Friday, October 28, 2011

short poem

just logged onto the express computer at the Mission branch library so here is a short poem inspired by the drive from the airport into the city...

late night laundromats
glowing on quiet corners,
soft blue aquariums suspended in darkness.
one still-life after another:
row of white washers
dryers a line of port-holes
dusty plants in the window.
timeless capsules swimming in the night.

Sunday, October 23, 2011

710 Ashbury


There it is, sedate and serene, painted in soft lilac and grey and blending in with the other stately Victorians on this block of Ashbury.  Today it epitomizes quiet elegance; forty-five years ago it was the Grateful Dead house.

Check out this short one minute clip!

Saturday, October 15, 2011

thrift town


Digging through the racks at Thrift Town on Mission Street near 17th is a good way to spend a rainy hour or two.  I've found some clothes with unique patterns there, as well as at some of the other neighbourhood thrift shops...





Thursday, October 13, 2011

Kasper's


This funky little building in Oakland was once a legendary local hot dog stand but has been closed for nearly ten years now.  It sits rather forlornly on a wedge of sidewalk along Telegraph Avenue, reminding people of days gone by and making them wonder if maybe, just maybe, it will be resurrected one day.

Monday, October 10, 2011

Mission Community Market

Thursday afternoons on Bartlett at 22nd you will find fresh fruit and vegetables, olives, nuts, crafts, cookies...



...and tasty street food like panucho de pollo

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Potrero Hill

From the Mission head east and cross the pedestrian bridge over the rush and roar of the 101 freeway, and then you will be in the neighbourhood of Potrero Hill.  Lots of steep hills here so lots of great city views...


From this angle it looks like the vehicles are appearing from and descending straight into the water.


Bernal Hill from Potrero Hill...


Lombard Street in Russian Hill is always referred to as the "crookedest street", but Vermont between 20th and 22nd is pretty twisty.  Here is one of the hairpin curves.


After all those hills you will want to relax with a coffee or tea at Farley's.