tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26445302245807756492024-02-20T10:31:56.163-08:00Life in the Fog“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; <br> and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”
<br>-Maya AngelouLIFE IN THE FOGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150726019268334071noreply@blogger.comBlogger272125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2644530224580775649.post-69956780539660956832021-04-23T00:00:00.000-07:002021-04-23T00:00:39.670-07:00Beautiful Hiking Trails with the Family - Lishumsha Trail in Pacifica<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qC7HjvaV478/YHzOeQYM9_I/AAAAAAAAFLc/64G6GWotMe4q7MXzLokklEBt1fsGy9t3gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Lishumsha.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qC7HjvaV478/YHzOeQYM9_I/AAAAAAAAFLc/64G6GWotMe4q7MXzLokklEBt1fsGy9t3gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/Lishumsha.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.parksconservancy.org/trails/lishumsha-trail" target="_blank">The Lishumsha Trail</a> in Pacifica is easily one of my favorite trails in the Bay Area for its spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. We brought our binoculars in the hopes of finding whales, but sadly we didn't see any that day. The hike to the top is about a mile. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I highly recommend coming here early at around 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. since you have a combo of hikers and beachgoers looking for parking. We parked in a residential area and it was about a five to ten minute walk to the trail. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HAzto5SV4OM/YHzOe7ZMfKI/AAAAAAAAFLg/ync1K1D0e4QIyYsCuOrn8Uf_88P1ccTNwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Looking.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HAzto5SV4OM/YHzOe7ZMfKI/AAAAAAAAFLg/ync1K1D0e4QIyYsCuOrn8Uf_88P1ccTNwCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/Looking.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PtzhidIb-QE/YHzR9e5cFVI/AAAAAAAAFLw/iCKqAUi3FZc9HbkIjb2APTEhjPNy657gACLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/Family.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PtzhidIb-QE/YHzR9e5cFVI/AAAAAAAAFLw/iCKqAUi3FZc9HbkIjb2APTEhjPNy657gACLcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/Family.png" width="360" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJldJU7BzVN3RaYyMiIHTvK1fRDeJ2-JG8Vz01IRm6g3rWpw7X_8bG-HFjqzam_ALtkJe4akyWXlC9euWPIoYGxhe742nZv1gWNmudBiJacJXaeBj_bYr2R7FzsQUQCyVdFP-VQIsnI-Z/s1920/Hiking.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJldJU7BzVN3RaYyMiIHTvK1fRDeJ2-JG8Vz01IRm6g3rWpw7X_8bG-HFjqzam_ALtkJe4akyWXlC9euWPIoYGxhe742nZv1gWNmudBiJacJXaeBj_bYr2R7FzsQUQCyVdFP-VQIsnI-Z/w360-h640/Hiking.png" width="360" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><p></p>LIFE IN THE FOGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150726019268334071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2644530224580775649.post-70588178713424406762021-04-22T03:14:00.000-07:002021-04-22T03:14:57.669-07:00Easy Hiking Trails for Kids - Water Dog Lake Park and Open Space in Belmont<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GTe1qxI2Yxw/YHy8XGBsiAI/AAAAAAAAFJg/rRMMXEsYWAgFJMHOyXeX0DtKHkWBlWVcgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Belmont2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GTe1qxI2Yxw/YHy8XGBsiAI/AAAAAAAAFJg/rRMMXEsYWAgFJMHOyXeX0DtKHkWBlWVcgCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/Belmont2.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.belmont.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/10/702" target="_blank">Water Dog Lake Park </a>is located in 2400 Lyall Way in Belmont and when you walk this trail you'll see a lot of homes nearby. In fact, you'll see trails leading to private backyards that are fenced from the public. We didn't do the loop since since there's only so much walking our youngest can handle, but it was nice to escape to Belmont for warmer weather. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hRFuTXxknHY/YHy8Wxb1vGI/AAAAAAAAFJc/edTxKb46HsMIiJvYItHd3g9c0o0y5dSJwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Belmont.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hRFuTXxknHY/YHy8Wxb1vGI/AAAAAAAAFJc/edTxKb46HsMIiJvYItHd3g9c0o0y5dSJwCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/Belmont.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>LIFE IN THE FOGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150726019268334071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2644530224580775649.post-57024583660060626372021-04-21T00:08:00.000-07:002021-04-21T00:08:50.724-07:00Hiking Trails with Kids - Cascade Falls in Mill Valley<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-emH-QOqStq4/YHzDJB6ggMI/AAAAAAAAFKU/vLHkzYYceGgxgFw9poY1yRM04E3GTNTUgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Cascade%2BFalls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-emH-QOqStq4/YHzDJB6ggMI/AAAAAAAAFKU/vLHkzYYceGgxgFw9poY1yRM04E3GTNTUgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/Cascade%2BFalls.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Cascade Falls is located in <a href="https://www.cityofmillvalley.org/" target="_blank">Mill Valley, California</a>. To get to the trail we parked in a residential area on Cascade Drive, although you can also start from downtown. Parking is very limited - there was about a handful of parking spots. We ended up parking in a small turnout down the road that could fit two cars. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Some parts of the trail are slippery and steep but the kids made it out okay with some assistance from my husband and I. The hike to the falls is about a quarter of a mile from the entrance. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QqNKbo4iiBI/YHzDJMI4Z_I/AAAAAAAAFKQ/eoa5jtshqhwSrwT_ECtqhXnzz_u4p4rRwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Marin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QqNKbo4iiBI/YHzDJMI4Z_I/AAAAAAAAFKQ/eoa5jtshqhwSrwT_ECtqhXnzz_u4p4rRwCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/Marin.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZgpQntSC1MqXY6fzg-8bQIv5TaGzth1-6fc3UT-Qh-NCLc6vhBNzlTJebmSPRgtFpXF8oh_g-ldpXWUZefCvnnDSG7JLdaB82AkBWrlIVOMSJYpDhF3G8lJC7HXeszXSvI6SogqudHlfW/s1920/Marin4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZgpQntSC1MqXY6fzg-8bQIv5TaGzth1-6fc3UT-Qh-NCLc6vhBNzlTJebmSPRgtFpXF8oh_g-ldpXWUZefCvnnDSG7JLdaB82AkBWrlIVOMSJYpDhF3G8lJC7HXeszXSvI6SogqudHlfW/w360-h640/Marin4.png" width="360" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-usupk52806s/YHzDJzSGrBI/AAAAAAAAFKc/tSGNou-vswo3MpQ_5yr6exmzJemLABNQACLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/Marin3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-usupk52806s/YHzDJzSGrBI/AAAAAAAAFKc/tSGNou-vswo3MpQ_5yr6exmzJemLABNQACLcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/Marin3.png" width="360" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rVSRi79mtNU/YHzDJSISAtI/AAAAAAAAFKY/ehLfTNMRG0EGHD9ATW8Q7Rqk6oc4VWVTwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/Marin2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rVSRi79mtNU/YHzDJSISAtI/AAAAAAAAFKY/ehLfTNMRG0EGHD9ATW8Q7Rqk6oc4VWVTwCLcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/Marin2.png" width="360" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yJQHb20_qTg/YHzDIdQ2RwI/AAAAAAAAFKM/giWRjAUlS_sNlXD4mZa_rHIat6gPA3sXACLcBGAsYHQ/s1231/Cascade.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1231" data-original-width="1062" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yJQHb20_qTg/YHzDIdQ2RwI/AAAAAAAAFKM/giWRjAUlS_sNlXD4mZa_rHIat6gPA3sXACLcBGAsYHQ/w552-h640/Cascade.png" width="552" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>LIFE IN THE FOGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150726019268334071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2644530224580775649.post-77080213165903962522021-04-20T00:22:00.000-07:002021-04-20T00:22:45.052-07:00Fun Places for Families - Fisherman's Wharf / Pier 39<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVAAaO2AfUzjuPX6I44tSX0SCb9OLqpM9_TyHWXlOIyKfnb5DcHrVYK0CUvPmDEYZJj6SUt2FC7O8uxeSvb516PEFIxDYs6vN1dVvpqklvDraolKEwnM5MvrQMBq10VPAUJoHhbku7NP_x/s2048/Colorful+seals.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVAAaO2AfUzjuPX6I44tSX0SCb9OLqpM9_TyHWXlOIyKfnb5DcHrVYK0CUvPmDEYZJj6SUt2FC7O8uxeSvb516PEFIxDYs6vN1dVvpqklvDraolKEwnM5MvrQMBq10VPAUJoHhbku7NP_x/w640-h480/Colorful+seals.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>There's so much to see at <a href="https://www.pier39.com/" target="_blank">Pier 39</a> but the main draw for my kids are the sea lions and getting ice cream. My daughter even brought her binoculars that she made from the free children's workshop at Home Depot (sadly, I don't think they currently have them due to the pandemic). Whenever we come here, we usually just find street parking and walk about two or three blocks onto the pier. </div><div><br /></div><div>The scene here is so fun and vibrant and reminds me of my childhood in Virginia Beach where we would hang out at the pier during the summer. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JZiKkBy1HuI/YHzJ7JC1v4I/AAAAAAAAFLE/TP9LF-6Fezw5uiNWK6PBqd0zpKtIua8-wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Seal.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1635" data-original-width="2048" height="510" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JZiKkBy1HuI/YHzJ7JC1v4I/AAAAAAAAFLE/TP9LF-6Fezw5uiNWK6PBqd0zpKtIua8-wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h510/Seal.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNt43-PI1QaKJ4FFG9eYlUdSHgw1GIgyEgGs7zwO3Rm7o1UPQ2PkR8xzn3G6qPaEWVTZh6h2c4X6TYoSQppMu1fDui_RZ0r7LlMDKSI7lA8g21oi3jvlZiB8g4kCRduf2lOdVsUjRHJu0m/s1920/Pier.