Rollin in...

Sittin' on the wall watching the time go by
Reminiscing of the high and the low tides
In the ocean waves of emotion grip so tight
The pressure of the wave has got me
Can't seem to make it though the sets are rollin’ in

Rollin in...
Can’t seem to make it though the sets are rollin’ in... - Rollin, Tomorrow Bad Seeds

During our stay in San Felipe, we felt right at home in the beach bungalow we rented from Airbnb at Victors RV. We were steps from the sea and walking distance to the Malecon which is dotted with shops and restaurants. We visited during low season so the area was pretty desolate. Only a few restaurants were open for breakfast or lunch. Far more were open for dinner.

Though, you could tell much of the businesses were shuttered for sometime, including the Rockadile. I assume this was due to the season, but perhaps the economy is to blame. Multiple 7 Elevens and an Auto Zone looked liked they were newly opened so I'm betting it is lively during peak season and the Baja 250 & San Felipe 250 races.







I booked the bungalow for its proximity to the water and it did not disappoint - The view was stellar. The sea breeze was a bit chilly, but the warm sun felt nice. That is until it set, anyway; the nights were down right cold. The unit is equipped with A/C but no heat. While it was pretty basic overall, I liked it. It was cozy and comfortable. Even with the duct tape.













You might have noticed the sea level the photos above. San Felipe is really quite special because it experiences a large tidal bore, one of the world's largest; water can recede as much as 2 km during low tide. We didn't encounter that much difference, but the water did recede about 3 football fields in front of the bungalow. I was completely fascinated. Clamming and metal detecting is quite common during low tide. This was when we saw the most people on the beach - 6 counting us. The sunrise was amazing! We also enjoyed a long early morning walk on the beach down to where the shore meets the wall to the neighboring marina. And then, at low tide we walked out as far as we could. It was really wild.



































We only had a few meals while in San Felipe. Breakfast and lunch options were pretty slim, on the first day Frank and I had lunch at Baja Mar. We ordered fish tacos, grilled and fried. They were served in a build your own style. The grilled were better than fried here, the breading slipped off the fish and lacked the crunch I expect. The next morning, we had breakfast at a little place specializing in Cuban and Mexican, it's on the second floor across from the bank. I failed to catch the name. Breakfast was great, we had chilaquiles and huevos rancheros. It was cheap too, about $9 US.













As luck would have it, both of our dinners were at La Vaquita. Previously, there was only one location near the Malecon. It is Frank's aunt & uncle's favorite. They recently opened a second location near El Dorado Ranch in a space previously occupied by another restaurant. It was quite the surprise to find the same menu. Then, we got the scoop from the waiter. Taco Factory, Baja Mar and La Vaquita are all owned by the same family, the mother (if I'm not mistaken) passed away last year. Now, the children, a brother and sister have taken over operations and they opened the second La Vaquita. We preferred the original location. It had better ambiance, service and they accepted credit card. The food was a bit better there too, although, the new spot had better presentation. My favorite part of both meals was the yellow peppers stuffed with shrimp. Yum.









We were pleasantly surprised to find two Thrifty Ice Cream shops (El Dorado & Malecon). We're big fans and couldn't resist a stop after dinner one night. A single scoop of pistachio and strawberry hit the spot, even if I couldn't shake the chills.

Cotton Candy Sky

Take Me Down to Mexico

"Take Me Down to Mexico, Rosarito San Felipe, Baja California..."
- Rosarito, Long Beach Dub Allstars

Frank and I took a quick jaunt south of the border. We left on Sunday, we weren't sure when Frank would get out of work - Playoff Games - so I booked a night at the Quality Inn El Centro on Hotwire. We lucked out a bit and hit the road earlier than expected and no traffic was to be found. We clocked in at four hours. Our first choice for dinner was not open, but thankfully, we found Jalisco Grill just before it closed for the evening. The combo plate and chimichanga hit the spot and the frosty Tecate was refreshing. Back at the hotel, we finished binging Sneaky Pete. The hotel was worn, but clean. I am not sure why it warranted a 'Love it' from Hotwire, but it met our needs.







