An Intimate Evening with my husband and Shawn Colvin

Although I didn't think to bring my camera last night, I thought it would be a good blog entry. My wonderful husband surprised me a few weeks ago with news that he had gotten tickets for one of my favorite artists, Shawn Colvin. We started the evening with a fabulous dinner at a new restaurant called 1300 Fillmore. As their website states, this lovely restaurant serves "soulfully American food." Dave and I started with fresh corn bread with honey butter and a chili jelly as well as fresh shrimp hush puppies. My entree was the slow braised beef short ribs with chive buttermilk mashed potatoes and swiss chard topped with a couple of onion rings. Dave had the organic black skillet fried chicken with truffle whipped potatoes and gravy. Just to put us over the top, we ordered a side of macaroni and cheese to share. Needless to say, we did not order dessert as we couldn't finish even what we had ordered. We really enjoyed the atmosphere, the service and the food. I would definitely recommend this restaurant.

http://www.1300fillmore.com/



After dinner, we walked over to Yoshi's jazz club for the show. Yoshi's is a beautiful new intimate venue in the city. Shawn Colvin put on a great show. It was all acoustic with just Shawn and her guitar. She has a truly amazing voice. Thank you to my husband for a wonderful date night!

Wharf to Wharf Race

Sunday July 27th was the annual Wharf to Wharf 10K (6.2 miles) Race from Santa Cruz wharf to Capitola wharf. It is a wonderful route along the ocean with tons of live bands along the way. This year Dave ran it while Joyce walked with me. Joyce's sister-in-law, Jen ran it as well. After the race, we met Chris, Laurel, Alyson, Shahien, Joyce's brother Jason and her niece Elle and nephew Andrew on the beach. After making the trek back to Santa Cruz by car (thanks Alyson and Shahien for the ride!), the 13 of us (including Jeff and Madeline) scrunched into a booth for brunch. We were all hungry so the cramped quarters worked out just fine.

Joyce and me mid-walk.


Meeting up with the Shahkars and Jungs on the beach after the race was over.


Miss Madeline was a bit tired while we waited for brunch.


Stuffed in the booth anxiously awaiting the coming food.


The other end of the table.

Dinner with Mike, Michaela, Shane and Debbie

Last Saturday Dave and I spent the late afternoon and evening looking at houses with our realtor, Patrice. Upon arriving in Oakland, Dave put in calls to Shane and Debbie and Mike and Michaela on the off chance they might be available to join us for dinner. To our great luck, it all worked out and we got to have dinner with both couples. Mike and Michaela joined us to view the last two houses and grab a drink at a Cantina. We then headed on to meet up with Shane and Debbie for a yummy Indian dinner. It was a really fun night!

Debbie, Shane, Mike, Michaela, Dave and me.

Dim Sum with Mayen, Halima, Nils, Mike and Tristan

Last Sunday, July 20th, we met Mayen, Halima, Nils, Mike and Tristan in the outer sunset for Dim Sum. It took us a while to coordinate each couple's schedule, so we were really happy that it all worked out and we got to catch up while eating some great food. Mayen was a doll and did an excellent job making it through a long brunch.

Mayen happily sitting in her chair.

The Thorsens, Nils, Halima and Mayen

The new happy homeowners in the Lincoln Heights neighborhood of Oakland, Tristan and Mike. We hope to be their neighbors a few neighborhoods north sometime soon!

Dave and I looking happy, but WAY full!

Dinner with the girls

On Thursday July 17th, Alla, Joyce and myself went over to Amy's house for a very yummy girls dinner. We had various cheeses with bread and crackers for an appetizer, a wonderful salad with grilled goat cheese and pears, a fabulous steak dinner with snap peas and mushrooms and a array of desserts from Copenhagen Bakery. It was a very fun night to sit and catch up.

A Robson 4th of July in Vegas

Dave and I flew out Friday morning July 4th to meet the Robson clan in Las Vegas. We had a fun time hanging out around Mom and Dad's house with the family. We had 15 people for a stellar 4th of July dinner and pool party. I was nice to see some summer and spend the entire weekend in either a swim suit or shorts and a t-shirt.

Marla and Gates at brunch

Luc and his "Evil Uncle" Dave

Eric waiting for our omelets at the Omelet House

Mom and me

Hanging out in the pool

Heather with Quinn and Marla with Gates

Not sure who is happier here, Dave or Quinn

Having brunch at Red Rocks on Sunday

The boys at Red Rocks

Mom and her girls

Mom and Luc checking out the new part of the Venetian hotel

Overlooking the canal at the Venetian while listening to a gondolier sing.

Dinners with friends

Saturday night dinner at home with Melissa and Todd Gottshall.



Sunday Dinner with Dave, Lynna, Emmett, Clara, Mike and Jeannie.
Here is Emmett giving new little sister, Clara, a hug.


Lynna and daughter, Clara


Mike and Jeannie


The gang



Dinner with the Alyson and Shahien at Barneys in Oakland. The burgers and fries, as well as the company, were awesome!

Bryan, Kate and Miles' going away party

Given that I am weeks behind on the blog again (dang it), I thought I would just add some highlights of some big events of the past couple of weeks.

Here Dave and I ended up beating Rebecca and Megan at Pool. Whoo Hoo.


Yup, that is Dave giving Miles his first sip of beer (ok, not really) while Dad looks on in the back ground.


Miles was a rock star just going with the flow of the party.


Kate, Bryan and Dave. We will miss you guys!