goings on in and around monterey

did the world famous 17 mile drive down the coast to pebble beach yesterday afternoon. unbelievable, spectacular views every mile of the way. then laid on the grass and watched the golfers come in at the 18th green at the golf course Jack Nicholas and Bing Crosby made famous. (saw one guy hit what we figured was the shot of his life when he put a flat-rock lie at the edge of the ocean on the green--we all gave him an ovation). also watched them setting up for what is supposed to be one of the most exclusive car shows in the world this weekend.

special treat in the evening, too: turns out our good friend from graduate school Jennifer Jordan was here in Pacific Grove visiting her family (she lives in Vienna right now but was in CA for the ASA meetings), and they had us over for tri-tip steak dinner. a great, homecooked meal, and fun to get to hear about the area and all that it has to offer from locales.

Jennifer took us tide pooling this morning. saw lots of anemonies at low tide and even some star fish. emma and ben both built little rock towers on the beach. had brunch/breakfast with JJ, put some laundry in at her parents' house, and then this afternoon we're planning to go to the aquarium, courtesy of the Jordan family seasonal passes. Sure is nice to have friends.