My time in California flew by and the best part was getting to spend time with my family. My sister and favorite brother-in-law picked me up from the San Francisco airport and we headed right to Fisherman's Wharf to visit Boudin Bakery, famous for their sour dough bread. I was surprised to discover that it was actually colder in California than in Virginia! Good thing I brought my wool coat along with me.
The sour dough bread bowl with clam chowder, at Boudin's, was just as delicious as I remember. I wish could have brought home some of these uniquely shaped bread loaves.
After lunch, we visited the Buena Vista Cafe, home of the original Irish Coffee in the United States. They are still using the same recipe which was created back in the 50's. I'm not even a coffee drinker, but boy was it delicious! The perfect treat for a chilly day. Bar tender, Larry Nolan, who has been serving these drinks for over twenty years, entertained us with amazing card tricks. My brother-in-law snapped this picture of my sister and I. I'm the tallest and only brunette in the family. My sisters and brother are all blonds, so I'm the black sheep of the family.
Next stop was Britex Fabrics, with 4 floors of beautiful fabrics and trims. Unfortunately, photography was not allowed inside. We couldn't spend much time there, but I did come home with this beautiful rose/apricot iridescent taffeta with appliqued flowers on it. I'm having fun deciding what to make with it.
A trip to San Francisco would not be complete without a ride on the cable car so we hopped on and rode it to the end of the line.
Knowing, I love hand-made paper and use it in my picture frame designs, my sister made sure that my day in San Francisco included a stop at Flax Art & Design on Market Street. I have ordered from them on-line before, but it was a treat to visit their store. They are well known for their beautiful papers and have over 7,000 in stock. There are aisles of flat file cabinets and I tried to peek into as many drawers as I could. I did find some unique paper and arranged to have it shipped back home.
The morning after our visit to the city we all drove down to Southern California for my other sister's wedding. Sorry, no photos yet, but I'm hoping I'll have some to share with you soon. I'm so happy I was able to be there on her special day.
I did want to share a beautiful gift - a Sorrelli bracelet - that my sister gave me before I left. She purchased it from a favorite store of mine where she lives called "I Love Paris." Isn't it wonderful when a sister knows you so well? I just love the bracelet!
