You live only once: June 2009

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

A Heavenly Reunion

2 days ago my last surviving grandparent, Mrs. Alice Wentworth, passed away. She was 98 years old. Although I knew this day was coming it was still a shock to hear the news. I could have sworn she was going to live to see her 100th birthday but God must have had other plans.

What comforts me is that I have many childhood memories to comfort me. I remember spending the weekend at my grandparent's house with my sister and going shopping and playing in their incredible backyard for hours. I could swear it was the biggest backyard I have ever seen to this day. I also remember my grandmother teaching me how to play double solitaire - which we would of course play for hours.

I am thankful that Darren was also able to see his great-grandmother twice in his 7 years. They hit it off immediately - despite the age difference. Here they are back in 2004 or so when she and my uncle were out for a visit from Kentucky.

My grandmother had bad knees but still managed to chase Darren around the kitchen for the sheer fun of it. She was paying for it later with aches and pains but I am sure that if she could have turned back time she would have done it again anyhow.

Here's my sister Jan with Grandma at Thanksgiving several years ago.

I know for a fact that she is up in heaven dancing with my grandfather. Rest in peace, Grandma. And have a dance with Grandpa for me. I miss you both.

Alice Steers Wentworth

February 1, 1911 - June 15, 2009

Monday, June 8, 2009

Just Call Me Tour Guide

My good friend Jennifer flew out from the east coast on Wednesday to pay me a visit and to see the sights of the Bay Area since she has never visited Northern California before.

We drove into San Francisco on Thursday afternoon and headed straight to the Haight/Ashbury district. We did lots of shopping (I can't believe I bought a purple purse but I just HAD to have it!) and ate at Cha Cha Cha. Plantains, new potatoes and sangrias galore! I love that place.

Next up: the Fairmont Hotel! I can't believe the deal I found through Travelocity. When we arrived the lovely gentleman checking us in gave us a free upgrade up to the 17th floor with a corner room with full views of the City. This was our view:

Needless to say that when the bellman left after dropping off our bags Jennifer and I jumped up and down like kids in a candy store.

We walked down to Union Square and shopped some more and took the cable car back up to the hotel. The next morning we took did the obligatory tour of Alcatraz Island since Jennifer is a big history buff. I hadn't been in over 10 years so it was like seeing it for the first time all over again.
Here's the view of the City from the boat trip over to Alcatraz:

Next up was Pier 39. I couldn't pull Jennifer away from the sea lions for the life of me. She wanted to take one home. I have to admit that they were pretty entertaining to watch while they fight over their territory and push the smaller sea lions back into the water.

Our last stop was Ghiradelli Square for more sightseeing. There was the cutest little tea shop there and we actually managed not to eat at the ice cream shop. We did indulge in a free sample of chocolate however!

On Jennifer's last day we drove to Stinson Beach so she could see the views from the Pacific Coast Highway. Here are some shots from the Stinson Lookout:

We let Darren blow off some steam from the long drive and hung out at the beach for a bit. Is this a happy kid or what?

Again, we were blessed with a beautiful clear day. Our last stop was Muir Woods.

Did I mention how I love the smell of redwood trees and fresh air? It's such a happy place for me. The highlight of our walk had to have been seeing a mother deer and her 2 fawn resting in the woods not 7 feet from where we were standing.

I was sad to see my friend leave yesterday but man, am I beat! I haven't walked so much since spending 3 days in Disneyland!

Until we see each other again, my friend!