Friday, April 30, 2021

and on my LIndaKindle #4


 When the Stars Go Dark is another missing girl mystery but this one is set mostly in Mendocino, a spot I love so much. I like the woman detective and am quite happy with the plot and writing so far.

Thursday, April 29, 2021

the best for the best



 Al's Place was one of the Big Splurge restaurants that Husbando adored. He approved of my treating my every Thursday pod group (Doug and Barb) last night. Too much unusual and wonderful food ~ we knew Bill was with us when we found nearby easy parking. I do not like to think how I would have endured the Great Pandemic year without these two feeding me very week after a walk in their garden. Yes, sometimes blankets were needed, sometimes Kleenex, but I always went back home to Annabelle feeling full and loved and incredibly grateful. Terrible photo of these two wonderful friends, sorry!

Wednesday, April 28, 2021

our default faultless walk



 Back to Crissy Field yesterday with Ginger ~ a glorious day to be out walking, talking and having a little too much coffee. This heron is a big scraggly but stands as still as a statue. 

Tuesday, April 27, 2021

from my writing partner this week



 Karen in Idaho is a delight and here is her ten minute piece from yesterday:

My story is about this pair of robins who built a very messy nest up under our front porch ceiling. 
We only noticed what was going on because of the various weeds, reeds, and grasses mostly 
from our compost heap. The detritus was all over our porch. But above the trash heap was this 
lovely nest.

Now we have sectioned off that part of the porch and only use the front door. I made a sign that 
says “ROBIN MATERNITY WARD. Please use front door.” I stretched plastic yellow tape around 
the area. Stern black letters repeat CAUTION: PARTY ZONE,  over and over. I found this roll in 
our upstairs hall cupboard. It is from long ago, a party decoration, akin to what  my friend Susie 
Parker in Oakland, California, would have on hand.

We can watch the little mama from our hallway window. At night, we can flip on the porch light 
and check on her.  I plan to climb up the stepladder sometime when she’s not in nest and 
count her eggs. I love the color of robins’ eggs. Doesn’t everybody?

The advent of the maternity ward signage was the afternoon of Tom’s birthday party on Friday 
when we realized there would be way too much traffic at the kitchen door. She flies off the 
nest whenever that door is opened.



Monday, April 26, 2021

this used to be normal


 Over to Pat's yesterday on an almost-rainy day. We sat and talked for three hours as she fixed grilled cheese sandwiches, then coffee (of course) and ice cream for dessert. I never want to take these simple pleasures for granted. 

Sunday, April 25, 2021

in my dreams



 For over a year I've been longing for this yummy chicken paprikash at Paprika on 24th Street in the heart of the Mission District. Terri introduced me to this hole-in-the-wall spot and yesterday we met for an early dinner and it was everything I hoped for. Lots of bread to soak up the gravy and we actually sat inside as the wind was blowing. Rain today ~ hooray!

Saturday, April 24, 2021

listen to this...


 News of the World is the May Book Club selection and here is Gini (freezing cold) holding the book at last week's lunch. Libby at the Library has it for me on audio and I will start listening today. The birthday lunch yesterday was a huge success and my "I hate cats!" friend Meriel fell in love with a certain fur ball whose charm is overwhelming, or so it seems.

Friday, April 23, 2021

whose birthday?


 Well, not the one pictured here, the one breaking the NEVER/EVER GET ON THE TABLE rule. Today we celebrate Meriel's birthday and Howard will be joining us as he is the designated driver from San Leandro to San Francisco. The lunch guests will never know about the above indiscretion, right?

Thursday, April 22, 2021

suzy, fuzzy and the fire pit




We gathered in Oakland last night to test the fire pit and socialize over at Suzy's in Oakland. Top photo features Doug with Valentina and Raphael from Chile, SO interesting. Suzy and Fuzz on their front porch and then the motley writers' group (well, part of it) sort of remembering how to socialize. It was cold out, as you can tell by coats, hats and blankets. Fun, fun evening with much needed laughter.
 

Wednesday, April 21, 2021

good daytime television


 A nation exhaled yesterday afternoon. Well, most of us. It's been almost a year since George Floyd was murdered (and filmed) and the Black Lives Matter movement is now alive and well. And necessary.

Tuesday, April 20, 2021

HBO has a winner here


 That's Kate Winslet, not so glamorous now, as a police detective in Mare of Easttown, a new and gritty drama on HBO. I watched the first episode and longed for more, but have to wait a week. Her love interest is Guy Pearce ~ they worked together ten years ago in Mildred Pierce

Monday, April 19, 2021

One Eyed Jacks



 ...that's the SF Estate Liquidation company that Marsha's ex hired to sell all her belongings. She wanted the money to go to KDFC, our local classical music radio station. I imagine that it will be a large amount as the sale was on for three full days. This isn't an accurate before/after because the top is her bedroom and the bottom photo is the living room, but you get the picture, I know you do.

Sunday, April 18, 2021

low key, powerful


 I went back to bed yesterday with my coffee and cat in order to watch the Royal Funeral. It was all quite beautiful in its simplicity and majesty. The Queen, not used to sitting alone for these occasions, made me sad and the blues stayed with me most of the day. Today is a new day and I do appreciate my life.


Saturday, April 17, 2021

on the red on Friday

 




It was my turn to host the neighborhood tea which turned out to be hot chai from Ian with lavish baba ganoush from Lynn (on the left) and Heidi brought cookies. Being the chef that I am I provided cheese and Triscuits and bottled water. Note new Big Lot's tablecloth.  And yes, it was windy and cold. 

