Early Father’s Day

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"Oyster Appetizer" Cedar Park, 2018
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/4, 1/125 sec, ISO1000
 “Oyster Appetizer” Cedar Park, 2018

So Father’s Day is actually next Sunday, but Mariko will be in Europe, Bay will be in Los Angeles, and I am taking Koa up to Baylor for Band Camp. Which means I’ll be alone that evening so… we decided to celebrate Father’s Day today. And of course, that means I get to choose the dinner (or brunch). 😀

So after much thinking (I am so indecisive), I decided on a local casual restaurant, CR Surf & Turf. This place is neither fancy, nor expensive, but it’s popular and they have some delicious seafood. It’s a lot of Southern-style food, which means plenty of fried goodies, but what Koa and I like to get is the surf & turf: a meat choice and a seafood choice. I opted for the flat-iron steak and grilled scallops, while Koa got the steak kabobs and bacon-wrapped shrimp. Meanwhile, Bay decided on the shrimp brochette. Mariko didn’t order anything but shared what we had. In addition to the entrees, we ordered a basket of fried oysters, six oysters on the half-shell, and jalapeño shrimp. It was all delicious, but so much fried food leaves you feeling a little uncomfortable later.

"Scallops and Steak" Cedar Park, 2018
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/4, 1/125 sec, ISO1250
 “Scallops and Steak” Cedar Park, 2018
"Beef and Shrimp" Cedar Park, 2018
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/4, 1/125 sec, ISO2000
 “Beef and Shrimp” Cedar Park, 2018
"Shrimp Brochette" Cedar Park, 2018
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/4, 1/125 sec, ISO1250
 “Shrimp Brochette” Cedar Park, 2018

I really like CR Surf & Turf and so do lots of other people. We arrived shortly after they opened at 4:30 pm and the place was already half filled up! The prices are reasonable, the food is good, and the service is solid. Plus it’s close to our house so it’s very convenient. If you’re in the mood for some Southern-style seafood like crawfish, po-boys, oysters, and even frog legs, give CR Surf & Turf a try.

"Appetizers" Cedar Park, 2018
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/4, 1/125 sec, ISO640
 “Appetizers” Cedar Park, 2018

I hope you had a nice Sunday!

またね～

Walburg Biergarten

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"Beautiful Day" Walburg, 2018
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/4, 1/500 sec, ISO200
 “Beautiful Day” Walburg, 2018

こんばんは。How’s it going?

This evening we went to the Walburg Biergarten for dinner and drinks. Walburg is about a half hour drive from our house but the journey is worth it. Although there’s also a restaurant, we went straight to the biergarten right when it opened and ordered our food and pitchers of beer.

The food was ok, but the atmosphere was wonderful. Plenty of picnic tables and a band providing musical entertainment made for a nice evening. I heard that it can get pretty crowded, but tonight was not too busy. And the weather was perfect!

Someday I’d like to come back to try the restaurant, but I’m happy we got to spend the evening with good friends, laughing, eating, and drinking. Good times for sure!

Here are some more photos from the evening.

"Pitcher and Dinner" Walburg, 2018
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/4, 1/300 sec, ISO200
 “Pitcher and Dinner” Walburg, 2018
"Texas and German Treats" Walburg, 2018
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/4, 1/140 sec, ISO200
 “Texas and German Treats” Walburg, 2018
"First to Arrive" Walburg, 2018
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/4, 1/320 sec, ISO200
 “First to Arrive” Walburg, 2018
"Biergarten Entrance" Walburg, 2018
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/4, 1/450 sec, ISO200
 “Biergarten Entrance” Walburg, 2018
"Arcade" Walburg, 2018
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/4, 1/800 sec, ISO200
 “Arcade” Walburg, 2018
"Evening at the Biergarten" Walburg, 2018
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/4, 1/90 sec, ISO6400
 “Evening at the Biergarten” Walburg, 2018

I hope you also had a nice Saturday!

またね～

End of Middle School

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"End is Near" Cedar Park, 2018
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/2.8, 1/210 sec, ISO200
 “End is Near” Cedar Park, 2018

こんばんは。How’s it going?

Today’s photo is of Koa leaving the band hall. It’s the last time I will be picking him up from middle school so it was a little sad. He’ll be moving on to high school next year which means both our sons will be in high school, although they are going to different schools. (Bay’s IB Program is only offered at a different campus in our school district)

Koa’s middle school band career has been a huge part of his life, and one that we think made an incredibly positive impact. We’re so fortunate that the middle school has one of the best band programs (if not the best) in the state. They put in a ton of work and the fruits of their efforts are realized in amazing performances, recognition, and awards. It’s really kind of odd to think that a teacher and school program could change someone’s life, but I think it really has for Koa. I’m so happy and proud.

Enjoy one of the tunes from last night’s final performance (Koa is banging away on the djembe):

Tomorrow is the last day of school, but he’ll be going directly to an after-school party so today was the last time I will pick him up from middle school. Sad…

I hope you had a good day!

またね～