Santa Barbara, Day 1

We're on vacation. Pulled into our motel off outer State street last night and settled in. Today we had breakfast in the lobby, then headed out for some coffee - more, better - at Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf across the street and took a walk around a park.

Returned for O's morning nap during which E and I swam. I haven't seen her swim since her two weeks of daily lessons this summer. She's been a great swim student, now able to jump in fearlessly and kick and paddle for short stretches!

At noon we met Saji and Nina downtown, jockeying for a table at the crowded and yummy Natural Cafe. After lunch, we went to Telegraph Brewing Co. where old friend Brian gave us the grand tour and we sampled his growing list of beers, now three: his flagship Caifornia ale, a wheat beer, and the stock porter. I was particularly taken by the stock porter - not my usual go-to type of beer, but this has a huge flavor of coffee and wood (this is an oak barrel-aged beer, or part of it is anyway) while maintaining a nice, light drinkability, not viscous or thick in the least. Very fascinating and delightful.

O is on his second nap now. Maybe I'll squeeze in a second swim before our planned picnic dinner with Saji and Nina...