Monday 6/22

Monday we slept in until 10 a.m. saw the weather was "meh" went to the beach for an hour anyway. As we were looking at the overcast sky I commented, "They always say this is the weather you get the most burnt in, but I don't think it's true."

False.

We both got pretty pink even though the sky was sans sun. After the beach we got lunch at Arena's Deli. Great sandwiches (My California club and Lea's veggie creation were both delicious) We noted that they have Team Trivia every night 8:30-10pm, woot woot.

After lunch we walked around the many, many boardwalk and area shops. We stopped into California Sunshine, our favorite swimsuit store. A few years ago we had a tipsy experience walking around the brightly colored bathing suits after a few too many Daquiris. This time around we were sober but I still purchased a highlighter-yellow bathing suit, it's cute I swear!

Then we did something we've never done in our six years at the beach. Normally our stay is pretty glutinous. Heavy breakfasts, lunches, and delicious but extravagant three course meals followed of course by boardwalk ice cream. Unless you consider sweating on the beach or shopping exercise, we don't normally do it. But Monday! Monday I went for a run on the boardwalk and Lea made use of the hotel gym. It was quite the change of pace, and followed--naturally, by happy hour wine and cheese in the hotel lobby.

Dinner was at Nage. A new restaurant Lea found online. My halibut was sub-par but they're known for their steaks and burgers. Nice atmosphere, friendly family-owned staff.

After dinner Lea, Richard and I made our way to the boardwalk for the long awaited, much anticipated horse game. The game, which is right on the boardwalk draws huge crowds every night. There are 12 spots for 12 players but the massive number of cheering spectators makes it feel like a professional event. The object is simple. Roll the little red ball into the holes in front of you (you're seated) Red is 3 Blue is 2 Yellow is 1 about which Richard said, "It's like kissing your sister..." Your horse moves according to where your ball lands. An average game lasts about 2 minutes but the thrill of winning and the agony of crushing defeat makes it the most exciting 2 minutes of your life. The three of us have been playing for 6 years now so you'd think we'd be pretty kick-ass. We started off strong (I won the first game) then fell flat for a while. A certain number 12 (whose looks distracted Lea though he was probably about 14) took 3 games from us. In the end we won four (2 victories for me, 2 for Richard). Lea will redeem herself tonight. We'll keep the tally running.

After Richard left us, we went back to the hotel to dress for our night on the town...which, due to an excess of vodka club and lemons/margaritas, Lea remembers much clearer than I do, and will thus do the reporting.