Spice

"The land of fruits and nuts"...San Francisco.

Since I have not successfully elicited any comments recently, I decided I needed to spice it up a bit and see if my faithful readers are still awake!

Last weekend we were walking through a mall across the bay from us. Between keeping an eye on all the kids and navigating the people, I probably missed some good people watching...until I was in an upscale department store. A perfectly coiffed blond head caught my attention. It was short with sculptured curls. My eyes drifted to an elaborately made-up face. As I was studying the artistic work, my brain suddenly froze. I blinked again. A drag queen was working the cosmetic counter in the famous department store. I blinked again. I resisted the temptation to look back. I blinked again as I stepped out into the blinding California sunshine.

Closing

My kitchen clock arrived in California still ticking on Eastern Standard Time. As I hung it on the nearest nail I could find, I did not reset it. For the past few weeks, it has been ticking, reminding me what time it is Pittsburgh as I negotiated all the details of the contract for the sale of our home there.

Now I am sitting here listening to the tick of the clock in the rare silence of my new home. My last phone calls made. As the kids sleep, I sit here. Waiting. Thinking. Wondering.

540 Squire Place was very good to us. We descended upon the neighborhood, and they embraced us. Kade spent two years exploring the woods surrounded by boys who loved to explore as much as he did. I remember the giant crawdad he brought to me from the creek that first summer. He was so proud. At dusk the chase of the fireflies would begin followed by a good game of hide and seek in which every yard was available.

My big girls also enjoyed these activities though they spent more hours playing with the other girls in the neighborhood exploring the woods and filming their "show"...priceless. As they grew older they spent more and more time at the pool and the circle of friends expanded, as did their swim experiences as part of swim team. They miss that glistening body of water bubbling with the energy of kids.

Kiahra and Nikela also spent countless hours entertaining the younger kids. I can still see Nikela spinning Matthew in the Lesser's yard this spring as he shrieked in delight with his charming grin topped with that curly hair. Darling.

Our littlest girl spent countless hours playing with anyone who would let her...though she was partial to Chloe and Matthew. She still wants them to come play. So do I. She charmed the neighborhood with her pretty eyes and smile...Mr. "Lester" already misses her...I am sure. I can still see her tenacity as she held her own in street hockey with the boys...just as I was going to tell her to stop for fear of her getting hurt...she won the battle for the puck with a well placed hit. Nevermind...she was fine...more than fine.

As the memories tumble out of my heart, I cannot type fast enough to capture the true essence of what the neighborhood truly met to us.

A neighborhood that truly nurtures its children is a special gift. One that each one of our children will carry in their hearts forever. I hope someday they create a neighborhood as wonderful.

Our farewell BBQ in the cul-de-sac was interrupted by a short cloud burst. Today it feels so suiting that the sky cried with us momentarily amidst the celebration of friendship.

Did I mention that as the moving day approached, invitations to dinner and lunch abounded, as did all the willing helping hands. When our beds were gone, we still had a soft place to lay our weary heads. Despite the chaos of the final days, we never had to leave the cul-de-sac. Instead the neighborhood embraced us again easing us forward with love.

And again on Monday, Gary and Ann eased my homesickeness as they joined us for dinner here in San Carlos after enjoying a tour of Sonoma and Napa valleys. As we walked into the restaurant and saw those familiar faces smiling at us, my eyes filled with tears that were quickly replaced with delightful conversation, food, and wine. The evening ended too quickly, but I hold tightly to the reminder that friendship follows us wherever we go.

Closed. I move the hands on the ticking clock to Pacific Standard Time.

Fare thee well 540 Squire Place.

Baseball

The San Francisco Giants won last night. Kade and his friend were at AT & T park along with Ron and Stephen (who works with Ron). All the boys enjoyed the game.

Following the game, they were swept into the throngs of people, when Kade inquired, "What's going on there?" (After he had already watched a cop arrest a couple people). A small truck (think FedEx) was driving down the street...but it had a glass box on the back equipped with a pole and several scantily clad women.

