I do not think there exists another lake with as many diverse descriptions of it as this body of water in the middle of our path to Tahoe.  Mark Twain described it as "little graced with the picturesque".

Steve and I found it to be spectacular and are truly happy we finally stopped to experience it.

It is one of the oldest continuously existing lakes on the continent.

Perhaps the most intriguing of Mono Lake's phenomena are the tufa towers visible along much of the shoreline. Tufa are made from calcium carbonate which makes its way into the lake from underground springs.

Twain described the desert in which Mono Lake lies, as "lifeless, treeless and hideous." In reality, it embraces 14 different ecological zones, over 1000 plant species, and roughly 400 recorded vertebrate species within its watershed.  In fact, Mono Lake and its surrounding basin encompass one of California's richest natural areas.

There is a surreal quality to this place.  It is intriguing, stark and beautiful, all at the same time.  We continue to discover!

Greece is one of our most favorite places, so to celebrate it, while in Temecula, was a true treasure.

It was an excellent opportunity to connect with our friend, Lori.

Alpaca were a big part of the festival... and so cute.

After a delicious gyro, Kataifi and Baklava were perfect desserts!

The talented group, 4 Greeks LA, performed all the 'classics'.

The Children of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church danced for us... super sweet.

My girlfriend, Brady's nieces, Ruby and Elle, delighted in the traditional music.

We hear so much about Brady's sister, Marla's family, via Brady's Blog, it's fun to actually make memories with them.

Under 90° skies, surrounded by a bunch of fun-loving Greeks, we experienced another culture and enjoyed the memories the day evoked.

Our reward for awaking early...

Prior to heading south, I wrote to my girlfriend, Carrie Penny, VP of Finance & Operations for the Temecula Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau and told her I wanted to introduce my previous hometown, Temecula, with my new one- Tahoe via a donation for the library's "A Toast to Twain".  She said, "I'll see what I can do."

Carrie really outdid herself.  She wrote an e-mail to her members and they felt our event was of such value, several of them came together for her to create an amazing auction item.  This exceptional gift basket includes everything for an unforgettable Temecula Escape:

• A two night stay at Quality Inn Temecula ($200)
• A bottle of Monte De Oro Winery 2009 Merlot ($30)
• Oak Mountain Winery Wine Class for 2 People ($70)
• Wine Tasting for 2 at Doffo Winery ($20)
• The Broken Yolk Cafe Temecula Gift Certificate ($20)
• Robin's Nest Desserts & Catering Certificate ($5)
• A wonderful selection of Temecula Valley Souvenirs:  Woman's Golf Shirt, Water Bottle, Candy, Shot Glass, Wine Opener, Plush Stuffed Husky, Business Card Holder ($75)

The basket's total value is $420.  I can't believe how incredibly generous the businesses of Temecula are to an expat!  I am so impressed.  I eagerly await the bidding war.

It has become rather a tradition that when we migrate south, we head for Arcana Brewing (formally known as Fezziwig's).

Okay, so the five days together in Tahoe with Julie and Mike just wasn't enough.  We had to connect with our son's in-laws at their son, Dan's, brewery.  It is always fun to hang there with family-"Where everyone knows your name".

Truth in Advertising...

Since Arcana is only for beers, we went out for dinner.  Located in the Carlsbad community known as Bressi Ranch, we delighted in the newest Pizza Port family member.

Back in March of 1987, Gina and Vince Marsaglia, a pair of siblings in their 20′s, bought a struggling pizza place in the sleepy coastal town of Solana Beach, just north of San Diego. From a funky storefront on the famous Pacific Coast Highway the duo ran the “Pizza Port” with a classic menu of pizza and chicken wings to which they added their own “San Diego” twist.  They have come a long way since then.  This place is amazing!

This was truly awe-inspiring... their giant 37,000 sq. ft brewery and canning facility.

Some spots are just magical... Bear Creek's Golf Course is one such locale.

We met Steve's brother and his wife for a belated birthday dinner.  This was our view.  It was a pretty spectacular setting and a delightful get together.

I drove through the fabulous Temecula Wine Country on the way to have lunch with my QG4 (Quirky Group 4), our gathering of unique, long time friends.

Lynne and I have been friends through 'thick and thin'.  I'm so happy to spend any time with her.  Plus she and her husband, Scott, are exceptional cooks- lunch was delicious.

It always feels like I'm truly in the country when their donkey, Willy, greets me with me his enthusiastic brays.  He and I have a special relationship.

It was 90° when I wanted to take this photo, but I was driving.  One has to love SoCal's Indian Summers.

Our local newspaper, the pinnacle of "What's Going On", is the Tahoe Mountain News.  How fun that we were prominently showcased in the last issue.

Since we are not home, we have learned this exciting news from numerous friends there.  Gayle wrote, "Saw your pictures in the Tahoe Mountain News -- several of them! I think you guys were going for 'cutest couple'!"

One hour drive and worlds away... the sea.  What a perfect location to catch up with my longtime friend, Cindy.  It's been far too long (since last November).

Lunch was dockside at the Jolly Roger Restaurant, on an idyllic summer day.

We are the captains of our own ships sailing the sea of life, but in times of a stormy weather, you will discover true friends when they don't hesitate to be a lighthouse. ~Dodinsky

As the sun went down and the temperatures dropped, we sat on the folks' patio, overlooking the golf course.  It was a scenic and special place to reminisce and catch up.

Before leaving for SoCal, Jenny and I were on a bear hunt.  Yesterday, she was successful.

"I'm sharing my best photo of the day.  We were surprised to find a bear sleeping in the woods near Taylor Creek.  He sat up and appeared to wave at us!  heehee"

Thursday, our younger son came for his first visit to the grandparents' new place.  It was a nice addition to our weekend.

Got to love morning coffee, on the patio with family!

These are a few of my favorite things...

Besides studying Italian, our friends in Vista have become experts in viticulture.

This past summer, they planted 55 vines with the rewards of their labor due next Fall.

In the meantime, Karen took us to a darling winery in Carlsbad- Witch Creek.

We sampled some delicious wines and were given a tour by the viticulturist- Ryan Scott.  AWESOME, all of it.  The tasting room had a very festive Friday afternoon vibe!

On the outside of Witch Creek is “Catnap” — about 18 feet tall and nearly as wide. It is the incredible work of Oceanside artist, Michael Summers.  He said the design for his mural was inspired by the quote, “Change is the essence of life. Be willing to surrender what you are for what you may become.” The tigers in the mural are not quite sure if they want to venture out into the world, Summers said. “Everything you experience changes you a little if you let it,” he said. “It’s a little of that idea.”  I like the concept and the vibrant colors!

The ocean is viewable from the winery.  One of my favorite pastimes is getting my feet into the sea.  Karen was game even though she hadn't done it in the cold California Pacific in decades.

David becomes "Luigi" when he cooks and boy did he cook.  Homemade Pesto- Delizioso!

We shared some Tahoe wine and they shared their own 'class project'.  It was a great night.