Bill and I planned a Santa Barbara trip just around Christmas time. Our first "thought" of giving and getting gifts for eachother during the holidays...quickly set void by him as he bought me a few things...and said "from the kids". HE planned this whole trip. I patiently waited...during Valentines when everyone celebrated with their sweethearts...He was in Vegas for a clothing show...I kept thinking of our weekend away.
This is what I had in mind. During the week prior. Heading up to see some good bands...with some good friends....all along eating good food, and sipping awesome drinks..
And so we headed out....Thursday mid-morning...in my little Jetta girl....
But ended up here...at exactly 100 miles into our trip. After enjoying a very yummy lunch in Carpenteria...
Miss. Jetta had been acting very strange lately. After lunch, and getting back on the road...she suddenly turned off. We both knew what we thought it was....and of course...it was. She is a very sick girl.
Not a bad spot to be held up at. For all of maybe 45 minutes. AAA to the rescue, Bill's fast phone call to The Cab Company....in a small town called "Summerland". Oh so cute too!
And there you have our limo cab driver. And the sweetest lady to greet us.
So after loading my 5 bags, his 2 and our ice chest, and bags of stuff...we were off...!
We certainly weren't going to allow anything to slow us down, or simmer our fun. That's fo sho!
Let's do this baby.....
After setting up CAMP in our room! HAHA
After unpacking, and checking out our soon to be little home for the weekend...we headed to the sand across the street.
Bill and I hang on the beach alot. As most of you know. So being courtside in a harbour can be just another ordinary moment for us. So I quickly reminded him to find things we normally wouldn't in HB. As in these Pelicans. There were hundreds of them...and as we sat and watched...I learned how they bathe. So so funny. They quickly slap their wings in the water over and over. While at least 10 were doing this in a group of a hundred, the sound was suitfully hysterical. At least to me. And my margarita. HA!
Beautiful Thursday afternoon. Car towed home. Time with my honey by the water. Margarita in hand? Yes. Life is good.
Happy Hour gate has been opened.
Love this shot. Simple beauty.
Mama enjoying these moments.
How I felt after my margarita.
The view as we are seated for Happy Hour.....
At the best seafood restaurant in Santa Barbara. At least our opinion.
2 Dirty Martini's. 2 H20's. Yes please.
13 years ago. We stood in this very spot. So sweet.
There you see a booger in a glass. HAHA! I have always wanted to be brave enough to give an Oyster Shooter a try. Well...I did! And to say they taste good/bad? I don't think you can tell, you don't chew. You literally shoot em' down. Funny. I like to chew some grub. Maybe an appetizer of spinach dip with pita chips? Sigh
BAM! Just like that!
The morning we wake...we decide to go on a long walk......onto State Street. Shopping time! I spot this on the way. All things natural as most of you know me...Glitter doesn't catch my eye as much as natural wood, plants, rattan and bamboo do.
Meanwhile we decide we'd stop in here for a quick bite to eat and a good local brew.
After a stroll back to our room, and a little siesta...we were ready to hit the streets again. Pier first. Yield to the sign. HAHA!!! Sign on the pier. (I'm sure glad I didn't pack my sexy heels!)
One thing I noticed right away was the homeless population was by far more than anywhere I've ever seen. As disheartening as it can be..I did notice most look content. Most don't beg. Or at least harass you. As a matter of fact, not one "asked" us for money. They do their own thing. This guy "Fred" is very creative. Offering the pier walkers a chance at LUCK. He had different options on where your coin can fall. Giving you better luck with each different spot. It did catch my eye. It did make us smile. Thanks Fred.
You can add up your luck too.....
Those sticks have redcups floating with water..Imagine the luck you receive if you'd land one in there. I also took notice to all the footsteps surrounding his creation. Think he checks on "things" alot?
While blogging pictures I can't believe how many are of me! Usually it's the latter. I'll take it though. One day when I've grown very old, my kids will look back on these...I hope...
I LOVED this little cafe set on the end of the pier. Oh so cute!
My sugar plum
A beautiful Starfish.
That's the glitter I like.
Our hotel room. View from pier.
What amazed me the most on the pier...NO LEDGE! NO RAILS! I have a fear of heights. So I sat down. I looked out and beyond. Soaking up the sunset. Loving the ocean breeze. Taking in the moment....
Especially cuddle up to him.
HE PULLED out this surprise!!!
The most amazing bracelets. (Thank you Beach City Jewelers! Seal Beach) That girl in there sets him up pretty good....
And so after many hugs...and kisses. And my wiped away tears. eh em....Don't know why...lol! We headed to The Endless Summer Restaurant for dinner.
We quickly noticed this place was the Friday "Hot Spot"...as you see the sign...(pow Hah - nah)....It really wasn't the end "our" work day...but it certainly was neat to watch the locals unwind. As a little one man band set up to play his acoustic guitar. Just my kind of place..
Just HIS kind of place. Just because. His favorite treat. Fresh popcorn machine poppin' away as we sit down. I see his face light up. So sweet.
Our view. The harbor. The mountains. 2 paddleboarders. Life is good.
Some local catch. Rock Cod. My Dad used to catch these, bring em home...and teach my sister and I how to filet them. Right on the slab sidewalk. HAHA!
Orrr....if you're looking for some Sea Snails to grub. Just be sure to boil 20-40 minutes....either or....haha. uewww.
And this my friends....is the start of the SILLIES! Sean and Jaymee have arrived!
O' Malleys in Santa Barbara....
The Hecklers.
The Troopers
The Sandbar Crew
Jaymes and Bill-e-0!
Time for Cold Springs Tavern! Limo ride...
If you have the time to check this little tavern out...please do. So super cool. Amazing restaurant with the yummiest food...set up in the mountains atop Santa Barbara....delish! Good GOOD Bands. Small, quaint locals. Tucked up, up and away in the with the aroma of a wood burning fireplace...Cold Springs Tavern. YUM! and FUN!
Looking back, we wished our night started earlier here...just to check things out.
Our night ended with dancing, and a ride back home in our limo... Of course silly all the way home...weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
Sunday morning we awoke ready to head home. Here's our rental car. 100 miles back home. Back to reality. Back to K & K. Back to my kitties and Bucksie...Ready for my own bed. Ready to take on the week. Getting back into routine. I loved every minute away. Especially with Bill. We have so much fun alone. The time we share will always be the moments that take my breath away. Cheers to making it through Monday. I am exhausted. Wishing everyone a great week. Go get em! I know I certainly will...
The last bit of beauty along the coast, before we dashed back into reality. I love those Torrey Pines whispering to the ocean. I could easily relocate up the coast. Very very easily. Do you remember my post with the farm table set for wine? My little horses...and goats...? I could EASILY relocate up the coast......Easily.