Scrambling for a distraction Ron quipped, "I am surprised that is even legal. They don't even have their seatbelts on."

Nonetheless, two young boys had an eye full. They tumbled into my door teasing each other about noticing the color of the girls' hair. Huuummmmm. Then Kade explained to me what he had seen with a demonstration of the dance style. Sometimes it is better when mothers don't know...

However, I still felt it was only appropriate to explain to the other boy's mother what had transpired...and to reassure her that he had indeed attended a baseball game and not a gentleman's club.

As the boys joined our conversation, we then learned after the girls disappeared into the night, the boys observed a transient who had his full cart and a fifth of whiskey dancing erratically (which is very different than the other "e" dance). We were also privy to view a demonstration of the dance...which was highly entertaining. Luckily we have a good sense of humor.

Hello, San Francisco!

My Orchid

I have always admired the Orchid. With a little help from Kade, I came home with an orchid plant. It sits on my black countertop next to the big window in my kitchen. That window has a nifty burlap blind. I love the contrast of textures.



Kade also filled a couple pots in the backyard with soil and added seeds. He carefully waters and nurtures his little seedlings.



Of course everything blooms here...



Including an old friendship...



Nikela's best friends flew into Oakland Saturday night. Afterwards we discovered a little Thai restuarant--thus the link to orchids.

Sand

Arrived. Fitzgerald Marine Reserve. As the kids baled out of the vehicles we discovered one child with no shoes. Another with one shoe. The remaining ten pairs of shoes (with feet) waited patiently as we sought a solution.

Oh well, the seals didn't care.

The motley crew.



Then we headed down to the beach. As I sat with my friends from Montana, the kids were scampering around us...chasing waves, burying themselves in sand, scurrying on the sand wall, gathering driftwood for all creative purposes. As we chatted our eyes were scanning the horizon for kids. She was watching my back and I...hers..

One picture. A million grains of sand. Another pair of shoes...gone.

In Foster City, CA we are surrounded by lagoons. Beautiful pristine waters lap the shores of many neighborhoods, as the result of a real estate magnate that carefully planned the community in the original marshes of San Francisco Bay with engineered landfill. Any guesses what his last name was?

The waters can be used for recreation; however, to preserve the quality of life and air in our neighborhoods only self-powered or electric boats are allowed. Since, we have plenty of self-power in my household, we took our guests kayaking. Kade had been anxiously awaiting this opportunity.



Unbeknownst to me, one of the best places to wind surf is located on the nearby San Francisco Bay. Wind surfing lessons are available on the lagoons. Nikela is anxious to try it, and so am I. I suspect the young man we watched makes it look easier than it really is, but it looks like so much fun! Nonetheless, we enjoyed our time on the water! Kade is already saving his money for a kayak!

In the evening we journeyed back into the city for a ride on the trolley car. The adventure delighted the kids in the dusky light of evening. Kiahra and Kade were hanging off the poles in the crisp evening air as the driver teased the kids. At one point they shrieked in delighted...and he smiled.

After we clamored down, we walked to Fisherman's Wharf. The sunset was beautiful across the bay with the ship in the background. My feeble attempt to capture the moment has inspired me to learn more about using my night feature on my camera. It has a slower shutter speed, so any movement ruins the photo, but it definitely has the potential to capture the essence of the night!



As we walked the quiet streets, the vender's lights enticed us to enter their warm stores filled with tourist delights. We finally reached our destination.



After enjoying ice-cream treats at the famous chocolate maker (still can't figure that one out) we took a cab back to the trolley station. It was Kade and Chayse's first taxi experience! It wasn't near as adventuresome as NYC taxis despite the narrow, hilly streets.

Redwood Adventure

Over the Golden Gate bridge and through the woods...

Muir Woods. Muir, a photographer, preserved these Coastal Redwoods along the California coast. His photographs helped establish Yellowstone as a National Park, as the visual representation of the pristine beauty persuaded Congress.



Visiting friends from Pennsylvania joined us on our walk through the woods.



Nikela's frame of the woods is enchanting.



