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Showing posts with the label California

Wellington, aka SF in NZ

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Wellington was beautiful, but we knew it promised more than it could deliver. We experienced it on one of the rare sunny days. We could have easily been so disappointed, weather-wise. But the combination of hills, bays, and that magical light that occurs when the sun makes an appearance made us both happy. Visiting Zealandia, an animal refuge in the city, felt like escaping to the country. And we rode a cable car!

The Guys

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Cookies!

Oysters

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We've traveled to California for the Thanksgiving holidays every year since we've been together. Thanksgiving visits to my family, and Christmas holidays with John's. Most years, our trips include at least a few days on the Sonoma Coast. We stay at my parents' home at Bodega Bay, then spend our time wine-tasting, eating at fun places, and golfing. A few years ago, we discovered the Marshall Store, with its selection of fresh oysters (I mean, fresh from Tomales Bay, right in front of the place!). If the weather cooperated at all, we'd head down there for a perfect combination of scenic, peaceful drive plus delicious seafood. This year, we decided to make one tiny change. Well two. We made reservations at the Hog Island Oyster Company (just north of the Marshall Store) and we invited Dad to join us. He'd never eaten truly fresh oysters, only the disgusting, slimy canned ones that his mother used for her casseroles, so he was a bit skeptical. We ordered fresh, ...