I drive the same streets every day. To work, from work. And even in a beautiful city like San Francisco, with all its natural scenery and interesting architecture, things become a blur. Like the breakfast you prepare everyday, the same face in the same clothes you've seen in the mirror for years, it all becomes... Continue Reading →
These motels aren't beauty queens, but they are worth acknowledging. For many built in the 1950s, the architectural purity has been chipped away and the cool mid-century styling is gone. But it's not only the looks, it's where this motel row lands in the timeline of San Francisco history that attracts me. I imagine late Depression-era... Continue Reading →
In the northern part of San Francisco, there is a vintage enthusiast's treasure - Lombard Street's Motel Row. Not far from the much photographed "crookedest street in the world" is a stretch of utilitarian looking blocks that house about two dozen motels. These motels, made for travelers and their cars, started springing up in the... Continue Reading →
I periodically walk through the Jackson Square Historic District on my way to more modest areas in San Francisco. I cursorily acknowledge that the neighborhood is "fancy" with all the design firms and antique shops. My next thought is that I better walk a little quicker before they spot me and give me the... Continue Reading →
On this cold and grey day here in SF, I would like to share one of my favorite poems with you. Thanks for reading, Empress Norma
Personal archaeology is fun but I'm getting the feeling that it's going to take as long as real archaeology to go through all the finds. When I pull an item out of the dirt and get that little thrill, it's a great feeling but it's fleeting. Getting the items cleaned up and in a preservable... Continue Reading →
One good thing about having a somewhat un-renovated house is that you find good old trash tucked in the walls and corners of your basement. Good looking artifacts from another time. To some, crinkled up cards and old bottle caps crusted with dirt are trash, but it's pure treasure to me. Some of the finds tell... Continue Reading →
I have encountered many visitors to SF who have gone to Fisherman's Wharf at noon on a Sat, on a holiday weekend and have complained that "the city" is disappointing. One, Fisherman's Wharf is only part of the city and doesn't tell its whole story and two, if you are going at peak hours, it will... Continue Reading →
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