A grand home at the edge of Balboa Park. Designed by the “Frank Lloyd Wright” of San Diego: Irving Gill. I do wish they’d kept the Japanese black lacquer dining room as the last Marston lady had it. Preservationists go too far.
Marston House tour
3819 1st Ave – Unit 209 – Move in photos
Here’s shots from when we first got the place.
Last lunch in SF
Bittersweet day. One last deck party with the old friends. Hard to leave such great people (and a great city) but after almost 30s, it was time… Continue reading “Last lunch in SF”
SS Pampanito and Museé Mechanique
First time I’d gone down to Fisherman’s Wharf to check out the old sub. Really cool and a great audio tour. Patrick put a lot of quarters into those old games at the Musee Mechanique. Continue reading “SS Pampanito and Museé Mechanique”
Antonio’s Birthday
Darryl hosted a combo party for both Easter and Antonio’s birthday. Food was amazing this year — cheddar bacon scones to die for. Continue reading “Antonio’s Birthday”
Master bathroom remodel 2018
Finally finished the update of that old white tile bathroom off the hall. Now it’s connected to the master bedroom via a pocket door. Much nicer! Continue reading “Master bathroom remodel 2018”
Darryl’s dad’s memorial/wake
Lee and I went down together for Darryl’s father’s memorial party at his family’s home in Long Beach. Just a quick overnight trip because Lee was outbound to Colorado two days after the wake. Fun to check out LBC a tiny bit — though the Airbnb on 7th Street was kind of lame. Neither of us got much sleep. But the mood at the party was festive and loving so that was all the energy we needed. I got to catch up with many folks I hadn’t seen in a long time, including Karen Dunn, D’s indefatigable mom. Even managed to get Lee to walk around exploring the Alamitos neighborhood where Darryl grew up — peppered with all kinds of amazing craftsman style bungalows.
Disneyworld and Kennedy Space Center
Orlando, what a strange place. We did three days at the Disney parks and one at Cape Canaveral. Shuttling around in a rental car, because Orlando doesn’t do transit in any meaningful sense of the term. The highlight for me was the Fantasia minigolf course near one of the resorts. Probably the best putt-putt I’ve ever seen. The fading light of a warm Florida evening, beautifully rendered sculptures, and some amazing tricky shots and water features… just the best. The Space Center was moving in ways (maybe not surprising but still, I was caught off guard by the drama of the old shuttle Atlantis, and all the lost lives in the program’s disasters). I may never go back to northern Florida again but it was good to see it all. Continue reading “Disneyworld and Kennedy Space Center”
Christmas in San Diego
Took a break from the cold weather world to check out San Diego. Stayed at this cute Airbnb place in Hillcrest, which was lovely (as a neighborhood). San Diego was sunny and quiet, though the Balboa Park Zoo was pretty jammed even on Xmas day. Man, do zoos make me feel sad for the animals though. I fell in love with the vibe of the city, I must admit. Continue reading “Christmas in San Diego”
Xmas in Seattle, 2017
This year was the first year I managed to catch the Anderson Xmas party — hosted at mom & dad’s place in View Ridge this year (convenient!). Got to see so many cousins that I hadn’t seen since they were little (and a whole new batch of young ones too). Only downer was my niece Anne and sis Neha weren’t there for the festivities. Mom, as usual, did all the heavy lifting to bring off the success of the party — though Jane and I did bake some cookies too. I also managed to have a lovely breakfast at Stowe & Nina’s (where I got to meet his kids, who’re so grown up at this point) along with Brian. And also had an evening at Emily and Joshua’s complete with Hannukah candle lighting with the kiddos. Full weekend. Continue reading “Xmas in Seattle, 2017”
Holiday Cookie Party 2017
The annual cookie party returned in 2017, thanks to the completion on all the remodels this year. I had a chance to bake a few new recipes, including Melissa Pasanen’s amazing Cocobean Cupcakes (gluten and dairy free). The hit of the bunch was the Chocolate-Hazelnut Espresso sandwich cookies. It was a lively affair with 32 guests and a whole lotta mulled wine! Continue reading “Holiday Cookie Party 2017”
Will and Joanne visit SF, 2017
A sweet visit with the Tennessee papa and mama and sister Jordana, who were staying in Santa Cruz (out for a wedding thereabouts). We got to catch up on a whole bunch of stuff in the last year.
Las Vegas for Patrick’s birthday
Everyone wants to see “Vegas” if they’ve never been there. And I must admit, it’s much changed since I was last here about 15 years ago. More pedestrian stuff, more promenading, more food everywhere. Definitely an improvement. I still don’t need more than one visit per decade though. We rented a car and looked at housing but it was too much sprawl for me.
Marty Dunn party in Novato
Celebration my first cousin’s graduation from the Culinary Institute up at Marty and Katie’s really nice house in the hills of Novato. A real Dunn family reunion. Got to see the whole gang. So great! Continue reading “Marty Dunn party in Novato”
Minigolf at McInnis Park
Another round for the pro circuit boys. This time at a lovely course nestled next to a real golf course. I suppose we’ll graduate to that someday. Or maybe not. 🙂 We dined at the McInnis clubhouse first. Holes in one were had afterwards. The September weather was gorgeous. Flowers and scents in bloom. Love Marin… Continue reading “Minigolf at McInnis Park”
Walt Disney Family Museum
Patrick and I check out the history of the man behind the magic out at the museum in The Presidio. More there than one would expect… so much detail and history. And amazing collection of miniatures that Walt loved. Continue reading “Walt Disney Family Museum”
Minigolf at Scandia
The pro circuit guys hit Scandia. 🙂 Continue reading “Minigolf at Scandia”
Uncle Steve and Aunt Jane’s (with Ian!)
