September Weekends

"So...what part of your body hurts the most?" said M as we awakened Sunday morning.

"Aches. I think 'aches' is a better way to describe it. Especially the joints."

 Our second attempt at truck camping was definitely more successful but still far from ideal. We're just to old to find comfort in a mere couple of inches of padding. The research will continue.

 The test truck camping occasion was Caitlin's 40th birthday, which she chose to celebrate on Clear Lake. The campground was very nice and not to crowded. There were showers and trail along the creek which afforded views of birds and turtles. Lots of shade and not too hot. Sadly Clear Lake did not live up to its name. Scabs of viscous algae covered most of the surface, particularly at the shoreline. It was a bit smelly, too. But fun we had. We drove to a swimming hole not too far from the lake for a refreshing field trip. In the evening we feasted on a gourmet s'more-gasbord and marveled at the large number of green raccoon eyes watching us. It was a very mellow time, just what we needed.

We left the dogs in their cousin Felicia's care. While we were gone, our handyman installed our new gate. It's very different than the last one, which blocked the light and seemed very unfriendly.

It's been great having Felicia in Santa Rosa. We had a nice walk around Spring Lake one evening. Mom visited recently and the three of us met for dinner and a wander around the Heirloom Expo. I wish I had had more time to spend investigating the various veggies. As Felicia noted, the main exposition hall smelled so fresh! It was the last day and we were able to abscond with some particularly fine and unusual gourds as mementos.

Rob came for a visit over the Labor Day weekend, which was lovely. We took the scenic route down to the City on Saturday. We met a friend of his from New Orleans in the Presidio (I unfortunately muffed the rendezvous--I was hoping we'd be taking in sweeping views of the bay and city, and instead saw more of the underbelly of the new freeway--Rob was a good sport about it though). We did dinner at Dosa, then went to a studio where his friend did acrobatics to hear a really fine singer-songwriter. We ended the night at the Top of the Mark. Too much fog for views, but we were entertained by a band and some very energetic dancers from a range of generations and socio-economic statuses.

Today is my birthday and it's been lovely. Unexpected gifts and many good wishes. Felicia joined me for lunch, and I visited her at her office at the Goodwill headquarters, where I engaged in my first "bin dive." It was an unusual shopping experience!