The Albany Bulb

Part dog park, part tent community, part art walk, the Albany Bulb has no shortage of personality. If you're ever in the Berkeley area, stop by for the views of SF and the GG bridge as well amazing art. I wanted to interview one or some of the inhabitants we encountered on our stroll about their lifestyle but it wasn't meant to be. Maybe next time.

Finally!

A year is too long. We're not so photogenic but we're still total awesomeness. It's good to be home.

Suburban Wildlife

It's good to be home. Things have been pretty busy here. I'm occasionally a fill-in chauffeur for a family member's chemo/radiation appointments (I like to call them cancer party play dates), got three cavities filled and am running last minute shopping errands for the Anonymom and Little Sister.
Went for a walk with my nephews and youngest niece on the Nature Trail and let my niece command the camera. Here are the results:

Bambi!

Pig's Lake

Nephew #1

Sister Sassypants, Niece #3

Nephew #2

Nephew #3

Tonight is Chile Relleno and movie night with my sisters. We're not complete until the brother gets here tomorrow but it's a good start. Like I said, it's good to be home.

All My Bags Are Packed

I'm ready to go. My flight off the peninsula is in about 20 hrs. I have butterflies, a dry throat, pounding heart, wiggly toes and a wandering, uncontrollable mind - the need to be on the move. I just want to be on my way, knowing that I'm getting closer and closer to home. who knows why I thought one more day of work would be a good thing? I've already tried to move my flight to tonight but it was a no go. So far the plan is to get the the airport about 3 hours early and see if I can speed this up already. At this point I might just start walking.
Watched Amelie last night and I LOVE it. Dropped and spilled my sourdough starter this morning. Am a totally mindless, distracted and ineffective therapist today but the kids are so sweet. Three Christmas gifts so far and a little boy who begs me everytime I see him, to take him back to Speech. It will be hard to leave them in May.

4 More Days

4 more days until I'm home! I can't believe it's been a year since I've seen my family and that's how I know it's time to give up Alaska. For now.
Found a place to stay when I get back from winter vacation. It's another house sitting gig right on the river with one 9 yr old lab and very nice owners. I'll be there 'til the first week in March. That means in 1 out of 14 months I will have paid rent by the end of this adventure. I am a very lucky girl. Woman. Person.
I'd like to show you the stars on a clear, Alaskan night. You really wouldn't believe how awesome it is. But, here's a moon to howl at instead.

Frost