The Main Attraction: Bears vs Raiders

Sunday, I told the family if they got up early enough we'd ride the cable car and see Chinatown, but they snoozed. I got up about 8 o'clock. My plan was to shower, ride the F Street car to the Ferry Building arrive at 9:00. Gather my goodies, have a small feast at the hotel, pack and we'd leave for Oakland. Dad joined me, we left Mike and Amy to continue their slumber. All went well until we got to the Ferry Building. It was dead. Hardly a creature was stirring. Ah, they must get a late start on Sundays. I suggest we check out the bay and kill an hour, surely the shops would open at 10:00. Acme breads did. I loaded up with snacks, and treats for my mom and Frank. We stopped by the Alfieri Fruits & Nuts kiosk, we loaded up on varieties of nuts and Almond brittle. Yum! I desperately wanted Stonehouse Olive Oil to open, we never check our luggage when we fly so we've never been able to bring home their delicious dipping oil. I drove this trip and all I could think is I can finally bring home treats! Same goes for meats from Boccalone and Golden Gate Meat Co. We waited until 10:45 and no one opened. Boccalone taunted me a bit, opening their gates, but they wouldn't start slicing for platters until 11:00. We could not wait. We had a football game to get to. I called Amy and told her to pack us up and get our belongings into the car. Time was running out.

We tossed our finds into the car, grabbed the tickets for the game and we were hopped on the F Street Car to Market/Drumm so we could take the BART to Oakland. The hardest part was loading the exact fare on four seperate cards, we missed the first train because dad and Amy wanted a smoke break. We caught the next one, and we crossed the bay in a jiffy. I was surprised how fast we went. A few stops later, we arrived at our destination, Oakland Coliseum.



The lines to get in were ridiculous because of the lengthy security checks. They divided us men from women. The men out numbered us, so for once, us ladies got through the line faster. A rarity since we almost always have a bag or purse. Amy and I waited for dad and Mike. Finally, we reunited and we got into the stadium just as Oakland kicked their first field goal. Our seats were in section 149, 20 rows from the field. Everyone was on their feet and it was the loudest football game I've experienced - we only sat during half-time and time-outs. Oakland fans are loud and proud!



Chicago fans were present, but far outnumbered.



We were torn, we didn't know who to root for, it was a crutial win for both teams. And we grew up rooting for both, our mom is a huge Bears fan, and it was dad's favorite behind the Raiders. He's been a fan since the 70's. This was his first football game. Amy and Mike's, too, for that matter. I knew Frank and mom would root for the Bears. Dad wanted the Raiders to win, Amy was completely torn and Mike bet the over. I rooted for Mike to win. A high scoring game would be a win for me. I find them to be the most entertaining to watch. I cheered mostly for the Raiders, but also for the Bears whenever they snagged a big play.





























The game was nearing the end and we began to wonder if dad would get to see the Raiders score a touchdown. Janikowski just kept kicking field goals, so many he actual broke a team record with six. Once dad witnessed that record breaking kick, I hoped for touch down. After 40 years of being a fan he just had to see one live. And he did. Mike won his bet soon after.



Oakland fans have a rough reputation. So much so we went sporting Raiders wear, despite having some love for the Bears. We didn't know what to expect and we certainly didn't want any trouble. Oakland curses more than any other city I've been. They also smoke up in the bathroom, whacky and regular tabacco. Plus, they sneak hits in stands. Many fans are cocky, some douchy as all get out... Like the guy next to Amy. He starts with "Fuck you, Bears Fans!" He hogs the aisle taking up his and Amy's space. He got totally tanked he napped 3rd quarter and the 4th we feared he'd puke on us. But most are just there to share the love of the game and display pride in their team.



In the end, Raiders won. They played a better game than the Bears.





We fought the crowds out of the stadium to make our way back to the BART station. It was quite the bottle neck until we made it across the bridge. They brought in large trains to get us out and on our way in a hurry. Since we pre-paid the round trip fare we avoided the massive ticket lines, we hopped on board and we made great time back to San Francisco.

