Lost Coast Adventure

The Friday of Labor Day weekend of 2006 changed my life forever. After one glass of wine, too many, I answered an ad on Craigslist… “Lost Coast Adventure… Join me on a long bike ride. I’ll have you back in time for your Labor Day BBQ.” Like the risk-taker I am or the fact that I’m “that girl,” I said “yes”. The next day a man showed up on my doorstep riding a 1985 BMW K100RS (like I had any idea of what that meant) and off we went. We cruised up 101, turned left and into the fog and ended up in Shelter Cove. Six months later I had a ring on my finger and six months after that on Sept. 15^th, 2007, I said, “I do.”

While checking my email roughly three weeks ago, I saw the GGC Lost Coast Tour. “Hey, Kevin… Lost Coast Tour with the car club?” “Let’s do it!” was his instant response. I immediately emailed Paula and made our reservation. This would be our first return to the place where it all begun and so it was fitting that a BMW would once again be our chariot. We chose to join the tour early Saturday morning knowing we’d break off after lunch for a night alone…Oh, yeah we brought our two sons ages two and a half and eight weeks.

Meeting at Jensen’s in Ukiah we were greeted warmly by exactly three other people due to some late cancellations. Our family thus outnumbered the other drivers and our E39 outweighed both their mounts as well. We’d originally planned to make the drive in my E61, however, it was in the shop recovering from a wildlife incident — but that’s another story. As we ordered breakfast another couple joined the group bringing our merry caravan to four. The food was that perfect truck-stop fare that you know will tide you over for a good long time in the driver’s seat, which by the way I never sat in during this trip.

After handing out the maps and discussing the plan, Paula led the troops out in her red M3. It would be an easy lead to follow. The two-year old in the back seat chimed in saying, “Paula drives a race car and it goes really fast!” Yes it does Charlie, yes it does. She set a leisurely pace up the Redwood Highway, which brought back so many wonderful memories. What I mean is the “what the hell were you thinking jumping on the back of a motorcycle with some guy you don’t even know?” memories of our last tour of this stretch of 101.

At one point a tricked out Acura decided he wanted to join the club, but he was shunned. A bit less than two hours later we made our first stop, one of those roadside attractions that once defined our highways, a drive-thru tree.

You haven’t known kitsch until you’ve driven through a tree and you define kitsch when you stop to take photos of graffiti the inside of the 5,000 year-old Redwood tree. We certainly took our share of photos. Yeah, it’s fun to be a tourist in your own back yard. At Shrine Drive-Through Tree, we were joined by two roadsters and a gorgeous E21. Now we had we had full squadron of spinning propellers. Once we had taken the obligatory group shot our augmented band headed for the twisties.

Our next stop was the Humboldt Redwoods Visitors Center where I took some creative shots of the scenery and had a wonderful talk with Mike, Mr. 328, about life, kids, and grandkids. Have you noticed yet that I’m just the girl who loves to drive her 530xi touring, and let’s her husband do all the “shop talk?” I prefer to skip the gear ratio discussions, as I know little about cars, and get to know the people I’m meeting. The car club accommodates us all. After going in to the Visitor’s Center, Paula announced that Charlie had to see it. Kevin took our 2 year-old in to see stuffed versions of all the critters in the forest.

As we packing everyone into the fiver, I realized we were the only ones left at the visitor’s center. I guess that’s what you get when you have to strap two kids into car seats. Off we zoomed to catch up with the group, only to find that half of them had stopped at a fruit stand to enjoy blackberry popsicles. A bit later I asked Jeff where mine was and was greeted with, “Do you know what melted blackberry would look like on my car seats?” My only thought at the time was, “well, I have baby wipes to clean up any mess.” We blew past this stop to catch up with Paula, Rob, Nick and Della (the M3 group). Apparently they made it to the end of The Avenue of the Giants in 2 seconds flat. They finally had the road to themselves and were going to enjoy it. It was here where Paula explained to me why BMWs are also called E “something”, as I thought they were all 3, 5 or 7 series with M here and there. My husband explained it to me once, but obviously I tuned him out. I needed to here the explanation from another woman.

Back onto the 101, the pace eased again as we cruised to Eureka for the lunch stop at the Lost Coast Brewery. My husband was ecstatic to try a new beer, then crestfallen when he saw a couple of the passengers with a flight of all ten beers currently in the kettles. I almost got to drive. This was the end of the road for some and so we bid each other adieu and made our way individually to our various destinations. We had a blast and can’t wait for the touring season to resume. A big thanks to Paula for organizing and leading us to new memories in an old and fondly familiar place.

