Newport Coast, CA - Pelican Hill

I feel challenged by this thought:  There are 1,440 minutes in each day.  How are you using yours?  This is usually a business related question but for this blog I'm contemplating this from a personal perspective.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zp5Eyt7knus 

I started drinking coffee in my late 30's and began by putting milk and sugar in it.  I've kept that mix up over the years, but with "The Wedding" now less than 30 days away I'm amping up the fitness regime, so I decided to try coffee sans sugar.  Turns out it's OK and this will be the new normal, equating to up to (possibly) 300 fewer calories a week without diet or exercise.  I love it.  So, stay with me here as the story unfolds.  Before heading out of town to Pelican Hill I'm celebrating a very Happy Chinese Sheep/Goat Year with friends.  

The Chinese zodiac is a calendar system that originated in the Han dynasty (206 to 220 B.C.). It names each of the years in its 12-year cycle after an animal: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig.  My Chinese Zodiac is Pig.  新年快樂 恭喜發財 紅包拿來 is a traditional New Year saying which translated  means something like, Show Me the Money so we passed around bright red envelopes with various forms of currency or currency like items in keeping with the tradition.  In mine was some sugar packets since my friend doesn't use sugar and whenever I go to her house I bring my own.  Although I won't be using sugar in my coffee I expect there will be other uses, but I don't expect to see the benefits of the sugar give up this week as the scrumptious meal will make up for it.

So on to Pelican Hill.  I've been fortunate enough to stay at this magnificent two time Five-Star rated resort located on the coast of Newport Beach in California on multiple occasions, including the first time in 2010 a little over a year after they opened.  This place is so fantastic it's ranked the #1 resort in the U. S. by the readers of Condé Nast magazine.  And, little known fact, this is the only place I've ever participated in a flash mob (true story - to "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey)  and it was a blast.

The resort style is inspired by the work of 16th century Italian architect Andrea Palladio, best known for his homes across the Venetian countryside.  Each guest room has a limestone fireplace, private terrace (mine with an ocean view), wood beam ceiling and a marble bath to name a few features.  This is not your typical business travel.    I got to hear a great speaker/musician at the meeting, really good - http://www.mikerayburn.com/mike-rayburn-videos/

 

In the world of Groundhog Day, this wasn't a bad place to have to repeat a day over and over.

Valentine's Day, President's Day & Mardi Gras

There's something about all of these February holidays, maybe they're here to help chase away the winter blues, but it seems like we have a lot to distract us this time of year.
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Starting with Valentine's Day.  I love this holiday, what's not to love about being in love or thinking about being in love!  This could be a holiday every month.  Everyone likes being reminded they're loved. I recommend giving a loved one a hug or some love right now - even mentally.  Life is short. 

President's Day - maybe my favorite February holiday, Seriously.  With so many businesses closed it's good to just  take a break, sleep late, play, hang out or do home stuff and of course, check out the totally awesome work from the David Addicks studio here in Houston.

Thanks George, Abe and the rest of you President's, it's a tough job.   And this photo below from June 2014 when Tyler, Gabby and I went to Mt Rushmore (it was so much fun).

And then there's Mardi Gras, which is in full throttle here in the Gulf Coast part of the U.S.  The festivities actually began January 6th or Twelfth Night and end on Fat Tues which is February 17th.  There's a ton written about the history of this festival but suffice it to say, at least in this blog, that it's been around since the 1,600's and Fat Tuesday has officially been a holiday in Louisiana since 1875.  Every detail about the festival has meaning from the King Cake with the baby in it, to the beads, parades, royal courts, cotillions, masks, bands, costumes, food, Krews, drinks, etc. It is all so much fun that the best you can do is just embrace it and start fresh with remorse, penance, and discipline beginning the next day.  If you can find it check out the version of the song in the link below by John Rankin, but this one is good and the pictures are great:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bTW8-t6pPmo

And while we're talking about NOLA, is there anything sexier than Dennis Quaid in "The Big Easy" or Harry Connick, Jr, in well, in anything or . . .  Yes, Mardi Gras can bring out the passion in you.  Voulez-vous coucher avec moi ce soir?  Now where's my masque . . .

Las Vegas, NV in February and thoughts of Spring

Back to Las Vegas, this time New York New York hotel and my room overlooking the rollercoaster.  This shot at sunrise. 

Luckily it didn't run too late into the night so no loss of sleep and it was fun to hear the people screaming when they went by.  A fun part of this trip; hanging out with a friend at the non descript 24 Hour Bar. 

Before I left San Diego and flew to Vegas I had a minor tragedy with my iPhone. I dropped it and then it got crushed by a car while at a service station.  I didn't even know it happened until I was pulling into the airport and realized it was missing.  I went back to see if I could find it and it was quite pitiful lying crushed but still blinking on the ground.  What's most tragic is the photos of Carlsbad weekend that I didn't get a chance to upload :( and needless to say I'm almost at a loss without it and am working on the replacement - at least it will be a iPhone 6 (using bberry in interim) and I won't have to type in a passcode any more, I'll be able to use a thumbprint.  Ahh silver linings.   

Then back to Houston

Weather Forecast for Valentines Day:  Sunny 78° high 54°low

 

Finally sunshine and 70 degrees again.  This is why you live here!

 

San Gabriel and Carlsbad, CA

A classic to kick off the month of February:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OyBSrBqogPY

As is known, truth is sometimes stranger than fiction so file this next one under a bit bizarre;  background: Gem's BFF and neighbor Daisy has been dealing with some health issues lately and her parents haven't wanted to leave her at the groomer's and further stress her out.  Since I've been grooming Gem for the past 7 years (and still no pro) I agreed to do this for Daisy and then did Gem the next day.  Gem seemed a bit laid back over the weekend given the excitement of having her friend over but I didn't think too much of it. Monday she ate, walked and did her normal things but still seemed a bit subdued.  By Tuesday it was clear something was wrong, she didn't want to eat, drink, walk or play, by Wednesday she was throwing up and Thursday all symptoms continued and she had dirreah too.  Friday I decided to send her to the vet and after blood tests and X-rays its been determined she swallowed a coin. This too shall pass as they say but poor baby what a tough week she had.

I made it to San Gabriel, CA Friday mid day with the idea of visiting the San Gabriel Mission but I ran out of time.  Sue and I visited the one in Carlsbad in 2010 and ever since I've wanted to drive the Mission trail to see all 21 - such an interesting and beautiful history.  

Then I was off to Carlsbad to visit Sue and The Schleutkers!!  Sue and I walked along the beaches, one of my favorite things to do, and stopped here at Tamarack Beach.

That night we were treated to a mini concert by Vivian and Grant.  They can jam!

Next day Sara, Vivi, Grant and I headed over to the botanical gardens, they had a blast climbing the tree house, building stuff and playing in the stream chasing boats. 

 

When we got back Nellie had missed everyone so much she was treated to a bit of dress up. 

 

 

Great time as always with my San Diego family and looking forward to seeing you all next month.