The Big Playground

On February 20, 2021 I wrote that I woke at 9:15 to one of my boys giving me a card with interesting bits of paper taped on. I got them dressed and made them a meal. By 1030 I had chatted with an acquaintance and let my father know that he would see me later.

I brought laundry to the laundromat and brought the garbage downstairs. After that I packed the kids and went over to the coffee shop on Market at Laguna. The line was long but the people watching was wonderful.

I took the boys to Page Street but they only got out to ride their scooters at Stanyan. I got coffee. We spent 3 1/2 hours with my acquaintances at the big playground. I met their friends - one of whom was my old coworker. We talked a lot.

I took the boys to the supermarket and left a coffee bag with an acquaintance whose kids are my kids’ age. Then I climbed to over Golden Gate Heights to dad’s house. He had made lasagna. I got a moment of quiet at around 7:45 and then we had pie.

 
This is an occasional series chronicling my life. This Notebook Analysis series is meant to be contemporaneous piece developed as an agglomeration of my notebook pages. In each of these posts I used my notes to develop my recent thoughts.

The Bridge at Romain

On February 19, 2021 I puttered around the house and made breakfast for geo-breakfast and after that I called into work on some meetings before settling in for work. After that I got some coffee and an acquaintance of mine randomly showed up. We chatted for a while.

My kids showed up a bit after that. They were having a hard time as school age children might. It was really difficult for me. They watched TV after they calmed down. When I finished work I took the boys to catch an L bus and we got off on Corbett for a walk.

I brought some beverages to drink. We crossed the bridge at Romain. One of the boys fell over as we were departing but it was OK. They convinced me to play with them when we got home. They watched TV while I made dinner.

This is an occasional series chronicling my life. This Notebook Analysis series is meant to be contemporaneous piece developed as an agglomeration of my notebook pages. In each of these posts I used my notes to develop my recent thoughts.

Straight to Novato

On February 14, 2021 I wrote that that morning I was up at 10 after the alarm went off. I was very late getting up. I puttered around the room until 1230 and then I explored MacDonell. I went behind some of the offices and found Denman.

From there I climbed Ely to Sierra Mountain Parkway to have some coffee at the Starbucks and then I decided I really needed to run so I rode straight to Novato - across the river on Lynch Creek, down the 2 Petaluma Blvd. and around Haystack and Kastania to San Antonio.

The ride went easily but my bones were getting sore. I took pictures and when I got to Novato I tweeted while resting. It was three so I decided to just take the bus which came a moment after I got my coffee.

The driver was a jerk. However, I got off at the Golden Gate Bridge without incident. I rode through the Richmond in heavy fog and had dinner with my father at his house.

This is an occasional series chronicling my life. This Notebook Analysis series is meant to be contemporaneous piece developed as an agglomeration of my notebook pages. In each of these posts I used my notes to develop my recent thoughts.

I Settled at McNears

On February 13, 2021 I wrote that morning I awoke at the Healdsburg hotel at 8:30 about and ate breakfast there. I was ready to go by noon. I rode Redwood Highway across the River and under the tracks to Star Street and through Windsor.

I tweeted about the route I took to the airport. I rode gravel on the SMART right of way once. I also went the wrong way on McLaughlin and made up for it on Piner.

I texted with an old classmate and it turned out he was on his way back from Point Reyes. I met him and his girlfriend downtown after I got to Railroad Square. The meal - Indian food in the courtyard outside - was delicious. When I said bye I rode on the new bike paths built through Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park and Cotati.

I didn’t get to Petaluma until late. I rode Railroad and Godwin to the motel before I took McDonnell to the river path. I settled at McNears for an hour.

Later I rode back to my motel on McDonnell and picked up a beer but decided not to drink it. I had to pick my way to the hotel because it was dark when I got there.

This is an occasional series chronicling my life. This Notebook Analysis series is meant to be contemporaneous piece developed as an agglomeration of my notebook pages. In each of these posts I used my notes to develop my recent thoughts.

I Streamed the Ride

On February 12, 2021 I wrote that that morning I woke at 5:30 and 630 and did not want to get up. However I had packed so it was easy. I made tea and was gone at 6:50.

I rode Market knowing my tires needed filling. At the ferry building the bike rental place was closed. I rested on the ferry. I had sent a few tweets of the trip. I got an almond croissant and then got on SMART.

I streamed the ride for Geobreakfast. The participants on the call thought it was fun.

I got off at Sonoma County airport and went to Starbucks for an hour. Then I rode to Aviation and tried to follow the right of way to Windsor. I had some fresh air after the ride. I had coffee and then went into neighborhoods to find railroad tracks.

In the northern end of Windsor at Herb St. I got on the Redwood Highway and crossed into Healdsburg. I checked into my Healdsburg hotel room alone. Then I rode to an RV camp place in Anderson valley- just to see what they had.

I didn’t like the ride so on the way back I found a different route. I was scouting worthwhile places to stay - like campsites and motels. I took an alternate route back through Lytton and noted that neither route was much better. However, I found a good lead on a motel on the way back and looked at Dry Creek overpass.

I ate tacos and at the hotel I dropped the bike off. I settled in at Spoon Bar where I took in the view. I returned to the room.

This is an occasional series chronicling my life. This Notebook Analysis series is meant to be contemporaneous piece developed as an agglomeration of my notebook pages. In each of these posts I used my notes to develop my recent thoughts.

Photos of Haystack

On January 12, 2021, I wrote that the night before I went to bed late and knew I would pay for in the morning. I woke at 6:30 and was out the door at 7:05. I made the ferry just in time.

I drank tea and at Larkspur I eight a pastry and tweeted sunrises as I shooed a bird away.

SMART was ready to go but I rode Cal Park tunnel anyway and caught the train at San Rafael. The ride was quick.

At Petaluma I got coffee and sat in the open air. Then I went to Petaluma café and tea and saw a personality I knew from Geobeers. We chatted for a while and he bought me a coffee. I sat in the park later and watched people.

