Hi,
We're back in Culver City now with stories to tell of our northern adventures.
There were lots of correct answers to the 'Easy Monday' tune. The last verse is a good one: "__ __ __ he's gonna save my reputation (BGs) If I were you I'd take a permanent vacation (BGs)... I could see him comin'... So you better get a runnin'...." Hint: No hint, but what a fun song.
If you recall, we left the story at the end of the Cousin's Lunch in Oakland. We followed a set of instructions as we set out for a location in Berkley that was new to us. We were going to visit the print studio of Peter Koch, someone Lisa knew in Montana and hadn't seen since she was 17 years old. They caught up on old times, people they knew, and where they were now. Then he took us on a tour of his place. He creates limited edition book collections for writers and photographers, and also experiments with blending new technology with old techniques. Some of the antique printing presses are still used in his works.
Palo Alto was our next destination. Following maps, we managed to get back to the right highway, the right exit, and eventually our hotel. Dinah's Garden Hotel, which, to me is actually a motel. It's probably the nicest place we've stayed in Palo Alto. Our room was large, with wooden floors and a heater that worked. It was cold up there. We had time for some brief relaxation before meeting Joe, Eva, and Karen Jo for dinner. Hunan Garden is their favorite restaurant and Sunday night it was the most crowded we'd ever seen it. Even with the high noise level, we had fun.
Monday morning turned out to be a technical nightmare. Google decided to ask me for my newly revised password, which I forgot. It wasn't until after breakfast that I was able to reset a new one and send the daily message. Photos will return as soon as I can convince Google and iCloud and whatever techno monsters out there that I am me and I'm not claiming to be the walrus. (555) How simple life was before hackers and jerks.
In between the drama, we pick up Joe like we usually do, and went to breakfast. After breakfast we returned to his house, where he gave Lisa a demonstration of another aspect of his art process. We discussed the method of framing his work. Inside the house, Joe and Eva surprised us with symbolic gifts. Each was wrapped in a letter explaining the purpose and their thoughts about it. Lisa received a paint brush, because every artist needs a brush. I got a beautiful pen, because as a writer, the pen is mightier than the sword. It was a touching moment.
In the early afternoon we had lunch with Ming, who lives in San Francisco. We had a cool time hanging out with him at Dinah's, hearing about his plans and catching up on bits of life.
At the San Jose Airport we were put in the 'Pre-Check' line again. It's nice to leave your shoes on, and have a simpler inspection. Our flight was delayed, but eventually got us back to LAX.
It's New Year's Eve. How will you ring in the 'new'???
Have a Happy Tuesday.
Peace,
Danny
This is the secret of success."
~Swami Sivananda
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
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