Fremont Older…

After getting dressed and taking a gander in the mirror last Friday I noticed that my shirt didn’t fit quite right, so as any Wallace would do I took it off and put on another, it didn’t fit right either. I repeated this three or four times until I came to the inevitable - I got fat. These past thirteen or so months with Crystal in my life has put me on easy street. I mentioned this to her as we drove to Tapestry for dinner and her reaction was, “I was planning to have a chat with you about that.” Still not sure if she was kidding or not, but it was seriously time for me to jump on the ‘Get Fit’ bandwagon.

The Singletrack Group wanted to do Fremont Older this Saturday, the last time I went up this trail I apparently went the wrong, and incredibly difficult way. Not wanting to look like the novice, I took the Stumpy out to the proper Fremont Older parking lot and trailhead this time.

As I unpacked and set up a rush of excitement rushed through me, a part of me was also hoping that this was the correct trailhead, as I did not want to repeat that nearly vertical uphill climb as I did from the Stevens Canyon lot. With all my safety gear on and bike check done I set off, my first destination was Hunter’s Point, it’s a bald hilltop from where one can view the entire valley. You can see what I believe is Ridge Vineyards in the picture above, and if you clicked for the set you’ll also see Moffett Field.

The trail turned into single track at some points, and although the speed demon inside me wanted to push it at times the trail and rain run off reminded me that I was only at their mercy. Flying down Seven Springs Trail my rear wheel caught in a run off, next thing you know I was nearly air-borne. Miraculously I was able to shift my weight back and managed to ground the rear wheel, thus saving me a face full of dirt. I kept a slower pace since then, I am happy to report that although I was seriously beat I wrapped up without incident and absolutely love the way this bike handles.

So this is the start of the real ‘Get Fit’ for me, last winter was a joke as I had no sunlight to ride in, never mind the chill factor and ice. With the sun setting at almost 8pm now, I’m good to go. Speaking of which we caught up with Alan and Zhanna over Yume-Ya last evening. Chit-chatting about day jobs, recreational past times, the future and just life in general, not to mention before we parted Alan showed me his freshly done up Rinspeed 997 Carrera 2 on HRE C93’s - that was fresh. I just want a Cayman on HRE P40’s.

-Wallace

Kelley Park…

We didn’t leave town this weekend, but never the less had an spontaneous and entertaining two days. For starters we celebrated Friday with a nice dinner and a bottle of wine at Tapestry, a restaurant that I’ve been trying to dine at all year. We walked in 45 minutes prior to the kitchen closing and they still were able to put on a magnificent performance for us; we enjoyed dinner very much.

It wasn’t because we didn’t have anything planned for the weekend, we were supposed to be up in San Francisco all day Saturday for one of those exaggerated shopping sprees…and maybe even a visit to Sonoma’s Infineon Raceway to catch a bit of the Ferrari Challenge; however as Crystal’s fate would have things…she slept clear through noon. Instead of an urban adventure in the city, we found ourselves in the midst of an urban adventure right at home. Since we did not have the full day we wanted to go shopping, an executive decision had to be made - we had to stay local. We ended up visiting the Japanese Friendship Garden in San Jose’s own Kelley Park. It’s been forever since I’ve last been here, and for good reason too.

My folks took me here often on weekends, we had picnics, bar-b-ques and family gatherings under the shade of Japanese maples, however on one of those occasions I literally fell into the pond and the Koi, or Japanese Carp, thought I was fish food. It’s hard to recall the sensation of having countless fish attempt to eat you, maybe best described as hundreds of suction cups being stuck then ripped off your skin. It doesn’t hurt, but it will scare the living daylights out of you, especially if you were only 6 or 8 years old. You see the bridge is constructed of parallel planks laid out next to each other, then repeated again to its right. To cross the bridge you need to walk forward, then right, then forward, and so on. Since I was easily distracted (and still am), my focus was on the Koi beneath us, next thing you know I forgot about the “right” and walked right off the plank. My father caught me, but it was too late, I was already 3/4 submerged and quickly amassing fish hickeys.

I’m not sure if we ever returned back to the Japanese Friendship Gardens as a family, but that was my last memory of the park. I did visit Happy Hollow and the San Jose Historical Buildings on elementary and middle school fieldtrips, but don’t recall visiting the Japanese Gardens again. Why did I decide to take Crystal? I have no idea, but she didn’t lose any time with the jokes.

