Gardening in San Francisco will be a pleasure for me, and I'm looking forward to being part of the community at the Fort Mason Community Garden.Yesterday I shared pictures of the two garden plots that were available for me. Did I choose the sunny plot or the shady one?Most of you who guessed chose the sunny plot. That would definitely have been my choice except that it was full of oxalis, a very difficult to eradicate weed that plagues many of our California gardens. I knew that plot would demand more time and energy than I have to devote to it, so .... I chose the shady plot.It already has some plants growing that I'll keep ... narcissus, helleborus, oregano and rosemary. Also some yet-to-be-identified plants. Can you spot the rosemary and oregano in the picture? They seasoned last nig... 02/05/2017

Two days ago I received an email which read:"Hi Lottie,Your wait seems to be over! There are a couple plots available at Ft. Mason Community Garden!Please contact me and we'll talk about the procedure and schedule a time to meet.If you are no longer interested, please let me know."After 7 long years of waiting, I finally had moved to the top of the waiting list for a garden plot at the Fort Mason Community Garden! I was elated!And then the doubts began to creep in: when will I find the time to plant and care for my garden? what do I want to plant? I don't remember much from my gardening day What if it's too much trouble, more than it's worth? After those initial doubts, though, I now find myself excited, thinking thoughts like: a Meyer lemon tree, flowers to beautify my home, probably s... 02/02/2017

After a weekend of hot, sunny weather (84° in San Francisco on Saturday, 75° on Sunday) perfect for Fleet Week and the three afternoons of air shows, we woke to a layer of thick fog across the bay and into the surrounding neighborhoods.  By mid-day, temperatures were close to 20° degrees cooler than the day before; most of the fog burned off, but there was a bit mist still in the air.The weather is one of the fun things about living in San Francisco - there's always a surprise around the corner!Another delight is taking a walk at the end of the day, especially after sitting at a computer most of the day.This evening we walked down Van Ness Avenue to Aquatic Park to discover that the Municipal Pier, our original destination, was still closed due to Fleet Week activities. Not to worry, we... 10/10/2016

'We are updating our wait list records and would like you to confirm that you are still interested in a garden at Fort Mason Community Garden.' "Yes, indeed I am. I check my wait list status and saw Sunday that I'm number 22. Getting closer!'"Thank you, and the good news as of today you are #14 on the list!'Back in 2009 we bought our SF condo and rented it out for a couple of years before we moved in. Shortly after buying it, we did two things: 1) get a library card, and 2) I put my name on the waiting list for a garden plot at the Fort Mason Community Garden. At that time, there were over 200 people ahead of me, waiting.This week I received the above communication - I think it might really happen!   07/06/2016

Today is the last Sunday of summer 2015. We're in a midst of a heatwave in San Francisco and the Bay Area -- 89° in San Francisco at 2:15 in the afternoon - and it will get hotter. Quite unusual. My trek to the Farmers' Market at Fort Mason Center this morning was cooler than that, but still I walked on the shady side of the street, even in the downhill direction.The beauty and bounty at the Farmers' Market says Fall is just around the corner, even if the thermometer is pretending otherwise.Grapes, fresh crop apples from Apple Hill near Placerville, Asian pears, walnuts, golden raisins, tomatoes, with peaches and nectarines still making an appearance.Are you ready to make to move to San Francisco? Give me a call; let's talk.  09/20/2015

It's time for the Friends of the San Francisco Public Library spring book sale. Like the September book sale, proceeds benefit the San Francisco Public Library's education programs to promote literacy for children, teens and adults. You'll find many thousands of books and other media, with everything priced at $3 or less, with a 3-2-1 scale: $3-hard cover books; $2-paperback books; $1-DVDs, CDs, books on tape, vinyl, and other forms of media.  The Spring Book Sale is FREE and open to the public. The venue: Festival Pavilion at beautiful Ft. Mason Center, at the edge of San Francisco bay. Members Preview: Tuesday, March 31, 4:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday, April 1-5, 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Sunday, April 5, All books $1 More Information: (415) 626-7500 & www.FriendsSFPL.org 03/31/2015

Cheese --- Chocolate --- Wine In San Francisco it's easy to find events to suit every taste. I've recently written about a FREE cheese tasting at Cheese Plus, a fine boutique shop at the corner of Pacific and Polk. And I've told you about  the Hot Chocolate Fun Run and shared pictures from the January event. Now it is time to talk about wine. And not just any wine, but a special annual event. Each year for many years now, the San Francisco Chronicle's Wine Competition takes place. This is the largest competition of American wines in the world. Once again there will be a Public Tasting with thousands of patrons from around the nation. Come experience the new award winning wines and enjoy a delightful day on the Bay with amazing wines and delicious food. This popular event encourages gues... 01/12/2015