Another year is coming to an end.

Most of the last few months have been spent at home in Traverse City. Dan completed his consulting in NY in April. We had plenty of company during the summer, and also a visit from Melisa. Trips that did occur, included a journey to Alameda for Henry's second birthday, another trip to Alameda and Salt Lake by Pat in October. Dan met Melisa in Chicago to go to a Michigan football game, and then we both went to Chicago again in December with the Newcomers Club of Traverse City. So I guess we did do some traveling.
We will end this year with a holiday trip down state to see Adam and Melisa, then catch a plane on Christmas day for yet another trip out west to See Matt and Jason and their families. A trip is planned to Florida in March, and our big trip of the year will be to Poland, Prague, Austria and Germany in May.

Taking a Walk with Bach and Sibelius

Took it easy again in the morning, then decided to walk the Brooklyn Bridge, which has been a goal.   The day was finally nice enough.   I walked from the Brooklyn side.  It was fairly crowded with tourists, but everyone was nice, taking each other's pictures.   It's not that long a walk, and really nice.  You can see a wavy building in the background, that is a building designed by Frank Gehry, an architect famous for unusually shaped buildings. Frank Gehry
I walked mostly all of it, then decided to wait for Dan to walk completely across it---saving my energy, but also wanted to see it at night when all the city lights are on.   I felt so inspired on the bridge, it's very majestic, and as I had my Ipod, I played 2 of my favorite inspiring pieces---Bach's "Little Fugue in G Minor" and the Sibelius 2nd Symphony, or part of it.   Of course, i then had to call my brother to tell him that, as we share a love of those 2 pieces of music.   It was pretty thrilling to see the Statue of Liberty while listening to them!

Later, Dan came home early, and I took him to lunch at the Chelsea Market.   I also took pictures of it.
Dan liked the market too, much more authentic than "Eataly", a very yuppie Italian eatery and Italian everything else that is nearer to the UES.  (apparently the "in" phrase for the "upper east side")
Afterwards, we decided to take the subway to the River on the Manhattan side, and walk across the Brookyn Bridge to our hotel from this side

An Ethnic Day, including Martha.

I felt a little better today;  took it easy in the morning and just hung around the hotel, lounging around.
Later, I took the subway to the Fashion Institute of America  where they had several fashion collections (FIT)  I really love fashion exhibits, to see clothing through the ages.   This one was o.k., but not a very large collection.   Still, it was all I could fiind, as the big one at the Met is apparently closed momentarily.

When I finished there, I was on my way to walk to Chelsea, and saw a sign that said "Martha Stewart", indicating her studios.  So, I walked by, and saw a short line of people.  When I asked what was going on, they said they were about to go in to see a taping of her show, and someone handled me an extra ticket!   I was the last person they let in.  Oh, it was fun and interesting.   Beautiful sets, and so interesting to see how they tape a show.  It is so practiced and organized, of course, you would think that with Martha.   She would be "on", during a segment, then would just stop, say a few words to her guest, and then, sort of shut down.   Though I hear she can be rather bitchy, it did occur to me that she had six segments to tape, so she really had to conserve her energy and focus inward to prepare for the next guest.   She'd move from set to set, as would all the stuff she'd need for that segment.    They did give away freebies, but it was mostly pretty lame--dog bones, and stuff from minwax.    (leftovers from the day's guests)

After this, I did walk to Chelsea, which is very close.  Wanted to see The Chelsea Market.   I loved this place, it is a foodies haven!   I liked it much better than "Eataly", a new place that is all Italian stuff, and much more yuppy.   The Chelsea Market has been there forever.chelseamarket    The bakeries are actually there on site, as well as the stores.  I bought a few treats, for dessert and for breakfast the next day.   There are bakeries, a huge fish store, an Italian store, a meat store, etc. and all the shops have food you can take out.  It is a huge area, takes up an entire city block.   I really liked this.

Got back to hotel, met Dan, traded info about what we'd done all day.   Adam then picked us up and drove us to Williamsburg to meet their cousin, John, at a Polish restaurant.   Krnik?    It was really, really good!  Very authentic.   The 3 of them ate  ALOT!   John ordered salmon tartare as an appetizer, which was delicious, something I never thought I'd like.  Dan will add on the right name and what everyone ate, I don't really know the right names.   I didn't eat much, didn't feel well, but loved the place.
John had a big bag with them, and when we left, I asked him what it was.  Well, it was his BIKE!   It collapsed into a case!   He quickly put it together, and rode home.

