Kelvin and I just returned from a much-needed weekend away. In the past couple of weeks, I have been struggling with a lot of work stress (and probably the actual flu, rendering me sicker than I have been in a long time yet unwilling to take a day off), and it was great to get away and to see some friends (Ann-Chi and Anthony) outside of Chico/Paradise, which is about a 4.5-hour drive from us on the 299 (a miserable curvy highway to Redding) and 99 (which is much nicer road).
They (both optometrists) recently purchased a lovely ranch-style home on lots of land, and we enjoyed relaxing while the doggies (Pepper, along with their three-- Scout, Naia, and Shelby) romped around for hours in their yard.
On Saturday, Anthony and Ann-Chi took us to Table Mountain where we enjoyed a nice hike in the 70-degree "California winter weather" (I know how this kills those of you in the midwest or east coast/polar vortex). It has been REALLY dry this winter all around, and the ski resorts in Shasta and Tahoe are quite starved for snow.
... and enjoyed a delicious Thai meal at Cocodine.
After a siesta and catching up on our Australian Open Tennis (so proud of Li Na and Stan Wawrinka, by the way), a few more of Ann-Chi and Anthony's friends (Lisa and Alex from Davis and Greg/Kathy from the Marysville area) drove up and joined us for some great evening times.
We enjoyed a truly gourmet meal on Saturday evening-- Ann-Chi made a delicious cioppino (seafood soup), cheddar biscuits, and bacon-wrapped asparagus, Anthony grilled some marinated tri-tip and sausages, and we enjoyed some Humboldt Bay dungeness crabs from us, caramel bars from Lisa, and lots of good wine. I regret not taking photos of the wonderful spread (and can't remember the last time I was that full!).
We're back home now but are so happy to have gotten a chance to get away, and all of us (including Pepper, who is truly worn out from all the fun times with the other doggies) can't wait to go back to Chico (or Paradise) soon!
They (both optometrists) recently purchased a lovely ranch-style home on lots of land, and we enjoyed relaxing while the doggies (Pepper, along with their three-- Scout, Naia, and Shelby) romped around for hours in their yard.
On Saturday, Anthony and Ann-Chi took us to Table Mountain where we enjoyed a nice hike in the 70-degree "California winter weather" (I know how this kills those of you in the midwest or east coast/polar vortex). It has been REALLY dry this winter all around, and the ski resorts in Shasta and Tahoe are quite starved for snow.
the cows came out
Scout
Shelby
Naia ("the bird hunter")
Pep
According to Anthony, the mountain usually has a lot of water, but due to the drought, these rare little ponds was all the water that was left
(Shelby and Scout cool off)
me with our great hosts, Ann-Chi and Anthony
We briefly stopped by this Salmon Hatchery...
... and enjoyed a delicious Thai meal at Cocodine.
After a siesta and catching up on our Australian Open Tennis (so proud of Li Na and Stan Wawrinka, by the way), a few more of Ann-Chi and Anthony's friends (Lisa and Alex from Davis and Greg/Kathy from the Marysville area) drove up and joined us for some great evening times.
We enjoyed a truly gourmet meal on Saturday evening-- Ann-Chi made a delicious cioppino (seafood soup), cheddar biscuits, and bacon-wrapped asparagus, Anthony grilled some marinated tri-tip and sausages, and we enjoyed some Humboldt Bay dungeness crabs from us, caramel bars from Lisa, and lots of good wine. I regret not taking photos of the wonderful spread (and can't remember the last time I was that full!).
We're back home now but are so happy to have gotten a chance to get away, and all of us (including Pepper, who is truly worn out from all the fun times with the other doggies) can't wait to go back to Chico (or Paradise) soon!
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