So yes, there was moaning and digesting after yesterday's big breakfast. Although the thunderstorms stayed in the distance. It was cool and cloudy, so most folks were staying indoors (although there were a few brave souls who went in the water, anyhow -- not us!).
After a typically lazy morning, we headed down for our 2:00 couple's massage, and were happy to see that Cindy had returned. After a bit of chit-chat, it became apparent that it was NOT just going to be a massage, but something had gotten confused in our massage bookings and it was actually the day we were booked in to have our double-session of wrap and massage (we didn't think that was until Thursday). A nice surprise!
We were back with Don and Cindy, Alyssa and Cheryl. Don chose the Mango Enzyme wrap, Alyssa picked the Cranberry Pomegranate. First we got scrubbed down with a sugar scrub, then covered in our respective goops and wrapped in warm blankets while getting a shoulder and head massage. Then we showered down and returned to the tables for an hour massage in Champagne Mimosa lotion. We smelled good, we felt great! We were the epitome of "relaxed" -- Don was so relaxed, he forgot a "selfie" is supposed to include yourself…:
Both a little dazed and dozy, we headed back to our room to relax and recover (and drink lots of water). We were also quite hungry, so ended up eating FAR too much of the water buffalo cheese and crackers -- but we couldn't help ourselves, it's so delicious!
Aaand… there might have been some snoring from Mr. Bray. :) Alyssa enjoyed his serenading while reading "The Signature of All Things" by Elizabeth Gilbert. Only half way through, and already dreading reaching the end… Beautifully written, as always, and a fascinating protagonist in fascinating times. She also enjoyed watching a 20-minute or so sun shower.
Don woke up in time (OK, Alyssa might have started her Ethyl Merman impersonations and tap-dancing routine…) for a quick beer on the patio before dinner. Many of the "usual suspects" were suspiciously absent, as a previous guest had given Gordo a big tip with the instructions to use it to throw a party for the staff. So there was a big barbecue and potluck dinner up at the staff house, and then they were going to watch a movie projected on a big outdoor screen, and whatever else staff parties at summer resorts might entail (we were anticipating a lot of tired staff members in the morning!)
Deb was our waiter -- who we'd had last year, but this was our first time this year. We ordered a 2010 Coppola "Green Label" Syrah-Shiraz blend, which Don thought was the best wine we'd had so far this week.
For starters, Don chose the Truffle Scented Portabella Mushroom Strudel with mixed greens and balsamic butter. Alyssa picked the Caesar Salad of Baby Romaine Leaves (skipping the prosciutto chips) and a crusting of tiger shrimp & avocado salsa. Sorry, forgot the photos! But the tastes were incredible.
Our mains were both the Pan Seared Filet of Atlantic Salmon with grilled vegetables, penne pasta and sundered tomato pesto. Probably our best main dish so far, although Alyssa could barely make it half way through and was cursing the water buffalo cheeseapalooza from earlier in the day. But she's got a nice big take out box for lunch today!
It was all we could do to snarf down some strawberries and whipped cream, and wash them down with a Spanish coffee.
Despite Don's nap, we were still zonked from the double massage appointment, and were in bed just a little after 10:00. Even more unusual, Alyssa woke up first this morning, and Don slept a FULL TWELVE HOURS. Ethyl Merman impersonations were necessary again, in order to get him awake in time for last sitting at breakfast. It had been a deliciously cool night, and pretty chilly morning, so we're all bundled up in sweaters and wooly socks today.
We did make it for breakfast, and were waited on by Maddy, who said the staff party had been great, although the movie didn't start until 1am and she had to get up for the breakfast shift, so she hadn't stayed 'til the end. We haven't seen a lot of faces around yet. Hopefully not too many of them will be green. :)
For breakfast, Don had the usual (ho hum…), and Alyssa had the Eggs Benedict (minus the peameal bacon, of course). We're now bundled up, staring out at the rain, although there's some blue sky trying to fight its way through. The way the week has gone, that probably doesn't alter our plans for the day much, though. :)
Happy Wednesday!