With a full tank (Mexico stopped subsidizing their gas prices at the first of the year), we made one stop at Starbucks before we headed for the border. Thick smog covered the sky and it didn't let up until we were well past Mexicali. The border crossing into Mexico was undergoing construction. There was no waiting about 8am and we were able to pass without saying a word or showing any documentation. The highway to San Felipe is in great condition (way better than those in California), it's easy to navigate and the views are pretty scenic. After 2.5 hours we spotted the Rockadile which marks the turn off to El Dorado Ranch.





Frank's uncle and aunt have a house and a couple solar lots in that community. They escape the Chicago winter every year in January. This trip, they invited Frank's mom to join them. They also invited us down. We were welcome to stay at their place, but we opted to rent a beach bunglalow in Victors RV via Airbnb. If I can afford beachfront, I'll choose it every time. But before we checked in, we met up with them for a brief tour. They have a lovely two bed two bath house that sits between the Sea of Cortez and the Mountains. As an added bonus, there is a rooftop deck that offers panoramic views. The community has a couple pools, clubhouse with activities, private beach access and a couple of restaurants. There is a small market and gas station nearby so the set up is very convenient. It's easy to see why they enjoy it. The house is available for rent the rest of the year.









Solar lots in El Dorado Ranch are raw land without electricity. Many park RVs on these lots. Though there are a few homes with solar and/or wind.







The pools near their place are newer. The other is in La Ventana del Mar which is closer to the beach. There are luxury condos on that side surrounding the golf course that are modern day ruins. When the real estate market in the states went bust, San Felipe was severely impacted. Houses, condos, hotels all remain unfinished. Folks had big dreams, but now only the skeletons remain. But I digress, the pool area is large with a lap pool, lounge pool and large hot tub.

The Morning Light

When the Night Sky Kisses the Light of Day

2017 = 365 Opportunities

Welcome 2017! Whether you gave 2016 a swift kick or a wistful good-bye, I hope the new year has been treating you well. Mine was pretty quiet, with any luck that means a peaceful twelve months will follow. I know many choose a word to shape their year, however, I prefer not to assume or make intentions. I'd rather it unfold organically. At least, that's been the case for the past few years. At year end, I've reflected on the daily joys and challenges; and then, chose the word to sum up the 365-day journey. 2013, Simplify; 2014, Celebrate; 2015, Persevere; 2016... Thankful. Sure, there were many bad days scattered among the good, but at the end of it all I was thankful for health, love and family. And Take5 candy bars.

Traveling was a large part of our 2016. It was love at first sight when we set foot in Nicaragua, we returned to favorites like Austin, San Diego, San Francisco, Portland and Louisville. Our time in Cincinnati was brief, but we were definitely intrigued. Food always plays a big role in our lives, but rather than trying as many new places as possible we stuck to those that are reliably outstanding - Cleo, Joe's, Marisco's Playa Escondido, I'm looking at you. My annual year in review is lacking as a result, but in any case the following was the notable of 2016:

Biggest regret - Not letting go of things I cannot change

Do More - That brings joy


LOCAL EATS


[Photo: yelp/el dorado cantina]

Biggest Craving - Tableside Guacamole, El Dorado Cantina



Best Bite - Spicy Cigars, Cleo



Welcome to the Neighborhood - Shang Artisan Noodle


[Photo: yelp/TonyT]

Best Value - Komex Fusion


[photo: facebook/buddha belly deli]

RIP - Buddha Belly Deli. I'll miss Pho Dips and Dragon Breath Fries.


TRAVELS



Life Changing - Noble Ale Works; Anaheim, CA



Best Eats - Austin. It continues to hold the title. The BBQ is just unreal.



Most disappointing - Portland Eats, the exception was Pine State Biscuits.



Most relaxing - Casa Serena; San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua

ENTERTAINMENT

Best Song - Cake by the Ocean, DNCE. I'm so embarrassed to admit it, but it's so catchy - it makes me happy.

