interesting spoon, part 2

Another look at the interesting spoon.

the interesting spoon at Leo's Cafe

They had a Lavazza espresso machine on the premises, so my guess is that this spoon came with that. Possibly in Italy it's a common sight.

Leo's Cafe

A first visit to this pleasant little cafe on the edge of Solvang - not the part with all the Danish architecture and tourists, but more where the locals live and shop. A good local breakfast joint.

Mattei's Tavern revisited

A great place to have a birthday dinner. An unexplained headache had me taking Aleve and avoiding alcohol, hence colorful mocktails in wine country. Also Okinawan sweet potatotoes (among other interesting menu items).

Hotel Ynez, part 3

I guess I lost no time heaving myself into the pool. It was my birthday after all. (Photo by Mrs. who also heaved herself in).

Hotel Ynez, part 2

Javi works on his suntan at the Hotel Ynez.

Hotel Ynez revisited

I celebrated my birthday here last year as well. They kindly gave me this bottle of rosé, but being more of a reader than a drinker they let me swap it for Joan Didion. Below, Javi checks out the reading material. 

CHOMP Coffee House revisited

Another good coffee option in Solvang. We went in 2019 and those tables left an impression on me. Around the corner is the Little Mermaid statue and fountain.

Refugio raptor

This magnificent hawk perched atop a palm trunk made not one but two appearances during our brief stop at Refugio State Beach. Along with the palms and the use of the restrooms, this hawk made the visit well worth the price of admission.

Refugio State Beach

Sometimes you have to pee so bad you pay ten dollars to stop at Refugio State Beach. Once there, you take a moment to appreciate these palms growing along the beach.

Mesa Verde revisited

A near repeat of last year's birthday lunch: Brussels mushroom tacos and Revel kombucha. A few small changes with the signage but otherwise everything was just as I left it - near perfect.

birthday vista, part 2

birthday vista

I'm definitely a fan of these stairs in Santa Barbara's Shoreline Park.

a new John Cale CD

It is a well known fact that one of the best things a person can receive on their birthday is a new John Cale CD. This one is called "Mercy" and so far seems to be a good one.

more interesting presents

More interesting birthday presents, some of them redeemed earlier in the month.

birthday pie

Delicious Dutch apple pie, as God intended.

birthday fregg

...with a side of presents. Thank you Mrs.for all that you did.

Reel Inn revisited

Since it was lunchtime and we had no set plan, it made sense to stop at the Reel Inn where we had been a few years back. While the food didn't knock our socks off, it's an interesting place with an interesting atmosphere. Like Neptune's Net up the coast, this place uses a Malibu address even though it's outside the Malibu city limits.

Las Tunas Beach

A bit further south on the PCH we arrived at Las Tunas Beach, which has a special significance. This is at the eastern end of Malibu, not far from Los Angeles.

Adamson House, part 4

Among the many beautiful details of the Adamson House property are the tiles and this outdoor tub for dogs. There are also various outbuildings built in the same distinct style, such as the one seen below now serving as a gift shop.

 

Adamson House, part 3

Just to the east of the house, beyond the swimming pool, the Malibu Pier can be seen. The pier was built in 1905 to supply early owners of the land that would eventually become the city of Malibu. Prior to Anglo settlement the area was a Spanish land grant known as the Rancho Topanga Malibu Sequit.

Adamson House, part 2

What you realize upon reaching the Adamson House is that this is not merely a house, but breathtakingly beautiful work of art. It was built in 1929 when amazingly there were no other homes in the area. There were no tours that day, but for a first visit the grounds are quite worthwhile. We do however look forward to returning and experiencing the interior.