I rode down Petaluma Boulevard taking time to get photos of Haystack. The frontage was all right but a bit under protected. The San Antonio Creek freeway underpass clearly floods but it was dry when I rode through. I took photos there and at Olompali before rushing to meet an acquaintance at a café in Novato.

I caught the train then and got off at Larkspur where I waited briefly for the boat home.

This is an occasional series chronicling my life. This Notebook Analysis series is meant to be contemporaneous piece developed as an agglomeration of my notebook pages. In each of these posts I used my notes to develop my recent thoughts.

The Rhododendron Dell

On January ninth, 2021 I wrote that that morning I was in bed not really sleeping and the boys started making noise. I told him to go to back to sleep and they did. They snuck away 15 minutes later and I told them to go back to bed and while they did go to the living room they actually went to bed.

This continued until crying woke me from a snooze at 7:45. I got them dressed and then made them a meal. I cleaned up and played with them and did other things until I got a text from dad calling off for the day.

By 1145 I was outside enjoying the fresh air. The boys got in the bike with the bocce balls and we were at Waller, Haight and Page until Scott where I rode really fast all the way to Stanyan.

The boys kept screaming “no honking” and “no cars.” I was singing along. I thought the whole experience was really wonderful. They got on their bikes at the Conservatory and we went to Rise and Grind before playing with my acquaintance and his son at the blue playground

We were in the swing sets when we decided to go to what one of the boys calls The Secret Forest. I had told Andrew about the dentist and showed him a map of the bridge in Fairfax.

We wandered through the tunnels and around California Academy of sciences and entered The Secret Forest which is our name for the Rhododendron Dell. The boys did time trials. We ate snacks, played bocce and got some fresh air. When we were done we said by at Big Rec.

One of the boys asked about grandpa’s house but we decided against it. The ride from fifth and Lincoln was sketchy but the rest was great. We had a snack at Stanyan and also at the Page Street library. I fixed the safe streets barriers at Masonic.

This is an occasional series chronicling my life. This Notebook Analysis series is meant to be contemporaneous piece developed as an agglomeration of my notebook pages. In each of these posts I used my notes to develop my recent thoughts.

Saint Moritz Train Ride

On January 1, 2021, I wrote that I was staying at dad’s with my kids. The boys came down at six to ask what to do. As I had been up late the night before I was not prepared for this. I put them back to bed but they were up a short while later.

Between 10 then and 11 we got ready for the day. My father helped a lot.. I ate and tidied before starting getting ready to leave. I made the boys sandwiches before taking the bike outside.

My niece had just arrived. I filled her tires and grabbed some fresh air. I repotted an orchid. The four of us rode up Ortega and out 41st to Martin Luther King. Then we went up the speedway bike path to Lloyd lake and played bocce.

My sister took her daughter home then and then the boys and I rode to get coffee and visit Argonne playground and eat chocolate croissants. Then we rode up to 12th and Cabrillo to take photos of an acquaintance's new apartment. We then went behind the Conservatory of Flowers to Bunny Meadow and Panhandle Park. The boys had to play again.

When we got to Page, one of the boys quit and we rode all the way to the apartment. I unpacked and started pizza. The boys started watching swiss train recordings.

I had salad with my pizza. When I was done cleaning we had ice cream and we watched most of the rest of the Saint Moritz train ride and they went to bed.

This is an occasional series chronicling my life. This Notebook Analysis series is meant to be contemporaneous piece developed as an agglomeration of my notebook pages. In each of these posts I used my notes to develop my recent thoughts.

A Prepared Turkey

On December 25, 2020, I wrote that the day before I woke up at 9:30 around and skipped eating to go to the coffee shop and had a second cuppa coffee. I went home and logged into my work email. I had taken the day off.

I had been mostly putting stuff away. The bookcase in the front room was partially organized. I ate around 430 and at five texted an acquaintance to say I would be going to the Panhandle. He had just finished a ride to Pacifica.

I went to healthy spirits and picked up some Stiegl and a small bottle of rye whiskey. I hung out in the park at 6:30 and by 7:45 I had stopped by an his house in the Richmond. He and I rode past the mushroom trees and the city's Christmas tree. We followed a fire truck to Page Street and visited his girlfriend for eggnog. Five of us hung out in the back over looking the alley and ate some oyster soup. I got home at 12:30 and watched TV until late.

In the morning of the day that I wrote this I woke at 10 and had a meal and enjoyed having the house to myself. I had FaceTime with my kids. It was raining.

Later I left on my bike in the rain around 2:10. I rode slowly across Market and up the wiggle. The street was quiet but it was lightly raining. As I climbed Page and it got wetter. I made Kezar fine but I was not dry anymore.

Starbucks at ninth had closed by the time I got there. So, I went to 19th Ave. where they were open for a small amount longer. I got coffee and tried to dry out. I was wearing wool anyway. I had a 2nd cup and then rode through light rain to see my father.

After I had been there long enough to make myself presentable, my sister arrived with her family. We sat in the living room with football playing. My nephew kept turning the sound up. I tried to convince my niece to write a book.

The meal was a prepared turkey from a well known local butcher and it only required minimal cooking. We all agreed it was perfect and everyone thought getting another next year might be the best. We sat with dad talking about the news and old high school friends until my sister said it was time to go.

I left about 45 minutes later. Dad was in his study. The ride home was fine. I was putting a bunch of stuff into the bookcase as I was going to bed.

This is an occasional series chronicling my life. This Notebook Analysis series is meant to be contemporaneous piece developed as an agglomeration of my notebook pages. In each of these posts I used my notes to develop my recent thoughts.

Vascona Reservoir

On December 19, 2020, I wrote that that morning I got up at 9:45 and had a small meal before grabbing everything and getting coffee at 7th. Then I boarded the 1148 train headed for Diridon. There I visited chromatic coffee and continued onward to Bascom Street to eat my scones.