Friday, April 16, 2021

never too blue on Thursday


 I never could have made it through the past year without Doug and Barb's kindness and GREAT cooking every Thursday. Often it was the only time I spoke to anyone during the week. They are both creative cooks and soon our Pod lunch gatherings will be over as they are going to New York in May and then continue on with some other long-awaited travel adventures. My Thursday saviors ~ gratitude.

Thursday, April 15, 2021

urban heaven


 During the Great Pandemic of 2020, I vowed never to take this simple pleasure for granted. A good walk with a latte reward, sitting outside in the sun reading The New Yorker and watching the world go by. Now I overtip to thank the essential workers for returning to take care of us. Very happy...

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

a best kept SF secret


 Yesterday Ginger and I had our Thermos® coffee and muffin treat down at the Aquatic Park. There is a small community of Bay swimmers with brightly colored caps to watch and convenient FREE parking on Van Ness Avenue. Everyone is friendly and happy in that "thank God I live here" sort of way ~ all ages, sexes and ethnicities. With the natural beauty of our city, what's not to love?

Tuesday, April 13, 2021

a favorite puzzle for obvious reasons



 Annabelle and I enjoyed this jigsaw. She likes to hide one important piece from me until the end when I discover it on the floor behind a chair or table leg. 

Monday, April 12, 2021

Honey Stein


 My step son Rob, grand daughter Lindsay and grand dog Honey were watching the Masters yesterday in their home in Buffalo, New York. Honey is one of three Labradoodles that I know now and I hear that they are wonderful dogs. 

Sunday, April 11, 2021

North Beach? Who knew?




 This hermit went out to dinner last night, meeting Marsha's friend Luckey at Portofino on Grant Avenue. The first time I have had crab in ages and I enjoyed every messy bite. I had NO idea that hordes of people were going out these nights and there were sparkly, inviting parklets all over the place, meaning terrible traffic problems, but so what? Lots of happy vaxxed (we hope) party people enjoying the warm night.

Saturday, April 10, 2021

Johnny did us proud


 I'm a tad embarrassed to confess that I follow Johnny Cueto on Instagram. He lives in the Domincan Republic and is a terrific cook, or so it seems. Yesterday he pitched beautifully and we WON and it is the kind of game I still enjoy ~ a pitchers' dual. He had the Tommy John surgery and has been working out constantly to get back into shape, between all those fabulous meals, of course. As it should be.

Friday, April 09, 2021

memories, hope and bunting


 The sky is already blue for today's Opening Day. Our Giants are pretty good so far this year and no major injuries. We used to make a big celebration with the Blogmaid when we went to Candlestick and later to the Jewel. I miss those days, but I still care and I will watch or listen to the game today. I await the email from Notthat who tells us what to look for and has all the little details that make baseball so much fun. And I WILL get to a game this year, despite the strict and necessary health rules.

Thursday, April 08, 2021

and now, a poem from the new book

San Francisco, 14th Avenue

 

Back from coffee, electric car silent,

I always slow in the middle 

of the one-way road looking over

Outer Sunset and the Pacific Ocean.


I search the far horizon

for the jagged teeth of the Farallons,

A sailboat perches on teal blue water

where trawlers fish at night.


Cloudy mornings catch a current's silver edge,

sky ribbons of smoke gray, pewter, indigo.

White caps churn the sea,

the hush of wave-crash.


The expanse of ocean

is in perpetual conversation 

with the mutable sky.


In unexpected urban quiet

I pause on the narrow overlook ~

thirsty for salt air and freedom.


Heather Saunders Estes





Wednesday, April 07, 2021

new poetry book


 San Francisco Through the Eyes of the Poets Who Live Here ~ how could I resist? Fog and Light contains poems by Jane Underwood and Will Walker (in my writing tribe) as well as Ferlinghetti and Alison Luterman. I have set aside some time by my fireplace today to just read poems. This is as it should be, I know you agree. Poems collected and selected by Diane Frank, another SF poet. Lovely.

Tuesday, April 06, 2021

lots to think about


 Ken Burns can do no wrong and last night I watched the first of a three-part documentary on Ernest Hemingway on PBS. I probably should re-read a few of those novels I enjoyed so much. Hem did have an interesting life and despite all the parties and fame he was a disciplined writer. By hand. Impressive.

Monday, April 05, 2021

bunnies galore (people too)


 Ham, chicken, mashers, scalloped taters, green beans, carrots, spinach salad with strawberries and German dinner rolls. Carrot cake with coffee or tea. Six happy people. I was NOT the smooth hostess because it's been so long and that's okay, it's all about the smiles and laughter. Next time will be easier and I'm working on my notes now. A very nice time with happy memories already. 

Sunday, April 04, 2021

Blogmaid lends a hand



 She Swiffers! She manicures! Many thanks to our Blogmaid for helping me get ready for Easter entertaining. I had prepared a Little List for her and yes, we accomplished everything. Gratitude. (the cat got the mani/pedi, not the human)


Saturday, April 03, 2021

tea for three at four


 New neighbor Ian invited Lynn and myself for tea in his backyard. We actually had chai and cookies and pear slices. Lovely rustic setting and yes, I think that's a bathtub or sink in the background. It was a bit chilly so we bundled up. Delightful people and a pleasant time at the end of my clean house Good Friday.

Friday, April 02, 2021

here we go again


 Opening Day last night in Seattle. MY team blew a solid lead in the 8th inning and we lost and this fan was not pleased. NOT. Is still feeling pissy this morning. Do you call this fun?

Thursday, April 01, 2021

Best Picture?


 I'm trying to see all the movies nominated this year and most are on Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu or one of the others. Promising Young Woman is, if you'll pardon the expression, BRILLIANT. Hats off to Emerald Fennell of Call the Midwife fame. Carey Mulligan stars and I can't get this out of my head and heart because I fear it is all too true. Funny, sad and very well done. See it.