writer, neighbor, stroke victim

David Talbot had a stroke in 2017, at the age of 66. Between Heaven and
Hell is an amazingly positive little book telling about this devastating
experience. Marsha and I drove down to Kepler's bookstore in Menlo
Park to hear him speak and buy his book. His family had to resort to
crowd-funding to get through his long recovery. Alas, this is American
healthcare. You might remember that David wrote Season of the Witch
and yes, he still loves SF and still lives in Bernal Heights.

let's realign the spine

Yesterday a splendid woman named Alejandra came to my house to give
me a much needed chiropractic session and we worked for two hours.
Well, she did all the work. I had wrongly assumed that this neck pain and
hip pain (right side only) was just part of aging, but hooray, I am pain-
free this morning. I have to relearn how to use the cell phone, iPad and
computer and I have some exercises to do every morning and yes, the doc
will return. Annabelle snooped around her carry case, as you can see.

long lost cousins

Linda and Mark 

Linda's father was the second or once removed or some sort of relative of
my father and their family used to come to our Pasadena home for holidays
and vice versa. She and Mark have always lived in Long Beach and (thank
god) they aren't right wingy as some of my kin folk seem to be. They were
on their way up to Folsom to baby sit some grand children and we had a
good catch-up day but didn't dwell on the past too much, I'm happy to say.
They had always been curious about the inside of little SF homes and
it was delightful to hear their positive reactions. We had lunch down at the
Precita Park Cafe so they also got to see the neighborhood and I didn't
have to cook.

as promised...

xmas socks I wore to the Dog Show

Most of my many, many blog readers would like me to post a picture of
Annabelle every single day, this much I know for sure. She gives me a
reason to smile and laugh and has made this whole grief thing manageable
and I don't give a shit if I've turned into a Cat Lady.

best in show

Marsha and I went to the Cow Palace yesterday for the dog show. So
much like the wonderful movie! Tomorrow I will feature Annabelle
and that's a promise.

Tony Hale on stage

Neti and I went to see Wakey, Wakey yesterday at ACT ~ we went because
I love Tony Hale from Arrested Development and VEEP. The gist of the
play was/is to try to live in the moment and to be loving to each other.
Even though I'm glad we went, I can't honestly recommend this to
everyone. Death can be a downer, have you noticed?

not a fan of the rat

Ha, you thought I meant tRump, right? Our SF Parade is Feb. 8th.

Learn More: Beginning today and through the next 15 days, 
China will celebrate the start of their new year. Chinese 
New Year operates around a lunar calendar, meaning 
it's based on the phases and movements of the moon; 
thus, the exact date changes every year. However, 
it usually falls between January 21 and February 20 
on the calendar most familiar to Westerners. As it is 
the most lavish holiday in China, the country's citizens 
go all out to celebrate. Legally, it's a seven-day national 
holiday, but many people party beyond that.

urban alchemy

That's the name of this group pictured here ~ they work the gritty, difficult
Tenderloin area of SF where St. Anthony's is located. I had a cheese
sandwich and latte sitting outside at Civic Center and watched them chase a
purse snatcher. (Or electronic snatcher, these days.) During the day I am
not afraid and yet that is the most common question when I talk about my new
volunteer job. Speaking of which, I worked in the Free Clothing Program
for three hours yesterday ~ good vibes, nice fellow workers and some very
expensive donations and lots of them. There are many wonderful people
in this world and I need to remember that on a daily basis. I return in a
week for another feel-good session.

for February book club

Yesterday we six met over at the Presidio Social Club and next month
is my turn to select a book so I chose Frankenstein because I had
never read it and, as it turns out, the other women hadn't either. But
the waitress said, "That's my favorite book!" Mary Shelley was 18
when she wrote this. Imagine.

