Back in San Diego

We arrived in San Diego in the evening, just in time to have a quick chat with Dawn, who was leaving early the next morning for Greece. This was our only chance to see her before her return at the end of July.

Resetting to California Time

The next day's goal: stay awake until at least 8 or 9 p.m. to beat jet lag and adjust to Pacific Time. Sunshine always helps, so we spent the day outside. David's yard was in full bloom--a lovely welcome back.




That evening, David let us choose our first dinner back in California, and we went straight for comfort: Don Bravo's for fish tacos. There's nothing like good Mexican food after time abroad.

Books and Bonsai

We took the next few days slow. I dropped off the books I'd finished reading in Italy and swapped them at the Little Free Libraries nearby. To my delight, I found quite a few good reads. While I dove into my new selections, Ira and David got caught up on the bonsai garden--a familiar and comforting routine.

Solo with the Girls

Soon after, David left for Bonsai School at Mirai, leaving us in charge of the girls--Elke (aka Mochi) and Harriet, who was also home. 

Elke had summer school, so I took charge of wake-up duty while Ira handled the driving. Evenings were more relaxed--the girls picked the take out.

One night we had Mediterranean food.

Appetizer plate

Chicken Kebab Bowl

The next night: Thai food. Delicious, as always.

Meanwhile, Harriet was taking driving lessons. And with David away, guess who became the designated driving practice partner? Yep--Ira. David said if Ira was comfortable then so was he. And although Ira was a little hesitant, Harriet was very persuasive. 

Elke's Pasta Night & Harriet's Avocado Toast

On David's last night at Mirai, Elke decided to cook dinner at home. We went to grab groceries and tried to go to Wayfarer for bread, but the line was insane. We pivoted to a French bakery, waited only a few minutes, and picked up an olive loaf and some mini tarts.

Elke made a lemon pepper pasta using lemons from the tree outside, paired with a fresh salad. It was a perfect summer dinner. 

Elke's Pasta & Salad Dinner

The next morning, Harriet felt inspired (or maybe just hungry) and used the leftover olive bread to make us avocado toast. One slice was topped with tomato and blue cheese, the other with prosciutto and blue cheese and then both topped with a balsamic drizzle. Very fancy and delicious!

Harriet's Avocado Toast

Reunited...Briefly

David returned just in time for dinner and wanted Craft Tacos--a solid choice. I wasn't super hungry, so I just had one Craft Fish Taco, which totally hit the spot.

Craft Fish Taco

He wasn't even home 24 hours before he had to pack up and fly with Elke to Michigan for summer camp. Of course, their travel day got complicated--a cancelled flight, a rescheduled itinerary, and a late-night arrival. Not ideal, but better than the alternative. 

Harriet's Final Weekend

Now it was just us and Harriet. Our job? Get her to the airport for her 6 a.m. flight to Chicago. where she'd meet David and then fly together to Greece to meet Dawn.

But first--dinner. Harriet requested Dave's Hot Chicken and very specifically ordered:
  • original chicken tenders
  • mac and cheese
  • side of fries
It was all strategically calculated for max food at minimum cost. Respect.

Dave's Hot Chicken Meal

Honestly? It was really good. The chicken was crispy, the mac and cheese was creamy, and the fries were solid. The only mystery was the two slices of white bread they included. Not sure what we were supposed to do with that...

An Early Flight, No Sleep, and Chicken Leftovers

Harriet decided to pull an all-nighter to sleep on the plane and reset to Greece time. Oh to be young. She managed it like a pro.

Back from the airport, Ira repurposed the Dave's leftovers into a great little meal. 

Repurposed Dave's Hot Chicken Leftovers

Just the Two of Us (Plus Kobayashi)

And then... there were two. The house to ourselves--for a month! Just us and Kobayashi, our trusty four-legged friend. After all the travel and teenage logistics, it felt like a mini vacation was about to begin. 

We could hardly wait!

A dopo!


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