Hello June!

Thursday morning we were up before the sun and on the way to the airport. This was the first time we've flown down to Santa Cruz in the morning and thought it would be a nice change. However, getting up at 3:30am for our 6:30am flight had the same effect as when we would fly all day across the country and arrive in California tired, grumpy, and jet-lagged. We dragged along most of the afternoon and then I finally relented and passed out for an extended nap. The rest of the weekend was awesome though (hence my lack of posting). I took my vacation time so seriously that I only took three photographs -- two at Daphne & Ben's wedding and one of Jesse's eye that became swollen and red from allergies on Sunday night. He's better now, but it was fun to joke that I had socked him in the eye, causing it to nearly swell shut.

We saw lots of friends while we were in town, including Larson & Serena. It was great to catch up, especially since I haven't seen either of them since we found out that they are going to have a baby. Serena is an adorable pregnant lady with just a little bulge in front. We all marveled at her appetite, wondering how on earth such a small person could manage to eat so much! She must be doing something right, because she's healthy and happy and glowing. I finally got the chance to give them the baby quilt that has been sitting in the closet, taunting me for several weeks now.

As for today, I'm planning on getting back into a normal routine again. I have a few errands to run and some new projects to plan. One of my favorite food blogs, Pinch My Salt, has embarked on a mission to bake every type of bread in the Bread Baker's Apprentice. I've been following the Bread Baker's Apprentice Challenge for a couple of weeks now. I picked up the book at the library, just to have a look, but I think I'm going to try a recipe or two before I have to return it. I'm particularly intrigued by the bagel recipe, which is slightly different than the one I tried a few weeks ago. I also would like to try the marbled rye. New baking projects will certainly mean a more regular blogging schedule again!

Gnome Sweet Gnome

***This post was initially written in August, 2008***

As I have learned from numerous giggle-filled stories, Jesse and his college roommates, Ian and Larson take practical jokes and general spleening very seriously. Now that they no longer live together, or even in the same cities, they have to find new and creative ways to keep the romance alive.

For the past few years, Ian and Larson have traded possession of a rather disturbing Ann Geddes baby doll that is dressed like a ladybug. I can't recall the details of how the baby doll trade began, but at this point in the game it doesn't really matter. Apparently, the doll was stowed away in Ian's luggage on his last visit to Santa Cruz and has been living in Sacramento for about a year. This past weekend we went to Sacramento to visit Ian and his wife, Mary, and were charged with a very important mission -- to transport the baby doll to Santa Cruz. In order to up the ante, we were also given a hideous, yet charming, gnome cookie jar (from Mary's grandparents' house) in which to stash the doll.

After waiting for just the right time to plant the gnome, an opportunity presented itself today (Saturday, August 30th, 2008). Jesse and I stopped by Larson and Serena's this afternoon to scope out potential hiding places. When we arrived, Larson, Serena, and their friends Tex and Rain, were all elbow-deep in gardening in the back yard. At that point, I knew we had to strike -- and quick! I poked around the living room and found that they have quite an ample fire place. Perfect, in my opinion, for gnomes.

I ran out to the car (where we had kept the gnome for about a week) and Jesse guarded the hallway to make sure I wouldn't get caught in the act of "decorating." I was so stealth that I was also able to snap a few photos to send to Ian and marvel at my brilliance before putting everything back in its place. We stayed for a little while to chat and it took all of my strength to not blurt out "Wow, it's kind of chilly! Maybe we should start a fire."

**Flash forward to November **

But I waited. And waited. Still, no word on the gnome. I determined that they found the ceramic jar and were waiting for just the right time to tell us -- like on Candid Camera. Now, almost exactly three months after our brilliant plant job, I cracked. I had been counting the weeks and days until we could finally stop by their house and have a hearty chuckle over their new beautiful cookie jar. Upon our arrival this evening, I scanned the shelves and tables to see where they had (prominently) displayed the treasure. I was disappointed to find that it was nowhere in sight. Being the skeptical person that I am, I immediately assumed that they found it and were hiding it just to torment my poor soul.

