Stunning

September 10, 2013 Photo of the day: "Stunning"

Curiously, I really don't like this rose. I would never plant it in my garden (absolutely no red or orange at all), yet it is certainly stunning and immediately caught my eye. I'm not sure if I was attracted by its nearly perfect form or its almost garish colors. I do love the droplets left on the petals after someone carefully watered it. Just as I am attracted to expressionism, surrealism, and abstract art while not finding the genres particularly beautiful, the more I look at this rose, the more I am fascinated by it.

Early Signs

September 9, 2013 Photo of the day: "Autumn Aronia"

Although the temps broke 90° today, if you look closely, there are early indications that the seasons are already changing. The leaves have that dullness that precedes the brilliant fall colors and the corn fields have turned golden. Temperatures in the sixties are predicted by the weekend, and in the next few weeks the glorious Wisconsin autumn will be upon us. But for now, it's delightful to search for early harbingers of fall like these chokeberries in our back garden.

About Face

September 9, 2013 Photo of the day:

"Let Your Mind Set Sail"

I'm always simultaneously attracted to and 

puzzled by these sculptures at MKE

(General Mitchell International Airport).

I don't know what this installation is called.

I don't know the name of the artist.

I don't know what it means.

Obviously, I'm drawn to all things sailing, 

yet these "boats" are are human faces.

I imagine that they are an invitation to 

let your mind set sail, to broaden your horizons...

Yet, at the same time, they are capsized, run aground.

Let's face it, I have no idea!

I Left My Heart...

September 7, 2013 Photo of the day: "I Left My Heart..."

Hearts in San Francisco is an art installation in Union Square Park, near our hotel. Much like the sturgeons in Sturgeon Bay, the hearts are painted by local arts, displayed throughout the summer, and auctioned off for charity. The proceeds from these hearts are donated to the San Francisco General Hospital cardiac unit. The red heart is the only permanent installation and the inspiration for the entire project. This particular heart was painted by singer, Tony Bennett, as a representation of his classic song, "I Left My Heart in San Francisco."

I didn't notice until now, that this heart is

decorated with QR codes. I wish I had scanned one!

The sun has set on our time in San Francisco,

and although I didn't leave my heart there,

I am taking with me lovely memories and 

many photos of this beautiful City by the Bay.

San Francisco Postcards

September 6, 2013 Photo of the day: "Fisherman's Wharf"

Pilot's Row in the Presidio

I loved these homes (rent = $5400/month!)

Twilight and fog add to the nautical ambiance

Those iconic San Francisco cable cars

Before we rode the cable car, I took a

video at the Powell & Market Street turntable.

Breakfast at Boudin Bakery in Fisherman's Wharf

Home of the original San Francisco

sourdough bread (Here's the catch of the day!)

Sidewalk markers tracing the Barbary Coast

(former red light district along Fisherman's Wharf)

Ghirardelli Square

(We didn't even stop for free chocolate!)

"The Crookedest Street" (Lombard Street)

We climbed the steep hill and were disappointed 

that the overgrown hydrangeas obstructed the view.

The Painted Ladies (Victorian houses on Steiner St.)

also known as "Postcard Row" at Alamo Square

Do you recognize it from Full House?

The historic Haight-Ashbury District 

Some shops in the Haight: Nice legs!

One mural pays tribute to 1967 (my birth year)

and the historic Summer of Love.

Isn't this building groovy?

(Note: World's largest tie-dyed shirt in window!)

At the end of Haight St. is the entrance to 

Golden Gate Park, known as "Hippie Hill."

Is that blue-green algae in the pond, 

or do they add the color to make it look "trippy"?!

Ss Peter & Paul Catholic Church - 666 Filbert St.

Joe DiMaggio & Marilyn Monroe's wedding venue,

but were denied by the church as Joe was divorced.

So, Joe & Marilyn were married at City Hall (below),

and then had photos taken in front of the church!

San Francisco City Hall

(My observation that the dome resembles

the dome of Les Invalides in Paris was confirmed!)

The Transamerica Pyramid

Telegraph Hill & Coit Tower

Photo via Pinterest

Greetings from San Francisco!

Sonoma & Sausalito

September 5, 2013 Photo of the day: 

"California Cool!"

Today, we left the city of San Francisco

and spent the afternoon in wine country,

the Carneros region of Sonoma County.

We enjoyed formal pourings at two local vineyards

Our first stop was the Jacuzzi Family Vineyards

(Yes, those Jacuzzis!)

The Jacuzzi family invented the matchstick propeller,

but after a plane crash claimed one of their own,

they began producing wine like they had in Italy.

One grandson suffered from rheumatoid arthritis. 

requiring hydrotherapy in San Francisco

As inventors, the Jacuzzis developed a home spa.

 They sold the patent for the jacuzzi spa, 

but thankfully kept the wine-making business.

We sampled several varietals in the barrel room...

of the gorgeous Italian villa.

We basked in the beautiful Mediterranean climate.

Our next stop was the quaint Roche Boutique Winery

Here, we learned that everyone has a dominant nostril

with which to best sniff wines and smell their notes.

This has nothing to do with your dominant hand.

Eric and I are both right-handed and left-nostriled.

We also enjoyed a barrel tasting of a Pinot Noir future

Funny, but why not both French & Californian?

After our afternoon of wine tasting, we explored

lovely downtown Sausalito in Marin County.

These spontaneous stone sculptures are created by

local artist, Bill Dan, "The Rock Balancer"

We ended our day away with a late lunch at Scoma's.

Lunch and the distant San Francisco skyline

were a lovely way to end thoroughly enjoyable day!

I had sea bass with asparagus and citrus avocado

cream served on a risotto cake - delicious!

Cin cin, San Francisco!