reasons to love SF

I visited two of my v. favorite people in San Francisco while I was in the states: Jeanne and Iris Hoffman.

Jeanne is a friend from Camden, Maine and Iris is her mom. They live together in SF now where Jeanne is a nurse practitioner and Iris is a nanny. As usual, I had a fabulous time staying with them and catching up.

Jeanne and I played tennis (she won) and while she was at work one day, even hired her tennis coach to give me a private lesson (he won) - Thank you, Jeanne!

After my lesson, I decided to walk through Golden Gate Park, as I had several hours before meeting Jeanne for dinner.
I was amused by this sign, though I know the reasons for having it are far from amusing. But still, not something I've ever come across before.

I also took a ride on the merry-go-round (carousel) by myself. I used to always go on the carousel in Central Park whenever I walked or ran by. I know I got some strange looks from kids and parents as I was neither, but I always love(d) it and had never checked this one out. Not bad.

I asked the kid next to me (red jacket, below) to take my photo and this is what he said to me: "Um, no. Um... I'm here with my teacher and, umm ... well, if my parents were here..." Okay, kid. I appreciate your heeding your parents' warning about strangers and all, but it's not like I offered you candy or asked you to get into my van or anything ... but truly, it was a bit odd and I really wanted a pix of me on the ostrich, but I do think it's kind of cute that a kid today would worry about such a thing. Good job mom and dad! (Though I guess I do look kind of scary here ....)

I also hit the famed Amoeba Music on my way back to the apartment. It's a pretty amazing place and if you haven't ever been there - I highly suggest it. I purchased a few used CDs (New Order, Billy Bragg, The Specials and an old Everything But the Girl for posterity). I was tempted to buy a poster or 12 also - the ones they have of the Grateful Dead are amazing and I know more than a few people who would have been v. happy if I had been a good friend and snagged one for them ... sorry ... maybe next time, guys.

Though it was a quick trip to this, one of the few cities in which I feel I could really live and love it, it was terrific and I can't wait to visit my sister in crime, Roxy (Jeanne) and my future agent/manager/nanny (Iris) again soon.