Ian was kind enough to drive us down to Aptos for a day with the unk and auntie. Sweet chatting on their deck, dog petting, and then afternoon Mexican at their local fave place. Oh, and just randomly, Lee dropped in to SF and we all had dinner together the night before. Kismet. Continue reading “Uncle Steve and Aunt Jane’s (with Ian!)”
March For Science, 2017
John and I went out on the streets to ply some pro-environment/clean water stuff for NextGen. I just loved the energy of the folks who turned out. Some very fun and funny signs. Continue reading “March For Science, 2017”
Honolulu April 2017
Went back to dip a little further into life on Oahu. This time, I rented a car and explored the northern side of the island a little. Got soaking wet hiking up into the rainforest to see Manoa Falls. Loved it. Patrick N and I went minigolfing too, and I hit my first hole-in-one on a minigolf course, ever. Continue reading “Honolulu April 2017”
Stowe and Nina visit
I first met this guy when I was 18 years old, some 35 years ago. It’s hard to articulate the pleasure of sharing a meal like this with Stowe and his wife Nina. The sheer sweep of time, all the changes, our life’s different paths, etc. And yet the essential good feelings remain. In moments like tonight, I find myself filled with appreciation for my heart’s compass. My only regret was that I didn’t get to meet their son Remy, who I’ve watched grow up in pictures all these years. Maybe next time… Continue reading “Stowe and Nina visit”
Volunteering at the Magnet health clinic
In January 2017, I finished my volunteer training for Magnet and started doing weekly shifts as a concierge. Loving every minute of it. And all the great people there — staff and clients. What am I doing in the design field??? Continue reading “Volunteering at the Magnet health clinic”
Walter Street reborn
The second bath remodel is complete. Almost four months to get here but now it’s wonderful. Almost enough to make me want to stay in northern Cali. 🙂 Continue reading “Walter Street reborn”
Antonio’s birthday bash
Celebrating Antonio’s 52nd at Darryl’s in what has become a true March ritual. I intended to make a kale citrus salad to bring, but ended up making chocolate chip cookies. Shockers. Continue reading “Antonio’s birthday bash”
Couchsurfin’ with Barak Tamam
Had a lovely three day couchsurfer stay with me, Barak. He hails from Tel Aviv, doing some travel after completing his graduating and getting his MSW degree there. I showed him some of my favorite sites between his crazy nights out (including one where his phone was out of battery and he couldn’t remember the address of my house). /smh Continue reading “Couchsurfin’ with Barak Tamam”
Mount Tam hike
Went looking for “Inspiration Point” with John and Mark. Didn’t really find it… but the vistas were still inspiring. Strange to look down over the far-off city and think I live in one tiny spec in this small place in a vast world. Continue reading “Mount Tam hike”
Emily visit
My sister comes down to the Bay Area and we hang out all day (and she sweetly helped me with the painting of the hallway). Love her! Continue reading “Emily visit”
Birthday boys at IHOP
The March birthday squad gathers for our annual pancake-apalooza at IHOP. We don’t see that much of Lee these days, so it’s extra special. Momma Sherri treated us to the whole meal — thanks, mom. And of course, the “crazy birthday hat” from Lee’s mom Betsy made its 10th annual appearance! Continue reading “Birthday boys at IHOP”
Honolulu February 2017
Decided on to escape the wet & gray of California this winter with a long weekend in Oahu, where I’d never been before. Totally loved it… even crazy crowded loud Waikiki. Continue reading “Honolulu February 2017”
Christmas in Seattle 2016
Another holiday with my sweet clan up in the Northwest — hannukah and christmas and Ariyeh’s upsherin all rolled up into a big weekend. Continue reading “Christmas in Seattle 2016”
Maui 2016
A winter trip to one of my favorite places. The skies were wetter than usual but we still got in three days at Little Beach and some zip lines. Continue reading “Maui 2016”
Thanksgiving 2016
This time we celebrated by staying in the city with a potluck. Sooo much food. Oh dear. The weather was lovely — and I did one of my deck campfires for the first time in years. We all played Apples to Apples before dessert. Continue reading “Thanksgiving 2016”
“Beautiful” – A day spent with momma
Took mom out for brunch in Seattle, just her and me. The skies were gray but not too wet so we walked from Portage Bay Cafe (too crowded) to a sports bar across the road. Then walked up to the grand Paramount Theater for an afternoon musical — Beautiful — about the life and songs of Carole King. Her songs made me smile and cry and feel the awe of life’s truth. A truly lovely afternoon together, just the two of us. Continue reading ““Beautiful” – A day spent with momma”
Walter Street flat
Photos of the flat on Walter St, San Francisco CA. Continue reading “Walter Street flat”
Jax, my beloved companion… 2001-2016
With a heavy heart, I said goodbye to this wonderful love in my life. Such a pure, devoted, tender soul in Jax. A piece of myself is gone forever… Continue reading “Jax, my beloved companion… 2001-2016”
Pride Brunch at Darryl’s
This is turning into an annual event. Continue reading “Pride Brunch at Darryl’s”