P-Cow! How was your birthday party? It looked like tons of fun. I was quite tempted to go.

It was fun! I'm not a huge pinball fan or anything, but it was fun to try all the different kinds of machines, especially the old-school ones. And I got to kill Daleks with pinballs, so there was that.

Menlo Park is about half way between SFO and the San Jose airport, so I would say fly to wherever is cheaper/more convenient.

In terms of stuff to do near Menlo Park--the Stanford shopping center is nice, as is walking around Stanford, which does have a museum [link]

Palo Alto has a museum of American heritage, [link] I have never been, but I've heard it is nice

There is also a computer history museum in Mountain View, which is between Menlo Park and San Jose

If she is in San Jose, there is the Winchester mystery house, [link] which is right near a nice outdoor mall

eta list of things to do in Palo Alto [link]

FIVE DAYS TIL TOM, NORA, AND SMONSTER!!

javachick, I too will be around. With enough advanced warning (cause I usually don't land home until at least 7, with poolhaid) I can arrange the schedule so as to meet up. lisah'd be the best bet for recs, cause she's awesome like that.

Yay, Sara!!!

Flea, I want you to come out with your mom. And if your mom likes gardening, the Filoli gardens are beautiful.

Speaking of October, I'm going to be in the bay area next month! We're going for a wedding in Napa the weekend of 10/19-10/21. Then in SF for 10/20 & 10/21 and then in Oakland until 10/26. Would love to get together for a meal or drinks with folks if anybody is up for it!

Totally!

Oyster happy hour!

EXACTLY, LEE!!!!

The nights we are in SF we are staying at the Harbor Court Hotel right by the Ferry Building. NOM NOM NOM!

The Waterbar (just a couple blocks from the Ferry Bldg) has a $1/oyster happy hour, but I think it's only M-F. I'll make sure be free that weekend, but if you want to come over during the week you are in Oakland, I could work that out.