It is Tuesday night and this is our last night here in the Bay Area. It has been a fun week, full of nostalgia, seeing friends and family and playing tourist.
On our way to have dinner with Deane's sister Saturday night, we spent the day in the wine country sampling some of their finest. I had only one must see, and that was Pragers Port Works. We did make it there and of course bought a bottle of the port, but also some Port chocolate drizzle which we discovered not only tastes good over ice cream, but in coffee! We managed to try 4 other wineries, and have to say they are a fun place to meet and laugh with people. We met one couple from Colorado who after a 'few' tastings (actually more than a few) said he felt like his shoes somehow were on the wrong feet.
Sunday we visited my old stomping grounds of Concord, and then spent time with my cousin Gayle and her husband Rick in Alamo.
From there, we headed into San Francisco to play a bit of the tourist. Since we did not have a lot of time before it got dark, we decided to head to Fishermans Wharf. The day was a bit overcast, but temperatures were nice enough for just a light jacket. After watching the street entertainers, wandering from Alioto's to Pier 39, we headed to the Cliff House for some dinner and then home over the Golden Gate Bridge.
Even though I grew up in this area, I left when I was around 20, but Deane had been here for over 40 years. So his knowledge of the freeways (and there are so many of them), was a blessing. Even in SFO he knew just how to get around, taking me to places the locals go to, like Baker Beach. This is a little beach with an incredible view of the ocean and the Golden Gate Bridge. Here we watched the sun go down, while a wedding was happening on the beach. Bride was in full gown and men in tux's, with 3 bridesmaids all standing in the sand. After the vows, groom picked up bride and waded into the bay!
Monday we met more friends of Deane's, Larry and Dixie Poyser who Deane has known from his early days of being an electrician and Misty and her daughter Molly who Deane had taught (along with her husband) when he was a trainer. Tuesday we drove to Antioch to visit with more of Deane's family, Bill and Terri. We feel so bad we ran out of time, and did not get to see everyone we hoped to see.
Because Deane had been here for so many years, his knowledge of the history of this area, from Napa to San Francisco is amazing. I felt like I had my own tour guide. As well, he has so many memories from his career as an electrician and Training Director for the Apprentice Program, that it seemed like every corner had a story.
It is raining really hard right now and is suppose to do the same tomorrow. Good day to be leaving. We will stop in Fresno, to say hello to more family and then arrive in Palm Springs on Friday to see good friends Mark and Nao for the weekend.