Annual Mother's Day breakfast from LG Cafe - year 18
One of the many rewards that come with writing routinely, nightly when possible, is how it reveals just how much can happen in a 24hr period. Was it only just yesterday that I was packing for Paso so we'd have less delay in the morning? Tommy never came home last night. It put my 6hr meditation course and the concept of accepting what I can and can not change to the test. I was pissed, especially to wake up at 1.30 am and find him not home; I called, and he didn't answer. He didn't tell Jen, I or Lauren anything about it, but he spent another night at the Marioni home. I don't mind that; I mind the lack of consideration that comes from not thinking to let us know, day two or not. I was bothered by this, and Jen helped me reset by reminding me that this is just "how it is," and I can't expect otherwise. That reminded me about the whole foundation of expectations and the stoic concept of having none. Along with that, if somebody doesn't meet your expectations and that upsets you, who's responsible? Exactly. So I settled down, though, "fuck it," and finally fell asleep. Still, I was exhausted in the morning. Lauren called in the LG Cafe order, and we drove to get it and head to Madronia, where we'd meet Tommy. On the way there, he called and said he'd go later in the day because he was helping Vinny and Mark with some Mother's Day efforts for Wendy. Lauren was pissed because this was supposed to be a family effort. Still, she quickly let it go. We had a bittersweet and poignant breakfast sitting graveside on grocery bags from the CRV trunk while eating the typical traditional breakfast that has been a tradition seldom if ever, missed every Mother's Day. From year one until now. We reflected on some memories and focused our thoughts on her mom for about 20-30 minutes before we packed up and headed to Matson. I'm so glad we went because I know it was a good experience for Lauren, and she will look back fondly on this effort to continue a tradition. Hopefully, even carry it on long after I'm not involved. Jen and I packed up the car with our bags and frozen portions of food for scottie ("pupsicles") and headed to Paso on time, with time to spare before our 1st stop. As we drove along the Soledad area, she mentioned that the "Wrath" wines we like are grown along the foothills. I took a look online and found that we were 20 min away from their winery. That realization and knowing we were in no hurry took us off the path and straight to Wrath. The area is beautiful, there's an endless stretch of vineyards along the drive, and the Wrath property was breathtaking. We got there just before they opened (11). Their tasting room sits beside a large lily pond surrounded by yellow and purple wildflowers. It turned out we had a club shipment to pick up anyway. We enjoyed a couple of light tastes, walked about, and then headed on our way to Paso. Scottie did well in the car and fairly well at the winery. He gets overwhelmed. We made it to Bodega de Edgar right on time. It's tucked far away in the western hillside. They focus heavily on Spanish grapes and wines. We had an informative tasting with a very knowledgeable guy named "Andy." Half my age, he's traveled and worked in viticulture for years, domestic and abroad. We enjoyed it and, surprise, purchased a few bottles too. Then we ended our 'tasting spree' at "Vines on the Merycrest," a spot recommended by Jess and Bev. It was great. Simple, humble, small operation with great wines and some interesting twists. Like a Malbec that Victor intentionally tried to 'downplay' and take the 'fight and bite' out of it. We bought bottles there too. It's insane that we're doing so because we have more than we can drink, but it's also something we enjoy and enjoy sharing. The more we have, the more we can gift, experience, and the less I'll feel inclined to hold onto it for the right 'year.' We're trying to stick to a three-bottle max per winery and not join clubs. That means our range of vineyards will dramatically expand and that we'll have more specific memories and associations with each. A stop at the Airbnb (more on that another time), a run for some Spearhead coffee beans for the week (right around the corner), then a trip to GOBM to snag what'll likely suffice for our week's eats and we were parked for the evening. Jen whipped up some chicken and cauliflower rice for dinner, and we're both wiped. We're set up for a full workday tomorrow. We'll likely venture out in the morning to walk Scottie and check the neighborhood out more, then again in the PM. Tomorrow will be a low-key day, and I don't expect we'll do anything other than perhaps look at a few antique shops. I have a lot of work to do myself, but I also want to maintain some habits, including increasing meditation and mindfulness. I also want to manage my intake to maintain my weight. I was back at my baseline this morning and would like to be there still next Saturday when I wake up at Matson again. That will take discipline. Especially when I'm surrounded by wine and dine options. Wish me luck.
📊 seven-day averages: ⚖️ 161.9 lbs,❤️ 60.5 bpm, 👣 5083.4 steps, 🧘🏼21 min