I had to cross to Campbell Park after riding an uneven boardwalk bridge. When I got to the settling pond I thought I had accomplished something but it was only the first of many flood control features.

I passed some ponds full of ducks. At Vascona Reservoir I noticed homes were built right below the dam. I probably could’ve ridden through the parking lot. By this point I had noticed I would be cutting my time pretty close.

I passed Highway 9 and started into the mountains on a dirt road. Then I climbed up onto the dam at Lexington Reservoir and to the spot I know where I could continue easily. I gave up after catching some fresh air and interviewing people about the area.

After that I descended back into the canyon yelling at birds and saying hello to people all the way until I made it to the pavement again. I stopped to catch my breath twice. Near the end of my journey, I stopped for a burrito on Lincoln and had some beers while waiting for the 6pm train back to SF. I fell asleep on the train for a bit.

This is an occasional series chronicling my life. This Notebook Analysis series is meant to be contemporaneous piece developed as an agglomeration of my notebook pages. In each of these posts I used my notes to develop my recent thoughts.

Decorate the Tree

On December 8, 2020 I wrote that the alarm clock went off at the usual time and so did my phone but I succeeded in getting up with just enough free time to eat and sit at my desk to attend a work meeting.

An acquaintance and I went to the cafe and discussed hegemony – it was my lecture really. When we were done I confirmed that we would meet for a bike ride on the coming Saturday. I got some fresh air on the way back to the apartment.

I got my bike out and went to dad’s. I was avuncular and dad shared his mix of emotions over the Christmas cards. As we discussed our plans for the month, he revealed that he was at a loss over decorating the tree my sister had gotten him.

Later he told me he wanted to travel to see family in the summer of 2021. I left after eating all his candy. We had a bit of ice cream. I had had whiskey. I pumped up my tires and rode to The Panhandle.

This is an occasional series chronicling my life. This Notebook Analysis series is meant to be contemporaneous piece developed as an agglomeration of my notebook pages. In each of these posts I used my notes to develop my recent thoughts.

Past 2 Pancake Places

On November 27, 2020 I wrote that that morning I woke up at three in the morning at my father’s house. One of my boys had come downstairs to complain that his brother was kicking him. When we got up at 7:30 they played for a while. While one was a touch grouchy they were playful.

I got them dressed and fed. Dad had made coffee. We left at 10:30 on our way to see Grammy’s plot.

Dad took Sunset Boulevard and Brotherhood Way to the top of the hill. Then he picked up some flowers on Hillside before we got to Holy Cross. The boys helped clear Grammy‘s grave and we laid a picture on her grave for a photo.

Dad cried as he left her plot. I explained to the boys that we needed to give him some space.

A short while later the boys helped him clear his parent’s grave and we placed some flowers there too. Dad hadn’t visited that spot for a long time so the grave was a mess.

We spent a lot of time walking around looking for my maternal grandmother‘s grave but only found ones that said a similar name - Dad said that they were a distant relative.

After that I drove to Hillcrest – past 2 pancake places – to visit the San Andreas Lake Trail. Dad spoke to a city worker and I got some photos of the boys with the lake. It was hard to keep their attention.

I drove us around the neighborhood because I wanted to visit again by bike. Unfortunately, the area was too steep for bikes and I had to admit that the best approach was from San Bruno rather than Millbrae.

We took the freeway back and I got coffee while the boys slept. Later the boys played and Dad fell asleep in the chair and the boys threw pillows at him. Later we had pizza and I showed the boys my pictures. When they finished eating they watched TV until late.

This is an occasional series chronicling my life. This Notebook Analysis series is meant to be contemporaneous piece developed as an agglomeration of my notebook pages. In each of these posts I used my notes to develop my recent thoughts.

The Crystal Springs Trail

On November 14, 2020 I wrote that the morning of the day that I wrote this up at 9:45 and left at 11 to ride up rode Alemany to Hillside in Daly City. I followed every turn without a problem and passed or was passed by a number of cyclists - one was snotty.

I stopped at a market to rest and at Holy Cross I realized I’d be able to see my mother‘s grave but I couldn’t find it. I rode to San Bruno to have coffee at Peet’s. I bought spray olive oil at Molly stones because the bike was squeaking. I rode through San Bruno to Shelter Creek.

I thought that Whitman would be the best way to go but there was a slight hill and I ended up going around the high school at the top because the area is so hilly. I noted that the next time I go I should go through the Shelter Creek apartment complex and come out at the other side on Whitman to climb up to the Crystal Springs Trail

I tweeted when I got to the top.

I rode the San Andreas lake trail to Hillcrest and noted that it was not continuous since you have to take Skyline for a short distance until you get to the Crystal Springs Trail. I had some sublime moments all the way down to San Andreas dam. I texted with family and later crossed the Crystal Springs dam which was fantastic. From there I explored the parallel trails until la Cañada college.

By then it was getting dark. I bought a drink at a liquor store and caught my breath at Sequoia station. Unfortunately, I missed tagging in and had to do so at Belmont. I had caught the express so the trip turned out great.

When I got back to the city, I went to Sycamore and then to the apartment.

This is an occasional series chronicling my life. This Notebook Analysis series is meant to be contemporaneous piece developed as an agglomeration of my notebook pages. In each of these posts I used my notes to develop my recent thoughts.

Trick-or-Treat Spots

On October 31 I wrote that I was up at 7:15 and convince the boys to get dressed. I was a bit late and laundering the dirty sheets but I got the boys fed. I noticed that they often will play for an hour unsupervised when they have been fed.

I sent four emails and wrote up two items for the desktop. I noted that I would have to bring the bike downstairs.

I took an hour to get out of the apartment and I rode quickly to Stanyan. I don’t know why I kept bringing bikes on the trip to dad’s but I do. The boys were wearing their costumes but I forgot mine.

