The time has come

At this point it's not really news but we're packin up and heading south in search of a new home.

We plan to keep the Blog current but, like in the case of this post, it's dated for the correct time to maintain some chronological integrity. In actuality, with all the mayhem it wasn't typed until a month later. But we know some of you lead busy lives and don't visit very often, so for your sake the posts are in order. For the rest of you, our appologies and thanks for your emails asking when we're going to update the blog.

So the story is we headed to the "Bay Area", San Francisco proper to be exact. Why? Honestly, it feels right! Just maybe it will encourage some of you to get out more and come see your friends in the "Big City". Or maybe you'll come for the fruits and vegtables, the numerous resturants, muesums, coffee houses, sun light, the weather, "In -n- Out"... In addition to the above, the "sustainability" idea that surrounds urban living is really appealing. So here we go - San Fran or bust!

The Sales Job

Come on Suz let's go to California, there's some stuff I gotta show ya!
Tip! If you want to see a photo that's in the viewer just click it!

All kidding aside when we got down there we drug the Smith's out for an adventure, as most of this stuff was in their backyard - within 45 minutes of their home in Marin county.

Triple Crown

Surely Alaskans are unique among Americans this year. In what other state will citizens collect the triple crown of a resource rebate, the Permanent Fund dividend and the federal economic stimulus payment?

Suz solo in AK

While Bob was indoctrinating small children and enjoying views of San Francisco, Suzanne was hard at work flying around Alaska attempting, but inevitably failing, to land on the Aleutian Peninsula (Perryville).


There was also the company fishing trip that resulted in 30 people catching a total of 2 fish and 2 puffins - the puffins were accidents and were safely returned to the water.

You be the Judge

"You mean he's going to make those potatoes into french fries."
"Yep, they make every thing to order and the stuff they use is never frozen, so these stickers they gave you is just the beginning."
"Do you think they'd give us one of those cool hats?"

This was our 2nd visit in 3 days. McDonald's what's that?

Bob goes south - solo

I got the call to go to the "Bay Area" and so I went. A day after I got there I went into the San Francisco, but why? I'm not telling at the moment but while I was there I got lost downtown. Yes, I asked for directions and I guess I made a right where I was told to turn left but for the record the directions were lousy as a map revealed. In any event, I ended up on Lombard Street which took me to Coit Tower, a place I had never been before but Suzanne had told me about visiting when she was in Frisco a few years back, only her discovery was on foot. Well, you can see why she thought it was a memorable place.



The Interior

From the top a view of downtown

Nevertheless, when I was there I found a map and discovered that "the crookedest street" was actually a block of Lombard as well. Moreover, it is a one way and if I would have turned left where I turned right I would have ran into a DO NOT ENTER, so the directions were bad. Good thing is I got on track and headed north without any more difficulties.

I made it back to "North Bay", Novato specifically, the new home of the Smiths and my mission - to convince Katrianna that In-N-Out Burger is better then McDonald's. It's going well so far...

Farewell Smiths

The Smith's last day in town before they began their long adventure from Anchorage to Novato, CA via the Alaska Marine Highway & Wrangell, AK - we loaded the back of the pickup with life's essentials (lots of books, camera gear & computer equipment!).

Kat had her final McDonald's "play date" with Bob and Aunt Boo. What our brothers and sisters don't know - that Bob has been schooled in navigating the McDonald's Playplace! And yes, the top tier CAN hold a 175# man scurrying after a rambunctious 4 year old.

Notice Jed protecting his sustainable transportation (the bikes). Bob sure hopes that Katrianna fancies In & Out as much as McDonald's - he can't wait to introduce her to the little hats and bumper stickers - more fitting for a 5 year old.