lunch with a view

Note the big Russian yacht (larger than a football field) in the
background. But even more amazing, note the blue sky! Yes, we
have sunshine in San Francisco, so to celebrate we drove over to
Sausalito to have lunch at The Spinnaker with our old friends
Steve and Marita who live in San Rafael. Very nice time and no
traffic problems. The Doyle Drive re-do is zooming along and it
was interesting to theorize with weighty questions such as, "what
the hell are they doing?" and "when will they be finished?" A
gazillion people out in SF and Sausalito ~ it's tourist season.

filming our nabe

This film with Benjamin Bratt is pretty good and we especially
enjoyed seeing so many familiar landmarks. La Mission tells
the story of a macho father who has some issues with his
teenage son and I won't be a spoiler. They must have filmed it
here in October, because the sky was always blue and people
weren't wearing hats, gloves, mufflers, etc. Once when Benjamin
left his flat in a cotton shirt I muttered, "grab a jacket!" to
Husbando. Not a great movie, but we enjoyed the scenery.

our city of foodies

So many people!

Tables and chairs for everyone...

Lines a mile long for each booth

Grilled, curled sausages

The one booth not busy (yet).

The San Francisco Food Fair is a few blocks from our house and you
can see that the crowds were exceptionally large. I was fortunate to
have this Saturday off, but I didn't feel like standing in long lines,
so I came home empty-handed. It is only the 2nd year that they have
done this thing (around 26th and Harrison) and it has expanded
because it's so very successful. Next year will be even bigger and
we'll get there when it opens. And, no, there was no sun.

and another e-book...

I'm enjoying Faithful Place by Ms. French, although it's not
quite as wonderful as her first book In the Woods. A young
woman's body is found in Faithful Place, a neighborhood
in Dublin. See, I don't have the book to make sure it is
Dublin, but it is in Ireland. Anyway, it's a good escape for
me at this post-vaca stage. Wait for paperback, you non
e-reader folks...

don't miss this one!

This was the second book I read on my LindaKindle and it is
one of the best that I've read in ages. One Day tells the true-
sounding story of two people who meet during college
graduation ceremonies and remain friends for decades. It
takes place mostly in London with a few side trips to Greece
and France. Buy, rent or steal this one.

The downside for me of e-reading is not being able to go
back and read a certain passage or to clarify which acerbic
character actually said what to whom. Also, people come
up and ask me how I like the LindaKindle, but they really
want to see my bruised collar bone, I'm sure. And this
book I'd loan to my friend Ginger and look forward to
our hashing it over later. Traveling with the LK is an
absolute joy and as easy as can be. Nice long battery life,
too. All in all, a highlight of 2010 for me. Thank you
again and again, LindaFriend.

and Falco makes three

It's been too long since we visited Bisbee, Az. and my dear friend
Mary. This is her photo of a storm gathering and when one lives
in dull fogged-in San Francisco, it looks unreal. I had the privilege
of reading Mary's novel-in-works when she lived here ~ as you
can see, she is an extremely gifted writer. It's a treat for me to
share her email with you this morning.

I have a foundling kitten that was pulled from a ditch of rushing muddy water during a monsoon downpour by a woman out near a place called Elfrida. Somehow I ended up with him.

Monsoon Report from the Mule Mountains - 2010:
It is such a strange year - record heat since 1962 - we stagger under the oppressive weight of the unrelenting heat, incessantly complaining to each other and swatting at the ever-present no-seeums which swarm around us. But then the monsoon rains arrive in the late afternoon. The rain itself is preceded by a stunningly beautiful sunset and, often, rainbows, with distant rolling thunder and lightening. The rain suddenly arrives here at Black Knob announcing itself with a blinding crack of lightening and a clap of thunder which shakes the house and sends my outside cat, Jack, running home through the first heavy drops which soon turn into a fierce downpour accompanied by the sound of the rushing stream that the road in front of my house becomes. All three cats (Jack, Sami and kitty Falco ) and I huddle inside (me with a flashlight at hand, candles at strategic places) in the stifling heat as night comes, while the house lights up and the thunder rolls and the rain pounds down. (and the electricity flashes off and on). Sometime around midnight the storm moves on, the excitement is over and we all sleep. The next day when people are out and around - again in the mind-numbing heat - they exchange anecdotes with friends and strangers of the storm at their house, appreciation of the beautiful sky and gratitude for the rain - especially after last years drought. We are all looking forward with anticipation to what this evening will bring. We know we will have a gorgeous sunset, We will look for the rainbow. We hope we will have rain. I love this place!!!