yes, a powerful poem, please

Malbec wine in stemless glass

Funeral in Paris

Aria Aber

The aunts here clink Malbec glassesand parade their grief with musky,expensive scents that whisperin elevators and hallways.Each natural passing articulatesthe unnatural: every aunt has a sonwho fell, or a daughter who hid in rubblefor two years, until that knock of officersholding a bin bag filled with a dressand bones. But what do I know?I get pedicures and eat croissantswhile reading Swann's Way. When I tellone aunt I'd like to go back,she screams it is not yours to want.Have some cream cheese with that, says another.Oh, what wonder to be alive and seemy father's footprints in his sister's garden.He's furiously scissoring the hyacinths,saying all the time when the tele-researcher asks himhow often do you think your lifeis a mistake? During the procession, the aunts' wailsvibrate: wires full of crows in heavy wind.I hate every plumed minute of it. God inventedeverything out of nothing, but the nothingshines through, said Paul Valéry. Paris never charmed me,but when some stranger asksif it stinks in Afghanistan, I am so shockedthat I hug him. And he lets me, his anklesbriefly brushing against mine.

days of yore

We always made a big deal out of each other's birthdays ~ like a week
long celebration with all the trimmings. Today is Husbando's special
day so I will concentrate on him (and us) and take myself out to lunch.
He would want to go to Tadich's, but I'll try someplace a little less
expensive. I do not know when this old photo was snapped, but it
makes me smile. Happy Birthday to Bill.

back to the bowl

Of course I have theater in two weeks when the Niners will be in Miami.
But yesterday was fun TV over at the Great Plotniks with delicious guac
snacks and enchiladas at half time. I really don't like football, but they
are the HOME team and Jimmy G. is gorgeous. Congrats, Team!

we still march

my march-mates

determined 

Thanks to the Blogmaid and family for hitting Market Street with me
yesterday for the Women's March. It's inspiring to see young and old
gather to give each other hope and some smiles for the clever signs
and costumes. You have my back in the bottom photo ~ note pussy
hat and gloves. It was cold for SF...but so much warmth.

big steps for real change

Alyssa Nakken ~ SF Giants

Katie Sowers ~ SF Niners

Katie Sowers is a coach for the 49ers and now we have Alyssa Nakken as the
first woman full-time baseball coach for our Giants. San Francisco has a ton
of issues and serious problems, but my City still makes me proud.

rainy day movie

There are so many good new films that I seldom watch the oldies, but this
is an exception and yesterday I succumbed. 1999. Magnolia. Aimee Mann's
wonderful music and how lovely to see Philip Seymour Hoffman, Philip
Baker Hall, Jason Robards, Julianne Moore, Tom Cruise and so many others
in this beautifully crafted movie about interwoven lives. Netflix, I thank you.

back to basics

Thanks to my friend John Redundant who is currently in Mexico and
spotted this sign in a local bar. Let's hope he considered the first option.

back up north

the all important phone check

The Plaza Bistro

Marsha and the two dogs and I went up to Sonoma for a vet visit and
of course stopped for lunch at her favorite spot, The Plaza Bistro, right
there on the square. It was too cold to sit outside so the owner let
us bring Rosa and Duca in and isn't that what friends are for? A fine
day for a good drive and chit chat to burn.

off she goes!

Ceci hopped in a Lyft last night for SFO to Miami to Peru. This is
the lightweight (her word) backpack. We had a nice, lazy day after
I finished my SPCA gig, then met Joe for lunch down at Charlie's
Cafe. Joe has been to Peru, so they had a LOT to talk about. Our girl
will return around Valentine's Day and will keep in touch using
What's App and a host of electronics.

Peru, Pumpkinville and the Blue Plate

back room at the Blue Plate

Ceci and granny

Blogmaid, CC and granny

Granddaughter CC flies off to Peru tonight. But first she needed a spot to
park her car and the Blogmaid family generously offered their driveway.
Now CC is here in SF, snoozing in the back room. We had a fine time
in Half Moon Bay and a delicious dinner last night at the Blue Plate over
on Mission where we could walk to and fro from grandmother's house.

two different worlds

full moon in quiet Bernal Heights

The Loin

Yesterday I had three hours of volunteer training at Saint Anthony's in
the heart of the Tenderloin. I know it is often difficult to feel compassion
for these homeless people, but as their numbers increase, society's safety
nets decrease. The trickle down theory does not work. At least I can
help clothe and feed them and look them in the eyes and know they exist.