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNt43-PI1QaKJ4FFG9eYlUdSHgw1GIgyEgGs7zwO3Rm7o1UPQ2PkR8xzn3G6qPaEWVTZh6h2c4X6TYoSQppMu1fDui_RZ0r7LlMDKSI7lA8g21oi3jvlZiB8g4kCRduf2lOdVsUjRHJu0m/w360-h640/Pier.png" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYMW5s2fN78uOrtxx4uoEk0CcNWmXK9yD_vf1zGM4xS_3IoWfDjmzxfv6V4IMQjS-0B01Xumlu2vLEAs2ZgZttW4fF3_OXjp6qrWd30gxUmVAAoM2QPUBGfTDTl-c5MCb291VSHY-ct2vu/s1920/Robot.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYMW5s2fN78uOrtxx4uoEk0CcNWmXK9yD_vf1zGM4xS_3IoWfDjmzxfv6V4IMQjS-0B01Xumlu2vLEAs2ZgZttW4fF3_OXjp6qrWd30gxUmVAAoM2QPUBGfTDTl-c5MCb291VSHY-ct2vu/w360-h640/Robot.png" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My son loved this miniature robot at one of the shops</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_AW9YWXRK9w/YHzJ7cAkBCI/AAAAAAAAFLI/srXsNLhYpFo90bIgdEiyb8zIfW9KdEpmQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1917/The%2BWharf.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1917" data-original-width="1468" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_AW9YWXRK9w/YHzJ7cAkBCI/AAAAAAAAFLI/srXsNLhYpFo90bIgdEiyb8zIfW9KdEpmQCLcBGAsYHQ/w490-h640/The%2BWharf.JPG" width="490" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>LIFE IN THE FOGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150726019268334071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2644530224580775649.post-85037955631625992102021-04-19T02:21:00.000-07:002021-04-19T02:21:12.587-07:00Easy hiking trails for kids in San Francisco - Mount Davidson<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ifDPgnrBbkk/YHy-YKjXePI/AAAAAAAAFJw/nvm6oHjabQcUUODKNaG1KOOAL6limW3ZgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Mt.%2BDavidson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1893" data-original-width="2048" height="592" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ifDPgnrBbkk/YHy-YKjXePI/AAAAAAAAFJw/nvm6oHjabQcUUODKNaG1KOOAL6limW3ZgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h592/Mt.%2BDavidson.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I find that the trails at <a href="https://www.mountdavidsoncross.org/visit" target="_blank">Mount Davidson</a> are easy for kids, except in rare occassions after a major rain shower where the ground is very wet and muddy. The hike is less than a mile and there are steps near the entrance of the trail on Myra Way. You'll see a 36 Muni Bus Stop just outside the heavily wooded area. The cross represents a memorial to the <a href="https://www.mountdavidsoncross.org/armenian-genocide" target="_blank">Armenian Genocide</a> from 1915 - 1923. Whenever we approach the cross, there's a hushed silence among the children that can't be explained, they know it represents something significant and profound. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmvDxaeHEs1lv0Ly5o1dnx8YPFGoCPNNZZnxyXDqGwlQhR60u3bePmunP-PmKV6xEvQ_1-M9WmUyM9PTb5hfjB1zXL90lrcABSDCYwD7N2WEoiojE7cus0Hw1RYj5T6-uZFRrn3qATftox/s2048/Cross2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmvDxaeHEs1lv0Ly5o1dnx8YPFGoCPNNZZnxyXDqGwlQhR60u3bePmunP-PmKV6xEvQ_1-M9WmUyM9PTb5hfjB1zXL90lrcABSDCYwD7N2WEoiojE7cus0Hw1RYj5T6-uZFRrn3qATftox/w480-h640/Cross2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PKVEac856Mc/YHy-W2oakhI/AAAAAAAAFJs/scPF48b_eQwNJLWwQv2BWpybuyemor7EgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Cross.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1208" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PKVEac856Mc/YHy-W2oakhI/AAAAAAAAFJs/scPF48b_eQwNJLWwQv2BWpybuyemor7EgCLcBGAsYHQ/w378-h640/Cross.jpg" width="378" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CB1WMwCXZ1I/YHy-Ye4wQYI/AAAAAAAAFJ4/roIFLPCcjn4V_tsY5UTYFkTJAbxJ7535ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/MD%2BTrail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CB1WMwCXZ1I/YHy-Ye4wQYI/AAAAAAAAFJ4/roIFLPCcjn4V_tsY5UTYFkTJAbxJ7535ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/MD%2BTrail.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /> <p></p>LIFE IN THE FOGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150726019268334071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2644530224580775649.post-46232921132870131592021-04-18T16:08:00.000-07:002021-04-18T16:08:00.686-07:00Family Fun in San Francisco - Crissy Field<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b3-e1TD5A6s/YHyn0AZhddI/AAAAAAAAFJI/HniPPBYfHsQdXsVBakh1N5RnRQNG1KUqQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/GGB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b3-e1TD5A6s/YHyn0AZhddI/AAAAAAAAFJI/HniPPBYfHsQdXsVBakh1N5RnRQNG1KUqQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/GGB.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I took my kids to <a href="https://www.parksconservancy.org/parks/crissy-field" target="_blank">Crissy Field</a> early on a weekday morning and I usually find parking to be easy. There aren't many people other than a few dog walkers and fishermen on the pier. This is one of the few parks where you get an up close and personal view of the Golden Gate Bridge - it's such an idyllic spot with the sailboats floating in the distance and you've also got the City in the backdrop.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--s86yGCQM-c/YHynz4GlN-I/AAAAAAAAFJE/67Ccomn8EOk4-faFeicNM2TY5WdEfswXwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Food.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2025" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--s86yGCQM-c/YHynz4GlN-I/AAAAAAAAFJE/67Ccomn8EOk4-faFeicNM2TY5WdEfswXwCLcBGAsYHQ/w632-h640/Food.jpg" width="632" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--s86yGCQM-c/YHynz4GlN-I/AAAAAAAAFJE/67Ccomn8EOk4-faFeicNM2TY5WdEfswXwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Food.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf2mlG_L04fC9nEPbBeZw3Ij31po-5MCSmahCMrYZF-8TXAC4iNf81dXUzd8aZ32Ui5UeQD0Na3dZCA_SfxgM06Q1M2LyKmxwi7Y0qLoY-DtbApwKPAMr5zJPfG5L0TP100sL2q9YHh894/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf2mlG_L04fC9nEPbBeZw3Ij31po-5MCSmahCMrYZF-8TXAC4iNf81dXUzd8aZ32Ui5UeQD0Na3dZCA_SfxgM06Q1M2LyKmxwi7Y0qLoY-DtbApwKPAMr5zJPfG5L0TP100sL2q9YHh894/w480-h640/Park.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /></div><br /><p></p>LIFE IN THE FOGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150726019268334071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2644530224580775649.post-89343585433285346712021-04-17T00:07:00.000-07:002021-04-17T00:07:15.341-07:00Fun Places for Families in San Francisco - Ocean Beach<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cfx8VTgU4_o/YHpzEhbOfdI/AAAAAAAAFIc/jakYkA9M6IE8ff80Txijxti3JcP5pDPVACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Ocean%2Bbeach.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1630" data-original-width="2048" height="510" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cfx8VTgU4_o/YHpzEhbOfdI/AAAAAAAAFIc/jakYkA9M6IE8ff80Txijxti3JcP5pDPVACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h510/Ocean%2Bbeach.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.parksconservancy.org/parks/ocean-beach" target="_blank">Ocean Beach</a> is such a nice reprieve when there's a heat wave. I feel like it's never too unbearably hot compared to Santa Cruz, although the sand can be scorching hot on the feet. We don't come here too often, but when we do, it's usually as a last resort like when we can't think of any places to take the kids and they're bored. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I don't know any child who dislikes the beach. All it takes are a wagon full of sand toys to keep the kids busy and I can sneak in a quick nap in our tent. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Parking is easy. If the lot is full we've always been successful in finding parking in the residential neighbors, but if it's a holiday we end up circling around the neighborhood a little while longer. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A word of warning, this beach is typically cold and windy. If you're not familiar with San Francisco weather, our "summer" months are September and October. It could be 75 degrees in the South Bay, but in Ocean Beach it could easily be 15 degrees cooler. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FozzYDTz-zM/YHpzJNeFMvI/AAAAAAAAFIg/e0PFzESlstQUrSg4c0KBMZYXsy_y-DEbwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Ocean%2Bbeach2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FozzYDTz-zM/YHpzJNeFMvI/AAAAAAAAFIg/e0PFzESlstQUrSg4c0KBMZYXsy_y-DEbwCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/Ocean%2Bbeach2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>LIFE IN THE FOGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150726019268334071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2644530224580775649.post-38752999967880495612021-04-16T00:00:00.000-07:002021-04-16T00:00:14.356-07:00Parks in San Francisco That Your Child Will Love - Sunset Reservoir Park<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cd-Hdxwm5Og/YHOkrZM2V5I/AAAAAAAAFGs/Ruku_0-V_5AevLqnxfR7kFopo1eDcrkRACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Sunset.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1354" data-original-width="2048" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cd-Hdxwm5Og/YHOkrZM2V5I/AAAAAAAAFGs/Ruku_0-V_5AevLqnxfR7kFopo1eDcrkRACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h424/Sunset.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sunset Reservoir Park is located on 1900 - 1998 28th Avenue. What I love about this park is how it's not very crowded and you get wonderful views of <a href="https://www.parksconservancy.org/parks/ocean-beach" target="_blank">Ocean Beach</a>. It's a bit of a climb heading to the top of the park, but it's nothing that most kids can't handle. I've seen kids younger than my 2 1/2 year old son wobbling along the pavement. Although I would keep a watchful eye on the much younger kids since it's very easy to tumble down the steep hillside. