Birthday Weekend....getting closer!

It was a Taylor weekend so the guys gave me an early bday gift - yup, a RARE Brian Wilson shirt!! There is a shop on Chestnut and a shop in Beverly Hills that are 'allowed' to carry this shirt - this is what the shop owner told Dick and Taylor anyway. Amy calls it my 'Obama - HOPE' shirt! hahaha! I LOVE it and will wear it proudly. Maybe get him to sign it along the blue section! :-0 LOL!!

Our good friend Cindy is moving back to New York so we had dinner and spent the evening catching up with her on Saturday night. She's known Taylor since he's been about 3 years old. She has always been so good with Taylor and by the look on his face, he felt her love! We are going to miss Cindy, but we know she will be happier in NY, starting a new chapter. See ya in NY Cindy!!

My BILIB (Brother-In-Law-In-Blue aka Dodgers fan aka Dick's brother) and my Outlaw (Sister-In-Law Morri) sent me a 'Giant's pillow' that also folds into a panda for my birthday. Gabby doesn't seem to like it much!

On Sunday, it was Vasi's birthday - the 17th - and the LAST day of being 47 for me - so the four of us headed to Napa! Our first stop was to pick up some wine at Provenance, check into our rooms at the Silverado Resort and get ready for dinner at Bistro Don Giovanni - one of our favorite spots. None of us were really hungry for a MEAL so we tried the pizza for the first time. WOWZA! It was amazing - very fresh, light and perfect with a delicious salad.

The next morning, my BIRTHDAY DAY, Dick went for a run and the three of us went on a walk, spent time hanging around the pool, reading the paper, relaxing, and pondering ANOTHER YEAR OLDER? Which made me think.....I'll be 49 in one year, then 50? Kind of crazy to think back when I was a child, we'd think about the year 2013 and turning 50 and how ODD that sounds! For me, I am so thankful to have another healthy, blessed year added to my life. It is ONLY a number! I definitely don't FEEL 48 on most days. But, in the back of my mind, I feel like celebrating turning 49 MORE than celebrating 50. I am just so funny that way. I also like to celebrate the day BEFORE my birthday, rather than celebrating the actual day. Yea, the name 'Barbara' means 'strange one', I guess it fits. I just like to spin a twist on things when I can. Amy is turning 29 in September and 30 next year and I think celebrating THAT is more of an occasion. I'll have a daughter 30 years old?

After lounging around, Vasi and I enjoyed a facial at the spa and David had a massage while Dick waited patiently in the lobby, playing 'Words with Friends' on the iPhone! haha!! We cleaned up and headed to another favorite - Biale Winery - for a taste.

Awesome Hubs on the Biale porch.

Sister Vasi and Brother David. Growing older with these folks is a KICK in the pants!! The four of us have already grown closer, learned so much, and have a mutual respect and appreciation for each other.
We really enjoyed our time on the porch, talking with Austin, the tasting room manager. We were all sooooo hungry since we passed on lunch that when we arrived at 5:30 to another favorite Mustard's Restaurant. The atmosphere is very relaxed and the food is always a treat!

BIRTHDAY girls in the sunset!!

After dinner we drove back to SF with happy hearts, full bellies and a trunk full of wine!

Truly, if I must turn another year older, this was the best way for me to enjoy the ride! Always feeling so blessed, loved and enjoyed! Thank you God for blessing me so beyond my prayers. It is only because of Him, well, and my faith and trust in Him, for my happiness. Hey, but it is STILL my birthday month!! In two days we leave for a 4 day weekend in Paso Robles!!! Headin' out to MORE warm weather, concerts and friends!!

Nightmare in my Birthday Month?

Gabby and I were on our way to her job. I pulled straight into a parking spot on the street. A fire hydrant was on the corner so I had to creep slowly up to the van in front to squeeze inside the red painted curb. I got really nice and close. Got out of the car to check for the red curb when a crazy woman started screaming at me that I crashed into her car! I explained I did not crash, I am very close to her car but I did not crash into it. She was yelling that I "owe her a new bumper"! What? Seriously? I did not touch her car! I got so mad that I started yelling, "If I have to get YOU a new bumper, you have to get ME a new bumper!" Being that she did not speak or understand English very well, my statement escalated the problem and she began cursing me that she is NOT buying me a new bumper! Oh my. This was not good. I took photos.

