From now until the RWA National Conference ends August 3, I plan to post daily about events here in San Francisco. If the mood strikes, please take a minute or two to comment. To other writers attending – please share a link to your own blog posts about RWA National.
Our oldest son lives in San Francisco. Visiting him was the only excuse I needed to combine a family visit with the 2008 RWA National Conference. This was one National I would not, could not, miss.
Although the conference officially starts next week, like many others my husband and I flew in early. From summer thunderstorms in Newark to the cool blue skies over San Francisco, we flew non-stop for close to six hours. On board I read Madeline Hunter’s SECRETS OF SURRENDER, a great start for any RWA Conference. (BTW, this is one you absolutely must read! Whew!)
We were greeted at the airport by our sandaled, red-bearded son. A happy reunion. He settled us into his apartment in the Civic Center/Hayes region of the city then went into work. Two aging boomers on our own in San Francisco. Delightful!
We started the afternoon by strolling through the neighborhood around his apartment, looking for lunch. Didn’t have to look far. We passed restaurants on every block, eclectic and colorful.
We chose Flipper’s Gourmet Hamburgers, and ate outside on the fenced garden patio. Gourmet barbecue burger, a delicious chicken crepe, both with green garden salad. Fresh, tasty, and superb as only San Francisco food can be!
A park across the street from Flipper’s seemed to typify the relaxed beauty of this city. 
I’ve learned that it rests on the site an old two-decker highway. Artwork is rotated. The current sculpture near the far end is a monkey or ape, enjoying the park with his human companions. (Click on the pictures then wait for a larger view.)
San Francisco’s temperature today is in the low 60’s but sunny with brilliant skies. The ten-day weather forecast calls for temps in the mid 60’s, sunny to mostly sunny.
Word to the wise if you are coming to National – bay breezes can be chilly. Bring a jacket!
Check back tomorrow evening for more.
Stringing Beads 
Ah, Debra, thank you! I will live vicariously through your posts. I wish I could be in San Francisco with all of you. Have fun, network lots. What a thoughtful thing to do, to show us the sights when we can’t be there! Thank you!
Deb,
I’ll be loving reading about your week! Wish I could see you there. 🙂 Have a blast and enjoy your visit with your son.
It’s nearly four in the morning and I’m dressed, sipping coffee, and leaving shortly for San Fran. Your entry got me more psyched, if that’s possible, for the trip. Thanks Deb. See you soon.
Thanks so much for the posts and pics, Deb!! Man, I LOVE and miss that city and wish I could be there – but at least now I can pretend I’m there. LOL!
Hugs and have a great conference, lady!!
Listening to the description of your lunch and your day yesterday has made me so very nostalgic for the City on the Bay.
Loved the park photo and the ape reminds me of King Kong as I do think from its shape it must be a gorilla.
As you delve further into the city in the next few days, imagine you are like the Verizon guy in their ads. Those left behind are really trailing along.
Thanks for the heads up on the weather, Deb! I may have to rethink some of my clothing choices! Have a great visit with your son. I’m headed for SF on Tuesday. See you then!
Debra,
Great start to your trip. How fun and relaxing. I always loved San Fran.
Sandy
I think we (I) read romance nevols because they appeal to our need to connect with others personally, emotionally and spiritually. Romance nevols are about going above and beyond your everyday efforts for one special person- and who doesn’t want to be the object of that extra effort? At their heart, romance nevols are all about connecting, not superficially, but on a deeper, lasting level with one other human being. Someone who knows you for who you truly are, inside and out, and loves you anyway. Isn’t that what we look for when making new friends or searching for our soul mate? We want to be loved and accepted and made to feel uniquely special. For many readers, men and women, I think romance nevols give us hope that that special connection is out there for us, too.
Debra, had to check out your blog as I’m looking forward to arriving in SF on Monday. Sounds as though you had a great first day. I’m glad it’s not too hot. I prefer it warm, probably because I live in England and that’s what I’m used to! See you at the FTHRW get together.
San Francisco’s temperature today is in the low 60’s
it has been over 100 here all week. I so cannot wait for next Tuesday when I fly out of DFW and into San Fran…woohoo!
Hi Deb!
So glad to hear you arrived smoothly, and are enjoying your sightseeing! I will follow your wonderful example. ; )
See you there, and thanks for the posts!
Kathleen