Rained Out

We went back to the Tahoe National Forest to explore some more ghost towns a few weeks ago.

While exploring a different area near the Yuba River (in the rain), we found Bullards' Bar Reservoir.

This picture does not do justice how amazing the fog looked rising from the mountains.

(Not) Suprisingly, no one was out for watersports in the rain. Lucky for us, because the reservoir was an amazing emerald color and perfectly still.

Andy in the mist


French Corral had one notable building, but was a less-than impressive ghost town.

Bridgeport, however, contained the longest single span covered bridge in the US. Bridgeport also had several adorable deer families chillin' in the grasses.

The highlight of our trip, after a sleepless night in the rain in a tent, was the Fruit Jar Pickers of Rough and Ready, California. An amazing ensemble band, they accept everyone and encourage everyone to sing their folksy standards (especially the old folks in the audience). 20 musicians showed up this particular sunday, including 3 mandolins, 3 banjos, one washboards, and a homemade standup base.

Another great trip! Thanks for driving Andy!

oh Boca!

This past weekend we went to Boca Raton to visit Allegra's family. I have seen few more beautiful beaches. The sand is perfectly white and soft, and the water was 89 degrees.

This is what we spent most of the weekend doing. Quite relaxing.

The clouds in Boca were amazing too. This one looked a little like a dog.

The family took grandpa to Murikami Gardens for a visit. It was a huge Japanese garden with a bonsai section, a rock garden, bamboo, and lizards.

This picture is especially cute. I think grandpa had a good time.

When I think of Boca Homes, I think of Palm trees and hedges. A well manicured hedge is a sign of status here.

Goodbye Boca. I miss you already.

Good Form, Bad Form

For my birthday I received this amazing vintage dress form from Madeline and Andy. I was quite surprised they found it. Here I am seeing it for the first time.

(I've already used the form in one alteration project! Thanks guys!)

Right before the form came along Allegra and I attended the summer of love concert in Speedway Meadow in golden gate park. It was insane how many people were there. It was over 40,000 I think. Here is a part of the view from above on a hill.



The only place you could even walk was about a mile from the stage. We could barely see it.


With all those people, there were lots of specialty causes with booths. This one was giving out
t-shirts. The script of the roving booth members went like this:
"Hey, do you want a free T Shirt?"
"Sure. What do I have to do?"
"Just wear this all day and promote hepatitis awareness!"
"sure, ok." (puts on T shirt over Tye Dyed clothing).

I shoulda got one for Andy.

Jug Bands and Birthday

We went to the Jug Band festival last weekend in Golden Gate Park. The music was quite funny and they played stand-up bases, guitar, mandolin, banjo, harmonica, and, of course, various jugs. This man had attached a plastic jug to a harness around his neck to musically multi-task.

This gentleman was quite adept at, well, playing his cheeks. If you didn't already know, jug bands went through a revival in the 1960's, and apparently, recently again. The musicians are amazingly talented and the lyrics alternately irreverent and bluesy.
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This weekend was my birthday party! It was a small affair, but lots of fun. We went to Il Pirata for some patio eats and drinks.

Yeah! Anna came and I was so glad.

Madeline tells a story, demonstratively.


All in all, a wonderful night. If you're looking for an uncrowded, outside venue for a party, check this place out!

Beaching

We've been going to the beach a lot lately. Not in two years had we really ventured here to Ocean Beach, which is about 4 miles from our house.

But we were to discover that the beach seems really polluted. Why all this weird foam?

And dead birds?

Well despite the obvious issues, we have chosen to try and enjoy the beach anyway. There is nothing like putting the feet into the ocean on a sunny day!