Faces I Remember

AT&T Park

An unintended consequence of visiting old friends and haunts is new discoveries about people and places I thought I knew. So it has been so far on this trip. Have I changed? Have we all changed? The vampire Lestat said in one of Anne Rice's novels, "We do not change, we only become more fully what we are." Depending on how hidden our light is under the bushel, becoming can feel like change.

Places change as people become. Yesterday I met a dear friend for brunch in San Francisco at Twenty-Five Lusk in the heart of the new SOMA. What was only a decade ago a warehouse district you passed through to take a shortcut onto the Bay Bridge is now a thriving, vibrant neighborhood. Especially on a Giants home game day. People live and work here. Trendy restaurants, clubs and hip stores are here - with just enough of the old funk in surfaces and an occasional survivor business from the old days.

Fans

I drove into the city trying not very successfully to catch a glimpse of the new span of the Bay Bridge. I found Doris Day parking on 3rd Street three blocks from AT&T Park, on a game day yet. Fans were already heading to the stadium. I was early so I walked around the neighborhood picking my jaw off the pavement periodically at the changes that have taken place. I found the restaurant and then continued my exploration. It was Sunday morning but the streets were filled with people going to the game, jogging, riding bikes, shopping, or just hanging out. The area around SF MOMA was bustling with museum and brunch goers. I snapped away like the tourist I now am at architecture and people mesmerized by the life force around me.

Brunch was delicious. I had a very twee version of shrimp and grits preceded by a great cocktail invented at the restaurant and named after the pastry chef who hails from Brittany. So of course the Jean Michel Lada is concocted with Stella Artois beer, Pueblo Blanca tequila, lime juice, cucumber and lime juice. Maybe it is supposed to be a French Margarita, No matter, it is tangy, refreshing, and goes well with food. In case you are concerned, based on the dessert I shared, a blueberry clafoutis (think creme brûlée with a smidgen of flour to hold the shape) with Strawberry sorbet, Jean Michel is AOK in the pastry department.

Remains of the day

The conversation, as always with John, was thoughtful amusing, and just a bit naughty. We shared experiences and talked story. We complained about the futility of planning for the future given the lamentable state of the present.We enjoyed each other's company.

In the afternoon I returned to Walnut Creek to meet the latest additions to Jot and Dana Charlot's family. The grand children are adorable but not much into conversation yet so I relished catching up with more old friends and a few new acquaintances. I was pleased that despite (or because of) perilous times people more than making do. I've known Jot's sons since they were pre-teens. I took pictures at Dana's daughter Poppi's wedding. I felt a little bit like the narrator of Our Town, a witness to a multi-generational family saga with, thankfully, no graveyard soliloquies yet.

9/11 Commemoration in Lafayette

Back at the manse where I am staying, We rehashed the events of the day and I learned new things about people I thought I knew. Fortunately, it only deepened the love and regard I have for them. It was a satisfying end of a day filled with changing places and people becoming. I can't afford to live here any more, but I sure do love to visit. More pictures on Facebook,