Saturday, April 23, 2022
Vacation day 1 of 3. Ran in place to various YouTube videos. Medium bowl of oatmeal with milk, flax meal, toasted slivered almonds, cacao nibs, raisins; water to drink. Packed for a mini vacation. Lunch at home: I prepared for myself cassava spaghetti with sauteed baby bok choy, garlic, green onions, and oyster sauce. Water to drink. Shower. Patrick and I walked to a nearby Turo rental car then returned home to load the car. Patrick drove us to San Jose where we checked in to Hayes Mansion. This was our first ever keyless, no-contact, no-front-desk check-in to a hotel. Masks were optional on the property, even indoors, and we rarely encountered other guests, so we felt comfortable going mostly maskless. We unpacked, explored the property, visited and chatted with people at the front desk, and got an extra cardkey for the pool gate. Patrick very much likes all the different outdoor and indoor spaces on this property: ballrooms, libraries, small nooks with a bookshelf, bench, and antique (and probably non-working) fireplace. We napped before Patrick's first visit to Chris and Nate's place, which is just a few minutes away by car. A large pile of dirt was in the driveway due to recent and forthcoming yard improvements. Patrick got a house tour. Dinner with Chris and Nate: appetizers on the patio: Champagne, jicama, red pepper, yogurt dip, crackers, parmesan crisps. Dinner inside: salad with cranberries, marcona almonds, lemon zest, blue cheese; sliced pork chops on saffron-cinnamon rice with olives and a tomato-based sauce. To drink: water and the white wine we brought. Dessert: chocolate brownie with whipped cream. We chatted and caught up. A fine evening.