Here I am, away on “vacation,” at the Holiday Inn Express on Wave Street in Monterey. It is late Saturday night as I write, and the rain is finally beginning to fall. It was overcast all day; now the rains are slanting as expected. We are here to somewhat belatedly “celebrate” our second anniversary. My father’s death put that on the back burner, as we got married on Valentine’s Day and my wife had to work that day this year. There is a bit of celebration, yes; but there is also sadness and wistfulness.
I wish I had my father back.
We came into Monterey yesterday afternoon and hit Bubba Gump’s for dinner. My wife loves this place. Lauren treated us quite nicely, hovering almost. We had the Big Drinks which yield the large 22-oz BG glasses you get to keep. I must admit, they have a great logo. Not as great as my blog’s BZ graphic, mind you, but nice enough.
I also bought my wife a selection of six silver toe rings, as well as two silver thumb rings. I am going to concentrate on acquiring turquoise and silver jewelry for her, in the future. She is Mexican and Cherokee, and her beautiful darker skin and eyes would highlight this. We wrapped up Friday night with a stop at Ghirardelli’s, with a scoop of ice cream covered in chocolate sauce (me) and fudge (her).
On Saturday, we hit the Fish Hopper’s for lunch. The clam chowder? Exquisite!
I made an appointment for a couple’s massage at GG’s Salon & Spa. We got the deep tissue 80-minute package and, for that, had our feet hot-wrapped. We also had aromatherapy included. My wife chose “anxiety reduction” aromatherapy, and I chose “meditation.” This spa is wonderfully designed but, if you desire a more isolated and quiet feel, it may not be for you. The front of the spa is open to the outside mall music and shouting from passing tourists. One interesting sidenote: I personally enjoy heavy deep tissue massage. My massage therapist was a small female, and asked me how deep to apply her techniques. I said: “as deep as you’re comfortable with.” I think, due to her diminutive size, she took umbrage to this. She sensed that I had hurled the gauntlet. So she proceeded to make my massage, for at least the first five minutes, a very angry massage.
A few minutes later, once she understood my preferences and how I relaxed, her application became much more human. At the end, our breathing almost became as one, and, that’s a huge goal attained. For someone who’s acquired professional deep tissue therapeutical massages in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento, Lake Tahoe, Mendocino, Santa Cruz, Capitola, Mendocino and Ft. Bragg, I know a good massage from a bad one. The therapists here are good; the venue is loud and not so good.
Here’s an earth-shaker: my wife wanted to have dinner once again at Bubba Gump’s. When we appeared at 4:45 PM, there was already a two-hour wait. We snuck into a patio table and had dinner here. In truth, it was quieter than having had dinner inside the restaurant and — of course — the food was just as good.
We hit the antique mall directly next door to our motel. I purchased a copy of Ronald Clark’s “Einstein: The Life and Times” for $1.50. My wife purchased some stick pins and cuff links for her starched shirts.
Sunday is looming. We are leaving Monterey on Monday. I am going up to my cabin, if not snow-occluded, on Monday and Tuesday. But I’ll be making another post Sunday, for Monday.
I can still hear the ocean from the open window, at 10 PM. And the rain. There is the very, now, occasional barking of a seal.
BZ
I love that place…I played in a very large golf tournament at the bayonette and Blackhorse golf course and it was one of the highlights of my life. Spent 4 days up in that area and I actually REMEMBER some if it!
Have a blast BZ and Wife.
“Bubba Gump’s for dinner …”
Ate their last time I was in Monterey.
I miss my dad too. Have a good Sunday, BZ.
American Power
BZ,
Have a great day today! I am at home with my hubby and two boys who aren’t feeling well. I even set up a blog for my 8 year old.. Of course I made it so that it is closed to the public, but it is really cute some of his posts.
Glad you and your beautiful wife are having a great time!!
My dad is 70 and his health is not doing very well. He has just about everything going wrong. I am not sure he will make it another 5 years. I can’t imagine life when he is gone, so I can’t imagine what you are going through now.
Bushwack: yeah, if you’re a golfer, this is THE place for you. I don’t golf but I understand that, not only Pebble Beach, but other courses are just kick-ass around here. And the scenery ain’t bad, neither.
DD: thanks.
Rivka: sorry to hear about your dad. Get prepared early. Be with him, get the family history. There is SO much we missed by not taking dad and mom aside and going over older family photographs with both of them. Now a good portion of my family’s history is lost forever, never to be acquired on this end of life.
BZ
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHH, deep tissue massage, GREAT! The wife and I have a friend that does them, and does them WELL! The best part is that my insurance actually covers 1 massage per month. Talk about a nice benefit!
AA: man, I be jealous. What a benefit! Aren’t they superior??
BZ
Sounds like a great relaxing time with your beautiful wife.
I would soooo love a deep tissue massage; but just not in my finances.
My body aches all the time; right shoulder, neck and back; inflamed bicep tendon….actually, what I need is a physical therapist.
I will see my parents next weekend for a couple of days in Colorado.