I try to blog from the road, but truth be told it isn't a bad thing to take a break from routine and the laptop every now and then. Trouble is, there are usually many sets of photos from the trip that take time to edit and blog, then we're on to something else.
We had a lovely trip down south, multiple T-Day dinners (on different days), a lot of family time and gorgeous weather.
One of the highlights of the trip was Dog Beach in Del Mar. We got an early start on Thursday and had enough time to take the dogs to the beach before dinner. Our dogs are Sierra dogs and have never been to the ocean. They had so much fun... if dogs smile, these dogs were in smiles wider than their bodies.
They didn't know which direction to run first and they played with driftwood, pieces of kelp, investigated lobster carcases, sea urchins encrusted with tiny shells, mussels and of course, other dogs. Dogs of all kinds. Off leash. Having a blast. This time of year the beach is leash free, but in the summer months you have to have your dog restrained. What fun. And clean... seems like people do respect the little bags and trash cans and pick up after their animals.
Some visits down we don't make it to the beach even once (sadly) but this visit most of our time was spent on the coast and it may be a shift in our habits. We've got two families living in beach cities, and two living inland that we visit - we will probably spend more time at the beach in future visits since this was so relaxing and so much fun.
I think it set the tone for the entire weekend. Being near and in the ocean reminds you of why people settle at the coast and keeps all the rest of the driving and activities in perspective.
We opened and closed the weekend at the beach. Our last night was at the kid's house in San Clemente and they took us out to a night of glitz - one of the main streets was blocked off and all the businesses were lit up for the holidays, lots and lots of people out in the streets sipping wine and hot cider and walking around, in and out of the shops and restaurants. Very fun, pretty crowded, and like our own 'Night of Lights' in Bishop, only amplified.
Lots of shopping in San Clemente and most of the shops small and unique. I could see doing some damage to the bank account down there but luckily this was not one of those opportunities. My shopping over the weekend was fairly restrained and involved wedding stuff, wardrobe basics, and stuff to make me beautiful (or as close as possible).
The dogs were so great the entire trip. We did our part to make sure they had a good run in every day, and we are fortunate that we have dog-friendly family and places to stay.
We feel so blessed with our family and friends. What a wonderful way to start out the holiday season.... now we have the energy to pull out the decorations and dive in.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
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