A good day.

Another week in NY

This week was pretty busy for me. I went to Manhattan a couple of times, the Bronx, and Brooklyn. I also saw Caroline Kennedy at Barnes and Nobles, and Henning Mankell the next night at Barnes and Nobles. That same night I saw Toots Theilman at the Blue Note Jazz Club. The most notable things that I saw this week were in Brooklyn in the area of Bensonherst near Coney Island. There are large areas of Orthodoox Jews, Russians, Middle Easterners, and Latino's. It is very diverse and the schools are full. Neighborhoods in general are very well kept. There are meat markets, grocery stores, clothing stores, pizza by the slice, hot dogs, everything you can imagine. It was quite something. I also walked along the boardwalk in Coney Island, which is under renovation. That was interesting. The whole area is fascinating diverse and unique.

from the Lower East Side to the Upper West

Met Hillary and Ken at Katz's deli for lunch.  They were on their way to see The Tenement Museum.(Tenement Museum)   Now this is worth looking up, it is a fascinating museum where you tour an actual tenement where immigrants would live.  I have been to it before, and am really not feeling well, so I didn't go back with them, but said good-bye to them at lunch.  Dan joined us later as he was done for the day.  We were disappointed in the lunch, it doesn't hold a candle to Zingerman's in Ann Arbor!
We said our good-byes, and Dan also went back to the room to do paperwork.   I had the afternoon to myself.  
I was on my way to meet a new friend, Marie, for a drink at the Boathouse, which is in Central Park.   Took my time getting there, stopping at Bloomingdale's and Henri Bendel's to do a little shopping.   I love Henri Bendel's, it is really a unique store.   Ritzy, but fun and laid out well.
Walked through the park to meet Marie, and on the way, discovered the Central Park Zoo!  There was a show going on, with seals.   It was delightful and I stopped and watched.  Unfortunately, i was also trying to call my doctor's office to get some meds sent to the Brooklyn RiteAid, but alas, they wouldn't do it without seeing me, suggested i go to Urgent Care.  (oh, what a thought---in the middle of Brooklyn!)
Anyway, I met Marie for a drink, which was fun.   The Boathouse is a beautiful spot.  
I didn't stay long, as i really didn't feel well, and had had a full day.
Went back to the hotel, where there was a group up in the "Concierge Suite" for Dan's work group.  met some people, but i really wasn't in it.    Ended up going to dinner with another couple, who wanted to tag along with us to eat at Junior's.   This is a great place, nearby and very casual, but famous for it's cheesecake.  Everything was good!  I had a wedge of lettuce, my very favorite thing, and a piece of Dan's fried chicken, excellent.
Went back gladly to take it easy.  You will be noting i have NOT been able to take it easy!  

Coal Miners to Cigar Factories

Today we went to see "Billy Elliot".   We got half price tickets at the kiosk behind our hotel.   (this is almost a secret location---in Brooklyn, just get off the subway at the Jay stop and it's right there)  There was
barely anyone in line.   I was excited, as this was my first pick for a play.  
It is always exciting to see theater in NYC, and we wished we had done more of this.   We both loved this play, great music by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, and a good story, of a boy who lives in a poor mining town in England where the workers are striking, to no avail.  (  Billy Elliot)
After the play, we walked to Hillary and Ken's hotel, and had a nice dinner in the Cuban restaurant there.   They are in a good location on Lexington street near the theater district.   We did not have cigars after dinner, however!
We then came back to our hotel.   I have a cold, which is getting worse and worse.   It is going into my lungs, and am thinking it is bronchitis.   I am trying to rest and take it easy

March 26th--Cloistered in the beauty

Met Hillary and Ken at The Cloisters, a beautiful museum that is part of the Met.    As we got off the subway, we were thrilled by the beautiful area we were in.   We had to hike up to the museum, through a beautiful park.   Across the Hudson River were the New Jersey Palisades, which are cliffs.  (I never knew this)   The museum itself is a work of art;  it is built to copy a monastary, and is beautiful!   The exhibits are all medieval, from 1100-1400, divided by the different time periods.   We had recently read "The Pillars of the Earth" by Ken Follett, which we both loved, and takes place during medieval times, so we've become interested in this time period.   This is a lovely museum!   (  The Cloisters)  I really suggest you look it up to get the full story of this museum.