There were so many marks on her bumper. She is NOT claiming the large dent above the bumper, that was already present. I asked her which mark did I make but she could never point to any area. She could only yell at me that I need to 'buy her a new bumper.' I wrote my information on a card, tried to give it to her and exchange information but was unsuccessful. She said she was calling the police. The police arrived and she continue to scream at the officer. The officer was not impressed with her attitude and demanded that she get back in her car, that HE was the one running the show now.

We finally exchanged information while I apologized to the officer for having to come out to such a trivial situation when I was sure he had other things to attend. I was not aware of 'accident protocol', so he explained that her insurance company will be contacting me. After investigating the 'damage', (which was NOTHING) he thought, more than likely the case will be dropped.

I received a phone call from her insurance company, explained what happened and the woman laughed. She asked, "Are you claiming SHE should buy YOU a new bumper?" I replied, "Absolutely NOT!" I explained that I yelled that at her because I felt it was ABSURD she was threatening ME with buying HER a new bumper! She explained, now that I am not wanting a new bumper, the case may be dropped, she would get back to me.

I have not heard anything for about 10 days so I am praying that it all just gets dropped.

Seriously, there are CRAZY people out there! It makes me nervous to drive! Having to give my personal information to this person was very uncomfortable too! Not sure THAT is such a great idea. I know it is the law, but if someone wanted revenge.....not cool.

What a nightmare.

Some BODY knew it was my Birthday MONTH!!

Yup, July arrived in SF. This is a typical day at the bridge, taken on our morning run. UGH! Again, if you know me, you know how much I enjoy SUN SHINE!!! To me, this HURTS!

I didn't take any photos - BAD Barbara.... but we met up with David and Vasi's cousin from MN - Timmy and Ragani - and enjoyed a few special meals together.....one at their home and Dick BBQ'd some tri-tip at our home on another occasion. People outside of California are not familiar with tri-tip and they really enjoyed it. Also, I discovered that I can FINALLY make a yummy dessert - Peach Cobbler - from SCRATCH! Everyone seemed to enjoy it with vanilla ice cream on top! YUM! Timmy and Ragani are beautiful, peaceful, funny people that love God, United States and family. They have a similar story as David and Vasi where they left South Africa in the late 80's for MN to have a better life for their family. This was their FIRST one week vacation they had EVER taken from their jobs since arriving! Hard working people!!

We took a quick trip to Visalia to check in on Dick's parents. They seem to be adjusting well to their convalescent home. They are in the same room, which is large, high ceiling, bright space. The food could be improved so we take them In and Out Burgers and Root Beer Floats when we are in town. Dick's Dad hasn't been eating but the float disappeared quickly. Gabby also enjoys the visit. She has been doing a lot of work at this location. The patients see us and ask for Gabby! She loves giving love!

When we came back to SF, we were taking Gabby for her morning walk and met up with one of our FAVORITE Giant's team members! Hey, It's my BIRTHDAY MONTH!!!!

Yes, Brian Wilson, the infamous closer. Yes, I am dressed like it is WINTER!! It is quite a story how we met, we'll have to tell it to you LIVE one of these times. Just trust, it is UNFORGETTABLE!! We talked for a good 15 minutes right around the block from our house!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!

4th of July

We BBQ'd hamburgers and had a quiet day, still recuperating from our 'go-go' time with Taylor. We planned on walking down to the St. Frances Yacht Club, along with many others, to watch the fireworks from Pier 39 as we did a few years ago but we were just plain exhausted. Dick took Gabby down for one last outing before bed at 9:30 and the BOOMING began! I went to the roof of the house outside of Taylor's bedroom and we watched the fireworks from there! MUCH better than walking down to the water! Here is a short video of what we could see. The show was at least 20 minutes!!

It was quite the show! Made me think.... FIREWORKS, on the 4th of July. So patriotic! It feels so AMERICAN doesn't it? At least for ONE day in the year, Americans come together and are proud of their country. We turned the tv to the celebration on the PBS channel. I had to laugh at myself because I remember my mom and other elderly family members that would ALWAYS watch this show, televised from the Mall in Washington D.C. Now, here I am, tuning in and texting MY children to tune in!! hahaha!! But, the military bands are AWESOME and the fireworks are EVERY WHERE!! Attending this celebration is definitely on my Bucket List. I think I whistle the clarinet part to every song!