Prehistoric. Chayse thought we were walking through The Land Before Time (movie). I think she was hoping to see her favorite dinosaurs.



I loved the opportunity to convince the kids to walk quietly!



As we paused and our eyes followed the massive trees upward, the view took our breath away. Stunned into silence.



It was a delightful day for a walk through the woods despite the unpredictable urchins!

iRead

I love books. I love how they feel. I love how they smell. But most of all I love reading the words that tumble out of them and the story they create.

With this knowledge, my husband carefully shopped for my birthday and my iPad arrived. As I touched that shiny black screen for the first time, I was like a little kid with a new toy...heart thumping, curious, excited, and apprehensive wrapped into one package!

I conveniently ordered my first book, The Help, from iBooks. In a few seconds, I could begin reading. With a swipe of a finger I could turn the virtual page. When the first unfamiliar word appeared, I gently touched the word and a dictionary popped up, and when it could not be found, I could google it. Nehi--an American flavored soft drink that arrived on the market in 1924, if you were curious.

Anyway, recently, I had started to explore electronic readers with uncertainty. Books are not conveneient to move...or store...thus I had decided I should explore the options. I love the library, but sometimes books are in demand (as was The Help with 96 holds on 94 copies all currently checked out). So my husband nudged my relunctance aside and catapulted me into the 21st century...and I love him for it.

Onward to the next book...Looking for Salvation at the Dairy Queen.

At my front door, I have Masters Viper on guard.



She is one of the Furious Five who protects the Valley of Pease in the movie, Kung Fu Panda. Evidently the valley of peace is too peaceful these days, so she had to find some action at the Klinghagen residence.



Thus she hangs out on the blind at my front door intimidating unsuspecting visitors. Some folks have bars on their windows. Some folks have alarm systems. Some folks have guard dogs. I have Masters Viper.

Sweat

As I stepped outside, I paused and breathed in deeply the smell of jasmine before setting my pace for a morning walk with the dogs. As I gazed at that fragrant little flower, my eye caught the flutter of wings. A small hummingbird was feasting on the nectar. I watched his wings in wonder.

As I stood there quietly, I wondered how many times a day I walk by the wonders of life...

My eyes followed the tiny little bird as he zipped around the corner.

Duke was so excited to be out in the morning sunshine with me that he was dragging me across the street to the walking path. The sky was as blue as far the eye could see. As I fell into my morning pace, I smiled at the people I met along the way. They smiled back and some greeted me.

I watched a little Asian woman warming up in her driveway. Stretching, moving, reaching with grace and intention. I watched a woman barely running down the path with both knees heavily bandaged. I watched a man gaze across the bay with softness in his face. I watched a woman make her way down the path with her cane.

Then the bay came into view. The mountains softly etched into the skyline. Vegetation as high as I, I felt a fine thread pull across my face before stretching and breaking. As my hand brushed it away from my face, I thought of the little spinner who had worked through the night to create that thread.

I could feel my skin glistening in the warmth of the sun. It will be warm today. I know this with certainty in light of my blog entry yesterday. As I walk along the bay, my mind roams to the vision of the workers in the fields. I can see them bent over the crops carefully harvesting the produce. Their hats casting shadows across their faces. The long-sleeved cotton shirts protecting their skin from the hot summer sun. I can smell the acridity of the sweat. I can feel the fatigue of their muscles as they bend over their duties.

Then I remember the tired faces in different colors lining the road a few days ago next to the signs protesting the treatment of laborers. Those migrant (not to be confused with immigrant) workers feed this country, as they work their way from the South to the North each year. They do not bask in the climate of California, they toil in it.

Then I realize why their children frequently work so hard to be more...because they watch and learn and work beside their parents. They know the price.

Tidbits to Save

July...in my humble experience, is a hot month. Very hot sometimes. In San Francisco, it is evidently one of the least desirable months of the year. First of all it definitely unpredictable. On Saturday, it was warm at the house, perhaps upper 70s with the sun shining, then we ran up to the city to pick up something, and as we drove the mere 30 minutes we slowly transitioned into the fog and wind. When we stepped out of the vehicle in San Francisco I was blasted with a cold wind. People were wearing coats. It was a mere 58 degrees. Cold.