When I got to page Street I decided that I would have to go to freewheel. We drank our beverages at the Waller skate park. I went up seventh.

I took Kirkam and Ortega to Sunset reservoir and I showed the boys the top. Then we went to dads.

I unpacked while he entertained. Then we played with a puzzle. Later I got the boys back on the bike and we went to about 12 trick-or-treat spots -three of them were near the reservoir. I went to my sister’s even though she wasn’t there. We hit up a few spots on 38th and 42nd Ave.

After that I went to the Burger joint. Back home the boys ate a bit with dad and I. They must’ve been really hungry. We were alone together and then I wound down. I occasionally was tidying and doing dishes.

This is an occasional series chronicling my life. This Notebook Analysis series is meant to be contemporaneous piece developed as an agglomeration of my notebook pages. In each of these posts I used my notes to develop my recent thoughts.

They collected windshield glass.

On October 24, 2020 I woke that morning the alarm clock went off three times before I made an effort to get up at 7:15. I was out of it. The boys had woken but had yet to rise. I managed to get them dressed and fed before nine.

My acquaintance came over at 9:50 and we were able to leave together with the boys bikes at 10:15. A couple we knew followed us. I shot past everyone and wrote up Fell super fast. We arrived at the Golden Gate Park event together.

I saw a few people I knew from the panhandle. It was great. Another person from the Inner Sunset was there with his son. People from Butter Lap and SF Bike filtered in. I even saw people I knew in North Beach. We rode around the museums twice and then went to the skaters circle.

I gave dad the kids bikes and met my acquaintance at the coffee shop. After that we went to the blue playground. Through much of this my boys did really well. One of my boys rode on the back of my acquaintance’s cargo bike. At Blue Playground, the cyclists I knew were hanging out with a guy who was running for the transportation board.

I managed to convince the boys to go to Golden Gate bridge. We said bye to the other kids and rode away by 11 I think.

I zigzagged to the Presidio and got water at the general store on the golf course. The boys were cool until they saw the bridge and then they rebelled. I had to stop at Mark Miller battery to let them vent. They collected windshield glass.

I tried again but one of the boys still had some reservations. They relented as I rode on.

I got passed by a roadie who had to tell me how to ride a bike.

We went to the sewer plant overlook near Sausalito for a snack. The boys were in great spirits. We went to the discovery museum but they were full so I went to the yacht club and then to the lodge where I got them chocolate. We played in a tree and I took some pictures.

We rode up and over the bridge then. We made three stops. At the toll plaza they wanted to look at the displays and the underside of the bridge. At Emigrant Point I changed my battery and then we rode through the Richmond.

Dad had spaghetti ready at the house when we finally arrived. We did pumpkins and had ice cream after we ate.

This is an occasional series chronicling my life. This Notebook Analysis series is meant to be contemporaneous piece developed as an agglomeration of my notebook pages. In each of these posts I used my notes to develop my recent thoughts.

Cut Up the Pumpkins

On October 23 I work there I woke at 8:45 and skipped Geo breakfast. I ate leftover pizza because it wasn’t going to last otherwise. I tidied and walked to Ace and Verve. While I got some air I thought about how hard it was to find elastic string. However, I did find some packing tape.

I did a bit of work and personal stuff at home before I got the ecargo bike out and went to get coffee and visit the drug store. When I got back I did more work and some writing. Then I headed off to the ferry building.

I rode the ferry out in the fresh air and on the trip back I had activities. We stopped at salesforce tower. We stopped at the bank and passed through to Buena Gardens.

At the apartment the boys changed and then we cut up the pumpkins and ate pizza. One of the boys started falling asleep but we were able to get to bed alright.

This is an occasional series chronicling my life. This Notebook Analysis series is meant to be contemporaneous piece developed as an agglomeration of my notebook pages. In each of these posts I used my notes to develop my recent thoughts.

About my Dream

On October 20, 2020, I wrote that that morning I woke up from a dream where I was hiking a pilgrimage or peregrination. I had left the boys behind. I looked down from a great height to see them calling me. They climbed up to me and we ended up at a friends house in the foothills playing video games.

Ironically an old college classmate from the foothills called while I was thinking about the dream and he told me he would be missing my meeting. I told him about my dream. We had a brief chat.

I went to the coffee shop and later concentrated on work. Later I got more coffee and then I got the ecargo bike out and went to see my father. We ate dinner and argued about politics. I noticed that he was surprisingly emotional as well. I texted with my siblings and niece.

We also discussed family travel and the late 70s and early 80s. He got photos out too. Eventually I went downstairs before leaving. I had a beer in the park and then went home to write.

This is an occasional series chronicling my life. This Notebook Analysis series is meant to be contemporaneous piece developed as an agglomeration of my notebook pages. In each of these posts I used my notes to develop my recent thoughts.

Go to Waller Street

On September 13, 2020, I wrote that the morning that I wrote this the boys got me up at 8:40. I lay in bed for too long. I was making coffee and cereal by nine and by 10 the boys had gone off to make noise elsewhere in the house.

Getting the boys ready for the day was a chore but they were mostly ready by the time my older sister let me know she had caught an N Judah. I was frantic when I realized she was really close.

The three of us ran up to Market and the four of us sat at a cafe for 20 minutes. I wanted to go home but the boys insisted we go to Waller Street.

The boys led us up the steps and into the orchard. I showed my sister the kale in the garden. Some couple was getting married in the dog park. It was really random. We looked at the Skull-Swallowing Bunny and walked back to the apartment where my other sister and the niblings met us a few hours later. My kids were ecstatic. I had a bunch of lunch stuff. My nieces made a toy castle and my nephews were watching the football game and reading a book.

By 430 everyone had gone. I took the garbage down and the boys and I hung out in the back. I made chicken and mac & cheese and the boys ate it.

