San Francisco (WIth Family)

This weekend, Great Mamaw, Grandma, and Grandpa came to visit us in California. They came while Dad was out of school for a week, in between quarters. For the first part of the week, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa and Great Mamaw went to San Francisco.

They went to Fisherman's Wharf and saw the sea lions at Pier 39.

Although they stink to high heaven, how could you not love this face? (I think that I might have been a sea lion in a past life.)

Then, they ate at McCormick & Kuleto's Seafood Restaurant located in Ghirardelli Square.

Since they were in Ghirardelli Square, they just had to eat some chocolate ice cream and indulge in Ghirardelli chocolate squares.

The next morning, they took a tour of the city on a double Decker bus.

Here's the famous Lombard Street - America's crookedest street with its tight hairpin turns.

They also went to the well known park in Washington Square and watched the Asians who live in Chinatown perform Tai Chi exercises.

Here's San Francisco's city hall! Fancy!

On the bus tour, they saw lots of San Francisco's mansions and Victorian houses.

This group of Victorian homes are known as the painted ladies and are also referred to as Postcard Row.

This picture was taken at the highest point in San Fran, Twin Peaks. If you look closely at the center on the picture, you can see Market Street, which is where they went next, riding in a trolley car and all.

The next morning, they went to see the Golden Gate Bridge, which is a must see when visiting San Fran, even in the fog.

They also wanted to see the coast, but it, too, was foggy. So, they drove down the coastline to Monterey. The fog lifted and there were lots of huge jellyfish in the bay.

They stopped at the Monterey Yacht club to take some pictures.

That evening they went to see the Oakland A's play the Texas Rangers at the Oakland coliseum.

Now, everyone is resting up and getting ready to go to Yosemite for a few days.

Labor Day in Monterey

(Actually it was the Sunday before Labor Day to be exact.)

Mom, Dad and I left the valley and entered the foothills while driving to Monterey for the day.

Mom and Dad were looking forward to eating seafood while overlooking the ocean in this popular restaurant off of Cannery Row.

While eating, they watched some seals sunbathe on the rocks. This seal must have been a baby because it was smaller than the others. Also, it's skin was darker and had black and white polka-dots. This little fella knew he was adorable, posing for the camera. He even has the bird's attention!

While I patiently waited in the car, Mom and Dad enjoyed watching the kayaks glide by

and the sail boats sailing on this windy day. It was about 65 -70 degrees outside.

It was a little ironic because you had the view of the ocean on one side of the street and then popular tourist shops and restaurants on the other side.

On "America's most famous street", Cannery row was once known for canning sardines. Now, it is popular for John Steinbeck's 1945 novel "Cannery Row". Needless to say, it was a busy, crowded place, especially on a holiday weekend.

Leaving the hustle and bustle of the city, we drove along the 17 Mile Drive. We enjoyed seeing Pebble Beach golf course and its views of the ocean.

Who cares about golf when we have this to look at?

The whole area was covered by these wild flowers. We also saw a deer run across one of the greens but the golfers did not even seem to notice it.

We also enjoyed gawking at these luxurious mansions in this exclusive neighborhood. Wouldn't you love to attend a Parade of Homes to tour the inside of these houses?

I bet these gorgeous views factor into the prices of these homes and to say you overlook Pebble Beach probably increases the value too.

Mom loved this red wildflower that covered the coastline.

These pictures do not do the ocean justice. The water was the prettiest turquoise and oh so clear!

Along this scenic drive are the largest and oldest Monterey cypress trees in existence.

Here's the famous Lone Cypress, perched on a rock surrounded by a wall and supported by cables to keep it from falling.

Initially, I felt sorry for the tree, being by itself all of the time. Then I realized that it does have other trees fairly close by.

Before making the drive back home, Mom wanted to stop by this park, referred to as Lover's Point. It is a grassy park with beautiful views of the coastline where people can just hang out and relax.

There is also a small, cove-like beach. Can you believe that people were actually getting in this frigid water?

After a long day of sightseeing, this sight hound was ready to go back home.

Dog Sitting

This past weekend, things were a little different around here. Axle and Dash's Mom went out of town for Labor Day. So, Mom and Dad eagerly volunteered to keep an eye on Axle and Dash while she was away.

We have been going to the tennis court quite frequently to play chase . . .

But, this weekend, we chased each other around and around and around the apartment. We all run so fast, this is the best picture Mom could get of us playing together.

As you can see, Axle is the calm one. He is very observant of his surroundings, taking it all in. Whereas, Dash is the blur in the background, playing with one of my toys.

No fair! Why is Dash allowed on the couch and I am not?

He can't have the couch and my chair! Oh well, Dash does not stay in one place long.

I think that Axle was looking for a way out of here, seeking some peace and quiet.

Mom and Dad were both in doggy heaven, enjoying the three of us playing together.

Don't worry. I overheard them say that they did not see another dog in their future. I think that we are a one dog family.

Bark in the Ballpark

Today I went to my first baseball game. Mom, Dad and I went to see the Sacramento River Cats play the Portland Beavers at Raley Field. It was Bark in the Ballpark day, where dogs were allowed to sit on the lawn behind center field.

There was also a pregame parade and a costume contest.

This dog won the biggest fan award. His owner thought it would be cute (more like cruel) to put a River Cat's paw on his head. Poor thing can't even see.

This dog won the best dressed award. Looks like he is ready for the pool!


And of course we had a hot dog.

This Great Dane had a ribbon around her neck and her tail.

Looks like she is trying to defend herself, saying this was not her idea.

Some dogs were wearing dresses while others wore shirts.

Some had on ballerina tutus but at least we all got along.

Thank God Mom and Dad did not make me dress up!

We enjoyed the game. The weather was nice with a good breeze every now and then. It was fun to get out of the house and socialize with other people and their dogs.

Now, I am enjoying the air conditioning while relaxing on the couch with the remote.

( I am not supposed to be sitting up here but I have been able to get away with some things since this is my birthday weekend. All good things must come to an end as Mom and Dad are getting ready for the work/school week.)

Oh! By the way, thank you for my birthday cards! That was very sweet and thoughtful. I wonder how many other dogs get cards on their birthdays. Not many I would imagine. So, thank you!