By the way, this was Michael’s first “road trip” and after 12 hours in and out of the car, we know our boys are rock stars.

Written by Kevin Riant and Charlotte Noon from the wife’s perspective.

We were asked to write an article and take pictures for Bombe. the Golden Gate Chapter of the BMW car club. This will be our second article published. Very fun!

Bottle Your Own

Kevin and I had been planning a long weekend, make that a family weekend, at Papa's cabin in Pollock Pines. However, life got the best of us and we had to cut it to 24 hours, minus the kid.

Kevin, who never works on Veteran's Day out of principle, decided to head up to Charles Mitchell in Fairplay to "bottle your own wine". As we are both virgins to this, it was a perfect date.

We dropped Charlie at Nana's for a slumber party and headed for the hills, literally. I need to stop and mention that at 11:11 AM, Kevin pulled over (not on the freeway) and played Taps (see photo) in honor of this special day. It was lovely. To me, Veteran's Day was just a day off from school. That was until I met Milo Nelson (a special thanks to Jeff Wright for this introduction). I spent many a day at the Veteran's home in Yountville visiting with Milo who taught me about the 11th minute of the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918....It was after spending Veteran's Day with Milo many years ago that I began to appreciate this day. I look forward to sharing this story with Charlie.

So, we arrived at the winery with our case of already labeled empty bottles and I stood there feeling quite inadequate. What do we do? Where do we start? Maybe we should just start drinking. So, that's what we did. We tried the three wines that we could bottle. A Bordeaux blend, a Zinfidel, and a port. After buying $10 worth of pizza and getting a little food in my system, I was ready. We decided to purchase a case. $5.99 a bottle...who could resist? It was really so simple. Stick the bottle in and it automatically fills and stops at 750 ml. Pull it out, cork it, wrap it up, and label it. We each fills our bottles and Kevin corked them, while I wrapped them in the foil using a "hairdryer".

The best part of the day was when one of the volunteers asked me who was corking and I pointed to Kevin. "Tell him to put the tapered side down," he said. "There is no tapered side and it'll be fun to watch him try to figure it out." Now, this was my kind of guy. "Hey, Kevin make sure you put the tapered side down," I called over my shoulder. I watched as Kevin held up the cork, examining it, turning it over trying to figure the damn thing out. It was priceless. You all know Mr. Know-It-All and when he asked, "How can you tell?" I busted out laughing.

We made quite the team and learned a bit from the veterans. We placed our labels over are old labels, making our wine bottles look like an old time suitcase with stickers from various places plastered all over. We're not sure if we'll actually spend the time to de-label them for the next go around or just keep adding labels.

We enjoyed some more wine, tasted from the barrels, contemplated joining their wine club...next time, and scarfed down more oven-baked pizza. The day was cool and crisp, but still warm.

We decided that next timewe'd bottle an extra case as Christmas is just around the corner and what a great gift. So, if next year you get a bottle of wine from us, yes, it was cheap, but I promise you'll enjoy every drop.

We headed up the hill, stopped at Holiday market to buy our typical date night food, read by the fire with hot chocolate in our hands, enjoyed many episodes of Entourage...we're finally catching up, and headed to bed early. What a treat to wake up at 6:30 AM knowing that it was my internal alarm that woke me, not the pitter-patter of feet. Yes, we did miss our family cuddle in the morning, but Nana took care of it for us.

Charles Mitchell and Papa, we will be back! Kevin, thanks for a wonderful day!

Expensive, But Worth It

Three years ago on September 15, 2007, Kevin and I said "I do!" I'm just now getting to write about how we spent our three-year anniversary.

My initial reaction to this day was "Three years is such a short period of time and yet three years feels like FOREVER!" This is not bad. My life before a husband and child seems like a lifetime ago, a dream. I just cannot seem to imagine my life without Kevin and Charlie.

Our anniversary day started out in the afternoon when a beautiful bouquet of my favorite flowers (stargazer lilies, gerbera daisies, and tulips) showed up at school with a simple note that said, "Happy Anniversary Love, Kevin". I have vowed to have flowers on my desk all year and this adds such a "happy" element to my classroom. The scent of lilies is still lingering throughout the room. The day had only just begun and I was one happy girl.

