Charlotte Mason Blog Carnival

The newest edition of the

Charlotte Mason Blog Carnival

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Enjoy !!

Multitude Monday: One Thousand Gifts

241.  Motrin for fevers.  Warm blankets for chills.

242.  Sudafed and Robitussin – for resting cough-free at night.

243.  Kleenex with Lotion – to sooth raw runny noses.

244.  Cherub 1 – untouched by the Plague – willing to pitch in.

245.  Recovering Cherubs – slowing coughs, waning congestion, bit by bit.

246.  Warm sunshine on our faces.

247.  Prayers of friends for good health once again.

248.  DadToCherubs and Cherub 4 – good reports from Eye Doctor.

249.  No further “incidents” for DadToCherubs (health).

250.  Grass is greening – a bit more every day.

251.  Forsythia in full glorious golden bloom.

252.  A gazillion daffodil blossoms scattered about the yard.

253.  Cherry trees in bloom.

254.  Buds on the Dogwoods – it shouldn’t be long now.

255.  Lavender tips of Hostas peeking through the mulch.

256.  Herbal teas, warm to sip when congestion returns.

257.  Walking our 2 dogs on the lovely walking trail.

258.  Seeing Bradford Pear trees in full bloom again – lovely !

259.  Robins, Eastern Blue Birds, Woodpeckers, Titmouse …. house hunting.

260.  Plans for the garden, and started seedlings doing well.

A day late .... oops.

We are still fighting The Plague, which has had us in it's grips for well over two weeks now --- this has been some "bug" !  The worst we have had in many years now.  We have avoided friends and family, and even strangers, so as not to "share" it with them.  Chicken soup, cold remedies, Kleenex, and lots of rest ... that's been our routine.

The Plague appears to be waning now .... we ask that it not return ... we ask that God lift this illness from our home and from our bodies ... that He protect those we've had to come into contact with from infection .... and we thank Him for preserving us through it all.

Please pray for us.

Update: The Plague

Our progress .... 

or not ....

The Plague

UPDATE  TUESDAY  3/30:
It's been over two weeks since The Plague took hold of nearly every member of our family (except Cherub 1), and we're still struggling with coughing, congestion, fevers, chills, ear aches ... it's been rough.  However, we've been able to spend a bit of time outside nearly every day in the fresh air --- have plenty of herbal teas and chicken soup --- and it appears that The Plague is losing it's grip on us.

Stunk In My Head

Have you ever had a song "stuck" in your head ?  Something you heard days ago on the radio; words going round and round in your head ?  You find yourself humming it, melodic phrases "singing" as you go about your day ?

After hearing this song a week or so ago on the radio (care of J-103), that's what's happened ....

Enjoy.

What Faith Can Do

(By Kutless)

Everybody falls sometimes
Gotta find the strength to rise
From the ashes and make a new beginning
Anyone can feel the ache
You think it’s more than you can take
But you are stronger, stronger than you know
Don’t you give up now
The sun will soon be shining
You gotta face the clouds
To find the silver lining

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do

It doesn’t matter what you’ve heard
Impossible is not a word
It’s just a reason for someone not to try
Everybody’s scared to death
When they decide to take that step
Out on the water
It’ll be alright
Life is so much more
Than what your eyes are seeing
You will find your way
If you keep believing

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do

Overcome the odds
You don't have a chance
(That’s what faith can do)
When the world says you can’t
It’ll tell you that you can!

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do
That's what faith can do!
Even if you fall sometimes
You will have the strength to rise

Alternate Nature Study Ideas For When Your Family Has The Plague

Nearly every day for the last few weeks,
we've been checking
Journey North's
Monarch Butterfly Migration Tracking.
The Monarchs are moving North ...
so far they have reached parts of Texas.
WOW !!

**

And for the last few days,
we've REALLY been glued
to our computers  --- 

we've been watching a live webcam of a
Momma and Baby Barn Owl. 

WOW !!

It's supposed to rain here today,
which will interfere with our Nature Walk.

 So, it was suggested that
perhaps we should do our

Nature Journal entries on Barn Owls
or maybe on the migration of
Monarch Butterflies today ?!?!

And no, we're not too chicken to go out in the rain ... 

we are just still sick with The Plague and so being

outside in the chilly damp air or pouring rain
just probably isn't a good idea.

And since we've had to find
"alternate" plans for today's nature study,
the Cherubs thought perhaps others could benefit
from our ideas.

Enjoy.

March Hymn Study

KINDLY SPRING AGAIN IS HERE

Kindly spring again is here,
Trees and fields in bloom appear;
Hark! the birds with artless lays
Warble their Creator’s praise.
Where in winter all was snow,
Now the flowers in clusters grow;
And the corn, in green array,
Promises a harvest-day.
Lord, afford a spring to me,
Let me feel like what I see;
Speak, and by Thy gracious voice,
Make my drooping soul rejoice.
On Thy garden deign to smile,
Raise the plants, enrich the soil;
Soon Thy presence will restore
Life to what seemed dead before.

** John Newton

Listen here .

Poem: The March Wind

We have had some crazy weather of late.  Sunny spring days with highs near 70.  Then drizzly rain and SNOW FLURRIES (yesterday) with a high in the low 40s.  And today, well, it is forecasted to be up in the high 60s again. Crazy.  So, during breakfast today we read some spring poetry .... about March lions and lambs ... daffodils ... spring greening .... returning birds ... budding trees.

Enjoy.

The March Wind

The March wind roars

Like a lion in the sky,

And makes us shiver

As he passes by.

When winds are soft,

And the days are warm and clear,

Just like a gentle lamb,

Then spring is here.

~ Author Unknown

Multitude Monday: One Thousand Gifts

Be sure to visit Ann's blog for more information about the Gratitude Community.

223.  Chilly rainy days.

224.  All of the daffodils are in bloom.

225.  The scent of Hyacinths.

226.  Puffs Plus tissues – gentle on stuffy noses.

227.  Robitussin – to sooth coughs during the night.

228.  Watching the race (Nascar) with the whole family.

229.  Delicious snacks during the race – breaded mushrooms, chicken strips, nachos, Chex Mix, quesadillas, taquitos, and more.  Yummy !!

230.  Buds nearly bursting open on the Cherry trees and Dogwoods.

231.  Comfy beds and rest, while the Plague has us in it’s grips.

232.  Down to our last 6 weeks of “official” school.

233.  Bread rising.

234.  Homemade chicken noodle soup – we hear “it’s good for what ails ya”.

235.  Pastures beginning to change - winter’s brown to spring’s green.

236.  Nearly completed book lists for next year – shopping lists at the ready.

237.  Maggie is making strides – forgetting her rough past, learning to be loved.

238.  Motrin, and fever-free nights.

239.  Buds on Forsithias, and hints of golden yellow petals.  We can hardly wait !!

240.  A lovely weekend with Dumma – visiting the lake and the Big City.

** What's going on here ?  Well, we're all sick with The Plague (a nasty cold, we suspect, but 'tis lingering and hanging on with a mighty grip) .... sniffling, sneezing, coughing, aching, stuffy heads, grumpy, difficulty resting .... but we are comfortable, being able to nap as we need.  We're consuming lots of water, herbal tea, and some homemade chicken noodle soup -- and occasionally some Motrin and Robitussin -- so I am fairly sure we'll be good as new soon.

Have a wonderful day.

The Plague

We are sick - every single one of us.

Sniffling, sneezing, coughing, aching, sore throat, fever, headache ... and difficulty resting.

Thank goodness for Motrin, Robitussin, and plenty of Kleenex.

Making chicken soup tomorrow -- and in the mean while, surviving on toast and warm mugs of herbal tea.

UPDATE:  THURSDAY 3/25:

Yep -- we're still sick.  

A few Cherubs (2,4, 5, and 6) appear to be getting better s-l-o-w-l-y, if you overlook their lingering nasty coughs.  

DadToCherubs started to get the Plague last weekend -- and by Monday was in the thick of it.  He muddled through work, and slept .... then, last evening he called in sick for the first time in years ( ? ) -- after sleeping all day yesterday, he also slept all night last night.  He has it BAD !!  At some point yesterday I heard him mumble something about calling in "dead".  

I have it too -- but with Sudafed and Motrin, I am managing to plod through the day with a few catnaps here and there -- I suspect I just haven't gotten the "whole" Plague yet.

Cherub 3 had a slight cough yesterday - so it is suspect that he's the next victim of The Plague.

