Engineers Alliance For The Arts and A Seal Of Approval

Thursday night we found out that Dexter's bridge project team had qualified for the Engineers Alliance for the Arts (whatever that is- but exciting- qualified!) to be held on Saturday.  He seemed nervous, perhaps tired but even if his expectations were not high, just being there and participating could be a worthy thrill.

And it was.

Dexter's team's entry (2 scenarios that teams created bridges for: Seattle and Brazil)

these were two entries for Brazil- the one on the right was also from Dexter's school

Dexter on stage, presenting

The very unique Ashraf Habibullah, Founder, Benefactor, Gift giver and Katy Perry fan (he drew names and gave away a lot of big gifts, as long as whoever came up would sing a Katy Perry song. He was happy to sing with them if they were nervous).  His jacket was made by the maker of Michael Jackson's jackets. Ashraf_Habibullah

500 people in the audience?

Dexter's name is drawn!! No I-Pad but....

...Katy Perry lipstick, Katy Perry DVD, a ballet DVD, and what seemed to be a candy bar wrapped in foil (don't give this away says Ashraf while giving Dexter some dating advice). Dexter is pretty amazing! ( and somehow he was not asked to sing)

Sota wins the ultimate prize from the judges and also as the aesthetic favorite from the at large attendees

the red thing is the podium. slide show of bridge projects at the different bay area schools

trial runs of bridge work at Sota

Dexter showing off his candy bar: 100 new $1 bills. Sweet!!

 Lou Seal stopped by today's Giants-Indians inter- league game (Giants win in the bottom of the ninth with a 3 run Brandon Hicks HR).  A Little League day (Oliver plays in another baseball league) and Panda bat day but it made sense that Lou would show up in our area.  A lot of kids rushed the mighty seal! Many adults did too.   (Sunday 4/27)

Then Lou really seemed to recognize Oliver and plopped down next to him.  It's pretty cool to be recognized by someone from the Farallones.  Ollie is half thrilled, half bewildered at this point.  Check out Lou's rings!!

(I am) still awed by Lou

goofing with the crowd

stomping for the Giants. sat with us for nearly a full inning

lovely A T and T , Friday 4/25

after the game walking along the pier we stopped to play Pickle.  It turned out to be a pretty day. (Warriors beat the Clppers too, series now 2-2.  And although the A's lost they have one of the best records in baseball this year). Giants are now 15-10.

Leaving San Francisco

     To my core was it an eternal truth? That central to my identity and non negotiable I would never leave San Francisco as my permanent residence? I fantasized that someday we might live in New Orleans and New York for a season or two but never leave San Francisco as our base.  Time and considerations alter plans. Oh well, at least I'm not rooting for the Dodgers.  Unless you are wealthy, unless you don't mind living in the loins of the Tenderloin, unless you have had property for decades, unless you can be patient or strategize well, unless you have inherited family property, unless you have inherited family property that your brother doesn't have too much crap inside for make impossible sharing, San Francisco is no longer for...us.

      Not choosing to see this as a negative we choose to view this as what upper management always wants to refer the act of terminating/firing employees: this is our new opportunity.  San Francisco did not fire us; San Francisco is providing after 100+ years as good citizens a  new opportunity.  I love opportunities. Seriously, why not? It's our little bit of a Star Trek adventure.  It will keep things fresh, me awake.  I like the idea of being awake. I enjoy sleeping too but as I get older, sometimes I have concerns about not waking up.

      Exhausted from weekly bids for residences all over our city (Richmond District, Glen Park, Mission Terrace, Hyde Street, near Ocean Ave, the outer Sunset...) to find that despite waiving all contingencies, putting together all the financing we can afford- that at best we were in the middle of 50 bidders, with the top bids in all cash.  Stepping outside that box, we had to ask ourselves- even if we could come up with more money (winning bids are usually 25-40% over the original bid price)- with me dancing for tips again- how smart would it be to put us further into a debt hole?  Can I still get in my old outfits? (yes) . Some of these homes were in very crowded blocks; places bigger than what we have now- but less appeal of the sounds of the cable car tracks, Aquatic Park a walk away,  U-Lee, The Bell Tower, Le Beau Market, Bob's Donuts, Touch Touch Floral, Darbar, Swan's, Hahn's and other places that we view as essential.

