Adventure 189: San Elijo Beach/San Diego, CA/Post B

Dude!

A normal morning for us: oatmeal, toast with strawberry jelly and cheddar cheese, Coffee the Costa Rica way, and a game of cribbage (The Wily Cager is a little smelly today). Then we sauntered over to the local Starbucks to recharge our electronics. Judy was still recovering from our over doing it a  couple of days ago, so she laid low for the rest of the early afternoon while I wandered the area trying to get some steps in. Around three, guided by our trusty gal, Susie GPS, we traversed three freeways over to Jim and Karen's house in Rancho Bernardo where for the next five hours, we gabbed, prepared delicious food, gabbed, prepared delicious food, and gabbed some more. Of course, Jim and Karen poured excellent wines with each of course during the evening. For the first nibble Jim blended a mixture of cheeses  which he then spread onto slices of baguette. He put the bread under the broiler for a couple of minutes. The result was oozing goodness.  We drank a crisp cool Rose with that course. Karen had prepared a vegetable  plate as well. After our nibbles, we took a breather so I could teach Jim a few Tai Chi exercises that may help his back (He's had two surgeries). Then we started preparing the main course of Sea Bass with Black Bean sauce over a bed of Jicama, Peblano Peppers, Tomatoes, and Scallions, which were reduced a bit with white wine and olive oil. The fish fillets were then steamed  while resting on the vegetable bed. (Amazingly simple considering it was so delicious). With all of that we sipped a little Sauvignon Blanc. The only tricky part was heating the Black Bean Sauce because it's easy to burn the beans. Judy took care of that while Karen made salad. Jim and I watched the fish. The dinner was topped off with fresh fruit tarts paired with a sweet rich dessert wine. This is how the Cramers roll. High quality stuff from high quality people enjoyed at an exquisitely European pace (Not bad for Irish kids from the midwest). Actually, I'm not sure Karen is Irish, but she must at least be honorary by now (I know Judy is). The whole evening was delightful, the second of a great reuniting weekend to be followed by a Super Bowl party tomorrow, which is another testament to the kindness of these two. I have to believe they're not regular watchers of the NFL. The best part is the sharing of good food and renewing good friendships. I mean what is life without relationships. And I can tell you this, the Cramers have another something special planned for tomorrow. The only thing I can really say is that life is good, especially today.

 Hot Rod of the Day.

 So cool, I took two.

 Beach Tandem.

 Jim pulling the toasted  cheese baguettes from the oven.

 Taking time to work on our balance because balance is important in life.

 Stumpy doing a little ice therapy.

 Jim and I working on the fish and bean sauce.

 Karen manning the salad.

 California fresh and delightfully flavorful with a hint of hot pepper dressing.

 The dining room as the salad course was served.

 A look at the Sea Bass resting on the vegetable bed just before we "put the lid on".

 Jim serving the after dinner wine.

Art shot of the day: Sweet tart, sweet wine, and a Sweet time.