I was determined to spend some quality tome with Paul before leaving San Diego. I told him to pick me up on Saturday nite promptly at 6:00 PM. He agreed. I took him to Herringbone. It was American cuisine, but I had reviewed the menu and thought it would be spectacular.
I even told Paul that I would be ordering that evening. For him, I chose the Wood Oven Roasted Berkshire Pork Chop, and I chose the Summer Squash Fettuccine. We each added some herbed fries, as I had a notion to eat something a little less healthy along with my fresh fettuccine. Once again, as we had done at The Marine room, we would share a glass to complement each course. We started with a Cava from Spain named
Sunday, September 14, 2014
I only had a month more at Casa Amor, and I would begin to spend more time with Paul, and with Paul and the children. While it is always an interesting dynamic to see; and one that I hoped would never be a possibility at an early age for the children, Paul was doing an excellent job of fitting in.
Between the two of us, we found more free things to do in San Diego and nearby La Jolla, which was his favourite spot in the valley. There was the science center, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the parks and beaches. We found a place for free concerts on Sundays' and while it was not your typical or even contemporary music, it was something to go and do.
Paul had taken the time to bond with Liam and they played golf at nearby Torrey Pines each week on Wednesday afternoon for the next few weeks. Neither Liam or Paul were good ball-strikers, but they enjoyed an afternoon on the course leading into evening. Additionally, there are two historic drives near San Diego; considered "must-sees" if you are in town, and Paul even let Liam drive the Mercedes. Impressive, I thought.
Isabella preferred shopping with her mother, and Paul did tag along a time or two and purchase a few things for her. To my surprise, she wanted to try hang-gliding, and so we all tried it. What a rush! I could hardly catch my breath from not only the experience, but the scenery as we flew like birds high above the land. She was my hiker, and took advantage of the National Parks, and also dragged us back to the zoo for one more attempt at seeing the lions and tigers be a little more active. We would return to the cages several times that day, but these ferocious beasts of the wild are just not to be caged and fed like house animals. I feel sure they feel frustrated, lonely, isolated and sad.
We dined at fine restaurants and in the next four weeks, I would have some of the best wine of my life. To be fair, Brady was more of a connoisseur than Paul, but he was not too shabby. He did appreciate food as much as I and the kids, so I have to give credit where credit is due there.
The eight and ninth weeks passed by way too fast, and I prayed for the eleventh and twelfth not to end. This was not my home; however, and I would have to relinquish the keys in a mere two weeks and return to North Carolina and Asheville, my home.
Between the two of us, we found more free things to do in San Diego and nearby La Jolla, which was his favourite spot in the valley. There was the science center, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the parks and beaches. We found a place for free concerts on Sundays' and while it was not your typical or even contemporary music, it was something to go and do.
Paul had taken the time to bond with Liam and they played golf at nearby Torrey Pines each week on Wednesday afternoon for the next few weeks. Neither Liam or Paul were good ball-strikers, but they enjoyed an afternoon on the course leading into evening. Additionally, there are two historic drives near San Diego; considered "must-sees" if you are in town, and Paul even let Liam drive the Mercedes. Impressive, I thought.
Isabella preferred shopping with her mother, and Paul did tag along a time or two and purchase a few things for her. To my surprise, she wanted to try hang-gliding, and so we all tried it. What a rush! I could hardly catch my breath from not only the experience, but the scenery as we flew like birds high above the land. She was my hiker, and took advantage of the National Parks, and also dragged us back to the zoo for one more attempt at seeing the lions and tigers be a little more active. We would return to the cages several times that day, but these ferocious beasts of the wild are just not to be caged and fed like house animals. I feel sure they feel frustrated, lonely, isolated and sad.
We dined at fine restaurants and in the next four weeks, I would have some of the best wine of my life. To be fair, Brady was more of a connoisseur than Paul, but he was not too shabby. He did appreciate food as much as I and the kids, so I have to give credit where credit is due there.
The eight and ninth weeks passed by way too fast, and I prayed for the eleventh and twelfth not to end. This was not my home; however, and I would have to relinquish the keys in a mere two weeks and return to North Carolina and Asheville, my home.
Saturday, September 13, 2014
Mother.
I have met a man. His name is Paul. He has been in real estate for the past thirty-five years since the age of twenty-three. It would seem as though he has done well, although in the expensive area of San Diego and La Jolla, California, it couldn't be hard if you are any good.