So, Cherub 1 is the "last man standing" (not sick).  Again.  But I am not sure that even his super-human-immune-system can withstand the wrath of this Plague.

We thoroughly disinfected the common areas -- counters, cabinet and drawer fronts, bathrooms, door handles, toothbrushes, pillow cases - aired bedrooms (thanks to spring-like days) --- washed all of the bedding --- and we're pushing chicken soup (mostly because that's what I made when I still felt almost human - ha !) and herbal tea - in addition to Robitussin and Motrin at night (it's hard to rest when you are coughing and hacking).

Update:  Sunday 3/28:

We are avoiding friends and outside "contact" -- being selfish with our germs.  HA !!  We've agreed -- no one should have to contend with this Plague.  It's AWFUL !!

But we're making progress, I think ..... Cherub 1 remains untouched, so far.  He is drinking lots of herbal teas to help boost his immune system -- and he has been a trooper, picking up where "the sickies" have slacked off.  Cherub 3 was untouched, but has begun coughing, and woke last night with a headache -- could be allergies, or could be "the plague".  OH MY !!  DadToCherubs is back to work, although still feeling pretty poorly - coughing, head congestion, fever, aches, and headaches.  Cherub 2 has a nasty cough 24/7, but only has congestion in the evening / overnight hours.  Cherub 4, Cherub 5, and Cherub 6 seem to have recovered, but with an occasional hour or so of congestion here and there.  And I also am only having congestion issues overnight -- by day I feel "almost human", but at night it's as if someone refills my head with a garden hose.

It's strange -- and we're nearly passing the 2-week mark on this "Plague".  One of the longest and worst illnesses we've had in many years.  

But, we're finally seeing signs of recovery -- Praise God !!  So hopefully soon we will be healthy again -- back to our activities and lives.

Habits: A Running Fire

It was to have been our first time away, other than hospital trips for having babies, oh, and 2 short overnight trips ... since Cherub 1 was born nearly 16 years ago.  Five glorious days in California .... rest and relaxation, sight-seeing, quiet dinners.  It sounded wonderful !!  The tickets were purchased and basic arrangements were made.

The time drew nearer and nearer ... until it was just a few weeks away.

So, as I planned my trip to California, I also started making lists.  This will not come as a surprise to those who know me well.  HA !

A packing list.  A chore list.  A grocery list.  Meal plans and cooking instructions.  Lists of school assignments.

But as I made those basic lists, they began to g-r-o-w.  And g-r-o-w.  And g-r-o-w.

It was during this time of preparation that I grew concerned .... had I forgotten to teach it, oh so many years ago, and did not realize ?  As the lists grew and the worries escalated, I realized that I had failed to hear Miss Mason when she said ....

"Let children alone-...the education of habit is successful in so far as it enables the mother to let her children alone, not teasing them with perpetual commands and directions - a running fire of Do and Don’t ; but letting them go their own way and grow, having first secured that they will go the right way and grow to fruitful purpose."

My lists began to include A LOT of reminders ... to brush teeth, to feed pets, to wash faces, to give pets fresh water, to get the mail, to wear "town" clothes for various outings, to wash dishes after dinner, to brown the ground beef BEFORE putting it into the crockpot when making chili ... and those reminders plagued me .... would they remember to do ____ and ____ .... did the horses have plenty of water ... did they brush their teeth .... was school work being completed.

I hesitated to go, nearly canceling the whole trip two days before my flight ... but the tickets were purchased ... and I felt so guilty after all of the planning and expense ... after all those years without time together ... and so I packed, and continued making lists, carefully reviewing them with the Cherubs.

And I worried ....

Finally, departure day arrived ... and after more reviewing and earnest promises and reassurances from the Cherubs, I left for the airport, heavy-hearted .... I left the Cherubs with Grandpa, exchanged many fond kisses, a gazillion hugs, and L-I-S-T-S .... lists of reminders, mostly reminding me of my own failure to teach good habits so long ago.

And hope ... I left with hope that maybe they did hear ... maybe the habits were there ???  Maybe ....

While in California, twice-daily phone calls were a mix of conversations ... I miss you ... I have a cough ... what did you do today ... I love you ... did you feed the pets ... have you brushed your teeth ... did anyone remember to refill the water containers in the barn ... tell me about your history readings.  And the texts, "did you remember to ____" ... what did we ever do before texting ?

