Fog City

Well faithful followers, if there are any, it's time to get something down on paper. My journey of life has flowed without interruption for an extended period. My only real concern is this old age paunch which has gotten slightly out of control. I attribute my inability to reverse the problem, to the inevitable age factor. Once I could jog calories into oblivion, but with joint pain, reduced stamina, and literally no motivation, my only recourse is to eat less. And we know that doesn't work. Oh, it works for awhile, but then a holiday (eating), a family gathering (eating), a pizza with my name on it (eating), all happen more frequently. I have my personal resolve, however diminishing, and I will prevail. Keep your fingers crossed.
We've recently returned from Palm Desert, and the home of Larry and Linda Brooks. It was the occasion of our annual golf tournament and food fest. What made it special this year was the sharing of new babies. There were babies everywhere. We met Neri and Adam's daughter Noa, Steven and Amanda's son Layton, Cassidy and Lauren's second daughter Reese, and the older toddlers, all around two years old, Isaiah, Lila and my sweetheart, Ashby! Whew! Luckily Larry has the space to accommodate such chaos, even a swimming pool to placate frayed nerves. Actually smiles were the attire for all participants, and everyone had a great time. I'll try to raise a couple of photos to represent our good time.

Fog City

I finally had a chance last week to take the bus downtown, specifically skid row. There is a vacant hotel standing idly on the corner of 6th and Howard. It has been designated for demolition for new development. The interesting thing is for the past 16 years it has been a work of art. A virtual sculpture. There are, miraculously, chairs, TV's, refrigerators, beds, sofas, lamps, any and all types of furniture protruding from the windows on each floor. I've driven by hundreds of times, always marveling. Here are a few photos depicting this unique and doomed work of art.

Fog City

I was lawn bowling yesterday, on a warm San Francisco afternoon, and a friend asked when I was going to update my blog. I thought to myself, hhmmm, good question. This blog site has taken a relative back seat to all the other activities out there, in social media land. I also get the sense that no one actually visits here, which minimizes my motivation to keep it current. But I suppose someday my children will resurrect these postings out of sheer curiosity.

It's been a long 4 months since I last visited this space and it has occurred to me, one very special event has changed my life, and all of our family's lives. Reese Casey Raher was born on December 8th, and for you Catholics, the feast of the Immaculate Conception. In her short 3 months, she has grown chubbier, now laughs at the least prodding, and so far has a wonderful disposition. We were graced the past two weekends, having the little ones, Reese and Ashby, stay with us. It's such a joy to witness the speed of their mental development. Ashby is really smart, and has an imagination that is far beyond her nearly 3 years. She'll sit in her little rocking chair, watching the cars go by, and exclaim how they are lions and tigers. I better add a couple pictures at this point.

It seems the photos automatically insert themselves where paragraph breaks are. I found a couple more I like. One I especially like because Ashby has captured my expression, which is peacefully watching golf on TV. I've titled it "Zen and the Art of Golf Viewing." Anyway the girls have naturally become major players in my life. People, places, activities, I once considered so significant in my life, have in some cases just disappeared. Do I miss them, well not really. At my age, I'm a completely different person. Although I remember what once moved me, and cling to some aspects, like the music, the ideals, but I don't have to preach, or sell what I think is right. I can just observe the little ones get smarter and smarter, and rejoice. Maybe I had a little something to do with the family river as it grows and spreads like a delta. When I look into their eyes, I feel good that I passed this way.

Fog City

I thought a couple of Halloween photos were in order. We spent the evening in Walnut Creek with my granddaughter Ashby. She and her parents were dressed like golfers, which wasn't much of a stretch for Cassidy. They had knickers with argyle socks and argyle sweaters, although they wouldn't scare anyone, they looked adorable. The neighborhood is children friendly and the houses were decorated and inviting. There were more parents and grandparents marching around than small children. It was a treat for me because I hadn't been out trick or treating since my boys were small. Ashby got the hang of it quickly and couldn't wait to knock on the next front door. She had her plastic pumpkin to collect candy, which I ate my fare share. Good old American fun!

Fog City

Recently my wonderful son, Cassidy, and his even more wonderful wife, Lauren, decided to generously treat Christine and myself to two nights in Carmel-by-the-Sea. We were luxuriously sequestered at the Carmel Country Inn B&B. The ambiance, the hospitality, the sumptuous buffets, were all superb. We strolled the narrow lanes taking in the sights, noticing the restaurants, the art gallery's, the novelty shops, the chocolate arcade, and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere.

For me the highlight of the mini-vacation was playing Pebble Beach Golf Links. Through one of Cassidy's college buddies, we were able to secure a tee time, no easy feat. If that wasn't enough, we were blessed with absolutely perfect weather conditions. Another rarity on the Northern California Coast. Cassidy drove down from the Bay Area for the special occasion, and we shared a cart, as well as sharing this unique experience. Christine had her own cart and acted as the official film maker, enjoying her duties, as well as the natural wonderland. We completed our round as the sun set on Pebble Beach and we smiled all the way to the parking lot, basking in our delight. A special memory for sure! 

Fog City

And in keeping with our Pink Theme, we were startled on our relaxing ride home, by this amazing rainbow. We were cruising down the freeway, discussing all the small joys we experienced during the wonderful day. As we were crossing the Bay Bridge and listening to the Giants game, Jon Miller was exclaiming on the radio, about the incredible rainbow. This natural wonder was a most fitting culmination to a day of many wonders. Family!

Well now, obviously the cake is out of the oven and cooled. Dr. Lauren spread a thin layer of frosting, and now Christine is applying the birthday decorations.  Christine also known as, Grama Kookie, is barely able to get the icing on, before Ashby, our little Giants fan, can finger it off. They both look intent on accomplishing their tasks. Both are too adorable!

When we returned home, Lauren had the fixings for a scrumptious dinner. A chocolate cake was baking in the oven, and the youngsters (Cass and Bren) were lying about, trying with all their might, to keep their eyes open. This lovely photo depicts Ashby's fecund imagination, as she imitates her mom's efforts, in her own miniature kitchen. Such a wunderkind!

This wonderful photo highlights the joy we all shared, celebrating Cassidy's day. We were nearing the end of the round, which arrived all too soon. The grand club house in the background awaited. Cassidy and I always compete for bragging rights, and fortunately for me, on this auspicious occasion, I prevailed. Not by any brilliance on my part, but simply by the three double bogeys he closed with. Too bad son. Brendan showed signs of true golfing talent, and of course kept us in stitches with one non sequitur after another. A grand time indeed!

Shades of Pink, the sartorial theme for Cassidy's 34th Birthday. Lovely Lauren reserved a mid morning tee time at the renowned "The Bridges Golf Club." The sky was slightly overcast, allowing for moderate temperatures throughout. The course was in excellent condition and Brendan's constant wit had us in a jovial mood.

Fog City

It's time again to update my blog. Two noteworthy events happened last weekend. First my cousin Nancy, on the left, was visiting her sister Mary in the East Bay. Fortuitously, to their delight, Mary's daughter had a baby boy on 8/30. Nancy was here about a week and the girls gallivanted around town enjoying the sights and delights. With some extra effort they visited us on a cool foggy evening at the SF Lawn Bowling Club. We were celebrating Elise Raher's birthday, so the gals got to meet most of the family.