Novato Does Have a Soul

It has been thrown in our faces many many times in the past that Novato does not have a soul (usually by our friends from southern Marin - you know who you are). So I am very happy to report... that based on our extensive survey.... Novato does have a soul, or at least there is a hope that it may have one soon.
During the summer months there is nothing better than to head out and enjoy the evening with a nice glass of wine and something at least small to eat. But where to go? Not even southern Marin has many places to sit outside and dine. Well now I think that we got them all beat there are several in Novato and the one most worth mentioning is Rickey's. I have always seen the neon sign from the highway announcing they have jazz by the pool... but I didn't think much of it until this Friday when I actually strolled in and I must say I was pleasantly surprised. It is a very nice intimate setting with the tables all around the pool and nice jazz band playing in the corner. We even dipped our feet in the pool to chill out. If you have not been there... you got to try it.
The other one we discovered by strolling around on the first summer evening was Portelli Rossi (used to be Kitchen). We had a nice dinner on the patio in Las Guitarras and then we just walked around and found this Patio area where until recently was an actual building. Very nice atmosphere and a great wine.
There is yet a chance that we may have a nice downtown. Oh and look at this inflatable movie screen every Friday. Go Novato!

Our 5th Annual Whitewater Adventure

We successfully survived our annual Whitewater Adventure. You think that doesn't say much, but if you would have seen what we put our bodies through... you would understand. It is still a surprise to me that more people don't get hurt. Every year it seems to be a tradition that the new 'couple' is the one who gets trashed the worst. This year was no exception - Ian & Nia where the ones who do not remember much from the first day of rafting. Chris has learned his lesson on his first trip so this year he was trying to monitor (unsuccessfully I might say) his intake. But it was better than the first year and he was able to recover quickly (no arguments). For those who know - the Italian Boy - he came out a plenty and he just would not shut up. :o) now Heather finally understands why having the Italian Boy (aka Chris) come out is not such a good thing. We had a wonderful time and it took me two days just to recover from those two days of rafting. I think I finally have my voice back and alcohol is starting to sound appealing again.

Pia's Retirement Party

This Sunday Muna (my boss) hosted a wonderful retirement party for one of our co-workers - Pia. Pia is retiring at the end of the month and we all wanted to wish her all the best on her newest journey. Muna did a wonderful job on planning the whole thing and everybody seemed to have a great time. We will miss Pia and her wonderful sense of humor.