La Quinta, California: We have been home three weeks and have yet to post my cruise review. (It is about half-way written, so maybe soon, or maybe not...) After settling in, I went about recreating so many of the lovely dishes we had on our trip. All were photographed, so that is ANOTHER post that hopefully will show up someday. But between all our everyday happenings, exercising and golfing, we had yet another (how many now?) COVID booster, and this one knocked us out for 24 hours. First time in a long time for any reaction at all, so we thought nothing of getting the shot two days before we were heading over to Los Angeles to watch Our Favorite Grandson play at The Whiskey a Go Go for the second time.
Dave and I drove to LA, arriving about the time Lucile would get out of school, and checked into a hotel less than a block from The Whiskey. Lisa fetched Lucy and brought her to our hotel for a swim in the rooftop pool. This place was made for Instagram.
Leo's performance was another fundraiser for his school, and the venue was again packed to the rafters. This time, Leo and his posse performed as Duderoni, and they had two teachers and one female classmate sing guest-spots for three songs.
Leo played and sang so well. He was very busy on the pedals as well. Not sure why he was rocking the Napoleon Dynamite-style sunglasses, but it worked. Again, the venue set up a "candy bar" in the Green Room - instead of the usual booze bar supplied for adult performers.
It was another great night, listening to the talented students and chatting up teachers and his friend's parents. Lisa's friends, Gabe & Raul, also joined the party.
Way past the kid's bedtime, the family joined us at our hotel for a late dinner. Since it was late, we mostly ordered appetizers to share - though the rockstar ordered a steak. Lucile ordered truffle mac & cheese. When the dishes arrived, I grabbed a spoonful of the cheesy goodness and Lucile shouted at me to stop! I was thinking she wanted it for herself, but no, she was sure it was LOBSTER truffle mac & cheese (and I am allergic to shellfish). Lenny double-checked the menu, and sure-enough, the casserole DID contain lobster. Whew! However, then we had to listen on repeat (over and over for the rest of the meal): Hey, Bubbe - remember that time I saved your life?
I probably would have survived, but still, Lucy is certainly so dang funny. Maybe we will see her on stage one day?
So now we are back in La Quinta and readying ourselves to hit the highway Wednesday (28th) north to Eugene for the NCAA Track & Field Championships at Historic Hayward Field June 11-14. We will be visiting Dave's family in central California, then creeping our way up the coast before reaching Track Town USA. Follow along.
We have doves nesting in the ficus tree in our courtyard and are fighting with a swallow trying to make a nest on the wall of our verandah... but other than that... things should be fine while we are away. (The doves were there last years and really are no bother, save a bit of mess when they move out. Swallows, on the other hand... plastic owls with bobbing heads will be delivered Tuesday. Bobblehead Owls!)
Until my next update, I remain, your packing-up correspondent.
Way to go, Leo & Duderoni! They even put their band name on the marquee!
Safe travels to you & Dave.