The Kindle

I think I want a Kindle. There. I said it.

I LOVE books. I love how they look, how they smell, how they feel. I remember the day I got a library card. I think I was 6. Mom?

If I don't have at least three unread books on a trip, my palms get sweaty. Really. I've sought out English language bookstores everywhere from Egypt to Russia to Vietnam. So, a Kindle appeals greatly to my practical side. My friends who own the devices assure me I'd only use it for traveling. We shall see.

Split-Pea Soup

I had a productive weekend - cleaning, laundry, errands. I also enjoyed a big pot of split-pea soup. Cheap, easy and yummy.


I used Mollie Katzen's recipe, using water instead of stock and leaving out the potato because I didn't have one. I really liked the kick provided by the red wine vinegar.

Yoshi's Jazz Club and Japanese Restaurant

Make no mistake - this is a great place to see a show. Comfortable, intimate with a terrific sound system. Downstairs seats about 300; upstairs, which isn't always open, seats another 100 or so.


The food - primarily sushi - is quite good, but pricey.


If a band that you really, really like is playing there, it's well worth a visit.

Paula Cole

Paula Cole opened her show at Yoshi's last night by thanking the audience of about 250 people for remembering her. I thought, "Of course we remember you." But when she belted out some of her older songs, I was reminded of her huge talent.


I saw her perform in 1997 in S.C. - before she broke into "Lilith Faire." Her look, her voice and her songwriting has matured, but she still channeled her inner rocker chick. It was a great show!

Victory Parade!

I don't think I've ever seen anything like the Giants parade in SF today! I took a vacation day and, boy, what a smart move! It was 70 degrees, sunny and gorgeous as tens of thousands of people lined the parade route.


The crowds were insane, but everyone was happy - decked out in orange and black. I met people who traveled from places like Ukiah, Sacramento and San Jose to attend.


All the players rode by in cable cars. Nice touch!


Thanks to my friends at the A&P for the photos!

World Series Victory!

I was glued to my TV set for nearly every post-season game. If it couldn't be the Brewers, it may as well be the Giants.


Barry Bonds was an unacknowledged presence as the young team proclaimed they had no superstars among them and it was all about baseball. Awesome!


Downtown SF was absolutely insane!

Black Cats and Pumpkins

I'm not a big Halloween fan ... especially this year when I've been more interested in baseball. Anyway, I decided I NEEDED homemade pumpkin seeds.


So, I snatched up one of the last pumpkins at Cala, took it home and carved it. It contained lots of seeds and hardly any pulp, which made me wonder whether they're bred this way.


Anyway, I consulted Mom, then sprinkled the seeds with Worchestershire sauce, garlic powder, kosher salt and a bit of oil, then baked them for about an hour. And voila!


Then, I lit the jack-o-lantern and waited patiently for Arthur to investigate.