Queen Janet and King Marty

Sunday we went to Bodega Bay to celebrate our 45th anniversary and two friends’ birthdays.  We all had these events fall within a couple of weeks.  We decided we should get together and celebrate.  This started out as a lovely pot luck at Janet R and Frank’s  home in Bodega Bay.  And then it became a wonderful party given by Frank and Janet.

We met at their house, drank some champagne, and then went to the Blessing of the Fleet. 

Janet R took a picture of the circle of friends.  Then we all piled into one car and went to the Blessing of the Fleet.

Boats were loaded down with people.  It is a small fleet in Bodega Bay.  This is a working fleet that fishes for crab, salmon, whatever is in season.  This is not just weekend boaters.  We had Coast Guard, the Sheriff’s boat and then several working boats.

Then it was back to Janet’s and Frank’s for more champagne, appetizers, and lunch.

Marty and I were still celebrating our 45th anniversary, Janet R a big birthday, and Kirsten, our baby friend, a birthday. Marty and I thought this was a party for everyone.  But it became all about us.  Not fair, but I loved it.

Sir Frank preparing to read an important proclamation.

                                                                 

 Sir Frank still talking.  Birthday Girl, Lady Janet R, recording the event.  The court dog Topper joining in.

Our Court Jester, Karl.

                                                                   

Birthday Girl, Kirsten, is being pinned as a Vestal Virgin ??? We were laughing so hard we aren’t sure what her title is.  We are pretty sure the title is wrong.  The woman is married with a son.

Our Virgin is messing around with the Court Jester.

                                                                                                                                                                           

Sir Frank crowns King Marty.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

King Marty and Queen Janet.

Again, the Royal Couple.

                                               

Sir Frank and Court Jester Karl  are ready for the royal lunch.  Sir Frank was also our chef.

We had such a fun time.  What great friends to have costumes, crowns, and wonderful food for us.  These are friends that have laughed with us, cried with us, cursed with us, partied with us.  These are our dear FRIENDS.

UP THE NORTHERN COAST AGAIN

This is our month for visiting the North Coast of California.  Last weekend we went to Sea Ranch.  Today we drove up to Bodega Bay.  We had lunch with friends at their lovely home, which has a killer view. Pictures to follow. It was a lovely afternoon with our hosts and another couple.  The food and wine was great.  Conversation was interesting.  We discussed families, books, mutual friends, dogs, problems with our AT&T cell coverage, even a little bit of gossip. 

Appetizers were guacamole, incredible bread, and lots of cheeses with champagne.  Lunch was salmon and steak; salad with blueberries, walnut, blue cheese; new potatoes; and apple pie.  Yummy, yummy

On the way to Bodega Bay, this is Valley Ford.  A wide spot in the road. You can see not much traffic on a Sunday morning. 

View from our hosts' living room.  The fog comes and goes.

More from their living room.  Fog coming in a little more.

Right before we left, most of the fog is gone and we have a sparkling view.

Close to home on I 80.  Lots of cars.  We are back in civilization.

THAT'S A LOT OF BULL!

Yesterday we drove to The Sea Ranch for a birthday party.  Our friends have a lovely home there and hosted a great lunch at the lodge.  Getting there was an adventure.  FromOakland it was 2 1/2 hours to 3 hours.  Most of the trip is on a 2 lane highway which hangs over the Pacific Ocean.  Great views, terrible driving conditions: fog, wind, narrow blind curves, and flat lander tourists who are scared to death.  There are turnouts for the nervous tourists to pull over so the faster people can go by.  Unfortunately the tourists are too stupid to know they are driving slow.

We left at 8:00 in the morning to make a 12:00 lunch.  We built in the tourists, fog, and breakfast.  At Bodega Bay about half way there we stopped for fuel and food.  We were just going to have toast, but a great view and good smells caused us to order eggs and the works.

One of the views at Bodega Bay.  Notice the heavy grey fog. 

Part of the drive we were in the clouds and had to use our windshield wipers.  As we continued to climb, the road become curvier, narrower and more interesting.  Even with the fog the views were awesome.  And I really hate the use of awesome.  But this time, the only word that works.  We began to cross over cattle guards, (you city folks click here.)  Why would a highway on the side of cliffs have cattle guards?   This is why.  A Charolais bull was coming down the middle of the road.  And he was headed toward our side.  Look at the picture.  They stand close to 6 feet tall and weigh as much as 3000 pounds!  It was like a Hummer crossing into our lane.  We wanted to stop and take a picture but were afraid he would either charge our SUV or try to mate with it. So Marty car drove very carefully by him.  Others at the party also shared the road with the bull. He completely owned that highway.

I mentioned the turnouts the tourists should use and don't.  Marty taught many of them how to use the turnouts.  Marty must be the first on the road.  He must set the pace for everyone.  And if they don't understand that, well he drives up their tailpipes until they get off his road.   I do agree with him on this item.  If you are scared of the curves, scared of the narrow road, and scared of no guardrails, OK then drive slowly.  But pull over at the turnouts and let the people who can drive, fly on by. 

The party was lovely.  Lots of fun, lots of wine and champagne, lots of love in the room.  As the day wore on the fog finally burned off.  Below are three pictures from the deck of Hank's and Thom's home.

Looking left

Looking right

Looking head on           

I posted one of these pictures on face book yesterday.  Noemi commented that she needed richer friends.  Yes, it is good to have friends who share their toys.

As I said, a lovely day.