Weekend update...

Jeff and I had a fabulous Easter weekend...although somehow I gave him my cold. Let's ignore that for now. I bought him tulips to make up :)

Easter dinner on Sunday was a scrumptuous mixture of tradition and pantry. Ham plus a yummy mushroom risotto (bought in Siena last May), paired with comfort foods green bean casserole and cornbread muffins. Oh, and Jeff's favorite German chocolate cake...yum!!




The weekend was full of heavy downpours one minute, followed by blue cloudless skies. We even had some early morning hail Sunday morning. So, we ventured out on Sunday for a walk between showers. We went to a small park in Hunters Point. Heron's Head Park is a sliver of land that juts out into the Bay as a breakwater. The park is tucked between a PG&E power plant and a Port of San Francisco warehouse.


This park is popular with birders. So here, for my folks, is today's name-that-bird quiz!


Also, out and about on Sunday, I snapped this photo of the University of San Francisco's St. Ignatius Church. The sun had popped out and was shining off the gold cross on this spire. That and I liked the wispy clouds.


On both Saturday and Sunday mornings, we awoke to rain showers. So, I decided to take a drive and see what some of my favorite photo spots looked like in the rain. I found a few new areas...and an odd blue camper. You don't see THAT every day.

That was quick...

Sorry to report that the clouds and light scattered showers returned before I even headed to lunch. Mother Nature is such a tease.

For the record...

...its an absolutely stunningly beautiful morning in San Francisco.

New for Spring...

The downside of my current "yes-iPod, no-magazine" travel habit is that during takeoff and landing, I'm forced to leaf through United's materials. Well, SkyMall didn't disappoint this time :)

I've figured out just why 'Elena' wants to visit me from Russia...she knows about the stuff in the in-flight SkyMall catalog. SkyMall is reinforcing the myth that wine (and vodka) flow freely in the streets. At least they do if you have a handy 'Fire Water Fire Hydrant!'.



Or, need that discrete little nip while you're golfing? How about the 'Designated Driver'?


Or, if you just can't be bothered by gimmicks and gadgets, just wear your booze. Try the fashionable 'Booze Belt'.


I didn't know that the average frequent flyer is an alcoholic...

...or a dog owner. Lots of doggy beds (and the aforementioned doggy stairs). But the 'Doggy Murphy Bed' wins best in show for this issue of SkyMall.


Oh yeah, the latest from 'Elena'. Slow news day!

Sorry my dear. I could not write to you the letter because I was on business trip. My chief forced me and some more person to go in the next city. There it was necessary to help with registration of the order for our firm. I had no time to write to you. I am so sorry. I hope you you do not take offence at me. How are you? I hope to see from you the letter.

In and out of LA...

I did a quick day trip to LA today for a meeting. The flights were uneventful, except for being moved from the first row to the last row (next to the bathroom) to counterbalance front-weighted luggage.

But my flight was fine and I skipped out of SF before our daily rain showers began. Of course, this yin would eventually be yanged by having my return flight delayed. Once again, there is balance in the universe.

One unexpected highlight, however, was having lunch at the cafe in LA's Walt Disney Concert Hall, which was designed by Frank Gehry. It happens to be just a few blocks away from the Civic Center in downtown LA. I captured a few quick shots to share.






On the way back to Burbank Airport (a.k.a. Bob Hope Airport), my co-worker Michele and I took a random loop to see if we could drive by the Hollywood sign. Well, good thing I snapped a couple of distance shots. We got a bit closer than this picture, but could never quite figure out where to go.

But there was no rain in LA...so we were happy :) Its the little things, really.

Elephant seals and snot...

Each year at this time, the beaches just north of San Simeon at Piedras Blancas are teaming with young male and female Elephant Seal pups. The come ashore by the thousands to molt. The youngest ones are learning to swim in the protected shallow waters.

Jeff and Matthew learned from a helpful Friend of the Elephant Seals that the full grown males weight around 5000 pounds and migrate along a 5000 mile route each year. Oh, and they will dive about 5000 feet down to feed. (They fast during the time while they are on the beach.)

Truly a sight to be seen...from upwind. At first glance, these pups definitely have the awwwww factor going for them. But closer inspection reveals snotty noses and belch-like sounds. Heh, we even caught one adventurous pup picking his nose :)

Latin for Buddy...

We took advantage of some rare sunshine this afternoon to add some new plants to the garden. I'm terrible at remembering the names of plants...fortunately, Jeff is much better. But today, I saved a couple of the plant names to show off. So, first off, an easy latin quiz for Buddy, a.k.a. Mr. Horticulture.

Here are three of several new plants. Let's letter them A, B, and C in order. Their latin names are in the following list:

1. Juncas spiralis
2. Sedum album athoum
3. Acorus gramineus ogon

Answers at the end.

And here are some of the new succulents we added today. Its amazing how after 50+ different varieties in our succulent garden already, that we can sill find cool new ones.

Oh, and the answers: A-2, B-1, and C-3.

An unlikely castle...

