Waterfalls, stairways, and finally a sunny day

Friday we went for a hike on a trail around Alpine Reservoir .   We got there by driving through Fairfax, and then up some of the mountains.   We think that Mt. Tam is on the other side.  We took the Catarack Trail path , and walked almost all of it, through steep inclines, rustic steps, and narrow paths. It was an incline of 800 feet in .8 miles. Quite strenuous, but very beautiful waterfalls, and yes we had sunshine. Because of all the rain, the water in the hills is quite high. The reservoir at Nicasia is probably 10 feet higher than it was three weeks ago, and water is flowing all over the place, including down the drive in the front of our condo.

 It was nice go be out in dry weather.

We went to Il Dolce Vita in Petaluma for taste of wine, each of ordered a flight, Dan, Italian and Pat , Sonoma. We then went home and watched a horrible video, Tropic Thunder. I thought it was horrible. I couldn't even fall asleep it was so bad, I haven't slept well in three nights, because the dog keeps getting me up every two to three hours. He is much better and we are looking forward to tapering him off of the steroids.  Dan






Saturday we spent a nice sunny day in San Francisco, we took the ferry from Larkspur Landing to the Ferry building, where a Farmers Market is held on Tuesdays and Saturdays. It is filled with local farmers, and quite an active place. We then took a walk that was in Pat's book on Stairways. ( "Stairway Walks in San Francisco" by Adah Bakalinsky) Once again it was up and down, and we had a great hike.  We walked around Nob Hill, near the Mark Hopkins  and Huntington Park.  One of the spots on the hike was the Grace Cathedral, where they have a labyrinth.    There are rules to walking the Labyrith, you start on the outside and work your way in.   As you walk in, you begin to shed and release tension, to quiet your mind and open your heart.  In the center, you may stay to pray or meditate, or to receive guidance.   As you leave the way you entered, you feel strength and clarity.   Or so it is said.   We actually made a mistake and didn't start at the right place, plus we kept walking into each other, so I can't say we felt any of that!   But I enjoyed the center.

Lest you think we are getting too "New Age-y California Style", we later  ate lunch at Tommy's Joynt which was featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives on the Food Network. I had a Corned Beef sandwich and Pat had a Roast Beef sandwich. It was excellent and reasonably priced. A true San Francisco Dive that has not changed since it was opened in 1947, which was a good year for beginnings. We then took the bus back to the Ferry Building and took the Ferry back to Larkspur. Dan

Our friends, the Kesler's came by our condo, with David and Elias, David's son for a short visit.  It was so great to see them, they had gone to Mt. Tam today, and we were all glad we were able to hook up.   Elias is almost the same age as Isaac, and a real cutie. Pat

Activities for the Mind and Spirit or "Yield for the Present"

We went to Book Passages in the afternoon to hear Thomas Friedman speak. It was, mobbed, but we managed to find a spot. He was really good--his presentation was merely his upcoming Sunday column, but he spent most of his time answering questions, good questions, I might add. He is more enjoyable in person than I thought he'd be, as he had a sense of humor, was clever, and of course, very intelligent and thoughtful. He mentioned that he does like Obama's economic and energy policies, thinks he's doing the right and necessary things. I thought that was great, and significant. He doesn't like his Afghanistan policies, however. One thing he said a was that we went to Afghanistan to get rid of the TERRORISTS, while we went to Iraq to get rid of TERRORISM. I found that to be a very important statement. He is afraid that Obama is confusing that. Interesting.

By the way,  he is describing the huge deficit in the above picture, he is NOT describing other things!   (perhaps some of you received the recent humorous email that's been going around contrasting Bush's and Obama's!)

Of course he talked about the economy, and again, likes what Obama is doing, couldn't make any other suggestions, other than to say the answers are "the banks, the banks, the banks", even though it isn't fair. Fairness isn't going to solve the problem, so we better get over it.

Later that night, we went back to Spirit Rock. This was a 2 hour workshop for therapists about the use of Cognitive Behavior Therapy in conjunction with Mindfulness and Humility Training to work with anxiety and anger in our clients. It was led by a Ph.D from Stanford, named Shani Robins.   He is also the founder of the Wisdom Therapy Institute.  He explained some of CBT's approach, as a successful means of lessening the degree of anxiety or anger, and then using the other training as a way towards resolution. I liked his theory a lot. CBT provides tools to deal with the degree of anxiety and anger, then, mindfulness helps us to stay in the present, which also lowers the level of anxiety. The Humility training helps us to transcend the ego, to see ourselves in connection with others and the whole universe. It focuses on gratitude and loving kindness.

