31 July 2007
1776
We saw this production at the Guthrie Sunday night. Let me tell you, it was nothing like the book. What? It's not based on David McCullough's 1776? I'm joking, I'm joking. I knew that.
Our real disappointment for the evening was the Level Five restaurant at the theater. Bad, bad service and mediocre food. After numerous mistakes by the waitstaff not only at our table but the one next to us, the experience was capped off by the host running after us as we exited the restaurant: "Mr. and Mrs. Warner [not our name], I can seat you now!" It was more of a laughable faux pas, but still strike three.
Our real disappointment for the evening was the Level Five restaurant at the theater. Bad, bad service and mediocre food. After numerous mistakes by the waitstaff not only at our table but the one next to us, the experience was capped off by the host running after us as we exited the restaurant: "Mr. and Mrs. Warner [not our name], I can seat you now!" It was more of a laughable faux pas, but still strike three.
24 July 2007
Deathwish
I got a postcard from T.K. today in which he hopes that I am not planning a trip to a different contintent. Yeah, I'd almost forgotten about that one. Earlier in my life, I'd thought I might want to go to Africa after I turned 40 and purposefully contract malaria (and possibly die) in an attempt to spare myself from having to live past middle age. Well, you know, 50 is the new 40...
Don't worry T.K., the only other continent I am planning to visit anytime soon starts with an "E".
Don't worry T.K., the only other continent I am planning to visit anytime soon starts with an "E".
20 July 2007
These old bones
It was a job that I hadn't planned on doing. I just pulled up a corner of the ratty carpet on the sunporch to see what was underneath. Turns out there was some decent looking linoleum tile. Six hours later we have a "new" floor in the porch. I have to say that it sure took it out of me. Must be because I'm old.
The worst part about turning 40 is everyone asking how it feels. And mainly people who have already been there. Like, duh.
The worst part about turning 40 is everyone asking how it feels. And mainly people who have already been there. Like, duh.
19 July 2007
Harry Potter Camp
15 July 2007
Which do you want first?
My two dudes got fitted for their wedding tuxedoes today. The good news is I don't have to worry about any aspect of their outfits, including shoes and socks. The bad news is I don't have to worry about any aspect of their outfits, including shoes and socks.
I think I've decided I'm going to worry about buying some socks.
I think I've decided I'm going to worry about buying some socks.
13 July 2007
Day 6: The final installment
Here is a random photo taken from our car as we left the hotel parking lot. I kinda wish I had a photo of the Target lined with palm trees that was kiddy-corner from our hotel. By the way, I think it could have been very dangerous to have a Target that close by. We only made one trip, but I'm sure one could think of all sorts of little "necessities." After we left the hotel we drove down to the ocean and took the Pacific Coast Highway up to LAX (and Spinal Tap sighting). Along the way we stopped at an ecological preserve, saw the simultaneously awesome and disgusting (in the way one could be disgusted at the evidence of mass consumerism) Long Beach shipyards, and stopped at a scenic overlook. My final L.A. wish to try an In-N-Out burger was denied. I guess it's just a reason to go back now.
12 July 2007
It's a hard knock life for baby mammoths
Man! First your mom gets stuck in a tar pit in L.A., then you get frozen in the Siberian Tundra. What next?
11 July 2007
Day 5: Fullerton
One of many very interesting displays of flora at the Cal State Fullerton Arboretum. Doesn't this look like something out of Dr. Seuss?
The reason for the trip--un marriage en plein air
10 July 2007
Day 4: The beach again
Laguna Beach with grandparents (not pictured). I'm not the biggest fan of swimming in salt water so I volunteered to lay on a towel and guard our stuff while everyone else frolicked in the waves.
08 July 2007
Is it a classic or just plain boring?
I broke one of our soup/pasta bowls Friday. Fortunately, Crate and Barrel still carries the pattern we registered for almost 16 years ago. They also still have our wine glasses. And our flatware--not that any of that is going to get broken anytime soon. The Crate and Barrel website describes all these pieces as "classic" or "timeless." So were we smart when we registered, or just plain boring?
Dessert alert
I can't believe that I forgot to mention the dessert at Ciao Bella. If you like Key Lime desserts, you must try the Key Lime Mousse Cake there. I am a big chocolate fan, but this mousse was quite possibly the best dessert I have ever had. It replaces Haagen-Dazs Deep Chocolate Peanut Butter ice cream as my deathbed food request.
07 July 2007
Whew
Today was the big bridal shower. What bridal shower? You mean I neglected to mention that after the hectic ending of school, the hectic getting ready for California trip, and being gone for almost a week I was hosting a shower for my future sister-in-law today? Silly me.
The Menu (adapted from Barefoot Contessa Parties!):
Herbed Goat Cheese Sandwiches
Cheddar and Chutney Sandwiches
Lemon Bars
Strawberries and Fruit Dip
Carrot Cake Cupcakes
Poppyseed Bundt Cake
Fruit Tarts
Chocolate Ganache Cake
Rose wine, Lemonade, & Sparkling Water
Followed by a relaxing and fun dinner at Ciao Bella hosted by my brother. (Thank you!)
Bon Appetit!
The Menu (adapted from Barefoot Contessa Parties!):
Herbed Goat Cheese Sandwiches
Cheddar and Chutney Sandwiches
Lemon Bars
Strawberries and Fruit Dip
Carrot Cake Cupcakes
Poppyseed Bundt Cake
Fruit Tarts
Chocolate Ganache Cake
Rose wine, Lemonade, & Sparkling Water
Followed by a relaxing and fun dinner at Ciao Bella hosted by my brother. (Thank you!)
Bon Appetit!
06 July 2007
Day 3: Disneyland
I know, I know. You can't really see my beautiful children's faces. This is pretty much it for our photographic memories of Disneyland. The rest of our day consisted of waiting in line for rides, on rides, or stuffing our faces full of ice cream.
05 July 2007
Day 2: Los Angeles, something for everyone
For Paul, the La Brea Tar Pits and the chance to live a childhood dream
The kids thought this was cool but the exhibit is a little disturbing. The mother is mired in the asphalt while the father and baby "look on helplessly."
For Katherine, Hollywood
And for me, the Getty Center
The kids thought this was cool but the exhibit is a little disturbing. The mother is mired in the asphalt while the father and baby "look on helplessly."
For Katherine, Hollywood
And for me, the Getty Center
03 July 2007
A dubious distinction
I purchased this swimsuit for Katherine at the Gap. A little tag attached stated that it has an SPF of 50. Yeah. Guess I don't need to use sunscreen on her then.
Day 1: Their first look at the ocean
Of course William subsequently fell down in the surf with his jeans on. We had left our bags with the bellman at the hotel after declining to pay $20 for the privilege of checking in early. William rode back in his underwear. The sand and dampness plagued us for the duration of the trip.
Ah-ha!
02 July 2007
The O.C.
We have returned from the first of this summer's two out-of-town weddings. Paul's cousin was married in the "O.C." on Saturday--down-to-earth Fullerton, not glamorous Newport Beach. I know you want to know if we saw any "celebrities" while in SoCal. And I can say with certainty that yes we did. As we were waiting in line at an LAX security checkpoint yesterday, Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer breezed through the First Class line just fifteen or so feet away. Much cooler than seeing Brittany or Lindsay.
