the bay

I often stop the car to take in the view and sometimes to preserve it to share here. Here's a snap of the Golden Gate Bridge with San Francisco in the back and then another pause with the East Bay Bridge off to the last with two small paddle boarders to the right in front of that SF skyline again.

fancy mushrooms

I love stopping in at the Far West Fungi tent at the Ferry Building farmers market or their little shop. The owner is an absolute delight and if I had to describe him I'd say he's a bit like a more plump and mellow Anthony Bourdain with just as much passion about good food. I usually just ask him to make an assorted basket for me or tell him what I want to cook up like miso or seafood and get suggestions that are always spot on. Along with mushrooms they also sell foraged goods like sea beans and you may remember my thrill with their bringing in ramps a few months back. This gem is worth a visit.

warming up with a hot toddy

I'm putting that giant bottle of Knob Creek bourbon to use with a simple hot toddy paired with a sunset. I don't really measure when I make this drink and it's really a matter of taste with bourbon, honey, fresh lemon juice, and hot water. A delicious way to warm up and soothe a sore throat. 

that SF bridge

A few of us got together under the Golden Gate Bridge photo walk. It was inspiring to see how differently people shoot and of course to have so many lovely humans under the bridge to show just how big the bridge is. The pics above are similar, but with a giant barge for scale or so many camera silhouettes I just wanted to share them all with you.

city sidewalks

bella

bella = beautiful in Italian. This marks an especially beautiful park side spot with people resting on the lawn or a bench to take in the big open sky above or watch people pass by or dogs at play

tiger stripes, stairs, and sunset views

An evening hike up and over the very steep and very wiggly Lombard street for sunset views with the sun setting at the edge of the Pacific Ocean while casting a pink shadow across the city. I love the bits of street art like this tiger striped light pole and the lush green hedges that edge the stairs at the top of the hill. San Francisco is best experienced on foot, but I'm anxious to see it from a sailboat again soon. 

always lively corners of Chinatown

fanciful graffiti

moon and stars

here's a quick look back at all the San Francisco Bay Area adventures my feet have taken me in 2013

Happy New Year!

 New Years eve was cozy this year with good friends, wine, and a sprint up the hill at the strike of midnight to watch the fireworks show by the bay. I slept in the next morning and started the NEW YEAR off with vegetable juice. Cheers to health and happiness! Thanks to all the farmers who help us stay healthy. I put together a short video collage of photos taken over the past year at the San Francisco Ferry Building Farmers Market.

NYE!

 Before midnight we raced up the hill (one of the tallest in SF) with sparklers in hand to ring in the new year high above the city with a clear view of the East Bay bridge and fireworks show below. I tried to make a heart shape with the colorful sparklers and an open shutter, but it turned into a colorful swirl.