Cartoon Art Museum, Bar Tartine, Dolores Park

Real Talk

Here we are, first Tuesday of the month: free museum day! Today a friend and I checked out the Cartoon Art Museum. I was not expecting much, but was pleasantly surprised! Displays from different time period of various cartoons, books, and comic strips line the walls in the smaller sized, three section museum. My favorites were all of the cartoon art we know and love directed by Chuck Jones: Bugs Bunny, The Coyote and the Road Runner, the little alien helmet guy, etc... They even had an original script from one of the episodes which must have been Elmer Fudd's because all of his lines were marked. All ages stopped to watch cartoon episodes,  they just don't make them like they used to!

After stopping at the MoMA around the corner, which had slightly changed since my last visit, I enjoyed an extremely lazy afternoon before dinner.

         

      

A friend and I grabbed seats at the bar of a restaurant called Bar Tartine. Such a cool vibe from the overall atmosphere and staff. I have to mention our bar tender/server because she was absolutely adorable; black hair,  cat eye framed glasses with gold on the wings,  bright red lipstick and tights with Snow White's skin and hipster style. I mention this out of jealousy because I really don't have a style and she rocks hers. Anyways, the kitchen is open into the restaurant, So we could watch as they nearly prepared dish after dish.

Their menu is short and uses as much local and in season product as possible. We ordered four items to share: the halibut, pea and goat cheese dip, smoked potatoes, and blood sausage.  The halibut dish was so so,  the others were great. Blood sausage came nice and spicy;  I'd go back just to snack on the potatoes.

What better way to work of dinner than to take a walk to the top of Dolores Park for a foggy but beautiful city view, followed by playing on an "adult" playground. Swings, slides, the works :)

Sorry for a second late posting. Having too much fun to keep up!

Awesome...

Cafe Bellini, Union Square, Walks & Talks

After a non-exciting day at work, I am glad to be off to enjoy the rest of another sunny day in San Francisco. With a small amount of time to kill before meeting up with R, I grabbed a small snack at Cafe Bellini on Powel. I'd walked by here several times without giving it a second look. Today, with my stomach on the prowl, their display cases full of pastas and goodies caught my eye. In attempts to be healthy, I ordered a quinoa salad and mango smoothie. Sitting here in Union Square I am satisfied and ready to meet up with R!

R volunteers walking someone's dog a few times a week, and today I'm going to walk with her to catch up. This post might be a little premature, but I can already tell you how the rest of the night will go: city walk and catching up on the latest events in each other's lives, go for a quick run with R's own adorable dog, and make a healthy dinner together.

Art for sale in Union Square! Nice view while snacking :)

If we do something new and fun,  I will share, but for now, enjoy the rest of your day!  If you're in SF - take advantage of this GORGEOUS sunshine!!

Funk Skate in Golden Gate Park

One of the many reasons I love this city... an unplanned afternoon treat!

Gotta love their style, and the fact that the ones super into it are 20 years older than me. I think they know the secret to happiness :)

(Pause and let it load to avoid pesky interruptions!)



Enjoy this sunny afternoon!

Golden Gate Park - Part 1

Did you know that there are waterfalls in the Golden Gate Park? I didn't until today.

I've still been feeling a bit on the sick side, so I meant to just take Jagger for a quick walk. It was too beautiful outside not to return to the park for a little jog and exploring time. I'd only meant to visit one small memorial, but caught myself up in the sights of the park... and got a little lost.

First, Jagger and I enjoyed the sun on the lawn in front of the Conservatory of Flowers. A few older men brightly played their horn, guitar, and hand drums while another juggled nearby.

After lunch, I returned to the park, seeking the Portals of the Past. In my search, I passed by a few familiars then found a decent hike! Stow Lake, full of ducks and people rowing or pedaling boats,  surrounds Strawberry Hill. (The Beatles instantly came to my mind - so while hiking this song played in my head). I took in the sights,  climbed up the hill off path, and looked over the park and city. On the way down the oppisite side, I found a beautiful waterfall.

I took the short cut - straight up from the bridge!

View from Strawberry Hill

But - I still hadn't found what I was looking for. So I wandered on. See pictures below for my accidental discoveries of the afternoon.

Memorial for the San Francisco Sons of the West
who fought in WWI and WWII

Grove near the WWI&II Memorial

Finally, I found Lloyd Lake and the Portals of the Past. Something I only heard of this afternoon while researching places to explore. Read more about it here.

I also l got lost oh my way out and stumbled into the middle of a disc golf course.  I guess that's what happens when you go off trail. So glad I decided to turn my short work out into a park exploration day! Several places to return to on a date or with friends!

         I did not see this sign until leaving.... Maybe I should stick to the paths more?

Presidio

Jagger, happy after our walk in the brisk air! 

This evening I took a quick walk with Jagger in the Presidio. There are so many trails to be explored; the moment you step into those tallest of trees,  you don't feel like you're in a big city. Its very relaxing time to get lost in your thoughts while taking in some fresh air. There is also a beautiful look out point over the bay and the top of the Exploratorium. Cheers.