Henry Miller Library

A few weeks ago Fred and I were in Big Sur and stopped by the Henry Miller Library. As part of one of the classes I'm taking (Intro to Library Studies) I had to visit a library and write a paper about it. The HML was amazing, a very spiritual place. We spent part of the visit watching a concert that was taking place on the grounds. What an amazing place to hold an event, I've even seen wedding blogs talk about holding the ceremony and reception there (seen here and here). It's not your traditional Library where you can check out books, this is a small community center/artist's retreat/performance space/coffeeshop/meditation space. Very fun, I wish we had more time to visit and hang out there. Definitely worth a trip back.

Alameda County Fair

Fred and I spent the evening at the Alameda County Fair. We ate fried foods and looked at the exhibits. I think the most interesting exhibit was the displays of collections, anything and everything under the sun; matchbooks, bobbleheads, playbills, 'The Sound of Music' collectibles, etc. I think most deserving of the first prize was the Wayne Newton collection, it even had a limited edition Wayne Newton decanter that was never mass produced (only 24 prototypes exist in the world)!

We also checked out the livestock and small animals, they were so cute! I wanted to buy some chicks and baby geese to take home. Another favorite of mine was a plate of cookies decorated with a California theme - poppy, redwood tree, quail, etc. very creative!

Alameda County Fair

Diablo Foothills

Fred and I went hiking last weekend at Diablo Foothills, it was an absolutely gorgeous day. We did a short hike up in the foothills and then ended in the Castle Rock Recreation Area. It was so quiet and peaceful there, it would be the perfect place for a fun BBQ.

4th of July

We all went to the Officer's Club at Fort Mason Center for 4th of July Fireworks. It was a lot of fun, we had a little picnic on the lawn, they had hotdogs and potato salad and afterwards we roasted marshmallows! There was a concert going on below us at Aquatic Park which was fun to listen to. We had a great view of the fireworks and we were even able to see a couple other fireworks shows that took place around the bay. On our drive home we saw the fireworks show at Jack London Square.

Lunch at Post Ranch Inn

Fred and I went with his parents to Post Ranch Inn for lunch last weekend. We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day. It was warm and sunny in Big Sur, no hint of fog until we drove further down the coast to see McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.