     I've been here since 1985, my first residence was here for a time after birth, with subsequent weekends visiting Grandma (died 1993) -this area, this residence has always been part of my existence. Polk Gulch and Hyde Street changed with less places now that we choose to visit.  Fond memories of working down the street at Double Rainbow ('85-'90) and the great friendships that have endured and thrived over time, the bookstores (almost all gone), the Lumiere, Royal, Alhambra movie theaters, Grammphone video, grocery stores (Big Apple and the market next to Big Apple that could not compete-but was a neighborhood grocery store as Le Beau Market is, in the best ways), Johanna at Polk-A-Dot, See's Candies, Audrey's Office store, Polk St. Beans, Spinelli's, Freed, Teller, Freed, Woolworth's, specialty stores and cafe's names I no longer remember (Carlene of Maui's- that's one!), Richard dying at his pizza place on Polk Street with pizzas in the oven... City Discount (restauarnt supplies), the Cinch saloon and Molte Colte are still around.  There's a bunch of coffee places where you may pay $3-$4 for a cup of coffee now.  Remove the Cinch saloon and the once thriving gay neighborhood is just a rumor.

     Swenson's (pizza walk to Za! and ice cream, ( U-Lee-Ken and family (shout out to cousin Ronnie around the corner!), Le Beau (where Dexter was being groomed to work, thanks to the great owner of the market, Joe), The Bell Tower (where friendships with just moved from Minnesota Megan- then Allison and the owner, Megan's aunt, Barb) and the community of their customers- these will be the places we will miss the most.  Neighbors Larry, Rita and Dan, Shane, Prescott, Terry and Robert. Our proximity to Cailin as it's been for 8-9 years now, visits from Captain Mike, waving to Lance,the hum of the cable car tracks, the fog horns, the large redwood tree patting the outside of our 4th floor window, of a part of the San Francisco community, riding the cable car to work, Muni, Green Apple, Browser, Amoeba, my parents house- not far away. A bus ride.  Yet still, these will be a little farther but not so far away.

    Today we went to a Giants game which ended in fine fashion with replacement second baseman Brandon Hicks making a great double play with Brandon Crawford and winning the game in the bottom of the ninth with a Herculean 3 run home run.  Teared up a bit during the Tony Bennett song after the game. Something about the line "high on a hill, it calls to me"....

        We may leave behind an area, we may leave behind possessions and materials but memories of time experienced, shared and spent will travel with us.  To our next great place. Boldly we go. (or not so boldly but we're going).

 

 

Oliver 10, Disneyland with Mickey and Clark

Oliver turned 10 this April. For his birthday and our needing an escape we decided to go to Disneyland. As much as Dexter and Oliver enjoy our company we thought it might be better for them to share the experience with some cousins. We invited the Disneyland aficionados to come along. Mickey and Clark signed on! Unfortunately Jeremiah had to watch over his Starbucks store which has been consistently short staffed and Stacey was not able to get out of her work duties either. The distance  and timing didn't work for Josh and Jackie.  Cailin decided it would be best to take it easy for her and Mike and opt for a quieter weekend *   We would meet Mickey and Clark Thursday at the park.

The four of us left Wednesday for Cambria.  We looked forward to going to the Grill, the beach and taking in an area we have always been  fond of.  Cambria  feels like home and the memories continue to be good. It was a quiet evening and just what we wanted. 

Early Thursday afternoon we landed in Disneyland.  Our first ride was Soaring Over California ( music by Jerry Goldsmith!)- a ride where you float through the California skies surrounded by a grand warm soundtrack.  Or perhaps our first ride was a kid's ride-Heimlich's Chew Chew train (we are the Chews, right!) which is simplicity at its finest...and shortest.  Nearby we enjoyed a tiny toddler running through sprinklers . Flapping his arms he moved like a baby Frankenstein monster. 

    Soon after we met up with Mickey and Clark who had been enjoying $1 tacos at the Farmers Market (certainly not at Disneyland but with some research, some good hearty tasty meals can be found at the park for a reasonable price; Bengal Barbecue, French Market in New Orleans Square...) . Travelling with them is a very easy to do and a pleasure.  Fun also to see Mickey interact with some of her Disney friends/ co-workers and how they both clown with Dexter and Oliver.  Both of the boys were absolutely willing to ride more rides and while we missed everyone else, they made this trip special and one we will always remember.

