The Maltese Falcon swoops in to SF Bay (Spectacular Pics)

The Maltese Falcon, one of the worlds largest privately owned yachts sailed into the SF bay this Saturday and we were there to see the show. Dave and I saw a news report about this ship coming in under the Golden Gate today and the masts are so high that it had to be timed for low tide. So we decided on a whim to check it out. (Yes, it IS nice to be free of kiddos to be able to pick up and go whenever and wherever we wish). So off we went at about 11ish today - beautiful, warm, clear day and we said how we were always so lucky when it came to visiting the city. As we're nearing the city we spot a huge fog bank and yes, it was right up against the GG bridge. Luckily the sun began shining halfway across the bridge and once on the other side we were greeted with lovely warm, clear weather and a 'boatload' of sail boats all over the bay. It was a spectacular sight. Dave took all the pics today for your viewing pleasure. Just click on the pictures to see a full view.
From Vista Point


The fog rolling in.




The Maltese Falcon (there were hundreds of boats)




Finally here is the video of the ship coming in under the Golden Gate.

Politics, Insanity, Happiness and Namaste to You!

I realized that it had been awhile since I've posted anything. Life does have a way of just moving along whether we give it our permission or not. I can't believe it is a mere weeks away until the election and of course I am not even entertaining the possibility that McSame & Palin(aka pales in comparison) will be in the White House come January 2009. One thing for sure though - January 20, 2009 - an end of an ERROR.
**************************************************************************************
Insanity is running rampant in my home and I am honestly grateful for the opportunity to see how far I have come by seeing it in front of me. I am continuing to concentrate on changing me and being the best person that I can be today. Tomorrow evening I am starting a 9 week weekly class at the Spiritual Center titled 'Eight Steps for Spiritual Realization and Personal Empowerment' from the class description - The teachings offered in this course are drawn from the time tested ancient Vedic philosophy of Self- and God-realization. The practices are appropriate for people of all religious backgrounds who want to explore spiritual truth and discover for themselves a way of spiritually conscious living.
I am really looking forward to the series. The next step is to start Yoga classes at the Center next Monday. I recently came across this video

and it matches my newfound beliefs so closely and those of the Center that I want to share it with you. The words go kind of fast so you may want to watch it a few times. It is beautiful.

On another note -recently I received a notice from Alameda County for an available job opening that at some point I had put in an interest card. It is the same position that I had gotten down South and had to quit due to our move. Eligibility Specialist aka 'Welfare Lady'. I was so excited because Dave and I had recently decided on purchasing our home in Fremont or Newark in Alameda County. Currently we live in Santa Clara County. So of course I applied ASAP. I have done this drill before having had and quit two County jobs before I know that it is a long process but that's quite alright as I have time. In the meantime I will continue with indwelling in my Spiritual journey and working on my 50 yr old body so I'll be fit and ready to go to work. Yay! I need to work - I need to use my brain and mix with adults. If not that job then another one.

I have a trip planned next month for So Cal. I'm going to stay with a friend and play bunco with the old gang. I'm super excited about that. My 3 year wedding anniversary is in November and as of now we don't have concrete plans - only that Dave is taking a few days off. We'll go somewhere just not sure where. I've never been Hot Air Ballooning so I'm thinking maybe beautiful Napa Valley. I'll keep you posted.
I guess I've caught up now. Hope everyone has a wonderful Fall. Namaste my friends.

Saturday at the Beach

It was the Kite Festival at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - I've never seen anything like this before. Unfortunately, I forgot my camera so I took these with my cell phone. We went over to Santa Cruz to take the train from the beach to the redwoods and back . It was a fun day.

New SpringWidget

Get this widget!

Visit the Widget Gallery

What I made for my sponsor's birthday

I found this prayer online and loved it so I printed out one for me and one for my friend, Vicky. Then I went to Michael's and found a frame, special paper and some sunflowers. She loves Italy and I think Tuscany so I'm hoping she'll like the decor and the prayer. I have used this idea before for special occasions like a wedding with a special poem for the couple and their wedding date. It's a great personalized gift that is inexpensive.

