Author Archives: Vale

Tulip Tree in Golden Gate Park

03 Feb 2012

Click any of these photos to see them larger.

Yesterday was my first sighting of a tulip tree in bloom. I didn’t have my camera, so I made a point to come back today. These trees are my favorite, in the whole world, along with Redwoods (duh) and Cypress. And Ginko, and Japanese Maple. And Fig, of course, and Meyer Lemon. Can I say White Oak too? But really, how can you top hundreds of giant pink flowers in trees, all around the city? For the month of February, Tulip trees are my favorite.

I just looked at Wikipedia – the common name is Tulip tree, and they are a member of the Magnolia family. This one is right out side the front of the arboretum, on JFK.

Oscar & Lucy didn’t mind the detour after school. The weather was really warm. They could have been in short sleeves.

We walked down a path behind the Japanese Tea Garden. Lots of Rhododendrons (are those trees? if yes then they are on my list too,) but they aren’t blooming right now.

Here’s to more afternoons wandering around Golden Gate Park.

Pom Pom Wars

27 Jan 2012

I just saw this blog post and I’m laughing.

Oscar & Lucy have Pom Pom Wars all the time. (me too) (Lucy, “me three!”)
I Never thought to have one at a wedding.
Throwing pom poms is a lot of fun. They throw really well, and don’t hurt, even when you get nailed.

We first discovered pom poms when Kristi mailed us some for Lucy’s first birthday.
Now I try to keep some on hand for whenever the mood strikes.


(these are the bigger size – my favorite for pom pom wars)

$ R E W A R D ! $

25 Jan 2012

MISSING RING.

Platinum Wedding Band c.1999
knife edge, fine scroll decoration.
inscription: Mark to Vale Oct. 2, 1999

last known location: my desk, 48 hrs ago.
suspect: fierce two year old.

shit.

_____________________________________________
5:30pm Update:

Found it! It was in the living room by the photography books, on the floor, under the fringe of the rug. Hooray! It’s back on my hand now, safe and sound.