I try to recap every adventure with a poem. This one recounts our return to the West Coast, visiting family in Oakland and Portland. I also had two side trips to visit with a college buddy who has built a stage in his Oakland background and to Tracktown USA at the University of Oregon.  It was my wife’s birthday so we celebrated at every stop. We were hoping for some cooler weather, but what meteorologists termed to be a “Heat Dome” settled along the Pacific and sizzling hot temperatures are expected to continue.

Michael Mina’s Sonoma restaurant, Wit and Wisdom, was not air conditioned, so the candles weren’t the only things melting. Also, a bottle of wine that we purchased exploded in the back of our car; the rear window apparently magnifying the intensity of the sun. However, it was rather pleasant for the Giant’s game in San Francisco, after shopping at an antique store called “Stuff.” We also enjoyed some good pizza at Mina’s, Arthur Macs, and Jerry’s, and of course some Ghirardelli treats at the ballpark. In addition, we dined at a Portland Italian favorite, Nonna Emelia and even got to Freddy’s on our drive into Tampa. 

We reunited with Falco and met her new sister pup, Ham. It’s ironic that our dogs always enjoyed a night time snack tradition that we called “Ham Time.” (See Post #744). Our own schnauzer Tally had to stay home with her new family, and certainly misses her old buddy Falco who spent some time at the vet during our visit after an upset tummy. Sadly, they may never see each other again. All in all, we got to tour the new homes and construction projects for both of my wife’s daughters, and stayed with them for the first time in our marriage. The dogs treated us as intruders and barked at every late night step I made on numerous visits to the toilet. In addition, I got to experience RV camping for the first time since I can remember, although I got there a day late and missed out on some heavy partying with my other college friends.  Next out of state stop is Tahoe in September and likely another recap poem like this one:

Tracktown

Tampa To Start,
Ready, Set, Go.
Oakland bound,
Luggage to stow.

Marriott convenience,
But Seattle stop.
Taxi to Lusk Street,
Ben’s pepper crop.

Eric stops by,
Takes me away.
Wine and charcuterie,
On stage where he’ll play.

Miranda went bananas,
And baked a cake.
Stir fry on the patio,
They teamed to make.

Birthday singing,
Then shut eye.
Tired from jet lag,
After just saying hi.

Emeryville Marina,
To blade, run, or walk.
Drive to Sonoma,
And continue to talk.

Beastly conditions,
First tasting – Cline.
Imagery was next,
Mina’s to dine.

The wine popped its cork,
While sitting in the car.
We were left to enjoy,
The smell of lost Char.

The restaurant hot,
But caviar on ice.
Candle topped chocolate,
Made Sixty-Five nice.

We bought some “Stuff,”
After shopping a bit.
The Giants got drubbed,
But Ghirardelli a hit.

Topped off our stay,
With Arthur Macs.
Then on to Portland,
For tummy attacks.

Falco’s was aching,
While Ham was leery.
But plenty of treats,
Made them both cheery.

At Megan and Mitch’s,
Blocks fill the yard.
But all the improvements,
Show they’re working hard!

Nonna Emelia pasta,
Always a treat.
The birthday continued,
With plenty of meat.

Who woke the Dogs Up?
A restless night.
I bus to Eugene,
Up a first light.

My friends all hungover,
By the time I got there.
It’s just too bad,
I didn’t get to share.

Tracktown amazing,
Camping was fun.
However, I’m glad,
It’s over and done!

While I was away,,
Mom lunched with buds.
Enjoyed Jerry’s pizza,
Claw tub full of suds.

Up before sunrise,
To make our way home.
And well out of town,
Before the “Heat Dome.”

We’ll see all again,
Tahoe in September,
Memories together,
For us to Remember.

copyright June 2021 johnstonwrites.com