Ready, Set, Let the Games Begin! - Link to new PTR/TR!

[Luvchefmic]

I hardly ever miss NY but your venture out to the restaurant reminded me of when we used to go way out east on Long Island (Greenport is the name of the town) the water views and the seafood lunches thanks for showing us Not quite the same but brought back some wonderful memories I can practically hear the Jonathan Livingstons and smell that great air

 

[rentayenta]

Great updates!

Brisk walking 30 minutes! Well done.

Love your coast shots. I don't love the seagulls. They've stolen my snacks one too many times. Lol!

The atrium is nice. Didn't know how much I like an atrium until we stayed at Sam's Town. We'll be to Vegas over Thanksgiving but we'll be there for a soccer tournament. They make us stay-and-play. Sam's isn't on the list. The Golden Nugget is, which I love, but I don't like Fremont Street at all. That was so off topic....oh yeah...the atrium.

Dinner looks delicious! Deadly chocolate treats for sure. Yum!

 

[Pinkocto]

The otters are so cute! I would have had a hard time tearing myself away from them.

Those cinnamon rolls did they make it to dinner?

 

[jedijill]

Love the otter pictures. We are working on a software application called Otto and we have a picture of an otter as its mascot.

Those cinnamon rolls and chocolate look amazing!

Jill in CO

 

[PrincessInOz]

WOW! Morro Rock looks great and I loved seeing Jonathan Livingstone there.

The food looks great. I've driven past Morro Rock a few times in the past; and have been put off by the power plant. Maybe it's time to change that viewpoint next time I'm in the neighbourhood.

Your hotel breakfast looks great. You know - maybe I am mixing it up with Residence Inn and Hampton Inn and Embassy Suites about the waffles and eggs. Oh well.....breakfast still looks great.

 

[ACDSNY]

I love the SLO and Morro Bay area. Some of my aunts/uncles use to live down there. If I remember right one of my uncles use to work at the power plant in Morro Bay in his younger days.

Beautiful pics!

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Love your updates thank you so much! Omg I love hawaiian shirts! Did you get any? I just love that store you have I think it's called Tommy Bahamas? When we did a cruise of Hawaii I bought loads!

That bay looks wonderful. We don't have chipmonks here so I really enjoyed seeing that little fella! Since my illness I lost a lot of weight and I just wanted you to know your food porn has really increased my appetite and I am eating more! DW is delighted keep it coming! I love seabass! Yum cinnamon rolls!

Hope you are having a nice day! Paula xx

 

[franandaj]

The atrium looks gorgeous. I love this kind of hotels with the internal balconies. The scenery at Morro Bay is truly stunning and I am amazed at all the wildlife you saw.

Corinna

The idea of the hotel is nice, and we didn't have one of those rooms, our was off to the side away from the atrium, which we learned was rather lucky since the atrium gets rather noisy the more cocktails everyone has had!

I hardly ever miss NY but your venture out to the restaurant reminded me of when we used to go way out east on Long Island (Greenport is the name of the town) the water views and the seafood lunches thanks for showing us Not quite the same but brought back some wonderful memories I can practically hear the Jonathan Livingstons and smell that great air

I enjoy visiting coastal towns like this since we don't have waves in Long Beach. There is a breakwater about a mile or so out that keeps our ocean water calm. It also severely changes the ecosystem as well. I enjoy watching the waves.

Great updates!

Brisk walking 30 minutes! Well done.

Love your coast shots. I don't love the seagulls. They've stolen my snacks one too many times. Lol!

The atrium is nice. Didn't know how much I like an atrium until we stayed at Sam's Town. We'll be to Vegas over Thanksgiving but we'll be there for a soccer tournament. They make us stay-and-play. Sam's isn't on the list. The Golden Nugget is, which I love, but I don't like Fremont Street at all. That was so off topic....oh yeah...the atrium.

Dinner looks delicious! Deadly chocolate treats for sure. Yum!

LOL on the seagulls! I usually don't eat a places where they can get my stuff, they're like sea pigeons, flying rats. They will take whatever they can get, and don't get me started about their poop! Looking at them far away is nice.

