Big City Women!

Ever since we moved to Eureka, Kiddlebiddle and I have taken one day of our summer visits to go to San Francisco.  When she was little it was the zoo.  A year later, Chinatown.  The next year, Fisherman’s Wharf.  Always touristy kind of stuff that could be done in a day.

This past year we’ve been to the city for very short overnights when we went to the ballet.  And as we drive through the city every three weeks on our “visit with Dad” drives, I’ve begun to think about showing her more of the city of my birth; the city I love dearly; where I went to college and where I lived for several happy years.

This year I decided to do just that.  At 11 she’s actually interested in learning more about mom’s history.  So I began a search for a reasonably priced hotel and was lucky enough to find  a package deal at what turned out to be a wonderful hotel!  The Galleria Park Hotel on Sutter, right in the financial district and just 3-4 blocks from Union Square (major shopping!) and Chinatown!  It was a FANTASTIC weekend!

First, the hotel was a renovated old building that was in outstanding shape and perfectly located.

 

OMG - ACROSS THE STREET FROM OUR HOTEL!!!

in the lobby of the hotel

On the way in to San Francisco Thursday afternoon, I took her by two of the places I had lived.  It’s been almost 20 years so though I knew where they were, finding my way wasn’t as easy as I’d hoped.  The trip down memory lane was pleasant for me and Kiddlebiddle seemed to enjoy it as well. 

 

Uke Fest

Well, Ukesperience has been in Hawaii two full days now and the Great Waikaloa Ukulele Festival was yesterday!  According to sources (OK…my husband, the bass player) they were quite a hit at the festival.  They had two shows at different venues in the festival and the audiences loved them (as demonstrated by the applause and selling of Ukesperience merchandise!).  At the first show, one of Hawaii’s musical legends, Uncle Danny (Danny Kaleikini) came up in the middle of their set and told them (and the audience) how much he enjoyed there music and said “THIS is what it’s all about!”  Comments were made by others that they here lots of traditional ukulele music but that it was great to hear the music that our guys produce…from the heart.  Yeah Ukesperience!  Last I heard they were having dinner with Roy Sakuma, the founder of the festival and a major Hawaiian music promoter, last night.  Can’t wait to hear how that went.

 And today, or tomorrow, the guys are relaxing and off to visit the volcano.  They’ve got a gig on Tuesday and another on Thursday, then Jason and Dave have a gig with their other band, Kulica, on Saturday before the guys head home early next week. 

It sooooo sounds like they’re having fun.  It took a lot to get there – Tim had to mail some of his equipment to himself.  But he had fun building a portable stand up bass.  Here’s a shot.

 

 I’ll let you know what more I hear!  Aloha!

 

I’m baaaaaack!

Whew!  Bad blogger!  I have this “thing” about getting stuff done (I don’t).  And I didn’t want to post until I got the photos from our trip to Canada (back in August!!!!) up and available.  I did it today.  They’re over the on the Flickr site but here’s a taste.

  

 So much has happened since I last blogged.  Kiddlebiddle did have another recital and I promise I’ll get what photos I have of that up within the week.  I only took a few shots during the dress rehearsal so they’re not the best but I have put the videos up on YouTube. 

 Knitting…been busy with knitting but, as usual, for everyone else.  I knit the cutest hat for Kiddlebiddle, a scarf with Noro Kuryeon that I ended up giving to hubby (though I like it…he’s out in the cold more than I) and a hat with Debbie Bliss Cashmerino that I enjoyed knitting but I’m not as crazy about how it fits me so…hubby gets that too.  I really wanted to knit myself some more fingerless mitts but haven’t started them yet.  The weather’s been cold enough that I’ve really wanted all these things which is sort of unusual for me.  I do think I’ll start the mitts or another pair of socks tonight though.  I’ve got all sorts of lovely yarns from Yarn Pirate (so much so that I didn’t “join” the sock club this last go-around!) plus some lovely Dream in Color Smooshy that I just got from the lovely Sheri at The Loopy Ewe.  Can’t wait to start with it!

 So, now that I’m back, I’ll try to blog more often and let ya know what we’re up to!