Carmel-by-the-Sea

It is dark and cold. Rain is due sometime today, showers tomorrow and Sunday. We have been invited to Leslie and Joe's for a potluck on Saturday evening since we won't be playing anywhere due to the rain. She also invited musicians from a Scottish Fiddling group. A really professional group of musicians. We are all bringing our instruments, so that will be a lot of fun.

I am bringing Pumpkin Rolls, homemade Caramel Corn and my Open-Faced Ham and Cheese sandwiches. Yes, I plan to bake instead of gardening on Saturday while the Pumpkin Festival draws thousands to our little town this weekend.

Michael and I drove about two hours down the coast to Carmel-by-the-Sea. It was hopping! Last time we were there, no soul was in sight! This is Clint Eastwood's town but the ocean views are even more famous. We had read about a very cool restaurant right on the main drag that was impossible to get dinner reservations. It was Mediterranean food but REALLY GOOD Mediterranean food. We were there as they opened for lunch, made friends with the owners, discovered they were booked for dinner through the end of the year and, after we enjoyed the food, we knew why! Two local ladies sat next to us and said that it was the best place in town and even they had not been able to get dinner reservations! We ordered a sample plate and split it. Chicken, meat, rice, humus, pita, salad and a free piece of baklava for dessert. The drive home was so lovely, we talked, kept an eye on the ocean, spotted some dolphins, marveled at the open highway with few cars and got home feeling like we had a nice day together.

This morning, we are getting ready to walk into town, buy a few items at Safeway then walk home. The store will be packed beginning today as people will be packing in for the weekend. I need to buy just a few things to make the sandwiches for Saturday night. Then, I'll get dress, pay my Visa at the bank, run to AAA to pay for some new tags for the Mustang then head to Sherman and rehab. Oh, and there is a special, extra orchestra rehearsal tonight.

Another glorious day ahead!