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx3sbeo36lSj4BDqd8GklK8wAYXtV-woMnhZyMR5PiYw-M2fEMz8wmFl6sLqG8Kt2K8egMFCgyjp5hpFBhr7msgpjul_Ks2Eqz0Ua-rAGmFk2KMDtBe-Er02ZgWpY4bROx8ZwRw_271tV6/s2048/Sunset2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx3sbeo36lSj4BDqd8GklK8wAYXtV-woMnhZyMR5PiYw-M2fEMz8wmFl6sLqG8Kt2K8egMFCgyjp5hpFBhr7msgpjul_Ks2Eqz0Ua-rAGmFk2KMDtBe-Er02ZgWpY4bROx8ZwRw_271tV6/w480-h640/Sunset2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>LIFE IN THE FOGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150726019268334071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2644530224580775649.post-20158172106900944942021-04-15T02:35:00.000-07:002021-04-15T02:35:13.631-07:00Unique Places in San Francisco to Take your Kids to - Crane Cove Park<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ty0XTHdMQKI/YHZwDrGAmaI/AAAAAAAAFIE/f2dJGbnoTaMRvFb46YkbYG6CcBiuSxkjQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Crane%2BCove2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ty0XTHdMQKI/YHZwDrGAmaI/AAAAAAAAFIE/f2dJGbnoTaMRvFb46YkbYG6CcBiuSxkjQCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/Crane%2BCove2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have to admit, <a href="https://sfport.com/cranecovepark" target="_blank">Crane Cove Park </a>is a very unique part of San Francisco and is unlike any park I've taken my kids to. A friend lives nearby and takes her daughter here often and recommended that we check the place out. I don't really know how to describe the area. There are modern luxury condos across the street and yet it has a very industrial/ship yard <b>and</b> beach vibe going on all at the same time. The sand is great and not at all rocky and lots of families picknicked on the beach while their kids played in the water. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Don't let the industrial part of the park scare you off - it's very clean, except for maybe some rocks scattered, but otherwise my kids rode their bikes/<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ride-Toy-Wiggle-Lil-Rider/dp/B01GFGATTO" target="_blank">Lil' Rider car</a> at the park with no problems. If you're not into the pavement or the beach, there's also a grassy area where we saw people playing frisbee and kids were running wild. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-64bBP--EWQs/YHZwDrWc2EI/AAAAAAAAFIA/IoYg6KFeQQE94uV6RbmQxxl7eBUwadLdACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Crane%2BCove.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-64bBP--EWQs/YHZwDrWc2EI/AAAAAAAAFIA/IoYg6KFeQQE94uV6RbmQxxl7eBUwadLdACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/Crane%2BCove.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>LIFE IN THE FOGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150726019268334071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2644530224580775649.post-64263183575444481892021-04-14T00:33:00.002-07:002021-04-14T00:35:03.733-07:00Fun Places to Take Your Kids to in San Francisco - Dolores Park<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJvMB39xjuYTK9qJAwrQehl79o4Mdrk9bqAD0C8hJn1FAN_k2gqAmtw7wzngmz2F34Ve9_2fGXZxYGXoQDrdFSJInpVn5toPjcT66lRuoBZ75nuXVxamdgZLe-wL2fwC7zsG3t7Fw_D_6w/s2048/Dolores.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1274" data-original-width="2048" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJvMB39xjuYTK9qJAwrQehl79o4Mdrk9bqAD0C8hJn1FAN_k2gqAmtw7wzngmz2F34Ve9_2fGXZxYGXoQDrdFSJInpVn5toPjcT66lRuoBZ75nuXVxamdgZLe-wL2fwC7zsG3t7Fw_D_6w/w640-h398/Dolores.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I took my kids to <a href="https://sfrecpark.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Mission-Dolores-Park-188" rel="nofollow">Dolores Park</a> in the Mission District on a weekday morning and it was easy to find parking nearby. It's funny, this is my second time coming here and I've lived in San Francisco for over 10 years. It happened to be my day off and I wanted to take my kids to a part of town that we rarely visit. What we love about Dolores Park are the amazing views of downtown San Francisco, the open space, and of course the playground. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My kids loved it so much that we came back on a Sunday afternoon. It was a lot busier at the park and playground, but we were still lucky enough to find parking across the street. Another great thing about this park is that <a href="https://tartinebakery.com/" rel="nofollow">Tartine Bakery</a> is nearby on 600 Guerro Street, if you happen to be craving sweets. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I hope the <a href="https://www.yelp.com/biz/dolores-park-movie-night-san-francisco" target="_blank">Dolores Park Movie Night</a> comes back and show a film my kids would love. I can already envision my daughter sitting next to me on a picnic blanket, under a sky full of stars with the City lights twinkling in the distance, enjoying a dessert charcuterie board and claiming, <i>this is the best day ever!</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDsGEm5mAbGzpbVTDKB9k5-elFpddv0-TjV2UqKz2jMjmcXJAjZJquvqoeKjlcWzKQ9WXj-ouOkOnia_LHVt-SIJd2KFoE0tvBOCEB78M9I1n_R00c7gpYWDpHHotNcBcuCAsaHuRQ653u/s2048/Dolores3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDsGEm5mAbGzpbVTDKB9k5-elFpddv0-TjV2UqKz2jMjmcXJAjZJquvqoeKjlcWzKQ9WXj-ouOkOnia_LHVt-SIJd2KFoE0tvBOCEB78M9I1n_R00c7gpYWDpHHotNcBcuCAsaHuRQ653u/w640-h480/Dolores3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>LIFE IN THE FOGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150726019268334071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2644530224580775649.post-15557756729484544692021-04-13T02:53:00.000-07:002021-04-13T02:53:01.540-07:00Easy hiking trails for kids in San Francisco - Ecology Trail in Presdio<p> </p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5J8RoN_ySCw/YHOkQu14wsI/AAAAAAAAFGc/EFlVXM8RkkM9XkkFvuv_AQNKQhQgcdnuQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Ecology%2B2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1687" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5J8RoN_ySCw/YHOkQu14wsI/AAAAAAAAFGc/EFlVXM8RkkM9XkkFvuv_AQNKQhQgcdnuQCLcBGAsYHQ/w528-h640/Ecology%2B2.JPG" width="528" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's no surprise my kids love playing hide-in-seek among the giant trees on the <a href="https://www.presidio.gov/trails/ecology-trail" target="_blank">Ecology Trail in Presidio.</a> The hike is about 1.4 miles and my kids, who are under the age of six, like to take their time and look at everything. Of course we dictate the amount of time we hike based on their needs/temperament, if anyone is tired or hungry (usually both) it signals quitting time and we turn around and head back to the car. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Parking before noon has been easy. If the lot is full, we usually park in the residential areas.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eaYMSoPDgeU/YHOkUPTJPTI/AAAAAAAAFGg/7X4G0Ym51zcebMJn97eVW0aXtg7bWQehwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Ecology.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eaYMSoPDgeU/YHOkUPTJPTI/AAAAAAAAFGg/7X4G0Ym51zcebMJn97eVW0aXtg7bWQehwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/Ecology.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p>LIFE IN THE FOGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150726019268334071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2644530224580775649.post-53294874590893762072021-04-12T00:17:00.000-07:002021-04-12T00:17:45.334-07:00Fun Places in San Francisco to See with Kids - California Academy of Sciences<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--EaQ4i9vCbo/YHOmWlMO4eI/AAAAAAAAFHY/PAzfYPjBB0kmqOb772Pcl84_1T7E4gyBQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Academy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--EaQ4i9vCbo/YHOmWlMO4eI/AAAAAAAAFHY/PAzfYPjBB0kmqOb772Pcl84_1T7E4gyBQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Academy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My family and I visited the <a href="https://www.calacademy.org/" target="_blank">California Academy of Sciences</a> on a Saturday and I was dreading the crowds after a friend mentioned that it was busy on a Monday, which was the beginning of spring break in San Francisco. But to my surprise, I didn't find much crowding except in some parts of the aquarium, particularly through the tunnel, and the venom exhibit where everyone wanted to see snakes. When we visited the <a href="https://www.calacademy.org/exhibits/kimball-natural-history-museum" target="_blank">Tusher African Hall</a>, there was only one other family at the exhibit. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">They loved every minute of their visit here; it's their first visit inside of a public building other than a grocery store since the pandemic began. The downside is that we were unable to reserve tickets to the <a href="https://www.calacademy.org/exhibits/osher-rainforest" target="_blank">Osher Rainforest</a> and I would recommend reserving it before you arrive for your scheduled date and time. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PF1sXyFN6hA/YHOmXMV0_8I/AAAAAAAAFHc/WmHwaX5TK90n6w6DqMq5ZnViqqfvCjZcQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Fish2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PF1sXyFN6hA/YHOmXMV0_8I/AAAAAAAAFHc/WmHwaX5TK90n6w6DqMq5ZnViqqfvCjZcQCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/Fish2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UOdKnpcqkY8/YHOmXCdtAKI/AAAAAAAAFHg/d6vO_NOOBUAw9hi-G_1t7aZrgWlorj7pgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Fish.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UOdKnpcqkY8/YHOmXCdtAKI/AAAAAAAAFHg/d6vO_NOOBUAw9hi-G_1t7aZrgWlorj7pgCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/Fish.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNZYZ5ZaZWPhpOerOzLEy3qEUeOinuhJWfZCaKfiiMz86ZyEu-y-57CVCqY0kZqhUOaQr3jbl87J22qQiPhLiX3BMczq7JaPlkSn3TglrX6ZzMthY6RUWq8LZq_d-sKzl8DTFmgnTV7DIq/s2048/Penguins.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1281" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNZYZ5ZaZWPhpOerOzLEy3qEUeOinuhJWfZCaKfiiMz86ZyEu-y-57CVCqY0kZqhUOaQr3jbl87J22qQiPhLiX3BMczq7JaPlkSn3TglrX6ZzMthY6RUWq8LZq_d-sKzl8DTFmgnTV7DIq/w400-h640/Penguins.