Late last night , I was fighting off sleep as the Chicago Cubs and SF. Giantsstarted the bottom of the 9th inning of a do or die Game # 4 . The inning did not start off well as the first two relievers got no one out and clogged the baseswith potential tying runs ! I was just about asleep when the Cubbies scored their first run in the 9th . I fell asleep thinking to myself that the Giants are in trouble because they lack a closer . I didn't see the end of the game (ZZZ).     When I woke up this morning and viewed the final outcome on MLB.com ,I saw my last thoughts were spot on , the Giants lacked a closer ! Then it poppedin my mind , that at the trade deadline the giants could have added a closer who at age 35 had already saved 368 games ! Jonathan Papelbon was availableand the Gia... 10/12/2016

After a weekend of hot, sunny weather (84° in San Francisco on Saturday, 75° on Sunday) perfect for Fleet Week and the three afternoons of air shows, we woke to a layer of thick fog across the bay and into the surrounding neighborhoods.  By mid-day, temperatures were close to 20° degrees cooler than the day before; most of the fog burned off, but there was a bit mist still in the air.The weather is one of the fun things about living in San Francisco - there's always a surprise around the corner!Another delight is taking a walk at the end of the day, especially after sitting at a computer most of the day.This evening we walked down Van Ness Avenue to Aquatic Park to discover that the Municipal Pier, our original destination, was still closed due to Fleet Week activities. Not to worry, we... 10/10/2016

Mayhem Mansion returns to San Francisco! In 2016, it will be here for only 4 days, October 21, 22, 28, and 29, 2016.In the words of San Francisco Heritage, "The current caretakers of Mayhem Mansion have agreed to let curious outsiders get a peek inside, however, the ghostly presence of the mysterious Mayhem family still remains. Your tour begins in the foyer, where a benevolent host will lead you through the magnificent manse, but beware! You never know who, or what, is lurking in the dark corners, or behind closed doors. The tour ends at the bottom of the stairs, in the more lively Spookeasy. Watch your step!"For most of the year, the Haas-Lilienthal house near the intersection of Franklin and Jackson, is a grand Queen Anne Victorian, and the only Victorian residence open to the public... 10/08/2016

This week is Fleet Week 2016 in San Francisco. As usual, it kicks off mid-week and culminates with the thrilling air shows, extended to 3-days this year. Activities began today and increase tomorrow.By Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Fleet week is in full swing, with the parade of ships one day and air shows all three afternoons. Activities wind down next Monday.Here's a rundown of activities, as reported on SF Gate. I have highlighted some of the most popular events in red:THURSDAY8 a.m.-12 p.m.: Softball tournament finals with the U.S. Navy Pacific Fleet Band, Moscone Rec Center, 1800 Chestnut St.9 a.m.-6 p.m.: Veterans art exhibit, The Cannery, 2801 Leavenworth St.10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Ship tours — U.S. transport ship San Diego at Pier 30/32, Candian frigate Calgary at Pier 15/17.1-5 p.m.: Bl... 10/05/2016

While much of the country is seeing cooler temperatures after a sizzling-hot summer, here in California we're in the midst of our wild fire season. The recent heat wave in the San Francisco Bay Area has been a major concern. Not only has it made for uncomfortably hot days -- 102-degrees in San Jose yesterday, around 89-degrees in temperate San Francisco -- we are always on the alert for wildfires.Here's a snapshot of the headlines of my online newspaper today at 4:09 PM:Other local wild fires were reported yesterday and on Sunday, days of extreme heat and dry air. Our wild land vegetation is tinder dry after months of no rain.While many cities and counties to the south and east of San Francisco are still hot today, the good news is that today the cool-off has begun. This typically begin... 09/27/2016

Thanks to Lottie Kendall, I finally made it to see the Mosaic steps in San Francisco. My husband wanted to push off that excursion to our last day there, but that's when I had scheduled a massage, and we would not have gone. It would have been dangerously too close to our departure time to catch the B.A.R.T. to Richmond.Come to think of it, that's probably why he wanted to delay that tourist attraction. Because he preferred instead to go an early dim sum in Chinatown. That way he could sound like he was in favor of the trip but it would not happen. But as these things go, you know what we did. You can read more in my personal blog today and see all of the photographs, including a suprise bonus I was not expecting, at this link: The Mosaic Stairs in San Francisco Offers Panoramic Views. 09/25/2016

