Bernal Hts. Plot Thickens

Yes, after less than 3 months from inquiry, I scored a coveted garden plot in SF. I've heard tales of 6-year waits, so i'm feeling pretty fortunate.
This is after half a day clearing access to/clearing the plot itself on the very steep site. Yes, it looks like it's full of Oxalis (weeds to the unappreciative) but I see artichoke and leeks and brussel sprouts and dahlia. and watercress. very soon...

The Cook the Thief...and the Architect

Just to prove that surrealism is alive in SF (or is coming back in these ludicrous times), i attended a beautiful open-house at a killer boutique architecture firm last week. No, that was not the surreal part--nor was the incredible salumi and parmesan wheel spread from Bar Bambino or the Prosecco poured by the nice mustachioed man from Chez Panisse--but the roasted suckling pig presented nakedly on an enormous unfinished wood tabletop within a model-making shop and lit starkly by a single architects' lamp. THAT was surreal.
On consequent visits to make certain that was what i saw, huge slate slabs were added with puddles of coarse mustard and roasted root vegetables--the exact things the pig would have been rooting for had he (she?) not been otherwise occupied at the architects' gathering.
Presentation, they say, is everything. lovely, and kinda shocking.

Transformation by Running & Music

Like many people I consider running sacred, but tonight was more about the mental soundtrack. Music is untouchable as a giant slice in my slivered pie-chart. Tonight after a lazy dark Golden Gate Part run I spent time with Amoeba Records on Haight Street. I'm studying all the "Best of 2008" lists and I don't want to miss out--I think of bands discovered much later, like CAN (how could I not know CAN?).

I listened to stacks of cd's and many, though good, didn't qualify for the dreamy strong state that matched the post-run high. A few, however grabbed me by the Asics and didn't let up.
Santogold-- is a must--this girl rocks it like the gutsy favorites Siouxie, Blondie and the singers with attitudes. Pluramon--new to me, but got my attention.
Once again I find that January is the time to plan to see live music---nothing like the local scene.
Last January i found myself finding great bands, and great upcoming shows. While Six Organs of Admittance completely knocked me back in 2008 (how can I NOT play bass. no, drums. no...) others were just a fun night out.
With the Eagle Tavern supporting Thursdays at $7 to drop in, and NoisePop coming up, SF is a good place to be.

Dog-Walking @ Night

Everyday Vignettes that couldn't be arranged any better

Harnessing GeoThermic on Mt. Hood

Get to this Geothermically heated pool at the Thunderhead Lodge on Mt. Hood by running through the deep snow in your Sorrels (or flip-flops, in my case) and JUMPING. The sight of this pool was magical, and soaking and swimming after a day of snow-shoeing...mmmmm....

Surprise Drive-By on Clement

Finally there seems to be a new realization that simple, clean or low-budget can still be beautiful. This little gem in progress is in the Outer Richmond of SF.

Goldsworthy in the Presidio

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having heard from friends near and far about an Andy Goldsworthy installation in a Presidio grove that i've run through many times, finally i visited it.
Awe-inspiring from far and on approach, the grove is intended to grow into itself over many years.