sf mama journal

Wednesday, April 19, 2006

Team Bender watches the performance

Uni performs!

Eli and his girlfriend Uni

Eva with Enzo

Saturday, March 25, 2006

Swan Song to the Beach House?????

What can we say about the "beach house" as is it refered to around the house. This little, rustic studio has been a part of Art and my life for over 8 years. Every other month, the third weekend, we pack up our car full to the brim with our bedding, warm clothes, food and reading material, and head along the curvy road to Stinson Beach. Bob Evans the owner and man-extrodinaire passed away late last year. He had been a big part of his community and a part of the "beach" experience for us. He respected our privacy but was ready for an engaging chat anytime. One of my last memories of him, he was sitting in his corner office, view of the beach on two sides, with Eva on his lap, coloring with his collection of magic markers. He was giving them to her WAY before we allowed them in her toddler grasp. The children refer to the Golden Gate Bridge as the "Bob" bridge. They know he is now with the angles and speak of him often.

Anyway, the house is soon to be on the market. Michelle, Bob's friend/caretaker, befriended our family over the two years. A visit to Stinson would not be complete without Michelle and Eva watering everything in site behind the privacy fence of 33 Calle del Sierra.

This past weekend encompased all that we love about the spot. We arrived on Saturday to a bright sunny but windy day. The children and I arrived before Art. We were warned that Bob's children might be there, but we were unaware to what extent. They were like busy worker bees buzzing around. There was a bit of tension when they immediately asked if they could change out our toilet, took all of our parking spaces and pretty much were in every shared space possible. Soon we reached a good state of equilibrium and learned to coexist.

OOOOoooooooooommmmmmmmmMMMMMM

It is always difficult leaving. Eva does not appreciate the transition from here to there. It is even worse when we leave something fabulous such as Stinson. Kara and Andrew helped us get in to the car, Eva in tears, crying about the way she was put in to her car seat. This loud cry of protest turned in to a low moan by the time we left the township limits. This constant humm, wailish moan continued with every twist in the turn of curvy Rt. 1, Pacific Highway. Eli sat silently in his seat studying his California Bird laminated chart all the while this droaning as a background music. By the time we were ready to turn left at Muir Beach to head towards Muir Woods, Eva added to her chant, "I caaan't stopppp whhhhinnnningggggg."