Taking Delivery of a Tesla Model Y

On March 30, 2022, I finally received the Tesla Model Y, which I had ordered on September 21, 2021, with the following options:

• White paint
• Black interior
  
• Tow Hitch (for attaching mountain bike racks)
  

The Tesla Model Y was dropped off at around 4:00pm on March 30, 2022. I was contacted a few days before my delivery and had to complete all the required steps using the iPhone Tesla app. Overall, the purchasing process was relatively smooth. The Tesla process was monumentally faster than purchasing a new vehicle at an auto dealer. For example, when I last bought the Audi Q5 from Stevens Creek Audi, I must have spent 2-3 hours at the dealer filling out paperwork. The Tesla App took me no more than 15 minutes.

When the car was dropped off, I looked it over and talked to the delivery person. At first, I thought it was missing the Tow Hitch because it was hidden behind the plastic bumper cover. A Tesla rep called to assure me that the tow hitch was installed and that I had nothing to worry about. However, to avoid damaging the bumper, I needed a unique tool to remove the bumper cover.

The Motor Vehicle Order Agreement is as follows:

I decided to use David Pogosian to install the Nema 14-30R socket in my home, where I could plug in my Tesla Mobile Connector that came with the Tesla Model Y. 

I ordered the front and rear floor mats from WeatherTech:

• WeatherTech Front and Rear Floormats 
• WeatherTech Cargo Liner
  

In addition, I ordered the following accessories from Amazon:

• AutoTech Zone Sunshade for 2020-2022 Tesla Model Y, Custom-fit Windshield SunShade 
• SanDisk 256GB Ultra Dual Drive Luxe USB Type-C - SDDDC4-256G-G46   
• Tesla Model Y Glass Roof Sunshade with UV/Heat Insulation Cover Gray Set of 2 for 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2022 Model Y 
• Pry Bar Set for Tesla Model Y Hitch Cover, Removal Tools Set for Tesla Model Y Hitch Cover [2Packs] 
  

I also ordered the following item from Tesla:

• Gen 2 NEMA Adapters

After taking delivery, I realized that my rear passenger-side tire had lower pressure (38 psi vs 41 psi in all other tires). As time went by, the pressure in the tire decreased.

When Inna returned from England and decided to drive the car, the rear tire indicated 32 psi! We called Tesla multiple times to try to get a replacement, but Tesla offered us to pay $380 for a replacement tire. We decided to get a spare tire temporarily so that we could drive the car.

We contacted Tesla, and they sent over an AAA van, which removed the leaking tire and installed a spare. I made an appointment in June for a tire replacement (the earliest we could find one).

Overall, I am very disappointed in how Tesla handled the tire issue. On a new car, Tesla should have taken it better. I still don't know whether I will be forced to pay $380 for a defective tire. Dealing with Tesla Service is unpleasant.

Friday, June 3, 2022

I finally visited the Tesla Service facility at 2801 Northwestern Parkway, Santa Clara. When I arrived for my 8:15am scheduled appointment, I was told that even though my tire was reported as repaired - it was not. I dropped off my car and walked to work nearby. Tesla was offering free Uber rides (but no loaner cars). At about 10:05, I received a message that my car was ready.

It took about two hours for Tesla to patch a tire when it should have been 20 minutes. The cost was $81 (which includes $75 for labor and $6 for parts). Compared to the customer service at Lexus or Audi, Tesla's service is efficient but slow.

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Dinner at Naschmarkt

With Alex's week of Spring Break ending, Inna made dinner reservations at Naschmarkt - our favorite local Austrian restaurant in Campbell.

After parking our Sienna minivan in the garage, we walked to Naschmarkt. Campbell was quite lively, and all the restaurants were busy. There was plenty of live music, and the mood was cheerful. 

We checked in to our restaurant and were seated outdoors, with heat lamps providing additional warmth, so the weather outside was not especially cold.