The otters are so cute! I would have had a hard time tearing myself away from them.

Those cinnamon rolls did they make it to dinner?

Those cinnamon rolls are still in their box, sitting right next to me. Still have not been touched. I hope that they are still good.

Love the otter pictures. We are working on a software application called Otto and we have a picture of an otter as its mascot.

Those cinnamon rolls and chocolate look amazing!

Jill in CO

Hopefully at some point I will not be so stuffed that I can try and bite or two of one. I just keep thinking about how many calories they have and that keeps them in the box.

WOW! Morro Rock looks great and I loved seeing Jonathan Livingstone there.

The food looks great. I've driven past Morro Rock a few times in the past; and have been put off by the power plant. Maybe it's time to change that viewpoint next time I'm in the neighbourhood.

Your hotel breakfast looks great. You know - maybe I am mixing it up with Residence Inn and Hampton Inn and Embassy Suites about the waffles and eggs. Oh well.....breakfast still looks great.

It's easy just to turn the camera the other way and crop out the power plant. Otherwise, it's a rather nice place.

I love the SLO and Morro Bay area. Some of my aunts/uncles use to live down there. If I remember right one of my uncles use to work at the power plant in Morro Bay in his younger days.

Beautiful pics!

Thank you!

Love your updates thank you so much! Omg I love hawaiian shirts! Did you get any? I just love that store you have I think it's called Tommy Bahamas? When we did a cruise of Hawaii I bought loads!

That bay looks wonderful. We don't have chipmonks here so I really enjoyed seeing that little fella! Since my illness I lost a lot of weight and I just wanted you to know your food porn has really increased my appetite and I am eating more! DW is delighted keep it coming! I love seabass! Yum cinnamon rolls!

Hope you are having a nice day! Paula xx

We didn't get any. There was a guy whose shirts they had there, he used to make Disney shirts. When I asked the guy he said that he hadn't made Disney shirts in 5-6 years and that Disney now outsources them to China, and they are all made there.

I'm glad that I can help perk up your appetite! Most people complain that they come read my report on an empty stomach or just with a bite of yogurt, and they would rather have what I've eaten, so it's nice to hear I'm benefitting someone!

 

[franandaj]

When we arrived back at the hotel, it had taken on a whole new flair. Decorating was in full swing.



The registration desk was all set up to get our packets. These nice ladies are Carmi and Sue who are from our chapter. They are also the only other ladies (couple) at the event.



We received our packet.



Which included a coupon that could be exchanged for a Martini glass, specially etched for the event. It also included various pins, the event program and schedule, and various meal tickets for the events and shows we were to participate in.



In addition a display was added to the lobby. Fran pointed out to me that if I thought she was bad, I’d better think again!









We went upstairs to our room and relaxed for a little while. The hotel serves complimentary beverages from 5PM to 7PM, so just by virtue of the fact that we were all staying at the hotel, we had our own private cocktail party. I went down at 5PM, and much to my chagrin, I did not recognize a soul. There are meets in Long Beach every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month, and we have been to a handful of these events and met a few people.

We also went to the event in September in Buellton where we stayed at the Pea Soup Anderson’s place and met a few folks there. We’ve been to a handful of other day events, but since we’ve been members less than a year and some of these people have been doing this since the mid 80s, we just don’t know many folks yet.

Sue took pity on me and when I was getting another drink, she invited me to sit in the registration table with them. She introduced me to everyone who came up and when Fran came down, she joined us as well. We heard an awful story about one couple who was driving down from Pleasanton, CA in their ’57 Ford Fairlane convertible. It had a blowout, which sparked something, soon there was smoke, then a fire and even with their fire extinguishers, they were unable to save the car. They watched as the whole thing burned up on the side of I-5. Since they had the top down, they were able to retrieve the luggage, but the car was a total loss.

I can’t even imagining that happening! Another guy broke down in Pea Soup Anderson’s town and had to be towed to SLO, he will have to be towed home as well. But of over 300 attendees, those were the only horror stories so far. It made me feel better that we didn’t try to drive our car with the Carburetor problems and electrical problems with the window, who knows what could have happened!

