The morning was clear and sunny at Marlow’s. It was nice and quiet and sure hated to get on the road and face the urban traffic. This trip has been sort of a reunion with friends and high school classmates. I once again thanked Marlow and his wife for their hospitality and joined that herd of “cages” heading for the East Bay. There was one quick stop at a Starbuck’s to visit with Martin. He is another retired high school alumni who graduated a year ahead of me. I never knew him in high school but figured it would be good to meet and chat for a bit. When it was time to go, I decided to try and take a picture of both of us together.
Martin and Jim at Starbuck's in Vallejo, CA
After a few tried, I got something that was OK but certainly not worthy of an award, that’s for sure. Heading south on Interstate 80 my destination for the moment was Alameda. For the last 35 years at lease, my family and I have visited the Acapulco Mexican restaurant at Lincoln Ave. & Willow St. in Alameda. It is a family run restaurant that gives you plenty for the money. For me, the only drawback is getting a wine Margarita instead of the real deal with tequila. But they are good and at least don’t cost $11 like in other restaurants. Usually a half order dinner is plenty for me. But if you are REALLY HUNGRY, go for the full dinner. For me this was lunch since I was expected to appear for dinner in Pleasanton later in the evening. To say the lease I was FULL and should never eat again. At least for another 24 hours or so. I headed to the south end of Alameda to what is know as Bay Farm island. From what I understand, it was fill construction to gain more area for Alameda and possibly the Oakland Airport. According to stories I’ve heard, there may be a bulldozer ot two permanently entombed in all the mud that formed Bay Farm. I rode out to the San Leandro Marina to see if anything had changed and was somewhat surprised. For years we would have dinner at the Blue Dolphin out on the water. I even attended a few retirement dinners there and thought it was the greatest. My biggest memory of the Blue Dolphin was the huge liquor decanter collection in glass cases at the entry. All I could think was a collection worth a lot of money and ALL that booze.
Since I had lived in Hayward for many years, I had to check out some familiar places. One of the local restaurants that just about everybody went to was Casper’s Hot Dogs on “C” St. This was the place for the best hot dog in the bay area. Since the Mexican food was quite apparent, I was not going to eat more at this moment. Of course I had to see where we lived and what was happening at Tennyson and Mt. Eden high schools. I attended both and graduated from Tennyson. It killed me to have to move so close to my senior year but no choice. Someone ratted me out to the Dean of Boys and the game was over. Sure don’t know what I did to deserve that.
It was already getting close to 5pm. I headed further South and went through Niles Canyon on Hwy 84 to Pleasanton. It’s one of those neat roads that is fun to ride but care must be taken since it can also be hazardous. Niles Canyon has a history of speeding, crossing the double yellow line, and accidents. It’s very crowded at times since it is a commute path from the Livermore Valley to the bay area proper. Right about 6pm I arrive and Theda and Fenton’s house in Pleasanton. Theda was my insurance agent for at least 30 years. She always called you at least one a year to see how you were doing and if there was any changes to be mad in coverage, etc. Fenton is her husband who could probably be a chef somewhere. I probably disappointed him since I was still full from having lunch. I assured them I was good for the night but dinner looked very good. Fenton is also a motorcycle enthusiast who gets a chance to ride to Sturgis once in a while. Among his hobbies are old cars. His garage contains an old Ford pickup of 30s vintage and a 1966 Ford Galaxie. Both belonged to his dad and they still look great are are driven from time to time. For breakfast, Fenton had quite a spread of eggs, bacon, sausage, coffee, fruit, toast and so much other good stuff. So much for eating light on this trip. From their home on a hillside you get a gorgeous view of Pleasanton and Dublin. It’s one I wouldn’t give up for almost anything. It’s a great location and close to a lot. Several times a year there is a car show and swap meets to draw in the collector car crowd. It was unfortunate to not have enough time to stay longer and visit. One of these days, I have to plan a better trip so I can be more casual and not on the run every day.
Jim and Theda
Recent Comments