Now that the church production of “The Down and Back Boys” is over, I have time to post a run-down of the “best of” from our S.F. trip with the Sharps, followed by a quick trip to Provo, spent with the Craigs. In no particular order, these were memory-makers:
1. staying in an OK motel a 5-minute walk from Ghirardelli Square (that’s “Gag ‘n Gargle” to Milo) for several hot fudge sundaes
2. eating clam chowder in bread bowls at the Blue Mermaid in Fisherman’s Wharf area
3. being a few feet away from the Blue Angel pilots as they left the motel next to the Blue Mermaid on their way to the fabulous air show
4. walking every day by the high school where O. J. Simpson attended–on the way to F. Wharf (not really a highlight, but hey . . .)
5. finding wonderful city parks in every neighborhood where Milo and Pearl could play
6. attending church in the Bay Ward-friendly members; wonderful soprano soloist singing “O Divine Redeemer”; Abby’s blogging friend met
7. watching the Blue Angels air show from the Wharf beach-pure thrills!
8. happening upon the Columbus Day Parade in Wharf area-representing many cultures of the area
9. eating fried potato chips at a nearby greasy spoon
10. dining with Paul, Karin and Ben at an El Salvadoran restaurant in Mission District
11. dining with Richard and Clare at Andy’s Chinese restaurant in Russian Hill District
12. walking across the Golden Gate Bridge and down into charming Sausalito (4 miles)
13. riding the ferry back to S. F. and being smack next to a Pendleton clothing model shoot
14. watching Milo’s enthusiasm for riding the buses
15. riding cable cars-chugging up and down the steep hills
16. taking buses and mostly walking to Haight-Ashbury District where we ate lovely sandwiches at The People’s Cafe
17. walking to the “Painted Ladies” row houses where Abby filmed her Full House scene
18. enjoying the Japanese Tea Garden at Golden Gate Park
19. touring a newly commissioned Coast Guard boat
20. seeing the same L.D.S. missionary in the Mission District that we had met in church a few days earlier
21. relying on Jamie to speak Mandarin to the cab drivers and restaurant servers
22. hunting down a Chinese lady in S.F. who was selling cute crocheted animal hats–we heard about her at a park in Sausalito
23. talking to the crew of a boat from China that had just docked after spending 69 days on the seas, replicating a pre-Columbus crossing
24. eating a table full of delicious food at Sam Wo’s in Chinatown, all for just $28
25. eating breakfast at Judy’s in the Marina District and Dim Sum in Chinatown and luscious chocolate doughnuts every morning at our hotel
26. in Utah, driving the Alpine Loop with Emily and Steve & enjoying a picnic at Sundance
27. visiting my niece Kris in her new home in Alpine
28. hiking the Timpanogos Trail with the Craigs and going into the 3 caves there
29. exploring the incredibly beautiful gardens at Thanksgiving Point
30. enjoying lunch with the Craigs and Sharps at Sizzler and a family dinner at the Craigs that night
31. spending time with family-that was the best of all!
Hi. This is really Diana. What does everyone want for Christmas? Food, toiletries, clothes, books, toys, candles? And what sizes do all the kids wear? And who do Neil and I have this year? Please respond promptly. Thank you very much.
I’ve tried to post a photo, to no avail. I’m close to a meltdown, but I’ll take a deep breath and try again tomorrow. Have a great birthday, Ryan. love, Mom
poser or prince? well yes, both. but do you like it? it’s kinda the best gap commercial ever.
We missed you, Steve. Dennis printed up 5×7 photos for everyone. I’ll get them in the mail.
Here are a few pictures from the trip. We already miss everyone like the dickens. I guess I’m in charge next year. What do you say to San Diego? Suggestions, por favor.
Aaron: What are you doing?
Me: I’m watching Oprah.
Aaron: What?
Me: I’m watching O-P-R-A
Aaron: Is that like when everybody sings and they don’t talk?
Me: No, that’s opera.
Aaron: Well, who’s on it?
Me: A woman who is helping people who spend too much money.
Aaron: Well, is Dave Ramsey on it?
Now there’s a 7 year old who knows his stuff.