Apparently, the joke was on me because Larson and Serena never use the fireplace. The gnome was still hanging out in the ashes where I left it in August. Even though I ruined the surprise (that might never have even happened) I think they were still stunned. And stoked. It was a good night indeed.

Happy Hour at Home

I love happy hours. Tonight, we decided to ditch the Palomar. I did not know that I loved happy hours so much when they're held at my own home (or temporary abode):

The Crane Wife is expressing how much she loves nachos and Trader Joe's taquitos. Yum! Larson is showing how much he loves The Crane Wife, but who could care about that when there are fresh margaritas!

Brasilliant is basking in the sun and relaying the rigorous plant watering schedule she has set up at Jesse's parent's house. She also loves a fresh margarita and chicken taquito (or two).

The third hand found in the hallway was immensely helpful in hydrating after fresh margaritas.

Also good for punctuating conversation on grammar, indie bands, and making new friends.

Actually, who needs new friends when you have such good buddies at home?

Happy Labor Day

Today, I celebrated Labor Day by laboring:

I spent the morning picking beans and surfing the internet for pickling recipes. Tomorrow I will venture into the world of mass producing "dilly beans." I made a test batch this afternoon to see how they taste and I think they will be totally YUM! By the time we leave for Portland on Friday, I hope to have several jars ready to enjoy later in the Fall.

I also labored over the decision of which wine to bring to Larson & Serena's afternoon Labor Day celebration. Serena informed us that the wine spritzer was the signature drink of the afternoon, we decided on a classy bottle of 2-buck-Chuck. Nothing says love, friendship and relaxation like a Charles Shaw wine spritzer. Serena prepared a variety of tasty snacks (that I forgot to photograph) and we spent the hot afternoon in their back yard.

As the sun set, I labored while holding my breath so I wouldn't disturb the 2-second exposure time required to capture my friends (and husband) in a non-blurry photo. Jesse never sits still, so this was quite a feat. In that time, I also captured quite a few photographs of my very still feet.

After satisfying our hunger and thirst, we checked our clocks and realized that it was only 8:30pm. Yet, we were all ready for bed. Also, we noticed that Larson was missing and Serena thought she smelled fire. Not to worry though, he was just really tired and fell asleep on their guest bedroom futon. I labored over the idea of what one might do if s/he were presented with a half-comatose man. Maybe he would enjoy a nice relaxing ear massage from Jesse? Or a soothing wet willie?

While those were all good options, I concluded that Larson would really like me to labor over a design for his future tattoo.

I labored so hard I cried a little. I really have a gift for body art.

Tomorrow We Can Drive Around This Town (and be the worst car stereo thieves around)

Aside from the free Gin Blossoms concert we attended on Friday, this past week was all about learning to drive (and tinkering with) the car. I'm trying to get all things car related accomplished while I have a driveway at my disposal. Larson came over on Sunday and tried to help us remove our stereo so we could wire it for our IPod.

We fashioned a sweet sweet stereo removal tool from coat hangers and some nails, but no luck. It wouldn't budge. I think at some point (as we were all sweating and getting quite smelly in the hot California sun), Larson remarked that we sucked as car stereo thieves - if only we could have been as stealth as the butthead who ripped out the Crane Wife's while she was on vacation.

As it turns out, even if we had been able to remove the stereo, there's nothing back there to accommodate a RC cable. After mulling it over, we broke down and went to a local stereo shop, where they removed our stereo in a matter of seconds and had us sold on a little digital conversion box - that cost more than our car battery, but less than a new stereo. I installed it in about 5 minutes and we sat in the driveway marvelling at what we had accomplished. We're ready to rock the 14 hour drive home to Portland!

Also on the car accomplishments list this week: removing the big, black, scratch down the driver's side of the car. As a parting gift from Boston, someone sideswiped Nightrain's (now our) car while it was parked on the street. Luckily, I found out that the damage was mostly on the surface. I was able to remove a lot of the leftover black paint with some polishing compound and a little elbow grease.