The next day, Dick's cousin Josh and his wife Debbie were coming up for 2 nights. As most of us, when we are younger, we are very close to our cousins. Then, something happens when we grow up and we are not as close. Thankfully, we've been able to rekindle this relationship and we are so thankful. The four of us always have a good time. Debbie LOVES SF, enjoys good food, and new adventures. Josh LOVES baseball and the Giants. He doesn't know it yet, but likes Debbie taking him out of his 'box'.

They arrived in time to get ready for the Giants vs Padres game. They are part ownership in season tickets in seats RIGHT BEHIND HOME PLATE!!! Well, they are the 15 row, but still!! We feel VERY spoiled sitting here, but hey, IT'S MY BIRTHDAY MONTH........and since it is so, the BIG Nachos from Tres Agaves please!!

It was a very pleasant evening! No scarves, blankets, gloves or downed jackets needed to watch the game! Are we sure this is JULY in SF? The first few days have been absolutely delightful!

Unfortunately, the Giant's did not win, but a grand time was had by ALL!

The next morning, Debbie wanted to go on one of the walks in the book. We went on the one closest to the house. It was a BEAUTIFUL day. We did the entire walk, with NO schedule, a stop in at Liverpool Lil's for that margarita after walking down the Lyon Street steps, through the park....

saw magnificent entry's to the homes in Pacific Heights!

That night we got tickets to 'Tales of the City'. It is a new musical in SF and the leading gal, Betsy Wolfe, is from Visalia and many thought she would be a successful entertainer someday. She has an incredible voice and we enjoyed her character. Debbie actually read the daily newspaper column at the time it was being created!! The plot of the musical was not our favorite subject - homosexuals 'coming out' in the 70's - but it was very well presented, kept our attention and made us laugh out loud quite a few times. I'm not sure how the homosexuals of today feel about it but we were entertained.

Since we enjoyed the margarita the day before, and were DROOLING over the lunch menu at Liverpool Lil's and didn't bring enough money to eat, we took our men back for lunch the next day before they headed back to Exeter. I loved it when Josh said, "I put off calling Dick and trying to get together for a long time because I didn't want to bother him, he is always busy. I am glad that Debbie kept on me to make the call because we really enjoy being with you guys." Awwww, makes my heart so happy!!

Birthday Month!! Act I

As I said earlier, David was on a fishing trip in Alaska so upon his return, he invited us over to celebrate a successful adventure.

Many Halibut were caught.

It was a beautiful day so we took advantage of the first day of my birthday MONTH and went on a little geocaching hunt. We made the attempt earlier to find this one with the kids a few days ago. After studying the map a little more, I had a better feel for the land and was confident we could locate it.

David found it!!

This is what was inside! We signed the log but did not leave or take anything else.

One of my main reasons for enjoying this newly found activity is that it gets us OUTSIDE, discovering places that we've never been before and WHEN do you get to see grown men walking on hillsides? THAT is the BEST part! hahah!! "The hills are alive with the sound of music!"

The spot is right across the street from David and Vasi's house. Such high cliff areas, but breathtaking views!!

Fun in the Sun

While walking along the cliffs, looking down below a very secluded area on the beach.....

NAKED MAN!!! LOL!!

When we came home, the hors d' oeuvres arrived.....

Then the Halibut dinner. Yes, the same Halibut as seen above!

I'd say the start of my birthday month was off to a GREAT start!! Seriously, I am blessed beyond measure, we just like to play with the 'birthday month' theme. If you really know me, you know that each and every day is so treasured, appreciated and I am forever thankful and feel so loved from my SBH4L (Sweetest Bestest Hubby for Life).

Walk #5 Russian Hill North

Friday, July 1, 2011 - First day of my birthday month!! ;-)

The walk begins at the corner of Polk and Lombard, we live close enough so we made the walk over to the start. Vasi was able to join us today while David was fishing in Alaska. The views were GREAT and we felt that this area was very peaceful.

Chestnut Stairway

On this walk we discovered a BEAUTIFUL basketball court and the Alice Marble tennis courts, part of the 2.6 acre park, on Water Department land, with the Lombard reservoir beneath (built in 1860). MENTAL NOTE: come back here with Taylor!

Jane, Dick's mother, knew of a special landscape artist, Thomas Church, and had shown me an article in a LIFE magazine about the many gardens he created, one in particular in SF. We found it today!! It could use a little more TLC, but it was still a very special little spot.

We knew about wild parrots on Telegraph Hill. We did not know, and the book doesn't state, they are also on a little side street - Montclair Terrace - off the crookedest street Lombard, at least this day they were out! Noisy little boogers!! Glad we don't live here!