Once we reviewed the menu, we decided to order the following items:

• Appetizer: Sunchoke (Hazelnut) Soup, Butter Lettuce Salad
• Alex: Lemonade, Beef Stroganoff
• Boris: Galipette Apple Cider (Brut), Weiner Schnitzel
• Inna: Donnhoff Riesling Glass, Weiner Schnitzel
• Dessert: Bread Pudding
  

We enjoyed all of our appetizers and entrees. I really liked the fresh Butter Lettuce Salad and the Hazelnut soup. The Galipette Apple Cider was quite refreshing and not too sweet. The Weiner Schnitzel was exquisite.

Alex's Beef Stroganoff was also exceptional. We really enjoyed our dinner!

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Playing Pickeball with Alex

On Sunday, March 13, Inna, Alex (who was in San Jose for his spring break from Northeastern), and I decided to try playing pickleball and table tennis at AVAC. Initially, Alex considered surfing to The Hook in Santa Cruz, but the wave forecast was unfavorable, and the Surfline cam did not show any respectable waves.

Around noon, Alex and Inna started playing while I took a few photos. I have already played tennis against the ball machine.

Inna and Alex had many long rallies, but Alex was quicker. Alex prevailed against Inna (despite having never played pickleball before). As Inna was tired, she rested while I took my turn playing against Alex. We had a competitive match, and Alex bested me 21-17. 

We then decided to try playing table tennis. At first, I played against Inna, and I managed to beat her. Afterward, I played against Alex and beat him too!

After finishing our racquet sports, we drove to nearby Los Gatos for lunch at Fleur de Cocoa. We ordered the following lunch items:

• Alex: Croque Monsieur, Lemonade, Mousse
  
• Boris: Chicken Sandwich, Mocha, Chausson aux Pommes
  
• Inna: Chicken Sandwich, Latte, Caramel Eclair

After lunch, we picked up Vladik and returned home, resting a bit. 

We decided to try the Pastaria in Los Gatos for dinner at 6:45pm. We wanted to sit outside (as Pastaria gets quite loud), and with the outdoor fire, we managed to stay warm and cozy. 

We ordered the following entrees:

• Appetizer: Burrata (shared)
  
• Alex: Margherita Pizza, Hot Tea
  
• Boris: Tagliatelle Bolognese, Hot Tea
  
• Inna: Frose (drink), Tagliatelle & Truffle Cream Sauce
• Dessert: Bread Pudding with Gelato
  

We enjoyed our quiet dinner time in Los Gatos and our delicious Italian meal.

 

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Lesson 07: Tennis Volley Lesson with Ryan Reidy

As I struggled with my consistency and power on my volleys, Ryan Reidy from 2minutetennis evaluated my serve (using Zoom) and offered excellent pointers for improvement.

 

Volley Technique Improvements

1.  On a forehand volley, turn away from the ball and swing the racquet at the ball, catching the racquet with your left hand.
2. On a backhand volley, use your shoulder to swing  past the ball (for extra power)
3. Use your legs for power.
   

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USTA Men's 40+ 3.5 Match at LGSRC

Today, I played a USTA Men's 40+ 3.5 doubles tennis match against Los Gatos Swim & Racquet Club's D2 team (Allen Lescure and Matt Railo)at Los Gatos. My partner was Roy Jose, with whom I played only a few times at practice.

The Los Gatos team did not have any key weapons, but they were able to make fewer unforced errors than we did. Allen has an extreme Western grip and hits the balls with significant spin. Matt had very weak serves.

We won 6-4 in the first set despite my poor serving (I was hitting multiple double faults).

In the second set, we lost 3-6.

In the 10-point tie-break, we lost 6-10.

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Relaxing in Calistoga

For Inna's birthday, I decided to treat her to a weekend of relaxation at the delightful Indian Springs Resort & Spa in Calistoga, California.

