{ left coast }

As much as I love the east coast the left coast will always feel a bit more like home. Who knows where I'll end up someday but I loved heading out west for a little holiday vacation.

First stop, good 'ol Colorado.

We drove up to the mountains (Copper to be exact) for a few days of skiing & snow. I was a little weary hitting the lifts for the first time as it had been 2 years but I didn't fall once and loved every minute! I didn't even need the helmut my mom made me wear (funny how parents can still make you do things you don't want to do)! The snow was perfect & powdery. One of these winters, I'm going to have to live in the mountains so I can go up everyday! I loved looking out our condo window and seeing the mountains and the lift just a few feet away. Christmas Eve night, the snow patrol cruised down the mountains with torches, a Cooper mountain tradition. I'm glad all of us could meet up this year for Chrismakuh. Ruttie & Rob, Kells & Bret and mother dearest of course!

Even though we decided no gifts this year, my sis and I wanted something for everyone to open, so what we did buy got to sit in front of the Christmas bush since we didn't bring a tree up there. There was plenty of eating, drinking, games & relaxing by the fire. It was the perfect white Christmas.

Back in Denver, I did what any suburbanite would do. Head to Park Meadows mall, the movies and a chain restaurant for dinner. I loved it though but then again, I could probably be happy anywhere. Many hours were also spent using my new scanner (thanks mom!). I have a whole collection of flashback photos now for your viewing pleasure (flashback photos will begin shortly).

A day or two was spent in the fort. Ft. Collins to be exact. A great little town just north of Denver 

if you've never been. My little sis has lived there for almost 10 years now. Apparently it's making all

 the top 10 places to live lists. I understand why. It's so charming...has a great main street 

(Kels took me on a tour of all my moms favorite shops)...is close to the mountains and is a great place 

to raise kids...or dogs. My mother would love grandkids but she just gets dogs for now. 

 We took the dogs on a little nature walk around the greatest pond. The lighting was so perfect, 

I'm glad I had my camera with me. I love the combination of blue blue sky with the earthy winter grass.

After CO I was ready to head father west to what I would say is my favorite city on this planet. 

 San Francisco.

First stop was Mama's for breakfast. If you've never been and you're in San Fran you MUST go. I promise it's worth the wait. Everyone I've ever sent there has been thankful for the introduction (thanks Dave for introducing me!). This time I got the Monte Cristo sandwich (delicious!) but it's usually eggs & potatoes for me and I love the homemade ollalie berry jam. It's really sweet but definitely worth the sugar high.

Just a few blocks away, my other favorite spot was sadly closed for vacation (didn't they know I was coming!!!) but it's definitely post worthy. Caffe Sport. I love everything I've ever had there but the penne with pesto won my heart and I don't think anything will ever top that...EVER.

I normally don't post much about food but Mama's & Caffe Sport deserve some attention.

Not only did we eat well (a given in my food loving family), but Dave & Lynda are perhaps the greatest tour guides ever. We saw every inch of San Francisco from the Presidio to the Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street (we drove down of course), the Cliff House, Painted Ladies, the Haight, etc. etc. etc. I've seen it all before but this trip was just as impressive.

When we weren't exploring the city the rest of the time was spent in Diablo playing cards, a New Years day run, eating (of course) and we made a trip down to Danville for a little bowling tournament. Somehow, I WON the second game. I have this weird throw that doesn't look quite right...I tend to "launch" the ball but whatever I did worked so I'm going to stick with it. If it works, why fix it. Right?

So that's the story. I'm so lucky to be able to get away a lot but I never really get a break and this trip I felt like I really got a break.

Thank you to everyone that made that happen.

Until next time...and there will be a next time.