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>LIFE IN THE FOGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150726019268334071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2644530224580775649.post-14808072453409286772021-04-11T18:13:00.003-07:002021-04-11T18:14:10.030-07:00Easy hike for kids - Presidio Coastal Trail<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SVzWzMEXaQc/YHOcIR8_TsI/AAAAAAAAFGA/EN07PgA6rHs4pRhGdv6oNTuc3RwisA2zQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/GG.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="611" data-original-width="1080" height="362" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SVzWzMEXaQc/YHOcIR8_TsI/AAAAAAAAFGA/EN07PgA6rHs4pRhGdv6oNTuc3RwisA2zQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h362/GG.png" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.parksconservancy.org/projects/coastal-trail-presidio" target="_blank">The Presidio Coastal Trail</a> is one of many trails that has amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge and it's a very easy hike for kids. The trail is 2.7 miles but of course we only hike at the pace that the kids can handle. My kids usually just like to hang around in one spot and jump off of some tree trunks they find like in the picture above. We didn't find parking to be difficult before noon, but I would recommend for the younger kids to take caution when they're crossing the road since there are plenty of cyclists who can come out of nowhere. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7IEloQtnSPM/YHOcNH6-s1I/AAAAAAAAFGE/_Jba5oAJWhQkQele2VZPcDmU_19-0huRgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Overlook.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1291" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7IEloQtnSPM/YHOcNH6-s1I/AAAAAAAAFGE/_Jba5oAJWhQkQele2VZPcDmU_19-0huRgCLcBGAsYHQ/w404-h640/Overlook.JPG" width="404" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7NavYWxVuns/YHOcO3KwuTI/AAAAAAAAFGI/pgE0LDPSyU4xQo86RHnoqa_O9mZtGVP1QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1414/Bridge.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1414" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7NavYWxVuns/YHOcO3KwuTI/AAAAAAAAFGI/pgE0LDPSyU4xQo86RHnoqa_O9mZtGVP1QCLcBGAsYHQ/w488-h640/Bridge.png" width="488" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>LIFE IN THE FOGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150726019268334071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2644530224580775649.post-393207413665115082021-04-09T08:31:00.000-07:002021-04-09T08:31:12.141-07:00Hiking with kids: Milagra Trail in Pacifica<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xf2y4ursQ1Y/YGpm5G2HPhI/AAAAAAAAFDQ/cvQOvsNLoiU3JAkTWrqb8idYzKZiRcWvwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1155/Hike.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1155" data-original-width="1073" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xf2y4ursQ1Y/YGpm5G2HPhI/AAAAAAAAFDQ/cvQOvsNLoiU3JAkTWrqb8idYzKZiRcWvwCLcBGAsYHQ/w594-h640/Hike.png" width="594" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I wouldn't recommend the <a href="https://www.parksconservancy.org/trails/milagra-summit-trail" target="_blank">Milagra Summit Trail</a> in Pacifica for a two-year-old, mine made it a quarter of the way but granted he just woke up from his nap and was still groggy. But my five-year-old daughter hiked to the top with no problem. The length is about a 1.5 mile loop and I was pleasantly surprised she made it up the set of long steep stairs leading to the summit; she just happily climbed with no complaints. She actually wanted to keep going to reach the highest peak and was disappointed and upset that she didn't get to because her brother woke from his nap in the car and it was time to head back. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My daughter loved the circle of rocks and we took a long water break when we reached this area. The views of the ocean are also spectacular.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The trail is in a residential area and there is a small parking lot but if it's full you can park in the neighborhood. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We came here on a cloudy day so the hike was manageable. I wouldn't recommend coming here on a sunny day around noon as it can get very hot and there is no shade as you climb to the top. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hDB5R-hJC3M/YGpm5oCojZI/AAAAAAAAFDU/e6imkSz4EdoQK6zPTNFtzTe5u0FguIDIwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7637.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hDB5R-hJC3M/YGpm5oCojZI/AAAAAAAAFDU/e6imkSz4EdoQK6zPTNFtzTe5u0FguIDIwCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_7637.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8O23HYfb8jY/YGpm54y82eI/AAAAAAAAFDY/H8eXAoxxeIoYlfvh_vvBpktmNNeD_zN8wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7618.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8O23HYfb8jY/YGpm54y82eI/AAAAAAAAFDY/H8eXAoxxeIoYlfvh_vvBpktmNNeD_zN8wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_7618.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p>LIFE IN THE FOGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150726019268334071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2644530224580775649.post-43241960944942071372021-04-08T00:21:00.001-07:002021-04-14T00:42:22.690-07:00Unique parks in San Francisco: AIDs Memorial Grove at Golden Gate Park <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zsdBMsGANq8/YG0BAOOl7bI/AAAAAAAAFFw/W3ywCCqZ7zgqQfTVJwMQe4oOQlxVFjhtACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Rocks.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zsdBMsGANq8/YG0BAOOl7bI/AAAAAAAAFFw/W3ywCCqZ7zgqQfTVJwMQe4oOQlxVFjhtACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/Rocks.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My kids love this part of Golden Gate Park which is at the <a href="https://goldengatepark.com/aids-memorial-grove.html" target="_blank">AIDs Memorial Grove</a>. It is located on Nancy Pelosi Drive and Bowling Green Drive. The kids will run around and play hide and seek or check out the rocks. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I like this area because I find that it's relatively quiet and not crowded with visitors. I love breathing in the smell of the trees whenever we visit; one can totally forest bathe here. Learning about the history of why the the AIDS Memorial Grove started, I hope it provides a sense of calm, peace, and healing for others as it has for me. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZK_VHAlReC8/YG0BFNg0vII/AAAAAAAAFF0/x68N8KkgfS4NSkqD2HLSMdv_ubIwj_5dQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/GGP.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZK_VHAlReC8/YG0BFNg0vII/AAAAAAAAFF0/x68N8KkgfS4NSkqD2HLSMdv_ubIwj_5dQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/GGP.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>LIFE IN THE FOGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150726019268334071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2644530224580775649.post-58671426379430284902021-04-07T03:47:00.000-07:002021-04-07T03:47:24.242-07:00Visiting Napa Valley with kids<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tiS7Cg_4zuE/YGpfxzARyEI/AAAAAAAAFCQ/Qtia6Rsm9cEBiQBh9e51vopaxpYhKYmsQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1652/Bouchon.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1336" data-original-width="1652" height="518" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tiS7Cg_4zuE/YGpfxzARyEI/AAAAAAAAFCQ/Qtia6Rsm9cEBiQBh9e51vopaxpYhKYmsQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h518/Bouchon.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We visited Napa Valley on a weekday and it was perfect for us because there were no crowds. The drive is about an hour and twenty minutes without traffic. With my kids usually we hit three spots before their crankiness sets in. During our trip here we visited <a href="https://www.cornerstonesonoma.com/" target="_blank">Cornerstone Sonoma</a> first so that they can run around and see the lovely gardens, art sculptures, and the pond. </div><div><br /></div><div>I never leave Napa without a visit to <a href="https://www.thomaskeller.com/yountville-california/bouchon-bakery/bakery" target="_blank">Bouchon Bakery</a> in Yountville. My husband usually grabs an almond croisant and lemon tart while I get the pain au chocolat and macarons for the kids and I. I love the boxes that the six piece macarons come in; I still use our old one for keeping my daughter's hair ties and ribbon clips organized. </div><div><br /></div><div>Our final stop was at <a href="https://www.thomaskeller.com/addendum" rel="nofollow">Addendum</a> - I got the Lobster Roll and it's what you'd expect, of course it was delicious. We got there around 5:00 p.m. and ate at the picnic area. There is limited seating and the picnic area fills up fast. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mLmlvWC8gJM/YGphE2HVyuI/AAAAAAAAFDE/_2Qe_Jl0Fhk0Z1pocDU4g0BG4hwqOqBVQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7777.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mLmlvWC8gJM/YGphE2HVyuI/AAAAAAAAFDE/_2Qe_Jl0Fhk0Z1pocDU4g0BG4hwqOqBVQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_7777.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cDwcnqd7-Cw/YGpgt2kxTbI/AAAAAAAAFC0/5MVmU_fZ_QkwAsWuEK-gjHkxT2RSwCP1gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Kids.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cDwcnqd7-Cw/YGpgt2kxTbI/AAAAAAAAFC0/5MVmU_fZ_QkwAsWuEK-gjHkxT2RSwCP1gCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/Kids.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y_PahT-AMOU/YGpgtralZ7I/AAAAAAAAFCw/OSumNBC_p2geTTXIZ5xJvhdMx9qEl2L0gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7780.