PALO ALTO - TRIP 1 FOR THE SUMMER

6 - 22 - 10 Charlie and I drove up to Palo Alto yesterday. Given that it was a Tuesday afternoon, it was an incredibly easy trip. Glenn graduated 11 years ago, and we haven't really come to town since then. Ian and Sarah moved to Hayward at least 4 years ago, so we haven't even taken the Pacheco Pass either. Lots of things look the same, it was just hard to remember. We're staying at the Creekside Inn, another step into the past. It's still lovely. We have a first floor room by the creek. Quiet, relaxing, just the ticket for our first get-away.

6 - 23 - 10 Charlie had to be up early to get to his meeting on the Stanford campus by 8. We had coffee and croissants in the lounge. Another thing I forgot - this area has great coffee everywhere. I drove Charlie to the "loop drive" and let him off. I was to meet Liza at noon at the book store, but I had to make sure I knew how to get there and where to park. I eventually found the bookstore, but all the parking there was blocked for today. ? I drove in silly lost circles for a bit - as I said - it's been a while. I finally followed signs to a " visitors information" booth, parked my car, paid for parking, only to find the booth was closed. I still had lots of parking time so I set out on foot. I found a nice person who worked at the alumni center. They gave me a map, and off I walked. I got back to the bookstore and bought a computer case for me and a computer sleeve for Chuck. I decided to put the items in my car to save slogging around with them. I, naturally, got a bit lost but eventually - thanks to my maps - found the car. I then bought running shorts for me and Chuck. My pathetic joke - they fit - I just don't look fit. Then back to the bookstore to find Liza. I was early, so I read my book in the great upstairs cafe. At noon I found Liza, and she and I walked over to the new graduate dorms. Got a chicken and some veggies. Sat and talked. Liza had to be back at work at 1. I walked back to the car again. I probably won't run here, but I'm stepping up a storm. I did find out the reason the campus was so anti parking was that the Russian President Medeyev? was speaking on campus this afternoon. I hope I can get Charlie without a hitch.

I attempted to find a drug store - no mean trick. The center of Palo Alto was shut down too - Mendeyev again??? The closer shopping center to the hotel Stanford Square? really doesn't have any real stores at all - banks only. The Stanford Shopping Center is too upscale for a measly drug store. I eventually drove south on El Camino and found a CVS. Now Chuck has tooth paste for this evening. Back to the hotel for a rest, and some admiring looks at my new computer case. It's great!

Til tomorrow.