The Day Ali's Been Waiting For

San Francisco has it's pluses and minuses. Pluses, for example, include the year-round weather, it's the center of the Tech universe and boasts convenient proximity to destinations like Tahoe, Sonoma and Carmel.

It has it's downside too, though. The hipster population density, homeless situation and cost of living are all frightful. Aghh! The later means that apartments are modest in size by American standards. In total, our Nob Hill apartment had 1 bedroom and was less than 550 square feet. It was also the most expensive apartment we've ever rented. It meant that we needed to be a bit creative and always put things away.

Truthfully, we loved that apartment. Not as much as Back Bay but close. We both walked to and from our offices (uphill both ways - seriously). The Victorian architecture and Cable Cars reminded us daily that we were living a special adventure. We had convenient access to everything we could ever need. There was hardly a reason to own a car.

In Maryland, things are different. When Ali & I were looking at apartments, we were amazed at the amount of space (and cost) of what we needed. I never thought I'd say this but...wifey, go buy more stuff! We have more space than we know what to do with!!

Jake's New Digs

It's hard to say who's adjusting best to our new home best. Truthfully, we're all feeling a little bit nostalgic and thinking, wow...this is a whole lot of suburb. Jake and I were walking around the neighborhood last week. We came to an intersection, I looked up and remarked that we were at the intersection of Pleasant Drive, Pleasant Circle and Pleasant Way. Jake confirmed. We looked at each other knowing that we should move along before the universe lurched and swallowed us into the permanent void.

There's a small dog park near our Apt but, in defiant fashion, we prefer the people parks! Our 'go-to park' is Needwood. The streams are enough for Jake to wade around and cool down. We had storms recently so the water levels are higher than usual.

We've taken note of many 'Dog Must Remain On Leash' signs. Surely, they aren't serious about that? Don't they know that Jake's in town? This one's taken at Black Hills. It's really weird that I grew up frequenting these places...only to return in my 30's.

Needwood is a squirrel rich environment. Jake approves. When he's not chasing the tennis ball, he's chasing a squirrel. Sometimes he does both simultaneously.

And, of course, the Deleware beaches. A big "Thanks!" to my Aunt and Uncle for letting us stay for a weekend in their DE house.

I hope Jake's enjoying the new home. I bet he's missing his SF pack a bit but we're trying our best to find him a new one!