Mona-by-the-Sea, Day 3

Every Christmas Mona and her family heads to the movies. It doesn't have to be a Christmas movie necessarily (you won't find us going to see things like "Christmas with the Kranks", although my Dad and I did re-watch Chevy Chase in "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" this year and crack up). Tonight we went with "The Family Stone" and loved it. What a great family AND holiday movie. It has it all: laughs, tears, smiles, and warmth of the holiday season. And Sarah Jessica Parker was great. I was never fully impressed with her Carrie on "Sex and the City" but loved her playing Meredith in this movie, not to mention adorable Dermot Mulroney and Luke Wilson.

Today was a day for jogging off some Christmas delights, catching up on some emails, and heading down to Big Sur with Mom and Dad (little brother had to work today). We had a late lunch at the Big Sur River Inn and it was well worth the 45 minute ride to get there. When in doubt, Big Sur is always worth the drive. No matter how many times you've driven it, as my Mom pointed out, something is always different from your last visit.



I have three words for you: fried artichoke hearts. I saw these on the menu and insisted on ordering them, as they're a popular CA treat. These were like corn fritters but with a warm soft artichoke heart inside, and are the food highlight of my California Christmas so far. I know what you must be thinking. But simple pleasures for simple minds:)



What you can't tell from the picture is we had already snatched two or three of them off the plate and Mom was nice enough to rearrange them so the remaining artichoke hearts were nice and symmetrical for a picture. Thanks Mom :)