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y_PahT-AMOU/YGpgtralZ7I/AAAAAAAAFCw/OSumNBC_p2geTTXIZ5xJvhdMx9qEl2L0gCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_7780.JPG" width="480" /></a></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRR2F6dZY4454xN1CuMqjt_YYx28OxZvczovwiwzaXM3EiAq5Ft7MTlolLzQjN6CDStI145aIHibsyDanE9ZIkTWK5pUmpPtK1NuI1DoPTN-abXkrfr3HKnHHNimNrG2S08lX1b60MiMhl/s2048/Pond.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1970" data-original-width="2048" height="616" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRR2F6dZY4454xN1CuMqjt_YYx28OxZvczovwiwzaXM3EiAq5Ft7MTlolLzQjN6CDStI145aIHibsyDanE9ZIkTWK5pUmpPtK1NuI1DoPTN-abXkrfr3HKnHHNimNrG2S08lX1b60MiMhl/w640-h616/Pond.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>LIFE IN THE FOGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150726019268334071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2644530224580775649.post-64937306749166455872021-04-06T07:09:00.000-07:002021-04-06T07:09:18.094-07:00Whale Watching at Devil's Slide Coastal Trail in Pacifica<p> </p><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-91u-eTYAMNk/YGpatXlrPOI/AAAAAAAAFBw/SYw33Mr3E_YWIH0rQjklUA9jLGNPEnmYwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/Devil%2527s%2BSlide.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-91u-eTYAMNk/YGpatXlrPOI/AAAAAAAAFBw/SYw33Mr3E_YWIH0rQjklUA9jLGNPEnmYwCLcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/Devil%2527s%2BSlide.png" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We visited <a href="https://parks.smcgov.org/devils-slide-trail" target="_blank">Devil's Slide Coastal Trail</a> in Pacifica last year around late June and I wish I had known about the whale sightings because we would've brought our binoculars. You can see easily spot the whales from shore - just follow the flock of birds concentrated in one area of the ocean and most likely there's a whale in the midst. I find that it was an easy walk for my two-year-old son but because he likes to stop and look at everything, we only walked up the hill for a good half hour, while my then four-year-old daughter walked to the peak with my husband with no problem. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It seems a little daunting walking along on a highway, but it's kinda neat like walking down the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Highway" rel="nofollow">Great Highway</a> when it's closed to traffic for road maintenance.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Word of warning though, parking is not the greatest and is a hit or miss and we came here on a weekday. There is parking on either side of the Tom Lantos Tunnel. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZzvWOrZbw80/YGpatUW4c-I/AAAAAAAAFBs/DDRYOUFk1L0ar-S1AAxkq95UeAMc1pu9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7834.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZzvWOrZbw80/YGpatUW4c-I/AAAAAAAAFBs/DDRYOUFk1L0ar-S1AAxkq95UeAMc1pu9ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_7834.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2riuOhS6JtY/YGpbP-PJrwI/AAAAAAAAFCI/q18k7LnsLZkIQ8xXXFtBSxnQ_HZ_B2VqwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7853.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2riuOhS6JtY/YGpbP-PJrwI/AAAAAAAAFCI/q18k7LnsLZkIQ8xXXFtBSxnQ_HZ_B2VqwCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_7853.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />LIFE IN THE FOGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150726019268334071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2644530224580775649.post-25307794613348750732021-04-05T07:32:00.003-07:002021-04-14T00:40:09.361-07:00Family Fun in San Francisco - Sutro Heights Park <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-plbdUtyBwW8/YGpVUxqEMDI/AAAAAAAAFA4/1HcqryV8xhk3Wu_jrG96EPHMJV8hOG69QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7531.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-plbdUtyBwW8/YGpVUxqEMDI/AAAAAAAAFA4/1HcqryV8xhk3Wu_jrG96EPHMJV8hOG69QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_7531.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you want to take your kids somewhere with spectacular views of Ocean Beach, I highly recommend Sutro Heights Park. I last came here when I was preganant with my firstborn, which was about five years ago and I'm surprised I haven't visited until recently. Living in SF with a growing family, there were times when my husband and I questioned whether to stay or leave in the City but when the pandemic happened, it solidified my decision in wanting to stay longer. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yes, my children may have more space to roam around in a house in the suburbs, but they would have missed out on all these amazing parks, beaches, and trails that are less than an hour away from our home. Also it rarely gets unbearably hot during the summers so that you can be outdoors all day long. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i8biJu4qyK8/YGpWAGd764I/AAAAAAAAFBc/YRsWewvrxsAcpcjU2Orf4wRHYAjz2TQ0QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7532.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i8biJu4qyK8/YGpWAGd764I/AAAAAAAAFBc/YRsWewvrxsAcpcjU2Orf4wRHYAjz2TQ0QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_7532.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ic8FpM8o1X0/YGpWSzUsPDI/AAAAAAAAFBk/bY28FQmflAYOfLt2cCYcJpRCzQ8bHmNpQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7550.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1843" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ic8FpM8o1X0/YGpWSzUsPDI/AAAAAAAAFBk/bY28FQmflAYOfLt2cCYcJpRCzQ8bHmNpQCLcBGAsYHQ/w576-h640/IMG_7550.JPG" width="576" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GUov0UHRJco/YGpVV-6rtHI/AAAAAAAAFBI/fvHST5F-ihA45Hxsn--rAsECgqM2djGBACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7548.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GUov0UHRJco/YGpVV-6rtHI/AAAAAAAAFBI/fvHST5F-ihA45Hxsn--rAsECgqM2djGBACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_7548.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OZ4GKUwwACU/YGpVUx_ksmI/AAAAAAAAFA0/aCo16ug2z1kvMjVXYJ4dKf5St7r7n8XxwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7536.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1529" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OZ4GKUwwACU/YGpVUx_ksmI/AAAAAAAAFA0/aCo16ug2z1kvMjVXYJ4dKf5St7r7n8XxwCLcBGAsYHQ/w478-h640/IMG_7536.JPG" width="478" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><p></p>LIFE IN THE FOGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150726019268334071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2644530224580775649.post-34250328482110984632021-04-04T17:26:00.007-07:002021-04-07T04:15:42.563-07:00Fun things to do with family in San Francisco - Picnic at the Palace of Fine Arts <p> <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-We-x0AfRId4/YGpPSDgzYNI/AAAAAAAAFAA/RBHc_yqsctAHsljAdymrjUMqoMA8vH-bQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/POFA.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2045" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-We-x0AfRId4/YGpPSDgzYNI/AAAAAAAAFAA/RBHc_yqsctAHsljAdymrjUMqoMA8vH-bQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/POFA.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There are so many great picnic spots in San Francisco that you can't go wrong. We usually picnic at the beach, but on some days we don't want to schlep the wagon with the tent, food, etc. and sometimes the weather is colder than we'd like it to be. One of our more memorable picnics is at the <a href="https://palaceoffinearts.com/" rel="nofollow">Palace of Fine Arts</a>. My kids love it there, there's ducks on the pond and they're fascinated by the structure of the buildings and columns. There's a small path in the garden by the lake and the kids love to pretend they're on a hiking adventure. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I haven't found parking to be bad and I've been here on a weekend. We usually arrive before noon. A word of warning and most SF residents already know this, but for those from out of town, I don't recommend leaving anything in your car, even if it's just a small backpack for carrying your children' toys - your car might get broken into. Yes, it's a beautiful residential, tony neighborhood, but there are parking signs everywhere that warn you of break-ins and not to leave valuables. I personally won't even leave random coins lying around in the cupholder. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3BZtcHzwM8c/YGpPSgL6ISI/AAAAAAAAFAE/LtDCPpVoC9Ast8yLxdi6JaIL12Ld20E1ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Picnic.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1890" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3BZtcHzwM8c/YGpPSgL6ISI/AAAAAAAAFAE/LtDCPpVoC9Ast8yLxdi6JaIL12Ld20E1ACLcBGAsYHQ/w369-h400/Picnic.jpg" width="369" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Picnicking at home on my daughter's birthday </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdmoi5L9UE2FrXMzaFNuY2n76vGHSY7LL6nqTArvawhedbLrHQJSZ_Sx6cBBUnbx0XzpBswizTbFPtRZhnAu-rfyobKHC7sdZYMyInl5qJ7_xAe3u71EyPkrgyTliDkXt90AW1C6-YLgci/s2624/Easter.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1199" data-original-width="2624" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdmoi5L9UE2FrXMzaFNuY2n76vGHSY7LL6nqTArvawhedbLrHQJSZ_Sx6cBBUnbx0XzpBswizTbFPtRZhnAu-rfyobKHC7sdZYMyInl5qJ7_xAe3u71EyPkrgyTliDkXt90AW1C6-YLgci/w400-h183/Easter.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wishing everyone a Happy Easter and Happy Hunting from our family to yours!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I leave you with some inspiring images below and hope you get simple joy out of gathering with family and friends in the great outdoors (safely of course).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7vNKIztotpc/YGpPTDzdO_I/AAAAAAAAFAI/ADSB7-7n6vM-C1hbXOq8B_lV1hqpQy5jACLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/Trees.