some things about yesterday and today…

 

1. Santa Cruz;  My son Billy and I went to Santa Cruz yesterday. The first time that the two of us have been back there together in probably 5 years. It was a simple visit that lasted about 4 hours. We did not take the tour and visit all our old hang outs (Billy and I lived there for two years back in the mid 90’s when I attended the university), but got right down to business and went to Cafe Pergolesi for caffeine and chess.

Cafe Pergolesi (with yellow car in front).

 

2. We then met up with my old college buddy Shannon for lunch at Charlie Hong Kong. It was Billy’s first time to eat there and he said he didn’t care for it that much. I got my usual; Red Phoenix Curry with the Green Chile Chicken topper. So amazingly soothing to my stomach and soul. During phases of my life in recent years when I’ve been healthier I’ve been known to drive the 150 mile round trip from San Ramon to Santa Cruz just for a quick dip in the ocean and dinner at Charlie’s.

Charlie Hong Kong (w/the green roof).

We went down to the beach afterwards so that I could soak my feet in the cold water to see if the swelling I’ve been suffering from for the past month would go down. After about 30 minutes of standing in the jetsam and flotsam I noticed a change. I also noticed how good overall the sunshine, fresh air, and dancing in the surf made me feel. Such a tonic for me. I really need to be living there!

Billy wanted to wrestle with somebody (Shannon) but was afraid to ask after this show of manliness calmed them both down. We sat on the beach for awhile to get out of the windstorm. Then the two lads realized they had very similarly designed tattoos. Billy's centerpiece is a Celtic cross whereas Shannon's tattoo sports a Hindu swastika.

Then before we decided to leave Santa Cruz we drove by Shannon’s home to see where he lived now. There is just such a sense of peace and solitude that emanates from the homes in Santa Cruz. His place is like an innocuous cell in a monastery. I can so easily envision myself living in such paradise someday…

        

So I think that was about it. Told you more than I needed to about some things and probably not enough about other things. Let’s see what happens tomorrow.

That is Cafe Pergolesi with the yellow car in front of it.