Due to the limited availability of dining options, Inna and I made the following restaurant reservations:

• Friday, February 25, 19:45: Dinner at Evangeline, Calistoga
• Saturday, February 25, 09:00: Breakfast at Solbar, Calistoga
  
• Saturday, February 26, 13:15: Lunch at Bouchon Bistro, Yountville
• Saturday, February 26, 19:00: Dinner at Morimoto, Napa
• Sunday, February 26, 09:00: Breakfast at Solbar, Calistoga
• Sunday, February 26, 13:15: Lunch at  House of Better, Calistoga
  
• Sunday, February 26, 14:43: Wine Tasting at Castello di Amorosa

Friday, February 25, 2022

After a long drive from San Jose, we arrived in Calistoga around 19:43, just in time for the 19:45 dinner reservation at Evangeline Cajun/Creole restaurant. 

After sitting down outdoors (thankfully, there were plenty of outdoor heaters), we looked at the menu and ordered the following items:

• Appetizer: Bread & Butter
  
• Boris: Butternut Squash Soup, Shrimp Etouffee
  
• Inna: French Onion Soup, Liberty Farms Duck Leg
• Drinks: Hot Tea
  
• Dessert: Tarte Tatin
  

I enjoyed my Butternut Squash Soup and the Shrimp Etouffee (though it was not as good as the one at Pappadeux's in Houston, Texas). 

Inna also enjoyed her French Onion Soup and Liberty Farms Duck Leg (though the Duck at Asa Los Gatos was better).

After dinner, we drove half a mile to Indian Springs Resort & Spa and checked into room #303 on the first floor. It overlooked the beautiful waterfall.

The horrible war in Ukraine was on our minds, and we needed to get away from all of the terrible news. When we finished arranging to unpack our suitcases, we strolled to the nearby hot-springs pool and enjoyed a pleasant evening swim!

We returned to our room at 23:30 and decided to sleep.

Saturday, February 26, 2022

In the morning, we woke at around 08:30. After showering and getting dressed, we drove to our favorite Solbar, in Solage Resort.

After sitting down indoors, we looked at the menu and ordered the following breakfast items:

• Boris: Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with Extra Fruit, Coffee
• Inna: Lobster Omelet

I really enjoyed my Lemon Ricotta Pancakes! I have been waiting for over 7 years to eat them again! 

I wish there was another restaurant nearby in San Jose that could make them to this level of finesse. Inna's Lobster Omelet was also divine! We really enjoyed our breakfast at Solbar! What a way to start the morning!

We returned to our Indian Springs Resort & Spa and played ping-pong and a few other games on the property.

At around 12:30, we started our drive to Yountville for lunch at our favorite Bouchon Bistro. When we arrived, our table was not ready. However, after 15 minutes, we were seated inside. 

It was deafening (like the old days), and we looked at the folder napkin for our menu.

• Boris: Soup du Jour (Carrot),
  
• Inna: Soup a l'Ognion
• Entree: Croque Madame, Salade Maraichere au Chevre
• Dessert: Profiteroles
  

I enjoyed Carrot Soup (Soup du Jour) and the Croque Madame. Inna really loved her French Onion Soup. The Profiteroles were also fantastic.

After a beautiful lunch, we drove to the nearby V. Sattui Winery. However, it was hectic, so we purchased a few wine bottles instead of wine tasting. Then, we returned to Indian Springs Resort & Spa, where we sat, rested, and enjoyed our time outside.

At around 18:30, we started our drive to Napa, and I made dinner reservations at Morimoto. We arrived at 19:19, 5 minutes late for our 19:00 dinner reservation. 

However, we were offered an outdoor table around 19:30. Morimoto seemed like a trendy date spot, as I saw many couples.

After reviewing the exciting menu, we ordered the following dinner items:

• Appetizer: Spicy Tuna Taco, Green Tea
• Entree: Ish Yaki Buri Bop, Chef's Choice Sushi
  
• Dessert: Lime Ganache
  

We liked the Ish Yaki Buri Bop (fresh fish fried in a 450 Fahrenheit bowl with delicious rice). The Chef's choice of sushi was also quite tasty. The Lime Ganache was exquisite!

