Asilomar lodging

Mrs. had the original idea of staying at Asilomar, which was interesting, cost effective and spartan. These photos perfectly capture the blend of natural beauty and austerity that Asilomar famously embodies. The building we stayed in, called "Lodge", was designed by Julia Morgan and built around 1918.

Old Town Salinas revisited

It had been quite some time since we strolled around Old Town Salinas and it was interesting to see what was different and what was the same. Among the new things were Portobella's on Main - now in the Taylor Building - where we had lunch; Downtown Book & Sound, a good sized bookstore; and the mural below. What remains the same are the National Steinbeck Center and First Awakenings. What used to be Rollick's Coffee is now the Beerded Bean.

Grace & Rose

A new restaurant we walked past to and from dinner.

Goshi Japanese

As the saying goes, when staying at the Stables Inn, why not take the lovely stroll down to Goshi Japanese Restaurant and enjoy a nice dinner?

Stables Inn revisited

We've been to the Stables Inn in Paso Robles a few times, but this was the first time we had our own private personal outdoor nook. As you can see the weather was fickle.

Paso painting

AMSTRDM Coffee revisited

A great Paso pit stop.

Pismo pit stop

Y Not Organic

Who knows how long this decent health food restaurant, tucked away in the hidden corner of Pismo shopping center, has been here. The important thing is that Mrs. found it and it worked.

tandoori paneer tikka

The Flying Saucer Reader

I honestly don't remember where I got this book. It may have been planted in my collection by aliens. I finally read it after many years and am probably better informed on this topic than ever.

the problem with Prime

The best pamphlet ever given to me by my nieces (and sister-in-law). They were way ahead of the time - it took me several years to catch up and understand. Now I understand.

clear skies at VBG

the new structure at VBG

 

I couldn't help noticing this intriguing new structure at the Ventura Botanical Gardens, which I'm told will be used for seasonal plant displays.

The Storm Petrel

A book that belonged to my late aunt. She would have turned 105 while I was reading it. There's some good material here about pelagic and shore birds, along with the reflections of an American birdwatching in Europe. Otherwise, due to its uneven content and quality, I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Hook & Press revisited

We hadn't been here in some time and one forgets that this wonderful artisanal donut shop is also a coffee house. So although we were originally planning to head to the harbor, we realized that this was a perfect venue for our afternoon coffee. (Also the harbor may have been thronged with cruise shippers).

 

Mizza

We had lunch at Mizza in Santa Barbara, a sister restaurant to the famous Craft House at Corque in Solvang. I have trouble remembering if the pizza was exceptional or just pretty good. I think it was the latter. There was a cruise ship in town, but as this place is pretty far up State Street there was no crowd.

the attractive meal of 10-5-25

Visually appealing and as I recall quite tasty.

BellaVitano revival

We were first introduced to this exceptional, award-winning American brand of cheese by the cheese guy in Salinas (after I told him that I was a gruyère man). That was back in 2016. Now it's back in our lives. That first time the flavor was espresso, this time it was merlot. Regardless of the flavor, these cheeses know how to pack a punch.

Seabridge

We decided to check out the area in Oxnard known as Seabridge. That involved lunch at a place called Gyromania and coffee at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. It also involved me going for a brief stroll through the planned residential community. The architecturally distinctive clubhouse has a pool, in case you were wondering.

sea lion check

A quick visit to Channel Islands Harbor to check the state of the sea lions. We did see these guys at the mouth of the harbor and there were more on the other side.

famous Niçoise salad

Mrs. really delivered with her rendition of a Niçoise salad. I was a lucky recipient of this symphony of protein and plant material.

famous Frontside brekkie

 

A great brekkie to have while getting the brakes worked on.

"End of Birthday Month" Scrabble

 A wonderful ending to a wonderful Birthday Month.

car free is care free

mission mandala?

shopping center cloudage

You never know when a good photo will present itself. This one was on a bicycle, between two pieces of a shopping center. The rest is history.

SpaceX rocket trail