Granddaughter Island Trip

Our granddaughter Selena had a break before the start of her junior year at San Francisco State University so she came to Ventura for some rest, relaxation and cooking.

Preparing one of her favorite appetizers, Prosciutto Wrapped Melon, for Grandpa:Browning sausage for pizzas:Three pizzas for three people?? I hate to admit it, but we almost finished them!Another night Selena made her signature soup (her version of Minestrone) and ciabatta for Curtis and Bonnie:A few days later Vanessa arrived and we headed out to Pelican Anchorage at Santa Cruz Island.

The morning after we arrived there was a special marine weather broadcast saying there was a chance of thunderstorms and water spouts. The weather prediction did not materialize and we had one of the most beautiful weekends we've had in a long time:

The girls took advantage of the great weather - swimming:

Kayaking:

Dinghying:

Monster Tubing:

and they screamed like little girls:

When Selena and I went to pick up Vanessa at Burbank Airport we had a little time to kill and stopped at an Italian deli. Turned out to be a great place (Monte Carlo Italian Deli) and we picked up some great imported goodies for one of our island lunches. Roasted artichoke hearts, giardineria, marinated mushrooms, roasted onions, roasted peppers and stuffed olives:

Toasting Vanessa's 21st birthday with a 2001 Biale Petite Syrah:

Thanks for coming to visit - next year Catalina!