San Francisco

This picture would have been so much better with my Pain au Rasin, but you see I haven't had carbs since May...so I inhaled this puppy so fast. I did consider getting another one so I could a picture but I know it was more for me than you....Visit La Boulange here

 This is were I sat and waited for Stan while he was at the French Consulate.
 I was driving and just dropped him off in front. I parked (public parking So crowded you must give up your keys so they can wedge you in.)

 Stan asked me what I wanted to do in San Francisco and my first response was have a coffee and croissant at a French bakery. I was happy to see a La Boulange right in front of my public parking. I sat here for well over an hour. Taking in the sights and sounds. My cappuccino was delicious.

Fiona's Sweet Shoppe

 Cutest little candy shop around. I said I'd come back and get something for the kids. Never do that! Get it while you are there. I didn't make it back!! They had the best little candies and British candy to boot. Look at that banner!!!

 Tiny....and sweet.

 Market day. It was fun walking around and seeing the fresh food and people watching.

 Walking around calmed me. I received a few texts from Stan here and there...

 Here you can see the glass roof from the market place......This is were I got the finally text....emergency passport approved...done!

If you are going to ruin you your no-carb diet...you might as well go all out. Homemade pasta carbonara. We enjoyed the intimate feel of this tiny Italian restaurant and comfort of food and wine while feeling somewhat victorious.

Stan's mother's cancer is not small cell. It is lung cancer that has spread to the pleura. Stan leaves next Thursday. Thank you for your prayers and kind words. It's amazing how these things can carry you through. Merci!

Karen

San Francisco and The Golden Gate Bridge

I have been fortunate enough to have lived close to San Francisco and Paris. No matter how many times I've seen the Eiffel Tower and The Golden Gate Bridge, both have the same affect on me. It makes me weepy, proud, amazed and inspired. Although we live close to San Francisco now, I don't feel we get there enough and I'd like the kids to have that city experience as often as they can.

The Golden Gate Bridge.

Lucie, 9 years old, in front of the Golden Gate Bridge. 10/27/12

Lucas and Lucie

Okay...finally me in a picture. Although here I look like Cousin It.

Believe it or not this was our main destination. Clement Street. Non-touristy. Lots of shops and fun Asian markets.

I wanted to buy everything. Aisles and aisles of fun and interesting sweets.

We also went to Pier 39. My husband's favorite. This is very touristy, but I'll admit, it's a lot of fun.

The Sea Lions. They are fun watch.

Lucie at Pier 39 holding one of her goodies she got at one of the Asian markets on Clement street Pier 39 is packed with shops and restaurants. Bands and street entertainers.

Every time we come here, Lucie begs to do this. I finally said yes. For $10 you can fill a plastic bottle (or glass for more) with these amazing bath salts. Barrel after barrel. The smell is divine. Lucie took her time and enjoyed every minute of it. I am glad I gave in.

That was our day-trip to San Francisco...it was a beautiful unplanned day. Great memories and oh so much better than staying home to clean and do laundry. Today we are headed to the wine country with with friends! Ching ching!