So if Nilly wants to see the conservatory, a bit of the park, whatever? You and Jacqueline and Emmett might want to plan on coming over for bagels and kosher lox and coffee, and collecting Nilly and maybe Bev (staying with me) and Ginger (staying with Jeannie), if they'd like a local walk.

That'd be nice. For folks who are interested, the walk between Deb's place and mine is about 15 minutes - though a detour through the park would take longer. The park is relatively flat, and very pretty.

The Sunday walk would be more of a neighborhood tour, and would take a couple hours. A bit more strenuous then...uh, a walk in the park.

I have a favor to ask. I've been so out of the loop. Could someone email me Nilly's LA plans so I can figure out a good time to meet her? I was talking about her visit this weekend, and then I suddenly realized I had NO IDEA when I'd get to see her.

Heh. Just reminding those who aren't familiar with the City that the phrase "the hills of San Francisco" is understatement, not hyperbole.

Heh. Just reminding those who aren't familiar with the City that the phrase "the hills of San Francisco" is understatement, not hyperbole.

JZ and I were talking about taking her up to Tank Hill. (This would be a bit more like a mountain trail hike then most folks associate with urban living.) View is spectacular up there though.

I'd love to see more of San Francisco. I've only been there once, for a long weekend, and I mainly saw tourist stuff and museums. (I'm not in any way putting down tourist stuff. I'm the ultimate tourist, not to mention a connoisseur of the really bad souvenir.) I do a lot of walking, so I'm probably up for the hills. I haven't seen much of the wine country, so I'm looking forward to that trip too.

I've actually never had a manicure or pedicure, which is sort of an embarassing admission in this company. I'd be happy to go along for a manicure (my toenails are hopeless), or get together with other Buffistas on Friday. I'm hoping to get some time with Deena and Laura and Teppy and Hec and JZ and and and... Also, Deb, please put me to work.

A bit more strenuous then...uh, a walk in the park.

It will be wonderful to walk where it is not steamy hot. Packing walking shoes.

So very excited about seeing SF for the first time, seeing familiar Buffistas, meeting new Buffistas. Nilly! I am so ready. Emotionally, that is. Otherwise not so much. I will have to see what I can find to fit me in warmer clothing. I am the heaviest weight I have ever been, including being pregnant so my wardrobe is very limited. Blah. Hey, more of me to love, right?

Deb, make a list and assign me whatever you need done. I am willing and capable.

JZ and I were talking about taking her up to Tank Hill. (This would be a bit more like a mountain trail hike then most folks associate with urban living.) View is spectacular up there though.

Though it should be noted that most of the mountain trail hikeiness of it is hiking up steep but nicely paved sidewalks. It's roughly 7-10 blocks from our place to the foot of Tank Hill, most of it fairly sharply uphill, and then you walk one teeny block up a little wooden stairway to the top of the hill. Folks who want the view but couldn't handle the hiking could conceivably drive to the foot of the stairway and walk that short little distance.

Folks who would be willing to brave the hills and hike through the neighborhoods, beware: The homes are all screwball, artsy, painfully expensive yet unostentatiously beautiful little creatures that will make your hair hurt with envy.

My old legs deal with the uphill better than downhill. Faulty brakes apparently. It will be more than worth the effort! Hills are a rare treat for me.

Right now, we'll be there from Saturday through Tuesday.

Erika, W00t!!!!!

Part of the hill of Tank Hill

Some of the trees up there, with the view

Tank Hill at dusk, with a better sense of the vista. That's looking out towards the Bay, not the Ocean, if you're trying to get your bearings.

This is where I put the engagement ring on JZ, btw.