Queenkv’s Brainpickings

Oysters from Murphy’s in Sonoma, originally uploaded by queenkv.

Enjoying champagne and bbq oysters.They’re char-grilled. Tasty with some Yuccatan hot sauce.

The Swiss Hotel in Sonoma, originally uploaded by queenkv.

Hanging out in Sonoma. This is the bar at the Swiss Hotel. It’s been around since 1909. I enjoyed the Kenwood Pinot Noir

On our a weekend trip down to So Cal, we met up with my cousin and her hubby. They were nice enough to take some time off from work and hang out with us at the Block.

We checked out the Lucky Strike Bowling Alley. It was a little loud, but we still had a sporty good time.

Bowling at the Block from Kris Vera-Phillips on Vimeo.

One of Many, originally uploaded by queenkv.

My piece is the white one under the fortune cookie saying.

I Should Wash My Hands, originally uploaded by queenkv.

Probably one of the most disgusting things I’ve done. Still, it was thrilling and now I’m part of SLO history.

Leaving My Wad Behind, originally uploaded by queenkv.

I wanted to leave my mark on the wall. I had a minty piece of Orbit gum

Bubblegum Alley, originally uploaded by queenkv.

People have been adding their wads of gum to this wall for decades.

Mama’s Meatball in San Luis Obispo, originally uploaded by queenkv.

Annoyed with waiting 30 minutes for this bruschetta sandwich. The rissotto was heavy on the butter. The homemade bread tasted like something from the store. This lunch was not worth the wait.

One more serving of tasty home cooking, originally uploaded by queenkv.

A hearty breakfast before our road trip to Nor Cal. My Ninong’s chicken adobo, rice and a hardboiled egg.

COVINA, CALIF — Time flies when I back in So Cal with my family. We’re driving back to Nor Cal in a few hours.

I’m grateful many of them agreed to take a day off to sync up with my funky weekend schedule. My sleep schedule was also messed up. I’m sure I’ll be back to my graveyard existence in a day or so. Imagine me, walking around with the LA sun on my face and falling asleep at night with the hubby. It’s like I had a normal day job…or something.

A few brief notes on my weekend in So Cal before I head out for one more jogging excursion.

• The 5.5-hour drive down I-5 felt like a piece of cake.
• I ate too much good food. I also drank too much. Still, both activities are necessary and savored when I’m hanging out with my family. It’s a blessing to feel loved and accepted without the pressure of having to impress people and prove myself. Time outside of the newsroom can be a good thing.
• Meeting up with a former Kansas buddy and comparing our post-Topeka notes. He lives in a fantastic part of West Hollywood and sounds content.
• Running next to the Pacific was a dream come true. I loved breathing the ocean hair and leaving my shoe prints in the sand. Mark said it best, it was a recharging experience.
• Jennie, Scott and Kai! Yah!!!! I missed them so much! Kai likes to jump around and may be he would get along with Daisy. Then again, maybe not. Still, the humans had a fun and challenging time at the Lucky Strike Bowling alley at the Block. I shot some video with the Flip Camera and will post it in a bit.
• I loved the Mozart concert at the Hollywood Bowl. Beautiful music, balmy weather and an iconic LA setting.

No matter where we go - for work, school or pleasure - I feel my roots draw me back to So Cal.

As always, I wish I could stay longer.