 
This is an occasional series chronicling my life. This Notebook Analysis series is meant to be contemporaneous piece developed as an agglomeration of my notebook pages. In each of these posts I used my notes to develop my recent thoughts.

Rodeo Lagoon

On September 5 of 2020 I wrote that I woke up at 8:15 and knew I was late to dad. He texted me that he was late too. I did what I could to get dressed and made a meal.

I made 2 cups of coffee because I knew a trip to the coffee shop was not possible. I made lunch. Dad showed up by the time I had piled everything on the bedroom.

I was having a really hard time on account of the noise but I managed. I wasn’t particularly harsh in that was what mattered.

The ride up Laguna was good, barring my telling dad to drive better. I heard noises about Lombard and dad revealed to me that he had ridden a bike on the Golden Gate bridge at 14.

There was audible excitement about the tunnel to Fort Cronkite. I noted that there were a lot of bikes in the tunnel and on the road. Dad wanted to go to the visitors center but it was closed.

We parked and got the wheels out. We went over to Rodeo Lagoon and across the bridge to the beach where we found some logs. I set up a table cloth with a couple of rocks and we made several forays to the water after eating our sandwiches. It was pretty steep.

I have many memories of going there on the bus. I noted that dad had gone there a lot too. The waves were really easy and it’s possible to walk out as it recedes and back before it breaks. We went to the mouth of the lagoon where there are prickly things. Barefoot, the grainy sands really scrub the heels.

For the last stint at the water dad walked back early. I ran to the water for some noisy fun one last time before putting shoes on. The apple juice bottle had rocks in it so I threw it away.

Dad was napping when I returned. I dropped stuff off and told him to wait for me to go up the hill to Davis battery.

I got the wheels and had to carry on with to the noise but in the end it was really great. I noted that there is a gun on display at the top and the view of the city is wonderful - even with the smoke from fires to the north. I managed to get the wheels to work on the way back.

Dad was waiting and quiet time started as we drove back through the tunnel and onto the bridge to 25th. At the house I checked in my big bag and started a load of laundry because of the sand. Then I went to Gus‘ for dinner. When I returned I whipped up chicken nuggets, salad and mac & cheese.

I noted that dad really enjoyed it. In fact it was a loud hit. I was alone together then and we ate ice cream before I wound down.

This is an occasional series chronicling my life. This Notebook Analysis series is meant to be contemporaneous piece developed as an agglomeration of my notebook pages. In each of these posts I used my notes to develop my recent thoughts.

The Larger Labyrinth

On August 8 I look at that morning I was up at 8:15 because I knew my acquaintance was coming by to get the cargo bike. I got dressed before eating and then went downstairs. When he came and went I quietly practiced pedaling on Elgin Park before going to have hot cocoa at Four Barrel.

From there the walk up 15th to the fire station with easy. I had a coffee from Duboce Café and the park was great. The labyrinth was especially nice. The walk back on Hermann was really loud and very hard. When I got home I had to frantically wash hands and do some other stuff it was emotionally distressing.

At 4:45 I got the electric cargo bike out and went to Grace Cathedral to see the larger labyrinth and that was really exciting. I had a beer in the park before riding Jones home. I met a man with a Beno on that ride - it was new and fun we rode quietly together.

I made pizza after parking the bike and then was alone together. I had washed a bunch of sheets.

This is an occasional series chronicling my life. This Notebook Analysis series is meant to be contemporaneous piece developed as an agglomeration of my notebook pages. In each of these posts I used my notes to develop my recent thoughts.

Lyon Street Steps

On August 2 of 2020 I wrote that the day previous I woke up to noise in the room and ended up sleeping for a while extra. When I woke up finally I quietly went around the house collecting things and putting stuff away.

I poured out cereal and made coffee before checking in with dad. We agreed to meet at the Maine Post in the Presidio. I secretly went down back and put the bike together. Each time I came up it was like it hadn’t happened.

After that I quietly put shoes on and grabbed a peanut butter and jelly sandwich before going out back to sweep up Redwood tree needles. After that I had a hot cocoa at Mercury – some of it was spilled on the ground.

I rode the bike to Scott and climbed into Pacific Heights on the bike to Lyon Street steps. I took some cool photos and then descended on lovers Lane to meet my father.

We walked around for a bit and sat on the grass. I noted that dad‘s pants got wet from doing that. I had a beer and a short while later we met again at Crissy Field.

This time it was the sand but I did get my feet wet. Dad got tired and left. I had a ride to Lincoln where I saw a grade school classmate. The ride to 15th Ave. was loud.

I met an acquaintance at the AIDS Memorial Grove before riding to meet dad at his house where we had dinner and I watched the movie Thor.

The next morning dad went to the store before I got up. I had poured out some cereal and fell asleep upstairs. Later I sat and ate – had some cold coffee.

I took the big bike up to 47 and Ortega to have a quiet cup of drip coffee at the farmers market and met some people and family I know. Later I rode to Speedway, Lloyd’s lake, the waterfall and further on. I stopped on JFK for bonbons.

I noted that the panhandle was great. I made chicken, rice, salad and garbanzo beans before winding down. I was alone then and was planning on going to Alameda early in the morning on the boat.

This is an occasional series chronicling my life. This Notebook Analysis series is meant to be contemporaneous piece developed as an agglomeration of my notebook pages. In each of these posts I used my notes to develop my recent thoughts.

Fireworks were Going Off

On July 5 2020 I wrote that the day before I packed extra wheels onto the cargo bike and climbed to market on my street. At 17th I got some water and some sunscreen. After that I climbed to Twin Peaks for some photos.

The ride down to Portola was fun because I got the wheels out. When I put them away I went to Laguna Honda Bl. and tried the route I like to take Vasquez and Kensington.

I descended to 14th and Ulloa and then to my sister’s house and spent about two hours with her. The house was really loud. We had tea and snacks. We discussed my mother’s passing and enjoyed the warm afternoon.

