More Neil

Heidi's photo is better than mine. Neil changed into the blue shirt for his encore. Also, go to Heidi's blog for some great video of "Sweet Caroline."

Neil

Last night, Heidi and I went to see the one and only Neil Diamond in San Jose. Unbeknownst to me, Heidi upgraded our tickets and called it an early birthday present. We sat in the 14th row, center. We couldn't see the sweat on Neil's brow, but close. He played for two hours and it was quite rollicking.

More Brewers

Thankfully, the fog rolled back in on Sunday, so I went to the sports bar at 11 a.m. guilt-free. I had to literally BEG the bartender to tune in one of the 17 TVs to the Brewers-Cubs game. Dirty looks all around -- "Baseball?! It's SUNDAY!"


The game was pretty darned exciting. The Brewers won and the Mets lost securing a place in the playoffs for the underdogs from Milwaukee.

The Ramp

On Saturday, Louise and I soaked up the unusually warm sunshine at The Ramp. Their shrimp Louis salad was quite tasty, but it's all about the location.

More Brewers

After work on Friday, the sports bar was PACKED, so I headed over to Finnegan's Wake where I knew there were TVs. I walked in and the debate had just started on the big screen and, lo and behold, the only other TV in the place was showing the Brewers-Cubs game. Woo hoo! As the number of people increased, the noise level decreased as EVERYONE was there to watch McCain-Obama. I swiveled in my chair a lot and got to enjoy both. And, yes, the Brewers won again. They haven't been to the playoffs since 1982 ... which I remember well.

Brewers

OK. I considered fibbing, but decided the truth was more amusing.

I am a fair-weather sports fan. Literally. I'll go see the Giants if it's hot and sunny and I'll watch the Milwaukee Brewers and the Green Bay Packers if something exciting is happening.

Last night, I headed to my local sports bar to watch the Brewers battle for a wild card slot in the playoffs. They HAD to win. I showed up around 6 p.m. and figured the game would be over by 8 p.m. Alas, I was wrong. Extra innings. But I simply HAD to go home to watch the season premiere of Survivor.

Apparently, Ryan Braun won the game in the 10th inning with a grand slam. Sigh.

Slanted Door

Yesterday, my new employer took the entire office to lunch at the Slanted Door ... for no particular reason. Locals know this is one of the classiest (and priciest) Vietnamese restaurants in the city. Their new location is right on the water. Spectacular views and incredible food.

ANTM

Last night, four girls and three dogs gathered at Sharla's house for Arizmendi pizza, red wine and America's Next Top Model.

Thankfully, it was time for Isis -- ANTM's first transgender contestant -- to go home.

Hi Dive

After starting out at swankier environs, Beth, Penelope and I had dinner and drinks last night at Hi Dive. I'd only jogged past this spot and was pleasantly surprised. It's cute and cozy and down-to-earth.


The shrimp tacos were wonderful.

Larkspur

Jenny, Heidi and I had lunch yesterday in Larkspur at Yankee Pier. It was fun catching up and soaking up the sunshine.


Jenny taught me how to purl, which is easier than I ever could imagine.

Treasure Island

In the late afternoon, I went with Georgia and Josh to the Treasure Island Music Festival. Yes, I had sworn off large outdoor concerts and, yes, I've sworn them off again, although this one was as well organized as it could have been.


I was pleasantly surprised by Goldfrapp, who put on a great show.


But I went to see TV on the Radio. Their new album comes out on Tuesday. I can't wait! These guys rocked and their one-hour show flew by.

Maverick

Linda and I had lunch at Maverick yesterday. We both had omelets with zucchini, leeks and goat cheese. I overdid it with the yummy hot sauce and sweated through most of the meal.


Linda ordered the doughnut holes, which were nearly identical to paczki -- a Polish dessert.

Divisadero and Haight

Have I mentioned lately how much I love this town?

Last night, Gin and I walked to Divisadero and Haight to buy a concert ticket from a guy I found on Craig's List. (Does that happen other places?) On our way back home, we encountered a man who had poured concrete for a new sidewalk square. As we passed, I said, "That looks tempting." He replied, "C'mon. Put her paw in there." I said, "Seriously?" He said, "Absolutely." So, I stuck Gin's left paw in the concrete, which was nearly dry. It ended up looking more like a smudge than a paw, but isn't it the sentiment that counts?

Margaret aka Gigantic Event Organizer

On Tuesday night, I attended Margaret's "Rock for Change" event. It was a rousing success. I can't wait to hear how much money she raised. Her photos are much better than mine, so check them out here.

Old Ship Saloon

I met Beth for drinks last night at the Old Ship Saloon, which is a nice, laid-back pub right across from my new office. The food was pretty good, too. Only downside? Fruit flies.

Cliff House

After an unsuccessful search for whales at Fort Funston, Jenny and I had lunch at the Cliff House. My Shrimp Louis Salad was so good, it hardly needed any of the extremely fat-laden dressing.

Lindsey

After Laura's annual garden party, which was lovely as always, I went to see Lindsey Buckingham at the Palace of Fine Arts. I feel a bit lame because I was unaware he was such a complete and utter guitar virtuoso! He's also a great singer-songwriter, as well as, sexy at nearly 60! Thanks to Tod for the tickets!

Alejandro

I first heard Alejandro Escovedo two years ago at the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival. He rocked my world. So, I couldn't pass up the chance to see him at my favorite venue, Bimbo's. Turns out he used to live in SF and he played with a punk band called the Nuns who toured with the Sex Pistols. Who knew? And ... his niece is Sheila E. Cool.



Carrie Rodriguez and her kick-butt band opened. She reminded me a lot of Lucinda Williams.

More Boulder

I stayed here. It was wonderful to get up in the morning and walk in the woods.

On Tuesday night, I had dinner here.

Boulder

I'm in Boulder, Colorado this week, staying right smack in front of the Flatirons. It's really lovely.

The Beach

I've lived in SF for 10 years now and I did something yesterday that I've never done before. I wore a bathing suit to Ocean Beach! Yes, it's true. It's rarely warm enough to "lay out" at the beach, but now that summer's over, our warm weather has finally arrived!

Tiburon

I hope the people who live in Tiburon appreciate what a lovely place it is. Gin and I were lucky enough to spend two days at Heidi's this week. We both enjoyed the quiet, the sun and the pool!

Poop Bags

In SF, plastic grocery bags are illegal. In general, this is a wonderful thing, but it puts us dog owners in a precarious position when it comes to finding "poop bags."

My friend, Lisa, who lives in Montara saved up months worth of bags and delivered them to me this weekend. I left them in the hallway and while I was out, Gin refused to believe they all were empty.

Holden's Shower

Yesterday, dozens of Tod and Linda's friends showed up to celebrate the arrival of Holden Edward, who was born on Aug. 5. The papers are signed and it's official! The young master slept through most of the event, so I'll have to post photos another time.

Hugh and Mati hosted.

The proud papa.

Opening gifts.

My first completed knitting project -- a blanket for Holden.

Fish

Georgia, Jenny and I checked out this simply named seafood restaurant in Sausalito on Sunday. Good food, great views.



We then hung out at the beach at Fort Cronkite. It was a bit blustery, so we didn't last long. Naturally, Gin didn't mind a bit.