Berkeley and Friendship

Last week my dear friend, Mary, came to visit from Maine. Originally from California, Mary makes the trip out about once a year to visit friends. We have known each other now for about 30 (gasp!) years. We met when we were both single moms and working as counselers at a Family Planning Clinic. Our friendship - though long distance has survived all of these years - and her infrequent visits always prompt a trip to Berkeley for the day. Somehow, our drive there always ends up longer than intended. We talk so much, I always manage to miss the turn-off to Highway 5. We did eventually arrive and our first stop is always Tail of the Yak. I don't wait for Mary to come to visit this wonderful shop - but it is always first on our trek agenda when she comes. Every year Tail of the Yak offers a beautiful calendar to customers. I have collected a number of these over the years and was very happy that they still had some available...These beauties always find a place in my studio. Although I didn't buy much there on this trip, I found some pretty taupe bias tape ribbon to add to the stash, some beautiful paper (how can one resist?) and some green paper flowers.
No trip to Berkeley would be complete without a trip to 4th St. With all of it's offerings - 4th St. can be an all day destination. Anthropologie, The Paper Source, Crate and Barrel, The Gardener, Restoration Hardware and last, but not least, Castle in the Air make for a full day of shopping. My favorite, of course, is Castle in the Air. I didn't need much in the way of supplies this time, but I did purchase some red and white twine... We had a tasty lunch at Bette's Diner. We ended the day at Ikea, as usual and had dinner in their cafeteria before heading home. For those of you that have never done so, Ikea's cafeteria features a wide array of flavorful entrees at unbeatable prices. It's not fancy - but a salmon dinner for about 7 bucks, including the trimmings is hard to find. Somehow, after all of that, I am able to put the car on auto pilot for the trip home. Good thing, because I am usually too tired to re-navigate if I miss the turn off. We had a great time and I look forward to Mary's next trip out.

Comments

[rochambeau]

It must be a treasure in your heart to spend the day with your friend Mary. A friend you share so much of your life with!!

The two of you traveled to many of my favorite places. Because of this post I get to dream and smile and pretend I am with you!!

xox
Constance

[Kathleen]

Sounds like a lot of fun.

[Donna O.]

What a fun day! I would have liked to have been in your back pocket on this trip. Good for you for taking some time to relax. I know you've been super busy.
D.
PS- The little model below is wonderful.

[Miss Maddie's]

Matters not where you go with a friend as long as it's together. Sounds like you had lots of fun and that's what really counts.
Hope all is well.
xo Susan

[Miss Maddie's]

Oh yes and silly me I forgot to say I like your new header, bright and fresh just like Spring!!
S.

[Du Buh Du Designs (Dolls)]

Ok..you are seriously making me miss the Bay Area! That sounds like the ideal day to spend with a friend:) And that calendar is quite beautiful.
~Christine a.k.a." the clever tit" (my husband rather liked that nickname)

[somepinkflowers]

i have heard from others
about the amazing ~tail of the yak~
and the magical ~castle in the air~

these 2 places alone
make me want to take a field trip
to berkeley...

all the way from florida.

:-)

thanks so much for sharing
your adventure and the links.

i am green with envy,
but
if i DO make it way over there...
i will let you know.

wait...is that somepinkflower
on the calendar?

why, yes it IS!
as well as some new ones up there
in your banner...

you have some good taste, missy!

[Paris Parfait]

Oh now I am homesick! Thankfully, I will be in the Bay Area soon - although maybe not a chance to get to 4th Street - how I miss it and Bette's! xo

[Paris Parfait]

Oh now I am homesick! Thankfully, I will be in the Bay Area soon - although maybe not a chance to get to 4th Street - how I miss it and Bette's! xo