My brand new car has a boo-boo

There I was driving in a parking lot looking for a spot and then I felt a small bump - I wasn't even sure what it was - I thought I ran over something and then I looked in my rear view mirror and saw someone backing out. I stopped and got out and sure enough the BMW hit my right rear fender! I looked over at the driver and said 'dude, you hit my car' - turns out it was an older lady. Poor thing - she was so sorry and visibly upset. I ended up consoling her. 'It was an accident' I say, 'don't worry it will be fine, that's what insurance is for.' I was only a little upset because I was going to be late for my marriage counseling appt but that didn't matter anyway since Dave was running late. So we exchanged our info and then she asked me if I would be willing to not turn it in to my insurance if she pays for the damage! 'Well, I don't know, I'll have to speak to my husband' but I have to admit that took me aback a little bit. Maybe she has a record of doing this? I called my agent today and will get my car taken care of. The insurance companies can work it out. Funny thing - she never called me today like she said she would. Hmmmmm.

So now when they put on the new fender/bumper (because it's all one piece) I'll have them put on my new license plates too! Isn't that sad?

Wordle - cool

Check it out.

And this one..

Happy Birthday Baby

Yesterday was my baby girl's 19th birthday. She worked until 4pm so we drove over to Stockton to meet up with Christina (birthday girl) her b/f Joe, Stephanie & her family and my parents for a birthday dinner at Outback. I brought a cake over and we surprised her with a GPS for her car. It was fun - not enough time to visit with everyone but hopefully we'll get together again soon. Michael, my son, couldn't make it because he was working. Both Christina and Michael now are living with their Dad and both have two jobs. I managed to get in a few pictures of the festivities.



Cutting the cake - Joe, moi, Christina and Leah.
Mother and birthday girl cutting the cake.

Granddaughter Leah and her Daddy, Jimmy.

Joe and Christina

Leah helping Aunt Tina open her cards and presents.

GPS for my lost girl - and half of Jared's head.

Son in law, Jimmy and daughter Stephanie.

Stephanie, my Dad and Mom

My afternoon at the beach (Capitola)

So after a short 30 min drive I brought my chair, blanket, snacks, drinks and my book and this was my view.


Wouldn't it be nice to live in this house???
My company for the afternoon - they kept a respectful distance however.


Ahh, this is the life....



It was really great to enjoy the sun and the water. The only thing that would have been better if it wasn't quite so windy. I ended up leaving my zip up sweat shirt over my swim-suit. But it was OK - um, better than OK. I might go back tomorrow ;)

Walk For Hope to cure breast cancer

Most people that know me well know that Pink for a Cure is a cause that is very dear to me. This year I have joined as a team lead for the 'Walk for Hope'
The event is on October 4th in one of my favorite cities - San Francisco. I would love, love, love it if you could all join me in the walk. I know that logistically it isn't possible for most of you that read this blog but you could register on my team as a virtual walker or even donate a few bucks to my team if you don't want to be a walker. I promise I'll be taking lots of pictures and you will all be with me in spirit. Let's wipe out this horrible disease in our lifetime so that our daughters and grand-daughters don't have to face this in their future. You can find my team page here
or under team 'Sisters For A Cure' - Linda Weeks. Thanks so much for any support! XO

San Francisco Labor Day Weekend 2008 (photo heavy)

Once again we were so lucky with the beautiful weather in the City. We had a fabulous time. Hope you enjoy the pictures!

Today we went out to Crissy Field in the Presidio and took these shots. The globes are being featured to bring attention to global warming.





Shopping in Union Square


This was taken inside of the Westfield San Franciso Mall
These are of the Conservatory of Flowers - just stunning.

Butterfly -
Statue in Union Square
Conservatory of Flowers (Golden Gate Park)











































































This was taken from Vista Point (the other side of the Golden Gate bridge).
















Bridge walking from Vista Point. I walked all the way until almost the second Tower.



















The beach across from Golden Gate Park.



















































Our room.















The Hotel Villa Florence
where we stayed.




































We had a wonderful time. We walked a lot all over the Golden Gate bridge and the the park on Sunday.