Like a Fish!

I mentioned that we took Shiva to the beach this weekend. 

She'd never been around water before: not a lake, a beach, even a large creek. 

So, we weren't sure how she would take to it. 

We packed her in the car, drove the hour up to Half Moon Bay, and crossed our fingers. 

As soon as she was off the leash at the beach..well, just look at the photos. 

Before:

We also met a very LARGE puppy. The big guy absolutely dwarfed Shiva, 

but they hit it off and LOVED playing together.  

size reference

After: 

Poor thing was so sleepy when she got back in the car, she was asleep before we left the parking lot. 

She barely moved when we pulled into the brewery for dinner. 

(Don't worry about the heat, it was 58* that day, the windows were open and we checked on her often..during which she was still sleeping)

We're definitely planning on taking her back as much as possible. 

I think she slept for two days straight afterwards. 

Weekend Update

Instead of breaking it down by day, 

let me just say that this is an mini review

of our extra long weekend in Healdsburg, CA. 

-

We stayed at the Irish Rose Inn, 

and I almost stole the bed. 

Seriously though, Ive always wanted a canopy. 

Then, we started checking out the wineries.  

(I also tracked down some classic cars for Dad) 

I can honestly say that we learned a lot,

different grapes, varietals, soil changes, 

and even ancient vs new vines. The top ones are from the 1920, 

the lower ones are from the 1980s. 

We spent some time sitting by Dry Creek,  

before grabbing some beignets and heading home.  

I highly recommend Healdsburg. 

It's got a small town charm and feel with a little less crowd. 

Definitely not hurting in the wine department either. 

Tour the Stick

On Saturday afternoon, we headed to the famous (or infamous, depending on your preferences), and though I'm a firm Carolina Panthers fan, it was pretty cool. I can't recall all the stories our tour guide told, but there were a lot, and I can't tell you all the details behind all these photos, but I'll do my best.

First things first, you get to park right up next to the stadium.

And you just might get lucky. 

Then you get to walk through an empty stadium, 

and look at all the cool murals and memorials hanging. 

Our tour guide, Amanda, know everything there was to know. 

So, just trust me that there's cooler stuff to be heard. 

Then, the super cool parts begin. 

You can see the media room, (well, you can't GO in)

BUT, you can take your picture in front of the background that you see on TV.

 

Ever wonder what the view is from those super swanky, fancy, EXPENSIVE boxes?

Well, you can see that too. 

Then you can walk down to the field. 

Then, you can go into the visitor locker room. (meh)

BUT, THEN, you get to go into the 49ers locker room. 

Then, Amanda went around and had people sit in lockers, 

well, in front of, but you get the idea. 

Who's locker did I sit in?

Mr. Kaepernick himself. 

I totally sat in it first, but apparently have lost the pictures. 

So, Mike did the job later. 

I could be converted. It's true.  

Then you can run down the tunnel, tapping on the air vent, 

give Mr. Walsh a tap,  

and run onto the field. 

For the record, they totally encourage you to go crazy.

So, Mike and I raced. He won. 

I also timed him for a 40. (6.02)

Then, the shoes came off, 

and I started jumping around. 

Serious smiles all around.  

---

I really can NOT say enough about taking the tour at Candlestick. 

They're going to tear it down soon (tear), 

 but the Stick is one of those stadiums that any fan knows about. 

If you're in the SF area, and if you're a FOOTBALL fan, you have to check it out.

Tickets are reasonable, but can book quickly as tours are pretty small.  

The tour guide, Amanda, is definitely stellar. She has all the answers, even some you havent thought of the questions for yet. (Not like the crappy one we had in Charleston..)

The Niners are moving to San Jose in the next season, 

so all chances point to me claiming them as my new home team, 

but seriously, Candlestick did the trick.

(But, Cam and the Panthers will always -always- have my heart) 

Weekend Update

So, we're in San Jose currently. 

House hunting, like ya do.

----

Friday

Most of this day is a blur. Including the ridiculous flights and airline drama. 

The SFO airport is covered in various works of art, 

including scupltures, paintings, and religious relics. 

So, of course, we hunted down Shiva. 

By the time we arrived to our hotel, it was upwards of 1am (4am on the East Coast,)

and I was tired and hungry. Mostly hungry. 

So, we headed to Taco Bell for some 4th meal and inspiration.

Saturday. 

Up bright and early to start the hunt. 

No photos of that part, 

but I do have photos of the DELICIOUS pizza, 

that was a welcome respite in the middle of the day. 

Another round of house hunting, 

remind me to do a post on "How to NOT rent your house..."

and then we were back to the hotel for a nap. 

Then we went out for sushi. 

Ok, sushi and berry short cake. 

Then we went back to the hotel, where I passed out by 930. 

Sunday

We started out this morning with brunch. 

11am and we ordered drinks. 

Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa?! 

Not in Cakalakky anymore..

 When we were finally done with the hunting, 

we headed out to San Francisco for some sight seeing. 

Specifically Fisherman's Wharf at Pier 39.

Oakland Bay Bridge

The fog rolling in. 

All Smiles @ Pier 39

Beer Tasting

There was  a WHOLE STORE with Lefty products. 

Boats

  

I bought a hoodie, because it was FREEEZING. 

This rings pretty true for the two of us. 

THEY SPELLED MY NAME RIGHT ON A MUG!

Donut? Nope. MAGNET. 

SEA LIONS!! (And me at work)

Desperately trying to see Alcatraz through the fog. 

Nighttime. 

 Now, we're back at our hotel. 

After getting HORRIBLY lost in downtown San Francisco. 

Y'all I READ A MAP & got us home. 

(this is a bigger deal than you think)

We fly back to NC tomorrow. What'd y'all get into?