I wish I had taken a more comprehensive shot to show the black streak that ran just about the entire length of the car. Now, it's gone and looking (almost) as good as new.

Of course, my days haven't revolved entirely around the car. We've had great food, lots of relaxing, and a nice trip to San Francisco. However, that will have to wait for another post. I have errands to run and need to work on my tan - even after 3 weeks in California, my legs still look like they've been living on the East Coast.

Day of the Mazda

Last year, Nightrain decided to forgo his wheels to pursue a more urban lifestyle. We are the lucky recipients of his zippy little car. On Monday, we cracked open the garage door, pulled off the blue tarp covering the Mazda, and turned the key to start her up. Not surprisingly, the battery was dead (it had been sitting in there for over a year). So, Jesse removed the battery and we took it down to the auto parts store where they determined that it was "too hot" and "bad". Uh, ok? We bought a new one.

Tuesday morning, Jesse woke up bright and early to transfer the car title and renew the registration. Afterward, we installed the new car battery and killed a family of spiders that was living in the hood. J hopped in the car, turned the key, and the lights came on. YAY! Success! But the engine didn't start, just the noise of fans blowing. Hmm. Try again. Nope, nothing. Damn.

Totally sad and defeated, we decided that we would give it a good cleaning before calling AAA for a tow. We rolled it out of the garage and realized that there wasn't enough room for a proper cleaning (Bob and Mary Ann were having new windows installed, so the driveway was occupied by a workbench and truck). So, back to the garage for our little dead car. I pushed, J steered. This time though, I needed a little momentum to get the car over the garage bump. Every time I would rock the car, J would put on the brakes thinking that I was about to get rolled over - totally halting my momentum. I yelled and he got frustrated, but the car made it back it the garage and we both got a snack.

Since I know very little about cars, I googled "new battery, but car still won't start" and found troubleshooting guide. One of the first things it asked was, "did you press down the clutch when starting?" I had no idea, since Jesse was the driver, so I asked. And he hadn't. So we ran to the garage, he threw open the door and hopped in, and I held my breath. J pressed down the clutch, put in the key, and turned. I closed my eyes and heard the engine cough and sputter. I opened my eyes and saw some dark-looking exhaust, but it was running. Triumph!

We quickly checked the oil and took it for a drive around the neighborhood. That drive lasted longer than I expected and we ended up going straight to lunch with Larson and Serena for his birthday. After lunch, Serena came over and we went to the auto parts store (for the third time in two days) and purchased items for the car wash that never happened. I did some vacuuming, and she is quite the abled scrubber. In no time the interior shined like new.

I still haven't gotten around to the outside, but maybe when it comes back from its tune-up and smog check today I'll give it a good scrub.

Tacos and Pirates

On Saturday, after recovering from Graham's epic graduation day, Jesse and I decided to take it easy. Unfortunately, I was still on East Coast time and sleeping in (for me) finished around 7am. Not wanting to be awake and miserable all by myself, I rolled around a bit and made Jesse get up with me and have Emily's muffins and coffee. Around 10:30, Bob made everyone "second breakfast," which included a delicious omelet, Corralitos breakfast sausage, and OJ.

Larson and Serena stopped by an hour later to get the day started with a leisurely game of mini golf and tacos. I only remembered to take a photo of my tacos after they were nearly gone (thankfully I only ordered 2 instead of 4)! Oh, and I found out that Squirt is quite tasty. Larson ordered the chimichanga, which apparently translates as the Spanish equivalent of "thingamajig." When I first googled chimichanga, I accidentally read the definition as "thanksgiving." Given the size of Larson's meal, I could see why - his chimichanga was about the size of my lower leg.