I did really enjoy what he said, although I sort of put it together myself, as I didn't feel he presented it that well, or that he was all that challenging. He never really engaged the participants, though he tried. I want to learn more about Mindfulness, and Humility, and I think this may be a goal of mine this coming year. I was disappointed that he didn't mention more about that, he was too academic. We did start out with a guided meditation, but to be honest, I think that Dan and I do a better one. Still, I really enjoy going to this center, might want to return one more time. The sign on the way in, by the way, says, "YIELD TO THE PRESENT."

I think this may elicit some comments from our followers, and I hope it does, but I am struggling with the concepts I have learned here so far. It's a different approach than the therapy I have done, but I have done some of these same things without naming it. In same cases, it is very similar. Both Dan and I have done hypnosis, with guided imagery, and this creates an alpha state similar to meditation. My bias is quite entrenched in me, so in many ways, it actually interferes with this approach. I feel like I need to be challenged a little more in this area. On the other hand, I love the idea of expanding the spiritual, of transcending the ego, and certainly, of staying in the moment. Years ago, I had done a "gratitude journal" suggested in a book I had read called "Simple Abundance" and it truly helped me see things differently. Also, having survived a life threatening illness and procedure certainly helped me understand Mindfulness, staying in the present, and gratitude, but it's easy to forget those important lessens.

One more thing about this. I don't know if this will help you readers, but all of us are reacting to the economic disaster we are facing. Friedman talked about it today, and I mentioned it at the workshop. Though neither speaker had a "solution", both gave a helpful focus--Friedman said we need the banks, banks, banks, and the psychologist said we truly need to deal with the anxiety it produces by using Mindfulness, and yes, Humility Training. I feel quite anxious about the situation, as you all do, I am sure. I am truly trying to stay in the moment, to look outside at the flowering trees (you may have to look at the glistening snow!) to take a deep breathe and say that at this moment, I am HERE. I have love, warmth, safety and beauty.

Pat

Later, when I was taking Gus for a walk (yes, he can take a walk again) I noticed some wild iris, about to bloom, and also some Calla Lilies.  it reminded me of my favorite poem/haiku:

Dead my old fine hopes,

and dry my dreaming.

But!  

Still!

Iris, Blue Each Spring.

An Udderly Whale of Great Day, Deer

Another break in the rain, though not according to the weather. We hopped in the car and drove out to Point Reyes. We've been there before, but we never seemed to get as far as the Lighthouse, so today, we did. It was spectacular! The weather was perfect, sunny with clouds, but clear. On the way to the Lighthouse, there are many historical farms, that must have been homesteaded here in the 1850's. They are working dairy farms, with cows all over the place, including the road. We also saw deer all over the hilly pastures. But we saw many, many cows. At one point, Dan honked at them, as they were blocking the road, and they politely got over to the side so we could pass. He thanked them as we moved on, and they nodded.

We went to the Lighthouse, saw spectacular ocean vistas and waves, and actually saw the spouts of several whales! We were surprised, we didn't think we'd really see the whales. The Farallon Islands were fairly near, which is where the whale spotting trips go. There is a stairway to the Lighthouse, which was fortunately closed, because there was no way I would want to go down it, it is "equivalent to walking 30 stories." The vista was beautiful!

We then went to Cliff Beach where we saw Elephant Seals. They are beginning to leave on their journey north, but have had their babies, and waiting around a few more days or weeks. The babies were making a racket, wanting milk from their mommies! We had seen Elephant Whales years ago, at Ano Nuevo when they were mating, and this is one of the most fascinating places we've seen, but this was also really cool today.

We then stopped at South Beach, and saw huge waves coming into shore, so dramatic and forceful! This was really a wonderful day.

On the way home, we stopped at Point Reyes Station where the Cowgirl Creamery is, and we bought some of their cheese, as well as some Point Reyes Blue Cheese. Lest you be envious, don't be, it is NOT cheaper to buy it there! But we felt that we had probably met the cow that it came from.

A great day.

Pat

Time for Another Quiz

Well, it's time for another quiz, just so we keep you on your toes, and actually get some comments.   We are thinking no one is reading this anymore, as we have totally bored everyone to tears!

Anyway, here's today's quiz.   Dan is always asking, when people mention Third World Countries, "are there any SECOND world countries, you never hear about them."  So that is his question, which he has wondered for a long time.

We actually know the answer, as when we went out to dinner weeks ago with Jay and Lindsey at Aziza (see ***below) Jay looked it up on his trusty  IPhone.  (are YOU reading this, Ruth?)

So, he found out the answer, and thensome.

Do you know the answer?