Can a photo energize a person?I took this snapshot last Sunday as I was walking through Fort Mason in San Francisco, heading to my weekly farmer's market there. I enjoy looking at it, and feel energy coursing through my body when I do. the sun is shining, people are walking and jogging along happily I see the Golden Gate Bridge, which to me is the gateway to hiking heaven I see the Marin Headlands just beyond the bridge--open space with trails galore just waiting to be explored and enjoyed I see houses in the little town of Sausalito climbing up the hill from the bay, and know the many delightful restaurants waiting there, both simple and elegant ones finally, in the far distance I spy Mt. Tamalpais, where the hiking is superb and varied--open hillsides with views of the ocean or bay; f... 09/21/2016

When we were in Lisbon last month, that city reminded me a lot of San Francisco. There is something about crossing the Bay Bridge that makes me feel like I'm entering a foreign country. The energy, every-day humming of trolly cars, city busses blocking traffic, guys urinating on buildings in public, it's exhilerating.Because when time is at a premium like it is with me and my business, I can't always just get away for a few days to go to San Francisco from Sacramento. Driving into the City is often a problem, too, but it's not that bad on a Sunday afternoon. Which is a good time to see a show at the Orpheum Theatre in San Francisco. It took us 2 1/2 hours to get there but only an hour and 45 minutes to get home. Plus, there is something magical about watching a musical at the historic O... 09/19/2016

September 24, 2016 -- that's the day people in cities all over the country will be taking time to help end childhood cancer.In San Francisco, the St. Jude Walk/run to End Childhood Cancer will take place at the San Francisco Zoo. If you haven't pre-registered, you can do so at 7:00 AM. The 5K walk/run begins at 8:00 AM, and is suitable for the entire family. You participation will help raise needed funds to continue the research for treatment of childhood cancers that St. Jude's has sponsored since 1962. Treatments invented at St. Jude's have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20 percent to more than 80 percent since the hospital opened. If you don't happen to live in or near San Francisco, you can find the St. Jude's walk closest to you by clicking the above li... 09/18/2016

Curbside Cafe is a small neighborhood bistro in Pacific Heights. Located on California Street at Fillmore, it provides a quiet little respite from the hustle and bustle of the exciting neighborhood shopping area in which it is located.This has been a busy week with all the last-minute details getting a property ready for open houses today and tomorrow. (You can read about the ocean view townhouse here.) Last night it was time for a nice City walk to enjoy time with my husband. The slightly foggy evening added allure to the night. Up past two of our favorite parks we went, over to the mini free library on Jackson Street where we chanced to meet the woman who installed it there, then down to Curbside Cafe for dinner.Curbside Cafe is one of our favorites. Service is always good. The ambian... 09/17/2016

The Pacific Heights area of San Francisco has long been considered one of the finest places to live, and understandably so. Pacific Heights is home to CEOs, to many of the City's philanthropists, the movers and shakers of San Francisco. This video will help you understand the charm of Pacific Height. Take a look:In addition to the many gorgeous mansions, there are condos and townhouses here for those who prefer a simpler lifestyle yet live in this beautiful neighborhood, including these four that are on the market for sale now: 1880 Jackson Street, #402 - near Gough Street, this 1BR/1BA condo is located in a classic 1930's building, with elegant woodwork and details and grand scale roome. List price: $1,295,000. 1925 Pacific #3 - also near Gough Street, this beautiful 3BR/2BA condo is o... 09/15/2016

Mr. Rogers used to sing about, "these are the people in our neighborhood" and I find myself humming that tune from time to time as I meet new people in and around my San Francisco neighborhood.One week recently I had a chance encounter that left me smiling and happy to have met a new person in my neighborhood. Several times previously I had walked past a man on my street as he was outside doing chores; we'd exchange a smile and a brief hello. One day I stopped to chat briefly with him, telling him how I appreciated the great care he gave the building.One thing led to another, and soon I discovered I was chatting with a wonderful San Francisco artist, John Milestone. He told me where several of his murals are located; the next week I searched out those murals and was impressed with their... 09/12/2016