Yesterday I was filling up with gas in a neighboring community. First I couldn't figure out how to make the pump work, and the attendant kindly informed me I was from Pennsylvania where they don't have vapor protection on their pumps, but that I could learn. Once the gas was pumping and he could retire comfortably on my sale :), he shared his love of California with me. He told me I had to always carry a jacket. Always dress in layers. Be prepared for rapid shifts in weather. He described watching the fog roll in with nostalgia and love. I love watching folks' eyes twinkle with excitement as they talk about the place where they call home. I wait for that gentle grin that slowly crosses their faces and emulates warmth. As they welcome me, each in their own way, their enthusiasm is contagious.

I always listen carefully, too, as their wealth of knowledge may help me in unforeseen ways as I navigate this strange land. This I have learned from years of listening and transitioning.

For example, yesterday I was told about a free internet traffic site that monitors traffic in the Bay area. I immediately checked it after arriving home and confirmed the accuracy. A valuable bookmark.

Boxes. Boxes. Boxes.

Details. Details. Details.

Amidst all the chaos of organizing my home and life, we joined friends for dinner Saturday night. It was a delightful treat at a little Japanese restaurant tucked away in our neighborhood. Then Jade insisted we have dessert at Yogurtouille in the neighboring community of San Mateo. The kids loved it! First they could choose whatever yogurt they wanted (from a wide selection) and then add toppings to their delight (...and my horror, as they generously compensated in candy for any healthy attributes the yogurt may have had..) Anyway, as they piled our cups onto the scale to determine the cost, I held my breathe, but in the end, I exhaled in relief.

The companionship of friends I do not take for granted in our frequent relocation. It was so wonderful to see familiar faces and hear familiar faces around the dinner table...it lightened my heart!

Last night I started unpacking my books, and admittedly, it is starting to feel a bit more like home. Chayse is anxiously waiting for me to read to her on the couch. There is something special about sharing a good book.

Delightful Day

For my birthday, we trekked to Moss Beach where the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve monitors the beach, and one can explore the sea life during low tide. At the head of the trail, we were all fascinated by this poster.



We were even more intrigued about the lost turtle after discovering what the reserved looked like. Everything is camouflaged.



Even the seals--which Chayse was the first to spot! They rest on the beach during low tide with their pups.



I loved the little pink snail next to the pink coral!



I adore this photo of Nikela exploring the reserve with her reflection in the water.



The birds flying overhead left me curious, and eventually, I learned they were Double-crested Cormorants.



This little gray harbor seal pup charmed me with those deep eyes.



He was busy too. He liked to swim. As we stood on the cliff overlooking the beach, we could hear the seals and watch them fight and bicker with each other. It was just like watching a group of kids as they barked at each other used their flippers to be ornery to each other.



Another curious pup!



As we enjoyed our clifftop walk, we entered the forest of Snow White according to Kiahra. I believe these are Cypress trees, but I have to agree they do seem a bit creepy...



and strange faces appeared!



A picturesque seal perch!



Though the temperatures were low (a mere 58 degrees), it was a beautiful afternoon. As we ventured down the coast we found the Pigeon Point Lighthouse. As you can see it was bit breezy!



The laughter, the barking seals, the crashing waves were all music to my ears--as I celebrated the beginning of a new decade in my life with my kids and husband!

Riptide

40.

I remember my mother's 40th birthday. I suspect she doesn't feel any younger than I do today.

I love the story my father tells about changing water before heading to the hospital with mom. (My father farms on irrigated land which require careful tending of the water to ensure the crop is watered completely...thus the need to "change" the direction of the water.)

My uncle just shared with me his memory of being out with Grandpa and changing water and watching..."You, your Mom and Dad raising dust (on that old gravel road) headed for town, so you could make your way into this world." I love this picture. I don't remember him sharing this with me before. I wonder how he can remember that familiar gravel road and the dust swirling in the air behind the pickup...and then I realize I too can visualize the picture in my mind. It is home. It is the memory of a kid. Like so much of life it is the little moments that remain the most vivid.