William Randolph Hearst built his dream getaway atop the rolling hills of his enormous San Simeon ranch (250,000 acres!!). Hearst and his visionary architect Juial Morgan began work on the estate in 1919 and really the work never stopped until Hearst's death in 1951.

Tours of the mansion and grounds are all guided--there are four daytime tours. On this trip, we took Tour 2 (which is our favorite) and Tour 4 (which focuses on the gardens, which are not really notable in April).

On both tours, we lucked out and got the same guide--a colorful woman named Julie. She was animated and had a storytelling style that really drew us in.

Now, everybody that goes to Hearst Castle will tell you about the pools. There are two of them (one indoor and one outdoor), and they grand. Frankly, nothing about Hearst Castle is understated. There are statues and carvings everywhere...usually inspired by some antique that Hearst had seen. And of course, there are true antiques everywhere you turn.

The best parts of the house (in our opinion) are the upstairs rooms. These are the highlight of Tour 2. You get to visit Heart's library, his private Gothic study, and many cool tucked away bedrooms. Most of the ceilings are transported from Europe--lots of Spanish and Italian ceilings.

I think what is the most fascinating part of Hearst Castle is that it is clearly a work in progress. As Hearst acquired more ceilings or doors, he would ask his architect to change floorplans or build additions. So, in many places, you see the bones of the building and the concrete walls just waiting for some elaborate tile work.



Hearst Castle stands out because of its isolation. It sits uniquely alone among some of the most spectacular natural beauty that California has to offer. Everyone should visit at least once.

Down the coast...

Our trip south this weekend took us along some of the most beautiful coastline in the world. If you don't believe me, just dig up an old copy of National Geographic Traveler with its "50 Places of a Lifetime" list.

The weather Saturday was mostly sunny, with just enough clouds to make the light interesting. We stopped along the way at some of the cool scenic spots. This was Matthew's first visit, so he got the full treatment. And we made it to our destination in Cambria for a nice sunset.







All of our rain (see James...I worked it in) has definitely made for some unusual greens along the coast. And fortunately, we did not have any closures due to landslides. But one not-so-pretty artifact from all the rain was an abundance of poison oak. Unfortunately, Jeff drew the short straw and seems to have picked up a couple of nasty patches. Just makes you stronger, right?

Competition...

I got a glimpse of the future last night. I received another email from Russia, but it was clearly further along in the story than where we were. And this one named another man :(

Nevertheless, the plot thickens. In today's episode, we learn of Elena's true desires: money for a visa. This one is great, even if it refers to someone else.

My dear Banty. I hasten to write to you the letter. My girlfriend informed me what probably to make the visa for 10 days. She talked with familiar in Moscow and he agreed to help. I mean can soon go to you. Do you you want it? It is necessary to solve a financial problem only. As soon as I shall have the sufficient sum of money for trip I shall necessarily write to you the letter with the data when and where it will be necessary to you to meet me. Ok? I cannot believe that I shall soon see you and I can touch you. It so raises :). Weather here magnificent. I am happy that at last my dream comes true. I love you mine sunny.

I wonder if she will write back to me back where we left off last time, or if she will continue where this letter places us. Tune in next time.

Signed, mine sunny.

Too tired to type...

Well, the good news is that we've returned from a very nice road trip along the California coast. But the rain (and some pesky allergy medication) has me drained. So, perhaps just a couple of snapshots from our trip before dinner.

The main destination for our trip was Hearst Castle in San Simeon. William Randolph Hearst's architect literally cobbled this building together from and around Hearst's broad collection of antiques. Most of the ceilings, doors, and fireplaces are transported from Europe. The rooms are filled with antiques ranging from a few hundred to a thousand years old. Hearst was insatiable, and his architect placated him by changing plans as she went along to match whatever new acquisition Hearst had made.

Here are a couple of hints of the style of the building and its interior. I've got many more photos to show as I work on them.



But like I said...I'm tired. So, I leave you with an elephant seal. I like to think he is yawning with me, but he was probably making a funny belching sound.

Total eclipse...

Jeff and I are headed off for a road trip today. We're driving south with his nephew Matt, who is here for spring break. The sun has been darting in and out today, so hopefully it will provide for some dramatic pictures as we drive through Big Sur. Our destination is Cambria and nearby Hearst Castle.

So, until we return, I leave you with the latest from Russia. Enjoy.

How are you? Do you saw an eclipse of the sun? I for the first time could see it. It is very beautiful. Weather here warm. It cheers up as well as your letters. But I should tell to you that now I not always can write to you. Because I should save money. I need in purchase of new clothes and other things. All that is necessary for the girl to look beautifully. :) As soon as I shall have money I shall write to you letters. Ok? I cannot write to you everyday. I hope you you will understand me. Thanks that you understand me. When I write letters to you I feel a strange inclination to you. What is it? Love? I cannot understand. Probably this attraction was thought up to each other with destiny. :) Or the spring so strongly operates on us. I like you. I send you my photo. By the way today and I for the first time do not know my birthday as I shall celebrate it. :)

I think Elena was drinking today, because this letter seems to ramble more than the rest. Still, the affection is clear. You just can't make this stuff up.

Have a good weekend.