We stopped back at the Ferry Building, I was hopeful I could snag my much desired goodies, but only Cowgirl Creamery was open. That's never a bad thing, we sampled a few cheeses and brought a couple home to enjoy. We were pretty hungry so we tried to decided on one last meal. After some debate, I suggested Amy and Mike get In-N-Out and dad and I get seafood from the carts in the Wharf. We did just that. While Mike and Amy ate double doubles we dug into crab and shrimp cocktail. It was my first time trying the carts, it was fresh and tasty. You get a fair amount for $9. With our hunger curbed we loaded into the car and set off for home.

I drove from San Francisco to Bakersfield hitting massive fog the last 40 miles wore me out. Not too mention it was already 12:15 when we stopped for gas. I moved to the backseat and dad took the wheel. He drove us the rest of the way while I slept. It was 4:30 when we pulled into the driveway. I practically sleepwalked up to bed trying to get as many winks in as possible before my alarm sounded at 6:15. Thankfully, the rest of the family took on the task of unloading the car.

The trip was a success even if I didn't get to show them all the sights. That just leaves an excuse for them to return and explore on their own. Meanwhile, Frank and I are counting down the days until our next taste. 48... 47...

Hello, Again, Old Friend!

It was a week ago, we loaded into my car and hit the road for San Francisco. The drive was long, most notable sights were fog and the Wind Farms outside Mojave. Nearly nine hours after our departure, we arrived. It was so bizarre to come in from Oakland. I didn't realize that was supposed to happen and I thought I came the wrong way, missing an exit on the way. It was very strange to come across the Bay Bridge. I really thought I'd come up the penisula so I was so discombobulated.

We needed a hotel to stay, I never booked anything for Friday unsure of how far we'd make it. I recalled seeing the Bayshore Inn on Columbus which is a motel in the Wharf. I figured it had to be less than the hotels (holiday inn wanted $149+$45 to park + taxes). It was, and luckily they had one room with double beds left, it was $99 with parking. The room was shitty, cold and noisy but it served its purpose. We were starved when we got in and there were few options nearby that late.

After finding a couple bar kitchens closed we went to Golden Boy Pizza for slices. They closed the inside only selling slices from the street. There was a large crowd being the only food around and the bars had last call. It was interesting people watching... people were smoking joints in line. I could probably test positive for marijuana right now for the amount of pot smoke I inhaled this weekend... Thankfully, they didn't run out of slices before our turn. We each got one. We walked back to the hotel and passed a lot of drunks that wanted our pizza. By the time we got to the hotel the crust wasn't crisp because it was all steamy from being in the box. It wasn't half as good as last time I had it, but it was 100x better than Denny's and that was our only other option at 2am. After eating, I crashed hard. My dad, Mike and Amy followed soon after.

Saturday morning, we checked out of the motel. I cannot recommend Bayside Inn at the Wharf, but we had nice views from our old, dank room.







When we set out my thought was to drive to see the farther off sights that are not easily reached by public transit, while killing time before we could check into the Holiday Inn at the Wharf. Fortunately, the family was game. Our first stop was to view the Golden Gate Bridge. I didn't plan to go across to Sausalito, but it worked out that way because traffic was so heavy I couldn't make my exit. We drove over the bridge and sat in traffic. Eventually, it was our turn to enter the lot that offers lovely views of San Francisco. Frank and I had been before when we biked from the Wharf to Sausalito. It was just as cold and overcast then, too.







After our look around, I planned to head back to San Francisco, but traffic was jammed going back. We explored Sausalito some before going back via another exit. The hills are wild over there. I felt like I was off-roading on a few of those streets. I cannot imagine growing up there, riding bikes or taking the bus to school is much different experience than mine. Folks from Wisconsin called us flatliners for a reason. Anyway, we made our way back, and our next stop was the Sutro Baths for a look at the Pacific Ocean. Weather conditions were far more pleasant here.

















After our look around, we drove by Alamo Square for a look at the Painted Ladies, which are also known from the Full House opening scene. Traffic was a bear getting back to the Wharf. It took forever. It was stop and go the whole way which wears this booted girl out. I was so focused on the traffic jam, I completely forgot I wanted to drive down Lombard Street. Mark that as the first major landmark the family didn't see on their visit.