Later, Hillary and Ken went to see a play, "Arcadia", by Tom Stoppard.  (Their assessment the next day was, "We're still thinking about it."  )    Dan and I met my cousin, Rick, his girlfriend, Nancy, his son, Jesse, wife Jamie, and new baby, Kingston, and Adam, for dinner at Los Cominos.   We really had a nice time. Very good restaurant, the guacamole was homemade and DELICIOUS.!     This was a combined birthday celebration for Rick and I, as his birthday is March 27th.    Nancy is so sweet,  I really like her, and Rick is one of my favorite cousins.   She bought me a gift, and arranged a surprise dessert.   It felt festive, and so nice to have family around.  I am very rarely with family on my birthday, so when I am, I treasure it.

, Hillary and Ken went to see a play, "Arcadia", by Tom Stoppard.  (Their assessment the next day was, "We're still thinking about it."  )    Dan and I met my cousin, Rick, his girlfriend, Nancy, his son, Jesse, wife Jamie, and new baby, Kingston, and Adam, for dinner at Los Cominos.   We really had a nice time. Very good restaurant, the guacamole was homemade and DELICIOUS.!     This was a combined birthday celebration for Rick and I, as his birthday is March 27th.    Nancy is so sweet,  I really like her, and Rick is one of my favorite cousins.   She bought me a gift, and arranged a surprise dessert.   It felt festive, and so nice to have family around.  I am very rarely with family on my birthday, so when I am, I treasure it.

Pat finally gets to NYC-March 25th

I was supposed to leave for NYC on my birthday, March 23rd.   Well, we had a blizzard up in Traverse City!   Aside from falling in a huge snow bank, and almost not being able to get out of the house or driveway, my flight was cancelled.  I was actually relieved, the thought of trying to drive 20 miles was not welcoming.  The only face to face i had all day was a Skype talk with my good friend, Lynn.   Dan too, later on.  Not my best birthday!
I also need to mention, however, how many phone calls i got.   All the kids----Adam, Matt, Melisa and Jay and Lindsey, Jim and Laura.  Jane called from Florida, got many cards.  I felt lonely, but very loved.

Finally got to NYC on friday, the 25th, and it went smoothly.   Hillary and Ken were coming in about an hour later, and they met us at my birthday pick restaurant, Armando's in Brooklyn.   We had a great meal again---i was torn, but ordered the veal instead of the lasagne.  It was excellent and i was glad i did.
Glad to finally be back in NYC, it felt so comfortable this time.  So good to see Hillary and Ken too.

A Staircase grows in Queens

Pat's not the only one who can find staircases. This is the entrance to the Jamaica High campus in Queens. It's a long climb to the top. This is a large school, that has been split up into four separate High Schools. I spent a little time wandering around the neighborhood, as I got bad directions from the subway guy. Interesting mix of cultures, Indonesian, Indian, Pakistani, Muslims, churches, mosques, grocery stores of different cultures. Very diverse. We had snow sleet last night, but not as bad as Northern Michigan, Pat got snowed in, TC airport was closed. She was supposed to come in last night, but won't be here now until Friday afternoon. It was a bad day for her, and even worse it was her birthday. I'll try and make it up to her when she comes in tomorrow.





http://www.jamaicahighschool.org/ALUM/TIMCAP/timecap.htm

--
Dan  Klimaszewski

The New House

Here is the link to pictures I took of Jason and Lindsey's new house, right before they moved in.

 http://gallery.me.com/pathaber#100687

Disasters and Songs

I woke up to Jay coming down to my room, saying "quick, we have to evacuate ------the earthquake and tsunami in Japan is going to hit San Francisco in 30 minutes!" 
"wha" i say, not quite getting it in my dazed state . Wasn't the earthquake in Japan? Yes, he said, but it's hitting Hawaii now and is heading this way. It apparently can gain strength as it travels, at 500 miles an hour. 
Lindsey is running around getting the disaster preparation kit for Henry---diapers, "o's", a fruit snack, and a toy airplane. I take my computer and my kindle! We watch it on t.v. for a minute, it says San Francisco doesn't need to evacuate, but should be "prepared".

Anyway, we evacuate. We go to Oakland, off the Island of Alameda where they live, to go out to breakfast.
And a good breakfast it was, and of course, we did not need to evacuate so we started laughing about that.  We thought it was interesting what we took with us, in our state of emergency.