Wednesday night, Moonstone Beach, Cambria

Oliver's Birthday Brunch at Big Thunder Mountain Barbecue- extra special as it outside eating, the setting, the company and food and no hokey show towering near us. Yes!!!

One afternoon with Oliver. Star Tours, Soaring Over California, arcade, snacks, and the scariest ride for me during this trip, Goofy's Sky School! It's too open.

Grizzly Falls at night might be the best. It's the last ride the four of us did Saturday night; in a vehicle that runs free with our uneven weight (just the four of us) becoming part of the experience,and the fear of becoming completely doused with cold water.  We ended up wearing a lot of water....

wet blurry exhilaration

complete fun

the spirit of the silly at birthday brunch

My Big Three. Forever.

Please don't laugh with your mouth full of cornbread...unless it's something really funny.

yeah, this is much like the first photo but i like this one too!

gentle crash tire partners. Maria and I found that laying back, side to side helped make these go

Danger! Danger! This pair

Dexter in big shoe car

Disney owns the Marvel franchise but this was a pretty cool exhibit of Iron Man costumes

the charm of walking around is good enough for me even if the parks have downsized red vines

the beignets (called something else) are pretty good especially served hot . Also they don't skimp on the powdered sugar.  The floors on a smaller scale capture the Cafe DuMonde experience.

Notice Dexter makes it a point to wear Giants gear when in Dodger/Angels territory (always has).  Shout out to the innovators of Fast Pass.  This just made our trip (3 days/nights at the Parks) more enjoyable -plus Mickey's connection for a late night non-wait at the Matterhorn! -never needing to wait long for the more popular rides except the first night when the group (minus a sleeping Oliver and myself) decided to ride Space Mountain again. With that exception, we never waited more than 15 minutes.  The Fast Pass for the Cars ride were all distributed by 11am so it's best to get that one early- even if the ride time is at night, that is a great time to ride.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disney's_Fastpass

Enchanting but I also get the spooks when flying in Dumbo

the Golden Gate Bridge is gone from California Adventure (but it was just a big useless prop anyway)

Oliver was excited to see Pluto. Wanted to see Chip and Dale and Sulley was always on the move when we saw him

Thumper for Maria

first two riders genuine in joy/fear. Then notice the extreme hamming of the next three.

first ride we all rode together. Maria and I weren't sure how the boys would react-plus we were concerned that Oliver would fall out so notice my right arm holding him in and Maria watching O even as we are in descent. Note the unknown clowns top right who are pretending to be bored. Perhaps they are bored; the story line for this ride is kind of dopey.

Maria alternately deep in meditation and illuminatingly glowing.  Not sure if this follows the Space Mountain manual.

red rocks are mightily impressive. if smaller than actual mountains, still large and sets a  cool mood

T

Radiator Springs reaches 40mph, cost Disney$200 million to make, and does crazy things to your hair...for those that have any. It was a blast to spend this time together and with Mickey and Clark, to see Oliver's joy back on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.  Easy days- all of them. No waiting for Pirates and the Haunted Mansion during evening parades, the sardonic wit of our feminine guide on the Jungle Cruise, my excellent red beans and rice at the French Market ( if only they provided Crystal Hot Sauce)...

We stayed at the Red Lion Inn about a 15-20 minute walk to the park. Rooms were good sized, layout of the place was comfortable, and probably the only time we've stayed at any hotel for 3 nights and not gone swimming (too busy and Oliver opted out Sunday morning).  A questionable "resort" fee of $20 per night/room turned out to not be additional- to the parking charges (my take is if you didn't have a vehicle, they would hit you with the +20).  Rooms about 90-100 per night and although you can get cheaper in Anaheim, this is what we wanted for comfort/location. Fridge, coffee machine.

Thanks to Ria for doing 80% of the driving!


* good thing for us as Cailin was able to receive our desperate call to forward some documents that were essentially to be sent. If Cai was not able to do this either Maria or I would have made a 4.5 hour drive back to SF, complete the task and drive back 4.5 hours to Cambria. No less being a wreck for the weekend as well.  Sincere appreciation for Cailin Cupp!!!

Tender Mercies On The Flip Side Of Discontent

    Hello. It's been the longest time between entries- mostly to avoid writing from a point of emotion and drama. I can testify that these past sixty days have been tense, confusing but at the end of this road, transforming.  We look forward to the turn of it all. Yet everywhere there are reminders to how fortunate we are.  None of these stressful days involved illness or death to those closest to us, and those closest to us are pretty cool folks.

