Merced, California: We both ended up working most of the morning while watching the Penn Relays on NBC. I forgot today was Saturday and I never run on Saturday so had an extra day for my shin splints/assorted ailments - associated with old fat ladies who run - to heal. The rest of the day was spent at Mom's with the brothers.
Brother Steve
There was some singing. There was some bocce balling. There was some softball. There was some beer drinking.
There was some quality time spent with our adorable niece, Kira. The girl can hit the ball out of the park!
And time spent with Kira's charming friend, Don Juan. Seriously, it should be illegal to be this cute.
Remember when our house sitter, Brandon, went up to Canada and caught all that salmon? We have had this huge chunk - vacuum-sealed in our RV freezer - just waiting for the prefect opportunity to grill the massive slab of fish. Tonight proved to be the night. Kent grilled the salmon to perfection.
I made a salad with farro, walnuts, peas, feta, and fresh mint - tossed in a vinaigrette made with white wine, lemon juice, garlic, lemon zest, olive oil, salt & pepper. We also served a tomato and cucumber salad. A great meal, enjoyed with family.
After dinner, I had the boys pose with their Mom for photos.
Kent (#4), Steve (#2), Kira (youngest of #4), Mom & Dave (#3)
Mom, with her three youngest. (Oldest Brother Billy was getting ready for his gig tonight.)
#1, on the drums
Later, we all abandoned Mom & Kira and went to downtown Merced to watch those fabulous BOBtones. The nightclub was PACKED!
I leave you with one of my favorite Steve Johnson/BOBtones tunes - Early in the Morning (safe and hosted by RVGoddess.com). I keep this one on my iPod and listen to it while running. It always gets me around the block.
Does it seem as if Mary & Cory have been in Italy for about a month? Shouldn't they be coming home soon? Today the pretty tourists were spotted at the Trevi Fountain in Rome. So, do you recall that old tale... if you throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain, you will return to Rome? It's true! I just happened to photograph Mary tossing a coin into the fountain in October of 2006 - and bingo - she returned with Cory today!
Mary at the Trevi Fountain in 2006
Proof!
Until my next update, I remain, your Merced blues correspondent.
RV PARK: Castle Air Museum Family RV Park (or something like that). On the now-closed Castle Air Force Base between Merced & Atwater. Full-service sites, but no amenities. No bathhouse, laundry, clubhouse. Nothing but a quiet, safe place to park. 6 sites. $25.