#13: New Melones Lake

I bought a fishing license Saturday so that Greg and I could finally go on a fishing trip together. Though it was quite a bit different from what I'm used to, I did pretty well. (No keepers but I caught a small perch, an even smaller fish that fell off of the line before I grabbed it, and a small mouth bass.)
Added to the adventure was the fact that after climbing over and down a rocky hill, we had to swim to get to where we ended up fishing-under the bridge, (on the left side in the picture below.) The wake from ski boats made it a little tricky, but we made it! Greg ended up carrying the bulk of our stuff: the cooler and the rods. Luckily the cooler floated a bit... but it was pretty heavy. I tried to make it over by swimming with my clothes and wallet in a bag held up out of the water. I made it halfway just fine but then my things got pretty wet.

It was a really fun excursion and after it was over we had to climb back up another rockface with a little ledge. Greg really helped by carting up our stuff ahead of time. Since we didn't keep any fish, we had a lighter load and we were also able to dump our ice.

#12: Main Street Park

Today I did my Saturday farmers market/library/other things downtown walk. Stopped by Queen Bean for a drink on the way back home, but otherwise I came home empty handed. I decided it would be a good day to grab Chloe and do something outside before it gets too hot this year. On my way up to Escalon I stopped at a place I'd been wanting to go for a while: Yesterday's Books. They sell new and used books and I hadn't been able to find a copy of "The Grapes of Wrath" for free at the library. I picked up a pretty slick cookbook and "Grapes" and found some other things that my budget kept me from purchasing.



After hauling the camera, books, water, blanket, and Chloe to the park, Greg stopped by and clued me in on the fact that I didn't have a memory card for the camera. So there are no pictures of her for this post. Otherwise, it was a great day to be out in the park off of Main Street in Escalon since there was a great breeze and not too many folks out. My tendency to people-watch overpowered by ability to read, so I wish I hadn't brought both books out.



The one bad thing: Chloe is scared of trains, which run right by this park.

#11: Fish Burritos

During my Memorial Day trip down to see Sayde in San Diego, I decided to try something that I'd heard folks rave about: fish tacos. Only, I was really hungry and splurged on a burrito. I figured this would be a huge risk, since I don't think fish belongs in burritos.

But it was good. Don't try this anywhere else except San Diego.

#10: Deep Fried Asparagus

Greg and I just back from Stockton's Asparagus Festival: http://www.asparagusfest.com/

I was told that Stockton is a good place to get shot, but it was a lot of fun and even the curbside bums were helping us out. (We were able to find street parking and dodge the $10 parking fee.) I did not get the asparagus margarita.

#9: ReStore

I'll risk judgement by making a HFH-related post here, but I think it's worth it. I've been patiently waiting to gather furniture slowly, and today my waiting paid off. I'll have dining room chairs and a sofa for a great price, less than $200.

#8: Super Gyros

Our first trip to Super Gyros wasn't fruitful: it was Sunday, Super Gyros was closed, and we settled for really great sushi instead.





Our second try was more succesful. When we walked in, the owner looked at Greg and said: "It's been a while... 5 years?" Looks like someone was most valuable Super Gyros customer. Apparently the owner is part of this area's Assyrian community... the size of which still confuses me.





I got hummus and it was the first time I'd ever seen dill pickles and tomato cubes on top.





Everyone seemed to be glued to the flat screen TV for "Deal or No Deal."

#7: Raley's

a.) It's not that pricey.

b.) It wasn't crowded.

c.) Quality produce.

d.) Conveniently located on my way back from work.

e.) 5 cent refund for each bag of your own that you bring in instead of using plastic bags. No more Wal-Mart scanners accusing me of stealing!