LOFI - Last Out First In

It doesn't count as warm in California until the temperature passes 30C (85F for imperialists), and if it isn't warm then our pool doesn't open.  Yesterday the temperature hit the requisite high and, as if by magic, the "closed" signs disappeared from the gate of our azure lagoon (with bits of blossom currently floating in it).

I didn't need a second invitation.  After proudly being the last person in the pool in 2010 (with Megan, to give her credit) I was damn well going to be the first in 2011!  I slipped into my swimmers and down into the icy waters.  Ouch, it was cold!  I know ducks are banned, but we could probably keep a few penguins in there. After a couple of lengths and a self-timed photo I decided I had proved my point.  I'll dip my toe again in August.

Brrrrr.

The many faces of Claire Mucker

Couldn't resist...

Forever England

There are times when one's nationalism should shine brightly, and that was certainly today.  Well, it was actually yesterday, but we couldn't have a Royal Wedding party on our non-Bank Holiday Friday.  The fact the U.S. government didn't give everyone the day off is a sign of just how out of touch the current administration is.

But we put that right, with scones, jam, and lashings of cream, washed down with Pimms and lemonade, all wrapped up in red, white and blue (the colours of the Union Jack well before the stars and stripes stole them).  The usual debates raged: did Kate or Pippa wear the nicer dress?  What did all the royals in uniform get those medals for?  Would she have married him if he wasn't a prince?  We couldn't provide the answers, only plenty of food and drink in the Californian sunshine.

Just like being there.

Royalty from around the world.

Drew and Sarah take their opportunity to be photographed with the royal couple.

Rule Britannia!

Pete and Fini get in some practice before their big day.

Ok, another cute photo of Arbel. 

Fini dresses in vintage McQueen, with hat by Philip Treacy.

Chin-chin!

Kathy can't believe what she's reading.  But they can't print it if it's not true, so...

Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown.

All that was left.

One of our royal gifts, from David and Allison.  A Faberge egg.  "Faber-J", get it?

The servants arrived after the party to clean up.

Farewell parents!

Mum and Dad had to get back for the royal wedding, so we waved them a sad goodbye at SFO today.  They'd upgraded to nicer seats, so while they were whisked off into the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse I was left on the outside looking in at the bottles of complimentary booze lined up behind the bar.  Gin and tonic please.

See you again soon!

I did it Segway

Long ago, Hannah and I were treated to a Segway tour.  A little later, Dad and Em got in on the act.  Today the remaining Davies family member joined the club when Mum came for a scoot around Golden Gate Park.

The Segway was once the saviour of the future.  Then there were some small problems, then the company owner fell to his death from one, and when you think about it how is a motorised scooter going to save humanity?  But what they're really great for is whizzing around in the California sunshine, and today we did the new park tour.

Instead of the roads of downtown, dodging cars and tourists, this gave us a chance to off-road around the huge park's trails, through its shady groves, and generally make mischief while (supposedly) learning about history.  Did you know that William Randolph Hearst shipped an entire Spanish monastery to the West Coast, but lost interest before it got here, so had it stored in the park in crates, which caught fire, so now there are bits of 1550 burnt masonry lying around, mostly in flower beds?  Nor did I, until today.

Kitted up...

...and ready to roll.

Mum receives her training.

And soon has the knack (even if she never lost the worried expression).

Shared family interests.

Last stop at the Japanese Tea Gardens before we had to give the toys back.

San Francheesecake

Ah, how I have missed the tourist trail.  It's been a while since I had the excuse to do it, and while this particular iteration did not include the #1 destination (Jelly Belly) I did get to see the sea lions, Union Square, the Ferry Building (Mum and Dad claim it's their first time there, but they are getting old), and finish the day with Cheesecake Factory dinner.  Why do people come to California for more than one day when you can fit it all in so efficiently?

Starting off on the right foot with a Blue Bottle cappuccino.

Mugshots at Alcatraz.

Most of the sea lions shipped off to Oregon, but a few remain.

Stocking up at Ghirardelli's (in their 50% off post-Easter sale, of course).

Clam chowder at Boudin bakery.

On the cable car.  I made them sit on the opposite side from me.

Quick breather in Union Square.

There's lovely.

Later, at the C'Fac.  Note Dad's usual dish: shepherd's pie.

Cheers!

Sea, sun, seals, sauvignon

We're back in the East Bay now, having wound our way down through wine country.  Unfortunately a lot of it was shut for Easter Sunday (the Jesuits planted a large proportion of the vines, so I guess that's fitting).  We did manage to find a few godless wineries and enjoyed some cheeky Zinfandels and a Pinot or two.

Our money-saving cottage of choice next time.

The old man and the sea.

But what have these two nature lovers spotted?

It's baby seal season!  So cute!  And I was after a new fur coat too.

Mum is a bit exhausted by all the attention.

Wildflowers on the cliff top.

All the relaxing put Dad in a happy mood.

It got a bit chilly in the evenings, but the cottage provided for that too.

Driving south on Sunday.

An open winery!  This is a brand new one called YMV.

Mum sniffs the floral notes.

All of California should look like this.

Hannah and Dad choose the next bottle.

And this is me enjoying my first coffee for 40 days!  Ian and I gave up the black stuff for Lent, which turned out to be a lot harder than abstaining from alcohol.  Anyway, I was very thankful to be back on it...and haven't slept in the last 24 hours.