I remember running across the prairie barefoot with the wind in my hair. I still love being barefoot...just ask my Pittsburgh neighbor, Gary, as he was always horrified by my resistance to shoes. I remember standing on the hillside watching the prairie grass wave in the wind. I remember driving the Farmall A. I still remember the first time I hooked the rake on the back tire when I turned too sharp. I remember fishing in the stock dam as a kid. My brother always caught all the fish...even then. I remember watching my first baby lamb being born. I remember the smell of fresh hay. I remember harvest time. I remember the dark clouds rolling across the prairie and pelting us with hail and the sadness in my parents faces. I remember Thanksgiving dinner at Grandpa & Grandma's house. I remember my dad showing me the Big Dipper in the night sky. I remember walking in the pasture with mom searching for shark teeth. I remember the rainbows stretching behind the big red barn.

Now my children fill their hearts with memories of Grandma & Grandpa's house, as I can only hold them in my heart now... Another generation moves forward in the journey of life.

Another year of changes awaits. I am anxious to become an aunt again. I want to explore the varied land of California. I want to write a story. I will take my youngest daughter to kindergarten on the first day of school this fall. A new driver's license picture awaits. I hope to see the harbor seal today.

40 will bring me another year filled with memories and changes...

and as memories roll on, so do the years.

And then...

we find the air compressor hose in a box in the master bedroom. It was marked "Her Clothes". We both had seen it, but couldn't remember where...so after searching to no avail we bought another hose. That will guarantee uncovering the missing item within 48 hours.

I registered Nikela for school today. It was our third attempt. I was in tears on the telephone when she told me I had to have vehicle registration too because that had never been mentioned before and for some reason I hadn't pulled into the DOT to change that in the mere 7 days I have been here....well, that and I requested records sent to CA before we left, but because CA didn't request the records, the records weren't sent. No access to records in Pittsburgh, PA until August 10 when the counselors return to work there. No records, no registration in California. I couldn't keep it together. When the lady realized I was from Pennsylvania...not the suburb of Pittsburgh in San Francisco, she became more accommodating. I went to the office immediately...where she promptly told me another lady called shortly after me from out of state and melted down completely too...I really wanted to ask for her number. AND, I really wanted to tell her that they have some real issues with registration due to their open enrollment program. People lie, cheat, and lie some more to get their kids into different schools. I even had to sign an honesty affidavit stating I understood the school district would hire a private investigator and I would be prosecuted to the full extent of the law if I was not being honest. Anyway, we will see if Nikela is enrolled Monday. I wonder when she will be able to register and in what school...

Did I mention the lady reminded me of my home schooling option? Too quickly, I proclaimed that I intended to get something in return for all the taxes California is pilfering from my income.

Stress.

The bitter part of the move...uncertainty.

The sweet is unintentional...like when Kiahra told me I was a good driver in San Francisco. It was my first day navigating, and I was in the heart of the city of San Francisco. Evidently the extra two lanes of traffic help me out??? Whatever. Truthfully, every state's road design from freeway exits to entrances to intersections to road markings are different; however, the system in California is more familiar to me (could it be the engineers are all trained the same in the West?). Well, and in Pittsburgh folks drive by landmarks and poorly marked streets; whereas, every street is well marked and referred to by name here. Like that. The style of driving is aggressive and fast here. That I don't mind either. The bitter was equally unintentional as she felt I always struggled to get around Pittsburgh. Admittedly, I was just getting it figured out before we left. I just couldn't get accustomed to the system design...but now I miss the familiar.

Like furniture stores. We went to at least 10 furniture stores yesterday. Every single store is filled with mid century modern furniture...even Macy's. Talk about sharp contrast in style. Everything is designed to fit the small spaces of California. It is not my style. I just want a cute bookshelf. I did uncover a Crate and Barrel and World Market at the mall...but still not my style. What to do? Ron doesn't want to shop with me anymore. He took me on a drive after hours to show me where to go. Very sweet of him.