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="836" data-original-width="1080" height="310" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7vNKIztotpc/YGpPTDzdO_I/AAAAAAAAFAI/ADSB7-7n6vM-C1hbXOq8B_lV1hqpQy5jACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h310/Trees.png" width="400" /></a></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo by Matthew Pillsbury from @sofiawine</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8NCKW3Vy4Uk/YGpSREd1M5I/AAAAAAAAFAs/cPz_kEisKroASfoFbTag811yf839dMrhQCLcBGAsYHQ/s890/IMG_7342.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="890" data-original-width="750" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8NCKW3Vy4Uk/YGpSREd1M5I/AAAAAAAAFAs/cPz_kEisKroASfoFbTag811yf839dMrhQCLcBGAsYHQ/w338-h400/IMG_7342.PNG" width="338" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo source unknown</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw2Z3gfPJ00focFJoOR2qHs5IVRMU3MGt3_ssFGqMi4ZZFzDfvFhcQjceWf1X-1FtE-74kYrfts6ghEgERgqULiXaPWQSgY2FVLw5qvVAzrWw2IDvlCWorukaE1U1fOnPrXp3pgD_dlfze/s1080/Countryside.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1030" data-original-width="1080" height="381" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw2Z3gfPJ00focFJoOR2qHs5IVRMU3MGt3_ssFGqMi4ZZFzDfvFhcQjceWf1X-1FtE-74kYrfts6ghEgERgqULiXaPWQSgY2FVLw5qvVAzrWw2IDvlCWorukaE1U1fOnPrXp3pgD_dlfze/w400-h381/Countryside.png" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo from Town and Country Magazine</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>LIFE IN THE FOGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150726019268334071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2644530224580775649.post-90170214639251562562021-04-03T23:00:00.006-07:002021-04-03T23:24:49.474-07:00Mother's Day Gift Ideas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D9IadU2DjL4/YGlM5_KNGJI/AAAAAAAAE9g/FUzE89gODIoWAtuenU2LWYm62oIzKN6aACLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/Vogue.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1023" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D9IadU2DjL4/YGlM5_KNGJI/AAAAAAAAE9g/FUzE89gODIoWAtuenU2LWYm62oIzKN6aACLcBGAsYHQ/w546-h640/Vogue.jpg" width="546" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo from Vogue by Arthur Elgort</span></p><p><br /></p><p>I really try to be mindful of what I post when it comes to gift ideas. As someone who is raising their children about climate change, recycling, and about not having things go to waste and being more thoughtful in our purchases as a family, I usually post items that are either vintage, items that can be handed down as heirlooms or can stand the test of time, and classic items that wouldn't fall under fast/disposable fashion or trends.</p><p><br /></p><p>Donate to a charity or organization in their name. I recently watched <a href="https://www.seaspiracy.org/" target="_blank">Seapiracy</a> on Netflix and <a href="https://oceana.org/support-oceana" target="_blank">Oceana</a> protects the World's Oceans. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7zhHzP8jCyE/YGlMf2yH7HI/AAAAAAAAE9Y/otIOfM3I4dojD36eqBWZtHsA5GYjYCxDgCLcBGAsYHQ/s300/Oceana.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7zhHzP8jCyE/YGlMf2yH7HI/AAAAAAAAE9Y/otIOfM3I4dojD36eqBWZtHsA5GYjYCxDgCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/Oceana.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Name a star after her through <a href="https://star-name-registry.org/" target="_blank">Star-Name-Registry</a>. The registry includes the deed, the Sky Atlas map, chart, and more.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BMlkuqU4JGA/YGlObMVhtjI/AAAAAAAAE9o/DlV3pyFJGtQ581QYRaJUAfWcjsgPY7iJACLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/Stargazing.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="2000" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BMlkuqU4JGA/YGlObMVhtjI/AAAAAAAAE9o/DlV3pyFJGtQ581QYRaJUAfWcjsgPY7iJACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/Stargazing.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo from Vogue by Alamy</span></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">A delicious crepe cake from <a href="https://www.ladym.com/" target="_blank">Lady M.</a> - I mean, just look at the insane number of layers on this slice; it's a work of art! Actually any cake from Lady M. will do as long as it's chocolate. I just found out there's a boutique in Los Altos, California. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rvgwa5Synmc/YGlUeOY4eAI/AAAAAAAAE-c/vRAZ6KPBmEsF_b3HrqEHoQUtVWOhZoQsQCLcBGAsYHQ/s290/Lady%2BM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="290" data-original-width="174" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rvgwa5Synmc/YGlUeOY4eAI/AAAAAAAAE-c/vRAZ6KPBmEsF_b3HrqEHoQUtVWOhZoQsQCLcBGAsYHQ/w192-h320/Lady%2BM.jpg" width="192" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">A vintage Mercedes 280/380 SL convertible (from the 70's/80's) to drive down the Pacific Coast Highway</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c4hxI0TuT7c/YGlRyub45EI/AAAAAAAAE94/lvqxjF27ORUgurwM85s0h0QEm7uWXKNFQCLcBGAsYHQ/s794/Mercedes.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="794" data-original-width="658" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c4hxI0TuT7c/YGlRyub45EI/AAAAAAAAE94/lvqxjF27ORUgurwM85s0h0QEm7uWXKNFQCLcBGAsYHQ/w266-h320/Mercedes.png" width="266" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WlO3uLUUtEw/YGlRymd1zJI/AAAAAAAAE90/2FG9zTh5JCw_8sridn-T_I9jXHrUQ_05QCLcBGAsYHQ/s954/Convertible.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="954" data-original-width="765" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WlO3uLUUtEw/YGlRymd1zJI/AAAAAAAAE90/2FG9zTh5JCw_8sridn-T_I9jXHrUQ_05QCLcBGAsYHQ/w258-h320/Convertible.png" width="258" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Left photo from @Nat_Mass </div><div style="text-align: center;">Right photo: Pinterest, source unknown</div><br /><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.ligne-roset.com/us/modele/living/sofas/ploum/1764" target="_blank">The Ploum Sofa</a> - in love with this color and fun, cozy-looking structure. I almost wouldn't mind if my children jumped around on it, almost. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-03v4YSrfOpQ/YGlSNqsjoGI/AAAAAAAAE-E/3jBdRtjnkYgKqE-EgzVLs_z-yMYuc6EvgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/Sofa.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1080" height="289" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-03v4YSrfOpQ/YGlSNqsjoGI/AAAAAAAAE-E/3jBdRtjnkYgKqE-EgzVLs_z-yMYuc6EvgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h289/Sofa.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Rosie Assoulin's <a href="https://www.modaoperandi.com/women/p/rosie-assoulin/thousand-in-one-ways-wool-cotton-sweater-2/425355?color=green&size=L&country=US&currency=USD&gclid=CjwKCAjwpKCDBhBPEiwAFgBzj8vmx7JLyQPd1m5VkSOx6afgy4WeByeNvCKl7S2L_DxDK3dYpAtr1xoCsBcQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank">Thousand-In-One-Ways sweater</a> - I would wear this sweater three days out of the week or maybe more.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uF7cfqFZEHQ/YGlSbZ0fiUI/AAAAAAAAE-I/e42VwUSHoU4Ecx9ecfkTjXZo_TQLVJw8wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1074/1000%2Bways.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="596" data-original-width="1074" height="356" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uF7cfqFZEHQ/YGlSbZ0fiUI/AAAAAAAAE-I/e42VwUSHoU4Ecx9ecfkTjXZo_TQLVJw8wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h356/1000%2Bways.png" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo from Moda Operandi</span></p><p><br /></p><p>A <a href="https://www.1stdibs.com/buy/hunt-slonem-bunnies/" target="_blank">Hunt Slonem bunny painting</a> - I love how colorful, playful, and yet sophisticated his artwork is. You can hang it in the nursery or your child's room (and for generations to come), but I'd be fine with having it in my living room. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gb6lgBGXfPk/YGlSmquyh1I/AAAAAAAAE-Q/q0kFBhsRmvAiJvVF_LM-LlCzNVojx8HRQCLcBGAsYHQ/s905/Hunt%2Bart.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="905" data-original-width="878" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gb6lgBGXfPk/YGlSmquyh1I/AAAAAAAAE-Q/q0kFBhsRmvAiJvVF_LM-LlCzNVojx8HRQCLcBGAsYHQ/w620-h640/Hunt%2Bart.png" width="620" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.cartier.com/en-us/collections/watches/women-s-watch/panth%C3%A8re-de-cartier.html" target="_blank">Cartier Panthere</a> gold watch - the Forever watch. Also comes in Double Loop if you really want to spoil her. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QTTKTsbIBdU/YGlVvYfBDpI/AAAAAAAAE-s/L-snxVjTH6Ymv0Op0jg-O25I9kBzCSIeQCLcBGAsYHQ/s246/Panthere.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="205" data-original-width="246" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QTTKTsbIBdU/YGlVvYfBDpI/AAAAAAAAE-s/L-snxVjTH6Ymv0Op0jg-O25I9kBzCSIeQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/Panthere.jpg" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gQq41--ZWHw/YGlVvUPk8CI/AAAAAAAAE-o/nrcUFNwotvw7uc4v6eyQaPVYC3C3-ygjQCLcBGAsYHQ/s246/Double%2BLoop.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="205" data-original-width="246" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gQq41--ZWHw/YGlVvUPk8CI/AAAAAAAAE-o/nrcUFNwotvw7uc4v6eyQaPVYC3C3-ygjQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/Double%2BLoop.jpg" /></a></div></div><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p><br /></p>LIFE IN THE FOGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150726019268334071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2644530224580775649.post-74412266726515901612021-04-02T01:38:00.003-07:002021-04-02T07:55:57.317-07:00Easy hike for kids in San Francisco - Pine Lake Park near Stern Grove<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.sfparksalliance.org/our-parks/parks/pine-lake-park" target="_blank">Pine Lake Park</a> near Stern Grove is an easy walk for children three and younger. We came here after a rainy day and I loved the smell of wet pine and eucalyptus, it brings back memories of hiking in <a href="https://www.nps.gov/muwo/index.htm" target="_blank">Muir Woods</a>. My kids love trailing after the ducks, although for some reason my son thought there were banana slugs, which he's afraid of, and made me carry him halfway around the lake. There's a picnic area where the kids can run around; mine like to play hide and seek. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's relatively safe and not crowded, we mainly see dog walkers most of whom all wore masks. But since the pandemic happened, I find that most of the parks we've visited have been safe and there's enough open space for everyone. </div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BmJvIozr5Bw/YGEsGvxtj5I/AAAAAAAAE6k/0BdE3HRQJp0bG15qMSFrIl-d1b1e_WNkACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20210131_114408046_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BmJvIozr5Bw/YGEsGvxtj5I/AAAAAAAAE6k/0BdE3HRQJp0bG15qMSFrIl-d1b1e_WNkACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_20210131_114408046_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2e0Z5hpcaaj5kDAN0olVa4_w1A0DmMCPgfbKf9Zd0uMl7A5MmCfZhmsNWIULmyavhOvZfpLv4oYPOuqkRBYT37MYSDpE-wH0KYF3Ql21Cv5VPAwMI8HX1ytPH_tzvfWg0dokvqs86I2KQ/s2048/IMG_20210131_115426752.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2e0Z5hpcaaj5kDAN0olVa4_w1A0DmMCPgfbKf9Zd0uMl7A5MmCfZhmsNWIULmyavhOvZfpLv4oYPOuqkRBYT37MYSDpE-wH0KYF3Ql21Cv5VPAwMI8HX1ytPH_tzvfWg0dokvqs86I2KQ/w640-h480/IMG_20210131_115426752.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>LIFE IN THE FOGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150726019268334071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2644530224580775649.post-17638854525556399212021-04-01T01:07:00.001-07:002021-04-01T10:02:39.626-07:00Cool as Mint<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RnR90l5tP5o/YGM_XYCk99I/AAAAAAAAE8M/GY7gMPGgAkgEHy66KrXgLAjzN6uuESjlQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1260/Dining.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RnR90l5tP5o/YGM_XYCk99I/AAAAAAAAE8M/GY7gMPGgAkgEHy66KrXgLAjzN6uuESjlQCLcBGAsYHQ/w548-h640/Dining.png" width="548" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo Source: Unknown</div><div><br /></div><div>Lately I've been obsessed with the color mint - not just in clothes, but I've been thinking of incorporating the color either on my kitchen cabinets or powder room. It's a refreshing change from the light blue color scheme I've seen everywhere for the past five years. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--3OjQEzus6w/YGM_aSCnp4I/AAAAAAAAE8Q/RiN8I4hituYyDrwWKKoi2MF1b7Tm1e9XQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1169/Living%2Broom.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1169" data-original-width="1055" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--3OjQEzus6w/YGM_aSCnp4I/AAAAAAAAE8Q/RiN8I4hituYyDrwWKKoi2MF1b7Tm1e9XQCLcBGAsYHQ/w578-h640/Living%2Broom.png" width="578" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: Stephen Karlisch. Designed by Jan Showers</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QkFdFmJj7fk/YGM_vWb11II/AAAAAAAAE8g/yewRiFsrgIEInFBb_QXGZj81iZxR5EGlwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1052/Pillow.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1013" data-original-width="1052" height="193" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QkFdFmJj7fk/YGM_vWb11II/AAAAAAAAE8g/yewRiFsrgIEInFBb_QXGZj81iZxR5EGlwCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h193/Pillow.png" width="200" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xzvx2ZbHwKQ/YGM_spXvCRI/AAAAAAAAE8c/VVdcqiBsqaMzCjKe8mdaY0Azr84QuJ2owCLcBGAsYHQ/s689/Sweater.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="641" data-original-width="689" height="298" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xzvx2ZbHwKQ/YGM_spXvCRI/AAAAAAAAE8c/VVdcqiBsqaMzCjKe8mdaY0Azr84QuJ2owCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h298/Sweater.png" width="320" /></a></div></div>I toyed with the idea of getting a small bunny painting by <a href="https://www.1stdibs.com/art/paintings/animal-paintings/hunt-slonem-sea/id-a_6988182/" target="_blank">Hunt Slonem from 1st Dibs</a>, but this pillow I found from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/968575106/hunt-slonem-for-groundworks-hutch-in?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=hunt+slonem+pillow&ref=sr_gallery-1-2&from_market_listing_grid_organic=1&frs=1" target="_blank">Etsy</a> probably fits my price point. <div><br /></div><div>Lovely puff-sleeve sweater from <a href="https://www.anntaylor.com/popcorn-stitch-puff-sleeve-sweater/556553?skuId=31069977&defaultColor=7597&prodId=556553&currency=usd&cid=PLA_BRD_AT_G_CatchAll|Sweaters&gclid=Cj0KCQjwmIuDBhDXARIsAFITC_4IVL9qZW2aRN9kTLvIp91OEsjJNysoZtY42eAGNyZLBEfZdX7OgysaAiAVEALw_wcB&selectedColor=7597" target="_blank">Ann Taylor</a> in bay green</div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cpCwgvCUuzo/YGM_vn9cSfI/AAAAAAAAE8o/SJH4XIydxIMbW4kcqMbZ5MxJLgy6aNRSgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/Seashell.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="994" data-original-width="1080" height="589" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cpCwgvCUuzo/YGM_vn9cSfI/AAAAAAAAE8o/SJH4XIydxIMbW4kcqMbZ5MxJLgy6aNRSgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h589/Seashell.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Commissioned artwork of seashells by <a href="https://luludk.com/" target="_blank">Lulu DK</a> (it was so fun seeing her style in fashion mags during the 90's)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ISC5qWNvg1Q/YGM_vu3QwuI/AAAAAAAAE8k/aRxmeo-cv_4j_sfeSXaLDou3ro-xhSmwgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1326/Viking.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1326" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ISC5qWNvg1Q/YGM_vu3QwuI/AAAAAAAAE8k/aRxmeo-cv_4j_sfeSXaLDou3ro-xhSmwgCLcBGAsYHQ/w522-h640/Viking.png" width="522" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.vikingrange.com/consumer/category/products/cooking/freestanding-ranges" target="_blank">Stove by Viking</a>. I took a screenshot of this photo since my kitchen is about this size. Regarding the stove, my husband is partial to Blue Star though. (Photo source: Unknown)</div><div><br /><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU7ZoOYjRg1LhqarkYs4HcYmFz8qkEVXtyzKkwkcI_ZNqWQ1jF8Wn5fKvqmVr7onT1Hcx9t_PElURLoL3ctm80etvoxCT2SZFFVYf1dhAPGCcYB599AtNsHNJ59l2opXwpnAziKT4ZVm4-/s2048/Rosie+sweater.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1278" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU7ZoOYjRg1LhqarkYs4HcYmFz8qkEVXtyzKkwkcI_ZNqWQ1jF8Wn5fKvqmVr7onT1Hcx9t_PElURLoL3ctm80etvoxCT2SZFFVYf1dhAPGCcYB599AtNsHNJ59l2opXwpnAziKT4ZVm4-/w400-h640/Rosie+sweater.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Rosie Assoulin <a href="https://www.modaoperandi.com/women/p/rosie-assoulin/thousand-in-one-ways-wool-cotton-sweater-2/425355" target="_blank">Thousand-in-one-ways sweater</a></div>LIFE IN THE FOGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150726019268334071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2644530224580775649.post-62104420539035506002021-03-31T08:00:00.002-07:002021-03-31T08:13:45.407-07:00South Lake Tahoe in March with small children<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguw39ohOS1ipCpYh0H1SMuv5LaAev82HfPghH8DKd0fPgqo93Aab3ThXq3sK46lfhNZii9rvMX5HBB9_12Dm56pWtkbOC26bh_b7bJk1Vq8xQLNJdAqWl9Uk3xyjE9nc4n5X93yJG3-ccM/s2048/IMG_20210320_170458493_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguw39ohOS1ipCpYh0H1SMuv5LaAev82HfPghH8DKd0fPgqo93Aab3ThXq3sK46lfhNZii9rvMX5HBB9_12Dm56pWtkbOC26bh_b7bJk1Vq8xQLNJdAqWl9Uk3xyjE9nc4n5X93yJG3-ccM/w640-h480/IMG_20210320_170458493_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>A quick summary of our trip:</p><p>-Discovered that March is an awesome time to go - no crowds and no traffic!</p><p>-After reading reviews, I took a chance on <a href="https://www.laketahoevacationresort.com/" target="_blank">Lake Tahoe Vacation Resort by Diamond Resorts</a> and loved it. (We requested a ground floor to stay safe and avoid taking elevators. I also wiped down a lot of high-touch areas in the hotel room after checking in. </p><p>-Parking gets full by 5:00 - 5:30 pm but there is off-site parking across the street at Five Guys. With people leaving for dinner we never had an issue finding on-site parking </p><p>-If you're a family of four with two kids under 6, I highly recommend the one-bedroom standard. Originally I had booked the studio, but after being upgraded to the one-bedroom standard, we can't imagine staying in anything smaller</p><p>-We mainly grabbed food from Whole Foods and ate at our hotel room which has a huge dining table that easily seats 7 people. There's also a full kitchen with utensils, dishes, bowls, cooking ware, dish soap, towels, garbage bags, and a dishwasher. </p><p>-I made the rookie mistake of using last year's snow pants for the kids - they fit but but my daughter must have had a crazy growth spurt, the pants were too short and I felt guilty she cried half an hour into our time at Adventure Mountain (we made up for it by having her sled at a park without deep snow and she didn't want to leave). In the past we've always gotten the kid's snowpants from <a href="https://www.target.com/p/boys-waterproof-snow-sport-pants-all-in-motion/-/A-80805263?preselect=79444818#lnk=sametab" target="_blank">Target</a>. </p><p>-Children's snow pants may be difficult to find; all the major stores were sold out.</p><p>- We love <a href="http://adventuremountaintahoe.com/" rel="" target="_blank">Adventure Mountain</a> for sledding (if you can afford sleds, buy them, otherwise the lines to rent are looooong. We got ours from Costco). I highly recommend getting here right when it opens at 9:00 a.m. on weekends. The crowds started showing up around 11:00 a.m. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaBgi339wDZ5R-A4Pe_5nJuYLqwvTU2FEhLztes8aQf0Iz25ZGWUcHbiDZ_5EtIZl-mTbY10aLxO4z36pRY2aiw3jImcYb0RQQTvIgpdpLoMwi7KU6WKZHdbRNYpP0sw0SN2JgN0E-Mcej/s2048/IMG_20210319_145738533_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaBgi339wDZ5R-A4Pe_5nJuYLqwvTU2FEhLztes8aQf0Iz25ZGWUcHbiDZ_5EtIZl-mTbY10aLxO4z36pRY2aiw3jImcYb0RQQTvIgpdpLoMwi7KU6WKZHdbRNYpP0sw0SN2JgN0E-Mcej/w640-h480/IMG_20210319_145738533_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.laketahoevacationresort.com/" target="_blank">Lake Tahoe Vacation Resort by Diamond Resorts</a> in the background. There's a nice little duck pond in the back as well as adirondack chairs around a fire pit. </div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9xYLwQAbiHk/YGE5mpt2lHI/AAAAAAAAE78/iMj02mYJrjkyO5uOG0p1AUjPkq1l-020ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20210319_145748843_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9xYLwQAbiHk/YGE5mpt2lHI/AAAAAAAAE78/iMj02mYJrjkyO5uOG0p1AUjPkq1l-020ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_20210319_145748843_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p>I grabbed my family and took an impromptu trip to South Lake Tahoe. Most people wouldn't think to come here in March, but in my opinion it's one of the best times to go - no crowds and no traffic! The worse trip I can recall was in 2017, it was a 9-hour drive on a Friday afternoon and I was two months pregnant and had a whining 2-year old (granted we did make multiple pit stops). We learned the hard way to never leave the Bay Area on a Friday afternoon, even on a non-holiday weekend! We've lived and worked in or near the City for so long that we've forgotten how bad traffic could be. </p><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mRKvxND35BU/YGEx2x2qmKI/AAAAAAAAE7I/_M8kkQhCFeAHTFKlIJTNYr1__sLwoBArACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20210320_105826789_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mRKvxND35BU/YGEx2x2qmKI/AAAAAAAAE7I/_M8kkQhCFeAHTFKlIJTNYr1__sLwoBArACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_20210320_105826789_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We stopped on the side of the road to take this breathtaking photo - you can see a small slice of that Lake Tahoe blue.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-je4Y6vTuHMs/YGExz_SykhI/AAAAAAAAE60/Zi2GR79Vq6Yu1MnNikD9fbrDJykeKYM_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20210319_164532534_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1496" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-je4Y6vTuHMs/YGExz_SykhI/AAAAAAAAE60/Zi2GR79Vq6Yu1MnNikD9fbrDJykeKYM_ACLcBGAsYHQ/w468-h640/IMG_20210319_164532534_HDR.jpg" width="468" /></a></p></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7KBXc-_3yrs/YGEy5enT5jI/AAAAAAAAE7o/CQFg6WiKsSIQRJGaSObQjl9J4HI4kyvHwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20210320_101810776_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7KBXc-_3yrs/YGEy5enT5jI/AAAAAAAAE7o/CQFg6WiKsSIQRJGaSObQjl9J4HI4kyvHwCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_20210320_101810776_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Adventure Mountain - Try to get here as soon as it opens which is 9:00 a.m. on weekends</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>I made the mistake of using snow pants that were 2 years too young for my daughter - I couldn't help it, they still fit! But I wasn't expecting her to have such a growth spurt before our trip that the pants were nearly like capris. Of course she had to step into snow that was 4 feet deep - she couldn't resist its invitation. Forty-five minutes later, her socks were soaked and she refused to stay on the mountain any longer, but later on in the day she had a great time sleding at a park that didn't have deep snow. It was a shock to learn that it was impossible to find snow pants in any of the stores - apparently, there was a manufacturing issue and the stores have been been sold out of children's snow pants for weeks. </div><div><br /></div><div>Overall, we had a great time and most importantly we stayed safe. It was a nice change of scenery and it was so beautiful being in a winter wonderland at the end of March. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><br /><p><br /></p><p> </p></div>LIFE IN THE FOGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150726019268334071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2644530224580775649.post-81112934040732735292021-03-30T07:10:00.000-07:002021-03-30T07:10:31.594-07:00Pacifica State Beach (Linda Mar Beach) with small children<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NpMFaQ8fl_A/YGEmYEMm5SI/AAAAAAAAE6Q/d-FneqFvyeohrGi6x0Vh5Yko3aiHUJg5wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20210118_123540628.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NpMFaQ8fl_A/YGEmYEMm5SI/AAAAAAAAE6Q/d-FneqFvyeohrGi6x0Vh5Yko3aiHUJg5wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_20210118_123540628.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://www.cityofpacifica.org/depts/rec_department/parksbeaches/beach_and_park_info_and_rules/linda_mar_(pacifica_state_beach)/default.asp" target="_blank">Pacifica State Beach or Linda Mar Beach</a> is one of our favorite beaches. I have one particular fond memory of coming here one day on a cold foggy morning and seeing about thirty or so surfers, all lined up horizontally, bobbing in the water in their black wetsuits - a classic California beach moment. I wish I had brought my Nikon camera to capture that moment, maybe next time! <p></p><p>Not only is it a spectacular drive on Highway 1 from SF, it's also cleaner than most beaches we've been to in SF, Santa Cruz, and Parks Desire Beach near Tomales Bay. We also love how Taco Bell is not too far away - my husband will walk over and bring lunch back to our tent - with miniature makeshift tables and all. One of our favorite things to do is collect cool looking rocks and seashells. I would avoid coming here on a holiday, if you do, come as early as possible. There is a parking lot across the street, but if you come early enough you can snag a spot by the beach. We paid $7.00 for parking and stayed for a couple hours. (I believe it's $7.00 for less than a 4-hour stay) </p>LIFE IN THE FOGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150726019268334071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2644530224580775649.post-65052084584304318862021-03-29T19:13:00.001-07:002021-04-01T08:12:25.254-07:00D. Porthault Sale<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ny0MbHw4rvg/YGEM3n17j2I/AAAAAAAAE48/V1prVLgJ6n4p3cEuRh13pbSIOqDNLyXtACLcBGAsYHQ/Screenshot_20210328-155720_2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="1225" data-original-width="1069" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ny0MbHw4rvg/YGEM3n17j2I/AAAAAAAAE48/V1prVLgJ6n4p3cEuRh13pbSIOqDNLyXtACLcBGAsYHQ/w348-h400/Screenshot_20210328-155720_2.png" width="348" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Uh-oh, look what popped up on my IG feed today! Last fall I set my alarm for 6:00 a.m. for D. Porthault's semi-annual sale and managed to cart the <a href="https://dporthaultparis.com/collections/printed-bed-linens/products/plumes-lavande-13871?variant=9297373233196" target="_blank">Plumes Lavende boudoir</a> but couldn't get the neck roll in time. This time around, I've been eyeing the beautiful <a href="https://dporthaultparis.com/collections/printed-bed-linens/products/bouquet-eclate-celadon-bed-linens?variant=37637034344612" target="_blank">Bouquet Eclate Celadon Bed Linens</a> pattern. I know most people can't justify spending a lot of money on linens, but for someone who grew up with a mother who collected high quality bedding, it's one of the very few things I have an appreciation for and is in my DNA. They make great heirlooms and can be handed down for generations. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ueY5JKZk1gY/YGEZnyUZE5I/AAAAAAAAE5I/qFI3-T5UvvsVdDl2lXUK4pbnSheNLVMrQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20210328_152229539.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ueY5JKZk1gY/YGEZnyUZE5I/AAAAAAAAE5I/qFI3-T5UvvsVdDl2lXUK4pbnSheNLVMrQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_20210328_152229539.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Top right is by <a href="https://www.matouk.com/styles/bed/" target="_blank">Matouk</a> in a scallop design that I got from a great sale from <a href="https://www.horchow.com/" target="_blank">Horchow</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bottom left <a href="https://dporthaultparis.com/collections/printed-bed-linens/products/plumes-lavande-13871?variant=9297373233196" target="_blank">Plumes Lavende boudoir</a> - my son's favorite pillow. </div><div style="text-align: center;">The others are vintage pillow cases</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My son really does love that D. Porthault pillow. My husband makes fun of that purchase by dubbing it the poop pillow - whenever my son is ready for his diaper change, it's his pillow of choice for resting his head on!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jC3r9IbpETM/YGEZnl1Rm3I/AAAAAAAAE5E/FTcovbLBVyYF6lIDPoPRstyiKUgnIFZ8wCLcBGAsYHQ/s797/Screenshot_20210328-163227_2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="647" data-original-width="797" height="520" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jC3r9IbpETM/YGEZnl1Rm3I/AAAAAAAAE5E/FTcovbLBVyYF6lIDPoPRstyiKUgnIFZ8wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h520/Screenshot_20210328-163227_2.png" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://dporthaultparis.com/collections/printed-bed-linens/products/bouquet-eclate-celadon-bed-linens?variant=37637034344612" target="_blank">Bouquet Eclate Celadon Bed Linens</a></div><p><br /></p>LIFE IN THE FOGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150726019268334071noreply@blogger.com0