San Diego Dining, Day Four

Jan. 6
Barbara's cousin David lives in San Diego, and as soon as it turned out that we were going to this convention, a big reunion was planned. Unfortunately cousin Gail, who was going to travel down from the Silicon Valley with her whole family, had to go in for knee surgery at the last minute; we missed them a lot. Nonetheless, on the chosen day we bravely crossed the street from the hotel and boarded the bright-red San Diego Trolley for a ride out to La Mesa, where David picked us up.
David, Sheila, and their sons Daniel and Ben live in a beautiful house on a hill - so beautiful, with decor so carefully chosen and well-arranged, that you wouldn't believe that two actual children and an even more actual black labrador (Buca) live in it, if you didn't see them standing right there in front of you. Though everybody had been out at Ben's soccer tournament until shortly before we arrived, tasty appetizers were instantly produced, wine was poured, and Sheila's hearty, satisfying beef stew (with good bread to sop up the sauce) soon appeared on the table. We had great conversation during the meal and after, with the kids holding up their end in a very mature fashion. And when everyone was yawning at bedtime, Sheila sent us home with a new-age, nukeable comforter, velvety and soft even when un-nuked. We thank her, David, Daniel, and Ben for a wonderful family time, a memorable contrast with the soulless ambition of even the best professional convention.