oro en paz, fierro en guerra

I found out the other day San Francisco city's motto.  Gold in peace and iron in war.  I am still contemplating that one.  I jumped on Muni 49 down to the City hall and went on a tour.  Of course, I will pull out the ole Cliff Clavin on you and give you some nerdy facts.  First of all, our dome is the 5th largest in the world.  so there you go.  It was raining so forgive some umbrella shots.  I also enjoyed a moment at a cafe outside of the City hall and drank some fab Ritual coffee and fed a cute little bird some of my Vietnamese sandwich.  Always nice to have a friend dine with you.

That is real 23.5 karat gold leafing on the dome.

The Christmas tree looks like it has snow on it.  But really it is thousands of these white  paper cranes with wishes written on the.  And there are always wedding taking place here.  I cannot wait until all couples will be allowed to wed here again and then that will be truly beautiful
The lamps are gorgeous in person.  They are from France and SF gets the light bulbs to this day from France.  Aren't we so fancy.  Love!

I went to Saigon sandwich on Larkin for the best Vietnamese sandwich and a scrumptious banana and jackfruit roll  I shared it with my fair weathered and feathered friend.

Black heart tattoo

I cannot believe I did it.  I got my first tattoo yesterday.  And boy did I go to the best.  I was so lucky to get in with Scott Sylvia.  Total luck and fluke he had a cancellation.  I loved the experience and was so impressed with the shop and my tattoo artist.  My shoulder is killing right now and that is why I am up writing on my blog instead of sleeping.  Also there is a gnarly storm outside right now.  Oh and dad don't freak out.  It is not like I am 16.

On a mission

I explored the mission today.  I stumbled on some amazing graffiti and murals.
This great little Sparrow alley off of Valencia had some great stuff.  I walked the mission and the castro in the rain today and it was glorious.  I leave the city on Thursday with a heavy heart but I know I will be back.  This city is arguably one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

These last few are on Laguna and Haight.

Pulled pork torta phenom and a hot cookie in the castro for desert.  

I have to say what I love about traveling is that I really see a city.  I have done it all here.  

I am mildly obsessed with cable cars

So I went to the museum today.  Super neat !  I love the smell of grease and the sound of the cables constantly moving.  There are 4 cable car lines(Powell-Hyde-Mason-California) still running and I try to ride them as often as possible.
I love everything about them.  The sound of the bell ringing and watching the gripman run the cable car and the scenery and the fresh SF air blowing on my face.  I love them !!!!!!
Cliff Clavin fact, the cables are constantly at 9.5 mph and the gripman controls the speed with the hold on the cable.  The cables last anywhere from 70-200 days and then have to be replaced.  They replace them between the hours of 0100-0600 when the cable cars are not running.  I could go on and on but I think I may have already lost some of you.  I think I lost Curtis at "So"

These are the sheaths under the streets.

Oaktown

I went to the Raiders game with my darling Baileys.  It rained on my nachos and we sat on garbage bags in our rain panchos but hey the Raiders won !   

Apple "sigh"der

My computer is cheyne stoke breathing.  Poor thing.  The Apple nerds says there is not much more they can do for it.  So tomorrow I am getting a new Macbook.  And a new iphone since it is agonal breathing.
When it rains, it pours.  Since it has been doing both lately, seems apropos.

Therapy dog

I am such a sap for kids and dogs.  So therapy dogs at the hospital are major heartwarmers.
Because of HIPPA, I cannot show one of my favorite patients face but if you can imagine cuteness
wrapped up in a sweet little boy who cried when I had to say goodbye to him.  I took care of him for 2 months and he finally got to go home.  Christmas miracle.
But here is a picture of my sweet patient and Nalani . the most mellow, lovable, angelic  lab.