After Happy Hour was over the place cleared out quickly. I didn’t take pictures since who knows who wouldn’t want their picture posted online, but suffice to say that Atrium in the lobby was buzzing, in more ways than one! pun intended!

I mentioned that we were in a shopping center and I noticed that there was an Applebee’s. We don’t have one of those anywhere near home, and I had an ulterior motive. I know they have an under 550 calorie menu, so I asked Fran if we could go there. Turns out if you want to know calorie counts you have to ask for a special menu and it’s really not easy to get the information you want. I’m sure they do that on purpose.

After perusing the menu we decided that splitting a burger between the two of us would also be under 550 calories, so that’s what we did. We also started off with some French Onion Soup that we split. I’m sure I way over did it between the number of glasses of wine and all the food I ate today, but my “coaches” are telling me, even if you mess up one day, don’t let it stop you from getting right back on track the next day. Well, since I’m well into the next day as I write this, You only live Twice!





We headed back to the hotel as there was a screening of “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” being played in the hotel. This was the movie that had a 1969 Cougar (which ours is a 1970). We watched the first 20 minutes or so of the movie, but they were having problems with the audio. For whatever reason the music was overpowering and the dialogue was to faint to hear. I was also falling asleep on Fran’s shoulder, so we decided to call it a night.

Fran went by the front desk to see about modifying our reservation to check out Sunday instead of Monday, but they told her to come back during normal hours to discuss the ramifications with the regular staff. So we headed off to bed. I slept very soundly!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Love that burger!


And what a great 007 display and theme for the meet. Looks like you're having a great time with food and cocktail hour.

 

[jedijill]

Love the 007 theme! I'm a James Bond nut! Someday an Aston Martin will be mine! (after I win Powerball)

My heart just hurts for the couple that lost their Fairlane. Mental note to add a fire extinguisher to the Mustang's trunk.

I think the fact that you are being mindful of what you are eating is a great step! Keep it up!

Jill in CO

 

[rentayenta]

Love James Bond too Jill.

Looks like a fun event and neat that you got martini glasses.

That burger looks delicious. As does the soup. Do you only live thrice? You're tracking and that's what matters. A lot of my days are over or under; I'm rarely right on. Being mindful is key.

 

[Luvchefmic]

oh too bad about those cars may be a blessing you DID leave yours home

 

[dgbg100106]

So sorry to hear about the other cars, and again glad you both decided not to chance it.

Glad you enjoyed Happy Hour and met some new people, that is half the fun!

Enjoy your day.

 

[Linda67]

What a great trip you're having

Such a shame about those cars though

I'm by no means a car expert but myself and DH attended the Route 66 Rendezvous in San Bernandino (I think that's what it was called) last September and loved it!

 

[franandaj]

Love that burger!


And what a great 007 display and theme for the meet. Looks like you're having a great time with food and cocktail hour.

It was nice to have a burger like that, since it had been quite a while. They did a good job on the theming and decorating for this event.

Love the 007 theme! I'm a James Bond nut! Someday an Aston Martin will be mine! (after I win Powerball)

My heart just hurts for the couple that lost their Fairlane. Mental note to add a fire extinguisher to the Mustang's trunk.

I think the fact that you are being mindful of what you are eating is a great step! Keep it up!

Jill in CO

I'm glad you're a James Bond nut, you can help me out with some costumes and other things that I didn't quite get!

The sad thing is that they DID have a fire extinguisher, and it still didn't help.

Love James Bond too Jill.

Looks like a fun event and neat that you got martini glasses.

That burger looks delicious. As does the soup. Do you only live thrice? You're tracking and that's what matters. A lot of my days are over or under; I'm rarely right on. Being mindful is key.

Well, I sure better get back on track, at least I did some walking. I need to log in and catalog my food and exercise. I don't think it will look good!

oh too bad about those cars may be a blessing you DID leave yours home

I'm thinking that it was a blessing. We just need to make sure we have several cars in working order. That way we will have a back up.

So sorry to hear about the other cars, and again glad you both decided not to chance it.

Glad you enjoyed Happy Hour and met some new people, that is half the fun!

