I’ve been trying to get my husband to join me in choosing the countertop and tile for “his” bathroom for quite some time. He keeps putting it off. I started bringing tile samples home in hopes it would spark some interest, but he poo-pooed each of my ideas. Our tastes are so different, and he continuously reminds me that, “it is his bathroom.”
This week he is on vacation, so I finally got him to agree to start looking. Things were not going well. We visited several tile and stone stores. Nothing appealed to him. I had one final stop planned, but instead of taking the turnoff, my husband continued driving south on Highway 1, down the coast of California toward Big Sur.
Before I objected, I thought I’d see where this deviation from my plan was going to take us. After all, it was a beautiful day for a drive. ‘Who knows, I may get lucky and have a lovely lunch out, somewhere down the coast.’ I thought.
He pulled off the road at Bixby Bridge, and we got out. Breathing in the salt air, I looked at the breathtaking view that unfolded below us. High clouds cast a shadow over the ocean. Dark waves crashed against the jagged cliffs below, and as the water receded from the shore, it left iridescent white sheets on the sand. The brisk air cleared our heads and feeling refreshed, we got back in the car. My husband headed north toward our original destination. (so much for lunch at some quaint little eatery down the coast)

Built in 1932, Bixby Bridge is one of the most photographed bridges in California

California Coastline near Bixby Bridge
This short diversion was what we needed to get our creative juices flowing. Strolling through the slabs of marble, quartz, and granite, he finally found a piece that caught his eye. After placing our order, we wandered around a bit longer and ended up selecting tile for both the floor and the shower. A productive afternoon.
Now I just need to set a date with our “tile guy.”
“Smiles are contagious; let’s start an epidemic”
-Laura Smith-
Wow! Good for you. I have been on the Highway 1 drive many, many times and I never tire of seeing that gorgeous bridge. Nice of your husband to plan a little diversion so you could continue your quest with fresh eyes.
LikeLike
Yes, I’m lucky to live in the area. Now that I am retired, I plan to take many more excursions down the coast. I don’t get that direction often enough.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love it!
LikeLike
Thank you!!
LikeLike
Hi, Laura – What a wonderful diversion. But I am sorry to hear that you didn’t have that quaint little lunch out. Please tell your husband that he would have received MAJOR bonus points for that! 🙂
LikeLike
Already done!!!!
I really was happy to get the granite countertop and tile taken care of. Today we started on faucets.
LikeLike
Pingback: My, How Time Flies! | Crafting My Retirement
I love spontaneity, Laura. What a lovely surprise of your husband to drive to this beautiful spot! The California coastline is quite spectacular in places. And, it did the job. Question is: what did you end up having for lunch?
LikeLike
Yes, the California Coastline is gorgeous. At Bixby Bridge, they are currently having Bioluminescent Tide. The photos at http://www.ksbw.com/article/bioluminescent-waves-glowing-in-big-sur/16645987 are breathtaking. Check it out. Of course, this phenomenon started several nights after we were there. Oh well.
As to where we had lunch, I am sorry to say we made it all the way home before eating. That’s ok though. It was a beautiful day. I’m satisfied.
LikeLike
Nice pics!
LikeLike
Thanks. Appreciate your compliment
LikeLike