She did enjoy the ducks, baby geese, the shrubbery and of course the koi. Although this was her first time, and she was spmewhat awestruck, the gardens really took a turn for the worse, although still somewhat scenic, I mean I’d still go again but it’s not as kept as I remembered it. You could once feed the koi through food dispensers, those are long gone. The filtration and clarity of the pond is compromised by algae growth, and the once well maintained paths and trails have succumb with age. Still worth a visit, catch it while it lasts I suppose.

We spent the rest of Saturday enjoying dinner at Hana, then drinks at Vbar, Tanglewood and finally put our dancing shoes to use at Cardiff Lounge. Sunday was a fun day, Crystal thought I was picking up high school chicks at the mall (which turned out to be Hien and Camille), then spent some time in the evening hanging out with a common ground snail. Between the mistaken identities and mucus producing mollusk, Crystal dragged me through a shopping spree though Valley Fair and Santana Row, cooked a dinner (consisting of salmon, raspberries, micro-greens and cous cous), cleaned Sniffy’s hut, and organized Crystal’s room.

Quite productive I think, at least for Crystal. I had fun tagging along. Now…Sykes is coming up fast, and I’m (we all are) STOOOOOOOOOOOOKED!!!

-Wallace

MacLovin…

Six short months ago I found myself walking out of an Apple store in Palo Alto with a large sleek, white and incredibly well designed box in my hands. The clouds parted and angels trumpeted for many of you that afternoon, namely Jonathan and Stefano. All this time many of you had profiled me as a Mac user, only to be disappointed to find out I still had my clunky Toshiba Satellite. Although there was nothing physically wrong with the Toshiba, it was getting tired and I needed something more portable - after a quick debate between IBM’s Thinkpad x40 and the Mac, the latter obviously won. It not only had an optical drive, but I also loved the white, and yes, you guys got to me. I figured I’d give the macbook a whirl, if I didn’t enjoy it I would have only been out a little over a grand.

After a short learning curve, and I’m speaking a day or two at most, and also thanks to Jonathan who loaded my fresh mac with every program I could have needed my transition into mac-culture was seamless. My mac goes everywhere with me, the size, usability, and hidden features has really made my life that much easier. It’s intuitive, extremely easy to use, and I don’t miss pc’s at all.

While in London I discovered my topcase had a hairline split, upon further inspection it was beginning to split all the way. Now…to put it bluntly - this sucked. Expecting for an uphill battle I stomped back into the Apple store where a Genius Bar staffer took a look and replied with, “No problem, we can take care of this.” Not only did they fix it, it took them less then a day. Now, that is service. I am totally sold on Apple. I think Zoli said it best, “Apple is great. God forbid, but unless there was no way I could afford an Apple, there is no reason to purchase a PC.”

I love my Mac, however definitely recommend getting a Macbook Pro if you’re on the fence. Although you may not need its processing power or utility, the build is just that much better.

-Wallace

PS. My first computer was actually an Apple (IIe), my second (third, fourth, etc.) have been PC’s until this Mac.

Cabernet-trotting…

Just a few weeks ago I gloated about enjoying a bottle of Cakebread Cabernet Sauvignon during our anniversary, little did I imagine we’d actually be at Cakebread Cellars just a short 20 or so days later. Crystal’s father happened to be visiting for the weekend and has never been to Napa, we figured he’d enjoy a day trip north. Jonathan was diligent enough to follow up and book tours for us at Cakebread and Mondavi. We originally planned for Opus One as well but as things worked out it was for the better.

The day started off with us arriving in Napa about an hour early, we swung by Turnbull to pass time. This turned out to be a stroke of luck as Turnbull is connected to Cakebread and it was Turnbull who was actually the architect behind Cakebread’s facilities. Their cabernet was alright, I would pass on it but their Old Bull is worth a look.

Next we tucked into Cakebread where Jonathan, Alycia, Justin and Andy caught up with us. Really not much to the tour but an entertaining host and a plethora of Cakebread’s offerings but just like the label; it’s understated but packs an impression. In addition to their Cabernet, Chardonnay, and Merlot they also offer a Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, and three limited Cabernets only available at the winery.

After a short lunch at V.Sattui we rushed off to make our 2:30pm engagement at Mondavi. Upon arrival we met up with Channing Rudd, who took us on a private tour of the campus. Unlike the standard tours I’ve been on Channing was a whole lot more passionate, patient and humorous about Mondavi. Instead of billowing up Mondavi as a man with great vision, he told us about Robert Mondavi the artist, and the man who put quality and passion over bottom line and inferior products. A rather philosophical and scholarly view in contrast to the textbook tour one normally receives.