Best Album - Falling into Place, Rebelution

Best TV Show - The Crown, Netflix

Best Concert - Rebelution at Mandalay Beach, Moorea Beach Club

Best Movie - Snowden? I'm coming up empty for box office picks.
Television Movie - HBO's All the Way

The Happy of 2016

I have heard so many complaining about 2016 being the worst year ever. I'm not sure if the media is to blame or if it's due to politics, celebrity deaths, or maybe, they've suffered actual turmoil. It's been a pretty OK year for me. Sure, there have been kinder and less stressful years, but none were as bad for me as 2015. I survived that, and others will survive 2016. If we all take time to look back, I'm sure we could compile a list of things, moments or memories that brought the happy into our every day. Mine is something like this:

Since Frank and I shared our home this year; we had little time alone - just the two of us - something we've taken for granted in past years. It made our lazy days in Nicaragua, unexpected time in San Diego and gallivanting all over San Francisco more special. We were free to be us. No distractions.

Baby giggles, seeing the world through a toddler's eyes and witnessing the curiosity of a pre-teen was simply the best! That joy, wonder and interest is the magic that makes one's heart full.

Appreciating the gift of everyday, getting another chance to try again, to do better, or maybe, even, fall apart.

Often, it is as simple as watching Carpool Karaoke with James Corden.

That's a Wrap

Now that Christmas is over, can we move along to summer? Please! How's that for a bah humbug? The warmth might not return quite as fast as I'd like, but at least the days are getting longer. I might see the sun again soon. I can't be the only one that misses daylight, can I? I'm lacking vitamin D in a bad way.

That said, I hope you all found the magic of Christmas this holiday. I had these cute santa babies to help keep me in the holiday spirit. Addy is beginning to have an understanding of the holiday happenings, and Lex was pretty oblivious, but she did seem to enjoy the ornaments best for her first Christmas. Santa didn't pay Frank & I visit this year since there were no kiddos in the house, but I think he would've enjoyed Pipeline Porter & nutella stuffed sugar cookies as much as I did. He did bring the kiddos all sorts of goodies - Nick must have been especially good this year, he was thrilled to find a PS4 under the tree.

On christmas day Mike, Tuco and Blaine came out from Pahrump. My dad, Amy, Jeff and the kids came over, along with Frank's uncle, and later, his cousin and her boyfriend too. I cooked a ham and the fixings. Parmesan salad and Snow tunnel cake too to keep up mom's tradition. I thought this Christmas might have been a little easier since it was the second without her, but the sting of sadness didn't fade a bit. Even so it was nice to enjoy the best gift of the season, gathering together.

I Choose You - A Pokemon Birthday

Last month, we celebrated Nick's 10th birthday. Like most kid's his age he's been obsessed with Pokemon. He told us months before his birthday that he wanted a Pokemon themed party. I looked into various options and narrowed down party ideas to two and I let Nick have the final say. Instead of a painting party (Pikachu) he chose a party at home with a bounce house. I wasn't sure a bounce house would fit in the backyard, but I measured twice and it'd be tight, but it would indeed fit. I didn't account for the bounce house to move with all the kids jumping inside of it so one of our bushes took a beating, but otherwise the bounce house was a great success. The Incredible Hulk didn't quite fit the theme, but no one seemed to mind.

A couple months prior to the party, I bought the Pokemon decorations from a Facebook garage sale group, $7 well spent! Invites and Thank you cards I downloaded from Etsy. I taped dollar store table clothes together to create pokeballs and I made a Pikachu balloon that was a crowd favorite. I found free printables online to dress up odds and ends that tied everything together. I also created a game called, Pikachu Pop. I stuffed small Pokemon toys (Amazon) into balloons and had the kids catch them all by popping the balloons on their butts. It was a frenzy of screams and giggles - a real hit! Amy had a friend make the Master Pokeball Cake. It was the perfect center piece for all of our snacks. Treat bags were Pokemon cups (party city) filled with treats and Pokemon wristbands (Amazon). Said and done, a fun time was had by all.

