Category Archives: Friends
Ethiopian in Sacramento
After a day by the pool in Sacramento, good friends and Ethiopian food, which I had not had since before Covid. It was William and Johnny’s first time having it, and they loved it!
Perfect Barbra Gift
How amazing is Teena, who gifted me the exact Barbra Streisand doll in a sailor suit that I had inches from where the fire started in my home? Just like the one I had for twenty years, this one was still in the box! We had to guess a number from the waiter and I lost, so she ended up getting our amazing lunch for us at Provisions in Vallejo with her husband, J.D. I had to hold back tears at the perfection of this gift, just a few weeks before my birthday.
You can only imagine the number of sailor suits I made sure that my daughter, Alexandra, wore. Below is a picture of Alex when she is two (thirty years ago) wearing one of those sailor suits in front of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in Manhattan. I remember her walking in public for one of the first times in this photo and she was such a sight to behold that an entire busload of tourists were fixated on her.
Montara Beach May 2024
Wonderful reunion with my friend and former co-worker Debra Dixon Anderson, who was pretty much my “work wife” for at least a year. I hung out with her and my friend James (aka Buck) and Debra’s REAL husband, Rick. Brought Snoopy and Bonnie to Montara beach (very dog-friendly) . I suspect it was Bonnie’s first time ever at the beach. She and Snoopy were perfectly behaved and stuck close to me even off-leash. I so enjoy showing people from the East Coast and other places who appreciate the beauty of where we live, and this was just a small sampling of one of my happy places. More pictures and edited video to come!
If I had been thinking correctly, I would have brought the beach chairs and waterproof folding blanket from my car, but still a wonderful memory that I will cherish.
Hot Tub Excursion in East Bay
Brought the dogs to my friend Peter Herman’s amazing backyard. Got some great hot tub in while the dogs explored a novel place for them. Had great music and snacks and great company practicing my Spanish and teaching him a bit of Italian. I’m so lucky to have him as a friend through these tough times especially. I’ll certainly appreciate my hot tub when I get home to Wellfleet Drive again.
I’m very pleased with how some of my selfies turned out, and also glad I didn’t drop my phone in the water!
New Year’s Eve at Mark and Noel’s
Getting Ready for Photos with Santa
Great Thai food dinner with friends of Santa in Vallejo Friday night after setting up for Photos with Santa for Saturday morning.
Thanksgiving 2023
Thanksgiving pies included key lime, sweet potato, and cherry apple. We joined Greg and Steve for dessert, together with Steve’s brother and girlfriend, Vince and Jillian, visiting from Vermont. We learned how to play an Uno-like game called Mexican Train.
Lunch in William and Patrick’s Garden
Our neighbors and friends, William and Patrick, both of whom I had known for years before moving to Vallejo, invited us over to their fabulous place. William graciously offered to give me a bunch of clippings soon too!
Shando Turns Fifty
We stopped for lunch in Rocklin to see our friend Michael and Chris and their fabulous new place.
Shando’s birthday dinner in Nevada City: