Coronado!

 Dear Bookclub,
Our trip to Coronado was a fantastic holiday retreat. We must do it again.It was rejuvenating to be together in such a festive setting. So great to be together!

 Trudy and I prepared for everyone's Tuesday arrival starting Monday morning, checking in, eating lunch on the beach and then renting bikes. We explored Coronado via sidewalks and streets, mustering our inner-child energy....

 .... until sunset.

Primavera welcomed us for a three hour dinner; currently plotting a way to get back there soon.

Tuesday morning, Trudy and I jumped on bikes again, keeping a close eye on the skies which stayed gorgeous long enough for us to spend a few more hours crisscrossing the island. Tuesday also brought Terry, Terrie, Wanda & Ginger and we had our first 'meeting' with wine and generous lunch plates at Rhinoceros Cafe.  A few showers did not keep us from peeking into some shops, although we headed back to the Del for real shopping and tea. Honest, it was tea. After a short rest, we met at the tree (see above photo). A round-table-elegant dinner at 1500 Ocean was both rollicking and relaxing. Now, if we were 20 years younger, I am sure the party would have continued elsewhere but it was 10ish and we were beckoned by bedtime.

Wednesday morning we managed to be hungry again with scattered breakfasts. We joined the beach walkers and flocked to the amazing sand castles. Wanda hunkered down to finish the book and is out of the photo, back in the rotunda of the hotel, reading away.

Reality began to loom as we packed up our bags to check-out and convene for our official bookclub meeting at Sheerwater for lunch. Jhumpa Lahiri's "The Lowland" provided thought-provoking discussion and was well-liked by all. Trudy suggested three fantastic titles for our next-in-line selection: "The Aviator's Wife", Patchett's "This is the story of a Happy Marriage", and Maynard's "At Home in the World".  "The Aviator's Wife" will be the choice although I encourage you to read all! Some movies were recommended and just for everyone's notes: "The Sessions" and "Half the Sky". In lieu of gifts to each other this year, donations were made in the bookclub's name and included donations made to Oasis Haven, Salvation Army (holiday meals drive),Catholic Relief Services for Typhoon Haiyan & Semper Fi .... I'm sorry - I didn't record all the recipients so this among others. This gesture felt so right!

Hoping everyone has their Christmas to-do's in check with the peaceful launch of the season, sharing this precious time together.

 

Merry Christmas & Jolly Reading!
LK