Me, Girls, and the Deep Blue Sea.

These were all taken at Ocean Beach, San Francisco, on our way out of town Sunday. No, I'm not skipping the party, I'll work my way back to it. They've all seen the Pacific before but on its calmer days.

I think the center photo is my favorite. Elcie navigated down that hill (I wish the photo showed a little better just how steep and rugged it is) with a sister holding onto each hand. Going up was even more interesting in the soft, deep sand. One step forward, two steps back. I finally got hold of her behind to steady her and pushed. We made it and it was worth it. It's one of the better views of the ocean. Elcie got her feet wet when she didn't believe me about the tide and the other two dabbled their hands in it and then jumped back. It's very different from a swimming pool

We came in over the SF/Oakland Bay Bridge (the big one that isn't orange to any of you not from the Bay Area) and I took them on a short tour of the Mission District which is extremely colorful and then all the way across to Twin Peaks which involved several steep hills. I know how to avoid many of the hills but it wouldn't be nearly as much fun. Didn't get to the crooked street this time. Maybe we'll get back again with a little more time and energy.

They were most impressed with the huge t.v. antenna that is visible for miles. If you read Sweet Juniper, it's part of the banner.

They love the Bay Bridge. I don't. It's a bridge, very long and very high, with a tunnel in the middle. I'm sure you've seen photos. I decided at the last minute to go that way - it gave them more to see. We had made a trip with Elcie last year for minor surgery so much of it old news to her. How soon they become jaded but it was all new to her sisters who had seen the Zoo but not a lot else that they remember.

We made one more stop at Fort Funston to watch fools with wings gliding above the surf. Wish I had thought to take pictures but by that time the girls were ready to get back in the car and head for home.

We went back another route (no bridges but a winding mountain pass), stopped at a tourist place called Casa de Fruta to eat, and came on home.

Ray made it just fine in my absence in spite of my cell phone turning into a paperweight when my car charger didn't work. He had emergency phone numbers but never needed to use them. I came in to find him sleeping peacefully.

It's a little after seven and I need to help Elcie bathe and get to bed. She's close to melt down I think. Maybe I can head it off.

More later.