Enjoy your day.

I know the poor guys. There were some other people who had to bail on their classics at the last moment. Only one tragedy, and the guy who broke down. Most other folks were like us, had to leave them in the garage. Luckily enough people did make it with their cars that it was a great show.

Boy did we enjoy happy hour!

What a great trip you're having

Such a shame about those cars though

I'm by no means a car expert but myself and DH attended the Route 66 Rendezvous in San Bernandino (I think that's what it was called) last September and loved it!

It's been very fun. I haven't heard of the Route 66 Rendezvous, but there are so many events going on, it's hard to keep track of them all.

 

[franandaj]

We woke up earlier Friday morning, but didn’t get out of bed at the agreed upon time. It was still OK, we got down to breakfast before 8:30AM which seems to be the magic time. As soon as 8:30 hit, there was a long line at the omelet station. Luckily we already had our breakfast. I ordered us some eggs over easy while Fran fetched us toast and bacon. They also gave me bacon and sausage with the eggs.





She had also grabbed a bowl of fruit. Then I went back and got us each a piece of toast and some more sausages.



So much for my diet today!

We spent about half an hour in the room before we went downstairs to meet up for the Cruise. Otherwise known as, “You Only Drive Twice”. There were already some nice cars in the parking lot.





Our registration included a box lunch which we picked up on our way to our cars. This morning we were pleased to run into a friend that we know from Band. He is a member of the San Francisco band, and didn’t know we had joined the car club. We had a nice chat with him while we waited to start the drive.



Everyone was given a sheet with turn by turn directions on it, the drive was about 35 miles long and we were told it would take about an hour. Shortly before 11:00 we were on our way. There was a little bit of driving through the city involved before we got to the country side. Some of the first people to start got way ahead of us while we were stopped at a light. Eventually we caught up to some of the cars who kept a leisurely pace so that others could join in behind us.



This field of blooming yellow flowers was very pretty, the pictures don’t do it justice.





This was our caravan that we followed most of the way. Eventually the white Mercedes got fed up and passed the Thunderbird.



We passed quaint little wine tasting shops along the way.



And the vineyards where their wine grows.



We briefly drove through Pismo & Grover Beach, this was about as close to the ocean as we got on this drive.



Then we passed through Arroyo Grande which was a quaint little town. The pictures I got were not of the cute little buildings, but you sort of get the idea.





Then we were back out in wine country again.



You can sort of see the caravan behind us.



We drove through the chaparral



This was about the last time that we saw these three cars in front of us because right after I took this shot, the first two cars missed the turn. All of a sudden the gray car became the leader of the pack!



We were almost at the end of our drive anyways, so it was probably less than two miles until we reached our destination. They had reserved a picnic area at a local park for us. There was plenty of seating and they had cold water and lemonade. I forgot to bring my camera down to the picnic area because I was so worried about finding us a seat in the shade and for Fran to walk all the way down to the picnic location.

We sat with our friend from SF at lunch and also met some new friends. Jon was a hoot! We had a great time chatting with him and I think we’re now friends for life. He told us all kinds of stories about things that happened in the 80s. You’ll see a picture of him later from the Happy Hour.

These were pretty much lunch with another half of a sandwich, fresh fruit cup, and a cookie.



After lunch we were both pretty tired and decided that we wanted to head back to the room and take a nap. Now for me to want to take a nap is pretty drastic. We got back and our room hadn’t been cleaned yet. Being DVC, it really doesn’t bother me that much not to have daily housekeeping, so we just put up the Do Not Disturb sign and went to sleep. I must have been tired, because I DID sleep for over an hour.

Feeling refreshed, we dressed for dinner and went down to enjoy the Happy Hour.

 

[dolphingirl47]

What a shame about the two cars that had such bad luck. I hope that the one that has broken down can be fit. The theme looks a lot of fun and the scenery on that drive is just stunning.

Corinna

 

[ACDSNY]

Sounds like your enjoying your weekend!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Those back roads look amazing; the kind of scenery I'd love to see when driving. Sounds like you're having a great time with 3D life.

And you must have been tired out....if you're having a nap.