LA DOLFINA

is a great word. It's also a uniquely American Holiday.   I was so touched by my friend Sharon, of My French Country Home , who penned this sweet poem, she calls,  My ode to thanksgiving, or a holiday I can't join in with! I wish we had a turkey day to bring some festive cheer I wish we had good reason to bring our loved ones near I wish we could shut out the cold and warm our house right up with friends, with kin, with family invited in to sup I want to dress my table I want to light warm fires I want to fill the house  with smells of roast meats, sweets and wines I want to have soft music I want to offer thanks for our rich and happy living with oh!  such trivial wants But traditions aren't invented they come down through the times they're in our blood. they can't be bought like some expensive wine, so I'm glad for friends so happy to celebrate Thanksgiving, and I'll wait my turn till Christmas to light my Yuletide pudding! ...

"What is it about living by water, be it sea, ocean, river or pond, that adds such an interesting and attractive dimension?"  Sharon at My French Country Home recently posed this question and invited me to link up to her "water view party" where I am to describe "our watery spot and how it fits into our Lifescape." We are infinitely blessed to live in the San Francisco Bay Area in a small town located across the bay from one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is actually an island city called Alameda and affords us some of the most spectacular views of the City by the Bay! Most days our view across the bay is somewhat foggy... but we are used to that. Mark Twain once said, "the coldest winter he ever spent was a summer in San Francisco". Here is a shot from the back of the Oakland Alameda Ferry that many commuters see on their way home each evening. The best thing about our "watery spot" is t...