Days 6-10: Into the Welcoming Arms of Family ;-)

We were very excited to get here on Saturday.  Linda, Kaye, and Jameela ( & Barry) were all here to welcome us.  Someone said, "the coldest winter I ever spent was my summer in San Francisco." In the words of Tupac, those are "the truest *words* I ever spoke." But you know what, this time I'm protesting.  It's summer! I refuse to wear a jacket. ;-)

Linda made the most fabulous dinner (you should see the grilled fish in the pictures).  And we simply enjoyed our own company. She reassured us that the Excel spreadsheet of scheduled events she had planned had been dismantled and instead she would "go with the flow." ;-) (Thanks Linda. VACATION!) :) It took us a day to recover from the 3 time-changes, so we took it easy.  We spent the evening playing Qwirkle, Scrabble, and Gin Rummy.  Actually, we spent the evening discovering the joy in defeat as Kaye spanked us in all games time after time.  Finally, we decided we needed a Trolley Day.

We got up early-ish (okay, we left around 11:30 or so. But isn't that early when you're on vacation?), put on some summer clothes (apparently this includes jackets, hats, and gloves in the Bay-Area-August), and hit "the city"--San Francisco.  We took a trolley down to the fisherman's wharf and did the full-blown tourist thang.  (Great big bear hugs to the natives for indulging us in this way.  I don't think we've ever done that with you guys in D.C.!) Sea Lions, "tin men", balloon artists, cartoonists, spray painters, and lunch at Pier 23 Cafe (another Triple D recommendation. You gotta love my Guy Fierri app!) against an incredible backdrop.  California is definitely one of the most beautiful places--to visit. lol (My protest seems to be working. The sun is out and the weather is warm in the Bay! ha!)

After picking up a few trinkets to share, we decide to call it an evening.  We get to the trolley line only to be informed that the wait would be an hour ("Mommy, my feet hurt!", "My legs aren't working any more!", "I'm cold." Need I say anymore?) AND would only travel to Chinatown, which is not where we boarded.  As I scoff, the Jerk informs me that the tickets are non-refundable and I could use them in the next 50 years when I return.  Because this blog is rated G, I will refrain from sharing my incessant response. ;-)
Let's just say, we took a few cabs back to the car.