the long drive north

 I'm not great at in-car photography, but here is Shasta Lake and Mt. Shasta yesterday. There was some beautiful weather, some not great food in Red Bluff and here we are now at the Ashland Creek Inn. Dinner last night at Juliette and now we prepare for a two play day. Good to be back in Ashland for sure.

my back in the back room

 About 6 weeks ago the Blogmaid helped me select the PERFECT Lazy Boy/Girl chair and it was delivered last week much to our delight. I have some lower back pain which I'm sure you want to hear about in detail, and this recliner offers superb relief. It took approximately four minutes for Annabelle to vote her approval and now we have to negotiate who gets to sit where. 

who is the villain?

 We had never been to the Creativity Theater in Yerba Buena Gardens before, but it was an excellent experience when I met Neti here yesterday to see R.O.I. a one act play that is just so timely and interesting. The Elizabeth Holmes character really does want to save lives but of course money and power have a way of messing everything up. I had not been able to walk around the Gardens in quite sometime and that was so enjoyable (bottom photo). Lots of changes, all for the good. And what? Sunshine?

Picaro, por favor

 We had some wonderful paella on 16th Street yesterday. Picaro has been here forever and we had a lovely long lunch to celebrate Jeanine's birthday as we (Jeanine, Neti, Pat and your blogger) talked of many things and mostly laughed and enjoyed our friendship of many years.

The Mess Hall

 Doug, Barb and I celebrated Barb's belated birthday yesterday at the brand new Mess Hall at Tunnel Tops in the Presidio. Weather? Very SF, but we sat outside anyway and enjoyed the fog and the expansive views. The food was excellent and NOT over-priced. Already a popular spot and busy on a lazy Thursday.

thank you, Gloria

 Another loss. Another blow. Gloria Steinem changed our world with grace, humor, intelligence and beauty. Those feminists back in the 60's and 70's were trailblazers and so, so brave. Someday the 14th Amendment will pass, someday. So much gratitude today from Ms. Stein.  Before these women we were only Miss or Mrs. ~ male-dependent bull shit. ✊

the play is the thing

 Yesterday I was able to download the tickets into my Apple wallet. Applause, please. Here are the plays we will see next week:

• Yellow Face
• Taming of the Shrew
• Come from Away
• Emma
• King Hedley, II
• Dracula (cabaret theater)
• Midsummer Night's Dream (photo, above)

John has made restaurant reservations for every night and this all makes me very happy. 

in praise of house cleaners

 Karla and Maria arrive promptly at 9:15 every other Monday morning. They probably know this little house better than I do. They take care of all the dirty little details and are on their way in about an hour. They charge a lot and are worth more. I am so damn lucky.

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.