San Francisco with Norbert

My very good friend Norbert, who I met in Thailand, came to visit the United States.  He's been traveling for over a year now and has gone to countless countries during that time. This was his first time in California.

I spent the day with Norbert and his friend Anita, catching up and doing touristy things around San Francisco.  Even though I have lived so close to San Francisco for so many years, it was my first time to many of these places.

First we went to Lombard Street.

Then we went to see The Painted Ladies. I stood exactly in the spot where the Full House family had it's picnic intro all those years ago.

Then we had lunch at the Cheesecake Factory. We sat on the very top floor that overlooked a view of Union Park.

When Norbert left I asked him what he thought of San Francisco.  He just smiled and said, "I didn't come to the United States for the country, I came for the people."

Shoreline alameda

Doing some walking around my new place of residence, Alameda. The coast is a 5 min drive from our apartment.

No matter where I go, there I am.

We're all just driftwood.

Follow the footprint to find the most interesting of species.

Day of Gratitude

This was my first Thanksgiving home in 2 years and my very first one spent with John.

In this hectic lifestyle, it's a blessing to be able to pause and give thanks.

Settlers of Catan

Some things never get old.

Jonathan's Lego Birthday

For Jonathan's celebration of his 27th year on this planet, he appropriately had a themed birthday party based on The Lego Movie. I can't believe I have such a cool friend.

Lego deocrations

Lego board games

Haven't seen these lovely faces in years! What a treat to be by these amazingly talented folks again!

Jonathan as Emmit, John as a horse, and me as Mrs. Scratchenpost.

But this girl definitely got first place on costumes.

The box spun around on her unikitty horn.

Happy today and everyday Jonathan!! <3

Alexis' birthday

Alexis had an intimate gathering for her birthday.  After all these years of  backstage shenanigans, adventures across the globe, and countless yoga classes... I'm glad to have spent a really precious moment with her and her family.

Love this gal.

May all your wishes come true, my darling!

Faction Brewery

Sarah, Eric, and Jonathan made their way to Alameda to check out Faction Brewery. Just along the coastline of the island are huge empty warehouses, left over from the military days. Some of them have been converted into distilleries and brew houses, like the one we visited on this day.

The beer was good... solid... but nothing to rave about.  But most certainly a reason to come to Faction Brewery is the view of the bay.  It was just killer.

This picture does not do the view justice at all.

At dusk.

Good day with good people.

Mama papa lithuania

My first time having Lithuanian food was with Katherine.  We walked down Alameda's Park Street to a seemingly hole in the wall restaurant. However, once you walk inside Mama Papa Lithuania the atmosphere is warm. homey, and cozy -- like it was YOU who has just been invited to join THEIR dinner.

There is obviously a lot of pride and thoughtfulness put into preparing these dishes. It shows not only in the taste, but the enthusiasm of everyone who works there.

Potato Pancakes

Cabbage Rolls

Best Birthday Date Ever

Sarah treated me to the best birthday date ever.  Who needs a man, when you got a lady love like her? First we had brunch at The Treehouse.  

There is an ACTUAL tree house inside the restaurant for the kiddos.

A five year old overheard Sarah giving me some birthday presents and so decided to make me a cake made out of blocks.

Then we perused some shops, as we so love to do.

Next, we got our arts and crafts on at Glow Candle Lounge.

First you pick your wax pieces.

My haul.

Sarah's candle, of course!

Next, you affix them to your candle base shape.

Then you break the pieces of wax.

The little wax chunks go inside the candle mold.

Filled to the top!

Lastly you decide what scent you want and the mold is filled with scented wax.

It's left to cool and then it's done!
Behold... my finished candle, which smelled like rain <3

Not even pictured was the fabulous surprise dinner we had at SP2 with Erik, Jonathan, and Russell. What I ever did to deserve a day like this, I don't know!

Subpar Miniature Golf

A spitting distance from our apartment is Park Street.  The street is home not only to countless restaurants boutiques, and cafes but also lots of random stuff.  Like an indoor miniature golf course themed to the city of Oakland.  Grab some boba from Quickly's next door and head on over to Subpar Miniature Golf, for a old fashioned good time.

Murals of Oakland are painted all over the walls.

Admiring the murals on the wall.