The bike ride to my father’s house was eye-opening because it went so smoothly. Once there I checked with him about the week and his plans. I made sandwiches and ate leftover Easter candy. At one point it occurred to me that I would have to go so I rode quietly to Golden Gate Park with some of the wheels out.

I took a quiet rest between the Polo Fields and the waterfall, which was really difficult. The ride later took me to the band shell where the “trucks” are and then on to the “secret forest.”

I got a pretzel at the Conservatory and rode down the hill on the grass. Then I went to the Panhandle and onward to Page Street. I thought the ride was wonderful because I had extra wheels out for so much of it especially at Waller.

My friend had texted me mid day to say that she was bummed that I had missed the Alameda fireworks show. So, when I quietly got into the apartment I decided to do a quick turnaround and go to Lombard where I visited the “twisty street” and got photos of the sunset from the reservoir.

While the fireworks shows had all been canceled, there was a surprise on the ride down Hyde street because apparently fireworks were going off all over the mission. I tweeted all about it.

After that it was a race to get home and wind down. I discovered that I had barely made it but in the end I was able to even watch a little TV. I went to bed exhausted.

This is an occasional series chronicling my life. This Notebook Analysis series is meant to be contemporaneous piece developed as an agglomeration of my notebook pages. In each of these posts I used my notes to develop my recent thoughts.

New Panhandle Bike Lane

On July 25 of 2020 I wrote that the day before I got the cargo bike ready before heading out to the ferry. I tried to find stuff at the supermarket there but they were closed.

I hadn’t been enjoying the ferry trip up to then during the pandemic but I had gotten used to it. At Main Street the meeting with my friend was brief.

The boat trip was marked by a lack of food and generally nothing to do out of concern for contagion. I noted that I wanted someday to get off in Oakland instead and possibly ride to Treasure Island.

I stopped at roadside and rode to the apartment. I did a quick turnaround to switched some wheels and equipment before meeting some acquaintances at Duboce Park. I was surprised to see so many people there - including an old college classmate. We had beer and crackers and watched the scooters before riding back to the apartment.

I tried to order from Goat Hill but had to RUN to Little Star instead. Dinner and a movie were pretty quiet and I was quick to wind down. Later I had to do some stuff for myself so went to bed late – I heard gunshots.

In the morning of the day that I was pissed I finally got out of bed at nine and poured out cereal. When I got all the clothes on I called dad and texted my younger sister. I noted that I was going to go to Four Barrel and then to Golden Gate Park.

I got the bike out but noise upstairs made it difficult. Then, loading the bike was really hard so I had to take too long. Some of the neighbors saw me and I felt like a spectacle.

When eventually I was able to get out, I rode slowly up Page Street to the Wiggle and onto the new Panhandle bike lane which was parking protected. From there I entered the park and the ride was easy. My acquaintances from the biking events were there. I got the wheels out and enjoyed the people until the protected bikeways thing ended. I met a new person at Blue Playground.

After that I made a stop at the waterfall before heading to dads house. My sister was there and I helped Dad make dinner. We went for a bike ride around the block.

This is an occasional series chronicling my life. This Notebook Analysis series is meant to be contemporaneous piece developed as an agglomeration of my notebook pages. In each of these posts I used my notes to develop my recent thoughts.

The Burns Statue

On June 20, 2020 I wrote that the night before I went to bed at midnight almost perfectly. I woke up twice but got out of bed at around 830. I want to noise but in the crows nest.

I tried to make food quickly since an acquaintance was coming by to pick his cargo bike up. I quietly checked to see if it was OK and brought my cargo down and got his cargo out.

I went back up and begin to prepare to leave. I quietly started closing out the house and eventually walked all my equipment to the street. I quietly walked all together across Duboce and rode to Mercury. I stopped at the mini park and after that went all the way up page to Stanyan.

I noticed that I saw a coworker on Page Street and told him I sent him a message.

In Golden Gate Park I found the open streets activists. I found some close acquaintances there too after going through the secret forest. I saw another coworker too. There was some loud play and we explored.

I left at 2:30 and rode again through the Secret Forest and onto Page where I packed up the wheels and headed to the apartment.

I had a quiet two hours working – there was noise actually. An acquaintance came by and gave me his cargo bike. I made a small meal and he drank my beer. I quietly walked to Waller and said bye to him.

Back at the apartment at 7:45 there was a lot of TV and some ice cream before winding down. I read an angry email from my friend who had just received my hand delivered letter. I texted with my sister before sending a friendly email to her.

This is an occasional series chronicling my life. This Notebook Analysis series is meant to be contemporaneous piece developed as an agglomeration of my notebook pages. In each of these posts I used my notes to develop my recent thoughts.

Mom Sat with Us

On June 6 of 2020 I wrote that I was watching Doctor Who until nearly midnight the night before and work at 1:30 and two to my body feeling funny. I got up and had some water and was worried for a half hour.

I woke at 6:30 but didn’t get up until nearly 8. I got a meal down and decided to get coffee later. I rode my bike to the periodontist. I know that Union Square had become off-limits because of the curfew.

I later learned that the curfew would be lifted the coming day. There were barriers and cops but the office was open for my appointment. The dentist had me fill out a form and told me I had deep pockets in my gums and some bone loss. We made an appointment and I went to Mercury. I worked for a few hours before going back for another coffee. I was alone at the apartment for a while. I noted I was planning on going to mom’s after I was done writing to see my older sister.

I made a sandwich and had a smoothie. Packing was hard and took too long. I rode the Wiggle past well heeled marchers and crowds. There were a lot of cars on Fell Street. Some little kids started talking to me while I tweeted at the waterfall. I saw an acquaintance on Overlook Drive. My sisters were on a walk when I arrived. Dad was with mom who was sleeping.

When my older sister returned she asked me to make a salad and then we ate. After we opened some wine, mom sat with us and we had a moment together. It was good.

