Dom Pérignon

Yeah, that is right, we are poppin' Dom to celebrate our anniversary!  

This is the first time we have ever tasted Dom Pérignon, but it will not be the last.  In fact, we think it will be a yearly thing.  Actually the more we drink about it the more it seems like it should be a daily thing. 

Dom Pérignon was a French monk and a wine pioneer in the later 1600s.  His work with wine contributed to the production of champagne.  It wasn't until 1921 that the first vintage of Dom Pérignon champagne was sold.  (Vintage just means that all of the grapes were grown the same year, and that the year was a good year for grapes.)

2006 was a spectacular vintage.  

And 2018 was an even better one. 

Easter is Canceled This Year, Kids

Since an outdoor Easter egg hunt is out of the question we did an indoor Easter egg hunt, which was just as much fun.  A1 got a few new books, a hat, plastic eggs filled with air, and an egg puzzle, which we hid in various conspicious locations. 

 

We can't travel to Canada now, but we can enjoy Quebec maple syrup. 

Later we walked around the neighborhood and found evidence that Easter used to exist.

Virtual conversations don't replace real visits, but it is better than nothing.

The jury is still out for A1.

The success to looking this good while holding a phone, is not holding the phone.

Lucky for us we took our Easter pictures a few weeks ago, before Daley Ranch was boarded up!

It is all about being ahead of the curve, while simultaneously flattening it.  

Oceanside Not So Wildflowers

There is something about days of rain, and weeks of quarantine, that really make you appreciate being outside in the sun.

I just had to get a glimpse of the ocean, even if just for a brief moment, before doing our Wrong Side of Coast Highway Walk.

This side of Coast Highway means we have blocks of insight about who is coming/who to avoid. 

The coast is clear.

They aren't wildflowers but at this point any piece of color emerging from any crack in the sidewalk is a breath of fresh air.

I know some people (a lot of people) just can't understand it, but I love this city.

Oceanside Now

Wish I was there too! 

So close but so far away. 

They closed the pier before they closed the beaches. Which means no more walking, running, swimming or surfing in Oceanside anymore.  

The pier has no fisherman. 

Restaurants are selling TP. 

And wine makers are making hand sanitizer. 

Times are a changing. 

So much for thinking I am going to spend the pandemic taking long walks on the sand! 

Oh well, we enjoyed it while it lasted.  

Popemobile on the San Luis Rey River Trail, Day 1

Today is day one of A1's new popemobile.  It has been too long since my bike's tires have left their tread on the San Luis Rey River Trail.  Way too long.  It feels so good to get out.  For so many reasons.  My favorite parts of the trail are going under the bridges.  I think going under Interstate 5 is the best.

We are back, baby!

Beaches Closed to Fun in Oceanside

The beaches are closed to lingering, but it is still permitted to walk, run, surf and swim.

For now.

A1 and I wanted to see it for ourselves.

Yep, story checks out.  

Someone sitting down while using their phone was rolled up on and told to keep it moving.

And these guys playing catch were told to knock it off.

I do not envy the new role of life guards.

I looked both ways before quickly picking up contraband like shells and rocks for A1 to hold.

She still needs life experiences.

We are longing to be free as a bird once again...

but meanwhile we are as grateful as ever to live where we live.

Beach Lots Closed in Oceanside

All of the parking lots near Oceanside beaches are closed until further notice.

But this did not prevent people from coming to the beach, as you can see from the line of cars and the crowded sidewalks.

This sign does not seem to be helping people understand the concept of social distancing. 

It is confusing.  What don't people get?

One, two, three, four, five, six.  

Six.

Six feet.

Maybe the Count from Sesame Street needs to do a public service announcement.

As soon as we saw how busy the beach was we hightailed it out of there.

Our goal is always to be upstanding citizens and isolate ourselves, so going just one street inland for our walks has been helping, especially on the weekends.

There is a bike path next to the train tracks, near the transit center, which not only give us social distance but we get to wave at the trains as the pass through town.