Portal of the Past

I've run past this structure in Golden Gate Park dozens of times and have always wondered what the heck it's doing there. It sits at the edge of a pond just off JFK Drive. I always imagine that it's a magic doorway that you can step through to reach another time and place (sort of like the Pevensie's wardrobe).





It's actually called the "Portal to the Past" and came from the porch of an old mansion on Nob Hill that the 1906 earthquake and fire damaged. I found this neat postcard of it at a vintage paper festival today.

Another glorious day in the city

Every time I grumble about life in the SF (yes, the rent's insanely expensive, the public transit can be painstakingly slow, and the main public library reeks), I'm blown away by an achingly beautiful day. The weather reached near perfection today: bright sunny skies and gentle breezes. In order to soak up the sunshine, I decided to run out to the beach from 9th Avenue and catch the Muni home. I had a fun jog through Golden Gate Park and passed by the free outdoor Lindy Hop class, numerous picnics, and the bison milling around in their paddock. Here's a shot of the Dutch Windmill constructed in 1902 and the ocean:

Conservatory of Flowers

Since it's been rainy and gloomy all weekend in the city, here's a splash of color to brighten your day. I finally visited the Conservatory of Flowers in Golden Gate Park last weekend, even though I've been running past it for two years now. (It's my landmark to know when to turn left onto JFK Drive.) Did you know that this elaborate Victorian greenhouse was erected in 1878? It's warmth and beauty embraced us from the cold weather, and it contains a wonderment of gorgeous flowers, bright citrus fruits, and sculptural tropical plants.

oh yeah, I completely forgot....

It's been over a year and a half, since I signed up for this site. I found it the other day buried beneath a mountain of half-knitted projects.

My short walk after work was invigorating. I decided to talk a stroll through Golden Gate Park, since I've psyched myself out of running for the moment. I entered at 9th Avenue and came out again at 19th. Along the way I saw a modern day pirate. Not a typical dressed-up-for-Halloween-imitation-of-Jack-Sparrow pirate like the guy I saw at the Hemlock one night. Just a guy sauntering down the sidewalk wearing rags and fishnets. The way he rolled up his shirt and knotted it to show off his chest just reminded me vaguely of Vivian Westwood.