and a touch of France

 I met John and Mary (of Ashland fame) for dinner last night at Le Central. Traffic in the city was rough, but once we were settled in we had a lovely time with great food, as usual. I'm now pre-packing for our adventure in Maryland next week ~ very exciting.

the 50/50 Show

 Thanks to Terri for planning and driving us to the Sanchez Art Gallery in Pacifica yesterday. Here we have 50 artists with 50 small works each and all created in 50 days. Amazing really. I was tempted to buy a couple of delightful pieces but managed to restrain myself. AND, sunshine!

sunshine and luxury

 Susan's home in Davis was much like a 5 Star resort stay for me as she cooked three healthy meals a day and I swam and enjoyed the warm weather and total relaxation. Our early-to-bed, early-to-rise schedules meshed perfectly and we talked non-stop about everything and nothing. Driver Caesar took me to/fro and yes, I could easily get used to luxury living. Fogged in here with fireplace and cat this morning and that works just fine too. 

going swimming

 This morning I'm heading to Davis to visit my friend Susan ~ leaving the fog for some warm weather and I know that you are admiring my swim cap, as well you should. I'm not taking my MsBook Air so we all get a day or two off. See you Monday morning with a glowing report, or so I hope.

Picaro, por favor

 We had some wonderful paella on 16th Street yesterday. Picaro has been here forever and we had a lovely long lunch to celebrate Jeanine's birthday as we (Jeanine, Neti, Pat and your blogger) talked of many things and mostly laughed and enjoyed our friendship of many years.

The Mess Hall

 Doug, Barb and I celebrated Barb's belated birthday yesterday at the brand new Mess Hall at Tunnel Tops in the Presidio. Weather? Very SF, but we sat outside anyway and enjoyed the fog and the expansive views. The food was excellent and NOT over-priced. Already a popular spot and busy on a lazy Thursday.

is that sunshine?

 Yes! I met Joe early up on Valencia Street at the oddly named Craftsman and Wolves where we enjoyed yummy coffee drinks and wonderful pastries as we caught up with our lives. A good long walk home and I just took it easy and returned to earth after the Ginger send-off and all those emotions of last week.

a good vibe in the fog

 There were about 20 of us saying goodbye to Ginger yesterday at Crissy Field. I, as usual, helped the Kleenex® industry, but all in all, a warm and comforting event. Thanks to Amy (bottom photo), Ginger's youngest sister, and to the Blogmaid for all the photos and constant support. Heidi, in the blue vest, was a huge help and Doug played the ukulele to cheer us up. Lots of food and coffee from the Warming Hut. A fine send-off for Ginger, for sure.

it just appeared

 No introductory sale, no "do you want to try the Ojai?" The boxy blue Waymo driverless van just showed up and I jumped in. Same for Terri, who at least had a moment to take this photo. It was an OK ride and a bit easier for folks with mobility issues as it is very close to the ground. As a result, the ride is bumpier. I was surprised that it all worked so smoothly because I wanted to try it with someone the first time, but I did not get that chance and it all worked out OK. Thank you, Terri for the photo and your thoughts.

where is Albany?

 Albany is right next to Berkeley and yesterday I took the Richmond BART train to the El Cerrito Plaza exit and Andrea (on the right, above) picked me up. Chef Sarah drove down from Napa and we three had a delightful day over lunch and we covered many things. We are all in the Tiapos (or Fluf, if you like) writing group and so the laughter and tears came to us naturally. Andrea has a tiny and perfect little home in a sweet and diverse neighborhood. 

brunch at Starbelly

 Dancing Jen (left), Terri and I had a great time yesterday and yes, I promise NOT to wear my new Costco black and white shirt for a few days here. We three worked at Borders and so there was a lot of "did you hear about SoandSo?" kind of conversation and (mostly) laughter. A very fine Sunday indeed.

The Marsh and The Paprika

 What a delightful evening with Karen (left) and Suzy last night. Karen's friend, Janet Thornburg, was performing her brand new show at the Marsh and we all thought that she was terrific. Then a yummy dinner at Paprika where we wolfed down Chicken Paprikash, mashed potatoes and salad. Yes, I am very lucky to have wonderful friends!

all so civilized

 Karen is here from NYC and I met her (bottom photo) and Suzy for coffee plus at Cafe de la Presse yesterday afternoon. We had a good long catch-up and they headed off for a hike and ended up at Hog Island Oysters at  Ferry Plaza where they sent me these happy pictures. We will get together Saturday night again for some small theatre and dinner.

blogger leaves home!

 Yes, I walked two doors down for Rob's chicken piccata and pasta last night. Other than that, I just had the best time puttering and putzing around this little house that I love. Step daughter Nancy arrives this week and I always make sure that she knows that I don't live in Gray Gardens (a 1975 film). Grand daughter Ceci too, this will be a good week. They all are, really.

back to the Blue Plate

It was warm enough to dine outside last night at the Blue Plate. Well, coats and sweaters were needed, but still, such a lovely setting. Rob, Heidi, Doug, Barb and your blogger ~ still celebrating Rob's birthday. An added bonus ~ we could all walk to/fro our homes. A really special evening for sure. 
 

Imperial Tea Court

 I met Pamela and Joe for lunch yesterday down at Ferry Plaza and we had a nice long session with jasmine tea and assorted "now what is this?" dumplings. There was a lot of catch-up conversation and much needed laughter. 

sweet goodbyes

 Heidi and Rob were wonderful to host a goodbye/good luck dinner for granddaughter Sam and her Luke last night. Doug and Barb were there to help ease the sadness and everything was very nice and we laughed and tried not to cry. I am so glad that I got to know this g.dot so well ~ fortune smiled on me.

friends and Etruscans

 Chris and Mark like to stay at the Seal Rock Inn when they visit from San Luis Obispo and I was happy to meet them there for a very fine breakfast yesterday. Then, as promised, I visited the Legion and said hello to my old Rodin pals in the middle photo.  I should have been enthralled with the Etruscan exhibit, but I was only vaguely impressed. Do watch the video first, if you go. The bottom photo is from the women's bathroom. You are welcome.

not my idea of heaven

 Tomorrow I will report on today's breakfast at Seal Rock Inn and then I am pushing myself to see The Etruscans at the Legion of Honor. Breakfast will be wonderful ~ the rest? Well, we shall see. We must see. We support the arts and we try to educate our wee brains. Plus clean bathrooms at the LOH. 👏

Potrero Hill = very cool

 Thanks to Terri I was able to eat waaaaay too much at Cracked & Battered yesterday. A fun soccer atmosphere with a patient and nice staff of wait people and delicious food. We talked about how we don't explore Potrero Hill much these days and, for me, the steep hills there are simply not fun. But some interesting new restaurants and many soccer fans yesterday. Easy parking (pure luck) ~ hooray!