Empty nest…

For the past week, Jeff and I have been hosting my folks…and we have certainly filled our days and nights with interesting excursions…and quiet evenings in front of the fire. Yesterday, we waved sadly as Mom and Dad passed through the security checkpoint at SFO, knowing that our home would be quiet that evening.

Mother Nature certainly did not cooperate with their visit, but we adapted quite well. We had planned on a weekend driving trip north or south along the coast…or even east to the mountains…but steady rain storms kept us close to home. No problem there…we adapted well…and created a fantastic list of local activities.

On Saturday, we started off with a Saturday tradition…the Ferry Building Farmers Market, including fresh bread from Acme, cheese from the folks at Cowgirl Creamery, and an unexpected citrus tasting event.

We drove from the historic Ferry Building to San Francisco’s oldest building…the Mission Delores. We toured the sparse Mission, its attached Basilica, and the drizzle-enhanced graveyard.

Next, we took our folks to the always-impressive observation tower at the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park. No visit to the de Young would be complete without a scrumptious burger at the museum café.

The historic Conservatory of Flowers was a repeat favorite for all of us, but with new exhibits.

On Sunday, we took advantage of an early break in the rain to view the City from Twin Peaks. Returning showers ushered us back into our car and sent us north into Sonoma.

We toured two close-by wineries (Viansa and Jacuzzi), bordered by rain-soaked fields. Wine tasting and hearty Italian foods helped us forget the morning rains.

In the afternoon, we drove home for a fantastic make-shift Super Bowl party. My dad made his wonderful fried chicken, and we drank wine. My personal favorite Super Bowl commercials? The two from e-trade with the baby web-cam…I’ve watched them multiple times since, and they still crack me up…something about a sarcastic, talking baby 🙂

FYI, Buster misses my parents too…he is still not sure where the extra warm laps have disappeared to.