home again

There's always a lot of little organizing stuff to do when we get home
from vaca, isn't there? I'm going through the photos and will send
them to Costco so Husbando can enjoy the hard copies. But I do
love this one. From the left top: Rev. Rich, Janet and Pasquale
(from Pittsburg, PA) and Bob (kneeling) lives in Idaho. I've known
Rich and Bob for more than 20 years and enjoyed getting to know
the assorted relatives. Here we are on the ferry to Whidbey, I
remember how excited I was to see the Island and yes, it lived
up to my high expectations.

It is wonderful to be home and I slept beautifully last night. I have
discovered that it hurts a little when the LindaKindle falls on my
collarbone when I doze off reading. I'm learning to slant it
differently.

I told the blogmaid in the morning email that airports and air-
planes are like dreams ~ interesting only to the person who
experiences them.

Today I'm out at the LOH and looking forward to work. Sort of.

the sun sets on Whidbey

Going home today! We all gathered down at the wharf last night
after dinner to watch the final sunset. Rev. Rich's service yesterday
was excellent and one of the chants was the same that we do in
yoga, so that was easy. I mentioned Michael's name during the
healing prayer and Husbando's as a "you are here with us" kind
of prayer thingie. And I took communion, how does that grab you?

The rest of the day was reading, walking and lunch, then dinner.
This is a food-loving group, but aren't they all?
Finished the wonderful One Day and I'll tell you more about that
later, I think. Buy it, download it...

I'm ready for home where everything is in just the right place.
Looking forward to being with Husbando again. Work tomorrow.

a lazy saturday

Husbando receives many calls from this bench

Art Fair in downtown Coupeville

I wrote the blogmaid this morning and opined that I had henna
poisoning because I didn't sleep much last night. There is a big
Art Fair and Show here in Coupeville this weekend and of course
having been to a million of these in SF, I was not impressed. If
they produced a Peet's or Starbux I could/would get excited.

My henna tattoo is calmer today, as is Rev. Rich's lion leg. He
is a Leo and will be getting a real tattoo soon. We all love our
body decorations so I won't disparage the entire Art Fair.

This morning was the most exquisite orange sunrise. I was
going to grab my camera, but the photos never seem to be
anything as spectacular as the real thing.

Yes, you want to know about my LindaKindle? I'm totally
hooked and very grateful to LindaFriend. I'm reading One Day
by Nicholls and it's even better than When Bad Things Happen
which I also enjoyed. Plus by some miracle I downloaded
the free Shuffle Word game from Amazon, so I'm all set
for airports, airplanes and a lazy afternoon on Whidbey.

all day picnic friday

We were outside all day yesterday in glorious sunshine right on
the edge of Puget Sound in Langley on Whidbey Island. BBQ'd
hot dogs, burgers, potato salad, cupcakes, more. Lots of
laughter and love.

Today there are connectivity computer problems, so I won't
dally here. I'll just upload the photos and pray for the best.
You can see Rev. Rich's influence on me.

Today is hot and wonderful and yes, I'm happy here on Whidbey
Island.

from Seattle to Whidbey

View from my room at the Coupeville Inn

Motorcycles on the crowded ferry!

Waiting for the ferry ~ more than an hour.

Lunch spot in Seattle

Fascinating historical tour

Underground Seattle

Our tour guide, Richard, in Pioneer Square

Wonderful old building

Rich's apartment in Seattle

Meet Desi, Rich's cat

Part of a huge dinner at Christopher's, across
the street from our Inn in Coupeville

I'm drying laundry out on my balcony this morning, my, those jeans
take a long time to dry. Waiting for the knock on the door telling me
that this is unacceptable. In the meantime, I post.

