I love a full moon. Many people believe that the crazies come
out when there is a full moon – maybe that is why I have a total understanding of these special moments! Whatever it is, these evenings are magical and have a
special place in my heart.
Today, I’m back at the Benicia Community Center for another
Tourism Meeting. This group is really trying to shake things up for this quaint town. Bus tours, festivals, fairs, art walks – the topics are varied but the result is the same, we are all working towards more tourists in Benicia. This group is full of energy and excitement.
Ben found a new place to hang out this morning. Specialty Sales in Fairfield has just opened
in the old Walmart building off of Chadbourne and it is full of great classic cars.
What a find, this is a must to visit and Ben agrees that he had a good time
too.
This afternoon I am off to Danville, another great little
town in the Bay Area. Their Discover Danville Team is really trying to shake
things up this year. They are planning a “Green Expo” this spring and you will
be able to read more about his in our upcoming issue in April. Then I am off to the Danville Mixer at East
Bay Lines. This should be fun and a chance to meet very different people, see
you there . . .
My day started early yesterday with my first meeting starting at 8:30 am and my last phone call
ending at almost 10 pm. I have a similar day today and tomorrow and so I am
feeling very good since I feel like I am getting a lot accomplished. Of course
I never get everything done but the list is being whittled down.
I forgot to mention yesterday how fun the Gala Fundraiser
for the Empress Theatre was on Saturday evening. The San Francisco Chamber Orchestra was fabulous as usual and the company was great. (Pictured here, Honoree McHallhatten and I mug for the camera.) This event is a must for your annual calendar, mark it now.
The Benicia Tourism Committee is working hard on sub-committee
plans and the Vallejo Executive Lions is planning their Annual Golf Tournament so I was kept busy all day! Meetings can be food for the soul, right?
In between meetings Ben managed to visit with a couple of advertisers.
Bill Simpkins and Ben are old friends so they had a chance to visit and talk
about Bill’s ad for the April/May issue. Tomorrow Ben and I are planning to
show up at some surprising places . . .
Benicia Tourism Committee working hard!
Ben, Larry and Veronica Colette in So San Francisco
Yes, the day got away from me yesterday since I had to be in
the car and out the door by 6 am. But, I am back – full of piss and vinegar!
Today is going to be bright and sunny and I have meeting after meeting today. I am sure many of you would love to be a fly on the wall of some of them.
Ben is lying next to me right now totally exhausted – he had
a long tough day yesterday as well. Today we start off in Benicia at the Benicia Tourism Meeting then I head to Vallejo for a golf meeting. Did I mention that I am the President of the Vallejo Executive Lions Club? Well, I am,
so that’s my lunch meeting. This afternoon I have so many people to touch base
with and then I have a Lions Board meeting tonight. So, this will not be an exciting
day. But hopefully, I will get a lot of things planned and put into action.
Ben is telling me it’s time to get in the car and get going,
so see you later? . . . You never know!
OOPS, the song really goes, Monday, Monday. . . But I always
think there should be a song about Friday, telling us why we should be happy
and not why we should be hating the day. Today is a great day. Our little Veronica Colette officially
becomes a Briseno this morning. Her adoption is the final leg in a long race
that has been weary but very rewarding for the family. Ramon, Rory and now
Veronica complete the family for Regina and Robert, congratulations!
Ben kissing Kenny Ross of TEAM Superstores
Ben relaxing in front of the Dale Earnhardt, Jr car at TEAM Superstores
Ben and I of course will be running around as usual –
yesterday was a little weary but that just means that today will be extra
special! Before noon I will be through 4 counties and who know what this
afternoon holds.
This weekend is also very busy with the Empress Gala,
weddings and more. I will try to slow down a little and enjoy the moment of
time that makes this a memory . . .
Everyone smiling at the Vacaville Mixer!
Sy from Sutter Solano Hospital visits with fellow Chamber members
Usually, I look forward to March so we can go back to longer
days and better weather, but when I look back at the past couple months we have
had almost summer weather and so what can we expect of spring? I am not sure if
at this point we should be expecting rain and cold weather or more of what we
have been experiencing. I guess I will continue to look out each morning and
like a good girl scout, “be prepared”.
Ben visits with Aurelia Villegas, owner of Soluna Boutique Salon, at V Wine Cellar at the V Marketplace in Yountville
Yesterday was a challenge to get back in the saddle, but Ben
and I were out and about visiting clients and making sure that the current
magazine was in all locations. We took a trip to downtown Vallejo, Benicia,
Napa and Yountville. We made some new friends and also ran in to some old familiar faces.
Today I am getting prepared to do a TON of computer work and
visit Fairfield and Vacaville. There is so much going on this spring and we
have to be on top of getting the word out to the readers. Ben is excited about
seeing some old friends in Fairfield and making sure we meet new ones as well.
We are going to get out this morning with a swing in our
step and a smile on our face and see what we can accomplish . . .
Ben followed Aurelia back to Soluna to say hi there!
Coming home after being gone for 5 days is a little
intimidating since then you have to start dealing with normal life and work
again, and guess what, when you are self-employed no one was doing your work when you were away! No problem, this is what I have been doing for almost 26 years and counting, so up bright and early this morning doing stretches and feeding Ben. I’am back on track.