Monday Musings

BRRR! It's cold. I don't expect any pity, it's likely far colder wherever you are than here in Sin City, but still my hands and feet are icy. I'm bundled in two coats as I sit here in front of the PC. This winter stuff is for the birds. Wait! Even they don't do winter. I should make like a bird and migrate south because the desert isn't cutting it.

Anyhow, can you believe this time next week Christmas will be over? And we'll be waiting to welcome 2017. Pure craziness.

I thought I'd keep a more regular schedule after my last update, but it wasn't in the cards. The past month has been a complete whirlwind. It began with a team meeting called at work. The owners gathered us around and shared that they had been in negotiations to sell the business. It wasn't a huge surprise, but I didn't know how close we came to laying off 95% of the office staff, myself included. They couldn't seem to agree on a number so they've decided to go the distance, not sell and instead invest in us and the company's future. Changes are underway, but it appears we won't be losing our jobs. As a result, I find myself with little down time. At home, our pc is toast - Frank started shopping for the pieces to build a new one, but his time has been monopolized by other things so that's the cause for the crickets around here.

I hope everyone had a lovely thanksgiving. My dad and aunt arrived Nov 15, it was nice to catch up a bit before the holiday and the rest of the visitors arrived. My mother in law arrived next, and then Bob & Hugh flew in just in time for the gluttony to begin. Sixteen of us gathered around the table noshing on a spread that consisted of mixed greens & apple salad, yeast rolls, cranberries, sausage stuffing, corn casserole, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes and very moist turkey. And later, apple and pumpkin pies. Let's not forget the several bottles of wine that kept things merry. With full bellies, we battled each other with hilarious rounds of Fibbage, Cards Against Humanity and other games. You simply cannot beat a house that's full of loved ones and laughter.

There was no Black Friday shopping for me. Instead, Frank and I took Bob & Hugh to see Lucky Dragon and we also checked out Desert Wind Coffee Roasters beforehand. What a great coffee shop, and they share my love of Breaking Bad. Very cool. Then, on their last night, we all had dinner at Joe's. It never disappoints! The stone crab and steaks are always stellar. Afterwards, the six of us went over the Rio for a tour and tasting at the Wine Cellar. It's such a gem, if you've never been, it's definitely worth a visit. Next, we saw Rock of Ages. Too bad the show ends it's run in January. It was a hoot.

December 1st we celebrated Frank's birthday. His gift was rather bittersweet for me - Amy, Jeff and the kids moved out. I'm thrilled they found a townhouse to rent. It's in a great area, it's very nice and it provides them with some much needed space, three bedrooms and a two car garage. It's only a few minutes from us so Nick is able to stay in the same school and we'll be nearby so I won't have to miss them too much. Sharing a home for almost a 1.5 years has its challenges, but also its rewards. Watching the kids learn and grow day to day was something I'll always cherish - even if it meant I was sick - A LOT. Our house was busting at the seams with the seven of us, eight if you count my dad or nine when Mike would stay (Pahrump is far, after all) and now it's rather bare. We have big plans for some home improvements, but first we must narrow down some options. We also took advantage of low interest rates by refinancing the house - so long PMI and we're reducing our loan to 15 years - If all goes well, we'll be debt free by 51!

Even with the kids out of the house, we still managed to have one last bug make the rounds. I think Nick picked up this one from school. It ran through everyone. Frank and I weren't even safe - babysitting for a few hours was all it took to become infected. The downtime gave us an opportunity to binge watch some Netflix shows. Goliath and The Crown were both very good. It had been far too long since I was excited about a show. Well, besides my guilty pleasure This is Us.

And now, we're just days from Christmas. My shopping was pretty quick and painless - Thank you, Amazon Prime and Etsy. I'll be hosting Christmas day. This year will be a little different than last year, since we all won't be under one roof. We'll lose the magic of Santa paying us a visit, but Addison is filled with wonder and it should make for a pretty special holiday. Lex will likely enjoy the wrapping paper more than the gifts themselves, and Nick will tear through them in record time I'm sure - but that's all part of the fun. Wherever you are, wherever you go I hope your Christmas is merry and bright.