I'm not sure why it matters, but I want to note that he drives a Mercedes. It is a sleek coupe, and to my amazement, the contours of the seat swallow you in and they even turn slightly as you hug curves so as to allow the ergonomics and safety of the seat to move with you.
He has been kind, courteous, and loving. Yes, I said loving. It is not that I am in love, but I can see the way that he looks at me. I seem to be caught in his grip.
He has also been generous with the children, As kids go, Liam and Isabella seem to enjoy his company. They warmed up to him since day one. We had a fabulous dinner out last Friday in one of the most scenic places I have ever been. The waves created sounds of soft grandeur as we dined. On the following Wednesday, he took us to La Jolla Cove; another picturesque spot only known to the locals and those of us who have Google. Have you searched on Google lately? It is an absolutely amazing resource, even for those of us who can't seem to keep up and are technologically challenged.
I am happy here at Casa Amor, and I will be sad to see it go. While I am excited to return to Asheville, North Carolina, and visit my favourite spots, I will be sad as well. Not depressed. Sad.
The children are growing in maturity and seem to have found themselves in some respects with the passing of Brady. I wish I could say the same for me, as he is at the forefront of my "noodle" each and every day.
I pray that you are well.
Stephanie
I have met a man. His name is Paul. He has been in real estate for the past thirty-five years since the age of twenty-three. It would seem as though he has done well, although in the expensive area of San Diego and La Jolla, California, it couldn't be hard if you are any good.
I'm not sure why it matters, but I want to note that he drives a Mercedes. It is a sleek coupe, and to my amazement, the contours of the seat swallow you in and they even turn slightly as you hug curves so as to allow the ergonomics and safety of the seat to move with you.
He has been kind, courteous, and loving. Yes, I said loving. It is not that I am in love, but I can see the way that he looks at me. I seem to be caught in his grip.
He has also been generous with the children, As kids go, Liam and Isabella seem to enjoy his company. They warmed up to him since day one. We had a fabulous dinner out last Friday in one of the most scenic places I have ever been. The waves created sounds of soft grandeur as we dined. On the following Wednesday, he took us to La Jolla Cove; another picturesque spot only known to the locals and those of us who have Google. Have you searched on Google lately? It is an absolutely amazing resource, even for those of us who can't seem to keep up and are technologically challenged.
I am happy here at Casa Amor, and I will be sad to see it go. While I am excited to return to Asheville, North Carolina, and visit my favourite spots, I will be sad as well. Not depressed. Sad.
The children are growing in maturity and seem to have found themselves in some respects with the passing of Brady. I wish I could say the same for me, as he is at the forefront of my "noodle" each and every day.
I pray that you are well.
Stephanie
Paul called on Saturday to say how good a time he had at The Marine Room the night before. He was complimentary of the children, their behaviour, there knowledge and conversation, and their maturity. He invited me to a local wine bar the following Wednesday; which I gladly accepted.
The seventh week was not unlike most of the rest. Lots of sun and fun at the beach, and rest on Saturday and Sunday at Casa Amor. I was interested in finding some free things to do as we had been burning thru cash at a rapid pace, Thankfully, Paul had picked up the dinner tab on Friday evening; which with the fine wine, was north of $400.
La Jolla Cove was a suggestion that he made Saturday while we were speaking and getting to know one another. He agreed to take the three of us there for a short visit on Wednesday afternoon, and then he and I would take the kids back to Casa Amor and head to the wine bar for a nite cap.
It was basically a cove near the water, surrounded by cliffs and protected as a marine reserve. It is popular with the locals, cliff jumpers and scuba divers. We decided to don our own scuba diving gear for some exercise and to view the great wide open that nature has to offer. That afternoon, I saw some of the most beautiful fish in all the sea. Paul had once again "struck a cord" with my children.
My thoughts again drifted to Brady and I would confide in Paul that evening about my marriage, my battle with depression, my running away and my suicide attempt; among other things. The kids had seen the best and the worst of me, and Paul would either embrace this side of me or run for the hills, as they say.
Surprisingly, he understood completely. He had dated women who battled with depression; and while those relationships did not pan out, I believe he could see the growth and development in me as a person despite the fact that Brady was at the forefront of my mind all to often, it seemed; or was it?
Finch Bistro and Wine Bar is where we would end up for a bottle or two. Paul was an experienced drinker, and despite the fact that he had three glasses to my five, we would be able to travel safely as we spent nearly four hours talking that evening. We talked about Brady and he mentioned some of the failed relationships that he had endured over the years,
At his age, I wondered why he was still single. What had kept him from marrying? I decided to write home to mother...