The little black dress from H and M that had been waiting forever for a chance to finally see the light of day was removed from its hanger and the tags were snipped off. I decided the jewelry that I wore on the day I said, "I do" was not only appropriate, but was a perfect accent to my outfit. In the spirit of the day, Kevin wore his "wedding jacket." We looked great and I realized that we need to get dressed up and go out more than just twice a year.

Nana showed up at 6:00 to spend quality time with Charlie and we were out the door. "So, where are we going?" I asked. We had agreed the previous week that Kevin would choose the restaurant and I would take care of the after dinner venue. "You SO don't like surprises," was all he had to say. He's right. This Control Freak wants to be in control and know what is lurking around every corner. I am not patient when it comes to things like this. The only clue he had given was that "we could walk if we wanted to be adventurous". Not in these shoes. Anyway, as we turned left onto Telegraph Ave. from Grand Ave. I knew where we were headed and I knew he took the "long way" to throw me off the trail. But as we pulled in front of the Fox Theater, I realized I was wrong. Yes, I was wrong. Across the street was the tiled restaurant that we drove by two years earlier and Kevin stated, "We need to try this." I couldn't remember the restuarent, but I do remember the day in question. We entered Flora, Oakland's premier restaurant and boy, is it deserving of being "the best".

We started at the bar, Painkiller #2 for me and a gimlet for Kevin. No, the Painkiller wasn't in anticipation of the evening. It just happened to be the only "girlie" drink on the menu. Anything with pineapple juice and rum works for me. After settling in and toasting to the rest of our lives, we were seated. Before we looked at the menu, I handed Kevin his gift and a card (yes, it was sappy). Now, like the most caring, thoughtful, kind wife I am, I had been listening to Kevin for months. I knew he had been searching high and low for the Life of Joseph Banks by Patrick O'Brian, his new-found, favorite author. I, too, had hit a few used bookstores and when I turned up empty, I turned to Amazon. The two women to the right of me looked strangely at Kevin's reaction and tried with all their might to read the title. I wanted to say, "It may be just a book to you, but it's better than sex to him." Okay, maybe not better than sex, but a close second. If I never bought Kevin anything other than books, he'd be happy as a clam. So, easy for me.

We reviewed the menu and while I was pretty sure I would be eating salmon that night, I asked our waitress what her favorite was. I was right, salmon over a corn, cherry tomato, basil, and mushroom "salad" it was. Kevin, not surprisingly, had the New York steak with an onion tart. A mixed green salad and bay scallops over fresh sweet peas would be shared prior to our meal. Now, what to drink? Red or white? I knew white complimented fish, but when I came across THE ONE, I knew I had to have it. How did I know it was the one? First, it was a Syrah, our version of the Australian Shiraz and to include Jon and Michael in our anniversary celebration was a must. Second, it was called "Boom Boom". "Broom Broom" means food. Don't ask, we don't know how food became "broom broom", but we know that is what Charlie wants. "Bomb Bomb" is baseball and his snuggle dog. Again, I get the snuggle dog because Kevin "snuggle bombs" Charlie before he goes to bed. Anyway, "Boom Boom" was just too a little too good to pass up. Next, it was from the Colombia Valley ( too close to Linfield). Really? Can it get any better. Why yes. Yes, it can. The winemaker was none other than Charles Smith, not just Charles, but Charles Smith. And what a glass it was.

We enjoyed wonderful conversation while humming our way through dinner. We did, however, have some amazing entertainment to our left. We watched a first date in action. He was a CEO, proud to mention to his date, and looked every bit of the Bill Gates type at about 5' 5" and she was "desperate" and very opposite Bill Gates type. It was clear what she wanted as she held his hand and touched him and it was clear what he did not as he kept saying things that in my opinion would turn any woman away. "I'm not wimpy, I'm just strategic," was one comment I heard. Kevin and I chuckled and commented on how happy we were that we would never have to experience a "first date" again.

A chocolate, peanut butter and nougat dessert brought our meal to a delicious ending.

Anything with peanut butter and chocolate gets my vote, but I also had to have the drink that I saw the bartender create from this beautiful antique. It turned out to be absinthe, a drink that was illegal until five years ago. It was potent, but worth the few sips of licorice I could handle until I turned it over to Kevin. We exited with a happy tummy knowing we would be back.

