Fall is in the Air & Thoughts of San Francisco

Yes, Fall is in the air around here in Northern CA. We are getting cooler nights and our temp's during the day are not as warm. As we have Oaks and Pines we see the color change on the trees and the falling of pine needles. Oh, those pine needles, you can sweep the back deck of leaves and pine needles then 2 days later it looks like you never did anything.

This last weekend as I was sweeping the deck again, my mind started wandering back as to how this city girl ended up in living in the country. As I thought back to my growing up years in San Francisco, yes, I am one of those individuals who was raised in SF (aka the city). Remembering living in the Noe Valley area of the City, my idea of what was green and trees was either Dolores Street (with it's strip of grass and Palm Trees) that ran from Mission Street North/South to Market street or Golden Gate Park which is a wonderful area. We had no grass in our front yards or flowers because everyone had cement. Cement walk-ways and sidewalks was the norm. If people had flowers and/or trees, they were more likely in their back yards if you were lucky enough to have the area to do this.

Living in the city during the fall months meant we had warmer weather and the fog would only hang around in the mornings. Now, you must understand, our idea of warmer weather meant it was above 60 degrees. A hot day to us living in the city was 75 degrees!!!!

I had very little exposure to trees changing color, as Palm Trees and the other Trees around the City were always green. You must remember this was before we had all these magazines and tv shows that talked about the different colors of fall. And driving out of the city was mostly done during the summer months up to Clear Lake and the Russian River area. Additionally, driving out of the City meant we were going to the country and just going over the Bay Bridge to the East Bay was an adventure as we were the big city kids (haha). Funny how you think that way when you are a kid and/or teenager.

Now, don't think us city kids had it boring, because we didn't. One of my knitting buddies (who also grew up in the City) her and I were laughing the other day about the fun things we used to do growing up there. Her and I both remember sliding down and around people's inside stairway bansisters. The more stairs and levels meant more turns in the banisters and a longer ride. We both agreed, the best banisters to slide on were the ones with all of the turns. You had to be careful if you got to much speed going as you had to remember and pay attention as to when your ride was getting to the end.

Yes, I love living up in the country where you have space, you can grow a garden and have privacy, but sweeping off the back deck and very long driveway every 2 days is not fun during the fall months. Now, before you go feeling sorry for me and picturing me out there with a broom, hubby did buy me a power blower which makes it a lot easier job getting rid of the leaves and pine needles.

So, I'll continue to enjoy living out in the country, dealing with the fall issues and enjoy my fond memories of growing up in the City.