Three Docs in One Day

I've officially grown weary of doctors' waiting rooms. Saw a third orthopedist yesterday who decided my ankle was getting worse instead of better, so I've now been outfitted with a stylish black boot to go with my even more stylist black sling.

Sadly, Mom's leaving tomorrow, so no offers of help (rides, groceries, dog walks, etc.) will be refused.

After ...

It feels like hitting my thumb with a hammer, but Dr. Green said all went well. My new #2 best friend? Viacodin. My #1 best friend? Mom, who arrived yesterday to help me.

Before ...

Who knew such a little cut could cause so much trouble? Today is surgery to reattach my tendon and fix up some severed nerves. Cross all fingers (and thumbs!)

Happy Birthday, Margaret!

Who could possibly meet for brunch at the Cliff House on a weekday ...? Several lovely ladies, apparently.

Did they or didn't they?

I'm pretty sure I witnessed the anti-wedding wedding of Adrienne and Fahr yesterday on Angel Island. It was beautiful and, yes, tears were shed. The sun. The food. Congrats to A&F!

Update ...

It's Saturday and I've been back in SF about three days now. I've spent most of that time sleeping and seeing doctors. Turns out I severed a tendon, which has left me unable to bend my right thumb, and I sliced several nerves, leaving me with a bit of numbness. My right hand is in a removable cast at the moment and surgery (!) is scheduled for next Thursday. Thank goodness this all happened on my last day rather than my first day!

Last Night on Brac

For our last night, Jean and I went a bit crazy and enjoyed an incredible lobster dinner. See photo of Jean and Leonard.

Unfortunately, it was our last fun "Before the Fall," as we now refer to the incident. We bought a bottle of wine and were headed home to our terrace when I took a nasty spill. Jean found a doctor who stitched me up for my long trip home the next day. See photo from ferry from Brac to Split.

14 May

It has finally occurred to us that this trip is winding down. I can hardly believe it. The weather couldn't be more perfect, the food has been superb and the beaches are indescribable. Jean and I spent the day at the beach in the photo. Tomorrow it's back to Split where I'll say good-bye to Jean.

13 May

Jean and I decided to spend a few days on the island of Brać. We rented a lovely little villa and met two wonderful gals, Vesna and Elizabeth, at Croatia's most famous beach, Zlatni Rat. They were experiencing a bit of 'English Withdrawal.'

The first photo is the beach where we spent most of Saturday and all of Sunday. The second is the fun-loving trio.

12 May

Arrived early this morning in Split and had just enough time to check out Diocletian's Palace and the Saturday market (everything from fresh fish to underwear) before meeting Jean.

11 May

I couldn´t resist. I decided to stay in Hvar an extra day. I moved out of my villa this morning and into a mere sobe (room.) I've included a photo with my new view. (middle photo) I've also discovered several 'new' beaches where I have spent most of my time lately. The weather could not be more idyllic.

Yesterday evening I watched a dance recital in the main square. I oohed and aahed with the grandmothers and mothers. Very pleasant. I should have used my video feature on my camera. Oh well.

Very early tomorrow I leave to meet Jean in Split.

9 May

Today has been a lazy day. I went back to the beach this morning and took a few pictures. Mostly, though, I just hung out at the villa and read my book. Thinking of spending an extra day here.

Now that I've got the uploading thing figured out I've included more photos this time. The first is the view from the restaurant where Louise, Monica and I had dinner last night. We were the ONLY customers. It's definitely not yet high season.

The other two are from my beach, which is about a 20 minute walk from my house. There is no sand here, only smooth, round stones. Beautiful.

8 May

Met up with Louise and her friend, Monica, yesterday for lunch and some serious beach time. Unfortunately, the girls have a bit more melatonin than I.

This morning, we all climbed to the fortress that overlooks Hvar and offers breathtaking views. They rented a boat and headed to Brac, while I went back to the beach.

The first photo is from the fortress and the second is from the swankiest hotel in town. We had drinks.

6 May

Dubrovnik to Hvar. The dreaded eight-hour ferry ride. After the Dramamine I boarded the gigantic vessel and immediately met Vicki, a Long Island native who currently lives in Bermuda. We chatted like old friends the entire way. Arrived in Hvar, took a deep breath and fell in love.

The first photo is the view from my luxurious terrace. The second is the center of Hvar Town.

5 May

Last day in Dubrovnik. Finally sun.

I met up with Clark in the morning and he and I took a boat to the island of Lokrum, about 15 minutes from the city. The entire island is a national park. No cars. Very few people. Lots of trees. It wasn´t warm enough for swimming, but we had a lovely time anyway. Wade got a chance to work and we all met up for dinner and drinks later. I left the boys about midnight in a raucous dance club as I had to catch an early ferry to Hvar.

Here is a photo from Lokrum.

4 May

Sorry for the delay. As you might have guessed, the rain stopped and I am in heaven. But more on that in a moment ...

On Friday evening, the rain stopped and I took advantage of the break to head out to the walls. You can walk the perimeter in about an hour and you get incredible views of the city.

Here are some photos.

4 May

It hasn't stopped raining. I've grown a bit weary of it. It may continue through the weekend. Major bummer. I've found an Internet cafe, hence my postings today, but it's not worth taking any pictures. Did I mention it's a bummer?

3 May

Awoke today to pouring rain. Took the advice of Snjezana, the AP reporter in Zagreb, and sought out her friend, Wade, who runs a war photography museum here. Luckily for me, Wade's brother was visiting from New Zealand, so we both got the grand tour of the area in a nice, dry car. Had a spectacular lunch of grilled fish in Catvat, then watched the world go by from a cafe on the Stradun (the old town's main street.) The photos are a view from a different cafe that's perched on a cliffside (I went the night before when it WASN'T raining) and the second is Wade and his brother.

2 May

I arrived in Dubrovnik on Wednesday afternoon. The Old Town is almost too pretty to be real. It actually feels a bit Disneyland-ish. It's packed with Italian tourists. I spent most of the evening at ... yep, you guessed it ... a pizzeria where I chatted with Mario, the owner, the waiter and his sister. I also got my kitty fix when Freida jumped on my lap while I ate. I took these photos in my room. Magnificent view. Only complaint ... my window is right above a steakhouse, so all evening the smell of cooking animal flesh permeates my room.

Croatia Trip - Day Two

May Day! Everyone was off work and everything was closed, which was perfectly fine with me. I sat in a cafe in Trg Josip Jalacica (the main square) and listened to bands play and watched majorettes twirl. In the afternoon, I met Filip, a university student, who was kind enough to take me on a tour of Upper Town.

Croatia Trip - Day One

Frankfurt to Zagreb: Uneventful flight. Didn't open a single book. Watched two movies. Zagreb reminds me of both Poland and Germany. Sunny, but a bit chilly. Friendly people. Comfy room. Excellent pizza and wine.