Big Sky

If you live in New London and it is Thanksgiving morning, there is only one thing to do . . .

That's right . . .

. . . take a constitutional walk on the beach . . .

. . . and if you're really lucky . . .

. . . you run into your out-of-town friend there doing the self-same thing . . .

. . .  and you bring Mistah for recreational pleasure.

. . . he's good to bring along.

Just look how he captures our beach . . .

I like to call this one, "Making Strides."

. . . just look at what we have here . . .

They call Montana Big Sky Country . . .

. . . but they've got nothing on us.

You really don't know me at all!

I have received three letters and one postcard from my unsolicited pen pal since the beginning of October. He continues to let me know how many years we have known each other --18 apparently, since September of 1998, "even if you've [I have] been out now and then having three daughters." He recounts things such as where I eat lunch, how I prefer to pick it up and eat in the office, and how long he has known my ex-husband and other people in his office building.

He even includes friendly sentiments, such as, "I hope your kids are growing up getting their homework done, and getting good grades in high school, middle school, and elementary school."

And although it can't be denied that he does have an uncanny recall of my luncheon preferences and family life, he really does not know me at all! Because, c'mon, really? What friend would ever send me this?

This is something you would send to Ellie (not to me or you*, just Ellie).

Although, actually, she probably already knows this stuff. So, for those of you who don't know, but may care, enjoy - the 2015 Thanksgiving Day football schedule. 

* = Jacquie

When We Roamed The Earth

Approximately 15 million years ago, Mistah and I roamed the Earth.

Before that, we lived regular, normal lives. We worked. We commuted -- Schleck by car, me by train -- and we had a lot of fun always, all the time, ever.

And then we Hit The Road.

And we had a lot of fun always, all the time, ever.

We Roamed the Earth for the better part of 8 years. And now, all of a sudden, we've been in New London for the better part of 8 years.

 And we have a lot of fun always, all the time, ever.

I think this calls for that old favorite "close your eyes and point to a photo on iphoto" game.

Seriously.

Let's *do* this thing.

Wait, what?

Oh my GOD.

 Okay this is the worst game ever.

 Oh wait! No it's not!!

 Aw, Ledgie made the cut . . .

 As did Dorothy . . .

And so did our habaneros.

 Can I not delete? Is that not in the spirit of the game?

 Can I not?

Aw jeez. And we don't even get the plumber's -- er, roofer's -- butt.

Okay, so, perhaps this was a bad idea.

Why couldn't *this* have made it?

Or this??

But still. We Roam The Earth.

And that's something, right?

I mean, it could be this.

But instead, 5 million years later . . .

. . . it's this.

scenes from mah birthday

Yesterday was my birthday, which I usually acknowledge with a link to my best ever birthday post, which you've probably been bullied into reading before, but should read again because it's awesome. Go ahead, we'll wait. 

Sigh. 

So, a millionty years later, it's my birthday aGAIN, for the luvva. Here's how it went:

not pictured: morning presents sesh from my lovely family. oops and sorry. 

arrived at work to find this on my desk, which is super duper sweet even though I loathe wheat beer.

then a surprise appearance by my girl Janet! with those gorgeous vibrant roses and a rockin balloon. I love me some Janet.

later that day, Erika festooned my regular yoga spot with a trio of birthday candles!

Then we went to Old Town for my girl's first high school exhibition

nailed it.

It was thirsty work for some of us. 

Then home, for wishes

I can't reveal my wish...

but if you guessed health, happiness, and harmony for my peeps? you'd be on the right track

Happy Birthday to ME!

Todos Santos

I have no incredible tree porn to share. Although some trees around here are finally turning, and our weather has finally become fall-like, at least some days, San Diego cannot compete with New London when it comes to autumnal colors.

And although it could compete with Todos Santos for gorgeous beach shots, this is not a competition, I'm just going to share some glimpses of Todos Santos and its surrounding sea side.

The girls and I traveled there in late August, and stayed almost completely gratis in exchange for some travel writing, which I am just starting on now. Time to pay up. And to look back and remember our incredible good fortune.

Our room

Our room's balcony

Our room's bathroom's bathtub, and, yes, we did use it, although we did not see her in it.

Hotel rooftop restaurant

At sunset

Hotel rooftop swimming pool

At sunset

But our favorite spots were the hotel's close-by beach club, and the off-site restaurant perched a top a big hill with views forever.

El Faro Beach Club, home of great mixed drinks and amazing fish tacos. Yes, I ate them. More than once.

Hi girls!

El Mirador Restaurant, where we were invited for free wine, apps and dessert.

Not tree porn, but not bad.