 Later, i see an email from United Airlines, for me to check in. Oh dear, it's Friday. The email says my flight leaves SATURDAY, NOT SUNDAY!!!!!!!!! I am stunned and chagrinned, Saturday is moving day! I call the airlines, but alas, I cannot change it. They are able to make other arrangements, with Ken, Lindsey's father, and her Aunt Rae. I feel terrible, I feel like I really let them down, and I'm not ready to leave them yet, I want to see them through the move. But I can do nothing about it. Lindsey is so, so sweet, she hugs me and tells me she's not angry, and that I shouldn't feel badly, I helped them out so much. I love them all so much, that was so nice.   Jay too reassures me, how caring they both are.

 So, we went out to dinner, then after they packed a bit, Jay took me to the hotel to spend the night there. I gave Henry his bath, changed him into his jammies, combed his hair, gave him lots of hugs and kisses, told him I loved him. He gave me kisses back, told me he loved me, "gamma." I sing "The Wheels on the Bus" over and over and over and over, and he  says "moe peese" , "moe peese".

He now helps me sing it, especially when the baby goes "waa waa waa". He  smiles and look at me and smiles broader. He then asks for "In a Cottage in the Woods" and loves to do the "Help me, Help Me, Help" he cried.

We found a download of "Wheels" as a phone ring, and Lindsey suggested Jay use that ring for me, so Henry always hears it when I call! 

He knows all of his letters and some of his numbers. No matter where he is, he will run up to signs or anything to point out the letters. He tries to sing the Alphabet Song. ok, I know I'm bragging. I just want to remember this!    I teach him to say maybe---"mayme" ---he loves this word, but this is not a word he will ever use, I am sure!    It was always be a decisive "yeah, yeah" or "Nope" or a determined "no. no' with a firm head shake.

Update from NYC

Well I'm back in New York. The trip here was pretty bad, it was delayed over three hours because of torrential rain in New York. Kennedy airport was only using one runway and many flights were backed up. The landing was also very shaky. Some of my colleagues were also delayed from Detroit, and in a plane that aborted the landing, and did a steep climb. They then landed somewhere in Pennsylvania for refueling. Overall it was a bad travel day in NY.
I finally grabbed a hamburger and got to my room at 1am.

The next morning I was up at 6am and on the subway by 7:30 to a school in Brooklyn. From there I went out to the Bronx, then back to Brooklyn. by the time I got back to my hotel room at 5pm I was exhausted. I just grabbed some food, and went to sleep early.
Tuesday was better, I went to the Manhattan Center for Science and Math. This school is over 150 years old. Quite a building, and a very good staff as well. That night Adam cooked spaghetti, so I headed over to his apartment, and ate spaghetti and watched soccer with him and his friend Anders. Anders is one of the photographers Adam works with, and he is from Copenhagen, Denmark. It was a very nice evening and the spaghetti was great.

So far this week I've been to the Bronx a couple of times, Brooklyn, and Manhattan. I never know where I'm going to be. This is the first time I have experienced Spanish Harlem, quite interesting. Tomorrow I'm back out in the Bronx, then back to the hotel to catch the transport to go back to the airport. Then home. I am really looking forward to being home for a week. After that I'll be back in NY for four more weeks.

The Zoo!

Today, I took Henry to the zoo!  It's the Oakland Zoo and I loved it.  I may have been more excited than he was!  This is a great zoo.  Large enclosures, good animals, safe areas for little kids to walk or run around all over.  There are docents and employees all around too to be helpful   We saw the big animals first, the elephants,  camels, zebras.   Couldn't see the lions or tigers.   Saw birds and markeets?  They are cute, cute little animals I'd never heard of before.  We ended up at the Childrens' Zoo, where Henry and I sat on a bench while he had some ice cream.   We then went to the petting zoo which he loved, where he got to pet the goats who were so friendly.

Henry was very gentle with the goats, was really pretty well behaved, though he'd run ahead quite a bit so I had to hustle around, or put him in the stroller.   He only fell about 4 times, but he's so tough, he'd just cry a second then go on his merry way.   He seemed to really like the drain grates by the way, would just stand by them watching the water down below!
The other thing he loves is finding letters in anything!  Anything that is written.   The sign of the Children's Zoo, he'd run over and recite the "O" and then the others.   We took a walk the other day and he saw initials on the sidewalk, stopped and told me what they were.

