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Le Voov! Chez Panisse – Black Truffle Event ? ? ?
Le Voov! Local Culinary Adventure – January 2015
I am very fortunate to be married to an incredibly thoughtful man. Early last winter (late January 2014), I told Brian that someday I wanted to attend Alice Waters’ Black Truffle Dinner Event at her world famous restaurant Chez Penisse in Berkeley, California. Well, guess what? Eleven months later, I received an invitation to attend the 2015 event from my amazing hus-Bee. He remembered!
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Guess Where I Am…? ?
On a recent trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, we were mesmerized by the massive jellyfish exhibit. Watching the colorful cast of gelatinous characters undulate before us was such a peaceful, relaxing experience. The music from Disney’s Fantasia danced through my head as we observed their graceful movement. I also kept thinking that this would be wonderful place to hang a hammock and take a nap! But, alas, the tens-of-thousands of other aquarium guests may not have appreciated my wish for a peaceful siesta, and perhaps would have disturbed my slumber…. ?????? ?
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Otter-Pop’s Squeaky-Ball Drama… ? ?
You know something is desperately wrong when your 70-lbs. Chocolate Labrador/German Shorthaired Pointer pup climbs into your unsuspecting lap and gives you this look. Something truly dreadful has happened and they need your help. NOW!!!
During a recent construction project at the house, an abandoned heater vent was discovered tucked deep under the lath & plaster. Apparently no one had bothered to inform the dog about this new gaping whole in the wall, and just guess what happened…?
Yep, Otter-Pop’s favorite and most cherished toy, her obnoxious yellow squeaky-ball, found it’s way down into that naughty hole in the wall. Rats! ?
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Guess Where I Am…? ?
Answer: We snapped this picture at Disneyland, Anaheim CA during the evening World of Color Light Show, set to the timeless tunes of classic Disney. This spectacular event was followed by an amazing blaze of fireworks bursting in the sky above us. What a fun […]
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Travel & Adventure – Domaine Carneros By Taittenger
We had a few beautiful days to spend in Napa during the month of January. Our inspiration you ask? Seventy degree weather in the middle of winter! Frequently I forget that Napa Valley is just over an hours drive from the San Francisco Peninsula (approx. 70-miles). So, my partner in crime and I packed a small overnight bag and headed to the wine country!
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Guess Where I Am…? ?
This photograph was taken from our bed at dawn from the Arenal Observatory Lodge, Smithsonian room, in Costa Rica. We had arrived the night before in darkness, under a sky filled with massive lightning and bomb-like thunder. The road was flooded and when we finally arrived, we fell into a deep slumber with the sound of the rain dancing on the floor to ceiling windows. This was our very first visual of the Arenal Volcano. What a glorious way to awaken from a night of magnificent tropical dreams…
We plan upon touring Costa Rica again and will provide a detailed account of our wild fun and adventures. Stay tuned…! ✈️ ? ?
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Indy 500, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indiana. My sweetie and I enjoy exploring exciting, new places & events together. This year the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 took place on Sunday, May 29, 2016. For the first time ever in the history of Indy racing this event was completely sold out, with a full-house of 350,000 people in attendance…
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Le Voov! Restaurant Review: Cafe Capistrano ? ?
Café Capistrano, (Yucatan/Costa Maya) 523 Church St, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 (650) 726-7699
It was raining cats and dogs, but we decided we were going to trust the weather report and headed over to the coast despite the very wet conditions. The forecast was for clear skies by noon. As we approached the western edge of the North American continent, where the Pacific Ocean tickles the charming town of Half Moon Bay, the gentle rain had turned into a deluge. (I’m not complaining. We desperately need rain given the California drought of the last 4-years!)
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The Fire Octopus at the Maker’s Faire, San Mateo, California. This annual event is a perfect showcase of science, innovation, creativity and resourcefulness to celebrate the Maker’s Movement. The Maker’s Faire brings together scientists, teachers, tech enthusiasts, crafters, engineers, tinkerers and hobbyists to explore the realm of possibilities for the future. It’s taking place at the San Mateo County Event Center this weekend. Go out and experience this fun, family-friendly event! Enjoy!!!!
