Blanco State Park

Needing to get away from a crazy week preparing our house to sell, Alexander and I decided to load up the '89 Trooper we call Snoopy with our camping gear and kayak and head out. Yee Haw! This time of year it's super tough to find a camping reservation but it forced us to go outside our comfort zone and try a new park. We headed to Blanco State Park for two nights with Chef Alexander on call. He cooked up, as usual, the perfect charcoal-grilled burger (those grilled onions are to die for, baby!), egg & bacon sandwiches for breakfast and for dinner grilled half a chicken that just fell off the bone (the rub was amazing) with roasted brussels sprouts - simple but always amazing!

The kayaking trip may not have been as successful. Turns out the Blanco River is broken up by dams about every 500 feet, in which you must lift your kayak over. When we got to the fourth one, it was just too tall. We ended up paddling in circles and getting a good tan. Overall, the park was clean, had lots of wildlife to view (a very personable llama and a dancin' goose, for example)and was perfect for swimming. It was great for kids and we may go back when we have some but next time are looking for a more adventurous place. Below are a few photos of the fun.

Casa de Bibighaus II

We are moving June 6! Alexander and I purchased our first home together and are really excited to have more space and a fresh start. With all the extra space, we are planning for an addition to the Bibighaus clan...Don't freak! We are bringing home a Goldendoodle puppy this fall - all very exciting. Here's a few pics of the new digs:

San Fran continued

Here are a few more pics from our trip...

San Fran and Half Moon Bay

I decided to escape from a very busy and stressful month of work by heading to the California coast with Alexander on his business trip. We managed to pack in a weekend in San Francisco, exploring China town, little Italy and seeing the main sites such as the curviest street. The weather was perfect and we had a blast cruising around in a cherry red VW bug - so fun!!

Before checking in at the RC in Half Moon Bay where Alexander is attending a leadership conference, we headed to Muir Woods for a long hike (man my legs are sore - note to self: bring hiking boots next time) that was mainly climbing and winding through the beautiful red woods. It was truly amazing! (Photo courtesy: National Park Service)

After checking in, we had a fabulous meal of raw oysters, a very creative sushi roll (Hawaii 5-0) that was actually something to write home about (I am not usually a roll fan) and mussels and clams in a white wine sauce at Crab Landing. I was pleasantly surprised and would highly recommend it. Today and tomorrow I am working from the hotel room and hoping to get in a good workout and a massage before I head back to reality....

Tel Aviv Food

One of the best parts of our trip to Israel was the food - fresh veggies esp. eggplant, fish, lamb, hummus, yogurt...the list goes on. The Golgan Heights wine we drank was more than decent, and every bar we visited the bartenders greeted us warmly and by the end of the night, which does not end until the sun comes up in Tel Aviv, with one too many complementary shots.

Jerusalem

Here are a few pics from our day trip to Jerusalem, which was truly an amazing experience.

Valentine's in Israel

Faced with the fact that we would spend our first Valentine's Day alone as a married couple, Alexander saved his own you-know-what and flew me out to Tel Aviv where he was working. I received a first-class treatment not only from my husband but from the Israeli people. I fell in love with the people, scenery and food and can't wait to go back! Here are a few pics from our journey, where after work happy hour is on a beach and Americans are fed drinks well after 2 a.m. I am totally in love with you, Tel Aviv. Next posts are pics of food and Jerusalem from the rest of our trip.