My turn! So, wanting to keep in the spirit of "our wedding" day, I drove Kevin to the bar that we danced the night away...post wedding reception. Unfortunately, the Serenader was closed and in it's place was the Heart and Dagger. Now, the Serenader was an Oakland favorite which was historically a black bar and I don't mean the decor. On our wedding night, Deanna and Kristie, were asked if they were in the right place. Does that tell you something? Live music, cheap drinks, and Harleys roaring in and out of the "parking lot"- the front of the bar was just what Oakland needed on any given night. We had such a great time that night. Good times and good memories!

We looked out onto the patio and I was secretly hoping I'd see Candi with her big personality, big voice, and big BOOBS! No such luck. The Heart and Dagger is just the opposite of the Serenader. It's a predominantly white bar of 20 and 30 year-old hipsters. We saddled up to the bar and enjoyed a drink and conversation next to James, the token black man in the bar, who shared our sadness in the closure of the Serenader. Regardless, I was glad we entered. To me it will always be the Serenader.

After we shared some memories, we returned home to relieve Nana of her duties and continued on with our anniversary celebration....

Alameda Flea Market

So, we've been hearing about this first Sunday of the month event for over a year and FINALLY got to see what all the talk is about.

It had been on my calendar for months, but of course today we were heading up to Sonoma. Sonoma and wine-tasting or Alameda and crap??? Tough choice. Sonoma was cancelled, as Pat was sick, so Alameda it was. Kevin packed up the kid and we were out the door by 10:00 AM. We decided, ahead of time, to put a three hour time limit on this adventure. Good planning on the part of the parents.

All, I can say is WOW! The flea market was located on the runway of the Alameda Naval Air Station and it went on forever and ever and ever. The weather was perfect. It was warm with a cool breeze. I got a nice little tan (tank top) and my face, well....I am not a believer in sunscreen and I should be. With nothing on our agenda to buy, we zig-zagged our way from back to front.

I was immediately reliving two days in my life where I was so overwhelmed that I had a "break

down". Kevin loves to reminisce about these days laughing his way as he retells the stories. The first was when we went to register at Crate and Barrel and the second was when we registered at Baby's R Us. Now, if you are like me and already had everything you needed before you got married, the idea of more "stuff" to put in a two bedroom apartment was just too much for me to handle. I literally passed the barcode reader to Kevin and ran out the door. After a Chai Tea Latte, I came to my senses. For some reason, a reassuring husband doesn't come to mind. Anyway, we made our way through and Kevin got to hold the "gun" and shoot. I think I remember having some say so.

Baby's R Us was worse. Maybe it was the hormones, but I don't think so. Did I really need all this stuff? I was so overwhelmed. Who needs 15 different brands of breast pumps from which to choose? Did I really need all that cute bedding? And if so, how do I choose between the Cowboy, Sports, All-American, Jungle, ABCs, Brown/Blue, Brown/Green or Monkey theme? Thank GODDESS for Carolyn who A. registered for me and B. gave me EVERYTHING, but the breast pump. Thankfully, all I really needed was diapers and wipes. Everything else was extra. Who needs a wipe warmer...not Charlie's butt.

So, you can only imagine the immediate "holy shit, not this again" feeling. However, being older and wiser, I was ready to take it on. I was amazed at all the stalls. We found it all from colorful tutus to gramophones. We found a stall with old Navy steam gages..Kevin loved this. Do you remember when McDonald's or Burger King gave out Disneyland glasses with a meal? I had the Mickey Mouse and the Pluto glass. Guess what was there? Talk about memories. We rounded a corner and I found "my" rocking horse. A gentleman was buying it for $10 for his grand-daughter...kind of scary as it was 30+ years old and looked every bit of it. I quickly asked to take a picture. Like I said...memories.

I told Kevin we could be rich if we had kept all our "crap" from years past. Thankfully, I'm not a hoarder. However, Kevin reminded me of a chandelier that I made him get rid of when he moved in. Then he proceeded to show me the exact one for $450. I guess I shouldn't look at everything as just junk.

I must say, we had fun and the next time we go I want to look for costume jewelry (which is so not me), but I think would be fun to have. We walked away spending a whole $5 each to enter and walked away empty-handed. We did get some ideas for a future house and know that when we get that future house, we will return.

The best part of the day...our rock star, Charlie. He lasted 2 1/2 hours before he was ready to call it quits. While we only covered about a 1/3 of the market, we saw plenty and will enjoy a return trip.