It was then that I realized even more .... the extent of the damage ... the reality of it all ...

I had spent far too many many years of  "perpetual commands and directions - a running fire of Do and Don’t".

School was going well every day ... lessons completed, readings done, narrations given, notes taken, assignments checked.  Education, in the school sense, is a habit now, thank goodness. 

But life ... the Education of basic good habits for living life like remembering to clean up after meals (including the stovetop) and making sure animal's water buckets were emptied and refilled with fresh clean water ... making sure dirty clothes made it to the hamper and that laundry was done ... every day ...  I had failed to teach LIFE lessons.  The truth was there ... clearly ... in BIG BOLD PRINT ... right in front of my eyes (and ears). 

I failed to provide our Cherubs with a good foundation for LIFE, built on good habits of LIVING.

Thousands of miles away, as DadToCherubs and I drove from place to place, soaking in the sunshine and cool breezes, as we stood in awe on the beaches of the Pacific .... I pondered ... not "how did we get here", because I knew HOW ... it was the "perpetual commands and directions" I had given far too often.  But rather, I wondered "where do we go from here".  Where to begin the changes .... how to build so late habits so basic ...

I arrived home, exhausted, and still wondering ... without much hope.  The conversations had told it all ... in gory detail.  I walked in to hugs and kisses -- greeted by happy, RELIEVED Cherubs; relieved because Mom was home and order would be restored.

I spied a mountain of laundry (and a still-full container of laundry soap), a very sticky nearly unrecognizable stovetop, something oozing down the refrigerator door, piled sleeping bags in the library, duffel bags unpacked and overflowing with our Scout's weekend WET camping gear, bathroom sinks full of crusty toothpaste, and icky water buckets in the barn (but there was water, at least) ...

But how to restore the order ... where to start ... that was the question.  Not the chores, but the LIFE.

First, we spent two full days cleaning and washing, catching up laundry, scrubbing, reorganizing.  It was hard work, but needed to be done.  And as the Cherubs worked, they seemed to acknowledge how they had gotten to this place ... and almost everyone was thankful for some leadership in righting the situation.

And I prayed .... I prayed the house clean .... asked for guidance, instruction, from MY Father.  I prayed for humility ... and courage to put aside the books and lessons, and to focus on the basics of living.  I prayed for understanding ... for knowledge.  And I prayed for patience .... and GRACE .... and I begged forgiveness, for failing, for letting them down, for neglecting these things ....

We looked to Him ... to be clean, sparkling, renewed .... rejuvenated.

And second, we held a family meeting.  We prayed for grace and mercy, and direction.  Grievances were shared publicly --- I hate it when I look for my town pants and they're still in the hamper because no one did laundry ... I hate it when I am dressed to go to my activity, and then get milk all over my clean shirt because someone made a mess on the counter and just left it ... I hate not being able to find my shoes because they were lost ... I hate it when ____ fails to do chores ... I should have known better, but I didn't .... I didn't think it would get that bad, that fast ... I hate it when things are messy .... I meant to do ____ but kept putting it off until it was overwhelming .... tears were shed, frustrations vented ... and an apology was given, by Mom, for failing.

Tears, by the millions, fell ... from my mom-is-so-sorry eyes.

So, where do we go from here ?  To the beginning, of course.  We go back to the "place" where the habits (obviously) did not begin ... and where the "perpetual commands and directions ... do and don't" took over.  Back to the place where I failed them ...

I giggled as each Cherub made his own list, of his own accord .... wake up, wash face, brush teeth, get dressed, take clothing to hamper, feed pets, clean water buckets .... then breakfast ... then morning chores (kitchen too) ... and so on.  One, a neat chart ... another few handwritten lists ... one in pictures.

We discussed in detail the how-to of every project as we went along those two labor-filled whirl-wind cleaning days .... beginning to end ... cleaning the stovetop .... doing the laundry .... checking for spills .... basic recipes .... how to clean water buckets and why it's so important ....


Today, I try to greet them each morning with Good Morning ... and either polite "chit chat" conversation or simple silence ... rather than greeting them with reminders, "commands", and "directions".  Old habits die hard !

