I had an epiphany. Not really. But I did come to the conclusion that I want to come back as a spoiled Carmel beach dog. Can you think of anything better? Every morning you take a walk with your pawents down to the beach to chase the shore birds, play fetch and meet new four legged friends from all over the world - German Shepards, English Sheep Dogs, Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, Australian Shepards and French Poodles to name just a few. You then stroll home and take your rightful place with the ocean view near the fire place while your pawents fix their breakfast knowing all the while that you get to clean their plate with that last bite of Applewood bacon and Belgian Waffle.
Can I please go to the beach with my friends?
For the purpose of conversation should you in about 25 years see a ruggedly handsome dog on the beach in Carmel that is the happiest dog there and goes by the name of Patch - please come and say hello (but bring treats).
Mela and I were in Carmel over New Years. What a great three days! Great weather, great food and best company. We had purchased a piece of photographic art in August as a joint gift for our five year wedding anniversary. The image by Christopher Burkett had to be framed so we said we would come back to pick it up. So spending New Years in Carmel was our excuse to pick up the art.
Our view at breakfast
Our breakfast companion
Monday morning we had a late breakfast at the Pacifics Edge Restaurant (don’t tell Katy) which is on the Highlands Inn property just south of Point Lobos. We sat on the deck and basked in the late morning sun and took in the absolutely spectacular view of the coastline - along with our friend the California Gull. Trivia time. I learned a number of years ago at the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History that there is no sea gull. The sea gull is the California gull but is often seen at the ocean. After a scrumptious breakfast we decided to simply bum around Carmel. That evening we had a spectacular dinner at 7th and D - a steak house. Oysters, crab cake, french onion soup, steak and lobster, upside down cake with bourbon ice cream. Craft cocktails and red wine of course. Indulgent. A resounding Yes. After the trials and tribulations of the past year it felt really good to end the year on such a positive note. So good. We are truly blessed.
The next day, Tuesday January 1, 2019, sadly our last day, we did have a late breakfast at Katy’s. Delicious of course. Before departing we went for a long walk along the beach. Little did I know what a great idea it was. As we walked hand-in-hand I let the last of the grit, worries and concerns of 2018 wash out with the tide while at the same time the cool Pacific breeze awakened my senses of the hopes, dreams and possibilities of 2019
I don’t think it would have been possible to have had a better three days. New Years in Carmel may become a Fratarvaloff tradition. I sincerely hope that each and everyone of you had a tremendous New Years and that 2019 is a great year.
Stay strong, be kind, be humble and God bless!!!