were on the road just before noon.

At dinner on Saturday, Sharon starting talking to the waitress about wines. The waitress suggested the Foxen Winery. This winery is located in the Southern tip of the Santa Maria Valley Appellation north of where we explored on Friday.

After a quick stop and walk through of the Firestone Winery, we headed to the Foxen Winery. We tasted at their new tasting room, not the older "shack." They recommended the Riverbench Vineyard and Winery as a possible stop. We stopped there. Riverbench has an interesting tasting room in an older house. The stretch from 101 to Santa Maria along Vaca Station and Foxen Canyon Roads was very interesting. The scenery is very different. Sharon is talking about trying to come back in the spring with Janie.

Back on the road, we made a quick stop in Santa Maria for gas. I talked briefly to Drew backstage at the Lincoln Theater in W@shington D.C. After some fits and starts, their tour opening for The Civil Wars is gearing back up.

We made a quick stop at the Enos Estate Winery just outside of Paso Robles. This was my least favorite stop of the weekend; the wine was not very good or interesting. Sharon was interested in stopping here because she worked on the loan in the last year.

Heading across Highways 46 and 41, up Highway 33 to Avenal and Highway 193, we finally connected with I-5. We stopped and got hamburgers for dinner at Harris Ranch. It was just after 9:30 p.m. when we rolled into Elk Grove. It was a very nice long weekend. It was the longest stretch that we have had a chance to take off just the two of us in a long time.