I would like to say a HUGE thank you to all of our hosts,
Hyatt Regency Monterey, Hofsas House in Carmel, Tusca Ristorante, Knuckles Sports Bar, Café Beaujolais, The Carmel Highlands Inn, Mandankas, Pacific’s Edge Restaurant and Fandango Restaurant. It seems like there are more and I am sure there is, so if I forgot anyone I am so sorry! Ben was sad to leave but ran into the house when we arrived home like he had been gone for a year.
So my journeys begin again today, just with more local
venues. Benicia, Napa, Yountville, and I will be heading to downtown Vallejo in
just a few. Not too bad, familiar roads and faces.
Today is also a day that only happens once every four years
so take advantage of this extra day in your life to make it count. I received
flowers already from my wonderful sister-in-law, Regina, what a fabulous
surprise. I share them with you as I get ready to run out the door. Watch out, Ben is anxious to see everyone . .
.
As with any great time – it must end at some point. Or does
it. Can you take these memories and see if they can carry through to the next
jaunt? I would like to try.
Today we were able to get a more thorough look and tour of
the Hofsas House, the Bavaria themed inn we are staying at. What nice people!
The owner, Carrie Theis met us in the lobby and went through the history of
this quaint hotel. They are one of the largest hotels in Carmel, boasting 38
rooms and they have a meeting room and pool as well. This is saying a lot in a
town that is not allowing any more hotel rooms in the Village of Carmel.
One of the things that I of course especially love about
this hotel is the fact that they are dog-friendly. No, I take that back they
are dog lovers. Carmel itself is a dog lovers’ paradise, but the Hofsas House
actually has a “Tail Wagging Package”. All dogs receive their own gifts
including a Frisbee and special treat to start their vacation. The list goes on
and we will have to talk about this extra perk at another time.
Our lunch today was hosted by Café Beaujolais at the Carmel
Plaza today. This delightful café that has outdoor and indoor seating (and is
dog friendly!) has a varied menu that should be able to accommodate anyone. I
had the macaroni and cheese (called Macaroni Maitresse de Maison) and it was
wonderful and just what I needed as the cool air finally hit Carmel. The owner
of this restaurant actually owns 2 other eateries, Bistro Giovanni and da
Giovanni, within a couple of blocks and if all their service is like what we
received – make a reservation. Thanks to Jennifer Mendoza for making Ben feel
extra special!
We then went and check out the most beautiful wedding site
in America! The Carmel Highlands Inn has the MOST fabulous views from all
angles and points. There will be LOTS more to say about this in the future.
One of my favorite things to do when in the area is to hear the bagpipes at Spyglass. We sat covered in blankets enjoying a cocktail when
the musical pipes could be heard all around. We sat as he made his way around
the links and eventually making his way right in front of us. This is truly magical and if you have never done it – you must.
We then were whisked off to dinner at a charming little
tapas restaurant right off of Ocean on San Carlos, Mundakas. I can’t even tell
you all the fabulous dishes we ate – my favorite was the Chanterelle Mushroom ravioli.
Again, we will tell you more about this later, but you should make time to stop
in and have a bite.
Are you tired yet? I am . . .
Ben is exhausted and is waiting for his spa appointment!
As I pulled up to the quaint Hofsas House in Carmel, I was
not sure if I was “getting” this boutique-inn situated a few blocks off of Ocean Avenue. I checked in and everybody seemed welcoming and nice. My room wasn’t
ready so I headed to the beach since Ben was already jumping in excitement.
What a treat for him. He immediately made friends and was having a ball. He
even found a golf ball for a Pebble Beach patron that had hit an errant ball!
There certainly is not an economic downturn in Carmel! Shops
are full, restaurants seem busy, and visitors and their four-legged companions are everywhere. After walking the beach
we stopped in at Doris Day’s famous Cypress Inn so we could get some much needed
refreshments. (Beer, mimosas and water
for Ben!) We made some friends and once again Local Happenings Magazine was
a hit. The walk to the hotel was short and once we made it to our room we fell
in love. It wasn’t new and trendy, it was quaint and something like you would
find at Aunt Martha’s. Our room had a king size bed with a balcony that had an
ocean view and a fireplace. That was the best part – one flip of the switch and
warmth and romance took over. . .
- Ben making sure that all other four-legged friends are politically correct!
After resting and showering to head out for the evening we
all once again commented on the fact that the weather that we are experiencing is
incredible. February in Carmel, warm and not foggy, who would have guessed? Dinner
at Fandangos Restaurant in Pacific Grove was comfortable since we were seated
right in front of the fireplace in the backroom. The menu consisted of meat,
fish, and lots of pasta. I decided to stick to what I love about the coast –
seafood. Shrimp Scampi over a bed of pasta, warm bread, wine and a soufflé (their signature dessert) to finish the
meal. I was stuffed, so we sat and enjoyed the Chalone Vineyard Pinot Noir in
front of the fire before we headed back to the hotel.
The drive was just a few minutes and then we came back to a
fire in our room and wine . . .
