I completely forgot to mention that Aram is now known as He-who-brings-iced-cream. And, about the adventure of bringing McConnell's ice cream to the north-bound, he writes:
Stopped for McConnell's ice cream on the way back north and ate/drank the melted remnants with Salim and Anna in SF when we returned. two thumbs up despite the bimbo who answered "yes" to the question "do you have dry ice?" becuase should could give us ice without any water/soda. I am not kidding.
bless him and the MDMD for bringing the deliciousness of Santa Barbara (there is good in that town!) to us.