The red centers were not only visually appealing but served a purpose as well. A) They masked the spilt wine during topping off. B) You can tell these contained red wine. C) Obviously they look good.

This was our ‘boardroom’ tasting room, notice the stemware selection in front of us. Each class was spotless, and used only once. Specific glass for each specific wine. Swanky.

Alycia receiving a generous pour of the 2006 Mondavi Pinot Noir Reserve. Tasty.

These were just some of the wines we tasted in the board room, the undisputed best being the 2004 Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve - Best Cabernet Sauvignon via Wine Spectator. I actually did not like the 2004 Carneros, I found it too harsh - lots of spice, bite, and tight all the way around, probably a whole lot better if left to breathe.

Aside from the surreal vineyard views, grand spanish architecture and well crafted wines Mondavi has one of the best private art collections I’ve seen. Robert Mondavi collected everything that excited him and much of it is on display at Mondavi; from oil on canvas, to bronze sculptures, and even stained glass windows, his vision is definitely one of legacy. Those of you who follow me also realize I have a thing for furniture and design, the rawest form of this being chairs, while in the boardroom I noticed a pair of these old hacienda/mission style hide wrapped wooden chairs. Just seeing there was a surprise, never less to actually sit on something that existed over centuries ago. Beautiful chairs.

Of course I had to take a few pictures of Crystal being snarky. I had a fun time with her, her pops and Jonathan and co. Can’t wait to do it all over again…hopefully with the rest of the gang as well.

In other news we started to cook at home more. It’s not exactly any more budget friendly, in fact worse, but at least we know what’s going into our food…and that’s what counts right? We made sea bass last night, the crusty thing you see on top of it is actually paper thin potatoes. Not bad I just say, but tonight…we’re going to Restaurant James Randall. Heh.

-Wallace

Loving Starbucks…

What is this? I’m actually HAPPY over a cup of Starbucks?! Not the coffeeado by any means, but I do appreciate a well brewed cup of coffee just as much as the next bean snorter. As I strolled into Starbucks this morning for my usual slightly burnt, bitter-sour, sticky slop I was surprised by the use of ‘new’ cups. To the hardcore caffeine bean afflicted, these are actually vintage, or original Starbucks design cups, the rest of us however refer to these as the ‘boobie cups.’

Anyways, they started selling and promoted a new roast of coffee today, the Pikes Place blend. Everytime they introduce something it’s usually just static to my ears. “One cup of slop please!” is what I’d continue to order in my mind. However today…I’m not sure if it’s the new boobie cups or what, but I had to pause a moment after my first sip. I didn’t even know if this was the Pikes Place blend as my morning is so rushed, but I did stop and ponder. It couldn’t be, there’s a mental block that lumps “Starbucks” in with other necessities, as it is necessary for me to get anything done for the rest of the morning, but to actually derive pleasure out of a cup? Impossible. So therefore I say, it is substantially better then the sludge they used to serve, but just how much better? Could I be able to use the term ‘good’ and the name ‘Starbucks’ in one sentence? I guess I have the rest of the week to figure that one out.

While at the cashier I also picked up one of these things without actually knowing or realizing what they did. I figured it was to stir your drink with, and saw it as rather pointless and a waste of resources. Since my grubby fingers got all over it, I would hate for someone else to stir their drink with it so I pocketed it and left, figuring I could find a use for it later.

And later I did! While sitting there I noticed the shape on the handle matched perfectly with the opening on the lip of the coffee lid. I put the two together and WOW! NO WAY! Now…although I’m in a world of surprise, some of you went out of your way to point me over to the “little green plug.” Thanks a lot for waiting so long to show me, where were you when I was ranting about spilt coffee everywhere?! No more half torn stickers (with someone else’s thumbs), stuffed napkins soaking up half the cup, or extreme pothole surfing, I can frogger back to my office with confidence now! Go Starbucks!

In other news I picked up a handful of “Me! I’m French.” Dunnys over the weekend, I unwrapped a Tizieu Hunter Chase. Sweet huh?

-Wallace

PS. My pictures were used on Get A Clue New Orleans and NowPublic.com. Dope huh?