At first they used their self-made lists, reminding themselves, carried all day by hand from room to room ... and now I am beginning to notice that some are flying solo a bit more, sans their list in hand, or only stealing an occasional glance.  They are going about their day almost as if the habits are in place ... almost ...

So we continue, building habits, in LIFE. 

John Adams said: 

“There are two educations. One should teach us how to make a living, and the other how to live.”

I realize that in teaching my children ... homeschooling ... I focused the bulk of my energy on one education (school), and neglected the other (life skills).



Thank goodness we discovered it now, rather than much much later, when the stakes would've been much much higher .... when a few days of scrubbing and catching up would not have been enough .... when the messes would have cost so much more ...

Thank you Lord for this time of discovery ... for those tears ... for showing the failures and the weaknesses ... for cleansing us of these bad habits, and giving us these new lessons to learn ... thank you for guiding us ... for our being made new in You.  Thank you, Almighty God.

Pondering ....

"These are the times that try men's souls:  The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it Now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.  Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict the more glorious the triumph."
 ** Thomas Paine, The Crisis (December 1776)

Multitude Monday: One Thousand Gifts

206.  A caring family doctor for DadToCherubs.

207.  Symptoms not progressing to something more serious.

208.  Piles of school books, and studious students.

209.  Spring blooms, here and there.

210.  Watching Cherub 5 play soccer again.

211.  Our Scouts: advancements and accomplishments.

212.  Loving Husband home, safe, & sound, from California.

213.  Visiting with Dumma, and attending the Sewing Expo.

214.  Tips of green; perennial flowers moved here last fall beginning

 to peek through the leaves we used to mulch them.

215.  Bigger buds, beginning to swell on the trees.

216.  Last Frost dates coming soon, April 1 to 30.

217.  Barn full of lumber, waiting to be used for raised beds –

only lacking mobility and muscle to get “in place”. HA !

218.  Gray cloudy skies, today's empty calendar -

and so, sleeping in a bit.

219.  Nest boxes of fresh eggs,

gathered by little Cherub hands.

220.  MS Excel and “beginning plans”

for our next school year.

221.  Dear friends, old and new.

222.  Windy kite-flying days.

 

Visit Holy Experience to find out more about

Multitude Monday:  One Thousand Gifts.

Come .... join the Gratitude Community.

And be t-h-a-n-k-f-u-l.

** Posted a bit early as we have a chaotic,

chock-full-of-stuff long weekend ahead.

Reminder: Daylight Saving Time

Most of the United States begins Daylight Saving Time at 2:00 a.m. on the second Sunday in March --- which happens to be coming up very soon --- it's THIS Sunday, in fact.

So, don't forget to change your clocks --- and be sure to change the batteries in your Smoke Detectors too, this weekend, as recommended by Fire Departments.