Nite Nite, Helping Gammi Get Ready and Wee Play

The week with Henry is going fast.   I am trying chronicle this, and will make an IBook for him, from my I Photo program.
I had bought Henry these monster p.j.s at The Gap, and he loves them, so i wanted to take a picture of him as he got ready for bed.  On tuesday night,  He brushed his teeth, as you can see.   I had to use the flash though, which he winced at, but it's really pretty funny.
On wednesday, we got ready, and went to Wee Play.   I had to have him in the bathroom with me as I washed up, so to occupy him,  I let him go into the bottom of my toiletries bag, which held my little shampoos, etc.   He took them out, and being the little scientist, tried to fit them into the ends of the toilet paper.   Well, it made sense to him, and hey, it occupied him while I put on my make up.

Wee play is an open area that is open to all kids in Alameda, 3 and under.  It's probably in other areas too.  it is great---it's a big room filled with clean, working toys, and you just let the kids go.  The moms are really nice.  I know I already wrote about it, so I don't need to say more, just wanted to get some pictures.

A Week of Henry!

Dan went back to NYC on Sunday, I left the Novato house, and moved over to Jay and Lindsey's.   I will write a few times, but mostly, I'm watching Henry.  Jay and Lindsey are moving into the house they bought this saturday, and they need help with Henry while they pack stuff up, move it over to the new place, and unpack.   I will take pictures as they move in.  It's a big house that is over 100 years old!  Yes, it needs a lot of work, but they have been able to do some renovating already, like the floors, and painting, and buying new appliances.
Henry and I are now good buds.   I take him to Wee Play, which is an open area held in some auditorium, with tons of toys in really good shape, is open to all for a small fee.  All the moms and grandmoms there are really nice.  You can just let the kids loose for the most part.  It is great, and Henry loves it.
We then eat lunch and he naps.   Then, he needs activity!   We read, watch a little t.v., play "Poisson Rouge" on the computer (a wonderful web site for kids) sing, find his toys, go up and down stairs, etc.

Today, Tuesday, we went to the Farmers Market, then to a playground, then went shopping.   He is a cheerful companion, talking away.  Doesn't love to be in the stroller, and is quite sure of what he likes and doesn't.  (doesn't like swings--"Nope" Nope"---he kept saying.    Liked the slide and just walking around.

He has a great vocabulary, will carry on a conversation, or sometimes just copies what you say, even when he knows you're joking.    He is a determined, funny, bright little guy.  (this sounds like the description of the dogs on the Westminster Dog Show!)

More funny Henry-isms, I've written about some of them already----"where'd it go" with a high voice on the end, and his hands raised in question.   I am teaching him "Maybe" because he likes to say it.   "Double" for W, when he says M, he goes MMMM, and he loves the letter O.   Whenever he sees letters he recognizes, which is quite often, he will announce them, like when he goes to Ikea!

He loves "The Wheels on the Bus", makes us sing it over and over, and now likes "In a Cottage in the Woods".  

I observe the differences between him and Isaac, our other grandson.  Isaac, so much more like Matt, is patient, thoughtful, analytical, very bright.  He will look a toy over completely to figure it out, but observe it.   He is more reserved, and it's fun to get him to rough and tumble.  Henry, so much more like Jay, is stubborn, DETERMINED, knows just want he wants and that is what he wants, nothing else!   He is funny, likes to laugh and entertain.   His intelligence is quick.  He is not patient, he charges into life while Isaac observes it and decides.    So wonderful to see their traits.  It's fun to be a grandparent--for one thing, the kiddies seem to automatically respect you and listen to you, revere you, something that doesn't happen to parents!  It's also nice to not be on for 24 hours a day, every day, we still have our own life, which is very good right now.

More posts may follow, but I'm pretty busy!

The past few days Sunshine and then fog

Did our last Stairway walk of this year, though it turned out to not be any stairways of note!   We took the Larkspur Ferry in, on a beautiful, sunny day.   Such a nice way to travel.   Took the trolley to our stop, and met Jason for lunch at the food court near the Westfield Mall.  We had a wonderful lunch at the Other Door, which is a part of The Slanted Door, an excellent San Francisco restaurant.  He was at the GDC, the Game Developers Conference.   After lunch, found the "walk" , which was really the Yerba Buena Gardens.  It was lovely--we had never been there before. Unusual gardens--a waterfall, park and play equipment, art center, many children activities in an area of a few blocks.   Walked around, stopped at the SFMOMA gift shop, and then took the Ferry back.

