I enjoy taking the Caltrain to destinations south of the city. It feels stealthy: like I'm getting a look behind the scenes, into people's backyards (which is true, in some cases). Photos here from a trip on Christmas Eve (dirty windows contributed to the atmosphere.)
dismantling christmas?
On the 26th? Geez, Marc Jacobs...
hayes valley traveling show
hayes valley traveling show - wide shot
Merry Christmas Eve, everyone!
the city is dressed for the holidays...
From top:
- giant wreath at Macy's
- window display at Macy's (x3)
- crowds viewing the windows
- square near north beach
tis the season... with soundtrack
This weekend shoppers stumbled up Fillmore St. to the sounds of a lone trumpet. Make that two. And a saxophone. And a handful of upright basses...
It was the weekend of the "Fillmore Holiday Stroll," business-owners' attempt to lure holiday shoppers to the neighborhood. (Judging by the number of people out and about, it seemed to be working.) Five different jazz combos were serenading the crowds at intervals from Post to Jackson St. (maybe further). I don't know whether the added ambiance increases sales (I found myself suddenly wanting a large cup of coffee, if that counts), but I thought it was a very nice touch and spent some time loitering and listening on my way home.
disco, muni
(Soundtrack: St. Etienne, "Urban Clearway")
west coast illumination
From top:
- Westfield Mall food court (nicest food court I've ever seen)
- Sir Francis Drake hotel Grand Hyatt, viewed from Sutter St (SF)
- Stumptown Roasters (Portland, OR)
- modern chandelier (SF)
- Diesel (Portland, OR)
- Isa restaurant (SF)
- The Ambassador (SF)
- Bacchus Kirk (SF)
saturday, it rained
Sutter St.
6.20am/7.40am
crisp
The scent of burning leaves is in the air today. I'm wondering if smoke from the fires in southern California is drifting up this way.
After work this evening we trekked to the outer limits of our neighborhood to check out an apartment open house. The listing sounded promising ("large," "victorian," "french doors," "separate entrance"), and as the rent was lower than what we're paying now, we figured it was worth a look. Of course we were hoping for a hidden gem; what we found was a musty, windowless space with doors in weird places. Not large, no closets; also definitely not a 1-bedroom, as advertised. Creative listing, that one. We left reminiscing about the forehead-smacking craziness of finding a place here, very much appreciating our current space.
I'm debating trying to whip up a last-minute Halloween costume to wear on Wednesday. J has groomed himself a moustache (the "Selleck"). I think he thinks that counts as a costume.
neon
can't read it from here
squint your eyes and pretend you're somewhere else
A little slice of Enchanted Forest, @ Civic Center