We rented a vehicle and started driving north towards my brother and his family who live in Santa Margarita. Had we not watched the news, we would have never known that a fire had destroyed property and taken lives in this area. The fire did not reach the expressways and all looked as it always had during the drive. It struck me how perception outweighs reality.
We stopped in Santa Barbara for lunch at Hendry's Beach. It was only in the low 60s but the sun was shining and the beach was busy. I had Steamers for lunch because no trip to California is complete without at least one bowl of Steamers.
That evening we had a joyful gathering with my brother, sister-in-law, both of their sons, their wives, and their children. We laughed, we talked, we reminisced, we caught up while grazing on heavy appetizers for dinner. I failed to take any pictures of the gang.
When I visit my California family, I start each morning with a walk and talk with my niece, Natasha. I look forward to this time alone with her where we solve all the world's problems...or at least get all of our thoughts off of our minds.
In the afternoon, we walked down to Ancient Peaks Winery with Larry and Mary where we enjoyed wine tasting and charcuterie for lunch. Natasha and Chad had the whole gang over for pizza for dinner that second night. It was lovely.
In the blink of an eye, our visit was over. One final walk with Natasha and breakfast at Madonna Inn with Larry, Chad, and our great-niece, Molly before we started south towards the airport for our flight to Hawaii the following morning.
We stopped in the Danish community of Solvang on the way back to the airport. It is much like Michigan's Frankenmuth Village filled with shops, parks, and restaurants.
We arrived in Maui on Wednesday afternoon. We rented a vehicle and it was a short drive to our friends, Steve and Sharon's, home. We quickly changed into our suits and were soon enjoying cocktails and snacks poolside. Steve made a wonderful dinner of Spaghetti with Meatballs and it was early to bed for all.
Thursday morning started with a 3-mile walk at Wialea Beach. It was a gorgeous morning and a wonderful way to start the day.
The following day we took a drive to Maui Wines. It is 5 miles from the house as the crow flies. It took us an hour and a half to arrive after a gorgeous scenic drive through the mountains as the winery is on the other side. We enjoyed a sampling of 9 wines (we shared) and charcuterie.
On the way back we stopped by a distillery, that was closed. But next to the distillery was an amazing art studio featuring blown glass. Frank behaved in his normal mature and dignified decorum.
An early dinner at Tommy Bahama's. Did you know that some of the stores feature restaurants? I did not and it is a very nice restaurant indeed. I had the Chilean Sea Bass. It was marvelous.
Yesterday, my walk took me to an ATM, it was only two miles but the first mile was uphill. We spent the entire day lounging in the pool before heading to Cool Cat Cafe for dinner. We had been to the original Cool Cat in Lahaina on our last visit two years ago, sadly it and the entire downtown area was destroyed in a fire shortly after our visit.
Dinner, for me, was an adult Milkshake made with Skrewball Whiskey, Peanut Butter, Ice Cream and Chocolate Syrup, a Blue Cheese Burger, and Sweet Potato Fries. I need to do that uphill hike a few more times to equal out that meal LOL......
We arrived home in time to catch the sunset from the rooftop deck. It happens so quickly and is intensely beautiful.
Today, Frank and I are headed to Haleakala National Park. Tonight we are going on a sunset/stargazing dinner cruise. I will post those pictures and tell you all about it and the rest of our trip upon our return home. Aloha....
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