"In his domestic administration my father had this system . . . to keep a journal and insert in it all occurrences of any note . . . A record very pleasant to look at when time begins to efface the memory of events, and very well suited to get us out of perplexity: When was such and such a thing begun? When completed? What retinues came? How long did they stay? Our trips, our absences; marriages; deaths; the receipt of happy or unhappy news . . . An ancient custom, which I think it would be good to revive, each man in each man's home. And I think I am a fool to have neglected it." (Montaigne, Book I, Essay 35 (publ. 1580))

Friday, May 28, 2010

30th wedding anniversary travels

Patricia and I celebrated anniversary #30 on May 24.

I can report that a 30-year love affair is a fine thing - the best thing, I'm quite blessed.

Flew to San Francisco (photo along Golden Gate Bridge); lunch along the water in Sausalito (photo of PJ with San Francisco in background); then drove up to Sonoma Valley area. We had a delightful three-day stay at the Gaige House (photo) in Glen Ellen, California. Focused on relaxing, taking walks, finding interesting places to eat, and seeing a few Sonoma wineries. The hotel was a delight - including an evening reception and breakfast that we enjoyed on the patio (photo of PJ) each day. Just the kinds of things we like.

Enjoyed a tasting in the reserve room at Chateau St. Jean (three photos). Walked up to the Benziger winery one afternoon - a beautiful spot (two photos). Just spent a few hours on the Napa side on one of the days, it has gotten busy over there. But enjoyed lunch in Calistoga.

Had such a nice time at dinner on Saturday evening (Saffron, right in Glen Ellen (photo taken the "day after")) that the chef invited us to dinner at his house on Sunday (Saffron being closed that day). We didn't take up the offer. On 5/24, we had a wonderful dinner at Sante' at the Fairmont in Sonoma (lobster (photo); rabbit).

Then two days in San Francisco. Found a couple of our old favorites in Chinatown - Eastern Star Bakery and Oriental Pearl (photo). Walked for miles and miles on one of the days - hotel in Union Square, up Nob Hill (view to the east in photo), down through Chinatown (for a pork roll per usual), up to North Beach (espresso at Italian cafe), Telegraph Hill, Fisherman's Wharf (lunch; photo of PM with Alcatraz in background), then back down along the Embarcadero (where we encountered a Welsh Terrier named "Linus," per photo) with return to hotel. Vietnamese/French food at Le Colonial.

Last day: on-and-off rainstorms, which made a perfect opportunity to go to the DeYoung Museum - which was hosting an Impressionist exhibit with an opportunity to show works available because of construction at Musee d'Orsay.

These little trips are delightful. My wife is an excellent traveling companion.

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