26 royal families in the world

I have never understood the obsession with THIS royal family, even though
I loved Meghan in Suits, the TV program. And of course The Crown is
terrific on Netflix. I think we should all start worrying about the royals
in The Netherlands, surely they have unruly children and grands? And
who of us haven't pulled away from our families at one point or another?
Let's give Meghan and Harry a break and wish them well in their new
life in Canada. (Just my humble opinion, of course, dear Blogmaid.)

disturbingly great TV

I decided to watch Chernobyl after the Golden Globes last Sunday night.
This is a mini-series (only four episodes) on HBO. Speaking in English
with Russian signs, newspapers, etc. is a bit odd, but the acting is
great and we all love when people have the courage to tell the truth
against all odds. The Russian government was, and is, horrific.

American dollars most welcome

The World Wildlife Fund in Australia is working night and day to rescue
the poor creatures and start the rebuilding process. When we see a map of
the fires it overwhelms and every little bit helps, or so I hope.

saints galore

Dancing Jen works in the HR Department at St. Anthony's. Yesterday she
gave me a great tour of the huge and busy facilities. I am so impressed.
The key word is Dignity because they help the poor with food, medical,
computers, technical classes and there is a "store" with free clothes
that have been donated. On Saturday I will attend an Orientation class
and then I will start my volunteering ~ in the store because I love retail.

suits me to a T

Yesterday Patrice and Marsha (and her two dogs) came over for fireplace
time and tea. I set up this tea tray a few days after Bill died and I have
used it many times because this seems to be a civilized part of my new life.
Tea. (The "L" napkins were on sale so I maintain they stand for Love.)
After my friends left I went for a walk and a latte. Some things never change.
You will be happy to learn that Annabelle and the Rosa/Duca Team almost
became friends. From a distance at least. No growling or hissing.

three entertaining hours

Some strange fashions at the Golden Globes last night, but it was fun
texting with the Blogmaid and I was surprised at how many of the films
I had seen, thanks mostly to Netflix and Amazon Prime. I like Ricky
Gervais even if he loves to shock his audience. Now I need to see "Once
Upon a Time in....Hollywood" and I will feel complete, award-wise.

sunshine at the FOG

stock photo of FOG

stock photo of Boavida (46th & Taraval)

Marsha and I (and her two dogs) went to Linda's friend's FOG art
gallery out in the Avenues yesterday. I didn't get a photo, but the
place was packed and we enjoyed the festivities. Then we had lunch
outside at Boavida, a Portuguese spot that welcomes dogs on
their little patio. I miss this colorful beach town area of SF now that
Linda and Tom are living the good-life-by-the-ditch in Albuquerque
and they were in my thoughts a lot yesterday.

a fancy breakfast

Pam is on a road trip with her daughter and grand kids from Whittier in
SoCal, and we met yesterday morning at the Ferry Plaza for some
catch-up. An exquisite beignet beginning with strong coffee and then
some outstanding scrambled eggs...oh my. This is the Boulettes Larder
restaurant and well worth the extra $$$$ for a special occssion. Life, as
you have no doubt noticed, is a special occasion.

from a 6 to an 8

This blogger needed a reward after visiting her dentist yesterday and
hearing about future tooth work. Argh. So my iPhone 6 was acting
up and my Apple friends said that after eight faithful years, this
happens. Software issues. I bought the iPhone 8 and the transfer has
been done, or so I believe. I'm still working out a few things, but
this was a good decision, all in all. Last year it was a new iPad and
soon I will need work done on this MsMacBook Air laptop. Beats
teeth trouble.

2020 begins

Tourists and locals packed the trails, sidewalks, parking lot and cafe at
Land's End yesterday morning. A New Year tradition, to see the sea. We
joined them (Ginger, her sister Amy and me) and the air was clear and
bracing. Even a fire truck appeared and four firemen hopped out to talk
to people and admire this gorgeous view. We all hope for a good 2020,
but there is this underlying feeling of gloom because of the political
situation. I will try to be a beacon of light and hope. Haha.

women for Little Women

The Blogmaid and I celebrated her birthday (it's today!) at the Alamo
Drafthouse and we enjoyed ourselves even as we picked apart
the movie later. It's a good one, not great, but well worth seeing
if only for the costumes and decor. Oh, good acting too. This has
been DONE so many times, but there is always something to
appreciate. Plus we could have lunch while the four sisters were
busy being mean to each other and then becoming loving and happy.