Kirkwood Revisited

The boys made another trek to the mountains last weekend.  The crew was slightly different this time.  4M could not make it.  We missed his wine terribly.  In his stead was another high school bud, The Dream.  Why The Dream?  Thanks for asking.  It has nothing to do with his good looks and charm, although he has those in abundance.  Dream, TK and I played on the same JV hoops team for the ’71-’72 season.  At that time Dean “The Dream” Meminger was a popular player, so he appropriated that moniker.

Dream was a defensive specialist.  He modestly stated that was because he had a lousy shot.  I may have had a better jumper, but I could never get it off against the guy.  I’ve held a grudge ever since.

We picked up Dream at SFO in the afternoon and made it up to UK’s place by early evening.  His wife had prepared us a savory tortellini salad, which we had along with some red that 4M may not have approved of, but which we enjoyed nonetheless.  After dinner we spent some time on the deck, where The UK maintains a robust herb garden.  The brisk air reinvigorated us, except for Dream, who got hit by the double whammy of altitude and the fact that he was on east coast time. He decided to take a little nap on the couch, letting out an occasional low moan to let us know he was OK.  Every once in a while, UK, TK and I wondered what Dream’s take was on our conversation topics.  He had none.

The next morning TK put his significant short order cook skills to use.  Dream was the last one up.  He joined us in his pink boxer shorts and we had to inform him that even mornings at the cabin are a somewhat formal affair, and pants are strongly suggested. After a good chow down and several pots of coffee, we shoveled the shit for a few hours before cleaning up to head out. 

Dinner that night was at Ciera so we left early to show Dream the sights.  We circumnavigated Lake Tahoe in the tank that TK had rented for the occasion.  Circumnavigate is one of the words I learned during the weekend.  We had a great day to be tourists.  We ran into a bit of traffic in South Lake due to the Octoberfest, but the weather was crisp and unusually clear. I pointed out where my friend TCG’s house was as we approached Tahoe City. They were skeptical that I had other friends.

Ciera did not disappoint.  We started with cocktails.  The UK wanted a Manhattan, so he promptly ordered an Old Fashioned. TK went with the Moscow Mule.  I sensed he was not enamored of it.  I suggested an extra shot of vodka.  I went with a snoot full of Tanqueray up, with a twist.  Dream passed on this round.

Dinner was quite good as always, and there were some leftovers for the next day.  The wine duties fell to me and I acquitted myself well with a Syrah that did not break the budget. UK quipped that we did not have to drink an expensive champagne because of 4Ms’ absence.

After dinner we did a tour of the casino but nobody placed any bets.  Dream said he had never been in a casino before. Now he was able to see what he had been missing all this time, which is lowbrow America in all its glory.

Back at the ranch Saturday night, UK did some final seasonal clipping at the herb garden, before winter set in.  He got some help from TK.  The Dream took advantage of the Jacuzzi, with some audible sighs signaling his approval.  He rejoined us in the white robe that UK had provided.  I must say he looked quite fetching. I hit the hay first, as I was up until midnight on Friday, which is highly unusual.

The UK hit the tub before bedtime.  He was the last one up Sunday.  He probably would have slept longer if his compatriots had the courtesy to talk in lower tones.  The responsibilities for shutting down the cabin were equally distributed.  Dream, TK and I made our beds and The UK did everything else. 

We had an early lunch at the Kirkwood Inn before hitting the road.  We got a group pic there, which was posted on Facebook.  Check it out.