*UPDATE* - Back to my same ol’ predictable cup of slightly burnt sour sludge, guess it was the cup. 04|09|2008 : I’m back to Barefoot Coffee Roasters. 04|10|2008

Flight VX734 SFO-SEA…

Technology is not something I strive for, but something I fully embrace. It seems these days that everyone is out there trying to push the boundaries on open-source, virtualization and technology in general. Although I admittedly am not at the frontier, nor do I possess the aptitude to do so, it is something I take full advantage of. Today for example I am going to attempt to update ADE on my where-a-bouts and through-the-day activities as I travel and work. The amount of technology that actually goes into this is quite mind-numbing. The Nikon dSLR that will take the photographs, utilizing its own automatic sensors and micro computer, my Macbook which houses the Adobe Photoshop CS3 that I will then process the said picture with, the FireFTP software that allows me to upload a file from my notebook onto an virtual storage and publish it through Word Press. Not to mention how much WLAN and WIFI networks have matured through the years. Without this bit of technology this would not be possible, for example I am sitting in Terminal A1 in SFO at the moment utilizing the T-Mobile network via Larry’s IBM subscription. Sweet huh? Back in August I mentioned that Richard Branson launched Virgin America, Virgin’s Domestic service. It’s been been a full 6 months since then and I’m about to get my first taste. Whoa…Brooks just arrived, we’re going to Seattle today. Stay tuned…

The first thing you notice when you board Virgin America is its florescent pink and purple overhead lighting, casts a cool reflection over the bright white plastic seat backs and trim.

We sat in the main cabin where every seat was equipped with one of these RED units. These are the domestic cousins of Virgin Atlantic’s in flight entertainment system, one is able to watch television, movies, play games, track the flight via Google Maps, listen to music and for a small fee watch premium television, select movies, and order meals. One can also chat with others on the plane…so you know that cute girl you saw on the path in? Remember her seat number.

Brooks figures out how to text the hottie in seat 15A (yours truly). A message “You have a text, would you like to join.” appears on my screen. For the next few seconds I’m scrambling to figure out how this system worked. You mobile Qwerty users will love it.

The next thing we auto nuts noticed were that the seats were made by Recaro. Sweet huh? This plane is spankin new, un-molested upholstery, fingerprintless touch displays, unabused remotes, etc. I could get used to this…especially for what they charge. (cheap!)

After 3 or so hours we land at Seattle International, and after a bit of confusion we find our way to the Hertz vehicle pick up. Jumping into our rental we headed out onto Hwy 5 into downtown Seattle to meet Tom of Stand-Up Stix.

First, I needed to fuel up. I live on Cheeto’s. Heh…this was actually part of my lunch, I had a Phily Cheese-steak (Phily is spelled correctly).

Told you. Alright…onto Stand-Up Stix.

These three molded plastic sticks are Stand-Up Stix. So just what do they do?

Unless you’re a professional painter, or remodeling yourself you probably won’t have much need for them. These sticks insert themselves into the bolt cut-out of your average door then interlock with each other to prop 2-3 doors up against each other to create an better alternative then leaning doors and painting them side after side and door after door. Why do 1/2 when you can do 3?

Definitely a tool I’d keep in my bag of tricks if I were a painter. Be sure to check out StandUpStix.com for more information or to order a set.

Brooks looked like he was filming an adult movie or something. I think his new man moss, mullet, and prancing horse hat had something to do with it.

What’s a visit to Seattle without coffee? Tully’s headquarters was right by the shop, with an impressive old-school brick roasting factory right behind it. Shibby.

We eventually found ourselves back at Seattle International, with time to spare we were sitting under this giant mobile. What seemed like a random arrangement all became clear a short distance away. This bird was compiled of smaller objects…

It’s actually kind of crazy don’t you think? I wonder how much time they took to install this thing. For whatever reason I thought they were paper cranes at first, upon closer inspection they were actually toy sharks or some other fish. Lots of them.

Five in the afternoon rolls around and we’re boarding again, this time I take the window seat.

I want to say that this is Mt. Olympus, but I am not confident at all. (Correction: It is Mt. Rainier) All I know is a few of us summited this peak over a decade ago. It’s absolutely mind numbing how fast time passes these days. Still have very vivid memories of that trip, such as it’s a bad idea to chase deer, moose will attack even when unprovoked, walking on the summit ridge seeing spring on one face and blistering cold and gloom on the other. Breath-taking views. I wished I knew more about photography during this particular trip. Actually I believe I may have some prints from the trip at home somewhere…I’ll have to look for them when I return.

