On Monday morning I didn’t go to work – but instead enjoyed what was probably only the third vacation day I’d taken in 2010.  To celebrate this momentous occasion I went with my parents to Las Fuentes restaurant for brunch.  After that we went to Fryman Canyon, which I used to frequent but hadn’t visited in a few years.  I discovered that the winter is really the best time to hike there as the grass is growing and every little stream provides a 50 degree cool breeze.  We actually hiked farther than I have ever hiked on that trail before (and in quicker time) and turned back on the big staircase.  Not having the summer sun beat down on you really makes a difference on that trail.

After the hike we picked up some live crabs for dinner.  Sam joined us in time to eat.

After dinner Sam showed us how to properly cut and slice a fresh pineapple.  We finished the meal off by opening the sake jug she had bought as a Christmas gift for my parents last year (but they left it because they couldn’t fit it in their luggage).