Came back and relaxed, watched an old movie, "The Day of the Jackel", a forerunner to the James Bond movies.
Oh, I am sick--we've been fighting colds since we've been here, as have Jay, Lindsey and Henry, but I really got it last night, so we took it easy.

Saturday

Dan's last day!  He is sad.  We will both miss this nice house.   We packed this morning, brought our box to be mailed, then went to Berkeley to a birthday party.  Jay's friends, Stina and James, had a party for their son, Jasper's, first birthday.   It was in a nearby park, and really nice.  We feel like we know so many of their friends, whom regard us with friendship too.  The "core" group has been friends for 16 years, when they met at Oberlin College and they have stuck together ever since.   They've added to their group with more friends and spouses from this area, have married here, and many have had children at the same time.   it's so interesting to see these changes.   The funny thing was about today though, as they all brought their young children, is that the main topic of conversation was health, how everyone is sick!   The kids, the parents and the visiting grandparents!

Didn't stay long as we needed to get back and clean the house. Pat

This trip has seemed very short, and it was compared to our last two winters here. I would like to have spent another week here, but NY calls. Highlights of this trip include, interesting wineries, some beautiful days in San Francisco, moments with Duffy (17 yr old dog we are sitting for), and of course Henry, Jason and Lindsey. We are so familiar with the Marin, SFO, Alameda, Sonoma and Napa areas that it feels very comfortable to be here. The downside of that is finding new things to do. we have been coming out here regularly for over 15 years. It is nice. I am now on my way to NY, and of course the flight is delayed because of fog. That is not unusual in SFO. That will get me into NY late, but it will still be OK. Dan

Moe Peese

This is a side blog regarding cute Henry-isms, again, mostly for our sake so we can embarrass him when he's older!
1. He always says "moe peese" (more please) when he really likes something and wants it repeated, like when you're reading him a book and he wants it read to him again.
2. He does a "fake smile" on command.  Sadly, I apparently taught him this when I was madly singing "Frere Jacques" to him over and over and he started laughing.  When he gave a fake smile, Dan, Jay, Lindsey and I really laughed, and of course, he hammed it up.    This song came from this website, "Poisson Rouge", or Red Fish, a wonderful French website for small children.

3. He will raise his hands when he sees that something, or someone, has gone.  "Duffy is gone?" with the hands raised in question.   Lindsey thinks all little kids do this, wonders where they get it.

The Bohemian Highway and the Bohemian Town

It was raining this morning, but it cleared up and we drove up to Healdsburg, a very nice town in Sonoma. They have a nice square, with cute shops, good restaurants and wine tastings.   Ate at the Healdsburg Bar and Grill, which was disappointing.  I had mushroom soup, which was too much of a good thing, as it had way too much truffle oil in it.  Dan had a Falafel, which was fair, and we splurged on "chorizo corn dogs".

It sounded so unique that I had to try them--they were not especially good!
We then walked around the town, which was really nice.  Decided to drive to Guerneville, see what wineries we saw on the way.  We saw many, many, but did not stop because Dan had taken a Nyquil last night and was so groggy that I was driving.   As the road was full of ESS curves, I did not want to drink either.   Guernville is a town that is on the Russian River, and whenever there is too much rain, it floods.  Indeed, it's been rainy, and we saw quite a bit of water.   This town is sleepy, old fashioned, and very un-yuppy, as are most of the inhabitants.   We think they probably do a lot of smoking and don't mind it when they flooded in.  
We then drove from there to Occidental, on the "Bohemian Highway".  Yes, that is the name of it, and it looks it.  It's not really a highway, it is a 2 lane road, not in good shape, with many bumps and turns on it.  It was, however, beautiful and unique.   Very curvy, with a raging river nearby, and tall, tall Redwoods gracing the sides of the road.  The homes along the way ranged from fairly decent, unique homes to shacks.  It's a fascinating area, very remote and different, definately has it's own character.
Occidental is apparently a small Italian town, with a few family style Italian restaurants.   It is nestled in the hills, seems less remote than Guernville. It's hard to describe these remote and small towns of Sonoma County, so opposite of what one would expect.   Napa is far more progressive, glitzy and yuppified, though we love it too.  Sonoma just has it's own character, and every town seems to even be more unique.
We drove home after that, another very nice day.   I should mention here that we are listening to "A Tale of Two Cities", by Dickens.   The reader is wonderful!  We are enjoying this very much.  It's great to listen to, to get a new sense of what a master writer he was!