    Unquestionably the brightest moments have been witnessing a very engaged Dexter, involved in the production of his school's presentation of  "Spamalot".  Loving his theater tech responsibilities and super ninja troubleshooter role,  belonging to a community of nutty talented peers.  Although he's lacking the balance to keep his other grades up (frankly, his other grades presently make that sucking sound), we love seeing our 15 year old desiring to belong and being accepted for who he is (at least we think so!).

     As for the production- incredible! From the opening overture of the band, Sota's Spamalot was great fun with excellent production values and the talent of individuals working in an rewarding collective.  The Python humor smashed through and not having seen the "proper" version of the show, I would like to now, and see how it could be better than the Sota production.  We are very impressed with this place.

     We also loved niece Stacey's choreography of the Brentwood version of "Spamalot" in a lovely new theater watching a different version of the same play with contrasting choices made, staging (much more interaction with the audience) and providing another point of view.  The holy grail was still found even if one version did it with the help of the Jews and the other, by having "stars" in their Broadway play.

     Terry Mayo is our attorney, connected us to from his work with John Dempsey. He wrote to our cousins of my (father's brother) to provide us a reasonable time to move out from where we live as opposed to the deadlines we were receiving.  Accommodating folks that we are, we were allowing ourselves to being pushed  to where the results would be the most stressful for our children.  Fortunately, reason between us, Terry, (and additionally for me- speaking to Bill Muits) had us slow down, reconsider, and to draw a line.

    Thrilled was I that Maria opted to go to see Galactic with us (Dexter) at the Fillmore.  Oliver got to spend a couple of nights with Kathy and Bob in Alameda, which he was thrilled to do.  Not as thrilled was that Galactic turned out to be the same night as a reunion with dear old Peet's friends, Jenny, Johanna, Tim, and Lara at Jenny's place in the Avenues.  I wanted a full evenings with all!

    Realizing that I've seen Galactic more than I have of these companions we stayed as late as we would have with the boys anyway.  Here again is where we are reminded from my days of Double Rainbow through Just Desserts to today with Peets being my longest tenured work experinece  as to how fortunate I am- to have these friendships  (Hey-just found out today that Rachel Walker got married; now there's a most wonderful loon!) and being with them is the easiest thing to do, to be.  We float.
 
     This was the last stop of this round of the Galactic tour and with Corey Henry of the Rebirth Brass Band along, the band drove hard and played fonky; the New Orleans lilt, clave rhythm always a presence. Grooves laid down deep, saxophone and trombone as jackhammers in perfect alliance or dissonant compliance. After the show (we were gone before) the rhythm section headed over to the Boom Boom Room across the street to play into the late hours of the morning.  Stanton Moore and crew seems to always be playing music- in other bands, collaborating....

      Dad told me that one day when he was gone that his brother's family would press to sell the shared property where we live on Hyde Street. Understandably as they have no involvement of it for decades. Dad was right.  Since October we have attempted to purchase the building with the agreement that if our offer was not accepted we would allow it to be sold.  Our counter offer to what they wanted was not accepted; I won't get into any of the differences of the opinions of the sales value of the building but more it's about, seeing the building as a financial asset that is unclaimed  vs. a human asset with people living there.  Depending on where you sit, all valid.  I will note that my father and his brother never saw this as a way to charge anything near market rental rates so on some list , the tenants of this building might be on the top 50 greatest rent deals in SF.  Us included!

     The immediate task before us was an agreement to clear out the storage from the basement (decades of collections, tenant storage, family storage and junk).  We invited tenants the opportunity to also add on anything from their apartments and boy, did they add on!  Hawler! 415-946-2077 came in to take truckloads with three guys doing an incredible job to clear out  rooms that in my lifetime have never been clear.  We let go of a lot of our things!

       We have bid on six homes in San Francisco and with getting all the money//loans that we are comfortable with, waving all contingencies to new inspections, etc., we often find ourselves right in the middle of the pack as this crazed market has investors paying with cash. A recent try was in a working class neighborhood just off Ocean Avenue- an old house (with great solid wood!) had 48 bids, and there we were, again in the middle.  Sigh.

       And now for the first time in my life I am open to leaving San Francisco-just as I thought Peets was my job for my working life, SF was to be my home all my days.  These daze, however, have us looking across the bay, to Alameda.

coach Dexter says to Oliver, "Run!"