We love to get up and go. Be it a road trip ot just a short jaunt sometimes we fell the need the need for speed.  So on Sunday we got up and got out. Hunting for coffee and what turned out to be turkeys. We didn't have a plan just a whim. After a small cup of coffee(shown below) we just drove and Cheryl mentioned she wanted to see if any turkeys were out. By this she literally meant turkeys. Near the American River and in the Camus Commons area we see turkeys from time to time. A couple at a time; maybe six or so. But whoa this time was unprecedented. It was more than a gaggle. We came face to ugly face with literlly over 25 turkeys only a block or two away from American River Drive and Munroe. Much giggling was had at the turkeys expense while other drivers waited for them to cross the road. I believe mash potatoes were on the other side. Maybe stuffing??

Well Christmas is upon us. The good, the bad, and the ugly happening out there this time of year. Sometimes people get to wrapped up in self and consumerism. Cheryl and I aren't that big into Christmas other than seeing family. When we get presents to give they are usually small but there is a thought behind them. It's not just buying for the sake of buying something. There's usually a story to tell.

So we went out looking to knock as many off the christmas list as possible so as not to keep stringing the shopping along. We shopped small to no avail. Not finding what we wanted we headed to World Market ne Cost Plus. On Saturday afternoon everyone was out and World Market was packed. So packed we drove by and kept on driving for a while. Eventually circling back with the lot maybe 2/3 full. So it was on like donkey kong.

Cheryl had to get stuff for coworkers and family. Me I was grabbing for Cheryl's sister. The pressure to get her coworkers good stuff got to Cheryl. We powered through the freakout and got the first meaningful gift. Knocking one off made the process easier and soon we were finding the goods and grabbing good stuff. End of the expedition we were mostly finished with the recipient list. Some minor things to grab but a certain specialness behind all the purchases.

After the shopping meltdown it was time to chill and remember the spirit of Christmas. So it was decided that we were to watch A Charlie Brown Christmas after looking at Christmas Lights. We got an early peak at the Fab 40's Christmas lights(still a work in progress), grabbed a Papa Murphys Pizza and entertained ourselves with Charlie Brown and company. I recommend you do the same and come down from holiday shopping.

We love road trips. For us they are grand for some it leads to fights. I'm the driver and she's my lovely passenger and sometimes there is a third voice in the car; Google driving directions.

Sunday we decided to hit the road and be festive. St Nick style and not Santa & Elves way. Nevada City throws a Victorian Christmas on wednesday nights and on sunday aternoons. We decide Sunday was the fun day as it would be warmer to do before the sun drops. Lots of others had the same idea.

I'm a Foothills kinda guy. I dunno something speaks to me over 1000ft up and certainly 2000ft. I've always loved Grass Valley and Nevada City and even Placerville. Anyways, it was a bit hard to park near downtown but I already knew it and had a plan. We drove to the city government area and hopped on a waiting short bus to take us down to the main Victorian epicenter. It's nice that Nevada City figured that bus service out. Thousands of people were miling the downtown closed off area checking out the street performers, the food trucks, the vendor tents, and of course the Nevada City local stores! Cha Ching....

Music filled the chilly air as street musicians lined the roads while "characters" walk around all dressed up in victorian garb. It was just missing two things. Snow(that would have been problamatic) and the smell of chestnuts on an open fire(i must have missed that food truck!). Otherwise this Nevada City Victorian Christmas was a gas and a fun date idea. By the way there was plenty of warm libations from toddys and mulled wine to hot chocolate and cider to wrap your hands around.We had a great time as witnessed below.

Identity Coffees

As a couple we love going to Coffee. Maybe that means tea at coffee shop but it means quiet time together with some hand touching and secretive staring. Sometimes a nice evening cup of tea or usually a wake up on the weekend cup of coffee. We have a few usuals but lately we've gone to Identity Coffee. Because the coffee is so damn good. Not really for the seating or the aesthetic because both pretty minimalist and hard. But, this past Saturday had a vintage car bonus out front and a car I should own to parade my lovely retro wife around in. See the picture below.

Vegas holds a special place for us. We got married there. At a small chapel but we didn't get married by Elvis but the Blues Brothers were an option. We didn't elope and run away nor were we stars making it hasty after a long night of drinking. We chose Vegas to give all of our closest friends and family a vacation while we got married. To say it was awesome is an understatement. I would recommend it.

Below are some pics from the trip. Downtown Fremont Street along with the cool downtown container park. We targeted old downtown as the main place to be in Vegas this trip.

On the strip we loved Paris, the Mirage, and of course the lovely Bellagio.

We also hit up the Neon Museum and the Hollywood Car Museum along with a lot of live music, coffee houses, and restaurants.

We felt the Love Downtown Vegas! Thak you.