My 15 Seconds of Fame

Well, it's always nice to be recognized for doing good work. I've had Cafe Press stores for probably 1.5 years now and they've all raised money where 100% of the proceeds goes towards the Chinese adoption charities - Love Without Boundaries, Half the Sky and CCAI's charitable arm. It was really cool when I got this e-mail from Cafe Press that prominently used one of my designs (the alphabet poster) in their mass e-mail that went out. I was shocked and elated. It was just so nice to be recognized this way. A list of all of my CafePress stores are in the far right purple column. To date, I think I've raised around $500 that has been donated to these wonderful charities. Thanks to those who have purchased and in doing so, have supported these wonderful charities and children awaiting a family.

America's Coolest College Towns

Well, it looks like we live in one of this country's coolest college towns. Who knew?? (all this according to Travel & Leisure magazine) It is our alma mater...

Madison, WI (University of Wisconsin)

Like oases in deserts, college towns in the Midwest can be refreshing splashes of hustle and bustle amid the plains. The Wisconsin capital squeezes cafés, art galleries, and the César Pelli–designed Madison Museum of Contemporary Art onto an invigorating pedestrian-only thoroughfare. In warm weather, the museum’s roof is the setting for concerts and films. Elsewhere are found lively neighborhood block parties, like the Atwood Summerfest, which annually offers rock bands on multiple stages. And there’s no shortage of aquatic fun: the city is located on an isthmus between a pair of glittering lakes.

Local Taste: L’Etoile Restaurant is the region’s slow-food mecca.

San Francisco

We just got back from a lovely 5-day trip to San Francisco. This was so we could meet our new beautiful 3-month old twin nieces and to have a little mini-vacation for ourselves. We also got to see Robert's cousin and his best friend Matt who flew in for 5 hours just to see him. It was so nice to get away for a few days.

Here are a few photos from our trip.

Posing at the Golden Gate Bridge. There was some serious fog when we were there (and wind!)Here we are in Napa ValleyHere I am tasting and buying a lovely bottle of wine from Clos du Val winery. YUM!Our fun little convertible we traversed about town in. (I made them upgrade us as we had to wait 2 hours in line for our rental car. I felt it was the least they could do! Note to self: NEVER rent from Budget at SFO again!)
Sunset view from Robert's cousin's house in Oakland - amazing view of the Golden Gate BridgeHaving fun in Chinatown. This is a Chinese apothecary. Not sure what's she's mixing those for??Taking a walk in Muir woods to look at the Redwoods.Filoli Gardens
The "painted ladies" - beautiful Victorian homes
San Francisco trolley cars
Lombard Street - the crookedest street in the USA
Fisherman's Wharf - nothing beats a stinky seal!

Our New Neighbor

We seem to have acquired a new neighbor - not sure if it's Chip or Dale. He is in our backyard landscaping. Poor little guy is all scared.