Anyway, with full bellies we were off to Neptune's Kingdom for a round of miniature golf at the Buccaneer Bay course. This was not our maiden voyage on the course, so we knew the drill: duck whenever Jesse swings, helmets are optional (but recommended), try to keep within the 6 stroke maximum, poop jokes are inevitable. We realized that it had been nearly 2 years since we last played and a new black light room had been created. I wouldn't say that enhanced the game in any way, but it was fun to see Serena's diamond glow like a superpower orb (Larson and Jesse were not impressed). In true form, balls were hit in the water, bounced off walls, and annoyingly stopped short by secret-hidden-bonus bumps in the green turf. Serena was the zen master of defying physics, which resulted in some pretty awesome situations. Maybe it was the all powerful moonstone in her ring, or the lead feeling in our stomachs from the tacos that transferred to her ball. Regardless, it was hilarious and we laughed (with her) a lot. Sometimes we laughed so hard that I thought Larson might get a nosebleed.

Buccaneer Bay mini golf warmed us up for the climactic afternoon at the newest boardwalk game. We got free tickets (for the grand opening) of Desperado, a wild west type setup where you sit on fake horses and shoot bad guys on a movie screen. The more you hit, the harder the horse bucks. I was an ace at the Desperado, scoring 62 points and coming in second place. Larson was also good at shooting, just not at the screen.

Graham-uation

My rock star tour of graduations continued with a West Coast appearance in smoky California. I arrived back in D.C. on Monday morning from Katie's commencement, took a really long nap and called in sick to work. Tuesday flew by and before I knew it, I was transferring my clothes from one suitcase to another, standing in another airport security line, and on my way to Santa Cruz.

Friday morning the house was stirring and by 7:00am, Bob, Mary Ann, E, J, and I piled in the car and were on our way to Berkeley. At approximately 7:15, we hit the worst traffic ever. We passed the time by joking about G's love for basketball shorts, the police officer who was poking at a dead deer on the side of the road, and then J treated us to his rendition of car noises (including the sound of our hubcaps scraping the concrete barriers like the race scenes in Bullitt). Then, a dark cloud covered the Passat because everyone realized that there was no way in hell that we were going to make it to the Greek Theater by 9:00. Luckily for us, the commencement speaker was incredibly long-winded. When we strolled in at 9:30 he was still going strong. Whew. Crisis averted.

Highlight of the ceremony? G's sneakers. When asked if he received the memo that instructed the men to wear dark pants and shoes (about 99% of the graduates were in the loop), he retorted, "hey I wore a collared shirt." J added that at least he didn't wear shorts.

After a nice walking tour of Berkeley's campus, we stopped by Tai and Doug's for cake and champagne. I got great tour of their new house and all the work they've accomplished in the last year. In order to prevent falling over from exhaustion, we all took a walk down Shattuck Avenue while the three brothers headed over to G's favorite happy hour spot, the Bear's Lair.

By the time I arrived at the Lair the boys were well lubricated with pilsner, IPA, and spicy fries. J, in particular, was in rare form. He grabbed a plastic cup, poured me a beer, and embarked on a discussion of the probability of G becoming a major Business "douchebag." Apparently, J is worried about his baby brother's soul and has given quite a bit of thought to the subject. The complex mathematical equation went something like this:

100% Potential for Douchebagdom

- 75 % thanks to G's upbringing by Mary Ann & Bob

+ 35% for graduating in the top 5 of his class at Haas School of Business

+25% for moving to Los Angles

- 60% for wearing the most wrinkled robe ever and soccer sneakers to his graduation ceremony

I can't even pretend to know what the heck he was talking about, but then J gave G a thorough ear massage. Having been on the receiving end of an ear massage or two, I knew at that moment the calculations were all about love - regardless how circuitous they may have seemed. G decided not to sit next to Jesse at dinner when we all met up again at Unicorn (smart guy). We had a wonderful meal and then rolled ourselves out of the restaurant to our respective cars. E stayed behind to celebrate the rest of the evening with G, and J, Bob, Mary Ann, and I headed back to Santa Cruz exhausted from the day, but smiling all the way home.

What a great afternoon!