Strawberry Fields Forever

I don't think I ever wrote about the outcome of the Strawberry Fields Forever bicycle ride I did on May 16th. It was a 100 km bike ride in Monterey County.

There were three stops along the way for food and drinks.

At stop number one: fruits, trail mix, biscotti, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches...

... and a barista making espresso or pouring coffee...

We stopped at the warehouse of Bamboosero...

Bamboosero is a custom bike company run by frame designer Craig Calfee. His bikes are primarily made of bamboo, which grows in the developing countries where most of his bikes are built. If I remember correctly, he teaches people in developing countries HOW to build the bikes, and then they take over and build them all. It helps the struggling communities because now people have jobs, they can better support their families, there is more money flowing through the community, it makes bamboo a more valuable resource, etc.

... just keep pedaling ...

... world class unicyclist in our midst ...

... second stop: lunch!

... fruit, make your own sandwiches, cookies, crackers ...

.... third stop: Gizdich Ranch!

Summary of what you can find on the Gizdich Ranch website:

• Pick your favorite fruit of the season right off the tree or vine
• Purchase a jar of fresh jam, a delicious fresh-baked pie, or an antique/craft
• Pick up apples (pay by bushel or pound) during the apple season, September through December.
• They seriously have so many apple varieties!! I've never heard of half of these.
• Pick yourself is for 3 weeks only 9 - 5 daily (Red Delicious, Newton Pippins, and Golden Delicious are pickable - Other varieties available for sale only)
• All Gizdich berries are grown, harvested and packed at the ranch
• Call to reserve a flat of berries ahead of time (frozen available all year round)
• The pie and baked goods shop will tantalize your senses!
• Gizdich sales pies, shortcakes, pastries, deli sandwiches, etc
• Walking tours available

PIES:
Strawberry, Strawberry Rhubarb, Apricot and Pumpkin (seasonal) Boysenberry, Verry Berry, Apple, Olallieberry, Apple/Raspberry, Dutch Apple, Double Berry Dutch, Apple Olallieberry, Raspberry, Lemon Meringue, and No Sugar Apple (special orders)
SHORTCAKES: Strawberry and Olallieberry (seasonal)
APPLE DUMPLINGS: Smothered in a decadent apple dessert topping.

They had a live band there!

... one of the final hills ...

Final stop! Back at Watsonville High School. Whole Foods catered an amazing dinner!

Let's not forget the strawberries! 

What a good group!

... my dinner plate ...

... dipped the juicy strawberries in chocolate ganache and whipped cream ...

The ride was really pretty. We bicycled through lots of strawberry fields and other crops. I remember it being freeeeezing but luckily somebody lent me a jacket. The 63 ish miles was long, but definitely do-able with all of the food stops.

Attention Anyone:
Let me know if you want to go next year!

Sake for 1 cent... not even!

I've been to Yama Sushi three times now. It's located in the Del Monte Shopping Center in Monterey (Bldg A Ste 92). I'm definitely not a picky sushi eater. Throw some spicy tuna in my roll, add sriracha on top, give it a hokey moniker - I'm yours.

These are some photos from the first time I went with a few coworkers and friends. 

They've got the sushi makers over yonder making all the rolls. They are so nice! Once, when on my way out, one ran up to me and did that "pound" thing (modern high five). He's so with it.

 So about the title of this post. This place is fairly new and has been advertising 1 cent sake Mondays - Thursdays. Also, their sushi rolls are 50% off! All the time! That means I can order the Lobster Delight or Victoria Secret or Fuji Mountain or ... or ... or ... all for half the price! Pretty sweet deal.

This is the sake fountain. It's kind of like a soda machine, but for sake!

They've got lots of seating, but it does get packed!

My group!

Where are the turkeys?

Living in Fort Ord...

... there are always turkeys roaming ...

... these turkeys were walking towards my front door ...

... two of them, maybe lovers?

.... I haven't seen turkeys around in a while ago ...

... maybe they know what's coming in a few months...

I cannot wait for THANKSGIVING!! Turkey Trot, family, food, pumpkins everywhere!

Mission NOT Orchard

I just met with Fran and Krizia for lunch in Fremont. Today was one of those magical days when everything just sort of worked out. Fran was up in Tracy for a wedding and she had time to meet the both of us for lunch.



Designated meeting location in between Tracy and Morgan Hill? Mission Coffee, 151 Washington Blvd, Fremont.



While waiting for Krish, we ordered chai lattes - Fran's had mocha. We chatted and caught up for a bit ... I love my old Cal Poly roomies so much! I miss being 100% caught up with their lives...



We also learned about the history of this couch. It was donated to the coffee shop by the president of San Francisco's USO office. It dates back to the 60s!



Menu board.



The crowd.



Freakin amazing looking cookie.



When Krish arrived, we walked around the corner to ...



The Cheese Taster delicatessen! (43367 Mission Blvd, Fremont) Don't you think there is something awesome about a deli that uses the -catessen ending? Maybe it's just me...? Anyways, the lovely lady behind the counter, Judy, took our orders. After we finished the yummy sandwiches, we decided it was time for pictures!



Fran took them with her real camera... I need a new real camera. Mine is falling A-P-A-R-T. No joke. Krish told us how she is planning to get a new digital... I digress.



We went to the Mission of San Jose and set the camera on a timer. Timer pics always turn out pretty interesting :)

We said our goodbyes and went our separate ways. I'll be seeing Krish in a few hours at our 5 year high school reunion and I'll hopefully see Fran sometime Labor Day weekend!

Location:Washington Blvd,Fremont,United States

Beatrice gets a face lift

Brought my beautiful car in to an auto body shop this morning as a result of a recent minor crash.



Geico suggested Robert's Collision Auto Repair, 234 Ramona Avenue, Monterey.


I freaking love this gecko. Everyone at Geico was so helpful and made it easy to fix everything - easy peasy.





Hopefully both of these "beauty marks" will be fixed. Beatrice Milton Alfonso only deserves the best!


The shop looks pretty clean, huh? I think I'm going to like this place! And when I get Beatrice back I'm going to treat her to a deluxe car wash (I have a groupon :) and an oil change...


Sleeping beauty is coming with me to breakfast at the Breakfast Club in Seaside.

Location:Ramona Ave,Monterey,United States