The seventh week was not unlike most of the rest. Lots of sun and fun at the beach, and rest on Saturday and Sunday at Casa Amor. I was interested in finding some free things to do as we had been burning thru cash at a rapid pace, Thankfully, Paul had picked up the dinner tab on Friday evening; which with the fine wine, was north of $400.
La Jolla Cove was a suggestion that he made Saturday while we were speaking and getting to know one another. He agreed to take the three of us there for a short visit on Wednesday afternoon, and then he and I would take the kids back to Casa Amor and head to the wine bar for a nite cap.
It was basically a cove near the water, surrounded by cliffs and protected as a marine reserve. It is popular with the locals, cliff jumpers and scuba divers. We decided to don our own scuba diving gear for some exercise and to view the great wide open that nature has to offer. That afternoon, I saw some of the most beautiful fish in all the sea. Paul had once again "struck a cord" with my children.
My thoughts again drifted to Brady and I would confide in Paul that evening about my marriage, my battle with depression, my running away and my suicide attempt; among other things. The kids had seen the best and the worst of me, and Paul would either embrace this side of me or run for the hills, as they say.
Surprisingly, he understood completely. He had dated women who battled with depression; and while those relationships did not pan out, I believe he could see the growth and development in me as a person despite the fact that Brady was at the forefront of my mind all to often, it seemed; or was it?
Finch Bistro and Wine Bar is where we would end up for a bottle or two. Paul was an experienced drinker, and despite the fact that he had three glasses to my five, we would be able to travel safely as we spent nearly four hours talking that evening. We talked about Brady and he mentioned some of the failed relationships that he had endured over the years,
At his age, I wondered why he was still single. What had kept him from marrying? I decided to write home to mother...
Friday, September 12, 2014
Paul did call Wednesday night as he had promised and additionally promised to take us to dinner on Friday night. There was a quaint little spot in La Jolla that he liked, and I felt sure myself and the kids would enjoy it too. They had been afforded the luxury to have nice things by Brady's hard work. Vacations. Nice dinners out. The latest technology. Cars. And college tuition bills that would be paid for. It would not be long, and I would be sending Isabella to college, and Liam would be graduating and following in her footsteps not far behind. But I digress.
Paul and I had a long conversation. He had been a bachelor his entire life and had dated many and had been engaged twice, but for reasons unknown yet none of them ever panned out. He liked to ski and play golf, and was slender and athletic enough at sixty-two to enjoy the activities that he enjoyed.
He picked us up promptly at 6:00 PM, Friday, and ushered us in his black, Mercedes CLS to The Marine Room. We were escorted to a fine dining table with white linen cloths and brown armchairs with a hounds tooth design. One of the most amazing features is that we could see the Pacific Ocean. Our dining experience would be complete by listening to the gentle crashing of the waves as we ate.
Just as I figured from a bachelor, Paul was a meat and potatoes man, although he noted in conversation that Italian was his favorite. However, one of his favourite places to visit abroad was Monaco; where primarily, the culture and the food is French. Over the years, he had taken only a select few to Monaco, as it was his respite that he was reluctant to share; so he said.
I had Maryland Blue Crab Cakes to start and a bowl of Lobster Bisque before moving on to a Pistachio Crusted Lamb Rack. My bill alone with wine would be over one hundred dollars, but we were instructed by the one who invited us to order as we wished. Liam and Isabella were instructed to take it easy on Paul and were careful about the right side of the menu. They each said that they were trying to stay lean for the summer. Isabella had been worried about going on to college and putting on the "Freshman-15", and Liam was simply trying to keep his figure as it was. He was in the best shape of his young adult life.
It seemed like all of the countries were represented and Lisa, the sommelier, had suggestions for pre-dinner drinks, wines to compliment our dinner, aperitifs between courses, and of course a nite-cap. I was happy after my third glass that I was not driving.
Conversation was kept lite at dinner, and we held tight to our seats for nearly two-and-a-half hours. Paul would eventually take us for ice cream, one of our favourite pastimes.
He had scored some points with myself and the kids, and I was once again eager; for the first time, to see where things might lead.
Paul and I had a long conversation. He had been a bachelor his entire life and had dated many and had been engaged twice, but for reasons unknown yet none of them ever panned out. He liked to ski and play golf, and was slender and athletic enough at sixty-two to enjoy the activities that he enjoyed.
He picked us up promptly at 6:00 PM, Friday, and ushered us in his black, Mercedes CLS to The Marine Room. We were escorted to a fine dining table with white linen cloths and brown armchairs with a hounds tooth design. One of the most amazing features is that we could see the Pacific Ocean. Our dining experience would be complete by listening to the gentle crashing of the waves as we ate.