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The Druid Cemetery, Cuffey’s Cove, Mendocino, California. Honestly, it is unclear why there is a Druid cemetery in Mendocino, and the more locals I spoke to, the wilder the stories became…
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Exploring Pulgas Ridge Preserve! ? ?
Our dog Otter-Pop and I enjoy exploring the many open space preserves we have surrounding us in the San Francisco Bay Area. On a gorgeous spring day, we went to bang out a 6-mile run at Pulgas Ridge Preserve in San Carlos, California.
Pulgas Ridge Open Space is a well managed 293-acres preserve that has a variety of trails and an expansive ‘Off-leash’ area for our K-9 pals to mingle and romp together. Some of the trails are quite rigorous, while others are paved fire roads, which make for great accessibility for people of all sizes, ages and abilities. Otter-Pop and I frequent the Dusky-footed Woodrat Trail on a very regular basis. This preserve is closed to bike riding, so you don’t need to fear getting blown off the trail by some yahoo screaming around a blind turn. All of these amenities lead to a peaceful, relaxing experience beneath the quiet, shady trees.
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Restaurant Review – Zuzu Tapas & Wine Bar ? ?
Zuzu, located in Napa’s historic Old Town, has masterfully blended the culinary traditions of Spain and South America with the warmth of Mediterranean décor to create a true gem. The complex layering of flavor and spice in each dish was uniquely divine.
Our server Darlene was very knowledgeable and made some fantastic suggestions for our maiden voyage at the restaurant. Zuzu’s signature sangria was delightfully fresh and fruity. Given the ease with which the first glass went down, I had a great appreciation for the speedy arrival of our first plates!
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This picture was taken at the Puerto Vallarta Zoo in Mismaloya, Mexico. Just prior to this photo being taken, the giraffe bent down and licked the sweat from the back of my ear!! Feeding a giraffe a carrot from my mouth was also a pretty thrilling experience!
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Travel & Adventure – Prager Winery & Port Works ? ?
We had a few beautiful days to spend in Napa during the month of January. Our inspiration you ask? Seventy degree weather in the middle of winter! Frequently I forget that Napa Valley is just over an hours drive from the San Francisco Peninsula (approx. 70-miles). So, my partner in crime and I packed a small overnight bag and headed to the wine country!
As we entered Prager Winery & Port Works we found ourselves surrounded by lush green gardens. Not the manicured, stately gardens of Domaine Carneros, rather, the kind of gardens surrounding a sweet country cottage far, far away. The dirt road leading to the winery is very narrow and easy to miss, so keep your eyes peeled as you approach on highway 29.
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Guess Where I Am…? ?
Hotel Sofitel, Redwood City, California: Dale Chihuly’s Glass Chandelier. This amazing explosion of blue and green blown glass greets the eye in the lobby of the Sofitel hotel. I first became acquainted with Chihuly’s ethereal mastery of glass sculpture while visiting the Monterey Bay Aquarium exhibition entitled “Jellies: Living Art” in 2002. Photography of his work is gorgeous, but viewing it with your own eyes is nothing short of pure magic!
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Guess Where I Am…? ?
Answer:
Rooftop of The California Academy Of Sciences, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA.
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This was always my favorite place to go as a child. Newly remodeled in 2008, the natural science museum now features a living rooftop with over 1.7 million California native plants, which opens to allow natural ventilation throughout the building. If you get the opportunity for a visit, don’t forget to stop by the alligator pit and say ‘hello’ to Claude, the albino American gator.
Adult admission is $35 and family memberships are available for $250/year. http://www.calacademy.org/ -
Guess Where I Am…? ?
San Francisco Bay, California. The photo of the Stämpfli Express was taken by one of my talented masters rowing teammates Karen Gheno last December. I’m in the #7 seat from the bow (back/left side) of the boat!
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