Photo Op... Almost Forgotten

Who could pass up the card called "Photo Op"? This is what I live for.

Earlier in the week, Kevin mentioned it was going to be brutally hot in Oakland and suggested a family beach trip...Half Moon Bay or Stinson? I jumped at HMB. I had a plan. Lunch at the Flying Fish Grill, a little shopping, and time at the beach. Let's go!

I threw my bathing suit on and a cute little dress and was ready to go. We had hoped Charlie would utilize the hour long trip and nap, but luck wasn't on our side. Not to mention, everyone and their brother had the same idea...BEACH! It took us a while to get there, but it gave me time to enjoy the scenery and reminisce. Half Moon Bay is one of my favorite places and it provides many great memories thanks to Gina and Lauren. We've spent many a day there at the beach, shopping, or dancing the night away at the Half Moon Bay Brewery (ok..so it's in El Granada, but it's close enough).

Luckily, at the peak of lunch, we were seated right away at the Flying Fish and Kevin got his fish tacos, I got my California wrap (filled with fried Shrimp and a mango salsa), and Charlie got his sweet potato fries. Why is it that when you are so excited about something and you finally get it, it's never as good as you remember? The next time we visit, we'll bring a picnic lunch and save the $30.00. However, I did get a thrill out of watching Charlie as he stuffed his mouth full of orange potatoes and Kevin hum as he was in fish taco heaven.

On Main St. we wandered through various stores admiring furniture that was well out of our price range. We are looking for that perfect dining room table and chairs for our next home. Sure it'll be a while, but we might as well be prepared. Actually, we found it at Wooden Duck, but still we love to look. Charlie was a rock star for the most part, but wanted out to walk around. It's tough on the streets when there are a ton of tourists doing the same thing we are. He loves to push his stroller, but if a cop were around he'd get pulled over for a DUI even though he is completely sober. As we walked into my favorite place, Have to Have It, a place with lots of crap (see photos), but stuff that is just super fun, I realized oh, shit this was supposed to be a "date night" and I completely forgot. Good thing Have to Have It is the perfect place for a photo op and I wasn't the only one there with the same idea. There was a girl taking one photo after another. I think it was a class assignment, but who knows. The first shot I saw was from behind the fence. Pumpkin planters in July, really?

Kevin looked at me as if I were crazy. His look saying, "Shouldn't I just be enjoying "family day" just because we were together? Why does every time we are on a date are you thinking of your damn blog?" Okay, so he would never say this nor would he even think this...maybe this is my guilt saying, "enjoy the day and don't worry about what you are going to write about later."

Kevin had a blast in Have to Have It. He found all kinds of antique furniture, old posters, and best of all, an old telephone booth that "if I had a bar, this would be in it." He enjoyed himself so much and I got a kick out of watching "my kid in a candy store". I loved taking photos of random "stuff" and think I may even use a couple on my website. Yeah, I need to create a new one, but that is a whole other story.

After browsing, we headed back down the street looking for coffee when I heard a really loud, rude voice. I turned and loudly cleared my throat hoping to get her attention letting her know she should keep it down. She thought I was being rude and then noticed who I was and laughed. I knew from the get-go that it was Ginny (a WMMS colleague), but was thrilled to see Sally and Sandy as well.

After coffee and a cookie, we jumped in the car and realized while it was perfect weather to be at the coast, it was too cold to go to the beach. We decided to head to Pescadero to go look at our favorite furniture store, Made in Pescadero. Kevin had picked up a flyer stating there was a Barn sale...there were a dozen or so yard sales in the town. Unfortunately, we arrived as everyone was packing up and there was nothing worth looking at. The funny thing is that neither Kevin or I give two cents about yard sales and yet, we wanted to see what sort of crap people were selling. After drooling over a $5,000 dining table (note: chairs NOT included), we headed home, but this time decided to go home over the Bay Bridge enjoying new scenery and avoiding the traffic going over the San Mateo bridge. And did Charlie utilize this time to get in a late afternoon nap...I think NOT!

One for Me, One for Us

Cheap...I think not. So, this entry doesn't follow the line of "cheap dates". Oh, well. We all deserve a little indulgence every once in a while.

