Having left San Francisco for Mexico at about this time 4 years ago, we decided that a visit to one of our favorite residences and some of our best friends was long overdue.  Ignoring the sad state of our finances, we hopped on a plane on Thanksgiving morning and flew to Oakland, home of the Oakland International Airport and conveniently, of our friends Jen and Tod.  After a brief morning stroll (our flight arrived at 8:30am!) on the sunny Alameda waterfront, the fog rolled in and we headed for Jen & Tod's beautiful view-home (although, sadly, we didn't get to see much of the view in the fog) in the Oakland Hills.  A short time after our arrival, friends Mark & Christine arrived and we all cooked dinner together in Jen's gorgeous remodeled (and humongous!) kitchen, while snacking on Jen's delicious baked brie and homemade hummus (ok, some of us were doing more eating than cooking).  Tod broke out some fabulous wines from his floor-to-ceiling-height wine fridge, and we proceeded to imbibe (a lot) while tending the turkeys outside in their deep fryers (one was even oil-free!); perhaps not the smartest idea...don't try this at home, kids!  Dinner was fantastic and Jen even made a cake in honor of Scott's birthday (although most of us were too stuffed to try a piece- sorry Jen!).  The kids were cute and well-behaved (and in Nola's case, quite entertaining!) and a good time was had by all.

After a good night's sleep in Jen & Tod's beautiful and comfortable guestroom, we headed for Marin in the morning to attend our next food-and-drink-fest of the weekend, a wonderful brunch hosted by friends LeAndra and Dylan of San Rafael.  There, we spent an enjoyable, relaxed day eating delicious food and drinking tasty mimosas, bloody Marys and a nice Riesling Christine & Mark brought, as well as catching up with friends (including Caroline's old friend sweet Gerund, the cat!). 

Saturday morning we had plans to stop at friends Neil and Roxanne's to meet their two-year-old son, Quin and to see their new house.  Neil conveniently just happened to be making a giant marinated steak and hash browns on the grill when we arrived and we shared a lovely breakfast on their backyard deck.  After a great visit and an even better meal (if that is possible!), we waddled off just in time to meet our friend Leane (who has visited us here in NM) at the Hotel Adagio to check in and then enjoy the holiday sights, while fighting the throngs of shoppers in Union Square.  After spending a pleasant  and warm, sunny afternoon with Leane, we returned to the hotel, where we proceeded to drink the better part of our complimentary bottle of wine in our hotel room (they screwed up our reservation). Then the three of us met Jen & Tod in the hotel bar for (more) drinks.  After much deliberation regarding where to eat, we walked the short distance to Le Colonial, where we had a delicious and laughter-filled meal in honor of Scott's birthday.

On Sunday, after breakfasting with Leane at an old neighborhood favorite, The Grind coffeehouse, we dropped her at her car in San Mateo and passed the time until our late flight by strolling the beachfront path through Crissy Field back in SF.  The weather was, once again, sublime, and it proved to be a relaxing and enjoyable way to end our whirlwind but very rewarding visit to San Francisco.  We ate and drank way too much (Caroline thinks she must have gained the extent of her usual holiday weight in 4 short days-uggghhh!), but it was so great to see so many old friends that we really hope to do it again...soon!  Many thanks to all who so generously hosted, wined and dined us!   It was wonderful to see you all! 

Mark takes a break from strenuous cooking duties, while supervising Nola and Giana

Jen and Scott happily pose for a photo, in anticipation of a fabulous Thanksgiving celebration

Mark teaches Scott and Tod the fine art of playing the i-phone

...with Christine, on the ukulele, while Nola jump-dances

LeAndra and Dylan, aka Martha & Co.

Leane and Caroline pose in a bustling Union Square

Tod, Scott & Leane, enjoying a delicious birthday meal at Le Colonial

What, doesn't everyone pose with their rental car in a random parking garage?!

View of the Golden Gate Bridge from Crissy Field