Monterey

Meggy and I had a blast being kids together. Weather was warm and sunny. Aquarium and the Sea Horse Exhibit were extraordinary. Car week in Carmel. Phenomenal million dollar + cars we did not know even existed (shocker). The car in the photo is called a Hot Shot. CUUUTE!

Carmel Art Galleries where I fell madly in love with two artist, Todd White @ Galerie Rue Toulouse & Igor Levashov @ Winters Gallery where we met the artist and Gallery owner Jerry Winters. He was the sweetest man and little did we know he was the artist for the original Sunmade Raisin box. He showed us all around his gallery while speaking so sweetly about his 82 year old wife and farm in France. He wrote Megan a special letter to keep her artistic spirit inspired.

We took a trip into Big Sir where we fell in love with the River Inn and decided we need to spend a weekend there next year with Tanya. Our next trip is to the Hearst Castle this Christmas (our Christmas present).

We ate lunch for free our first day thanks to all the samples of chowder that restaurants were passing out to get you to come in and dine. The hotel we stayed at has only been open 2 weeks and it was obvious. Nicely appointed but clueless staff. The first night at about 8 (after snuggling down in pajamas with the remote & reading lit) the power went off and stayed off for over 3 hours. No one could tell us exactly why. Day two, luckily we were not there during the day, they had to turn the water off from 12-4. I lightly mentioned my dislike for their hotel and they paid for our first night. The 2.5 day trip cost me under $300. Free lunch, free room. Every cloud has it's silver lining.

At two of the galleries in Carmel we met and made friends with some very adorable four legged creatures. Lord Wellington (English bulldog)I LOVE HIM, and brothers beagles. It was good to get away. A bit like Christmas, it always a little sad when it ends.

j.p. too bad we did not have a chance to get together. Be a great spot for mom & dad.