We were up bright and painfully early this morning because it was that sacred time of the week: our bi-weekly flagellation session at Peak Performance — otherwise known as “paying professionals to turn us into damp laundry.”
We walked in wearing clean, freshly pressed workout outfits, looking like two responsible adults with goals. We walked out looking like we had been dragged behind a 10,000-pound garbage truck, hosed down with regret, and left in the sun to reconsider our life choices.
But apparently it works! After all, we do not look like we are a combined 156 years old. Maybe 149 on a humid day, but certainly not 156.
After our morning appointment with pain and perspiration, the Silver Fox headed to the doctor to get his passenger-side airbag recall taken care of. It definitely needed fixing because every time I pull the “EJECT PASSENGER” lever, absolutely nothing happens! Mary stays in her seat!
Very disappointing, but now that the eject button is fixed, Mary still has to be nice to me the old-fashioned way.
Since we were already down in southern Tustin, we decided to reward ourselves with lunch at the American Legion of Balboa Island. Mary has been a proud member of the American Legion Newport Harbor Post 291 near Balboa Island/Newport Harbor for 25 years — which means she has seniority, history, and probably the legal authority to have me removed from the premises if I misbehave.
Naturally, I behaved… mostly.
Here are some fun trivia-style facts:
• It’s not technically on Balboa Island — Post 291 is in Newport Beach on the harbor, near the Balboa Peninsula area, with views across Newport Harbor.
• One of the biggest American Legion posts: Newport Harbor Post 291 is often noted as one of the largest and most active American Legion posts in the country, boasting 10,000 members.
• Waterfront Legion hall: Unlike many American Legion posts, this one has a prime bayfront location, docks, and a strong boating culture.
• It has its own yacht club: The post is closely associated with the American Legion Yacht Club, which is a big part of Newport Harbor’s boating community.
• Old Glory Boat Parade: The American Legion Yacht Club helps put on the Old Glory Boat Parade, a patriotic Newport Harbor tradition around the Fourth of July.
• Veterans + boating culture: The place blends two very Newport things: military/veterans history and harbor life.
• Popular local hangout: For members and guests, it’s known as a great spot for drinks, food, bay views, and watching boats go by.
• Close to Balboa Island Ferry: It’s in the same general harbor area as the famous Balboa Island Ferry, which has been running for over a century.
• Post number 291: The official name is usually American Legion Newport Harbor Post 291.
• Community role: Beyond being a social club, it supports veterans, youth programs, patriotic events, and local civic activities.
We had lunch and watched the youngsters take a sailing lesson from the Legion’s Yacht Club staff! They were having fun, and we were having fun watching them have fun!
All the kids were having fun!
We sat on the patio and watched the boats go by, happy not to have a boat, which is defined as a hole in the water to which you pour your money into.
Mary ordered the turkey club sandwich, which is always excellent — stacked so perfectly it looked like it had been engineered by NASA, only with no bacon.
The Legion’s chef does an OUTSTANDING job. Honestly, everything that comes out of that kitchen is just right. Hot things are hot, crispy things are crispy, and nothing arrives looking like it lost a bar fight in the fryer.
A few months ago, we came in for lunch, and the place was almost empty — maybe we were early, or maybe everyone else had been warned we were coming. So we asked the bartender if the chef could come out for a moment.
The poor chef emerged looking a little nervous, clearly thinking, “Oh no… what did I do? Too much mayo? Not enough fries? Did someone find parsley?”
But instead, everyone applauded him and thanked him for working so hard and making every meal so consistently wonderful.
You could see the relief wash over his face. He went from “I’m about to be yelled at” to “I may be the mayor of lunch.”
Yummy
I was going to share with her until the waiter mentioned today’s special was lobster tacos! How could I not turn that down? They were terrific and the prime reason that I had no dinner this evening!!!
Wow! Complete with some heat!!!
We sat outside even though it was a little warm; the sea/bay breeze was comfortable. We watched the dredge still at work in the bay. It’s been working for several months now.
We enjoy each other’s company!!
We were in no hurry as Mary had followed me to the Lexus facility and we had to wait for the phone call saying everything was ready. The recall work and some minor updates were completed right on time. As the last drip of wine departed from the glasses, the iPhone went off, saying the Silver Fox was ready!!
As we finished our meal and the last drop of vino, the car dealership call came in; the Silver Fox was ready!
I drove to the dealership in Mary’s car, and she waited for me to pay the bill, and then she followed me home.
As good as new!
It was in the 90s, so we stayed inside and worked in the office. Mary went to watch TV and take a small nap! I finished off the Elks Lodge part of the website, updating events and cleaning up things.
When I joined Mary, she was ready for dinner, and I was so stuffed from lunch that I passed. I did join her in the kitchen and snitched one forkful of coleslaw! We called Robin, and by that time it was 7:50 pm, so we headed to the pool and floated around for a couple of hours.
Two hours of floating is a relaxing way to finish the day!!
Since we were planning to go to The Pageant Of The Masters tomorrow, we crashed at 10:00 pm. Dianne is going with us, and we plan to stop at the Sawdust Festival before dinner and the show. A good night’s sleep is mandatory for this adventure.
