The honeymoon -- Part 1

As I mentioned in Saturday's post, soon after the gang headed back to Albany last Tuesday, Mike and I left for our honeymoon.  Mike insisted on taking charge of this, and at one point he was beside himself because he thought he had failed me terribly and should have left the task to someone who's really good at planning trips.  Like me.

But no.  He knocked it out of the park. 

Our first stop was Santa Barbara, a place I'd always wanted to see.  It's a lush, cute city right on the water with a vibrant downtown--lots of funky shops and restaurants and an excellent brew pub. Mmmm. I could never live there, though; I don't think my self-esteem is high enough.  Everyone, I mean everyone, is good looking--even the homeless.

I'm not a homeless person, I just look like one.

Warning:  The beach in Santa Barbara is full of birds!

Reminds me of Bodega Bay...

I guess a beach full of seagulls is not a newsflash for those of you who spend a lot of time near the ocean.  But you know me--I'm not exactly a bird lover.

Linda as Tippi Hedren

On one of the days we took a ride around town.  As you can imagine, there are some very nice areas, especially around where Oprah lives.  Along our drive we stopped at the Old Mission Santa Barbara.

My handsome husband--I love this man!

The mission is over 200 years old with beautiful grounds and a museum, which I had to rush through because of my fear of scary monk-chanting music and religious statues and images.  If you read my book, you know what I'm talking about.   I did have fun posing for this picture, though.

Linda as St. Francis

There was also a cemetery on the grounds, at which point Mike lamented, "This trip sucks.  I can't believe I brought you to a cemetery on our honeymoon."

"Oh, honey, that's nothing compared to the bird beach and the scary religious rooms."  Then I tried to make him feel better by adding, "But I wasn't at all creeped out by the skull and crossbones over the entrance to the chapel."

He hung his head.  "My love, how can I make this up to you?"

"Well, I can think of one place you could take me to tonight..."

Ross Dress for Less, Santa Barbara

Best. husband. ever.

Next:  Things pick up considerably when we head down the coast...