Saturday, July 25, 2026

Emma's Room update


 My second tenant, Laura, will be leaving a week from today. Her new grandson, Leo, is doing well ~ one of 13 brand new babies in this little neighborhood. Must be the water. Anyway, having Handy Jan build this bedroom and bath was one of the smartest things I've ever done. The cleaning out of our offices was one of the worst chores EVER, but now, well worth it. Housing in SF is so limited and I already have some prospects for tenant #3. Applause, please.

Friday, July 24, 2026

we must also accept joy


 This was the sunrise that I was privileged to see often when I opened the Big Box Borders store downtown. And here is a poem that I have not read before. Mary Oliver is having a resurgence, maybe because we are constantly worrying about the madman dictator in the White House. Ms. Oliver (now deceased) reminds us that all is never lost. My friend Karen (from our bookclub) gave a eulogy recently for her beloved sister and concluded with this much needed poem. 

Don't Hesitate by Mary Oliver:
If you suddenly and unexpectedly feel joy,
Don't hesitate. Give in to it. There are plenty
of lives and whole towns destroyed or about
to be. We are not wise, and not very often
kind. And much can never be redeemed.
Still, life has some possibility left. Perhaps this
is its way of fighting back, that sometimes
something happens better than all the riches
or power in the world. It could be anything,
but very likely you notice it in the instant
when love begins. Anyway, that's often the case.
Anyway, whatever it is, don't be afraid
of its plenty. Joy is not made to be a crumb.

Thursday, July 23, 2026

big bash birthday party



It was neighbor Rob's special day and Heidi gave him a lovely celebration with both of their sons and their girl friends in attendance, plus Roxie's parents visiting from Lompoc. Lots of good food and conversation until (for me) the wee small hours of 9pm. Again, so grateful to be included.
 

Wednesday, July 22, 2026

the house on York Street


 Remember when I used to take the bus out for my museum job? Well, I passed this colorful house every time and I'm sure I posted about it. Anyway, it's a tribute to local Mission District rock musicians and now the city is going to give it some sort of Landmark Status and the owner (who has lived in this house forever) is ecstatic. Not everyone loves this wild house, but I do. 

Tuesday, July 21, 2026

more for LindaKindle 4



 We can't go wrong with Elizabeth Strout or John Grisham. Summer reading in the fog. 

Monday, July 20, 2026

one l-o-n-g soccer match


 Above ~ the house across the street. Rooting for Spain. Who knew? I had the television on for the Fifa finale yesterday as I was taking care of a few house tasks. And wouldn't you know it? I missed the ONE goal. I will never be a REAL fan, but that's OK, it is a fun game for millions around the world. And the good and visible sportsmanship with all the rivals hugging after the game. Back to baseball...

Sunday, July 19, 2026

best and bravest girlfriends


 Well, this is more ME and a good remedy for whatever might ail anyone, even Laura Ingalls Wilder. Ride or Die stars Hannah Waddingham (Ted Lasso) and Olivia Spencer (The Help) and is a lot of fun as well as some blood (mostly bad guys) along the way. A lot of fun scenes in London. Also great to see Bill Nighy again as the M16 (?) Director. This is called a Spy Thriller, but it's way more. On Prime. 

Saturday, July 18, 2026

mani/pedi with Miso


 I tried a new nail salon in the neighborhood and despite some minor language difficulties, I was pleased with the results. Of course I really loved having this sweet lap dog hounding me. This place is within walking distance and that is a plus. Success. I will return.

Friday, July 17, 2026

the local news


 This was horrible, and unusual. The SF Bay is usually calm and boat accidents are rare. And this was a 49 foot cabin cruiser with three decks that capsized and sank quickly last Tuesday afternoon. Local boaters and fishermen and the Coast Guard rushed to help but it seems like 4 died while 17 were rescued. Such a tragedy for the passengers who were scattering aches and honoring someone who had passed away.

Thursday, July 16, 2026

toe box talk


 I bought new dress shoes yesterday. Yes, I'm hooked on Hoka. I have tried other shoes, but this brand remains my favorite. And I always enjoy a trip to Sports Basement, such a fun and funky store. The shoes on the right are worn out and those on the left brand new. Updated and very fashionable, right?

Wednesday, July 15, 2026

and guess what?


 I started watching Little House on the Prairie just to make fun of it to the Blogmaid who is SUCH a fan. Well, I really like it and the plot moves right along with some good acting, especially from the kids. So I'm hooked and worried about the weather, the Osages, Mr. Edwards, Caleb and Jack, the dog. The Flix®.

Tuesday, July 14, 2026

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. 

Monday, July 13, 2026

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.

Sunday, July 12, 2026

not so Grand Old Party



 First Mitch McConnell, now Lindsey Graham. Two old white Trump lapdogs are no longer with us. Yes, we need new, energetic young people of all colors to lead our nation back to Democracy. 

Saturday, July 11, 2026

Sept. 14th ~ mark all calendars everywhere


 (LOS ANGELES, July 8, 2026) Nominations for the 78th Emmy® Awards were announced today from the Wolf Theatre in the Saban Media Center. The live ceremony was hosted by Emmy winner Liza Colón-Zayas (The Bear) and Emmy winner Jeff Hiller (Somebody Somewhere) along with Television Academy Chair Cris Abrego.

