Day 34 Continued

After our trip to DDWR, we had a brunch of French Toast, Bacon and Oranges.   We had worked up an appetite after our birding excursion.  The sky was a bit cloudy and not great for sunning on the beach but was nice enough for a walk and more photographing of birds.   Al sat on the beach while I walked and shot beach scenes.    There were over 100 Royal Terns, one of my favorite shore birds,  on the beach today.   They were in 3 different groups.

 

 

 

 

 Did you see the sand castle that I built?

 A close up of Royal birds.

 It gets tired standing all day!

 

Birds in flight after being disturbed by walkers and/or dogs. 

Don't they know that's a bad thing for us birds?

 

Other birds today:

 

 

Other interesting scenes:

 

 

Al sitting on the beach.  Photographed from a distance.

 

Tonight we enjoyed a special evening of dinner and live music at Traditions with Joe and Marvilla.

 

We shared Prime Beef Carpaccio served  with baby arugula, grated  Reggiano Parmesan Cheese, capers, lemon, and EVOO and balsamic vinegar.   This was the best Carpacio that we have had in a long time....very well presented and a generous serving.   Al ordered the evening special of Veal Filet with Giant Shrimp with a Brandy Cream sauce and served with eggplant, potatoes, and steamed spinach.   I ordered Veal and  Artichokes with capers, lemon, and wine sauce served with Potato

 Dauphinoise  and vegetables.  We splurged with a dessert of Crème Brule Flan served with fresh berries.  We finished the evening dancing to the music by Joe and Marvilla  and with complimentary drinks from the host, Andrea, who we have known over 27 years.   We first met him at his former restaurant Bellini's on Captiva Island and have memories of following him to his other restaurants  The Riviera and Dolce Vita.

 

A great evening that brought back wonderful memories and made new ones.