Multitude Monday: One Thousand Gifts

174.  Wonderful flights from GA to CO, CO to CA.

175.  A fantastic day spent in Santa Cruz, CA.

176.  Day One – All going smoothly at home.

177.  A wonderful grandfather who stayed at Beck’s Bounty with the Cherubs.

178.  Maggie is feeling better (our adopted Great Pyr) after a rough start.

179.  Big waves in the Pacific, but no tsunami waves despite warnings (Chile earthquake).

180.  Witnessing a mother and baby otter in the wild – how precious.

181.  A great day in San Fransisco, CA.

182.  A fantastic vacation with DadToCherubs and Dumma in CA.

183.  The blessing of friends who helped transport Cherubs while Mom and Dad were away.

184.  Buds on the daffodils.

185.  Leaf buds swelling on some trees – spring is getting closer.

186.  A very informative class for DadToCherubs (in CA for work).

187.  Warm spring days, and windows with screens !!

188.  Strong male Cherubs to carry their Momma’s luggage after a long trip.

189.  A full basket of fresh fruit on the counter.

190.  Successful transplanting of garden seedlings into bigger pots.

191.  Invitation for Cherub 5 to play soccer for the Junior High Soccer Team.

192.  A dear family friend who helped Cherub 6 build his Pinewood Derby Car.  B.G.

193.  Cherub 6 winning FIRST in his division, and FIRST overall at the Pinewood Derby (B.G.).

194.  Watching Cherub 5 ride Bandit solo for the first time (horseback lessons).

195.  A wonderfully patient and dedicated horse trainer / teacher. R.G.

196.  A roast and veggies cooking in the crockpot at the end of a really busy day.

197.  CoffeeHouse Creamers.  Carmel Macchiato, Chocolate Mocha, and Vanilla Latte.  Yummy !!

198.  More snow in Tennessee for the Cherubs to play in (last week).

199.  Finding seals and sea lions while driving country roads in CA on our trip.

200.  Horseback riding on the beach of the Pacific Ocean – WOW !!  (Manchester, CA).

201.  A successful Camporee (BoyScouts).

202.  Three boys swimming hard to complete rank requirements for Scouts.

203.  SCM Organizer – keeping school “on track” through all of our busy-ness.

204.  An authentic Chinese meal with DadToCherubs’ boss, W.C.

205.  The marriage of N.B. and P.E. – we just love a happy ending.

To find out more about

Multitude Monday:  One Thousand Gifts,

visit Holy Experience.

Day 5: California: The Egyptian Museum in San Jose and An Authentic Cantonese Meal

On our last official day in California, we were exhausted.  We decided to visit the Egyptian Museum in San Jose.

A Bird of Paradise in bloom -- it was amazing !

A grand entrance ... the Egyptian Museum (San Jose).

A real Mummy.

Written on this replica stone was the Code Of Hammurabi.

The exit walkway.

After our Museum tour, we headed out to do some last-minute souvenir shopping, and then went back to the hotel for a much-needed nap.

In the evening we were treated to an authentic Cantonese dinner with Mr. W.C. (DadToCherubs' boss).  He ordered in his native tongue, and shared about growing up in a Chinese village, his exchange student visit in 1983 in the United States, and then his emigration.  It was fascinating to hear about his life, and the food was remarkable .... so different from our "American" chinese food.  We thoroughly enjoyed our visit with him.  Thank you Mr. W.C. for spending such a wonderful evening with us.

Early in the morning on March 2nd we boarded our plane .... laying over and changing flights in Denver ... all while watching the news of snow in the Southeast and flight cancellations.  In spite of it all, our flights went smoothly, and we arrived home on time late Tuesday afternoon to find a cold and snowy Atlanta.  I stayed overnight in Atlanta so as to miss potentially icy roads on the journey back to Tennessee, and drove home the next morning to find Cherubs who really missed me while I was gone.

We had a wonderful trip to California -- beautiful weather, wonderful people, and fantastic sights.

Thank you to everyone who made it possible .... Barb for her fantastic recommendations .... MamaLion and Kimbo for keeping close tabs on the Cherubs while I was away ....Scoutmaster T for ensuring our boys didn't miss their scout campout .... Grandpa for babysitting and running the show ... Dumma for accompanying me on this fantastic journey .... Mr. W.C. for making our trip possible ... and DadToCherubs for allowing us to tag along.

Day 4: California: San Fransisco

We rode over the Bay Bridge from Oakland to San Fransisco.
After seeing the local traffic, we opted for a Tour of SanFransisco on a red open-top bus,
on which we could see the "sights" and not hassle with the traffic.  And the added bonus was that we could get off and on the bus as many times as we wished to explore areas more.

Clipper Ship docked near Fisherman's Wharf, and Dolphin Club swimmers in the colddddd water.

The Cannery.

Home (from back side) to Ghirardelli Chocolate.  Yummy !!

This park was built for the World's Fair when San Fransisco hosted the games.  Today it is surrounded by beautiful homes.

This strip of land used to be the airstrip for the Pressidio, a former military base turned State Park.

The light yellow'ish building at the top center of this photo is Alcatraz.

The Harbor on the far side of the Golden Gate bridge.

In Sausilito we saw so many sailboats ... a really adorable little hamlet on the bay.

A gorgeous photo of the Golden Gate bridge taken from a vantage point located in the Pressidio.

The entrance to Chinatown.  We shopped and ate an authentic dinner here.  WOW !!  What an experience.

Back to the Fisherman's Wharf area .... the sun was beginning to set, and the winds were picking up.  It was getting CHILLY !!

We visited SanFransisco Coffee, Hardrock Cafe, and did a lot of window-shopping.  There were street musicians on nearly every corner, a Mime act, trollies, delicious smells, and even seals in the harbor.

We had a wonderful day in San Fransisco, thanks to the tour company.