Mom had to get up and go lay down around them. My older sister helped her. We had a discussion of police brutality then. My older sister started the dishes but had a call with her son which I had to finish because mom got up again. My sister ended up reading mom a story which was really great. Dad was complaining that the neighbors were standing on the roof. My older sister and I discussed law and marriage until late.

This is an occasional series chronicling my life. This Notebook Analysis series is meant to be contemporaneous piece developed as an agglomeration of my notebook pages. In each of these posts I used my notes to develop my recent thoughts.

Happy Birthday to Me

On May 12 of 2020, my birthday, I noticed that the previous night I dictated until late and watched Doctor Who. I went to bed at around one in the morning.

In the morning of the day that I wrote this I got up at 8:30. I brushed my teeth, which was painful because I was battling an infection. Luckily the dentist had called me back despite pandemic hours.

At 10 I made coffee and ate. My friend called to ask for help I couldn’t give. Her impatience with me was tough since she hung up and I had to call her back. On that call I started crying and she hung up. Later I did a quiet FaceTime and she sent me a message apologizing.

I had a call with my older sister. She said happy birthday and I told her about my day. She said my nephew might make a cake. Many people had sent me text messages and tweets about that. I had a FaceTime with mom. I texted my niece.

I went to the cafe and had a coffee.

My younger sister called to say mom had improved. She also told me that my uncle had called her but his anxiety had made mom upset. My younger sister was headed to the store. I told her I would be in on Wednesday and walk back to the apartment from the coffee shop.

My old college classmate and his wife both said happy birthday to me.

Around two I took some time to myself and I saw tweet messages and that was nice.

One of my acquaintances from Geobeers called me. We sat talking for about a half an hour.

At 4:15 I made dinner. My younger sister texted and I listened to a podcast. I took a short nap because dinner was too big. I returned to working on my procedure.

I lay down again and read about relationships. My friend texted me in the middle. I thought it was ironic. She had texted happy birthday and I said thanks.

I finished my template leaving the analysis section open. After that I noted that I wanted to work on the internal document.

I did dishes and prepared to go on a walk. However I brushed my teeth and decided to email my doctor. Then I went to Alamo Square and had some beer and walked back to the apartment to watch Doctor Who.

This is an occasional series chronicling my life. This Notebook Analysis series is meant to be contemporaneous piece developed as an agglomeration of my notebook pages. In each of these posts I used my notes to develop my recent thoughts.

Mom was Playing Piano

On May 9, 2020 I wrote that Dad made coffee while I traveled to see him and when I got there we quietly hung out with my sister and her husband until mom got up. A short while later we moved her bed into the garage to prepare for the hospital bed’s arrival on Monday.

I quietly served chips and sandwiches. My nibblings arrived as mom was playing piano. Then a bit later it was quiet time and we quietly played bocce ball in the backyard. After that we puttered around the house with mom in the living room.

There was a bunch of candy. By four my sister and her husband agreed to have dinner at my apartment so we said goodbye to mom and quietly drove mom’s car to the apartment. We ordered Burmese from around the corner and set up the kitchen. The meal was delicious and I offered kefir for everyone’s quiet enjoyment.

This is an occasional series chronicling my life. This Notebook Analysis series is meant to be contemporaneous piece developed as an agglomeration of my notebook pages. In each of these posts I used my notes to develop my recent thoughts.

Beers Overlooking the Palace

On April 18 of 2020 I wrote that by 5 o’clock I had stopped working and ate a bit before walking to the Western Addition. I had beers overlooking the Palace of Fine Arts. I then watched Doctor Who and went to bed after I returned.

I slept all right. After breakfast I tidied and worked until lunch. My ailing mother told me that I needed to come visit. I wrote up a list of things to get from the parents house and went to the cafe. My sister called me because she had to go to the overwhelmingly packed store in a pandemic and was discouraged. I noted that I should’ve helped her but I would have had to carry multiple bags on my bike so just gave up.

I rode up Page Street and dealt with bad drivers - the experience can be hard. I stopped at the bank and texted family once I got to the parents’ house. I helped mom with her zoom meeting and set up my computer in the living room where my father and I organized bikes as a gift to my children.

Mom sat in the living room when finished her nap and Dad and I made dinner. After eating mom returned to her room. Dad told me about the family and texted my older brother. I did some work then but did a lot to help my mother. We did the dishes.

I texted with my old classmate about being at home for the day with my parents and he included me with one of our acquaintances on a thread with songs by John Prine who had recently passed away.

I watched some Doctor Who.

This is an occasional series chronicling my life. This Notebook Analysis series is meant to be contemporaneous piece developed as an agglomeration of my notebook pages. In each of these posts I used my notes to develop my recent thoughts.

She and I Spoke

On the 12th of April 2020 I wrote that my friend let me know she would come get me. I hung out with my mom and as she was working in her checkbook. I set up my computer in the living room. I made mom hot cocoa.

She was trying to make the best of Easter Sunday with just dad by making Easter eggs for herself. It was an emotional experience for me and I was a mess. I shared that I had had made many choices in my life because I knew her health was failing.

Mom‘s vision had also been failing and she needed to figure out her checkbook. Dad was helping her. I noted that he was very brusque and that bothered me.

I walked on the Great Highway and happened upon an acquaintance. He and I had a short conversation.

Back home I had dinner with mom and dad and the plan for my friend to pick me up on Easter morning came out.

After she had gone to lay down, I chatted with mom. I mentioned the time when I was seven or eight when I asked her what would happen when she dies. The question I had asked at that time was mostly what I would do when she died, not where she goes. The conversation I had with her really helped alleviate my distress over her state. Later I settled in for a movie in the living room. Mom sat through a little bit of it.

In the morning of the day that I wrote this I woke at 6:30 and Mom made waffles. I checked in on my parents and went downstairs with a cup of coffee.

Later I returned to see mom. We discussed how ineffective change can be. She told me that the effect of change did not negate its necessity. I didn’t feel like I had made much of a point but eventually mom understood I would still have to work with adversity to get stuff done.

