san franpsycho

(saw a t-shirt with that apropos moniker & loved it)

As part of my and my colleagues' annual quest for increased knowledge acquisition, collegiality, and--in great truth--to fulfill those parts of our grants that require dissemination of our research findings ;), I journeyed to San Francisco last week for a professional conference. Crazily, in my 40 years of life, I had never before visited the City by the Bay. It was ... interesting. And pretty. And inspiring. And interesting. And hilly. And odd. And interesting.

I continue to be amazed at how different are these 50 united(?) states from each other (to say nothing of the regional differences within larger states like California, Texas, and New York). SF is most definitely not home to some of my most favorite things (trucks, howdys, welcoming hugs, lone stars, real cowboys); but it does have some pretty fantastic weather, bread, chocolate, and opportunities for people-watching.

A few San Franpsycho images I captured with my camera:

Alcatraz

Wharf

Ghirardelli Square

Golden Gate Bridge

Fisherman's Wharf

One parting thought (with a tip of the hat to Train): If I could wish upon a star, I most definitely would not hitch a cable car. That experience--along with the cab rides--took me about as close to heaving as has any icky vehicular situation I've ever endured. SF, your streets are a never-ending roller coaster. I just can't do it.

images from NH on 9.11.11

Visiting my sister and her babies in New Hampshire for the week. Some shots from this thoughtful day ....

southern cocktails

Last week on my Georgia vacay, I purchased a fabulous book ... one that's more than worth sharing. It's called Southern Cocktails: Dixie Drinks, Party Potions, and Classic Libations. Not only are the recipes phenomenal, but the photographs, narratives, and overall presentation are lovely.

Up to my lips and down to my hips

The further it goes, the better it gits.

Here's peace at home and plenty abroad.

Love your wife and serve the Lord--Drink!

--Early antebellum South toast

(I'm currently looking for a great set of the silver/pewter julep cups [on the book cover] to have monogrammed for myself. There's something about the condensation on the outside of the cup that makes me drool ....)

marshall house :: savannah, ga

Spent some time at the Marshall House Bed & Breakfast in historic Savannah. It was gorgeous, and I fully intend to book an extended stay at the locale during one of my many future Savannah, GA visits :).

(Sidenote: Not only is the B&B gorgeous, it's haunted!)

On our last night in Savannah, we wanted to enjoy a particularly memorable meal (actually, they were all memorable); and after some research, 45 Bistro (a restaurant worthy of the gods, located on the first floor of the the Marshall House) fit the bill. Additionally, it happens to house THE most fabulous bar I've ever visited (and I like to consider myself a bar connoisseur). From beginning to end, the entire experience was heavenly.