Thanksgivukkah!

 
Giving thanks today for menurkeys, my goofy turkeys, and hand-made turkey place settings; Settlers of Catan (last night's Hanukkah gift that has already been played multiple times); David Sedaris (who has been making me laugh out loud with his latest book and app); and the ability to stay in pjs for most of today. Now headed off to get dressed for an evening of candle-lighting and turkey eating with an international mix of new and old friends. 

Wishing you and your loved ones a very Happy Thanksgivukkah!

San Francisco Maritime National Park

We stumbled upon this nautically-themed National Park while meandering along the waterfront in San Francisco. The nice views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the city skyline were hard to beat. It's not necessarily a park that we would have gone out of our way to visit, but I am glad we ignored the initial whiny protests from the kids and opted to climb aboard. 

Boy By The Bay

A nifty blue telescope, Alcatrez in the distance and my handsome boy in the foreground. There were plenty of interesting things for viewing, but his favorite was the big sea gull who perched next to him and pooped.

Early Morning Walk in China Town

We spent last weekend in San Francisco visiting with family/friends and attending a beautiful wedding at The Presidio (Mazel Tov to Jess and Ross!). Another highlight was an early morning walk through Chinatown with Adam. 

Just the two of us surrounded by the sights and sounds of the district awakening for the day...shopkeepers sweeping, delicious doughy aromas wafting from Eastern Bakery, red lanterns, and faded retro signs aging with layers of urban grit. I really loved those signs and hope they can continue to weather the elements of change. 

Eight

Happy Birthday, Camille!

Still Collecting

During my first semester of college in the Shenandoah Valley, I was awed by the incredible array of fall colors. I avidly collected the lovely leaf litter and stuffed it into large manilla envelopes which I sent back home to Louisiana. I soon received a similar envelope from my youngest sister (who was two or three at the time). The envelope was filled with green leaves. 

Autumn continues to amaze me.

Our Own Version

Night View of the Washington Monument