Ginger

Jan. 31, 1995 - June 21, 2010

I am NOT a pool player.

But I won $5 from a guy who bet me $1 that I'd lose and $5 that I'd win. Good deal for me, huh?


While my brothers spent hours in Grandma's basement learning the finer points of billiards, I was upstairs with the womenfolk - doing whatever it was we did - dishes, gossiping and discussing our family tree. As a result, I'm not too handy with the cue. I think last night was a fluke. Or maybe I just need a financial incentive.

The Ramen Girl

I watched a really cute movie last night starring Brittany Murphy. I'd seen her a few times before and liked her - despite my better judgment. It was only last night, though, that I realized she's the blonde actress who died a few months ago. So sad. She really had a Julia Roberts-type, movie star quality. I can't recommend The Ramen Girl for its insightful intelligence, but it's a lighthearted, fun romp made all the more enjoyable by its star.

Gardenias

Several years ago, I received a gardenia lei from a friend in Hawaii. It was made up of dozens of blooms and was exquisite.


In San Francisco, most flower stands sell single gardenias for $1-1.50 each. They come with stick pins for wearing, but I prefer to drop mine in small bowl of water. One flower makes my whole apartment smell wonderful for several days. If you don't see them, ask. The good flower sellers stash them in a cardboard box away from the sun where they get droopy.

Lunch on the Bay

On Sunday, Louise and I took advantage of the sunny day and enjoyed lunch at Hi Dive at Pier 28. Despite its name, it's not a dive bar. In fact, my turkey sandwich was pretty incredible.


Later, we strolled down the Embarcadero where I spotted this quote by John Steinbeck, one of my favorite authors.

Sunbathing

I wasn't the only one basking in this weekend's sunshine ... Arthur looked so luxurious stretched out on the kitchen table, I couldn't resist taking his picture.

Fly

Margaret and I shared a Mediterranean salad at Fly. We just missed their incredible Happy Hour specials, but it was still quite reasonable. Definitely one of my neighborhood favorites.