Country and Bluegrass night

Fremont, CA

I spent most of the day in Hollister refereeing Power Wheelchar Soccer games. The drive back would have been about 2 hours, so I stopped in Fremont to join my dad for dinner. He took me to Mission Pizza and Pub where every Saturday night they have live bluegrass and country music. It was really good pizza and the music was rather impressive to.

As a side note, I HATE going to chain food establishments, but it is sometimes hard to find good food and good music at mom and pop shops. These guys did both.

a return to fast food

Antioch CA

After several weeks of not eating fast food, I made a triumphant return today.

Cubed Steak Special

Antioch, CA

This is the first time I wasn't 100% satisfied with a my Lumpy's Lunch. It was good. It was an 8 or 9 out of 10. But it just wasn't a ten. I think it was missing two things for me. It needed to come with bread and it needed to be more filling. (I had the soup below to help make up the lack of filling). The roasted tomatoes were delicious. The onions were good. I never have been one for green peppers - but I think the thing for me was it just wasn't filling like Lumpy's always is.

Fiesta Burger

Antioch, CA

Today I had the Fiesta Burger at Lumpy's. It has lettuce, chips, salsa, cheese, guacamole, tomatoes and other stuff on it. It was probably the first burger in 2 years that I had that didn't require ketchup to eat.

**A side note - one of the blogs I follow is having a give away. You may want to join in on the list of followers so that you can maybe win an external hard drive.

** A side note - Nie has started a new project where she and a Lady from Germany post pictures together. Because I have no problems stealing people's ideas - if any one would like to do a similar project with me, just let me know.

Cookies missed out on

Walnut Creek, CA

Every other Monday for the past 2 months I've enjoyed "Cookie Night" with a friend. Unfortunately, tonight she was out of town so I was forced to eat cookies with my roommates. Not the same feel to it.

More Birthday Chocolate

Antioch, CA

My birthday buddy struck again this year. Looking at what I got last year and looking at what I got this year - I'm detecting a theme.

Not pictured is the book I got: "have a little faith" by Mitch Albom. I'm 50 pages in and really enjoying it.

Sugar Plum Ring (minus the plums)

Crescent City, CA

Keeping with my families tradition, Amy and I made a sugar plum ring for breakfast this morning. Unfortunately the dough wasn't ready to be shaped until the afternoon so it wasn't technically for breakfast but it was still good.

Wedding balls and cakes

Fremont, CA

I over came my fear of wedding receptions and went to the first one in over 5 years tonight. I took Amy and Robin with me. They both knew the groom. I not only have known the groom for 8 or 9 years, but I've known the bride since she was born. Additionally, the reception was attended by people that have known me since I was 2; People I adopted as mom after my mom died; people who helped get me my eagle or taught me how to build roofs. And many of these people I haven't seen for a year at least. So it was nice going "home" again to see friends from the past and watch a union for the future.

(a note on the cake - each layer was a different flavor and my friend Barbara made it. She went to a culinary school and is probably the best pastry chef I know.)

Soup at Lumpy's

Antioch, CA

Today at lunch I had a soup and sandwich. It was really good. It was so good that I bought a little extra soup and took it to Amy's tonight for dinner.

A Day in the Life of Sean

Amputated Sugar Cookie Men

Oakley, CA

I don't want to sound demented or anything, but when I saw last night that there were two amputated cookies I just knew I had to bring them into work. I work with severely disabled children.

Christmas Cookie Tradition

Near Vallejo, CA

I'm spending Christmas with Amy's family where I will be introduced to her family's traditions. Tonight I introduced her to one of four traditions my family has of making and giving away Holiday Cookies.

I endorse these potatoes

Antioch, CA

I finally got to talk to the head chef today at Lumpy's. Scotty confirmed for me that these potatoes come from Idaho. So I fully endorse these potatoes.

Turkey "Sandwich" Dinner

Antioch, CA

Today the special at Lumpy's was open face Turkey Sandwiches. It was really good, though I might suggest that if you get it - ask for extra gravy. The bread really soaks it up.
(Once again I was unable to confirm if the potatoes were from Idaho so I can't attest to their quality.)

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Reminder - to see all things Lumpy related on this blog, simply click on this link: Lumpy's

Nina's trip to SF

San Fran, CA

Today I took Nina back to SF. It was a lot of fun but really tiring.
We took the Ferry from Vallejo to SF. Then we went to ATT park so that Nina could take pictures of Palm Trees. From there we rode a Cable Car to Guiradelli Square. We checked out some boats, hung out at Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 39, and the Musee Mecanque. (In fact - while at the Musee we ran across early pornography.) We even did a bit of shopping. To top it off, we had real bread bowls at Boudins for lunch and dinner at Johnny Rockets. All in all it was a really good day.
The top two images are my favorite from the day.



(BTC - Nina in CA)

The big meal

San Jose, CA

After several years of non-traditional Thanksgiving Dinners, this year my dad's girlfriend hosted Nina, my dad, and I for a traditional meal. It was very good.

(BTC)

Meatloaf Sandwich ** Post Edit

Antioch, CA

Man I just love a waitress that can read your mind. All week long I have been thinking "When I go to Lumpy's this week I want something different. I need something different." I walked in all ready to demand a menu. As I walked in, my waitress came up to me in a rush: "We have something new and I instantly thought of you when they unveiled it." It was sooo good. However, it was not totally filling so I asked for the dessert menu (a first for me at Lumpy's). Today I came the closest to tasting my mother's cheesecake than any other time in the 6 years since her death. If you live nearby - take an opportunity to indulge yourself. You won't regret it.



**Post edit - I never found out if the mashed potatoes were from Idaho or not so I can't speak for their quality - but they tasted good.

Strawberry Pie

American Canyon, CA

Amy and I made Strawberry Pie from scratch tonight. One stayed with her family and one is going to work tomorrow with me.

There is a party over here a party over there

Antioch, CA

I got home from a date with Amy at 1 AM this morning. When I arrived, the party I was trying to avoid was still in full swing. It ended at about 2:45. I stayed up to help do the initial clean up (over 2/3 of the recycling cart is full of beer bottles). While the party was still going on I took this shot and those in BTC.

(There are 8 bottles of different types of Alcohol in this picture. Can you identify them?)

(BTC)

Hot Dog Boy

Oakley, CA

Cindy went into the hospital today and would be cheered up if you vote on her blog.

One of my clients showed up to therapy today as a hot dog.

Pumpkin Cookie

Walnut Creek, CA

Have you gone to Cindy's blog to vote yet? Her options are way cooler than this cookie, but this cookie was way yummier than her ballot entries will be.