Those in the know know that living in the Hayes Valley area of San Francisco is trendy, hip and fun! Located conveniently close to the Civic Center you're as likely to see residents on bicycles as in cars.The newest condo development is 450 Hayes and yes, Fido is welcome here. In fact, two Fidos are welcome per unit as long as they are non-aggressive breeds.  As if Hayes Valley wasn't trendy enough, the 450 Hayes development is taking it to the next level. With its cleverly designed and very aesthetically pleasing exterior, it sits between Ivy Street and Hayes Street, with boutiques, restaurants, cars and the park all just a crosswalk away! These units are in high demand and selling quickly.Last week two penthouse units were available. They are perched on the fourth floor, each with a u... 09/10/2016

Yesterday, Labor Day 2016, I was reading my online newspaper while enjoying my first cup(s) of coffee when I chanced upon a pleasant, informative article about musician unions in San Francisco. One of the unionized groups mentioned was the Golden Gate Park Band, which puts on free concerts most Sunday afternoons in the summer and fall. Apparently they always put on a special concert on Labor Day featuring American musical numbers, opening with Aaron Copeland's 'Fanfare to the Common Man' and moving on to folk songs, jazz, medleys from musicals and movies, and ending with a stirring Sousa march.The day was sunny and warm, and a free outdoor concert at lunchtime sounded like the perfect activity, so off we went, walking into Golden Gate Park via the rose garden, where the scent of roses p... 09/05/2016

San Francisco is a destination city for many vacationers from around the world. It's popular with conventioneers and sports enthusiasts.It's a dream city for many residents and would-be residents, too.For many, the romance begins with their first view of the Golden Gate Bridge and The City. Did you know that a home (condo or single-family home) with views of the Golden Gate Bridge can carry a premium price tag of $100,000-$500,000 or more than a similar home with no bridge view? The view never gets boring, and isn't the same two days in a row - the fog swirls in, the fog lifts, the sky is brilliantly blue, or not -- the mystery of it is captivating. If your home doesn't happen to have a view of the Golden Gate bridge, not to worry - you can walk or jog across it, bicycle across, drive a... 08/31/2016

Recent news feeds for the sinking Millenium Tower...NBC report: ABC news: CBS news: View More: U.S. News|Live News|More News Videos       08/30/2016

       San Francisco - August 2016 The Real Estate Update         In the fast paced and ever changing world of San Francisco real estate, reviewing yearly market trends with monthly breakdowns is the most viable way of staying on top of the market. Monitoring yearly data enables buyers and sellers to fully understand where the market has been and where it is going. Overall, the real estate market has achieved a “Soft Landing’ this year, with the best evidence of this being the modest increase in median sales price. Over the past twelve months, condo prices have increased by 2.76%, and single-family homes by 6.25%. On a month-to-month basis, condo prices have remained relatively constant, while the price of single-family homes has varied by as much as $235,000.   SFR Median Sales $1,360,... 08/30/2016

For coffee lovers, there's nothing quite like that first cup of coffee in the morning, whether it's a Monday morning start-the-week cup, or a weekend sit-back-and-relax cup. When it is a freshly brewed cup of Martha & Brothers coffee, it is especially delicious!Martha & Bros Coffee Company has been roasting, serving and selling coffee here in San Francisco since 1987, a skill learned in the family's native Nicaragua coffee farm. I learned about Martha & Bros Coffee Company from a chance encounter with an artist I chatted with one morning as I returned from an exercise class. He mentioned that two of his murals (depicting the owners' native country) were on the walls at the original Martha & Bros. on 24th Street in Noe Valley.(Part of the children's mural, complete with hidden pictures)T... 08/29/2016

For the second month in a row, the median rental prices in San Francisco have declined, allowing San Francisco to slide to the rank of second-most expensive city in the United States, just behind New York City.But -- and there's always a but -- prices remain sky high. Per a report by ApartmentList.com, the median rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment in San Francisco is now $4,730.00. For a 1-bedroom rental in San Francisco it is $3,520.00. Meanwhile, San Francisco has been busy in the last few years building condominium buildings as well as apartment buildings, and with interest rates remaining extremely low (and expected to remain low at least through the December Fed meetings) this could be a wonderful window in which to purchase a home of your own, or for a family member to use.We r... 08/27/2016

 Moving Day! A few days ago we closed escrow on a newly constructed San Francisco condo.Upon getting the keys and entering the home, we discovered an elegantly wrapped gift on the kitchen island. Inside was a flower vase with this note:When you buy a home, I hope the only surprises you find are happy ones.  08/24/2016