As sometimes happens, the week here in Oakland is flying past in a blur. I spent some time last ThuFrsday catching up with Kirsten, Liza, Karlyn, Carolyn and Amelia, overcoming jetlag and just pottering around the place. I even ‘helped’ get CHARLES to his gym appointment, and then drove over to Piedmont for a quick look. I hope to get back today or tomorrow, but who knows. That evening CHARLES and I had a fine dinner at an old favorite restaurant, Le Cheval. They do a marvelous green lip mussel dish, and the best spicy orange beef.<\/p>\n
Friday I had an appointment with Karen. I grabbed breakfast, did a little preparation, and then we headed off to a lovely little place on San Pablo. We caught up, did some year’s best planning, and I got to show her pictures of the kids. CHARLES and I then drove over to San Francisco. While the purpose of our visit was a spirited performance of Irving Berlin’s Miss Liberty<\/em> by the 42nd St Moon theatre group, we also had dinner at an odd place called Frisson. CHARLES had made the booking, but had never been inside. When, on a cold, rainy evening we were greeted by a tall, willowy blonde woman wearing nothing but a cap, a bolero jacket, a microkini and some fishnets, we knew we weren’t in Kansas any more. It’s the only time I’ve not heard CHARLES complain about mediocre food :). The performance was a fine one, though I found it lagged a little at the beginning.<\/p>\n Saturday we’d planned a party. Most of the day was spent in planning, before first Kirsten and Aaron and Teddy, and then Bob, Karen, Lisa, Mark and Marina, Liza, and Jeremy all showed up. A very pleasant time was had, before Jeremy and I headed off for a late pizza dinner, where we spoke of publishing, his company Night Shade, and much else. All in all, a fine day.<\/p>\n Sunday CHARLES and I had planned a lazy day shopping. After some party clean-up, we headed into Berkeley on an unsuccessful search for a tie-dyed dress for Sophie. None were to be found, but we did get a nice shirt and tank top, so it wasn’t a complete loss. After that, we headed to Concord and Tony Roma’s for lunch, and the Tower for cd shopping. We got back late afternoon, and then I headed to Kirsten and Aaron’s for a lovely dinner and a pleasant and relaxed evening catching up.<\/p>\n So far the time in Oakland has been really enjoyable. I still hope for a quiet coffee in Piedmont, a quick visit to my bank in Montclair, and maybe a chance to get some headphones in Berkeley, but who knows. Today and tomorrow will be spent getting ready for the trip to Madison on Wednesday. World Fantasy beckons….<\/p>\n PS: At Charles’s request, he now appears in this blog under the pnome de plume of CHARLES. I know, don’t ask :)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" As sometimes happens, the week here in Oakland is flying past in a blur. I spent some time last ThuFrsday catching up with Kirsten, Liza, Karlyn, Carolyn and Amelia, overcoming jetlag and just pottering around the place. I even ‘helped’ get CHARLES to his gym appointment, and then drove over to Piedmont for a quick … Continue reading A quick update…<\/span>