Maybe I should just donate all those great books to the proficient school system...cynicism. I am weary today.

San Gregario Beach

Back to the beach, we drove on a beautiful Saturday morning (after much pleading and begging), but this time we headed a bit south of Half Moon Bay. However, the fog had settled in over the ocean, so as we drove we could not see the ocean...yet. We selected San Gregario Beach, which is a state park. As our motley crew trekked down to the ocean, our feet sank into warm sand. Creative driftwood art greeted us. A small inlet, held shallow water...that I suspect was warm. Our visibility on the beach was a quarter mile (the snow will no longer hinder our visibility...but fog will take it's place). Without the warmth of the sun's rays, I comfortably sat on the beach wrapped in a towel. The rest of my adventurers scampered off to explore and play. I watched my little girls run and play in the ocean. If I closed my eyes I could see them almost ten years ago...holding hands and running across the park. As I sat there wrapped in nostalgia, I realized I brought my other lens, so I could possibly take picture from afar! I loved it, as the girls didn't realize they were being photographed, so the authenticity of the moments were priceless. Holding tight to each other they braved the waves... took a few tumbles... ...and got back up again... and the playful shrieks continued. Then the girls paused on the beach to wait until feeling returned to their frozen legs... and looked for sea critters hiding in the sand. Though Kade, Chayse, and daddy were uncovering critters on the quiet neighboring beach. Check out the cool videos Ron captured!




The tide helps all the little shrimp and crabs hide safely in the sand from the waiting seagulls.



The footprints have grown a bit through the years, but they still leave imprints on my soul!

Golden

Adventure. I just can't resist. I was going to wait until Ron was home. Then I went.

A bit nervously, I headed off to cross the Golden Gate Bridge with a GPS and general concept of where I was going. I discovered we really don't live that far from San Francisco, and that there are more Volkswagen Beetles in California than any other state we visited this summer, as the kids insisted on playing "Punch bug, no punch back" for the entire trip. Admittedly, I recall playing "Slug bug, no slug back" with my dear brother a few years ago. I suspect our slugs were not any more gentle than the punches being passed around my vehicle yesterday.

Nonetheless, I made it across the Golden Gate Bridge. I was the only vehicle with PA plates. Actually, I was disappointed, but I seldomly saw any out of state plates and there were a few cars on the freeways! We paused at the look out point after crossing the bridge.



It was a bit breezy and cold. The little girl who insisted on a swimsuit didn't grab a sweatshirt like her mother told her, and I suspect by the look on her face she wishes she would have!



The three musketeers gave me their signature pose...again.



My little man is so good natured. Despite often being the only boy, he is always ready to go and explore.



Morgan has also good-naturedly endured three weeks of crazy Klinghagen adventures. I have enjoyed viewing our trip through her eyes. I remember as we came over the last hill in Columbus, MT and I glanced into the rear view mirror and saw Morgan's face as she looked out at the Crazy Mountains. Soon her camera was clicking away. Those majestic, snow-capped mountains are simply irresistible.

Morgan flies out late this afternoon. We are so grateful for her families willingness to share her with us...we will miss her very much, but in the meantime, we are off on one more adventure!

Ocean

Princeton Seafood Company. Seafood market and restaurant. Half Moon Bay. Local.

We enjoyed our deluctable dinner immensely. The seafood was fresh and succulent. The harbor was picturesque.

The owner offered to take our photo next to Magnus Johnson. Very personable, local folks. They have been working hard at their business for 25 years. I have come to love locally owned and operated restaurants...for the food and people.



One should also always travel with a 10 year-old boy. He discoverd the eyes on his sister's crab. Fascinated he checked out the texture (squishy--in case you were curious) and tormented all the girls with his discoveries. Disclaimer: Dining with us is not for the weak of stomach.



A cool evening walk on the pier brought lots of smiles and laughter.



A walk along the beach with majestic views...



and cool water were irrestible!



Soon taunting the tide became a game...



played by all!




Very wet, cold, happy kids baled into the Yukon for the ride home.