Sunday. Not hungover. Trying to contain myself during the season after the wine dinner debacle. I was up 5 or 6 times last night to hit the head and get a drink of water. Water is the key to waking up better. But I slept somewhat fitfully.
We had free breakfast at the hotel. God awful would be a description. All of us spent some time guessing what the sausage patties were made of. Not sure I really want to know. I ate a couple anyway. Very bad taste. They had no coffee, at least no full lead variety. I asked, more than once, and same answer “we’re making some”. I will go with that’s a lie. I’ve made coffee. It does not take half an hour.
I am thinking the horrible breakfast is part of their three star out of five rating. Room was fine.
So, with a fine breakfast under our belts, we drove off. Mary, family friend, wanted to walk down the wharf and check it out. Since no one objected to that plan, we went to the wharf. Everything In Santa Cruz is close. So five minutes later we were driving onto the wharf. Since it’s so early on the morning, we can drive into the wharf and park without paying. That’s a win in parking space starved Santa Cruz.
It is a cold and crisp morning here on the oceanfront. Glad I wore a jacket. Most places on the wharf are closed in the early hours of Sunday. We did find a candy, ice cream coffee place open. So we all got a decent cup of coffee to make up for the crap at the hotel. Crap being hot water and decaf, all they had. Now not so bad. I had some chocolate too. It’s good for you.
We asked all the way out to the end of the wharf. Very slowly. Grandpa is 81 and just crawls. But we waited and all tried to walk together. We stopped to look in windows and stare at the sea lions and etc. and freeze a little.
We walked back to where we were parked. Said our goodbyes, hugged everyone, and got in our separate cars and headed home.
Drive back home was uneventful. No traffic till we hit Cordelia. There is always traffic through Cordelia/Fairfield. Always. We made good time otherwise and finally got here.
Kids are flying out at about 6. We ate a little snack. Then had the most fun by trying to pack all the gifts for the kids and SoCal relatives. Had to pack and repack the suitcases we used for gifts. Had to re metal some into smaller sizes. Et voila, all packed. Glad I don’t have to schlepp the bags through the airport. Their problem.
Now we sit and watch football. Emily pulled out her glass grinder and is going at it. What “it” is I don’t know. I’d love to take a nap but that would be rude. Maybe I can just fall asleep where I’m sitting. Marika did.
We sat and watched football for an hour or so. Not much else to do while you are waiting for an hour. Decent game but we all knew we were just waiting till time to leave.
Our house sitter came by to return the key. She did not have much work to do. Feed dogs and cats twice and let them out to go crap. Easy duty for a day. She stayed awhile. Michael, Carly and I left for the airport at about 430. Michael gets really worried he will miss his flight so we leave super early. I can’t cure him of the notion.
We packed up to leave. Emily went to the store. And Marika hung out with her friend Isabella, our house sitter. Trip to airport was very fast. I did not spare the horses. Took only 30 minutes with Michael still worried he would be late. I kissed them goodbye at the column and headed home. This will be our first Christmas without Michael at home. It’s sad. Actually very sad.
Got a call at 520. They were through security. By six they loaded, 15 minutes early. the plane was only half full at best, probably far less.
Yes, I texted Michael to remind him I was right. Sacto airport is quicker and better and now I get to rub it in.
I’m back home. Emily picked up some pork and chicken from the Thai place. We made salad and added the meat to it for dinner I also made cocktails, whiskey sours, to make up for the bad one Marika got at the restaurant last night. Mine are better. Way better.
After dinner we did more get ready for Christmas chores. Wrapping of gifts, prepping Christmas dinner (beef wellie takes two days), cleaning up a little, packing a few things. Tiring.
Broke off about 9 to watch Last Man Standing. My favorite show. Marika says I am Mike Baxter. I’m not but I also not insulted by that.
To bed after. These long days are killing me. Have to be up early tomorrow to run more chores