eel river still pristine at redway, ca.

Well, another Father's Day, another birthday--really quite lovely. The first few days in Crescent City had great weather, and a wonderful visit with family, including my brother's mother-in-law Anitra and a very special visit and lunch with my high school English teacher and college mentor, Doris Whalen. Thank you for encouraging my writing--it comforts me to this day.

On Thursday we headed for the redwoods for a now four year annual family get together.  One of the highlights for me was a day trip up 101 to Redway, CA. to look for mom's family cabin and river access.  From the 1920's to 1950's my family had a cabin at Redway (the Hampton's of Eureka at the time)--there are photos of my grandparents (mom's folks) courting next to a Model T Roadster at the Eel River.  Mom said her first date with my dad was probably on that same beach. The cabin is long gone but luckily the river edge remains white and pristine, handholds worn into the rock face are still visible, and a path, where a road once was is still the hot ticket to access this little slice of natural beauty, time immortal.

jl designs new shop at 499 castro

Joseph Leon just launched his new store, JL Designs, with a champagne reception on May 20 at the corner of Castro and 18th (499 Castro) in the once Ritz Camera location. It can't get much better location wise on this corner with windows on all sides that look out to the center of everything and everybody.

Joseph is a top notch and well known floral designer with a long time shop in the famed St. Francis Hotel's shop row. His floral designs and his collection of new objet d'art and collectibles, (much in storage anyway) simply outgrew the little space. When this location became available, it was ideal. Floral orders are still available, but Joseph's collection of furniture, lamps, crystal, silver and porcelains is not to be missed--there is a treasure here for everyone.