Seeing those sights took us 3.5 hours. I happily parked the car when we arrived at the hotel. I much prefer public transit in San Francisco. Driving was stressful and inconvenient. We received an upgraded room upon check-in, which provided us with a small fridge. We unloaded our bags. After getting settled in our warm spiffy room (that cost less than the motel, thanks to Hotwire), I suggested we go eat. I was STARVED. That's a crime in San Francisco with all those glorious dining options. Dad wanted to eat at Aliotos, I thought now was a good time. If we went later, reservations would be required and my family is not the punctual type. We moseyed on over, the family was surprised how close we were. We ran into Bushman on the way. In all my visits that was the first I saw him. We made it to Aliotos and I was right, we were able to walk right in. After ordering, the sun began to set, the skies changed from sky blue to coral before night fell.



The view was lovely. Service was a bit slow and not terribly friendly. Frankly, it felt like we were an inconvenience. Prices are a bit higher than I've found at other seafood houses and I'd soon learn their portions are smaller, too. My brother and sister don't enjoy fruits of the sea so they ordered pasta and chopped steak. My dad chose a combination saute with crab, shrimp and scallops. I cannot come to San Francisco and skip crab so I went with half of the marinated dungeness. I did not realize it would be served cold. That wasn't a bad thing, but it was a surprise. It felt like an appetizer more than entree. Dad kindly picked up the tab, and we were on our way.

The city was ours. I figured it was only Chinatown that was off the table since much of it closes at dusk, but we spent the evening in Fisherman's Wharf. We walked to Ghiradelli Square and then to Pier 39 stopping in shops and galleries along the way. We stopped in Fisherman's Pizza for beers, the Longboard Lager sign in the window drew us in. Prices were a bit high so we sought out another bar. Frank and I usually stop at Fiddler's Green so we walked over there. They were charging a cover. There was no way I'd pay a cover for such a dive. We walked up to Kennedy's Irish Bar instead. We camped out there. They have a huge beer selection and prices are very reasonable. Last call was coming soon and hunger was striking. I noticed the time and we had a few minutes to get In N Out before they closed. Dad had never had it, and it is a real treat for Amy and Mike. We took our bags full of fries and double doubles back to the hotel. It was a nasty walk over. The streets were filled with drunks and pukers. Not pretty at all! Fortunately, we didn't lose our appetite. We managed to stuff ourselves silly and then crashed looking forward to the fun that was to come.

December?!

How can this be? How is it December already? Soon, I'll be saying the same about 2012. But here it is, today is Frank's birthday. Happiest of happy's to him. We'll be celebrating tonight with dinner at Circo. And then, again, next month in San Francisco. Southwest was running a sale and I couldn't resist $39 airfare. We'll finally travel during crab season, we've just missed it every previous trip.

I hope you kids had a nice Thanksgiving holiday. I did, but boy, November was a hectic month! I'm definitely in need of a breather. I plan to hibernate all weekend. Since old man winter has paid Las Vegas a visit, it shouldn't be too hard to stay indoors. As exhausted as I've been, I wonder if I will even leave my bed?

Work has left me mentally exhausted, the visits with friends and family, trips and preparations for gatherings left me physically beat. My gimpy self handled it all as well as can be expected. I should only have two weeks left in the boot, I cannot wait to be free. My ankle held up well considering I gave it a pretty good beating throughout November. I did bail on Black Friday shopping. I was too sore and too tired to fight the crowds. Staying home also gave me time with my nephew and I wouldn't trade that for the world. My mom, sister and brother shopped and scored all sorts of deals. So, in the end everyone was happy.

I was extremely thankful this Thanksgiving, it was a special treat to have my whole family gathered around the table. It was nice to have my dad around, hopefully it won't be another seven years before he returns. We had a nice getaway to San Francisco, I'm really glad I was able to show them around one of my favorite city's. They all left on Tuesday. Goodbye's are always filled with tears, but our hearts are also filled with warm memories. Time and time again, I remind myself not to cry because it's over, but to smile because it happened.

Gobble! Gobble!