Love the view from Lombard.

End of the Trail.

We walked over to Safeway, picked up some avocados, tomatoes, cilantro and peppers to make some guacamole. Total time: 2 hours. Distance walked: 4 miles.

PART 1 Summer Vacation 2011

taken at the mission in SLO by Amy Pirtle

We depart SF on the 15th of June and head straight to Visalia. We took in a Visalia Rawhide game (single A pro baseball) and Taylor had his picture taken with Tipper the mascot!

Dick's parents were moved from the hospital to a rehabilitation center, where they were both in the same room - an answer to prayers! When we were leaving, Poopa made it clear, "Our door will be locked tomorrow, unless you have a Root Beer Float in your hands!" Yea, he is gaining strength!

Happy Father's Day Poopa!!

We departed Visalia on Saturday, June 18 and headed to my niece's wedding in Malibu, CA!

On the beach, waiting for the festivities to begin!!

Mother of the bride aka CJ - sister from AZ, the 'derby woman', and sister Brenda from SoCal.

Getting ready to PARTY!!

Mr. and Mrs. Kyle Hitchcock

Their first dance

All dressed up and somewhere to go!!

My heart is HAPPIEST when we can ALL be together....something that doesn't happen nearly enough, but ever so thankful when it does. Lookin' good family!!

Of course it was a beautiful wedding, dancing the night away. We were even able to pull off a 'Flash Mob' for the bride! Yup, for the past month, all 70 guests secretly practiced a dance that Amy choreographed and placed on YouTube. It was recorded so someday I'll get my hands on it and post it here! Until then, trust me, it was awesome!!!

After the wedding we spent 4 nights in Cayucos with the mother and father of the bride and Godmother and Godfather of the bride and Amy. We never had a sunny day so we were unable to go boogie boarding but enjoyed:

fresh, cool air

RELAXATION

Hearst Castle

shopping in Morro Bay

the mission in SLO

bubble gum alley

shopping in downtown SLO

the melodrama in Oceano

yummy dinners

yummy desserts

playing tennis

running on the beach

the game FARKEL

Bob and Brian played golf

jacuzzi tub time

enjoyed the stars in the night sky

shared photos and stories of the wedding

celebrated CJ's birthday!!!

In Cayucos

Amy, Brian, Laurie, CJ, Bob, Me, Taylor and Dick

the famous pool at Hearst Castle

Me, CJ and Laurie at THE ROCK

On the terrace of 'The Inn of Morro Bay'

Tay and Amy inside the church of SLO Mission

Men by a river.

Bubble gum alley, a close up shot!!!

Looking good at 84 CJ!! hahaah!!!

At the Melodrama in Oceano.

Yes, that is Dick playing 'Words with Friends' on the left! Geesh, that game!!! hahaha

We got back to SF just in time for the Giant's game with 30 of our closest friends and family members. It was a pretty slow game until the 8th inning. Giants were able to pull out a win and that is always a FUN time!

Happy guy!

Kaelyn was a trooper and enjoyed her dog.

After the dog she was ready for the game!

Told you it was a slow game.

Vasi hosted the After Party party in her home. Let the good times roll!

(Blurry pic but still a good one.)

Kaelyn enjoying the After Party party too!

Kurt, Taylor, Amy, Andrew and I went out for our first GEOCACHING hunt and now have a new hobby!! We found the first two, but could not locate the third along the coast....ah well, next time.

The next day we went back to Visalia to spend time with Dick's parents, lounged in Uncle David's pool and caught another Rawhide game.

Summer Time Fun

Saying goodbye to Jane and Poopa wasn't easy though. Each day is a gift for ALL of us, but being in there condition, made us realized how precious each day is.... The food isn't the best in the convalescent home they've been moved to so upon Poopa's request, we all enjoyed lunch of In and Out burgers and A & W Root Beer Floats then headed back to SF.

The last hour of vacation Dick and Taylor practiced his baseball pitches and we went on another Geocache hunt. I found this one - my first!! Gabby thinks SHE found it!

It was a great 15 days but we are always sad to say goodbye to Taylor. He is such a good boy, great travel buddy, never complaining, always ready to see/do something new. I was happy he was able to spend time with my side of the family and people were able to get to know him better too. We'll see him again the 2nd weekend in July and then again for PART 2 of Summer vacation Aug 1-15. We are ever so thankful. Life is good.

Everyone enjoys a canon ball!!

and getting to push your Dad into the pool!