Rainy day in Union Square, San Francisco

We did a whirlwind shopping trip to San Francisco on Saturday, running between the raindrops that suddenly came splashing down in the middle of a sunny day! I snapped a couple of pictures of Union Square and of a kiosk that was selling very cute knit and crochet animal hats. I used my two Macy's credits to buy a purse--I wanted to buy shoes, but the store was mobbed and there were not enough salespeople to get shoes in my size, so I gave up. At least I didn't have to "try on" a purse! The traffic was crazy, mobs of cars on the street and people on the sidewalks. Can there be such a thing as too many tourists???

San Francisco Fine Art Fair at Fort Mason

This year's San Francisco Fine Art Fair was not the most awesome art show I have ever seen, but it did have some very interesting things. Just one textile artist (I bought her catalog) and some wonderful photography.

A gardening day at home

After a brief hailstorm this morning,the sun came out so I decided to tackle the weeds in our back patio. You can see our new back fence in the background. Then I rewarded myself with a bouquet of roses from the garden. The white flower in the glass vase is from one of the bushes I bought last week, it seems very happy in our kitchen window.

My entire weekend of lace knitting

I know it doesn't look like much, but this is the result of many hours of lace knitting on the 2011 Anniversary Mystery Shawl! The next clue won't come out until Saturday and I'll be too busy to get much done on this project, so I decided to get as much done as I could now, while I have the time. The next clue will take much longer than this one, also.

A couple weeks ago, we visited the Alameda antiques market again. We got there early enough to actually walk around all the booths! I can attest that the prices go down at the end of the day--I got some silver plated serving spoons for $5 each, originally marked $18.50 each, and a cute plastic sewing thread carousel for $5! It was not a good day for crocheted bargains, but I picked up several Japanese-style wooden boxes and a vintage toy "ray gun" that shoots light when you pull the trigger!

Sunday, May 08, 2011

Japantown for Mother's Day

We ate lunch at the sushi boat restaurant (for once, there was no line to get in) and then shopped. I bought several books, and we had "bubble tea" and ice cream crepes for desert. Isn't it cute how they made little faces on our desserts? (last picture). I love Japantown!

1870 Art Center Open Studios

Today, I also visited the 1870 Art Center in Belmont, it's a place that I visit frequently and have gotten to know some of the artists who have studios there. Today I was looking for sculptors who teach classes at the center, there are two: a wood sculptor and a stone sculptor, both very experienced teachers. I also found some beautiful photo prints and tatted bookmarks, everything was bargain prices here, as well.

San Mateo Garden Center Spring Sale

Usually, the San Mateo Garden Center is not open on Saturdays. But today was their Spring Sale, so I stocked up on new plants for my own garden (at bargain prices) and took a few pictures of the Garden Center, which is looking great! The rose garden is especially lovely, full of colorful blooms.

Hunters Point Shipyard Open Studio Tour

I have not been to the Hunters Point Shipyard artists studios for many years, so it was a treat to visit there on Saturday during the Open Studios tour. We saw about half the buildings, so I know where I will go during the next Open Studios in October. This is a free, very inspirational way to spend a day! Makes me want to start painting again.