
We took a quick weekend in Santa Barbara. If you think Bay Area weather is great, Santa Barbara takes that to a whole 'nother circle of paradise (See left).
Visiting a nearly-grown child is different.
We had a preview with the elder birdie in Boston. THEY fit YOU into THEIR schedule and therefore, you don't see them a whole lot.
We do get to meet and feed some of their friends, and their friends seem to like us. On the plus side, they arrange spectacular ohana eating sessions, actually cook for you, and seem genuinely happy to see the old 'rents.

Number One--Dinner and Dessert
We enjoyed a fantastic Mediterranean 'grown-up' dinner at Zaytoon in downtown Santa Barbara with birdie and assorted friends. Ate al fresco and that Santa Barbara weather--perfect temperature, very little humdity, no bugs, and evening sunshine. Food is ono and the raspberry lime soda is puckery perfection.
Post dinner, strolled around downtown Santa Barbara. I have concluded that people look so fancy here because there is a) great shopping, b) a bajillion restaurants, c) perfect weather, and d) McConnell's Ice Cream of Santa Barbara. No pictures because well, it was so good. Tried Earl Gray with shortbread cookies, Pistachio Amaretto, Eureka Lemon with Boysenberry, Peach, and Apricot and Cream. Recommend 'em all.

Awhile back, my children taught me two important millenial phenomena--SnapChat and Pokemon Go. Pokemon Go is a much improved experience where there are lots of college kids. See the cute Pikachu with Ash Ketchum hat, caught a block away from Birdie's nest. It is a bonus that Birdie patiently still puts up with you, even though Pokemon Go is no longer 'a thing' and has been replaced by Magikarp Jump. Yes, I downloaded Magikarp, but my fishies keep getting retired.
Number Three--Birdie Knows How to Cook!
My favorite and beloved husband subsisted on Hamburger Helper in college, and I had to learn to cook so my birdies wouldn't starve.
Birdie made us My Mom's Chicken Katsu, and has arugula, beets, and berries in his fridge, plus lots of eggs.