Another busy day starting with the gathering of luggage and people
and heading to Pioneer Square for our fascinating historical tour.
It was so much more than just the underground because Seattle
was really a lumber town, providing wood for San Francisco (we
kept burning down). No gold in Seattle. Then a group lunch and
back into the vans for the long drive to Mukilteo and an even
longer wait for the huge ferry to Whidbey. Busy tourist season
with tons of cars, vans, motorcycles and people w/o cars. A v.
short 20 min. ferry ride.

Whidbey is the largest of the San Juan Islands and is a world
unto itself, it appears. We are in Coupeville which is about in
the middle of the island. I was out walking this morning and it
is quite wonderful, reminding me a bit of Mendocino, Carmel
and all the resort-type little West Coast towns that we all love
so much. It even has a bus system and some place called
Useless Bay that I am anxious to see and judge for myself.

Today is a noon picnic and then a FREE night. Five people
joined our party of 18 total last night; there will probably be
another one or two today. I'm slowly getting the names
down and I do really like the group, but you all know that
most writers are loners, so I have perfected the escape
excuses and routes.

cats and baseball first

Sweet Seattle city cat.

Ugly fish made out of baseball covers at
Anthony's Pier 66 where I had lunch (outside).

Oh, the sky...

Our friend the Rev. Rich - his 60th b.day tomorrow.
Today I'll count how many of us are here to celebrate.

Colorful street cars in the Lake Union area.

Street art ~ Lake Union again...

Part of the sculpture garden at the Seattle Art Museum.

Seattle was beautiful yesterday, today there is some fog ~ imagine
that. I walked and walked and got to know Seattle and myself again.
(It's been awhile for both.) It's clean, hilly, and overbuilt here. Many
condos, apartments and flats to rent or buy. Interesting the difference
between SF and this city, because they are so much alike in so many
ways. My Best Western is about a block away from the Space Needle,
so I can't get lost.

I walked down to Elliott Bay and had a lovely outdoor solo lunch
and read my LindaKindle. Almost finished with Bad Things Happen
and it's a good one. Walked some more, had coffee and enjoyed
myself thoroughly. My knees are only barking lightly this morning.

Skipped Rich's church service (more about this later) and met
the group at Mistral Kitchen on Westlake Avenue in the Lake
Union section of town. About 6 easy blocks from our motel
and again, lots to see and think about. The food was delicious
and the service impeccable. Nice time. Rich has an abundance
of relatives gathered here, all enthusiastic Italians. Fun stuff.

Today is the Seattle Underground Tour and then we all head to
Whidbey in the San Juan Island chain. I promised Rich I'd
attend his outdoor church service on Sunday ~ are photos
allowed?

OK, time to call Husbando and pack up.

rebus interruptus

We have to put aside this DVD because I'm hopping on a
plane and van today ~ boat tomorrow. Rebus is pretty good,
takes place in Edinburgh, Scotland with the usual prickly,
determined cop who has a whole slew of his own problems.
Starring John Hannah. From BBC and the Flix.

OK, I'm packed and ready to go. First the oj and blueberries
with yogurt. I'll report from Seattle tomorrow.

b.day celebration!

The luncheon guest of honor.

The Great Ducknik is celebrating a b.day this week and since it isn't
one of those cleanly divisible by 5 (thanks for that Plottie), it is an
easy one. Besides, we all know that any b.day after 50 (or so) is one
well worth celebrating. Too many of us have known too many loved
ones who didn't make it to our ages and we are the lucky ones indeed.

So off to Nopalito we go ~ a delightful Mexican restaurant on
Broderick Street between Fell and Oak. Duck had the mole enchiladas
and those are my eggs on black beans. We had too many luscious
appetizers, but everything was so yummy that we cleaned our plates
with ease. The mint lemonade was exquisite, by the way.

Our friends enhance our lives so very much. Couples learn early on
that it isn't easy to find other couples where all 4 are compatible.
Once again, we have lucked out!

monday weather report

Is this the worst summer ever? Do I say this every summer?
Fog and more fog. Vichyssoise sky with cold breezes. Windshield
wipers on the way to/fro work. Argh.

