Restaurant Poetry: Volcano Curry

  RESTAURANT POETRY: Volcano Curry by Annelies Zijderveld   When the coming blanket of fog buffets the sky like stallions set to flight, an awakening begins to rise and rumble in my stomach with insistence.   Off we go in search of something hot to head off the chill that clings to all of our… Continue reading Restaurant Poetry: Volcano Curry

One year ago – a blogaversary

One year ago, things looked a bit different. After we said I do, we watched the San Francisco Giants clinch the title of World Series champs. Put differently, on a certain honeymoon and in a certain seaside town, there was a bar, multiple visits and bellowing at Phillies play-off games over foamy mugs of Sam… Continue reading One year ago – a blogaversary

Hunger Challenge: Preparation & Day 1

        The San Francisco and Marin Food Banks issued a hunger challenge for September 11 – 17, 2011. The challenge is simple: each person signs up to live off a food stamp budget for one week at $4.72 per person per day.  On the SF Food Bank site, they share that 1… Continue reading Hunger Challenge: Preparation & Day 1

If these doors could speak- a photo essay & a challenge

When the devastation of Hurricane Katrina unleashed its fury upon the city of New Orleans, I watched on like most of you did, to the TV reports and the flood of articles inundating the web. The same convention center I had visited for a coffee and tea show mere months before became home and unruly… Continue reading If these doors could speak- a photo essay & a challenge

In search of earth – farm to table

Growing up in an urban setting, and appreciating the earth may seem tricky. On Saturday mornings growing up, I would sometimes wake to the whine of the blower or perhaps the wheeze of the lawnmower. Mama relished tending the garden. Every Spring, we could count on daffodils to pop their sunny heads out of the… Continue reading In search of earth – farm to table

It takes a village & maybe a slice of pie

Change. Is this something you anticipate or something to be reviled? Some changes are easy. Other times, they resemble trying to turn the Titanic. Years ago, I helped run and volunteered at a homeless drop-in center off of Haight Street. Every Friday night, my friend Mary and I would troll the upper Haight and hand… Continue reading It takes a village & maybe a slice of pie

The Ring of the Nibelung at San Francisco Opera- Part 2

Snacks. I bet you’re not completely surprised that I’m starting here. This is an important topic when thinking about attending the opera. I must admit I was sad when my old go-to for opera intermission fare, Citizen Cake, moved to Fillmore Street many moons ago. Do not despair, but do think about snacks. A few… Continue reading The Ring of the Nibelung at San Francisco Opera- Part 2

The Ring of the Nibelung at San Francisco Opera- Part 1

Opera. Before you roll your eyes or yawn, I want to ask you a few questions. Does a good drama make you cling to the edge of your seat in anticipation of what’s going to happen next? How about love stories- do you find yourself getting caught up emotionally in the outcome of what happens… Continue reading The Ring of the Nibelung at San Francisco Opera- Part 1

When in San Francisco- AT&T Ballpark Food

The end of March brought a cheerfulness to our home. When I say cheerful, I’m talking birds chirping in place of alarm clock, whistling on the way to work- that kind of peppy veneer on the shroud of the everyday. The reason behind all of the mirth really lay on the simple fact that opening… Continue reading When in San Francisco- AT&T Ballpark Food