A final note.

KP
Originally uploaded by LaMinch.

Well folks, I think it's time to draw this blog to a close. It's beginning to follow a rather random route. It has done it's job and followed another of my summer adventures and kept everyone in touch with what I've been up to. I have a stack of wonderful memories and cds full of photos to remind me of an amazing 11 weeks that were full of fun, laughter, deep discussions, wonderful food and wine, love and passion and occassional challenges. It was a learning experience as well as entertaining.
if anyone is out there, keep in touch by e-mail and if I decide to add a third blog to my collection I'll let you know.
In the meantime, a huge thank you to everyone in the US who made my summer so fantastic, you're all fabulous, generous people and I can't wait to see you all again.
Much love to you all
KP xxxxx

The time had come.

Well, to round it all off:
We drove back to San Francisco on friday after a walk along the coast. I finished packing and then we went over the road to Jardiniere, Shana's old work place and my 'local', for champagne and caviar. It was an extremely classy way to end my trip and meant I had the chance to say goodbye to a lot of friends. I managed to knock out the classy element by getting rather drunk and berating Shana for not allowing me to " say goodbye to the cable cars ....... say goodbye to Union Square" !!! Beyond that there's not a huge amount to say, you can probably guess the rest. Saying goodbye was heartbreaking. Not only had I been able to spend 11 weeks with the love of my life, but I had managed to develop my own life in a remarkably short period of time. I had a job to go to and friends to hang out with, 'local' bars and cafes where I was known and made to feel welcome. I had developed my own little routines and made a home for myself. This time I had even more to say goodbye to and that was incredibly difficult. The summer had gone far too quickly and I still can't believe it's over and I'm back in England. When I first arrived in June it felt like the summer would never end and we would never have to say goodbye again, we've already had too many. But all good things must come to end, or at least that's how the 'saying' goes. Personally I don't believe that of all things but in this case it was certainly true. The best summer of my life, in an amazing city, with the best and most amazing person in my life.

Keeping it real.

While I was in the US I would keep in touch with my 'Britishness' and get my regular dose of the accent by listening to BBC Radio 4 over the internet. If you want to get an idea of my sense of humour check out Just a minute. I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue is also a favourite but it's off air right now. More than once I listened to a programme that was made to pay tribute to Linda Smith, a wonderful comic who died earlier this year. She was incredibly witty and came across as such a likeable warm person. Even if you've never heard of her I recommend you log onto the bbc radio 4 website and have a listen, it's called 'Linda Smith - A Modern Radio Star' and can be found on the bbc radio 4 website under comedy and quizzes. It's a very sensitively done show and you get plenty of chances to hear her fabulous observational comedy. Highly recommended.

Carmel.

Near Carmel.
Originally uploaded by LaMinch.

We carried on south to Carmel to look for somewhere to stay. Yes, this is the town that had the honour of having Clint Eastwood as mayor a while back ! It's a very cute place with a huge array of art galleries and cloting boutiques - all out of the range of the average wallet. We booked into the quaint Monte Verde Inn and then went for a walk along the coast. There is the most eclectic range of architectural styles I have ever seen. Houses that look like witches grottos, some are replicas of beautiful Italian villas, soemhave attempted to recreate the work of Frank Lloyd Wright, from the wonderful to the bizarre.
That evening we ate at L'Auberge. The food was fabulous and the wine perfect. Shana 'nailed' a blind tasting to a Rioja, she doesn't need to impress me, but she did ! Friends of Shana's now run the restaurant and we had a tour 'backstage' and saw the kitchens and wine cellar. It was a perfect evening.

As cute as it gets.

As cute as it gets.
Originally uploaded by LaMinch.

Back to Monterey ; These adorable bags of fur are one of the first things that people meet when they go to the aquarium. Otters are just cute, it's as simple as that, but this lot were playing, sleeping, washing, you name it, and all in close proximity to dozens of noses pressed against the glass. It's not unusual for me to morph into a hyperactive kid on a variety of occassions, this was no exception, although I would like to point out that the Texan practically sprinted up the stairs to see this lot when we first arrived !

Intermission.

I will get back to completing the tales of my US adventures but I also said I'd let you know what I'm up to here in muggy England (and when I say "you" I'm aware that no bugger is reading this, but adding to my blog stops me from going crazy while I'm too shattered to do anything else and also prevents me from pestering the Texan with countless phone calls ). The latest project is house hunting, well, room hunting to be more specific. This is an activity I loathe, I'd rather shoot myself in the foot. If anyone out there knows of a room to rent in a nice house in Chorlton where the the other occupant/s is sane I'd be very grateful for their contact details. Otherwise it is the laborious process of searching ads in shops and on the internet; phoning and finding that 80% of the rooms have already been taken. Trying to figure out if the person on the end of the phone is someone you could live with to save you the trouble of going to a viewing if they're not; viewing somewhere and 80% of the time having to find a nice way to say 'no thanks' ; being aware of being assessed by others when you know very well you are the perfect housemate - they just don't know it yet; having to decide in 15 minutes if you could live with these people and also figure out what nasty things have they temporarily hidden under the stairs and THEN you have to MOVE IN - always exhausting. I'm seriously considering pitching a tent in Peters Square. On the plus side, I've always used a move into a new house as an excuse to buy a new duvet set. That might not sound exciting to some of you out there, but I get a major kick out of it. Sadly domesticated I know but it keeps me happy.

Jellyfish.

Jellyfish.
Originally uploaded by LaMinch.

I think I took this one. Not in focus but pretty. I find I'm at my best when not in focus too !!!