Among nominations for acclaimed performers such as Steve Carell (Rooster), Jamie Lee Curtis (The Bear), Harrison Ford (Shrinking), Lisa Kudrow (The Comeback), Gary Oldman (Slow Horses) and Michelle Pfeiffer (Margo’s Got Money Troubles), a slew of new faces and breakout performances were recognized including Taylor Dearden (The Pitt), Chase Infiniti (The Testaments), Sarah Pidgeon (Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette) and Connor Storrie (Saturday Night Live).

Friday, July 10, 2026

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.

Thursday, July 09, 2026

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. 👏

Wednesday, July 08, 2026

a sterling gift



 My neighbors Rob and Heidi brought this delightful fork to me after their recent road trip across the country. It is just so wonderful that I might have to plan a dinner party just so I can use it. So cool.

Tuesday, July 07, 2026

9,000 steps



 Good walking weather yesterday and behold this over zealous garden on York Street. Barely room to walk on the sidewalk and that is fine with me. There are people who were just born to get their hands in dirt and although I am not one of them, I am very glad they exist. Especially in a crowded city. 

Monday, July 06, 2026

new, healthy (!) addiction



 Neighbor Cristina introduced me to the Golden (well, yellow) Kiwi which is sweeter than the green variety. So far I've only found them at Costco, but I haven't really looked elsewhere. Filled with Vitamin C and easy to scoop and so tasty. Try 'em!

Sunday, July 05, 2026

the 4th tradition continues




 Back to the Grove yesterday for hot dogs and all the add-ons. We had a bit of sunshine and lots of chatter as we celebrated our 250th. There were a lot of illegal fireworks last night in this city, so today will be very lazy and (I hope) quiet. 

Saturday, July 04, 2026

north to Rancho Cordova




 So nice to be included in this visit to the Blogmaid's mama yesterday. First, lunch at Brookfield, an excellent all American restaurant in Rancho Cordova, then time to visit and take photos by Audrey's always popular lemon tree, then a visit to the grave of Blogmaid's father. It was a delight spending time with Cass too, yes ~ definitely all grown up and ready for a brilliant, artistic future. For my many (subtle joke) out of state readers, Rancho Cordova is up near Sacramento. Grateful to have been part of this happy family gathering and to be in actual sunshine sans fog.

Friday, July 03, 2026

the return of good meals



 Heidi and Rob (two doors away) were traveling for two weeks and I lost weight and used Grub Hub a bit too often while they were gone. Last night I was welcomed back to their table with lovely sea bass and asparagus. Their cat, Ozzie, missed them too and exhibited typical "how dare you?" cat behavior.

Thursday, July 02, 2026

neighborhood news


 My current tenant, Laura, reports that there are 13 brand new (ish) babies in our little Bernal Heights nabe. I thought I have been seeing a shit load of strollers recently on my walks. And then this gorgeous tree ~ I have never seen it before. I do like living someplace where there is always something going on, but of course we needn't discuss all the parking problems and disappearing sewer grates. City life...

Wednesday, July 01, 2026

a sweet sister story


 Yes, this is a Kleenex-worthy movie set here (mostly) in San Francisco. Voicemails for Isabelle tells the story of a young chef who leaves voicemails for her sister who died and these end up on a young man's phone and though it all sounds a bit romantically predictable, there are some lovely twists and turns that Annabelle and I appreciated. With thanks to Netflix and always colorful SF.

Tuesday, June 30, 2026

Emma's Room update



 I admit that I was a bit stubborn about installing curtains in Emma's Room, but I relented and Handy Jan recently hung these basics for my guests. I mean who wants to sleep once the morning light hits? My new tenant is Laura, whose daughter lives about two blocks away and just had a baby boy. Grandma Laura can walk to and fro. A good arrangement and I like my new tenant a lot. She will be here through July.

Monday, June 29, 2026

this consumer reports


 We have been getting power outages here with more frequency than in the past and of course I worry about my iPad and iPhone and Apple watch. This little $26 wonder is exactly what I need. It is just a little bit bigger than my mini iPhone and I even took it out to dinner last week as my battery was getting low. No directions, as per usual, so I went on YouTube. I can see how much charge is in this power pack in that black dot so I can always keep it close to 100% in case of emergency. I know, what next?

Sunday, June 28, 2026

Pride parade in SF and Budapest


 Thousands upon thousands marched in Budapest celebrating Gay Pride after the defeat of Trump's dictator pal Orban. Our parade is today. I watched many of these parades in person when I worked at the Big Box Borders store downtown, so today I will stick to television. After many days of fog we have sunshine already this morning and it is indeed a great day to honor our LGBTQ friends.

Saturday, June 27, 2026

high above London


 I enjoyed this documentary on the Flix® because I am a fan of Gordon Ramsay even though he would be a difficult man to work for and even though I don't like to cook. He opened three restaurants in the tallest building in London and according to CoPilot, they are all doing VERY well. What a huge undertaking. Being Gordon Ramsay is not an easy life but fun to watch from afar.

Friday, June 26, 2026

Creativity Explored




 I have always wanted to visit this unique art gallery and studio on 16th Street. Last night there was a "do" there and I went with Nicole and had a great time. These artists are mentally challenged but so talented, as I hope you can see. The artists earn income from sales and royalties and yes, I was tempted to buy a few wonderful pieces but I restrained myself. Creativity Explored provides so much for so many. 

Thursday, June 25, 2026

Tender Day 2026


 Today I remember and honor Husbando who left us eight years ago. He stays with me, helps me and yes, we still occasionally argue because he was stubborn and I was perfect. I was, and am, so fortunate.