the life of Patrick Santana in words and pictures
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”
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”
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”
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.
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.
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”
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”
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”
The pro circuit guys hit Scandia. 🙂 Continue reading “Minigolf at Scandia”
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!)”
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”
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”
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”
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”
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”
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”
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”
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”
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”
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”
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”