San Francisco Weekend

We were anticipating the date - December 7th - not because of its historical significance, though that was surely notable, but rather because this was the day that we were going to San Francisco. The magical city by the bay was beckoning us for the weekend. The weather promised to be very pleasant and it couldn't have been better. We had been invited along with my sister, Sharon and her friend Cathy, to visit the Smith family at their son's place in Los Gatos. Of course, their son is none other than the quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers football team and we were to join the family for a wonderful dinner, prepared by Pam Smith and her husband Doug at Alex's beautiful home. Before heading to Los Gatos we had a few hours to spare so we decided to take a drive north toward the wine country and visit Jack London State Park in Glen Ellen. The park is a memorial to the most widely read writer in the world. Here at the park is the home of London's wife, Charmian, built after London's death and her residence until her death in 1955. The home has been converted to a museum and there are many artifacts and other interesting memorabilia that chronicle Jack London's life. As you hike up the path you soon encounter Wolf House, the home of the London's that was destroyed in a fire only days before they were ready to occupy Jack's dream house. The park is just a few miles from the quaint vineyards of Glen Ellen and on our return we stopped and sampled some of the offerings from the Beringer Winery.

It was time to head south and check-in with the Smith's. When we arrived at the home several family members were on hand to greet us and we reacquainted ourselves with Abby and her husband Omar, Josh and his wife Patty, the remaining sibling, MacKenzie, was busy at school and she was unable to join the festivities. Dinner was served after ample time to visit and share our lives with each other and discover that Josh and Patty are soon-to-be parents. Sharon, brought the wine having purchased a quality vintage from Trader Joe's called euphemistically "Two-Buck Chuck", which I'm sure needs no further explanation. We nibbled on chips and salsa and then the main course was served. Pam had prepared a pasta to die for - penne pasta with a fantastic sauce from a secret recipe no doubt and Doug layered the pasta with fresh sauteed chicken breasts - along with the pasta we were served a caesar salad that was out if this world; I've tried to toss a caesar's using every salad dressing available, but alas, it didn't compare to this one. It was a meal fit for a peasant and his lordship!

Of course, we were excited to see Alex and have the opportunity to give our opinions of the current state of the team - not good. We were also concerned about Alex's shoulder injury and eager to hear about the prognosis. He was a little down of course because of the injury that has forestalled him playing in the last few games, however, he said that he will undergo surgery on his right shoulder in the next few weeks and after a period of rehab, he should be good as new and ready to begin the season in '08. Alex left for the team hotel and it was soon time for us to depart for our hotel.

After dinner we bid our farewells and drove back to our hotel near the airport. The next day, Sunday, was game day and of course we were excited to get to the park and tailgate with the extended Smith family and friends. Pam was gracious enough to provide us with VIP parking passes so we were able to park right next to their car and within a few yards of the stadium and as a bonus, she also gave us vouchers for hot dogs and beer. Wow! We were set. Our seats could not have been better - about twenty rows up in the fifty yard line! Were we feeling special or what? The Smith family, especially Pam and Doug, are absolutely the best people you'd ever meet. Their family is extremely close and it is obvious that they love each other dearly - a model for the rest of us.

After the game we stopped by their box and thanked them profusely and said good-bye to all of the Smith's including Alex, who stopped up after the game. It was a night and day to remember and we were so grateful to have the opportunity to share this time with good friends.

As with everything, the end came and we prepared to leave on Monday afternoon for our return trip home. But, first, we needed to make a quick stop at the Wharf and pick up some bargains and for a last minute shopping trip at Trader Joe's - the absolute best little market in the world.
After our stop we headed back to San Francisco International and our flight to Salt Lake City and the ice box that awaited us. What a weekend - what fun!