I left my heart.....in San Francisco (March 2008)

We are almost halfway through 2008 and I have not published a blog post since Christmas 2007. Good Grief!

Life has been very busy this year. I changed jobs at the end of 2007 (same corporation, different position); Mike and I have worked through the hassles of home improvement projects -foundation work, more foundation work, major plumbing issues, new carpeting and floors, re-faced kitchen, painting throughout the interior...whew...I'm weary just typing the phrases! But our home is looking so lovely and we are almost finished with the major work. We are grateful that even during these challenging economic times, we are able to do this much-needed work. Thank you, Lord!

And so what does the title of this blog refer to? Our 4-day trip at the end of March to the San Francisco bay area and our visit to Sonoma County for my youngest sister's wedding.

Our flight to California was booked on American Airlines right about the time the MD 80 fleet was grounded for repairs. We lost a day of travel time due to 5 canceled flights...we finally arrived in San Francisco late afternoon instead of mid-morning. Could have been alot worse! We stayed at Fisherman's Wharf and enjoyed the beautiful March weather in the City. We toured the wharf and marina area, took the cable car to downtown Mission Street, and then walked back to the Wharf (yes, all uphill) with a detour through China Town. Very enjoyable...I'd do it again in a heartbeat. There's something so romantic and wonderful about the San Francisco skyline.

Mike on the pier; Alcatraz island on the horizon.
A view from the sidewalks close to the wharf.
A San Francisco Treat....and a tradition!
The weather was absolutely gorgeous.
At the end of the uphill walk from Mission St.
After our morning's walk back to the Fisherman's Wharf area from downtown San Francisco, we packed the car and headed north to Sonoma County. We detoured on the way with a "field trip" to Muir Woods. The winding road up the side of Mt. Tamalpais provided for some challenging driving; Mike's only regret was that he was in a rental car and not his red Toyota MR2...more fun to drive on that curvy route!

A roadside stop while driving up the mountainside. Very, very tall trees...I feel like a tiny field mouse in the forest.
Mike, don't tell me you've become a tree-hugger?
We ended our long weekend in California with a very busy, fun-filled time celebrating my sister's wedding. My mother was ecstatic to have her four daughters together in one locale. The wedding was lovely. I hope you enjoy the photos below!

Dennis and DeeDee...and their classic 1957 T-bird sports car! The wedding ceremony (Pam is in green); Dennis's brother is best man.
My adorable niece, Nicole!
Grandma Nan (my mom) and me!
The siblings! Pam, Dee Dee, Debbie, Angie and Mom.