making lists, packing up

 One week from today John, Mary and I climb in the Tesla for our annual trip to Ashland. We have theater almost every day and since we make the reservations in December, I need to review all the details and I am replacing the hard copy Ginger's Memorial folder with the Ashland folder today. It is warm in Ashland, such is not the case here, as we all know full well by now. 

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. 

pizza, Coke® and Jolene

 I didn't expect to get the blues when I read online about Dolly Parton's death, but I did. So of course a walk and a stop at my favorite pizza shop where they were playing all of her music non-stop. Everyone (including me) who came in to order said, "Dolly!" when we walked in and for some reason this all helped me feel better. She was an incredible woman for sure.

let's talk over tea

 Five chatty women for tea and snacks at Heidi's yesterday afternoon. It is so nice to be retired and have time just to enjoy the many blessings in this life. 

Ms. Strout sure can write

 Yesterday I started The Things We Never Say and of course it is extremely well written and engaging from the very first sentence. A busy week ahead for me so this novel will help keep me on an even keel, or so we hope.

attention must be paid

 Grand daughters Samantha and Lindsay already have their plane tickets for another rather raucous Thanksgiving extravaganza here. They request the presence of sister Jane, as do the Blogmaid and I. Yes, it is way early to be planning, on the other hand it gives me great pleasure to imagine the laughter and chaos. Ah, family. Ah, friends. 

Ginger's Memorial

 Amy and I are hosting a very small memorial next Friday at Crissy Field for her best sister and my best friend, Ginger. She requested that her ashes be scattered down there in the Bay. I am feeling a bit anxious about this because I want everything to be perfect, but of course that isn't really the point, is it?

all aboard

 I'm working up the courage to try Ojai, Waymo's newest driverless car. It is a small light blue van and has been roaming SF for months without passengers. By now I am a huge Waymo fan although I also rely on Lyft and taxis. Oh, and I do drive for short distances. So grateful to have so many transportation choices. Buses and BART count too, of course. 

we spent a day in Half Moon Bay

 The three Big City Women (Pat, Neti, Blogger), on the right, met Mr. and Ms. Blogmaid for lunch at It's Italia on Main Street yesterday and yes, we had a delightful time. HMB offers lots of charming gift shops, free street parking and benches everywhere which is just so civilized. After lunch we walked and talked and had coffee because we simply did not want to leave. 

the holistic approach

 Acupuncture is not a miracle cure for anything, but my treatment yesterday helped me on so many levels. I guess I've been going to Dr. Sparrow now for about five years. I ask her first when I have any new aches and pains and she is such an important part of my life now. Feeling gratitude, feeling calm...

avoiding the news

 Hmmmmm, do I want to watch Trump embrace North Korea or do I want to watch Christopher Chung (from Slow Horses) in My Brilliant Career on Netflix? Australia in the 1900's ~ a lovely escape. Try it...

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!

we keep walking

 A few aches, pains and "mobility issues" these days, but there is always something to see and yes, I often have to force myself out of this comfy house with the non-stop lap cat. Fogust is a challenge but there is usually a bit of sunshine in the early afternoon. And always, the many joyful sights in this crazy city.

the walk-through

 Amy and I are hosting a small memorial for Ginger on August 28th, and our Crissy Field pre-planing yesterday was a success and a relief to us both.  The Warming Hut will supply coffee and tea (we can run up a tab there) and guests can park behind the picnic tables where G and I always sat. All good...

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.

keeping up with the Kahans

 The Blogmaid is a big Noah Kahan fan and I was curious, so I watched the documentary on Netflix last night. This engaging man from Vermont is a poet who is so very open about his feelings and emotions. Noah is a guitar player, singer and song writer and I now see what all the "fuss" is about. I'm glad that the Blogmaid gets to see Noah in person at the ballpark this month. Yay!