First things first. Katy’s in Carmel has the best breakfast ever. In eyeing the menu this past Sunday I noticed they combined two of the most delicious breakfasts known to man. Genius. For the few I have to explain this to - Eggs Benedict and Hash. Decision made. Sipping my hot chocolate with whipped cream and sprinkles ( I like to think more child-like than childish) I wondered if it could be as good as it sounds. Wonder no more. Sooooo good.

The reason Mela and I were in Carmel this past weekend is kind-of-a big deal. Just under six years ago she said Yes and Saturday, August 11 was our five year wedding anniversary. I am very blessed. We share several things in common some of which I would not wish on anybody. We have both been thru cancer, each divorced one time, each lost a parent arguably sooner than we should have, a love of dogs and both born the same year but that is another story. Mostly we share an unwavering commitment and unconditional love for each other.

The long weekend in Carmel was just what the doctor ordered. Clean fresh air, great food, shopping, the ocean and each other. Friday we had an excellent light late lunch at Pepper’s in Pacific Grove - one of my favorites and a dinner of Crab and Lobster Ravioli while Mela had he Cioppino and wine of course at Little Napoli in Carmel. We love good food.

Saturday was a leisurely drive down the coast. This was the first time I had taken out my camera since my diagnosis - excluding the wedding of the century of course. I never really did ask Sean why he kept the wedding under wraps. The only thing I could figure is he did want to undermine the wedding of Harry and Megan. He has always been gracious that way.

Anyway it was a beautiful day and felt good to take some images. It was funny. I used manual focus on several occasions. The autofocus actually focuses on where your eye is looking - but my eye was apparently not looking where I was focusing on. Our drive concluded just south of Pfeiffer State Park at a restaurant on the coast named Nepenthe. The views were extraordinary. Mela enjoyed a chilled white wine while I had a beer and we shared a caprese salad and a grilled artichoke. Did I say we also share a love for food and thankfully working out. A good day.

Sunday we bummed around Carmel after our late breakfast at Katy’s and sadly Monday we headed home - to our demoed master bath and closet. We finally pulled the trigger on the remodel.

This coming weekend we are having dinner with long time friends at Mulvaney’s in Sacramento and the following weekend will find us in the City to have dinner with our daughter, Gina, her beau, Steven and his folks.

I share this because a lot of good is happening including a planned trip to Italy next September - and I am immensely grateful. I have not yet heard regarding my genetic mark-up from the biopsy. I would be lying if I said I was not anxious but my level of concern has diminished.

I hope the blog has been both informative and entertaining. I have found it quite therapeutic so thank you for following along. I am not going away but not sure where my ‘voice’ takes me on this or other journeys. Stay tuned……..

God Bless!