The Best Valentine's Day Ever

Happy Valentine's Day!




For the past several years, probably since Jim retired, we've usually gone out for lunch on Valentine's Day...it's more relaxing, the restaurants are not as crowded, and most restaurants just serve their regular menu at lunch which suits me better as I can order just what I want rather than a multi-course meal that is sure to yield leftovers for days to follow.

So, off we went today to Va De Vi, one of our favorite Walnut Creek small plates restaurants and wine bars.

Jim started with a glass of Cava, an Italian sparkling wine.



I stuck with water, since I had to get back to work after lunch.


One of our dishes was the Slider Trio, three mini burgers on warm homemade buns: Spicy Duck Meatball, Ahi Tuna, and Lamb Kafta.



We also ordered Braised Chard with Garbanzos and Tomato Jam




and, Day Boat Scallops on Risotto Cakes.



To end our meal, we shared a selection of two cheeses.

While this wonderful lunch would have made for a perfect Valentine's Day in and of itself (plus a few gifts from Jim and Louie, of course), what made it the "Best Ever" was the surprise appearance of the Barbershop Quartet with whom our friend Mike sings. They arrived formally dressed in white and red, looking like a Valentine's Card themselves. They sang, "Let Me Call You Sweetheart," "Heart of My Heart," and a Song with my name in it. They also presented me with a heart-shaped box of Chocolate Truffles and a single red rose.






I was totally surprised....more like shocked! And, of course, delighted, as were the other diners in the restaurant.



I was the Quartet's 5th gig of the day. Since Mike has a thriving business in San Francisco, he took the day off to sing. I don't know about the other three men, but they were excellent and will give info when I have it on how to hire them for a special event.

As they were leaving the restaurant, they stopped to serenade the hostess and as they walked out the door, another diner ran out after them to hire them on the spot to entertain his sweetheart!



Hope you all have had a wonderful Valentine's Day!

PARROT HEADS MEET UP AGAIN

Jimmy Buffett came through town this past weekend for his annual show in the Bay Area. This year's tour is called "Under The Big Top"

As always Jimmy was in great form, even though it was drizzling through part of the show (not on Jimmy though, but certainly on us) and it was cold enough out that Jimmy was wearing jeans rather than his usual shorts...the man is no fool at 62, almost 63!

And, the Giants won on Saturday night, too...right before the concert started. In fact, Jimmy came out on stage in a Giants Jacket to tell us the good news.


So for three glorious hours, we enjoyed an ever-entertaining show, with little time in our seats...After all, you have to be up dancing with everyone else.

This year, Ruth and I had new additions to our usual getups of hula skirts, Margaritaville tee shirts, and a variety of jewelry: We had new Parrothead hats!





Chris and Rob, who went with us this year, dressed a bit more conservatively, but did not seem too embarrassed to be with us.



While there were other Parrot and Shark heads in the crowd, we only saw two others with hats like ours...oh, and it kept our heads warm too!



Here's a closer look at the amazing Parrot Head!



Looking forward to next time, Jimmy!