Yesterday I was talking with a customer from Seattle.
Me: "What's the weather like up there?"
He: "Just like here."

I leave for Seattle on Wednesday.

iPads, e-books, onward

Here is RR working on the blogmaid's new iPad. That is Josie,
the 3-legged cat, beside her. Really, it is always about cats, as
well it should be. RR is all outfitted in her BTS (back-to-school)
trendy clothes as she gets ready for first grade.

I spent $8 and $9 each on the e-books on Amazon. It took all
of 2 minutes. No wonder the Big Box bookstores are in danger.
It felt good to take the Lindakindle to work yesterday and I
found myself irritated at those backward people who said,
"I'll never use one of those!" without even looking at it. I
used to be one of those people, but that doesn't mean I wasn't
a bit braggy and e-superior about the whole thing.

good things too!

Jon Carroll recommended this mystery in his chronny column
and, behold, it's on the LindaKindle and I fell asleep while
reading last night. Do I like it? I love it! It seems so natural
to me and I'm as surprised as you are. It took me about two
minutes to register the LindaKindle and to order two books
through Amazon. Of course it will be traveling with me to
Seattle and Whidbey Island next week.

No wonder e-books are outselling hardcover books. I told
Husbando that I think I'll be reading more now.

What I'll miss as I ride the wave of the future ~ passing
beloved books on to friends and vice versa. But hey, that's
what blogs and emails are for.

Bad Things Happen by Harry Dolan takes place in Ann
Arbor, Michigan and since I've been there, it's even more
enticing. Linda, thank you soooooo much.

Speaking of the future. Our blogmaid is getting her iPad
today. Don't let me touch it, I need to save money to redo
the kitchen, bathroom, etc. Right you are/were, notthat...

no room for fashion

I'm starting to pre-pack for my trip to Seattle next week. I'll
be taking MsBook, camera, Kindle® (!) and all the cords and
accessories that go with them. I know you've all gone through
this when you travel, but I spend a lot more time and space
with this STUFF than I do with the outdated travel questions
such as: how many shoes? which tank tops? one or two pair
of jeans? sweater? coat? umbrella? hat?

transplants

Last night the museum stores hosted a party at Darla's (9th and Irving)
and it was really quite fun with good food too. The folks above all
worked at Borders, so we tended to gather together and talk books.
From the left: Kristin P, Boss Dennis, msmush and Louisa. I am
lucky in my work world, but you already know that.

the final step finally

I think this whole interior re-mo started with "yuck, we need new
drapes in the living room." Yesterday our glorious wooden blinds
were installed and we once again congratulated ourselves on
selecting the perfect color and product. We want to salute Costco
for the windows and these Hunter Douglas® blinds. Great service
and prices ~ the workers were always on time and cleaned up
before they left. Yes, we are feeling smug on Mullen Avenue.

women only dinner

Last night Linda and Jane and I had a delicious dinner at Vinorosso
up on Cortland. Here you see Jane learning how to use the Kindle®
which Linda loaned us. I might be taking it on my trip, after Jane
sets it all up. I had such a nice time and our conversation leaped
around: writing, men, technology, homes, work, shoes, friends,
the internet, our youths, parents, siblings, food and more! Thanks
to these two loving friends for a fine, fine evening.

i'm looking over...

I don't know why, but the BEST tv is always on Sunday night.
Oh those halcyon days of The Sopranos, Six Feet Under, Deadwood
and now Rubicon, right before Mad Men. This is a complicated
spy/puzzle story with a bunch of brainy people working for the
government and trying not to get killed. It's very New York City
and that, to me, is always the best location. Paris is OK too.

sweet and powerful

An unusual role for Colin Firth who plays Professor Falconer in
this movie entitled A Single Man. That's Julianne Moore (is she in
EVERY film?) and her role is minor. This is based on Christopher
Isherwood's novel and it all takes place in one day in 1962. I was
really moved and impressed ~ one of the best I've seen in quite a
few months. Sit near a Kleenex® box...