Los Laureles Lodge

Los Laureles Lodge, a historic country inn — located in Carmel Valley— has long been one of our family's favorite weekend escapes. Julie and I would visit once or twice a year before we had Luke and have since gone back about once a year (or try too). 

For my 40th birthday I thought it would be just the thing to spend the entire weekend there with some close friends. I was right! 

I had intended to drag my ipad around the property sketching the charming grounds, but I didn't. With out a child in not in tow I decided to sleep in, chat with out friends, swim, drink, eat, read and play dominoes. Which is a very successful birthday weekend.  I did spend part of the afternoon poolside doing the full on illustration of the lodge above. And then one more quick sketch (below).

We did manage to take some photos. I present to you, my birthday weekend in photos:

Petaluma Trip. day 3

We started our third day in Petaluma similar to the second. Up at 7 o'clock reading and puzzles together in the living room. We had saved a morning bun from bovine bakery yesterday and it was an extra treat when I remembered that we had it.

For breakfast we went out to a really cute 50s themed diner called Sax's joint.

Then we went on a tour of Tara Firma Farms ranch. There we were able to pet some fuzzy black piggies, met some cows, calfs and chickens. 

Julie even held one of the chicken. We also learn n awful lot about sustainable farming.

For lunch we had planned on going to the log Lagunitas  brewery but they were very full so instead we tried a local deli barbecue joint called Lombardy's. Excellent try tip sandwich and pork ribs.

Back at our AirBnB we both took baths and did some reading (<--Heaven). We were still full from our barbecue lunch so we just had a snack for dinner.