We've Been Busy

And by we, I do mean the royal we. Derek did most of the work.

Since we bought this house, we have wanted to put a deck in our pitiful yard.

Finally, we can say we did it!

If I knew what I was doing, I would put these in a little photo video spiel with inspirational "we can build it" music. Maybe next time, because I'm sorry--I can't do that for you.

Groundbreaking

We started the first week of April once we recovered from our California trip! Believe it or not, there was still snow on the ground in places although not in this photo.

This is how I help.

The above two photos were taken Easter Sunday. That was also the first time we "dined" out on the deck. We ordered McAllisters, and they were closed...because it was Easter Sunday, as previously mentioned. So, we settled for Steak n' Shake.

Odd how one remembers weird things like that.

Pretty much done at this point. Just waiting on furniture!

Casey's pool fits!

Where you can find me most nights

Most of our furniture is in, and hopefully at some point I will remember to take a full on photo of how nice it all looks! D did an awesome job, and we are out here almost every night!

Happy Memorial Day everyone! Enjoy the nice weather.

Rules of the Road

You've heard of Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist? This is Derek and Mary's Road Trip Rules. I know, completely what you've always wanted. Why is this not in book form yet?

1. When you wake up in the morning and/or are finally coherent in the morning, say to yourself "I'm in _______!" Remind yourself that you are on vacation. Don't sweat the little things. Take a moment to thank God you're able to travel. Remember that it's a new day, new things to see, etc. I actually can't claim ownership of this particular trick. When I was in high school I went to Europe with my German class, and when we were getting ready to board the bus to the airport Frau (the teacher) told us to do that every morning. It's something that's always stuck with me and we do try to do that one every vacation that we go on, big or little.
2. Under pack. Seriously. Or another helpful hint--pack clothes you don't mind donating to Goodwill or the like if you don't have room in your luggage on the way home.
3. Going along with #2 under packing...you can always buy something if you forgot/didn't pack it/didn't think you needed it. Remember, you might pay more for it but it's not like it's the end of the world if you didn't pack his razor. (Sorry Derek.)
4. Chill your freak out! If your schedule changes, it is totally fine. You're on vacation. (See #1) This probably would have saved me exactly one break down in Santa Barbara. Oh well.
5. Research, and research some more. For example, we could have avoided the whole "Savoy Debacle" if I had googled things correctly.
6. Trust the driver. It really does avoid a lot of fights. Of course, we never fight. If we would though, it would be while driving.
7. Get advice. Thank you Abby, Pam, Alice, and Joel for all your advice on where to go and what to do or not do.
8. Ultimately, do what you want. One of our favorite things we did we were told to skip it. Another thing we were told not to miss we really didn't enjoy so skipped out early. It's your vacation!
9. Car size--bigger is better! The Charger was not small. Sure, it wasn't exactly fun weaving through Big Sur with the ocean on one side and a rock wall on the other. However, it did fit all of our stuff plus we had enough space to spread out. Yet, we could also go down narrow city streets without worrying (too much) about not fitting.
10. You snooze, you lose. This means, for example, not getting the Cayucos shot glass that Derek saw but didn't buy...then when we went back the next day the store didn't open until a long time after we were due to leave. Another fun tip--most places will ship things or have online stores. Make a list and order/buy when you get home. Yes, you may have to pay for shipping but it really beats paying for a checked bag! We did this with these awesome cookies, wine, and Holy Granola.

You can't make this stuff up.

Part Two

The second half of our trip has been less relaxing than we thought...but still less busy than the first half. Meaning...Santa Barbara is busier than we assumed it would be (did NOT realize it's a port-of-call for different cruise lines) but we aren't driving all day long with multiple stops either so that was nice.

We're staying at the Spanish Garden Inn for two nights and got a junior suite so that we can spread out and have our personal space. (There's just been a lot of togetherness, ok? Don't judge.) Really, all of our hotels/lodging/inns/whatever you want to call them have been really nice. Trip Advisor really does work! Amazing. We just have been in the car together a lot!

So far, we've hit up some shops, different beaches, some awesome restaurants, and the  Urban Wine Trail. You can't go to California without going to wineries/tasting rooms. You just can't.

Here's a few pictures for your entertainment. (Just humor me.)

Sunset at Butterfly Beach

Santa Barbara Mission

Arroyo Burro/Hendry's Beach

Stearns Wharf

We also ate at some really awesome restaurants: Brophy Bros., the Boathouse at Hendry's Beach, and the Savoy Cafe and Deli (which was on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives). By the way, the Savoy Café and Deli is not to be confused with just The Savoy, which is a burlesque club...which we discovered when we walked to the wrong one. Google maps, you failed me. More accurately...the problem was the one who was Googling (which was me), not Google itself. My bad.

All good things must come to an end though. Tomorrow, we drive back to Phoenix and fly home at the BC of D the day after. Yuck. Going to enjoy our bottle of Carr Vineyards wine and watch Despicable Me. Good night!