Westlake Anniversary

While this was a major milestone anniversary — 45 years — we kept it low key as we’re celebrating this summer with a big trip, (more on that when it’s closer).

We went to Westlake, a quirky suburb just south of us, in Daly City.

We like to walk this neighborhood, admiring the unique mid-century homes…

Developed by Henry Doelger, Westlake is notable for its 1950’s architecture, created by a team of designers to encompass nearly every building in the development. While there are many unique homes like the ones above, the majority of homes are known for architectural blandness, exemplified by its endless rows of boxy houses, which were the inspiration for the folk song “Little Boxes” an anti-conformity anthem of the 1960’s.

You can see why ~~ here’s a photo (not mine) from the air.

There’s even a very cool book about the development.

Westlake is also home to one of our favorite restaurants ~~ Westlake Joe’s.

Opened since 1956, it went through an extensive renovation a few years back, which kept and enhanced the original style and mid-century feel.

It still has much of it’s original menu, known for steaks, classic Italian, and retro cocktails.

It seems most of the Bay Area flocks to Westlake Joe’s as reservations are almost impossible. So, we clean up, don our best duds and walk-in ~~ we’re never turned away.

Just take a look at the interior… classic bar, plush seating, even the old menu covers have been re-created.

The food is always great and yes, it’s expensive, what restaurant isn’t these days? For such a special occasion – we threw the budget out the window and enjoyed glasses of red wine, a nice perfectly cooked, small steak (me) and a huge plate of lasagna (Husband). We ended our meal with the best dessert I have ever eaten – really my absolute favorite. Warm butter cake – sigh.

So what does 45 years together feel like?

Well, it certainly doesn’t seem like 45 years ago we were this young and excited.

I’m laughing because Husband hurt his ring finger playing volleyball a few days before, and it was still sore. He winced and was in pain when I put his wedding ring on. Later, as we were formally posing for the photo above he said he hoped it wasn’t a warning.

Happy Anniversary to my cute Husband, partner, friend ~~ still making me laugh every day.

On the Road

We’ve been on a road trip. We decided to drive to Arizona to spend a week in Sedona – a favorite place. An area of red rocks, mountain air, and warm sun. If you’ve never been, you may want to put it on your travel list – see why below.

As always, when arriving in town, we gasp at the views.

Took a not-so-short hike … as some clouds drifted in.

Wandered another day to see Coffee Pot Rock – see it?

On a previous visit to Sedona, someone told us about the restaurant at the Sedona Airport – seems an odd choice for dining — we remembered it was great. It did not disappoint – great view and lovely food.

Husband found a local brewery nestled into the red rocks.

One day, we explored Oak Creek Canyon

Visited an Indian market, sanctioned by the Arizona State Parks, with proceeds going towards the Native American artists and education programs in the Sedona area.

We had a great time — good food, hikes, desert air and even some reading time.

Lots to see driving – especially back home along the coast ~ California poppies are in bloom everywhere.

Now, off to to do laundry and wash the red dust off our clothes.

Field trip anyone?

I’ve just recently been made aware of this hotel in New York City…

Husband and I were in NYC last May, but alas, didn’t know of this book lovers paradise. I’ve happily browsed their website and have to share some lovely images.

Books abound — in the bar, in the lobby, in the hallways, and of course there is a dedicated reading room — where I would order my food and drink delivered.

From their website:

The Library Hotel’s collection of over 6,000 books is organized by the Dewey Decimal Classification Each of the 10 guestroom floors honors one of the 10 categories of the Dewey Decimal Classification and our 60 rooms are uniquely adorned with about 50-150 books and artwork exploring a distinctive topic within the category it belongs to.

Isn’t that something? Be still my Book Barmy heart…

And here is a typical room with books, of course, provided. The Library Hotel is pricey, but not out of line for New York City

So who among you barmy book lovers would like to join me on a field trip?

I promise we will explore the city but only after we’ve gotten a fill of the hotel

Library Hotel Website HERE

N.B. It won’t ruin it for me, but it does rankle me that they charge a $25 per daily resort fee which covers a range of so-called extras (when did WiFi become an extra?) – one of which is access to their library 24 hours a day. It seems a bit chintzy of them, but I guess they have to cover any losses, you know, those that may try to smuggle books home in their luggage …

not me ~~ but I’d be sorely tempted.

Another Anniversary

Husband and I had our anniversary a few days ago – 43 years — if that can be possible. We decided to get away, but not far. We went to Point Reyes which is only an hour northwest of us, but seems like further. We can actually see the lighthouse on a clear day from our house…that’s how close it is.

With apologies to readers on the East coast, we had beautiful weather.

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We hiked, ate good food, stayed in a lovely bed and breakfast…

even had a picnic lunch with a heron…

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It felt like we had journeyed far, far away.

And speaking of far, far away — a friend back East found this photo of us – we’d only been married a year.

Check out that beard… still the cutest guy ever.

Happy Anniversary

I finished one book

and am halfway through another

Back to books, reading, and regular programming next time.

Welcome Back

Our beloved cable cars shut in the spring of last year due to the pandemic and remained out of service ever since. During this down time they worked on the cable system under the streets, as well as the cars themselves.

Now they’re back and for the month of August free to all (normally an astounding $8 each ride). One beautiful sunny day last week, Husband and I donned our masks and rode every cable car line.

First thing we noticed was how empty downtown was – this area is normally wall-to-wall pedestrians and traffic – eerie.

First we reviewed the new cautionary signs on how to ride a cable car. No such rules before — we laughed at how we used to run for the car as it was moving and hang on the outside. A bygone era it seems.

It was fun to play tourist in our own city and we noticed just a few of our actual tourists are back.

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The Buena Vista has opened and serving their famous Irish Coffee – outside under the tent. But we didn’t stop this time.

The cars were relatively empty and everyone wore masks.

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We had lunch at the famous Sears Fine Food – a San Francisco institution since 1938. Normally, it’s packed with a long waiting line out front. Not this day.

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We went up and down the hills of San Francisco – our trusty cable cars pulling us up and gripping us down.

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The fog waited until we were done to start rolling in.

It was one of those great days – wish you were here.

Vaccination Vacation

We both got both our shots, waited the obligatory two weeks and then took a short vacation down to Carmel by-the-Sea — and yes, that’s its official name.

When coming into the village we immediately felt safe as the signs were very clear – the yellow sign in background warns of $100 fine for not wearing a mask.

We had a cute little place right in town, so parked the car and walked everywhere. Exploring the storybook architecture – unique to Carmel.

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And all the little alleys ~~

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There was a few rest spots during our wanderings. This one we had to try.

And, of course the ocean views.

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It was a lovely couple of days. Wonderful to get out and stay somewhere else.

Not to mention having meals someone else prepared in an idyllic setting that was not our own kitchen or dining room.