Everything is now set for my trip, and while I’m looking forward to seeing friends and family, I’m not too excited about being in California. If I have the time, I think I’m going to stop in and see about applying for my out-of-state carry permit there. I also plan on gorging myself on food – there are lots of different foods I miss that I can’t get in rural Montana – In-N-Out Burger, Round Table Pizza, and sushi from Ray at Oto’s.
Man, I’m going to miss that guy when he retires – he’s been there as long as I can remember and the Oto’s “supermarket sushi” is better than any of the top restaurants I’ve tried. Granted, I only get there maybe once a year anymore, but I’ll still miss that quality and care. The man is truly an artist.
Along with the family stuff (the primary reason for the trip) I’m excited to be able to hang out with my old friends, even if just briefly. While many have escaped as I had, there are plenty still left in the area. I’m still working out some of the trip logistics, but I’m hoping to set up a night with an open invite to everyone to hang out at a bar/restaurant for a couple hours.
I think I’ll do that – I paused writing to reach out to a few people and it looks like we’re gonna have an old-fashioned bar hang.
It’s getting late, and I have more book to read – didn’t get to it yesterday with the scramble to get my travel and accommodations arranged.
Song of the day: Hollywood Nights by Bob Seger