Happy (day before) Memorial Day!

We went to Downtown Charleston today to see some of the Picolo Spileto Festival. Its an annual arts festival, but we didn't go for the art. We went to see "The Seed & Feed Marching Abominable" from Alanta, Ga. They defy explanation; you'll have to see for yourselves.

Connor seemed to enjoy it at the beginning, then seemed to be over all the loud noise. Finally he just went to sleep.

But he woke up happy, and gave us lots of great smiles. Before going to sleep again. The life of a baby.

Good eating in Charleston, SC!

This past Friday, Andie and I had dinner in downtown Charleston with Brian Hines, an old friend of Tom and Andie's. We went to Hank's Restaurant, which is still great food, but not a good as when Tom was Sous Chef there! Still, Frank treated us very well. Frank McMahon is the head chef there, and Tom's boss for the six+ years he worked there, and Tom's friend for even more. He treated us to the Raw Seafood Tower, which is legend in my family, and then ended up treating us to the whole meal. I wish I had thought to take a picture of Frank (and the tower!) but these will have to do instead.

Andie, Brian and I after a delicious dinner at Hank's Seafood Restaurant.

Andie and I getting drinks after dinner before we punked out, because 11pm is past our bedtime. How things have changed for this crazy single girl!

Pirates, anyone?

The Tall Ships arrived in Charleston, SC. I have to admit, I don't really know what that means, but it was a beautiful day and it was fun to be out in downtown Charleston. Many people took advantage of the arrival of these ships to channel their inner Johnny Depp, as in Pirates of the Caribean. Very funny!


But the best part is that I get to spend time with Andie and Connor. Its been so great to be with them, and we have been having lots of fun visiting, taking walks in the evening and generally just being together. I am convinced that Connor is the most perfect baby in the whole wide world. This picture doesn't really show how beautiful his smile is; I'm going to have to take some more to post soon.

And Andie! She looks great, and has been so wonderful about having me in her home. We've been having a grand time, with more planned for the future. It will be very hard for me to leave here.

Sure, I'd love to babysit for you...

Minnesotans have a funny idea about helping out. They invite you to their house, ask you to help with the kids, and then send you to a two day WineFest to drink free wine, eat amazing food and generally hang out with their family. Occasionally, these Minnesotans will come along to play too, but mostly they are just glad to have you there. Different strokes for different folks, right?

I have been visiting James and Anne, and their three darling children, and the original idea was for me to help while they partied at WineFest. Turned into me attending a black tie event for the elite of the Twin Cities, and dancing the night away with the extended Schneeman clan. Of course, I am always glad to be able to help out family...

The Schneeman crew, with a couple of Doughertys thrown in.

James and I clean up really well, don't we?

Of course, there was plenty of time for hanging with the kids. Just a few shots here. If I tried to catch them with a picture everytime they were cute, I would have to give up on having a face and just wear a camera permanently.

Finn & Seamus Dougherty on a walk to get ice cream.

Mary Jeanne (MJ), the newest Dougherty.

Future blackmail picture. Those boys love a good bath!

6th Anniversary in San Francisco

So, I recently passed a major milestone, for me anyway. Six years in San Francisco, can you believe it?!

I celebrated the way I started my time here--at Crissy Field with people I care about. Six years ago, Crissy Field was just opening up as a public park, and its been a great place for picnics and walks ever since.
Lillian, Erik and little Lila.

Tania and Mike

Margo and Julian

Margo, Erin and I in front of the Golden Gate Bridge.