I was there in Dec 2005. We rented a house just a couple of streets away from the beach. The weather wasn't warm enough to go swimming, but I did enjoy walking along and collecting seashells. The house had 3 bedrooms and a pull out couch, so could have easily slept 9 people there. It also had an enclosed area for the pool and the hot tub, so we were able to enjoy them in the evening in the cool temp. I really enjoyed my visit there. I found it was a small enough town for me to consider retiring there. I can't tell you how much the house was that we rented, as it was a gift from my niece for the vacation. It was easy to find your way around.

As far away from other people as possible. I love backpacking, especially in Wyomings Cloud Peak Wilderness Area. Also, the mountains of southwestern New Mexico offer many opportunities for solitude. If I have to be around people I enjoy getting off the beaten path and away from the tourist traps. Hawaii has beautiful, little used hiking trails with fascinating vegetation. Trieste, Italy, also. Ron

This thread (and Mtn's other gift thread) have given me a lot of great ideas for gift giving. I finally made a bookmark so that I can keep a list of these wonderful suggestions. I really like the recommendations about jewelry from small designers. I can mention another jewelry designer - Dana Reed Designs. I have several family members with Jan, and March birthdays so this list will be so helpful. Mtn - funny you mentioned coffee table books - I don't have any coffee tables, just end tables. I think it's a holdover from when my father lived with us and had trouble navigating through a room. DH gave me a luxury SUV last December and I was crushed that it didn't have a huge bow on it. Sue - I sympathize with your DH and DD. At least they're getting their MRIs now and then you'll know how to proceed. DD had hers last week and is scheduled to see the neurosurgeon this week - she has severe degenerative discs (just like me) and we're hoping injections will alleviate the pain. It's tough to see your loved ones in pain. It does make me wonder about the effect all those years of competitive sports have had on their bodies. Can't wait to hear about the great unveiling of your big box. Funkyart - good to hear you like the Garnet Hill cashmere wraps. They went on sale last week and I ordered one for my DDIL. I debated so long trying to pick a color that several had sold out before I clicked 'put in cart'. My daughter told me to get the gray color block but I wasn't sure about the design and ended up with the solid gray heather. The eggplant was personally calling to me but alas, it was sold out. Patty_cakes - congrats on your new car. I got a new one last year and it's as bad as getting a new cell phone - there's so many hi tech features to learn and I can only absorb so much in one sitting. As for the Chanel bag- have you looked at the online vintage sites? When DD was in college in NYC we went to the Manhattan Vintage Sale and I found a classic one for a very reasonable price since the chain needed a minor repair. I dropped it off at the Chanel Store to have the leather reglazed and they fixed the loose link. DH and I are contemplating a trip in late winter/early spring as our gift - maybe London or Scotland - he isn't a great traveler so I'm taking my time figuring out the little details. There are several recent threads here on trips that I need to read again.

I just realized there is a scheduled shuttle from San Jose airport to Monterey, which makes it feasible without a car rental. I really adore the Monterey area. I've been to a number of conferences at Asilomar Conference Grounds in adjacent Pacific Grove. It has a large campus with multiple buildings, a central social hall, and a central dining hall. It is separated from Asilomar State Beach by sand dunes that have a boardwalk. There are always deer and great birdwatching. The beach is not great for swimming, but is popular with surfers and for tidepooling. It's outside Monterey Bay on a promontory, so it is usually a bit cold and windy, so not a great beach for laying out. Lover's Point at the other end of Pacific Grove inside Monterey Bay has a sheltered cove that is better for swimming. Pacific Grove is a cute town with some really great restaurants (Passionfish and Red House are favorites). Monterey has a world-class aquarium, Cannery Row, an a state historic park.