It's a Lovely Day in the Neighborhood

A stairway walk at last!   The nicest day so far, sunny and warm.   Drove into San Francisco to do a Stairway walk.   This walk took us to North Beach and Telegraph Hill.  We weren't able to complete it, however, as we only had an hour on our meter.  I will complete this one at some point, though we've done part of it.   We missed going up Telegraph Hill and then going on the Greenwich Stairs, which we have done many times before.  That's where "The Parrots of Greenwich Hill" was filmed, if you have seen that.  It is a gorgeous stairway walk!   Anyway our mini version took us up about 6 streets, meandered through little side streets that you'd never know are there, and went up a few stairways.
This walk is from this book called "Stairway Walks in San Francisco" by Adah Bakalinksy.    http://sfstairwaywalks.weebly.com/index.html I have been doing these for the past 4 years, am determined to do them all.  This book is wonderful because it takes you on the walk, street by street, giving you all sorts of information about the area.   We end up exploring neighborhoods we'd never see otherwise, as well as getting very good exercise.
Found a really nice place to eat in nearby North Beach,  Cafe Lucca.   We had a light lunch, soup and salad, but it was excellent.  Everything was fresh and sustainable, of course.
We then went to the Legion of Honor, where Dan dropped me off so I could see an exhibit called "Pulp Fashion:  The Art of Isabelle de Borchgrave".  
It  was fascinating!   She refashioned dresses through the ages out of PAPER to represent different eras.   She'd use famous paintings as her models, and recreate them almost perfectly.   As interesting as her technique, were the original fashions to me.  I love fashion exhibits, and this one was very lovely.   She also designed some "sets" for the costume, like a kasbah you walked into, with a painted background.   Very clever.
Later that night, we went out to eat with our friends, Marcia and Fred, and their friends, Jack and Beppie.   I met Marcia a few years ago through jazzercize, then last year found out she was getting a bone marrow transplant, so you know we really bonded then.   We had a nice time with them, went to The China Garden, which was very good.   We are bloated.

What do you see in this piece of Toast?

is it the face of Jesus?   No, it is not.  Look again, my Michigan friends, it is the shape of Michigan!  (and yes, a bit burnt)
Just a little morning digression here.

It was a really good day, we are trying to pack a lot in before Dan takes off on Sunday, and I move over to Jay and Lindsey's house.     I went to jazzercize, had a good workout.  Then came home, and I played Mahjongg.   I made a few friends last year, and one of them, Suzan, had me over for lunch and MJ along with 2 of her friends, one of whom I had helped teach last year.  It was very fun.   A nice group of women.
I was losing my concentration by the 3rd game, however, as I had taken a sudafed, plus I'd had a glass of a very nice Viognier.   It wasn't much different than my normal concentration problems, but I fortunately won the first game.

Dan played golf while I played MJ, and he had a nice time too.  Said the course was wet, but he was glad to go out and play.

After I picked him up, we drove out to Point Reyes to take a hike in one of our hiking books.  It was lovely.  It never stops amazing us how beautiful this drive is.  We took Lucas Valley Rd. out there, and the Lucas does indeed stand for George Lucas, whose house, way up in the hills, behind gates, is on this road. The road is magnificant--ess curve after ess curve for a while, with high, rolling green hills in the background, then through a forest with tall Redwoods.  Then, going through the charming, small town of Nicasio, rural and unchanged from years ago.   We drove through Olema, where we hadn't been before, another charming little seaside town.  Drove to Pt. Reyes, near Tomales Bay, to be near the ocean.   The sun was low, as it was late, and it was so still and beautiful.  We just stopped, and listened to the little waterfalls and the birds.  It was very lovely.

On the way back, tried to get a picture of a huge hawk who kept sitting on fence posts, then as we'd try to take his picture, he'd fly to another one.   Got the one of him flying away.    As we left, I saw a steer mounting a cow!   I really wanted to get that shot, but it stopped as soon as it started--poor steer!

Pat takes a photo class and Henry gets an Ikea oven

First of all, IPhotos from class really need to talk about the weather.  o.k., it is not ideal, it is cool, sometimes rainy and cool sometimes rainy, windy and cool.   But today was nice.  very sunny.  Yes cool.  In the 40's.  I spend this time saying this because the forecast had been for SNOW.  and, of course, there was none.  But not to discourage the local news, they had about 1/2 hour broadcast on the weather, that being snow, even though there was none, except on elevated spots.  Coming from Northern Michigan, I dont' WANT to see any snow, but the Bay area residents are mightily disappointed.  Oh well, that is how it goes.


