Jones

I think I've found my new favorite neighborhood place. It's called Jones and it's simply gorgeous.


A restaurant, two bars and a gigantic, heated, outdoor patio - and it's all lovely. I haven't tried the food yet, but they boast a $5 happy hour, so I'll be there very soon.

Guadalupe River Parkway

This awesome 11.5-mile trail is about a mile from my office in San Jose. It's been a really nice place to run at lunch - when the temperatures aren't in the 90s. Whew!

My Commute

My new job is in San Jose, which is about 50 miles south of San Francisco. Three days a week, I walk a few blocks to catch the shuttle bus. Some days I work, some days I chat, but usually I read.


I'm already a big reader, so with nine extra hours a week devoted to my favorite pastime, I'm going to consume many more books than usual. Don't forget to check my running list to the right for the latest. For the first time, I've granted a novel two stars - which is a MUST read.

Gastro Gypsy

They call it the Gastro Gypsy and it was one of the best sandwiches I've ever eaten! Goat cheese, olive tapenade and grilled carrots seasoned with Moroccan spices - yes, carrots - create a flavor explosion!


And Straw, in Hayes Valley, is decorated in a carnival theme and feels cute and cozy without being cloying.

A Perfect Summer Salad

It's no secret I'm trying to lose weight. It's also no secret I love carbs - bread, pasta, potatoes. When I saw this recipe, which promised to be a worthy substitute for traditional potato salad, I was doubtful. I'm happy to say I was so very wrong.


I used light mayo and a horseradish-dijon mustard blend for an extra kick. It was delicious!

Me and Gardening

I am not a gardener. To me, it means a sore back and dirty fingernails. It means picking weeds and getting rid of pests. For my friend, Beth, it's important to have a patch of dirt. She's planted lettuce, kale, tomatoes and all sorts of herbs in her yard.


Admittedly, when I stayed at her place, I enjoyed picking the greens and preparing them for dinner. Aren't they beautiful? And delicious.

Sonoma Sojourn

After I had secured a new job, it was fun to hang out during the week with friends I don't get to see as often as I'd like.


One day, I joined Margaret on her work jaunt to Sonoma. We had lunch and visited Viansa, the gorgeous winery where she and BZ got married so long ago.

My Sabbatical

Well, it wasn't really a sabbatical, but that sounds better than "my period of unemployment."

My faithful readers have likely noticed my absence in the blogosphere. I must admit to experiencing a bout of depression following my company's "financial restructuring" and the subsequent "elimination" of my position. I certainly didn't want to convey any negativity through the Interweb. Now, I'm back.

I'll tell stories about my new job(s), but, first, I wanted to share some of my cat-sitting experiences.


Meeps and Juju. Or is it Juju and Meeps?


Nick and Daisy.


Daisy, in all her glory.