After dinner, we returned to our Indian Springs Resort & Spa in Calistoga and swam in the hot springs pool.

Sunday, February 27, 2022

In the morning, we woke at around 09:00. After showering and getting dressed, we drove to our favorite Solbar in Solage Resort.

After sitting down indoors, we looked at the menu and ordered the following breakfast items:

• Boris: Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Coffee
• Inna: Eggs Benedict, Grapefruit Juice
  

 I loved my Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, and Inna's Eggs Benedict was also exceptional. After breakfast, we packed our suitcases and swam at the Indian Springs Resort & Spa. We first tried the main pool and the somewhat more relaxed adult pool.

At around 13:30, we returned to our room. We must change our swimsuits and get ready to check out the hotel. 

Once we checked out, we played pinpong and relaxed by the fire pit. Then, we decided to explore downtown Calistoga.

We stopped by the House of Better for a small lunch, ordering the following items:

• Pies: Apple Pie, Pecan Pie
• Entree: Avocado Toast
• Drinks: Mocha,Kombucha

We liked the pies - especially the Pecan Pie - and Inna enjoyed swinging on the swing. 

 

After lunch, we drove to the Castello di Amorosa Winery for wine tasting. We enjoyed touring the Castle grounds - the castle was built using European stones and looked quite authentic. After exploring the grounds, we stopped by the tasting room to sample some wines. 

Inna and I selected 6 different wines, and we tried them, starting with whites, going on to the reds, and finishing with dessert wines.

Of all the wines we tasted, we liked La Fantasia - the most and purchased 3 bottles.

 

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Inna's Birthday Dinner at Dio Deka

I made dinner reservations for Inna's birthday at Dio Deka in Los Gatos for 19:45. We arrived on time and parked on the street on Los Gatos Blvd. 

After ordering a Japanese Kiss cocktail (as Strawberry Margaritas were not available), Inna and I ordered Tzatziki with pita bread and Octopus to start our dinner.

After sitting down and looking at the menu, we ordered the following dinner items:

• Drinks: Japanese Kiss Cocktail
  
• Appetizers: Tzatziki, Octopus
• Boris: Chilean Sea Bass
• Inna: 2 Lamb Chops
• Dessert: Galaktoboureka 

 I enjoyed the Sea Bass, and Inna shared her Lamb Chops. They were delicious.

For dessert, we decided to try the Galaktoboureko with ice cream. It was also mouthwatering. We really enjoyed our time at Dio Deka. The service was fast, efficient, and quite good, thougslightlyit overpriced.

 

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Lesson 06: Tennis Overhead Lesson with Ryan Reidy

As I struggled with consistency and power in my overhead, Ryan Reidy from 2minutetennis evaluated my serve (via Zoom) and offered excellent pointers for improvement.

Overhead Technique Improvements

 

Questions

1.  Technique Improvements
   
• Even after weeks of practice, I still make the same mistakes in all my groundstrokes.
• How long does it take to re-learn a new technique so it becomes muscle memory?
• Answer: 3 weeks
  
2. Tennis Elbow:
• What are the proper treatments for tennis elbow?
• Answer: Play with less force on the ball machine (speed = 2, alternate strokes)
  
3. Overhead:
• How do I time the initiation of the swing?
• Answer: The ball should be falling vertically
4. Forehand:
• I am not getting enough spin on the ball
• Answer: Practice on the ball machine with a much slower speed setting. Focus on a steep low-to-high transition and catch the racket with the right hand. The right hand should travel upwards "as if waving to your opponent."
  
5. Return of Serve: 
• How do I return balls with a lot of pace? 
• Answer: Use less backswing
  
• What are the keys to adding spin to fast-moving balls?
•  It is hard to swing low-to-high due to insufficient time, and easy to miss-hit.
  