I took a photography class today that I had bought through groupon.com.  It was actually fun.  it could have been more instructive, though if the photographer, John Ater, actually critiques my Picassa folder, it would be worthwhile.   Here is a link to my gallery

 http://gallery.me.com/pathaber#100658

He stressed composition in the first half, and texture in the second half.  We met at the Ferry Building on Farmers Market day, so there was so much to take pictures of, with the food and the colors, etc.   It was a fun class, here is the link to my pictures, as yet , unedited.     I was thinking in my head of two themes-colors of the food and the signs.
I then took the Bart to Oakland, where Dan picked me up.   ( I love the Bart, though I had a little bit of difficulty buying the ticket---I also found it disconcerting that there was only one staircase down to all of the trains leaving from my station, since I have been in NYC recently, which has a maze of stations and levels and staircases for all their lines.
Dan picked me up, an we got to Jay and Lindsey's, and hung out with them and Henry.  we had bought Henry a toy kitchen from Ikea for Xmas, and we finally assembled it.  Or rather, Dan did while the rest of us entertained Henry.  Henry's not benn in a great mood lately--he may not feel well as he has a cold that has lasted for weeks that we have all caught, or, he's reaching the terrible two's a bit early.  So, he's a bit cranky and stubborn, with a constantly running nose.  Yes, if he weren't your grandchild, you would not rush to him at this moment, but of course, he is, and I do.   Anyway, he loved this little kitchen, and made dinner for all of us on it---he was dancing up and down with excitement! 
We then left and came home to our doggy ward, Duffy, who, at 17 years old, actually plays.  He plays "chase" which is rather hilarious as he is about 4 lbs. and 9 inches in length.

A Good Quote to Think About and my Theme

We weren't blogging during Martin Luther King Day, but I wanted to include a great quote:

"Faith is taking the First Step Even Though don't See the Whole Staircase."

Pat Gets Tipsy with Francis Ford Coppola

At last, a sunny, warm day!   We met our friend, Kathleen, in Sonoma today.  Picked her up at her condo in Sebastapol, and took the back way through beautiful vineyards and countryside to do some wine tasting, then to have lunch at Rustic, the charming restaurant at the Coppola winery.
First stop was Wilson's, where we had been last year.  Excellent wines.  I do not have a good "palate", as they say, I cannot describe wines, or discern their "nose" (the smell), but when you are doing wine tastings in California, they help you.  The person who is pouring describes them for you, in glowing, exact terms.

I just know if I like the wine or not!   I did like the wines at Wilson, a lot, and we bought a bottle of Petit, Petit syrah.   We took a picture of Kathleen and me that is identical to one we took of the two of us in Italy a few years ago when we were wine tasting there!

Pat and Kathleen Italy 2007

                                          Pat and Kathleen California, drinking again 2011

We then went on to Mauritson winery and those wines were really good! Particularly their Rockpile label.  I was beginning to feel it, I can't do much tasting without getting a little tipsy, especially before lunch.  The day was getting better and better.
This winery had these very cute yellow labs, Soho and Chelsea.  They were so cute.

It was time for lunch, so we left there before finishing the better wines, and went on to Coppola's for a wonderful lunch at their restaurant Rustic.  We had Chicken Mattone, which was chicken that was cooked under a brick (Jason, you would love this) flattened, and sauteed.  Delicious!  Also had pasta puttanesca, marinated anchovies (I opted out of these) and a Caesar salad.   The three of us split it all.  Before eating, we were served a beignet like roll, hot from the oven.   Kathleen and I are both on Weight Watchers, so we didn't watch our weight together. Still, splitting it three ways was a great idea.

After lunch, we returned to the Mauritson Winery to try their Rockpile Pinot Noir, shiraz, -------.  Oh, they were good!  We splurged on the Bordeaux, called Buck Pasture.  Wonderful!  Paul, are you reading this?

We returned Kathleen to her condo, came home, and relaxed.  Watched a movie we had from Netflix, it's a Danish movie "After the Wedding". We realized we had seen it at the Traverse City Film Festival a few years ago, but had forgotten the plot, so watched it again.    Pat finally had a nice sleep.