Holiday Bouquet

This holiday arrangement looked great in Beth's new house.

Arthur's New Perch

I hurt my back a couple days ago and the pain really hit a high point yesterday. Luckily, I already had a doctor's appointment, which changed from a routine exam to a visit during a crisis. Part of my treatment involves a heating pad.


Well, you can see who now LOVES the heating pad. And, yes, I kept it turned on for him. For the record, I'm feeling better today.

Classy Ginger

New collar. New ID tag. Ooh la la!

Christmas in SF

It was a cold and sunny Christmas Day here in San Francisco. Ginger and I took advantage of the nice weather and walked to Fisherman's Wharf.


I bought two Dungeness crabs ('tis the season!) and a small loaf of sourdough bread. Call it Christmas lunch.


Then, I watched some sappy Christmas movies and made French onion soup for dinner. It was scrumptious! For the time-consuming, yet so easy a first-grader could make it recipe, click here.

Saigon Sandwich

I pass Saigon Sandwich shop on my way to the library and there's ALWAYS a line out the door. Figured that was reason enough to give it a try.


I don't remember sandwiches in Vietnam, but I do remember the bread and this was it! Perfectly baked baguette filled with roasted chicken, cilantro, carrots, peppers and some type of yummy sauce ... all for $3!

Making Mischief

Here's what happens when Ginger is left alone with an empty bag of dog food.

Old Friends

Yesterday, I had lunch with Elizabeth and Tanner. Much too much time had passed since I last saw them. Elizabeth was my roommate and I drove her to the hospital the day she had Tanner. And, yes, I said, "My, how you've grown!"

Packers Lose ...

... but not until the very end. It was a nail-biter for sure. And, yes, I made my way to an actual sports bar and sat next to a woman from Waukesha. Classic.

El Dorado Kitchen

Susan and I played hooky from the conference we're both attending this week and headed north to wine country yesterday.


We stopped at a few wineries, then had lunch in downtown Sonoma at the El Dorado Kitchen.


Truffle fries, incredible Caesar salad, salmon cakes and sparkling wine from Gloria Ferrer. True decadence.

Party Pictures

Brother Mike.


Bassist Matt.


Brother Brian.


The couple who started it all.


If anyone has a good shot of the birthday girl, let me know.

My Tree

For the first time in many years, I have a Christmas tree! As the truly urban girl that I am ... I carried it home on the bus and decorated it over the weekend.


My godmother started giving me a Christmas ornament on my first birthday. Every year I got a new one and I still have them all. Of course I supplemented hers with my own and, needless to say, I have a rather large collection.


The snowman started it all on my first birthday in 1970.


The wooden soldier was birthday #4 and the blue angel was #18.


My brother, Brian, made the Dixie Cup bell when he was five and I won the drum in a first grade spelling bee. Oh, and the tiny angel was #3. Thanks to Mom for marking them all!

New Collar

Not too long ago, I threw my superstitions to the wind and bought Ginger a new leash. That's worked out so well, I decided she needs a new collar. Her current one has her name and phone number on it. We've changed our phone number, so it's no longer valid.


I went to a store in our neighborhood last night, but they wanted $45 -- for a dog collar! I love Earthdog's hemp products (where I got both her leashes), so I ordered there. Want to guess which one I picked?

Cold Snap

I know this is nothing for most of you ... but the Bay Area is in the grips of a very unusual cold snap. It was 35 degrees as I walked to work yesterday in gloves and a hat. And, yes, some of that white stuff was spotted.

Rye

I think Rye is my favorite neighborhood hangout. It's very hip, but not painfully so and they make really creative cocktails.


Brian had a sazarac and I had a persimmon sour. Yum.

MNF

Brian and I went to my neighborhood bar last night to watch the Packers beat the Ravens in Monday Night Football. Apparently, true fans refer to this event simply as MNF. Sometimes, I think it would be nice to have cable TV.

We got real-time updates via cell phone from Mike who was enjoying the game at frigid Lambeau Field.

Osha Thai Noodle Cafe

We enjoyed an assortment of noodles, curries, rolls and rice last night. Yummy!

First Look

Here's a first look at photos from my birthday party. Suffice it to say that an excellent time was had by all.

Cocktails and Sushi

I met Brian, Mike, Mike and Mandy after work yesterday at Rickhouse, a really cool cocktail bar.


We sat upstairs where the walls are made of old oak whiskey barrels.


Next we headed across the street to Akiko's where we enjoyed some of the most complex sushi I've ever eaten.


Both terrific spots in the Financial District and highly recommended.