My Home for the Holidays

Admittedly, I'm pretty excited I don't have to travel anywhere for the holidays. This year, the family is coming to me. Mike's on a train and my folks fly out tomorrow -- assuming the weather cooperates.

Black Crowes

I absolutely love the Black Crowes' latest CD, Warpaint. Brian and I went to see them at the Fillmore last night and they put on a really good show. I would've liked to hear more of the new stuff, but I'm sure Brian would disagree.

Beretta

I should've taken pictures of the food. It was super-duper yummy. David, Brian and I shared sardines, Brussels sprouts, an arugula salad, squash risotto and an incredible potato, rosemary, radicchio & gorgonzola pizza.

Then, we headed to our CD group's holiday party where we enjoyed a left-over cheese ball from Liz and Mark's party, as well as, a rousing version of the musical name game!

Alamo Square

Laura and I had dinner last night at Alamo Square Seafood Grill. Laura had the bouillabaise shellfish soup and I had the vegetable risotto, which was phenomenal. Neither of us had been there in years, so it was a reminder of what a cozy place it is.

Gin's Best Friend

Need I say more?

Christmas Downtown

I love Christmas decorations -- especially those downtown.

Work Party

Last night, my colleagues and I celebrated with a holiday party. We started with drinks and appetizers (very yummy!) at Bix, a super-swanky bar/restaurant/lounge in an alley just around the corner from our office. It used to be a speakeasy where women swung from trapezes and it's still awfully cool.


We had dinner at Delancey Street, which is better known for its cause than its food. The restaurant is completely staffed by formerly troubled kids - addicts, criminals, etc. - who are turning their lives around.

Ahi

I love ahi. I met Terry yesterday for lunch at Seller's Market and enjoyed this super-tasty salad. I thought a salad might counteract all the weekend parties I'll be attending and the holiday food I'll be eating.

Open Mic + Thai

Brian gave another great performance at Amnesia last night. This time it was a Bruce Springsteen cover and one of Brian's originals, "Hold Me, I'm Lonely." You could've heard a pin drop.

Next, we headed next door for a yummy selection of appetizers - spring rolls, salmon sticks, Thai samosas, fish cakes and ahi - at Osha Thai Restaurant.

Netflix

Netflix has been letting me down lately. I've been suffering through a spate of crappy movies. Last night was a bit of an exception. I watched "Smart People" with Dennis Quaid, Sarah Jessica Parker and pre-Juno Ellen Page. It was a schlocky story, but I enjoyed it.

Bachelorette Party

On Saturday night, Kate regaled us with the story of her romance with Sean. The wedding is the week before Christmas. She assured us this would be the only time we'd see her in a veil.

Lunch with Linda and Holden

Linda, Holden and I met for lunch in the Mission on Saturday. It was warm and sunny and the food was fantastic! And someone behaved like a perfect angel.

Brian's Birthday

Amanda, Brian and five of his new SF friends celebrated his birthday last night at a great Mexican restaurant in the Mission. He said it was better than his annual Chi Chi's trek when he was a kid, although he did miss the fried ice cream.

Alembic

Brian, Amanda and I celebrated Amanda's arrival in SF with drinks and "nibbles" at Alembic, one of my favorite places. It's swanky, but comfortable and expensive enough to keep out the "riff raff."

Sunset at Ocean Beach

Have I mentioned lately how much I love San Francisco?

More Packers

It's distressing that the Packer games are never on regular TV. On Sunday, Brian and I trekked over to Kezar ... again at 10:30 a.m. to watch the home team lose ... again.


We did meet a new friend and fellow Wisconsinite, Tracy.


Then, because it was in the mid 70s and sunny, we went to Golden Gate Park to play Scrabble and abuse Ginger.

Birthday Fun

After enjoying the morning in Oroville, aka Small Piece of Paradise, Brian and I headed back to SF to get ready for my birthday party. The guests were good sports about the gaming, the champagne cocktails were yummy and the fondue didn't ... but it was a lovely time for all.

Thanksgiving Part Two

On Friday, Brian and I went up to Oroville to have a second Thanksgiving dinner with Beth and her parents. How lucky are we??

Thanksgiving

Great friends. Great food. Great day.

Amnesia

Brian had quite a cheering section for open mic night.

Packers

Brian and I were quite bummed the Packer game wasn't on regular TV and we had to trek down to the local sports bar ... again. It was really cool that the QB got a touchdown AND tackled someone, but, admittedly, we didn't have the heart to stay until the bitter end.

Birthday Lunch

My new employer has a policy of taking each staffer out for a birthday lunch at the destination of his/her choosing. Nicole's birthday was last Saturday, mine is this Saturday, so we combined forces and had lunch at Taverna Aventine. Yummy.

Note: If any of my fellow bloggers could tell me why my photos are all suddenly showing up so tiny, I'd appreciate it!

Fort Fun

Sunday was supposed to be laundry day, but with sunny skies and temperatures back in the 70s, we simply HAD to be outside.

Produce Market

Brian has discovered one of SF's few bargains -- produce!

He walked to this market at 4th and Geary and bought a big bag of lemons for $4. He said those same lemons cost him $1 a piece in Milwaukee. Too bad we're still paying $2.25 a gallon for gas.

The Finale

The Winner(?!?)


Sharla expressed my sentiments exactly.


Even Mama was shocked.



I thought that WE were MUCH more attractive.

The Hat

After six bus rides plus 45 minutes ... I've knitted a hat! I am so excited I can hardly contain myself. My two remaining fears: it's too big or too girly.

Kokkari

I had a business lunch at Kokkari today. What a beautiful restaurant! They serve Greek food, which I love, love, love. Must go back for dinner.

Knitting in the Round

Once I got going, it was pretty darn easy! If I got the sizing right, all will be well and someone will have a new hat for Christmas.

Brunch with Heidi

On Sunday, Heidi invited us up to Tiburon for brunch. Heidi cooked and a fun time was had by all.

Note: Brian hasn't shrunk. He's squatting a bit for the camera's self-timer.

Bonfire at Ocean Beach

Admittedly, I wasn't as excited about a bonfire at the beach as Brian was ... but after several days of sunny, clear skies and temperatures in the 80s, hanging out, watching a roaring fire on Saturday night was great fun.

Quiz Night

Every Thursday, a pub near my office hosts Quiz Night, which is just what it sounds like. Brian and I held our own until about the third round. Then, we crashed and burned.

Marjorie

America's Next Top Model attracted male viewers last night! Some say it was the pizza and wine. I choose to believe they sought intelligent television.

Here's the group posing like top models.


We also bid adieu to Marjorie, my favorite.

Knitting Progress?

I went to this store near my office and bought yarn for my next project _ a hat and scarf for my nephew. I've been paralyzed by the fear of "knitting in the round," but Christmas is getting closer every day. Wish me luck!

Speaking of Gin ...

For those following the pee-on-the-kitchen-floor mystery ... since Brian arrived 12 days ago, there's been one small "accident." I think we need to chalk it up to age.

Black Sand Beach

Black Sand Beach is just a quick drive from SF. I'd never been there ... never even heard of it until recently ... so Brian, Gin and I took advantage of the sunny Sunday and checked it out.


The sand isn't sand, but a collection of beautiful, delicate pebbles.


And, yes, Gin has a new best friend.