After we settled in to our hotel room yesterday afternoon, Theresa and I ventured out for a walk. We were just minutes from the Santa Monica Pier, so we headed west.

November is a great time of year in Southern California, especially on the coast. The sky is blue and the air is clear (at least by S. Cal standards). The late afternoon sun cast a warm glow on the buildings around us.

I packed the Sigma DP2 Merrill compact camera in my Walking Man Shoulder Bag, plus a windbreaker. The jacket didn't stay in the bag long... as soon as we hit the beach I needed it.

After a bit of exploration, the sun began to set. Theresa and I were heading to the Del Frisco Grille for a cocktail and flatbread with roasted tomato. The sky was lighting up behind us. I noticed that the ferris wheel on the pier had its lights on. I knew there was a good shot there somewhere.

"Do you want to go back and take a picture?" she asked.

"No. I'm good."

"You sure?"

"I'm sure."

We crossed Ocean Street and seated ourselves at a wonderful table facing the sunset. Our cocktails tasted so good, and the warm flatbread was the perfect compliment. We stayed longer than we had planned, in part because we were enjoying the moment so much. It's already a great memory.

I definitely made the right decision.

-Derrick