End-of-summer weekends

I made it through the first week of school! I was exhausted by Friday, but it was a good week. I even rode my bike each day, as the ride to school is much shorter than to the Exploratorium. My goal is to bike while it is light in the evening, and until it starts raining. I don't think I can do it in the dark or the rain.

As the end of summer approached, each weekend became even more precious...they went by so quickly! In August Dan took me to Chez Panisse for a belated birthday dinner. It was my first time eating downstairs. How to describe the experience...I thought it would be difficult to live up to my expectations, but I need not have worried...it was amazing! The food was delicious, and everyone was so nice. They even let us walk through the kitchen at the end, which was gorgeous, of course. I was so happy. Then we went to hear Noe Venable perform at the Hillside Club. A perfect evening!


Post dinner, very contented

The following weekend Dan was a groomsman in Derek and Kimberlee's wedding. The ceremony was at Nestldown, a beautiful retreat in the Santa Cruz Mountains. There is whimsy all over the grounds, including a miniature play cottage, fully furnished!


Miniature play cottage

The place is like a dreamland for children....animal-themed sculptures and topiaries dot the grounds...real bunnies too...and a butterfly bench.


Butterfly bench

During the break between the morning ceremony and the wedding banquet in the evening, we visited baby Chase, who is chubby and adorable. I was too busy holding him to take any photos. I did make him a reversible bib.


Monkeys & pooches

I made a bib for my coworker's daughter too, who arrived yesterday! Looking forward to meeting baby Tabitha soon.


Tadpoles & flowers

And then! This weekend we celebrated Debbie & Rafe's wedding at the Ralston White Retreat, an old mansion in the redwood forest near Mount Tamalpais. It was a lovely spot, and the ceremony was beautiful. Such a perfect day!


McBerg

I was having so much fun that I forgot all about my camera...I didn't even think to take pictures of the cupcakes I made for the reception! Diana and I did get a shot together at the end of the night...our table was right next to the piano and library.


Two teachers in the library

I also made an apron for Debbie as part of the wedding gift. (I didn't think to photograph the accompanying dishsoap apron and cloth napkins.)


Kitchen floral

Ahh, late summer weekends....already am looking forward to the next one!