Golf Trip Photos

We had a great trip and played at three of the five PGA National courses. Some rounds were better than others but overall we loved our golf vacation!

Cleveland Air Show

Joe and I went to the air show on Saturday. It was pretty awesome to watch the planes do tricks and maneuvers. Here are some of the highlights:

A rafter of turkeys out for a stroll...

Did you know a group of turkeys is called a rafter? No? I didn't and now you do!

You're welcome for that knowledge.

This rafter passed through our backyard.

Of course, my camera battery was dying at a most inopportune time. I had to trick it by taking the battery out and putting it back in. Works like a charm but I was only able to get these two pictures before it completely died.

I have never been hesitant to share poorly taken photos though. Hope you can see them and enjoy!

PCH Road Trip - Post 5

When we arrived in LA, our schedule slowed down quite a bit. We stayed with Katie's good friend, Jenny, who lives in Santa Monica. On Thursday, we had a delicious late breakfast before taking on an uphill hike to Griffith Observatory. We attempted to continue our hike to the Hollywood sign but couldn't find the right trail.
That evening we went to happy hour at The Edison, a 1920's themed bar. The idea is pretty neat; upon entering you receive a token to turn in for 1 drink for the price it cost back in that era. We got a martini for only $0.35! However, my second drink was $12. The bartenders and waitresses are dressed for the period and the decor matches as well. It was a unique experience!
The following morning we had breakfast and then took route 1 toward San Diego. This was the slowest drive of our trip - there were many small towns to go through and we hit rush hour traffic upon our arrival to San Diego. We quickly changed and had appetizers at the hotel bar...
...before heading to the Old Globe Theater in Balboa Park to see Engaging Shaw. It was a romantic comedy and the three of us were amazed that a cast of 4 people could put on such an entertaining show without even a scene change.

Picture from: http://raecosta.smugmug.com/Travel/California/Night-Photography/8926163_Pspuu/1/1184808643_HeK3e#1184808643_HeK3e

The next morning we packed our bags and headed to the airport. It was a great trip and I was glad to be able to spend so much time with Katie since I don't see her often enough.

PCH Road Trip - Post 3

After our restful night at the Madonna Inn, we headed toward Los Olivos with one mission: Wine Tasting! We stopped at 3 wineries on Zaca Station Road. We were pulled in by the name of the first winery; Tres Hermanas (3 sisters in Spanish)

Our second stop was Fess Parker winery where we got to enjoy our vino outdoors.

Our last winery stop was Firestone Winery where we asked quite a few questions about the wine making process. Katie and I are now prepared to start our own vineyard.

We got to Los Olivos where we had time to do an olive oil tasting. This was a very unique experience and I was amazed I could taste the nuances in different types of olive oil. I had never put much thought into the type of olive oil I used but this opened up my eyes to a world of flavors!

PCH Road Trip - Post 3

After a long day cruising along route 1, we stopped at the popular Madonna Inn to rest our weary selves.

Katie had heard a lot about this outrageous hotel and made it a must stop for our journey. Each room is unique with its own name and look. Our room was the Wilhelm Tell...

My favorite part of the room, without a doubt, was the shower....

PCH Road Trip - Post 2

After breakfast in Carmel-by-the-sea on Monday morning, we headed to Point Lobos State Park. It was a little overcast but a beautiful park.

We continued to head into the Big Sur where there were stunning views around every bend. Our next stop was Pfeiffer Falls. It was a steep climb to see the waterfall but was nice to see. Unfortunately, I didn't get a very good picture to share. However, I do have a nice one to share of our lunch at Nepenthe...

After that we went to McWay Falls. This was actually the second time I've been there but I was excited to see it again.

We happened to stop at a vista point that had the following:

Elephant Seals! These things were massive and I was really excited to see so may of them so close up!

PCH Road Trip - Post 1

After landing in San Francisco and picking up our Chrysler 200 convertible, Katie and I headed to Fisherman's Wharf to see if we could pick up tickets to tour the Alcatraz. The tour has been sold out for weeks and we were hoping to get lucky. We were not lucky so this is about as close as we got:

We walked around Fisherman's Wharf and grabbed a sourdough bread sandwich. After that we checked in to our hotel which was within walking distant to the very curvy Lombard Street. From there we were able to catch a cable car to Union Square.

To cap off the night we had a delicious dinner at a Tapas restaurant followed by a show of Flamenco. This morning we headed over the Golden Gate Bridge and had breakfast a Fred's Coffee Shop in Sausalito before arriving at Muir Woods. We took the Ocean View trail for a 2.6 mile hike in the redwood forest.

After that we started our trek south on Route 1 aka the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). We arrived in Monterey late this afternoon and took a walk around Cannery Row before heading to Carmel-by-the-sea. Off to dinner we go!

2011 Main Event.

Can you tell who is sitting to Joe's right?

I know the glasses and hat make it a little difficult but it is...

Picture from: http://seinfeld.wikia.com/wiki/George_Costanza

Jason Alexander! Aka George Costanza from Seinfeld. He is actually a decent poker player and has played in the Main Event of the World Series of Poker quite a few times.

This was about the only exciting thing of the main event since Joe got knocked out today. He made it all the way to Day 3 but the money doesn't start until Day 4. We are going to golf tomorrow to forget about his unsuccessful summer.

Wordless Wednesday: Bright Lights

Ugly Face.

Now before you judge the below photo, watch this youtube video.

I hope you understand what we are doing now and don't think we are complete freaks. Tara showed us this video on Saturday and we spent the rest of the evening making faces. I can only imagine what people thought.

Here's a normal looking picture just so you can tell we are a decent looking group of girls...

...ignore the case of Coors Light...

So close!

Joe was supposed to come back on June 30th but refused to return to me! I suppose he had good reason to stay longer and I am just being salty.

Mr. P was doing well in a tournament. He made Day 2 so they pushed their flights a day back. Then he made Day 3 so again they pushed their flights back another day. Mr. P made a great run in the event, finishing in 26th out of a starting field of 817 players. Picture of Mr. P is below... Joe has, yet again, creepily and partially made it into the background of a photo:

Joe will finally be coming home tonight! Hip Hip Hooray!

Wordless Wednesday: Bailey at the Barkley

Daily Bailey.

While in Vegas, I always encourage my mom to sent me a "Daily Bailey" photo - we really liked this one:

Also, Happy Father's Day!

dog days of summer

To complement Nicole's wordless wednesday post:

Cooling off in front of the fan.

Rio Wine Cellar

The Rio doesn't have a whole lot to do which is unfortunate since that is where all of the World Series of Poker events are played. However, Mrs. P and I discovered the Wine Cellar which is the best hidden gem in the Rio and dare I say, the entire Strip!

You head down these stairs and arrive in a wine cellar. You will be the only person there besides the bartender and you can enjoy a flight of wine and cheese. How they have stayed alive all these years is beyond me but I'm glad to have my own personal wine cellar in Vegas.

Poker Press!

Joe is famous! He was included in a pokernews.com picture in yesterday's tournament - that's right, he was sitting next to the guy who ended the day second in chips! I think his shoulder and ear are looking pretty good!

Joe and his brother Jono have made it to Day 2 of this tournament. Hopefully I'll be reporting about a Day 3 tomorrow!

Bellagio Love.

I love the Bellagio hotel in Vegas.

Mainly because of this:

I find fountains timed to music beautiful and entertaining.

I also like the botanical gardens.

They are updated seasonally and usually everything is made of flowers or something from mother nature.