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.