Spring

No, not the season. On Friday, we went out for my birthday to a restaurant we've wanted to try for some time (but just never seemed to get around to) - Spring.

Spring did not disappoint, despite the long anticipation! The food was very good - we had braised octopus and short-rib dumplings (appetizers) and skate wing over stuffed pasts and prawns with mushrooms (entrees). All very good, and followed by delicious desserts (dense chocolate mousse with chocolate-chili ice cream, and berry compote). Service was also good (there was a small mix-up with the bill, but it was corrected immediately).

All in all, a good birthday experience!

Reflections

Birthdays are a good time to stop and reflect a little - where you've been and where you want to be going. Today's mine - and the time to reflect seems especially important this year. (And, no, it's not a "milestone" birthday....)

The coming weeks and months are going to see some significant changes in my personal and professional life - I'm excited, and more than a little nervous at the same time. On the one hand, it's exciting to start something new, to try something you've always wanted to try. On the other, it's somewhat nerve-wracking to take that first step without looking down to see if there really are steps there...

What makes you stop and reflect? Any changes coming up in your life? Drop me a line and let me know!

In passing...

I absolutely needed to take this picture (and now post it) - even if it is probably only funny to folks who:

1) have seen the European country code stickers, and
2) grew up/spent time in the Tri-Valley area.

(Enlarge the picture if you can't read it...the tiny type at the bottom reads "Pittsburgh")

Return...

So, it's been a somewhat crazy 6 months. I hope not to disappear like that again!

This past weekend, we spent a couple of hours at our neighborhood's Garden Walk. It's impressive how small City lots can be transformed into beautiful and/or restful garden sites! Here are a couple of our favorite pics from the day:




This first garden is tucked away in a backyard with a high fence. The koi pond is framed by the very tall juniper pictured - it's an amazing use of a very small space.




The second garden is practically underneath a turn of the El tracks. In addition to the pond pictured, there's also a stream that wends through the yard, a substantial vegetable garden, and a patio/gazebo with a built-in firepit. Nice! (and almost enough to counteract the rattling trains passing nearby...)