Back to Reality

A couple of days in a hotel room with two big dogs has its challenges, but overall we had a good time. The restaurants in this area are outstanding and we chose one of the best for our anniversary dinner, the Pacific's Edge at the Highlands Inn/Park Hyatt in Carmel. This is a view of the back of the restaurant as you drive in. The gardens are stunning this time of year!


Then we waited for our table in the Fireside Lounge.




This is the view from the restaurant, the entire front wall is floor to ceiling windows. We watched the sun sink into a fog bank and settled in for a 3-hour dining experience. We chose the chef's menu, which included 7 courses (tiny portions, of course) including bay scallops in peach soup, vanilla-infused quail and coffee-encrusted tenderloin. I only had a few nit-picky issues: 1) the bread wasn't warm, although delicious; 2) the delightful bing cherry tart also wasn't warm (as advertised), but did come with caramom ice cream; and 3) the coffee they served at the end of the meal, although very good, was definitely NOT decaf. *sigh* I was up.all.night.

The following morning was a bit chilly on the coast so we headed inland a few miles and stopped at several wineries and tasting rooms. The 4th was gloriously sunny and warm and we joined the throngs along Ocean Avenue, shopping, people watching and playing at the beach. Doesn't this little statue look exactly like the Dancing Baby? The dogs, as always, got plenty of attention and we met many new friends along the way.

Thankfully I didn't have to go into a client's site today, I slept in and got some work done from home. I had to cancel my riding lesson on Monday but will make it up on Friday, I miss my horses! Speaking of horses, we stopped at the farm on our way home so I could introduce D to all my new pony friends and we found out the gorgeous big black horses I met last week aren't Percherons (like I thought), they are Friesians. Apparently they are always black and you never cut their mane or tail, which explains why this stallion looks like this. At some point I would love to be able to ride this stunning creature, I am in awe just watching him prance around in his stall.