Amazing colours.

Amazing colours.
Originally uploaded by LaMinch.

The Texan has a bit of a knack with a camera (you should have seen some pictures she took in South Africa, if there is any justice in the world they would be appearing on postcards in the not too distant future!)

Hold your breath.

Hold your breath.
Originally uploaded by LaMinch.

I was made the happiest lass on the Pacific Coast when I was told that Shana had my last 2 nights in the country off work. We rented the Mini Cooper convertible again and drove down to Monteray and Carmel. First stop the Monterey Bay Aquarium, such a great way to spend a few hours. Not only is there plenty to point at and go 'aah' a lot but it is also dedicated to education so well worth a visit.

Jet lag # 2.

I feel the need to point out again that jet lag is HELL. I have never suffered like this before but it is killing me. To be honest I'd rather have flu or some similar nastiness, at least that way you are suffering from a specific illness that is more likely to engender sympathy (as opposed to "oh poor you, must be so horrible after spending 3 MONTHS IN SAN FRANCISCO" aka "stop bloody whinging"!! ). I wake up at 5am, stare at the ceiling, get sad due to missing the Texan , read for a bit, doze occassionally, eventually give up and go online. By 2pm I'm ready to pass out, consume caffeine and get a 'second wind' by 7pm I'm capable of snapping at everybody, my eyes feel like they are about to burst out of head and then by 8pm I'm dead to the world. Any cures? Anybody ?

Goodbye Wink SF.

Goodbye Wink SF.
Originally uploaded by LaMinch.

It was eventually time to start saying goodbye, on our way out of town we stopped off at Wink SF to see Theresa, the owner and a good friend. It's a fabulous little store in Noe Valley on 24th and Castro. If you're in the neighbourhood drop in and say hi. I guarantee you'll leave having bought something from this wonderful store.

Jet lag.

Well that's it, I'm back in the UK. I have a severe case of jet lag, a head cold from hell , I miss my girl and the wonderful city of San Francisco and I'm extremely 'blue' :(
However, I won't end the blog just yet. Give me a day or two to settle in and then I'll write up the last few days of my stay, post some photos and start to fill you in on what's happening over here.

Biker takes a break.

Biker takes a break.
Originally uploaded by LaMinch.

Two reasons I don't want to leave; the view and , well, the view !!!!

Biker chick.

Biker chick.
Originally uploaded by LaMinch.

Got up relatively early this morning and went out for a ride on the bike. The weather is incredible (just I'm due to leave, dammit), and when a city is as beautiful as San Francisco, good weather just makes it heavenly. Damn those immigration restrictions.

Mother, I assure you Shana is an excellent biker, and yes I would like one of my own!

A's by night.

A's by night.
Originally uploaded by LaMinch.

Headed to an evening A's game last night and watched them kick the collective ass of the Boston Red Sox. I've seen 2 games, they've won both, I figure they should employ me as a good luck charm. I'm particularly pleased they won as I had a bet with Catherine, a Red Sox fan. She owes me a bottle of the wine that she made, I don't have to buy her dinner in London, hee hee.

A glorious morning.

IMG_0750
Originally uploaded by LaMinch.

Shana and I had a long morning cycling round the city on monday. The weather was stunning, I was on the fabulous BBQ bike that rides like a dream ( and that my delightful girlfriend bought for my trip here ) , we were cycling by the bay, ate at Mohito's - my favourite Mexican restaurant - over to Fort Mason, through the Presidio, to Golden Gate Park. I would have assumed that I had managed to work off all the extra calories gained by the frightening amount of junk food I have consumed over the last few weeks - didn't happen though. All this was followed by dinner at a friends house - amazing wine, an immigration lawyers phone number and a great view of the city out of their lounge window along with fun and intelligent company made for a great night. It was all rounded off by quite a hangover the next day ! Worth it though.

Stretching our legs.

IMG_3293
Originally uploaded by LaMinch.

We (Shana, me and our friend Catherine) drove out to Tennessee Valley on friday morning for a much overdue hike. It was foggy and chilly but it was great to head into the hills and get some fresh air. Behind us is Muir Beach. At about 11.30 we were at the Pelican Inn, a fabulous and prettty darned accurate reproduction of an English Pub, we downed a quick pint and then retraced our steps before all of us went our separate ways - to work. Not a bad way to start the day.

A T & T Park

IMG_0742
Originally uploaded by LaMinch.

Home to the SF Giants (baseball don'tyaknow) and thus a case of 'grrrrr' now that I'm an A's fan ! However, it's baseball, it's by the bay, the sun was shining and thus I got very excited !!

Effect of nuclear radiation.

Effect of nuclear radiation.
Originally uploaded by LaMinch.

On the way for a hike in Tennessee Valley we stopped off at some disuded bunkers , from which artillery were set up to protect the bay , which was considered to be a very vulnerable point. From this photo I'm beginning to wonder if they aren't, in fact, nuclear bunkers and there had been an element of success ! Shame, as the head is rather cute !

All the 'B's'

All the 'B's'
Originally uploaded by LaMinch.

I have to move here, I'm fitting in with my love for the 'B's' : Beer, burgers, baseball and bowling. The latest mainstay of American culture for me to get sucked into was B for bowling. Theresa and I spent approximately 40 minutes driving around the Presidio trying to find this amazing bowling alley. The music was pure 80's, perfect for me with my cheesy taste, plus everytime a Journey track came on my scores headed towards the roof - I've found my secret weapon "the smell of wine and cheap perfume ....... don't stop believing" great stuff.