I begin today by introducing a new genre of my writing. As the headline reads, it’s titled ‘Great Moments with my Dad.’ There have been many great moments, in fact more than any other father and son combo have probably encountered. Since my dad retired in 2008, he has lived with me in the South Bay of Los Angeles. We have endured thick and thin. I was there when he had major open heart surgery. He was there when I got married, he was there when I got divorced. I didn’t say all the moments were great.

Late January of 2017, we embarked on a journey to San Francisco. I had only been one other time and it was a quick j’ete through the city and didn’t see any of the sights. My dad had never visited San Francisco in his sixty plus years living in the United States.

We had quite the trip. We visited the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art which provided me with endless chances to see Rolando confused.

It was a great experience and we got to see a few Diego Rivera’s.

We also ate at the marvelous Farollan restaurant in downtown San Francisco. It’s a beautiful city with a few warts and the warts didn’t bother me all that much. We got to ride the cable cars, go to the Wharf, see a ton of sea lions and wonder if we could swim to Alcatraz.

All good stuff but the highlight was the Golden Gate Bridge. It was my first time seeing the magnificent edifice and it was also my dad’s. It’s hard to put into proper wordage the emotions seeing the tremendous bridge created in my dad. He reacted very different than I expected. Overwhelmed and a little emotional, I anticipated (he’s a crier) but he was way more overwhelmed than I presumed. It was a proud moment for me to deliver something so special to him and I’m grateful for that moment.

We only have so many moments in our life with our parents that create such emotion. I couldn’t say exactly what it was that struck my dad but struck it did. He and I have a special relationship and I’m proud of it. I hope that each and every one of you are able to share something similar to what I shared that day with my dad.

Dining Experience of the Week Hook n Plow, Hermosa Beach

A nice experience on Saturday as we visited Hook n Plow for some Quarantine outdoor dining. I appreciate the work Brian and Bri Kelleher and the Copelan Sisters (Lisa and Lauren) have put into this little gem. My dad and I often visit for lunch but this was a rare dining experience. The inventiveness of the Strawberry Shortcake was worth the trip alone and paired nicely after my Lamb Risotto. Well done guys!

Lines I hear in Hermosa Beach

Bartender: “Chardonnay, Miss, your usual?”

Customer: “Too early for Chardonnay. I’ll take a stiff margarita.”

It was 9 AM but I’m not judging. How do you think I heard it?

Just a few Monday thoughts for all of my friends out there. Take care of yourself and your fellow human beings this week. And above all, my friends, take my advice; pull down your pants and slide on the ice.