San Francisco finally becomes visible as the pressure builds up inside my ears. Noise concealing ear buds are not recommended for small cabin airplanes…at least not by me. That stuff hurts. I call Crystal and tell her that April Fool’s is a cruel holiday, and although not the most tasteful of April Fool’s jokes, I tell her that there was a bomb threat at Seattle and they have detained everyone on the grounds in order to process and defuse the situation. In short we were going to miss our flight and there was no way I could make dinner not to mention shuttle her to Volkswagen for her service tomorrow. She took the bait, to which I replied with a sly April Fools!, she did not get it and kept rambling on. Obviously I should have put more thought into it. On her way back she told me she had to return to her office for her laptop, dinner had to wait another hour…I ate it. April Fool’s Wallace! We’re either extremely gullible, or trust each other so that we believe each other’s words without that hindering grain of salt. I’m going with the latter, call me an April Fool. Speaking of which…it’s been a year, we’ve lasted a year! Time does fly, and it does with so much finesse when one’s enjoying their time. Cheers to us.

That’s about it. Happy Spring! Thanks for keeping up with me.

-Wallace

Lensffliction…

One of my personal commitments to this blog is the use of spirited photographs when possible. It is also no secret that my camera travels with me quite a bit, therefore it is a certainty that I am presented with questions pertaining to photography often. Usually, and most annoyingly, they inquire if I am a professional photographer, where/when my interest sparked, or why do I take photographs.

The answer to many of these questions is simple, yet difficult to communicate. Am I a photographer for example - no. I take photos as a method of escape, something that I enjoy and in my spare time. To rely on an income generated by photographs is the last thing I want to do, I even shun being accused of being a photographer for I am not that self-occupied or wish to be perceived as such. If you enjoy my photos, and simply let me know…I’d like to let you know that I am appreciative of your mention as well, but please - the photographer title is better left to the likes of Annie Leibowitz, Ansel Adams, or Shawn Starr (although he takes as much credit as I do).

This brings us to why I take photos. We’re taught early on that a photo is worth a thousand words, they hold a story of who, what, where, when, why and how. We visited Filoli this past weekend, and while touring its massive grounds Crystal’s feet became tired she found a midget sized bench of all things in the middle of a pathway. She sat, I laughed, she smiled, I snapped a picture. Images such as these bare a window into the past, moments that we’d like to remember, share, and treasure.

Behind all my photographs there is an untold story, and although just a photo to the average viewer they mean much more to me. We as a society is also trained to capture happy moments, and gleeful times. I set out for a couple weekends trying to capture suffering, pain, and raw emotion. To be less then critical, I absolutely sucked at it the first time. My second attempt was much better, however still was not able to capture that raw emotion I was trying for.

I try to convey passion and evoke emotion from my photos, something that the audience is able to connect with on some level and relate. It’s not always so easy to do, in fact most of my captures I still consider photos, not photography. They’re snapshots that tell a story, not photos that translate into feelings. To this date I’ve only snapped a handful I would ever present as photography, and this is also why I should not be regarded as a photographer, but rather an enthusiast of the discipline.

I hope you enjoy my photographs, for they are a part of me, and if you do enjoy the photos that is enough for me. I am happy.

-Wallace

Earth Hour 2008…

It started with a question: How can we inspire people to take action on climate change?

The answer: Ask the people of Sydney to turn off their lights for one hour.

On 31 March 2007, 2.2 million people and 2100 Sydney businesses turned off their lights for one hour - Earth Hour. If the greenhouse reduction achieved in the Sydney CBD during Earth Hour was sustained for a year, it would be equivalent to taking 48,616 cars off the road for a year.

With Sydney icons like the Harbour Bridge and Opera House turning their lights off, and unique events such as weddings by candlelight, the world took notice. Inspired by the collective effort of millions of Sydneysiders, many major global cities are joining Earth Hour in 2008, turning a symbolic event into a global movement.

So remember. Tonight at 8pm.

See you at 9pm.