*** The chef at Aziza was on Iron Chef America Sunday night, march 1st, and won the challenge!

Screw the Rain, I gotta Have a Stairway Walk! What Would Helen Mirren Say?

We took Gus to the vet this morning, and she was delighted with his progress! He is doing great, and we can start the prednisone taper, carefully. We are so happy, for Gus, and for the potential for some sleep now for us. I realized later that I had a mood change, I felt carefree, and thought perhaps this is relief about Gus.

We then saw a break in the light rain, and headed for Mill Valley for some stairway walks. These are Pat's obsession, as you all know, and she couldn't stand it any longer. It wasn't raining when we began, or, I should say, UNTIL we began, but it was a light rain, and the stairways were short. They were both in Mill Valley, hidden away, and really nice ones. We have a map of all the stairways and paths of Mill Valley, there are about 352, and no, I am not going to do all of them. The map also talks about the importance of the stairways; they are mostly all the old paths, by-ways and short cuts throughout the town, and the way for the townspeople of old to get around to the main roads, as it's so hilly there. It also mentions how important these paths are as an evacuation route in the event of a fire, or other disasters. So they really have a purpose.

The first one was called, the "Bernard Steps"! (this is my maiden name, if you all didn't know) So of course, we did that one, and Gus actually came with us. This was charming, as it was fairly narrow with railroad ties, I think. But what was unique were the little things on the side all the way up, that people must have left. I am including a picture of a few There were just things, like small Xmas stocking, a little Buzz Lightyear figure, ornaments, sayings, gnomes, etc.

The second walk was the "Madrona Walk." It was near the first one, and connected by a dead end street. It was completely different, but interesting in itself as it was hedged by bamboo trees. In one of the trees near the bottom, there was a stuffed Panda bear with an umbrella, sitting in his bamboo tree. As I was taking his picture, the owner of the house came up the steps. His name was Darryl, and he was so nice and friendly that I took his picture too. He told us that he had actually built these steps, which are brick. He gave us lots of history and information, and then asked us about Michigan, as he has to make a trip to Allen Park soon. So these cool things happen so often on these walks, and I find so much more than I expected.

I do like the stairway walks in San Francisco better, as they are longer, more involved, and one will lead to another around an entire neighborhood. It is so much fun to explore this way, and if the rain continues, I will just bring an umbrella, and be careful of it being slippery.

Later, we returned to Boca, a restaurant nearby that we really enjoy. On Tuesday nights, they have a happy hour in which you can get appetizers and a bottle of wine half price. They have excellent wines and excellent food, so we have been enjoying this.

We later went to a theater in San Rafael that is part of the California Film Institute where they have film festivals. This festival is "Almost British", and the film tonight was "The Age of Consent", a 1968 film with James Mason filmed in the Great Barrier Reef off of Queensland with a 35 mm. camera. The female lead was Helen Mirren, in her first film role. She was nude in quite a bit of it, by the way, and we wondered what she'd think of that now. The movie was really pretty corny, but it was fun. http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0063991/

It was practically sold out, we actually got the last 2 seats. San Rafael is quite lively, as once again, people get out and do stuff all the time.

Another Long and Winding Road to Memory, and a Unique Meal

This was a slow morning, doing laundry, errands, reading, jazzercizing, etc. Later on, we were going to meet Gloria and Mike, our Ann Arbor neighbor's sister and brother-in-law, in Yountville at Thomas Keller's unique restaurant, "Ad Hoc."

Dan wanted to try to find an old friend's place in Napa beforehand, so we left early to do that. This was where his friend from his Flint days, Mark had lived. Mark was a legend, a little man full of life and love and energy. Wherever he went, a party and fun followed. Mark moved out here in the late 70's, lived in a cottage in the hills above Napa. He died 21 years ago, while driving home in the steep, treacherous curves up the road to his house. I, Pat, met him once, but he is legendary.

Dan had been to his house, and thought he could remember where it was, but of course, that was about 30 years ago, and Napa has changed quite a bit. I finally texted Ruth, and she answered, good girl that she is! (she also is in love with her I-Phone and I think they are never parted) Anyway, we found the right road, went up it a ways, but didn't have time to explore more, and it was pretty far out.

We then met our friends for dinner at Ad Hoc.

I had eaten there, with them, last year, and really enjoyed it, and Dan did this year. There is a set menu, and that is what you eat. It's a Thomas Keller restaurant, so everything of course was excellent. They serve you the food in the cooking containers family style. The meal was Prime Rib, Clam Chowder, a Cheese course, and Pecan bars for desert. www.adhocrestaurant.com