After spending an afternoon with Mom going through old photo albums and scrapbooks (a project that is still in the works and has extended to my own home), I left Charlie with Nana and happily drove off for a date by myself. (Get your mind out of the gutter.) I drove home and asked Kevin to drop me off at Family Nails (bad name, great service). I didn't have to pay for parking...see, saving money and using my head. Over an hour was spent with a massage via a massage chair, leg and foot (my favorite) massage and the hand massage. Kevin still owes me two foot massages (a Mother's Day gift). At the last minute I decided to add a cute little flower to my toes. The funny this is, she painted hibiscus flowers on each big toe. The day before, I was wearing a glass pendant with a hibiscus flower that Kevin had made for me in Hawaii. I tried to explain this to her. I'm not sure how much she understood, but she did understand that I was more than pleased with her choice in flowers. Ok, I just realized how easy it is to "go off on a tangent". One story leads to another that leads to another. I should just stick to the "date part", but it's so much fun to let my memory drift to other wonderful memories and on and on and on. Back to the date...

I called Kevin to pick me up and we headed off to Flavors of India, a fabulous restaurant in our neighborhood. We love the ambiance and I could easily decorate my future home, ok, maybe a room like the restaurant with the jeweled colors and hanging tapestries. We ordered wine and enough food that Kevin will enjoy his lunch today. (Edit) Actually, we ate it for dinner and Charlie decided it was so good that he ate off our plates, as well. I was hoping for a walk, but that damn Bay Area summer fog had rolled in and all I wanted to do was go home and put on PJs and socks. I know, romantic. So, I curled up in a blanket, instead.

Kevin had borrowed Firefly (it was so good that they only made one season and stopped) from his parents on our last visit to Chino Hills. I must say I fell asleep during the first episode, but I finally got hooked. Think Startrek meets The Outlaw Josey Whales (I had to ask Kevin for help on this one) with a little A-Team thrown in. It's your basic space western. It's a little hard to grasp, but two of the women are absolutely stunning to look at...yes, I did say this.

It was a lovely, peaceful evening which ended in bed with a book (Kevin with his Patrick O'Brien and me with my Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest....sorry, no further information to be shared. A typical date night for us, minus the kid, which Kevin started missing at 4:00 in the afternoon, while we were still at Nana's. But our date continues as we sit here at Starbuck's laptop to laptop as I write this and Kevin looks for a job."You are looking for a job, aren't you?"

It's actually kind of sweet, sitting across from my husband "working".

We took two cars here, as I'm leaving shortly to pick up Charlie and have lunch with Papa and Yah, and as I saw him walking toward me I said, "Hey, it looks like we are headed in the same direction. Would you like to join me for a cup of coffee?" I was trying to flirt with this "random" man who looked like he was on his way to a cafe, but he didn't get it. I told him I would hit on someone else who would appreciate it. I think it's somewhere in the cards..."meet somewhere, pretend you don't know each other..." I tried. He was... well... clueless.

Cost of One for Me, One for You:

• Beautiful purple toes and light pink nails: $39.00 ( I tip well)
• Dinner with my love: $46.00 ( I round up)
• Firefly: (future trip to Chino Hills in a few weeks- cost: a hell of a lot of gas, but worth every penny)
• Books: (free: library and Fran (Mema Lopez))
• Stabuck's Coffee: (thank Goddess for the Gold Card. We'll need to add to them next time around)
• Time spent together: priceless. I must say, I really am enjoying this laptop to laptop thing...maybe it's my new foreplay. I love you, Honey Pie!

Bench Brunch or in Our Case... Steps Brunch

Being that we hadn't been on a date in some time and knowing that I had planned an awesome Father's Day (which unfortunately didn't happen...a super long story for family ears only), I thought I'd fit in a "quickie" on Saturday morning. I had been perusing my cards looking for something short and sweet. The card says, "Pick your favorite public bench and invite your honey to a bench date complete with bagels, coffee.... Be sure to give explicit directions to the bench were you are to rendezvous...."

I planned this the night before with Charlie's nap schedule in mind, thinking we'd rendezvous around 10:00 AM, right after his morning nap, as he wakes up about 6:00 AM and then goes back down about 8:30AM. Charlie, however, had other plans. Have you figured out yet that this was another one of those "family cheap dates"? The "alarm (aka Charlie)" went off at 7:15 (I love you Sunshine for letting us sleep in), however, and I had some quick thinking to do. I quickly jumped out of bed, told Kevin I had plans for us and to wait for further instructions. "What? No shower? What kind of plans do you have?" he questioned. I could hear it in his voice that he wasn't too optimistic about "my plans".