Lyss & Don
After a typically lazy morning, we headed down for our 2:00 couple's massage, and were happy to see that Cindy had returned. After a bit of chit-chat, it became apparent that it was NOT just going to be a massage, but something had gotten confused in our massage bookings and it was actually the day we were booked in to have our double-session of wrap and massage (we didn't think that was until Thursday). A nice surprise!
We were back with Don and Cindy, Alyssa and Cheryl. Don chose the Mango Enzyme wrap, Alyssa picked the Cranberry Pomegranate. First we got scrubbed down with a sugar scrub, then covered in our respective goops and wrapped in warm blankets while getting a shoulder and head massage. Then we showered down and returned to the tables for an hour massage in Champagne Mimosa lotion. We smelled good, we felt great! We were the epitome of "relaxed" -- Don was so relaxed, he forgot a "selfie" is supposed to include yourself…:
Both a little dazed and dozy, we headed back to our room to relax and recover (and drink lots of water). We were also quite hungry, so ended up eating FAR too much of the water buffalo cheese and crackers -- but we couldn't help ourselves, it's so delicious!
Aaand… there might have been some snoring from Mr. Bray. :) Alyssa enjoyed his serenading while reading "The Signature of All Things" by Elizabeth Gilbert. Only half way through, and already dreading reaching the end… Beautifully written, as always, and a fascinating protagonist in fascinating times. She also enjoyed watching a 20-minute or so sun shower.
Don woke up in time (OK, Alyssa might have started her Ethyl Merman impersonations and tap-dancing routine…) for a quick beer on the patio before dinner. Many of the "usual suspects" were suspiciously absent, as a previous guest had given Gordo a big tip with the instructions to use it to throw a party for the staff. So there was a big barbecue and potluck dinner up at the staff house, and then they were going to watch a movie projected on a big outdoor screen, and whatever else staff parties at summer resorts might entail (we were anticipating a lot of tired staff members in the morning!)
Deb was our waiter -- who we'd had last year, but this was our first time this year. We ordered a 2010 Coppola "Green Label" Syrah-Shiraz blend, which Don thought was the best wine we'd had so far this week.
For starters, Don chose the Truffle Scented Portabella Mushroom Strudel with mixed greens and balsamic butter. Alyssa picked the Caesar Salad of Baby Romaine Leaves (skipping the prosciutto chips) and a crusting of tiger shrimp & avocado salsa. Sorry, forgot the photos! But the tastes were incredible.
Our mains were both the Pan Seared Filet of Atlantic Salmon with grilled vegetables, penne pasta and sundered tomato pesto. Probably our best main dish so far, although Alyssa could barely make it half way through and was cursing the water buffalo cheeseapalooza from earlier in the day. But she's got a nice big take out box for lunch today!
It was all we could do to snarf down some strawberries and whipped cream, and wash them down with a Spanish coffee.
Despite Don's nap, we were still zonked from the double massage appointment, and were in bed just a little after 10:00. Even more unusual, Alyssa woke up first this morning, and Don slept a FULL TWELVE HOURS. Ethyl Merman impersonations were necessary again, in order to get him awake in time for last sitting at breakfast. It had been a deliciously cool night, and pretty chilly morning, so we're all bundled up in sweaters and wooly socks today.
We did make it for breakfast, and were waited on by Maddy, who said the staff party had been great, although the movie didn't start until 1am and she had to get up for the breakfast shift, so she hadn't stayed 'til the end. We haven't seen a lot of faces around yet. Hopefully not too many of them will be green. :)
For breakfast, Don had the usual (ho hum…), and Alyssa had the Eggs Benedict (minus the peameal bacon, of course). We're now bundled up, staring out at the rain, although there's some blue sky trying to fight its way through. The way the week has gone, that probably doesn't alter our plans for the day much, though. :)
Happy Wednesday!
Lyss & Don