MAY YOUR STUFFING BE TASTY
MAY YOUR TURKEY BE PLUMP
MAY YOUR POTATOES AND GRAVY
HAVE NARY A LUMP
MAY YOUR YAMS BE DELICIOUS
AND YOUR PIES TAKE THE PRIZE
AND MAY YOUR THANKSGIVING DINNER
STAY OFF YOUR THIGHS!

Warm wishes for happy and safe holiday!

My apologies for lack of posts lately. I've taken on new responsibilities at work so I've been busy learning the ropes. Amy and Nicky have been in town for the past week, and my dad arrived a couple days ago. Tomorrow will be the first time since 1997 my family has shared a holiday together. I'll be cooking a feast. The chaos continues with Black Friday shopping, and then, my dad, Mike, Amy and I are driving up to the Bay Area. We'll enjoy the sights in San Francisco on Saturday, and Sunday, we'll be in Oakland to see the Raiders vs. Bears. Fun times ahead...

"Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay"

Saturday, we packed and checked out. Then, we headed over to Chinatown for yummy peking duck at R & G Lounge. We didn't order eggrolls, but they appeared and we couldn't turn them away.





The duck was so good. I'm not sure a word was spoke while we feasted. We saw salt and pepper crab coming out of the kitchen like hotcakes, next time we'll have to try that.

We weren't hungry in the least bit, but Good Luck Cafe was practically next door. We walked by and they had sandwiches on dutch crunch and that's all it took to sway Frank. He told them it was our first time and asked for a recommendation. They suggested turkey with bacon, lettuce, avocado and tomato. Sold!



It was a tasty sandwich, just a shame I wasn't a more hungry. If I were, I think I would've enjoyed it more. We walked off some calories - oh, wait, they don't exist on vacation - and found ourselves at the Ferry Building. They were having a large farmer's market. There were all sorts of tents and vendors behind the building. We thought we'd ferry over to wherever was convenient, but no times worked out for us. We wanted to squeeze in one more meal before heading home and the ferry would put a wrench in those plans. Instead, we walked to the end of the pier and took in the sights. The Bay bridge just had its 75th anniversary.











We found a bench on the otherside of the pier. We took a seat and soaked up the rays. The people watching was the cheapest source of entertainment - the whole trip, really. After soaking up the warm sun we went to the Embarcadero in search of coffee and restroom, along the way we found ladies selling churros. One won't hurt.



At the Embarcadero we liked the open walkways that connect the buildings, they offer a good vantage point to watch the world go by... so, that's just what we did.



Enough time had passed that we could eat again. We set off for Penang Garden. We ate there last year and thoroughly enjoyed the hot & spicy crab. We attempted to get another, but they weren't able to get any at the market. They tried to sell us the lobster, but it's not the same. We left, and went back to North Beach.

Sotto Mare it was! We loved this restaurant, too, last visit. We got a table outside and ordered the red snapper and cioppino. It was perfect. It made us really not want to leave.







Whenever you gotta rock a bib, you know you are in for a treat and we were not disappointed.



We strolled around and when we were near Saints Peter and Paul church, the church bells rang for a wedding. What a beautiful place to be wed. Frank had us catch a bus up Telegraph hill. It was the golden hour so he thought I'd like the photo opps. Surely, I did.











We had time to spare before the airport so we decided to grab beers at La Trappe. Only those plans were foiled because they weren't open yet. We went to La Rocca's Corner further down, we've been there before. After enjoying a Widmer and Stella, we caught the bus right outside the door to the Bart Station on Powell. We collected our bags and our time in San Francisco was up. We rode to the airport, Southwest welcomed us aboard another light flight so we were encouraged to stretch out. There was a big group celebrating a birthday in Vegas for 12 hours. They were all decked out in 80's wear. I'd like to see what they looked like when they boarded their return flight. Just over an hour later, we were gazing at the glow of the neon reflecting from the strip. We might not have wanted to leave San Francisco, but it was still good to be home.

Frank tossed ten bucks into Wheel of Fortune. Shockingly, we cashed out for $85. That nearly paid our airfare. You have to love it! We claimed our car from the economy lot and headed home. Our last vacation of 2011 was over. No trips are planned. We must rectify that soon.