For the visually impaired

As an optometrist and vision researcher, I've been trying to figure out how to make Braille jewelry ever since I started making jewelry. Usually when you stamp on metal, the impression goes inward, or makes a hole. That certainly won't help someone trying to feel texture. But now, I can make the little nubbins stick out on the surface of the metal. This first necklace says, "LOVE." I couldn't stop feeling it all night! It's pretty amazing that fingers can learn to distinguish these patterns and the brain can interpret it. You can order your custom braille necklace in my etsy shop.

Ben

This picture says it all.

Terrible One and a Halfs.

We are four for four that the terrible twos start at one and a half. Awww, they're not so terrible, but Noe sure has a great set of lungs and strong throwing arm.

One person's trash...

On the beautiful Pacific Coast is the little city of Fort Bragg. Fort Bragg was a city dump in the early 1900s. Now, the beach is made up almost entirely of sea glass from automobile headlights, glass bottles, etc. Some of the glass wasn't quite "cooked" enough. Noe was happy to hang out with Daddy while everyone else climbed over rocks and hunted through the beach. We made it until sunset, then even went back the next morning for more climbing!

Oakland At-Ats

There is a rumor in these parts that the cranes in the Oakland port were the inspiration for the AT-ATs in Star Wars. That's an All Terrain Armored Transport Walker. What do you think? Doesn't the Golden Gate Bridge look pretty in the sunset? And here are Coit Tower and the Transamerica Tower.

Colorful San Francisco Dinner

Dinner is always more colorful when Grandma and Grandpa are in town, not to mention my stepsister and brother-in-law! This colorful little Italian restaurant was in North Beach, right around the corner from Uncle Max's house, who put together an amazing Italian dessert after dinner!