March started with the continuation of our Healdsburg trip. SMS and I wanted to go on a hike that was pretty but not overly long. In addition, I wanted to stop at the Bohème tasting room in Occidental (check) so we needed a trial along the way. Monte Rio Redwoods for the win! It was a super beautiful, slightly misty morning. Like most of the area, the redwoods are second-growth but they’re still really big!
On 12 March, we hosted two of our friends for our irregularly regular “wine and beef” dinners. SMS made short ribs that were really good. Everyone was very impressed!
That next weekend, we went to Houston for a weekend trip to visit my auntie and her partner. As SMS said, “We saw all the art in Houston.” We arrived really late on Friday night and stayed near the medical center area. On the way in, the Uber driver was talking about how great Houston is and how, compared to San Francisco, there’s barely any homelessness. While he was talking, I looked out the window and said, “What is that man doing?” Well, it was an unhoused man who was also unclothed, shaking out his belongings and undermining the driver’s point, all at the same time.
The next day, we met up at Maria and Rob’s for a breakfast of coffee (needed!) and bagels. Then we walked to the Museum of Fine Arts for the The Louvre Couture exhibit, which was a limited run show pairing French couture items with museum-owned art works. It was a cool exhibit although I was surprised since I thought it was historic French fashion à la Louis XIV rather than more contemporary fashion. But still, it was an interesting way to appreciate multiple art forms. I think we saw most of the dresses. Rob knew a lot about the art work and had a lot of stories, which added a lot to the experience.
After the couture exhibit, we walked through the tunnels connecting the buildings, several of which are immersive light installations. We walked through The Light Inside by James Turrell. We also climbed in Ernesto Neto’s SunForceOceanLife, which was a super cool experience. We hadn’t planned on it and thought about not doing it, but I’m so glad we did. It was a swaying, playful experience and we all had a lot of fun.
It was, however, thirst-inducing so we went over to the bar at Hotel ZaZa for snacks and a drink. We ate lightly since we had dinner reservations at a cool pizza place later that evening, Tiny Champions. After our snacks, we went for a walk in a beautiful neighborhood: Broadacres/Boulevard Oaks. I want to live there. This is a feeling I commonly get in expensive neighborhoods.
The next day, we went to The Menil Collection. We started on Rothko Chapel where it was dark, meditative, and really helped me connect to my inner thoughts…which mostly consisted of hearing my Dad’s voice saying, “You’ve got to be kidding me” re: the chapel and paintings. Lol. Maybe I’m not giving him enough credit as a modern art lover but hey, I heard what I heard!
There used to be a Byzentine triptych chapel that I saw in 2011, but I’m not sure where it is now. I think it may be included in another building- alas, we couldn’t find it. We had lunch at the Southern Yankee Crafthouse before we parted ways and SMS & I headed to the airport. It was such a fun weekend! SMS and I have a few more weekend trips planned this year and I can’t wait!
St. Patrick’s Day was fun and sad, because my streak of hanging out with my work bestie was broken after three years. Because she had to work. Boo! Never fear, we made up for it the following Thursday. Not quite the same but it’s part of the hazards of being friend with a doctor. They’re sometimes massive flakes because of work. Whatever!
The month ended with a trip from my favorite in-laws! We went to Flea St the first night we were there, which was tasty but a bit of a letdown compared to prior dinners out. They’ve always had modest portions, which is fine but they’ve really shrunk them down at this point to ridiculous levels. So, I think it may be out as a dining destination although I still want to go for drinks and dessert someday.
The next night, we had freshly made pasta by SMS and Cade wine. It was another win of a dinner! Overall, it was an awesome visit and it had been too long since the four of us hung out.
