New.

Elephantine is a favorite blog I follow. Rachel is having a giveaway. 

This Zig-Zag Tote from the eco-friendly Kind Boutique. Follow the directions at the bottom of her post and you might find yourself a lucky winner!

A friend of mine has started a new blog, Separate Checks. It's very clever and sure to be a favorite. Lucky for me, the Napa Valley isn't too far away and so I plan on dining at these "dive/sketchy" establishments based on "Frugal Guy's" recommendations. You really must check it out. So bookmark it. Now.

(Jed...genius, can't wait for more!)

Hudson's Big Birthday.

 Our cousin Huddy had his 1st birthday. 

To celebrate, his parents threw a big birthday bash. 

He is such a happy little guy, he is well loved.

 Lissa saw to every detail, I loved and children drooled over the candy cart.

 Sizing up the competition, getting ready for the task at hand. 

He is a boy Bishop, so this was an easy task.

 Hudson sharing his prized new car with all his birthday buddies.

 Lissa and Scott, thank you for inviting us to celebrate with you. 

The party was fantastic!

Family Hike.

 Friday was the perfect Autumn day for a hike at Sly Park Lake.

 Throwing rocks in the water, who does like this outdoor pastime?

 Con-TIM-plating life.

 Jack's first hike, I think.

The fresh air, quiet family time was intoxicating...can't wait to do it again.

Ahhh.

Cheers to the weekend, some much needed rest and relaxing, 

spending time with friends and celebrating autumn. 

Dear November,

Thank you for making up for such a cold, miserable Spring. I do love an Indian Summer, and you are very gracious to spoil us Sun Worshipers each fall day the thermostat reaches 75. And yes, your magic paintbrush on Autumn leaves has not gone unnoticed. Spectacular, especially our pistachio tree. But sweet November, could you please give us cooler yet sunny weather by Thanksgiving weekend? I have ordered a delicious wool sweater I'd like to wear by then. Thank you and keep up the good work (until the 25th).

Love, Dusty

Critters.

This photo does not appropriately represent the size of this spider who dared to crawl across our living room floor the other night. I was as big as the shiver that ran up and down my spine twice over. It took Tim and I, a tupperware and some choreography to get this arachnid outside to its proper habitat. He was fast and on a mission. As a child I never really noticed spiders, I was more annoyed by mosquitoes and ants. My sister Dee Dee used to let out the most alarming shriek/squawk/shudder when she spotted a spider, and if one ever touched her? Well, her reaction evoked monster goosebumps on anyone within earshot. When I moved to Spain in my early 20's, I lived on the second floor of a well kept apartment building in the heart of the city. I didn't see even one cobweb let alone spider for about a year. When I moved back to California, I noticed every web and it's creepy maker with a shiver. Recently I canceled our pest control service to save a little money over these next cold winter months ahead. Hmmm...perhaps I should reconsider.  

Thanks to...

 Mike and Jo- you have a warm, happy and welcoming home. You made me feel quite at ease in your space, like family. Thank you for watching out for us and guiding us through your city. You are every bit as delightful as I imagined. I'm so glad we are now friends, thank you for your generosity, the many smiles and your kind spirits.♥Thank you♥

Leilani-for the idea in the first place and including me on your "Last Hurrah Before Baby Comes, Trip". I'm so happy to have shared in this experience with you. ♥

Here and There, NYC.

 Raoul's. A New York institution. My friend Aaron was the wine director here for four years, the food was incredibly delicious. If ever I am in a situation where I am asked for a "last meal" and could choose any cuisine, I would choose exactly what I ate that night. The stories Aaron told me about this establishment, the frequenting patrons, the servers and employees, the movies shot here- all of it was so colorful and alive.

 This was delicious, I don't even know what it was called but it did include grilled squid. It was divine.

 The dining room and the portrait? The Duchess of York.

 Aaron in his East Village.

 

Somewhere between Soho and the East Village. I love the pink.

 This restaurant was delicious also. I think it is called 44th and 10th...I don't know. All the servers were wearing shirts that said "Heaven" on the front and "In Hell" on the back. Clever. It is in Jo's (our gracious host's) neighborhood, Hell's Kitchen.

 Jo and Leilani.

 Ever wonder how the tiniest of children get around the city on a field trip while in nursery/preschool? These two examples fascinated me. Top: Hell's Kitchen, Bottom: Chelsey Market.

 If you visit New York, you must find Levain Bakery in the Upper West Side. The cookies are super-yummy. A 1/2 pound a piece. Crazy sweet.

 Looking in apartment windows at dusk. The Upper West Side.