Back from the Bay

 We're back from five days away in Morro Bay on the central coast.  As predicted, it was mostly foggy and chilly. The highs each day were in the low 60s. The above photo is of the iconic Morro Rock, which is technically a "volcanic plug." 

There's a path where you can walk or bike out to the base of the rock, but we didn't do that sort of thing. It wasn't that sort of trip.  Rather, the purpose of this trip was a small family reunion to celebrate my in-laws' 50th wedding anniversary.  As such, our days were not really our own, and I, as the daughter-in-law, was hardly the one in charge of our daily itinerary. 

This makes me, the control-freak, a tiny bit crazy, but after fifteen years of marriage, I've learned to lower adjust my expectations for time spent with my husband's family.  They live in northern Oregon, and we see them maybe once every two to three years.  We're not close, in any sense of the word. I used to bemoan and worry over this fact, until it slowly dawned on me that it's not my fault. 

Anyway.  We did not hike, bike, or do anything more physical than stroll the Embarcadero area of town, which is much like every single beach town's tourist drag: shops with t-shirts, salt-water taffy, shells and crystals, along with pizza and seafood joints and art "galleries"  etc. etc. 

Our days were bookended with hours spent hanging around the rental house secured by my sister-in-law. It was spacious, with room enough for eight people and my in-laws' two touchy, yippy poodles. There was a great view of the Rock, and at night we could hear seals (sea lions?) barking out in the bay.  The decor, however, was "decades-old garage sale"  with a stained sectional, a cracked faux-leather sofa, tired appliances, and one random stuffed white tiger.  So here is this, which really best summarizes the tone of our days on this little coastal trip:

And here is a wider shot, so that you may better appreciate the two Thomas Kinkade tapestry throws that also came with the house:

Y'all know how I love my road trips, but sometimes it's really good to be home.