Returning home

On Saturday morning, Bill and I packed up and reluctantly left the cabin behind.  It was a wonderfuly week of relaxation.  I did my yoga every morning to ambient music, took walks and worked on my photo project.  Bill worked on the rain gutters.  We met Bill's cousins at the Villa Dora for elegant dining on the patio.  We also drove to the high country in search of the "Gargoyles", which we eventually found at 5:00 p.m.

The drive home was leisurely until we came to the toll plaza, where the traffic came to an abrupt halt.  Lots of people were driving into the city.  I noticed right away that the pace was picking up.  As we drove onto Fell Street, the cars were vying for optimum position to navigate the streets without having to stop for the lights.  Other people were stopping in front of apartments and turning onto side streets, which caused cars to slow down and change lanes.  It was frustrating, but we got to Golden Gate Park forgetting that the Park was partially closed on Saturday.  Lots of people were out riding bikes, walking to the museums, pushing baby strollers--it looked like a busy day in the park.  Then we had to turn off the main drive in front of the museum in  order to get to our neighborhood.  I vowed I would try to find an alternate route home the next time we come home from the cabin.

Despite the drippy fog, I was glad to be home--I actually have more energy here.  I am also looking forward to getting involved with all my interests and projects.

On Sunday morning, I read an article in the Chronicle by Carl Nolte which resonated with me.  It was entitled "Not so many of us natives left here in adventure land."  I also have had the experience of talking to old friends who moved out of the city because of the fog, or because the neighborhood changed, or because they needed more space, but I, for one, want to stay.  I feel very alive living near the ocean beach, interacting with so many different people, and being able to participate in the many activities this city offers.  I love my cabin but I would certainly miss the city if I had to move away.  Someone told me that I "have the best of two worlds."