6. Two-handed Backhand: 
• I still lack spin and power. Where does power come from?
• Answer: Power comes from the separation of hand and body. The body turns while the hand drops,s and the whipping around of the hands creates power.
  
7. Slice-backhand:
• I am hitting with the racquet too open when using the Continental grip. Should I change to the backhand grip? If not, where is the point of contact?
8.  Serve
• I am having difficulty knocking on the birthday hat. 
• Answer: Try serving with the thumb sticking out on the right hand. The thumb should touch the right shoulder.
  

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Valentine's Dinner at Asa Los Gatos

I decided to try the highly-rated Asa Los Gatos restaurant for Valentine's Day. When researching restaurants, I was surprised that Asa was nearby in Los Gatos and unaware of its existence. 

I made reservations for Monday, February 14th, at 19:45, and we arrived on time. After being seated, we looked over the menu and ordered the following dinner items:

• Appetizer: Petite Baguette, Garlic Shrimp
• Entree: Exotic Mushroom Pasta, Liberty Duck Breast with Leg Confit
• Drinks: Riesling, Sparkling H20
• Dessert: Chocolate Bomb
  

We liked the atmosphere in the restaurant. It was not noisy, and we could talk without raising our voices. The service was prompt, and our orders came out quickly.

Our appetizers - the Garlic Shrimp and the Petite Baguette came out quickly. We really enjoyed the large shrimp and the freshly baked bread.

The Garlic shrimp was a delicious start to the dinner. We were impressed even more by the Exotic Mushroom Pasta and the Liberty Duck Breast. They were outstanding! 

 

For dessert, we shared the delicious Chocolate Bomb. It was a fantastic finish to our dinner.

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USTA Men's 40+ 3.5 Match at AVAC

Today, I played a USTA Men's 40+ 3.5 doubles tennis match against Gilroy's D3 team (Bill Warren and Harold Fite) at AVAC. My partner was Muneer Waheed, with whom I played only a few games at practice. I brought mini croissants for dinner. Muneer played well and had reliable serves. He was especially great at the net.

The Gilroy team did not have any key weapons, but they made fewer unforced errors than we did.

In the first set, we were leading 4-to-0 before the Gilroy team fought back. We were tied at 6-to-6 and played a 7-point tiebreak. Unfortunately, we lost 7- 4.

In the second set, we came back strong, winning 6-to-1.

In the 10-point tiebreak, we lost 7-to-10. My biggest issues were missing some critical net shots and being unable to protect the sideline. I need to learn to play better tiebreaks.

Since our match finished at 21:45, I didn't have much time to eat dinner (as I had to return home for a 22:00 business meeting).

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Lesson 05: Tennis Two-Handed Backhand Lesson with Ryan Reidy

As I struggled with my consistency and power on my Two-Handed Backhand, Ryan Reidy from 2minutetennis evaluated my technique (using Zoom) and offered excellent pointers for improvement.

 

Technique

1. Use Correct Backhand Grip:
• The right hand is on Bevel 2
• The left hand is in Bevel 7
2. The racket head height during take-back should be no higher than your head 
3. While the arms are dropping, the body turns, whipping the racket around 
4. The contact point is next to you (not in front of you)

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Lesson 04: Tennis Slice Backhand Lesson with Ryan Reidy

As I struggled with consistency and power in my slice backhand, Ryan Reidy from 2minutetennis evaluated my technique (via Zoom) and offered excellent pointers for improvement.

 

Technique

1. Use Continental grip (panel 2 on index knuckle)
   
2. The right arm travels high-to-low-to-high (finishing like a one-handed backhand drive) 
3. The idea is not to give too much backspin (it will make the ball float too much). Unlike topspin, we don't want too much backspin.
4. Step into the ball for more power
5. Hit the outside of the ball to get more angle on the shot
   

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