welcome christmas

a day in the city

On Saturday my brother, Steve, took my mom, my niece, and me to San Francisco to tour the Palace Hotel, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary.  It was an absolutely beautiful day in the city, crisp and clear.  The hotel is fabulous and we had a great tour filled with interesting stories about the history of this SF landmark.  The most beautiful room is a large dining area called the Garden Court that has a stained glass ceiling.

Isn't it amazing!?!?

After the tour, Steve took us to lunch. We had chicken salad sandwiches, cioppino, fruit,  famous Palace biscuits, tea, and chocolate mousse that was so rich we couldn't even finish it!

Click here to the recipe for the Palace Hotel's famous Green Goddess Dressing.

Perri, my niece.

After lunch we toured around the city, saw a photographic exhibit by James Cameron (amazing - not only beautiful photography of nature, but an interesting look at our impact on the environment), and walked through Union Square where people were ice skating and watching the Christmas tree get all set up.

She is quite the photographer!

Dear Santa.....

a beautiful old church

(photo from Palace Hotel website).

It was a delightful day!!  Thank you, Steve.

give thanks

new thanksgiving banners now available in my shop, Bleu Bird Nest and in my craft booth at Cranberry Hill Mercantile, Sunnyvale, CA.