Just as I figured from a bachelor, Paul was a meat and potatoes man, although he noted in conversation that Italian was his favorite. However, one of his favourite places to visit abroad was Monaco; where primarily, the culture and the food is French. Over the years, he had taken only a select few to Monaco, as it was his respite that he was reluctant to share; so he said.
I had Maryland Blue Crab Cakes to start and a bowl of Lobster Bisque before moving on to a Pistachio Crusted Lamb Rack. My bill alone with wine would be over one hundred dollars, but we were instructed by the one who invited us to order as we wished. Liam and Isabella were instructed to take it easy on Paul and were careful about the right side of the menu. They each said that they were trying to stay lean for the summer. Isabella had been worried about going on to college and putting on the "Freshman-15", and Liam was simply trying to keep his figure as it was. He was in the best shape of his young adult life.
It seemed like all of the countries were represented and Lisa, the sommelier, had suggestions for pre-dinner drinks, wines to compliment our dinner, aperitifs between courses, and of course a nite-cap. I was happy after my third glass that I was not driving.
Conversation was kept lite at dinner, and we held tight to our seats for nearly two-and-a-half hours. Paul would eventually take us for ice cream, one of our favourite pastimes.
He had scored some points with myself and the kids, and I was once again eager; for the first time, to see where things might lead.
Thursday, September 11, 2014
We were well into our sixth week now and we needed to find something to do besides the beach. We had visited the zoo, aquarium and done an illegal viewing of the airplanes as they took off from San Diego International. We had visited "My Mexico" and eaten at fabulous restaurants in both there and California.
On evening at a local wine bar, I met a man who was in the real estate business. He had been doing beach houses for buyers as a buyer's agent in Coronado Beach and nearby San Diego. He drove a Maserati, and had some extra cash to burn it seemed. We shared a glass of wine and some conversation. We were both fans of bold reds, and shared a bottle of Cabernet and Malbec. The Malbec was from Argentina, and we had a bottle of Stag's Leap from the Napa Valley. Finally after one glass of high-end, single production, low-yield Merlot, I was fit to be tied.
I took a cab home and we exchanged numbers. I was eager to see Paul again, but I wondered where it could possibly go...I lived in North Carolina, and he in California. Brady had dreamed of having a vineyard on the west coast, and preferred Washington State to California, as he saw the value in up-and-coming areas, and AVA's.
Paul had agreed to take me and the kids out to dinner at his favourite restaurant in nearby La Jolla. I knew it would be a fine dining restaurant where we could share some more wine, and the children could eat some of the finer food that California had to offer. I agreed; somewhat reluctantly, that they could have "virgin" versions of alcoholic drinks so they could feel like part of the group for the evening.
We would go out, as the plans were to meet on Friday night and I was excited to see just what restaurant he would pick. I already had a wine in mine that I wanted to order, and I wondered if he would "pony up", and enjoy my selection.
Time would tell. It was Wednesday, and I waited impatiently by the phone for Paul to call.
On evening at a local wine bar, I met a man who was in the real estate business. He had been doing beach houses for buyers as a buyer's agent in Coronado Beach and nearby San Diego. He drove a Maserati, and had some extra cash to burn it seemed. We shared a glass of wine and some conversation. We were both fans of bold reds, and shared a bottle of Cabernet and Malbec. The Malbec was from Argentina, and we had a bottle of Stag's Leap from the Napa Valley. Finally after one glass of high-end, single production, low-yield Merlot, I was fit to be tied.
I took a cab home and we exchanged numbers. I was eager to see Paul again, but I wondered where it could possibly go...I lived in North Carolina, and he in California. Brady had dreamed of having a vineyard on the west coast, and preferred Washington State to California, as he saw the value in up-and-coming areas, and AVA's.
Paul had agreed to take me and the kids out to dinner at his favourite restaurant in nearby La Jolla. I knew it would be a fine dining restaurant where we could share some more wine, and the children could eat some of the finer food that California had to offer. I agreed; somewhat reluctantly, that they could have "virgin" versions of alcoholic drinks so they could feel like part of the group for the evening.
We would go out, as the plans were to meet on Friday night and I was excited to see just what restaurant he would pick. I already had a wine in mine that I wanted to order, and I wondered if he would "pony up", and enjoy my selection.
Time would tell. It was Wednesday, and I waited impatiently by the phone for Paul to call.
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