The lighter side of life – staying in touch with friends and family by celebrating the ordinary.
My Trip to California, Post 11: Laura & Alex
And once again we circle back to try and finish the California series from August! I hope you are not too tired of the series. We still have a few more to go. I just like to finish what I started!
I left off with my train ride to Santa Clara, where Laura lives. I’m always very happy to arrive at Laura and Alex’s house. Here’s the guest room with a beautiful quilt that Laura’s grandmother on her dad’s side, Helen, made for her as a high school graduation gift.
The quilt has a Japanese motif because Laura was interested in Japan in high school and diligently learning to speak Japanese. As many of you know, Laura went on to spend 5 years in Japan before returning to the US and settling in California.
I love this bathroom art.
It’s especially fun because they have a black cat, Caden.
Here’s Laura relaxing in the backyard.
And her earnest and loyal dog, Zane.
That weekend I hoped we would get a chance to hang out with Alex too. Alex works hard during the week, and he is also very committed to his hobby of bicycle racing. It’s always a bit of a challenge to figure out what to do together, because neither of us want to just sit in the living room and chat. But he’s a great guy.
One good option in the Bay Area is all the excellent restaurants. On one night, Alex took us out to a casual but very good German restaurant where I had sausage and spaetzle. The weather was perfect for eating outside.
I especially like where some of the towns have closed off a street and use the entire street as a courtyard for multiple restaurants. It always feels very festive. Here is one in downtown Sunnyvale.
Then on Saturday we took a walk on the Santa Clara University campus. Universities are great places to walk on sunny summer afternoons.
Outings are always more special with a quick stop for coffee.
Laura stands obligingly for the photo while Alex is playing around, peaking around the corner.
We had a good walk. I love doing this sort of thing, and feel so lucky that sometimes I get to walk with my kids.
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