Housewife of Boone County visits the OC

Little did I know when I jumped on a plane with Kevin for a quick trip to the West coast, that a surreal experience was in store for me. Understand that had I chosen to forego said trip I would be doing the typical "Housewife of Boone County" things: mucking stalls, doing laundry, scrubbing toilets, fertilizing the field...(or refer to my July 2010 post) much much different than life for a "Housewife of Oranage County." Let me explain. Upon our arrival at the John Wayne Regional Airport we were whisked away in a black Lincoln with tinted windows where iced water bottles were placed by each seat. After a quick ride down the "PCH" or the Pacific Coast Highway to you and me, we arrived at our destination in Laguna Beach - The Montage Resort. Not only did the Reception clerk check us in, but she also toured us around the property before depositing us in our room where a bottle of champagne was already being iced and a bowl of fresh fruit brightened the entryway. Of course the view from our balcony was breathtaking.

A quick stroll through the property confirmed the beauty of the location with countless varieties of flowers and plants (meticulously cared for by dozens of staff members) leading down to a lovely sandy beach where Catalina Island could be seen way off in the distance. Whew!

After we got settled, we realized that with the time difference we had completely missed lunch and dinner East coast time, but our real dinner wouldn't be served for hours. To remedy the situation, we walked (yes! -under our own power, no driver required, much to the staff's dismay) a block down the road to Ruby's Diner (imagine our Steak 'n Shake.) Again it was clear to us we weren't in Boone County when we looked at the menu and found Tofu burgers, bunless burgers, hi-protein lettuce wraps, etc. in addition to the usual hamburger, fries, and shake options. It didn't take us long to realize as we made our way around the resort that whenever staff members saw us they stopped in their own tracks until we passed. At first I thought maybe I was taking up too much of the walkway...but no. After multiple tests, I concluded that this was required. Unnerving, or described with an "S" word, SURREAL. A few nights later having a night cap at the hotel bar, the bartender explained the "Four S's" each staff member, regardless of rank, is required to perform at the first sight of a guest. STOP! STEP ASIDE! SMILE! (and make eye contact), and make an appropriate SALUTATION! There you have it- Surreal!

To top off all the service during the day, each night not only was our bed turned down, but we each had a fluffy pair of slippers perfectly placed on a white pressed linen square by the bed which had a sleeve of fancy chocolates waiting for us. During all of this, I really just wanted to tell them to relax...if I weren't here, I'd be at home in Boone County, Indiana, loading up my poop truck with muck buckets! So, if your travels ever call for you to be in Orange County, CA, opt for the Montage so you too can pretend to be a STAR while enjoying the breath taking views of the Pacific Ocean in the lap of luxury!

No trip to LA would be complete without a meal shared with Kevin's cousin Gregory who we fondly refer as our family's "Forrest Gump," but only in a positive way! (He's even running the LA Marathon for a great cause...please consider donating!)Having lived in LA and worked in the "business" for several years now, he has had his fair share of famous/interesting encounters. As we learned this time, he expanded his "encounter" territory recently as he travelled to London to see his Chicago Bears play at Wembley Stadium, ending up with a photo of himself between Hall of Fame Steelers Running Back Jerome Bettis and NFL Commissioner Goodell. Not only was he called on to ask a question during the press conference, but also was quoted in the Chicago Tribune (see link!) We also heard about his visit with our Sarah in Paris. Funny that after years apart, it was in Paris of all places, that they reconnected. It is proof positive that family values have been instilled in both of these young adults. We are so proud of both of them! I figured here would be a good spot to insert a photo of these cousins from years past...but after scouring the photo albums, I could only come up with this one circa 1992.

Most pictures of Gregory involved a rambunctious giggling Eric...as seen here! We look forward to our next story filled meal with Greg, and in the meantime, wish him well on his "Forrest Gump" like running and encounters!