Gigantic storm rolled through the central coast of California last night. Have always loved watching a storm roll in. And this beast was a doozy. Significant flooding, dangerous rip currents, and several road closures. I want NO part of owning a beach home.

Took a walk on the beach this am bc I wanted to try and get some pics of the storm surf, which was pretty big, but not the monsters they are getting at Mavericks. Disappointed. Didn’t see a single surfer attempting the waves here. Apparently, they are not the right shape. Btw, why don’t surfers wear life jackets? Seriously. Why?

Spent the day in Carmel, which is one of my favorite spots on the peninsula. Picked our lunch spot specifically because they had whole steamed artichokes on the menu. Learned to eat/love artichokes when we lived here. Might bring some home in my suitcase. Even when you *can* find them at home, east coast artichokes are not the same.

Sidebar: California people are funny. It is 60 degrees outside, and everyone is running around in full down parkas and ski hats. I don’t get it. 60 degrees is the perfect outdoor temperature – sweatshirt and jeans all day.

Anna and I tried on some new sunnies. Pretty sure I was born to wear these glasses.

Popped into an art gallery. Fell in love with this painting. Inquired about the price. It’s $34,000. Fell immediately out of love.

Did a wine tasting at Scheid Vineyards tasting room in Carmel. Excellent wines, but no bathroom. WTF kind of tasting room doesn’t have a bathroom?!? Might have bought more wine, but I was annoyed. Because I had to pee.

Group effort at an escape room this afternoon. My second, lifetime. Super fun, but this one was TOUGH. We won, with less than 5 minutes to go! Thank God, too, because there are certain type-A, competitive members of my family who do not handle defeat well.

Had dinner at Gianni’s Pizza – one of our favorites from 25 years ago. My pizza tasted like a memory, and it was perfect.

Boys finished the evening with a cigar. I love the smell of cigars and cigar smoke. Ditto pipe tobacco. Cigarettes are vile, though.

Cheers!