In a Western Place

Our lilac tree is blooming! I only wish it wasn’t so breezy out (for a better shot). Ah well, smart sharpening to the semi-rescue.

I’m a big stickler for following the rules and possessing good manners on public transportation. I saw this guy on my commute home from work last night and yes, he continued to stand there when the train doors opened. Way to be, asshat.

Japantown | February 2009

The Real Full House House | February 19, 2009

The “Full House” houses are a row of painted ladies located in Alamo Square, made famous for appearing in the opening credits on the show. However, the house pictured to represent the Tanner household at the fictional address of 1882 Gerrard Street, is actually on Broderick street, in the neighborhood of Pacific Heights. Ah, the more you know…

I took full advantage of the gorgeous day yesterday by going for a long walk. After riding the N-Judah over to Cole Valley, I walked through the Haight and along the Panhandle to Broderick, then over to Divisadaro, strolled along the shops on Fillmore street, explored Japantown, then walked back toward the Panhandle to meet up with Matty at his school. Excluding the quick jaunt on the 5 toward the end (my feet were a little too sore for that last hill) I walked about 6.5 miles. Not bad.

The house to the right of us has been divided into 3 separate units, one of which has a deck that we can see clearly from our kitchen window. On this deck lies a sweet black Labrador mix we named Bo. We’ve never seen our neighbors outside with Bo nor have we seen them let Bo inside of the home. Sadly, Bo lives outside. We’re not busybody-ing by our window, it’s just something that we’ve casually noticed while making dinner and waiting for the morning coffee to brew. While the deck is equipped with a doghouse and a bowl for food and water, it’s hard to avoid the piles of dog waste — a strong indication that the owners never take Bo for a proper walk. Last night, Matty watched our neighbor open the back sliding door that leads to their deck, after which Bo, naturally, ran over. The owner ignored Bo, threw his shoes onto the ground, and slid the door shut. Folks, it was hailing outside.

This infuriated Matty and I. How dare these folks leave their defenseless animal out in conditions like that! We obviously want to help this lovable creature, but how? Write a nasty letter? Knock on their door? Well, we don’t know which of the units has the deck so we need to start there. Our landlord will be over on Saturday to work on our electrical problem, and I was going to ask if he knows the owner of the property. Or, I could hop the fence and take the dog for my own. Very tempted. Help!

Matty got us tickets for two hockey games next month, Sharks vs. the Avalanche (on the 22nd) and Sharks vs. the Coyotes (on the 28th). I found this video clip oddly inspiring.

While I’d like to think that I possess the nerve to pull this sort of stunt off (after a few Labatts, of course), I need to stay realistic. Let’s face it, the only way I’d ever make the jumbo-tron is only after getting clocked in the head by ammo from the T-shirt gun.

Joey | December 2008

It’s safe to say that we’re no longer in drought. The “monsoon” arrived late Saturday evening and the rain hasn’t stopped since. On the plus side, I get to wear my beloved whale-themed rain boots to work. On the minus, our basement/garage is flooded and it’s tripping the circuit breaker. Thankfully Matty has the day off to address that, and take Joey to the vet for what I was hoping to be cast removal day. However, I just received word (via txt msg) that the vet wishes to leave it on for another 2 weeks. Blurg! Joey’s injury has been an enormous strain on us… logistically. Who has the time (and energy) to lug a 15lb fur ball to the vet without a car? That’s it, we’re buying a handsaw and removing it ourselves. What’s the best way to get a cat to hold still?

Twin Peaks Tavern | February 12, 2009

Alcatraz Island | Pier 39 | February 10, 2009