A Detour Is A Choice Between Two Tasks

[eggwards]

✹The weekend was in Dallas with Chris was low key and relaxing. It was nice being in a town where it wasn't raining, since it had rained in Houston for the last 20 days or so, The highlight was a pool party and games at Tommy (winbear) and Harry's place. We also had a good time taking Joey out to the Dog park, where I swear this SMU frat boy was giving me the eye. Not exactly my type, but flattering.

✹Meanwhile, back at work, my soon to be ex-boss wants to go back out to play golf on Thursday. I'm not sure if I want to waste money doing that right now, especially so soon to the last time. Personally, we're starting to butt heads again, as she's trying to finish and get rid of projects, and I'm trying to get my own work done, not hers. The worst thing is, many of her projects aren't really timed right to need to be finished now, and mine are. It's terribly frustrating and I'll be happy when she takes her leave at the week so I can move forward.

✹I'm getting super excited about going to Northern California, just a few weeks away. I'm trying not to stress out about it, since usually I'm a niggler for details about dates and transportation and at least the general idea of what happens when. Hans today offered up the Winchester House in San Jose as a destination, and while it sounds interesting, the ticket prices are pretty steep for a haunted house tour.

It seems that I wasn't quite as sure of California geography as I thought. Last night, before I drove home, Chris and I had a discussion of what was close enough to drive to, and what wasn't. Monterey, redwoods and Napa Valley are on the list, Mt. shasta, Lake Tahoe and Yosemite Park are off. I'm learning. Oh, the new Google Maps hybrid - maps plus satellite photos, very helpful.

✹I didn't get to see Murderball this past weekend, so I need to go sometime this week (unfortunately, in Houston it's only playing at the Greenway 3, which has the smallest seats - ugh). I'm just fascinated in seeing how this sport, quad rugby, works.

✹Why am I watching Amazing Race re-runs?

✹I keep trying to dodge Harry Potter spoilers. Luckily they will die down soon as the first waves of readers finish. I'll read it soon enough, but probably when I can borrow it off of someone. I had an offer for a copy, but I didn't know him that well, so I felt awkward taking it from him. Perhaps it's my own sense of trust and a time in the past were someone I barely knew borrowed some of my Dads 1940 edition Hardy Boys books and never returned them (ass).

Right now I'm reading Wicked, and that's pretty good.

✹A Happy belated Birthday to Miami Chris, dedos!

Comments

[furfairy.livejournal.com]

There's a pretty good chance you'd be disappointed with Winchester House. You're better off spending the money or, more importantly, time, away from tourist traps. Muir woods is a personal favorite of mine. A really common itinerary for me is to go there in the morning and then have lunch on the water at Sam's in Tiburon.

One thing you could do on a future trip would be to set aside a couple days and go down the coast. Spend a day exploring the Monterey peninsula. Lodge at the Mission Ranch, and then head down the coast to Cambria and spend a day at Hearst Castle. That'd be a much better funky old home fix than Winchester. Plus the coast is gorgeous. (In case you haven't been down it before..) :)

[eggwards.livejournal.com]

Yeah, the Winchester seems like one of those side-of-the-highway oddities that you'd find advertised on the side of the old Route 66. At least it has a little more historical perspective than the Precious Moments Chapel in Joplin, Mo.

Muir woods is a definite destination, as is the coastline, plus trying to get through the city as well! There's a lot to see! Thanks for the advice!

[f--k.livejournal.com]

Winchester Mystery House is way too much to go see. I will point it out, but the story is more interesting than the house itself and a good portion of the house tends to be closed for restoration at any given time.

Speaking of odd architecture, I will have to take you on a brief tour of the Fry's. Many of the Fry's in the bay area are themed and can be amusing to take a peek at. Don't worry, I'm talking brief stops as we go to other locations (mostly my favorite places to eat.)

I did tell you there is going to be a lot of walking and that California isn't as flat as (most of)Texas, right?

[garebear.livejournal.com]

The Winchester house isn't haunted... it's a house that was built by someone who didn't quite know when to stop... it has stairways that go nowhere. Just a wacky house. furfairy has given great advice. I'd spend at least a night in Montery. Don't miss the aquarium. Cambria and San Simeon are beautiful, but is a long drive from Montery. Big Sur isn't that far... then there's Clint Eastwood's stomping ground, Carmel. Muir Woods and Tiberon are also great places to visit.

Of course, you'll hit the Castro district... and if you're into wine tasting, there's the Napa Valley.

One day you will have to visit Yosemite (this year it's supposed to be incredibly spectacular), Lake Tahoe, Mt Shasta... California isn't all vapid wasteland!

[teddyb.livejournal.com]

Don't miss the chance to see Monterey and the Big Sur coastline. It is some of the most stunningly beautiful scenery ANYWHERE. You won't be sorry.

If you have time, check out the Monterey Aquarium and think about having lunch at Nepenthe:

http://gocalifornia.about.com/cs/bigsur/a/nepenthe.htm

Here's a link to their "WeatherCam":

http://www.nepenthebigsur.com/images/weather-cam.html

And if you are still in the area at sundown, I have to say, watching the sun set, with the roar of the pounding surf, well, it is one of the most romantic places I've ever been. *grin*

[dedos.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Mike! *HUGS*
I tried Wicked, and read quite a bit, but lost interest near the end...

[alphaschnitz.livejournal.com]

Winchester Mystery House is a class A tourist trap. If you go there expecting something fascinating, you'll be disappointed. If you consider yourself a connoisseur of kitch, as I do myself, you'll have a blast.

But, yeah, it is way overpriced.

[eggwards.livejournal.com]

I like kitch, so I think it could be a lot of fun, but I'm thinking my limited budget could be spent in better places. Thanks for the advice, though!