After getting dressed, brushing my teeth, and throwing my hair in a ponytail, I gave the boys a quick kiss and said, "get a move on and keep your phone near by". I grabbed a sippy cup of milk and a banana for Charlie along with his diaper bag and headed out the door. I drove down to Starbuck's bought a new mug (mine broke, so I took his and bought him the new one. I'm an awesome wife), ordered our Soy Chai Latte and Breve Latte, and texted Kevin, "Ready" (yes, I know I forgot the question mark) while I waited for our coffees. His reply was, "5 min and we're good." A few minutes later, I heard my cell phone ping "Rdy" (God, I hate abbreviations. It took me forever to figure out that BTW meant "by the way"). I ran next door to Noah's and got our regular weekend bagels and hopped back in the car. Sitting in the car, I realized I had forgotten two crucial pieces to the "date" so I texted, "Bring a blanket..it's colder than I thought. Please bring my wedding ring and wait further instructions." I didn't hear from him so I had to ask, "Did you ger (get) my message?" "No" was the response and then I read, "getting ring".

As I made my way to the destination, I started to feel a little giddy, knowing I forgot something key, but I would have to do it at a later date or a different date. As I arrived and knowing I needed a few minutes to set up, I texted, "Head to the car." Immediately, I read, "There."

I jumped out of the car, grabbed the coffee and bagels and our "to go blanket" (best purchase in Chicago. Thank you Bed, Bath, and Beyond) It's a blanket that folds up into a zippered pouch with a strap and it spends its life in the back on the car when our butts aren't using it.

I skipped down the steps and sent, "Meet me at...." trying to make him guess, wait, create some mystery...really I was just being a pain in the ass at this point. So I added to my final text, "the steps where we said I DO!" "Omw" was the response. Still not sure what that is. I know "Mmwaa, Aw, Sweet, OMG!", but what the hell is "Omw"? Oh, my wife...that fits. So, as I sit here typing (as Kevin is watching a ball game) I ask "What is "Omw"? and he replies, "on my way". Should I admit that I'm somewhat disappointed? I think I should have let it be and thought it meant something endearing. The day before I texted him that he looked hot and I got an "Aw shucks!" I think that was the type of thing I thought "Omw" meant. Next time, I won't ask. I'll just enjoy the thought that that little abbreviation that I cannot comprehend means something along the lines of, "I love you, Sweetie. You're the best wifey in the world."

Back to the story. I laid down the blanket on the very spot where Kevin and I were married by Jon. I set out the coffee, milk, and bagels and waited. I enjoyed a few minutes of peace and quiet and re-read a section of my book, The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin (this is a whole other blog). After a few minutes, Charlie and Kevin came down the stairs hand in hand. Charlie is now a master stair climber, but still needs a hand once in a while.

Kevin bent over to give me a kiss and handed me my ring. I gave it back to him. He got the hint and he placed it on my finger. "Good job," I thought to myself. The next time, I'm bringing a copy of our vows so we can "get married again". Sitting down beside me, Kevin joined me in our "Steps Brunch" cheap date. Charlie wandered around, explored the endless steps, had a few bites of bagel, and eventually made his way to the park.

During our date, I received a text that my college friend and her kids along with another friend and her kids would be arriving in Oakland at 11:30. I texted back that we would host lunch, as is was cheaper than going out and I already had most of the stuff. "I'll run to Safeway and get stuff for PB and J and run home and shower." I knew Charlie still needed some more play time and Kevin said, "I'll go to Trader Joe's and get lunch for the adults. By the way, the place is cleaned." I kissed him and Charlie good-bye and was on my way. Talk about team work. By the way, I did have about 30 minutes of "cleaning my way", but Kevin and Charlie arrived with a beautiful bouquet of my favorite flowers (Gerbera daisies and lilies). After I jumped out of the shower, I peaked in the kitchen and found Kevin cleaning the stove (his job anyway, but really?) and cleaning off the top of the refrigerator. Now, what is this all about? Either, he was hoping to to get lucky with his wife later on or he was really trying to impress Lisa and Kim. I knew they wouldn't notice the top of the refrigerator, but I was secretly grateful. My guess he was hoping to get lucky.

It was a wonderful, quick "cheap date", all of 45 minutes. But it was a perfectly lovely day, until....like I said it's a story for family ears only. And the CBN (Charlotte Broadcast Network) is going to her grave on this one. I know...it'll be a first.