Upper Dimond Neighborhood Group on Facebook

Not too much excitement in February...mostly lying low, working at home, starting some cleanup around the yard now that winter is passing, planning what's next for the garden and future events, doing all we can to save money and resources. We've had some rain, which is good, but we're still severely lacking. Thomas has been fine-tuning his wine cellar hideaway and created some cool hanging lamps made from recycled barolo bottles. That's about it for news around here.

As a work-at-home freelancer, I no longer see people at an office and many of my relationships are conducted mostly online. Without email and such social networking sites as Facebook, I'd have little contact with many of my acquaintances! Anyway, those of you in my neighborhood who are also on Facebook, I just created a neighborhood group called Upper Dimond Neighborhood Group. I think it's a great format for communicating and connecting with neighbors. Please join when you have a moment.

Grand Lake Theatre

Autumn Leaves

California seasons being what they are, with the added confusion of global warming and all fall/winter holidays being touted in your face simultaneously, it's easy to forget that it's still actually autumn. Luckily our area is abundant with neighborhoods filled with changing trees that are a splendid reminder of the season. During a long weekend walk we took photos and enjoyed windswept flurries of leaves from liquid amber, red maple and golden ginkgo showering our path.

Thanksgiving

Our Thanksgiving celebration happened over three days, with Grace arriving the night before, Paul and Rob flying in the next morning, then the rest of the family arriving in the afternoon, including my parents, Linda, Gilbert and Amalia, and Thomas' cousin Jeff. Lots of feasting that lasted through the day after!

Oktoberfest in Dimond District

This photo of Amalia with the Alpenhorn player pretty much represents all of the German culture present at the Dimond District's first Oktoberfest last Saturday, but it was a lively festival and all in good fun. Anyway, who am I to complain about an excuse for drinking beer in the streets? It was a glorious fall day, fresh after a night of our first rain, and spirits were high.

Starting at the corner of Fruitvale and Macarthur, a two-block section was closed to traffic where the festival was set up. There were plenty of vendors and a rotation of several live bands- I particularly enjoyed the melodious guitar of a local band called That Man Fantastic.

A large beer tent was where most of the action happened. We sampled some excellent brews from Oakland's own Linden Street Brewery, and ended up with souvenir mugs to keep. We also tried delicious, chewy pretzels from La Farine. The sausage vendor ran out of goods so we ended up having a bite at El Jaliciense's truck stand, which served very good carnitas tacos - only $1.50 brought you fresh corn tortillas loaded with tasty meat, salsa, and sides of radish slices, pickled jalapenos and lime. We went back for a second round - these were better than sausages.

I hope this becomes a yearly event. Things are definitely looking up in our neighborhood.

Happy Birthday Fritzi!

Well, it was actually yesterday...16 years young! Oscar is a year younger. Here's to your continued genki-ness, boys.

First Drizzle

My dad was over to check out the deck with Thomas, they did some preliminary work before tearing it apart but then it got quite overcast and all work had to stop, and happy hour began. To our excitement, the mist gathered to the point where it became a drizzle...almost rain! We sat at the Redwood Bar under patio umbrellas and enjoyed some vino by candlelight, while chicken roasted in the oven. A magical evening.

Deck Renovation

Thomas and Dad busy with renovating our back deck these days. We're hoping the rain doesn't begin before they finish (although we need rain desperately)!

Family

The family came over to celebrate my birthday...a nice casual pizza party, the best! I'm so lucky.

Lunch with Julie

Julie came over for lunch, giving us a long overdue chance to catch up. It's rare that she gets a day to herself so I felt lucky! I prepared a lemon swordfish pasta that has become a house favorite. So easy but delicious.