Day one: Mini Park

Muriel Leff Park: A tidy tucked away jewel on 7th avenue in between Geary and Anza. A perfect place to sit and ponder or have a quiet conversation.

My own Julian Calendar

I thought 4000 miles of open road would help me find this site's purpose. But, it was this morning on a walk by myself that I figured out my challenge. Everyday, for the next 365 days, I will go to one place I have never been or do one thing I have never done. Many days will be simple finds or actions. My goal is that by this time next year, the body of my research will define what is extraordinary to me in the everyday.

Gray Skies, Black Falcon

This morning, as I walked through Golden Gate Park, Cole Valley, Ashbury Heights and the Castro, I realized how much I love this city bathed in gray. I overheard tourists complain, and saw locals pack up their bags for bluer weekend skies. A town that can be this beautiful with no sun shining is something special.

This is for the Serbians who asked for directions to the Japanese Tea Garden: Black Lamb, Grey Falcon. I have not read it in ten years, but would love to browse through it again!

And this is for Jeremy, my friend from Greenpeace on he corner of 16th and Market: World Repair Kids and PanCan.

A mantra

One of my all time favorites: everybody wear sunscreen

Back at it

We are slipping back into our normal life. Tsah fell asleep at the dining table yesterday, so I am sure he has not entirely rebounded from our adventure. However with the endurance of all great men in capes, he accompanied me this morning on errands. It was fun to explore a different part of the city on the walk home from the Castro. A new cup of coffee and jungle gym  are fresh starts!

An open note

The last 27 days were a kind of whirlwind I had never experienced. I am grateful to our friends and family for being incredible. For those of you who put us up (and put up with us!), thank you. By sharing your special corners of this beautiful country, you opened our eyes and hearts to what summer means from sea to shining sea. I was struck daily by the beauty of the back roads, the people connected to these places, and the feeling of what it means to be an American.  I would like to especially thank my sweet in-laws and adorable husband, for their confidence in me and their support throughout the trip. Maker is a fine road tripper should any one of you ever need a Thelma to your Louise! Most of all, I would like to thank our lovely children. You two make my heart melt. You were both troopers. You usually accepted my endless "we will be there in about twenty minutes," and you showed your true pioneer spirits. You both own a sense of adventure that no one can ever take from you. I wish you many safe and happy road trips with those you love. Signing off from the City by the Bay, MDE

another night and day

and we were back with Daddy. He flew into Salt Lake to help with the last legs home. We had a fantastic vegetarian dinner at Sage's Cafe. Early to bed, early to rise and we were at the Peppermill in Wendover by seven am. A long HOT day of driving later, we made it to Feather River! We did make one quick detour in Elko to see my mother's childhood home. We had a flash 24 hour visit with our lovely friends, and it was off to Reno to see Baba and Poppa. One last dinner and sunset away from home. We drove into our driveway mid-day on Monday. I could hardly believe it. We are so happy to be home, with memories to cherish in our treasure chest.