The Island We Love

When we left the house earlier today, we had no agenda except to get close, as close as possible, to the waves. So we took the three pooches to an overnight place that was new to us. A place that we had toured on Monday. It is connected to an animal hospital; the prices are reasonable; and a friend had recommended it.

Once the pups were dropped off, we pointed the car toward the coast and we were off and gone. We hadn't done any serious talk about which coastal city we were going to go to, but had casually mentioned San Clemente. So I kept quiet about the destination as Mr. Fun drove and soon I could detect by the route that yes we were headed to San Clemente. We know several motels there that are just across the street from the water and the pier, and several restaurants are within walking distance.

We parked the car and walked toward the first motel; I leaned over to him and said, "Okay, this is my dollar limit. If it's over that, let's keep looking." We walked into the lobby past a sign that read "Come in and ask about our daily specials." We had to ring a bell and the hostess came to meet us. She told us about the B&B we were at (we had thought it was a motel). She told us the price and I silently choked. Then she asked if we'd like a tour. "Sure," we responded. Up three flights of outdoor stairs and we were on the third floor looking at a beautifully decorated suite with a lovely balcony deck overlooking the Pacific and the pier. When Mr. Fun said we'd take it, I was shocked, but thought well it's only money.

The room came with lots of extras: a fully stocked mini-refrigerator (cheeses, soda pops, champagne, snacks), a community kitchenette on the second floor offered a microwave to use, lots of fresh fruit, press pots for coffee, lots of Starbucks flavors to choose from, and a full home made breakfast served to our room or balcony the next morning. The room came with everything we needed: Large flat screen TV, video player, DVD player, and more channels that we had time or care to view. The bathroom included a spa bathtub for two.

After we were registered and had our suitcases unpacked, Mr. Fun told me he had some extra bucks that he had been saving and that was why he said okay. That made me feel better (since I manage our money, I'm always counting change in my head).

Best of all we could see our favorite island, Santa Catalina. So that is the feature of today's blip. I captured a zillion others of surfers, the sun descending through the pier, children building castles in the sand, and palm trees and seagulls, and, and, and. But the island always causes us to sigh slowly and remember dozens of special moments.

What a terrific Friday! We'll say good night with sand between our toes and the sound of waves breaking.

Rosie (& Mr. Fun), aka Carol

P.S. "Jimmy Buffet stayed on the fourth floor penthouse last summer," the hostess proclaimed as she showed it to us during our tour.