Blog 3 point zero

 What a day !! One of those special ones you won't soon forget. Steve and I decided to hit the beach today. Specifically, Morro Bay. Many special memories from there. As I requested, the weather was spectacular. Slight off-shore breeze and 70 degrees. I honestly felt guilty and a smidge bad for all of you back in the frigid East. But I got over it quickly as I applied my sunscreen.  First we went for a long walk on the beach. It was low tide and plenty of firm sand to walk on. The sound of the waves was music to my ears. Steve visits this beach regularly to fish in the surf. I found lots of sand dollar shells along the shore.  The long stroll perked up my appetite. I'm in the mood for fresh fish tacos. Steve said no worries, he knows a place. Drive on my good man. Haste not. WOW! He wasn't kidding. Probably the best fish tacos I've ever had. And I've eaten a few in my day. We sat outside on the patio, warm sun on my back. It was amazing. Next, we toured the...

 The sun is shining and the weather is great. Monday was a good rest and recovery day. I had my first taste of CA Mexican food. Small shop in town and I had a carne asada burrito. Spicy too. I hope my digestive system will adapt quickly. I grew up on this stuff and I should be good to go. It's Taco Tuesday !! But first, the weather is awesome and we could use a good walk and stretch our legs and lungs. There is a trail behind Steve's neighborhood. Close enough we can cut it short and get back home quickly if needed. It felt great to walk it out after several days sitting in the truck on the road. I did a quick shop at the grocery store for some wine while I chill out this week. Paso Robles is our favorite area for wines. Two full isles of local wines. So many good choices, so little time. Let's start with the 'A's and work our way thru the alphabet.  It's taco Tuesday. My favorite. Boy do I miss good Mexican food. I know a place here just around the corner...

 After four and a half long days, I've finally made it to the west coast! I see lots of vineyards. I must be in the right place. Once you get out of the desert and into the central valley, it's a different world. Green fields of crops for as far as you can see. Lemon and orange groves. Almond and pistachio trees. Brings back memories. I used to live once long ago.  Easy day of driving. I think I was excited to be almost there. I didn't mind the high speed traffic flashing past me. I was enjoying the familiar sights.  I arrived at Steve's house just as brother Ted was leaving for his home. Got a short conversation and a quick hug before he left. Steve is doing well after his surgery. Moving slow but in good spirits. Which reminds me, no beer or wine waiting for me upon my arrival. I must hit the local wineries tomorrow and do some shopping.  Well, I'm here. Not sure for how long. But this is just the first half of my journey. I will continue posting on ...

 Man I'm pooped. This cross country stuff isn't for the weak. I remember it being a lot more fun when I was younger. Day 4 and one more to go.  Day 3 was pretty boring. I got out of Midland early before the ice and sleet hit that afternoon. West TX is flat and dull. I could have taken a nap. Until I hit El Paso. Just as I get into downtown traffic, the clouds open up with downpours. Can't see a bloody thing. More rain for most of the day. Quick note of interest. First stop in NM for gas and snacks. I get a drink and some chips. The cashier asked if I wanted to buy a paper bag for my goodies for 11 cents. What was that again?? Buy a bag? No thanks, I can carry it. What a scam! Day 4 starts with more weather issues again. This time it's dense fog. Luckily, there isn't much traffic coming from the East due to the sleet and ice just behind me. Once again, I can't see a bloody thing. By the time I get to Tucson, the skies have cleared up and I'm finall...

 I'm on the road for day 2 bright and early. I didn't sleep very well. I get messed up with hotels. Strange bed, where's the bathroom? I also noticed the street noise. I'm not used to that. Semi trucks and motorcycles buzzing down the road. Hamsters in the heater didn't help much either. The weather is fair. It's not raining today. Just a few miles down the road I'm noticing lots of power line utility trucks heading east. Convoys of trucks, hundreds of them. They're prepping for some major issues with the ice storm. I hate leaving Stacy alone at home. We are going to video chat tomorrow evening and review how to run our generator.  I also hate Dallas traffic. Way too many people there. I went from a pleasant countryside interstate highway to five lanes of Mario Karts Jamboree. Cars zigging left, zagging right. Of course there are accidents. Let's not even get started on the road construction that never ends.  Second half of the day was much better. W...

 First leg of my road trip is in the books. From Hot Springs Ark, to Marshall Tx. Just west of Shreveport La. A short 4 hour drive, but it rained on me the entire trip. Maybe an omen for things to come. I pray not. I had a late start today as I had a haircut appt. this morning. That was a must do. My hair was starting to touch my ears and it was bugging me bonkers. I may freeze on the road, but at least I will be looking good. I decided to dive straight south to the Gulf coast as quickly as possible instead of our usual route to Dallas. I'm not taking any chances with a sneaky early freeze. I should be far enough Southwest by Friday that I hope to miss the snow and ice. You just never know with the weather.  It's been some time since I've taken a long road trip. The past few years I've hopped over to the golf course here in the village. I occasionally drive 30 minutes to Home Depot in town. 45 minutes into the trip this morning and my body went into sh...

  I'm about to embark on an epic journey. I'm taking my Tacoma beast all the way to the west coast. Five days of driving. Youngest brother Steve has a medical issue and is having surgery on Friday. I will be there for moral support and assist in physical recovery. I draw the line at wiping bottoms in the bathroom. They pay nurses for that. I will do shopping and cook meals. That's what big brothers do.  I'm leaving just ahead of a major snow and ice storm. If I can just stay five hours ahead of the weather, I will be happy. I'm staying glued to the weather channel. It's going to be a close call. We expect several inches of snow here in Arkansas this weekend. Stacy has plenty of food to hunker down for the week. Texas is my concern. Why does it have to be so big?? It's going to be a big adventure.  On the road once again. Me and my Tacoma. I will be posting updates as often as I can on the road. My butt and back will not be happy campers. Five days, 1300 mile...

  Well the last food blog went over like burnt toast. I was sure someone would have an opinion or comment about food, or a travel experience. I'm betting you do, you're just not sharing. This flu bug has been no joke. I was down hard for three days. I thought I had it beat. It snuck up from behind and hit me again for the second time. So I play this game. I score my misery. My cough and congestion was the worst part. One night I had a coughing fit for hours. My throat was raw. But to distract from the suffering, I was playing a game in my head. I score from 0 to 10. A coughing fit would hit. Pretty good. I give it a 7.5. Next one, not so bad. Maybe a 6.25. Another rough one hits. I give it an 8. In my mind, nothing is getting a 10. Nothing is going to beat me. I just keep adding decimal points. The worst cough was 8.7535. Too bad bug, you didn't beat me.  The suffering is still there. It hurts a lot. It's a mental game that helps me. Not today virus, not today. It's...

 We went out for dinner this evening. Went to the DeSoto Club here in the village. It's like a country club on the golf course, but not as swanky. It's good food and atmosphere. Wednesday is ladies night and half price wine drinks. Live music as well. An older gentleman plays classical guitar music. Very soothing.  Our dinner conversation turned to food. You have your regular daily meals. Fill your belly because you're hungry. Then there are special meals. I enjoy cooking specific meals. I like cooking on the grill and smoker. Sunday is reserved for grilled ribeye steaks and baked potato.  Then there is the next level. Authentic foods. I will start with BBQ in Texas. Not the big chain restaurants. But small town road stands. Homemade sauces. Best brisket and sausages. Stacy loves sushi and noodles. I recall my days in Japan and Okinawa. There is something to be said about atmosphere. To be sitting in a small sushi shop on the street corner. Paper lante...