-Wallace

Abandoned…

Every time I drove up California Highway 1 / 19th Street through San Francisco into Golden Gate Park this abandoned Victorian catches my eye. I believe the building originally fell victim to a fire, however the property was never renovated and eventually fell victim to weather, squatters, and obviously unsolicited urban improvements. Some time ago, its landscape changed, an Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser graced its driveway. Totally abandoned. Although no modern marvel this vehicle is solid, highly regarded by many off-roaders and some will even argue the Japanese equivalent of the British Land Rover Defender 90. Make no mistake, this FJ40 had the more desirable 2F motor and all the toys. There is no doubt, this was once source for someone’s pride and joy. Today it sits on 19th Street as an sad empty shell of its once proud past.

There is a part of me which wishes I can pick it up and restore it to its once dutiful state, however the time, effort, energy and resources requires is just something I do not have. I hope someone will pick up this truck, and either utilize it as a piece of urban art or take it through Moab.

In many ways, this truck is a reflection on life…not just yours or mine, but life in general. We were all once young, energetic, and full of promise. Going through life we lose this youthful appeal, our energy levels drop, and we fulfill our allotment of promise. What’s difficult to bare is the realization of unrealized promise. That sparkle in everyone’s eyes slowly dissipates, only leaving a gloom, desaturated view on life. This truck’s promise is severely unrealized, these things are more sought after now today then when they were new. Many still stand tall, many are still on active duty, many are still their owners pride and joy.

It is a difficult thing to see, as I realize this is an important vehicle. However due to the cards it was dealt early on, it has lived a rough life. However, if there ever was a silver lining in a story, I truly hope someone decides to haul this truck out and put some serious work into it. It’s never too late to make good on promises.

Whatever happens to this truck, if any of you happen to hear anything about it, please be sure to fill me in as well.

-Wallace

PS. pretty huh?

A Merry Easter…

“Merry” is one of those words which happened to be unfortunate enough to become associated with another, in its case - Christmas. We had, or at least I enjoyed a Merry Easter weekend. We had an Alexander’s reservation on Friday but had no real reason to go, so we celebrated our 1 year anniversary a week early (because we can.) over hamachi shots, an assortment of small plates, intermezzos, 28 day aged filet and Cakebread Cabernet. Richard has always made our dinners here amazing and has always found a way to up the par on every visit. This time he took Crystal on a restaurant tour and we wrapped up dinner by Crystal spinning her own cotton candy - oh, let’s not forget those gorgeous easter eggs with spun sugar and cookies for the road. Thanks Richard, always a pleasure…and the pleasure is all ours.

After dinner we made our way over to Cheesecake Factory to meet Larry and Clara for a celebratory drink, somehow we ended up with a bottle service of Cliquot. Figured it was to a good cause, and besides great friends is always reason to celebrate. Needless to say after a bottle of Cakebread, wine pairings with all our courses, and a bottle of Veuve Cliquot to top things off I was drunk, and I believe Crystal was too as we both woke up hung over.

We decided upon Whole Foods for breakfast, their new alcohol serving bistro is pretty awesome. I enjoy lunch here almost on a weekly basis but this was the first time I’ve wondered in on a weekend, and for breakfast. It’s so convenient to walk in, order sit down and have your own personal cook, or so I’d like to think whip up a meal for you. We split an order of ‘made to order’ omelets, pancakes and smoothies. Not exactly the greasy hang-over cure but it did its job. Now they need to mix up some bloody mary’s.

Many of you have been asking about Sniffy, so here she is bidding you a Happy Easter! I meant to prop her up with easter eggs or at least green grass but she wasn’t having any of that. Tried to dart under the bed a few times then break loose into the living room. She finally dug through Crystal’s underwear drawer and attempted to climb a dresser.

We woke up early, contemplated on outfits then attended Easter service at CCIC. The pastor was preaching something about finding Lamborghini keys in Bibles and I was day dreaming about bacon and eggs - go figure. When service finally ended we didn’t dart to the bacon and eggs as I imagined but over to Mitsuwa for some ramen, katsu-don, curry and inari (yes, we oink!).

Once back home Crystal wanted to tan by the pool, but I had a proposal to write. We walked only to realize that the pool area was consumed by shade, we had to move our operation to the lawn area where we both proceeded to sleep for over an hour. I fell asleep shortly after the photo…Tom Waits providing the soundtrack to a lazy Sunday afternoon.

5pm rolled around and I got to meet Crystal’s extended family over dinner up in Foster City. Extremely nice people, big hearts, and possibly the smartest baby I’ve met to date.

I thoroughly enjoyed this Easter weekend, I hope yours was just as merry. Oh…and Happy Nowrūz as well!

Cheers!

-Wallace