MY FAVORITE DAY: Dad wants good food, sports, family
| Tuesday, Feb 17 2009 11:24 AM
Last Updated Friday, Mar 27 2009 01:25 PM
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Jeff and Katie Nickell take a look at the view from the Panorama Bluffs where recent rain has enhanced the beauty of the area.
Jeff and Katie Nickell relax on the Panorama Bluffs.
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My perfect day in Kern County would be about 80 to 85 degrees with a clear blue sky.
I would read the morning paper (of course it would be The Californian) before heading out with the family to the Westchester Bowl for breakfast. For the longest time I was aware of their great fish and chips for lunch, but several early morning television appearances had me hunting for a good breakfast spot, and I found it.
After finishing breakfast, we would head back home and I would take off for the tennis courts to play a couple of sets at the Bakersfield Racquet Club. I have played tennis since I was in the eighth grade and I always used to tell myself how lucky I would be if I could be a member of the Racquet Club. So, I guess I am lucky. And this is where the 80 to 85 degrees come in ... not too hot but not too cool, either. Perfect tennis-playing weather.
Next, I would head back home and dive into the pool. My wife Katie and I, along with our kids Courtney and Christopher, love diving, horsing around and making huge splashes with cannon-balls, watermelons and other yet-to-be-named jumps. We would also play tag and would finish by lying in the chaise lounges as the combination of water and steady breeze actually makes you feel cold if only for a while.
After cleaning up and getting ready for dinner, Katie and I would head to Rosa's in east Bakersfield for an antipasto salad and a nice plate of lasagna with warm bread. This is one of our favorite restaurants because it was where we went to dinner when we would splurge early in our marriage, which has just passed the 19-year mark. The kids, who are 11 and 15, would have to fend for themselves.
With our stomachs full, it would be time for a stroll, hand in hand, atop the Panorama Bluffs. The view is gorgeous as the sun sets. We would have time to talk about things, but more importantly just get to spend quality time together.
Arriving back at our car, we would drive down China Grade through the oil fields and Oildale en route to home in the northwest.
Now this may sound cheesy, but my day would end sitting on the couch with a glass of lemon tea watching the soap opera my mom watched when I was just a baby ("As the World Turns") and got me hooked on. It is so far out of the reality of daily life that it lets your mind wander off and not think about reality.
And, I cannot lie, if there is a good sporting event — and maybe not even that good of a sporting event — I will watch that after Katie heads to bed because I am a sports junkie. In fact, she and the kids would probably say that you are lucky my favorite day wasn't made up of a full slate of college football on any given Saturday in the fall. That is, if I don't have work that needs to get done, or kids to take places.