Before I left I also spoke to my father. Then I got the bags on my bike and rode to the apartment through Golden Gate Park. My friend was there and I made her coffee. She piled up a giant amount of stuff and we got it in the car and we drove to the house in Alameda. Inside I quietly gave hugs and was quietly relieved.

There was coffee and I sat on the floor and quietly enjoyed myself. Eventually there were “eggs“ as a treasure hunt. Paper cut out eggs contained clues to find new eggs which would have clues in them. While that was happening I hid eggs in the backyard. The egg hunt happened twice.

Later I went on two quiet bike rides. When I returned there were more egg games but my friend took me home. She and I spoke in the car and I listed out things to do, like studying, where to live and a bunch of other stuff. The conversation spread out over our arrival at the apartment. We sat in the kitchen. She didn’t seem to know how long she would be at her sister’s house.

When we were done talking I walked around looking at stuff. At one point we sat in the front room.

This is an occasional series chronicling my life. This Notebook Analysis series is meant to be contemporaneous piece developed as an agglomeration of my notebook pages. In each of these posts I used my notes to develop my recent thoughts.

Shelf was Only Rated

On March 29 of 2020 I noted that I had gotten the middle curtain and a shelf hung in my office and only had the last one to do. I also noted that the shelf was only rated for 10 pounds and there were more than 15 pounds on it.

I left for a bike ride in the afternoon and rode to Hillside via the route that I had identified. But instead of going to the Guadalupe Canyon Overlook I headed towards Daly City where I climbed up to Westmoor on the most direct route on a side street. It started raining lightly after that and on the way back I found Junipero Serra and Alemany to be useful. I realized Lyle Street had made Bosworth much better.

I was playing video games when I texted my friend who was watching a movie. She wanted to know when the isolation would end and I had no answer. I told her to ask my mom who had emailed my family but was mostly trying to reach my siblings.

In the morning of the day that I wrote this I was up at 10 and finished eating at around 1045. I got myself oriented and then started getting ready to sit at my computer for work.

My friend had sent a message showing the cute thing she and her friend had done. The pandemic had prevented them from spending time together so they rode bikes to their friend’s house and displayed birthday banners for a neighbor through their window.

I was texting with my mom and made dinner after getting the last curtain rod up in my office. 

This is an occasional series chronicling my life. This Notebook Analysis series is meant to be contemporaneous piece developed as an agglomeration of my notebook pages. In each of these posts I used my notes to develop my recent thoughts.

Our Favorite Ramen Place

On March 4 of 2020 I wrote that the night before I frantically dictated and wrote in my notebook before winding down. When I was finished I also went to bed.

In the morning of the day that I wrote this I was up at seven and managed to get out at 8 o’clock. My friend had a Pilates class. The ride was actually great but after leaving Jackson on a 10 and drinking coffee I learned that I had forgotten to sign out.

Later that day, I barely made it out of work before the Pilates class my friend had scheduled for us. She had personal reasons for doing it but I was happy with the result. I noted that I would do it again.

We went to our favorite ramen place and then stopped at the bar on the way home and we had an OK time. The bartender got us a drink.

This is an occasional series chronicling my life. This Notebook Analysis series is meant to be contemporaneous piece developed as an agglomeration of my notebook pages. In each of these posts I used my notes to develop my recent thoughts.

Two Days of Skiing

On February 5 of 2020 I wrote that that morning I woke up at six and again at seven but just lay like a lump. Two days of skiing had really weakened me.

There was coffee and pancakes so I went down and let my friend serve me. I laid back down after helping for a bit. We changed gears and started packing.

At about 1030 our host quietly left with the trailer to ski. I found a bunch of stuff and then put them in the car. When everyone returned we were ready.

The others seemed tired but they were set to go on a quick ski adventure. The rest of us headed back to the city. My friend and I went visited the gondola to the resort and had coffee before we headed out towards Auburn and San Francisco.

This is an occasional series chronicling my life. This Notebook Analysis series is meant to be contemporaneous piece developed as an agglomeration of my notebook pages. In each of these posts I used my notes to develop my recent thoughts.

Cross Country Ski Trip

On February 4 of 2020 I wrote that that morning I woke to pancakes. I ate and helped around the house until my hostess started getting us ready to go on a cross country ski trip.

I rented cross country skis and we got out on the trail. Originally we were going to Sugarbowl but we decided to visit kid lakes. I remembered some of the runs from my last visit. Later though we connected to a new trail.

I looked on the map and found the trails wandering all over but they were easy. We took a trail to a warming hut and I was able to take a layer off. We had a sandwich and coffee. We took the shortest route back near the railroad tracks and that involved a lot of hard climbing but it meant we got back around closing.

I walked to the house pretty slow. When I got there we were starting dinner. I had a drink as we prepared to eat. The food didn’t sit well so I took a nap later. I helped wind down and then some of us played Scrabble.

This is an occasional series chronicling my life. This Notebook Analysis series is meant to be contemporaneous piece developed as an agglomeration of my notebook pages. In each of these posts I used my notes to develop my recent thoughts.

Walking to the Waterfall

On January 20 of 2020 I wrote that in the previous morning I woke up at my old classmate’s house and had coffee and pancakes with his family. I was still helping him move furniture. After we unloaded everything we went for pizza in town and saw his younger brother - a doctor - passing through with his girlfriend. Later I decided that they would take me to Sacramento so I could catch a late train home the next day.

That night we played Scrabble and listened to one of the nieces play her violin. Later we in to town with some locals. The doctor told me he used to be a taxi driver and would sit out front of the bar all night. We played pool and darts until 1 AM and met some local color. Some guy from Kentucky told us his life story.

In the morning of the day that I wrote this my host woke me with a text and we had coffee together. I spent the rest of the day with his younger brother. My host left for work and I sat with the doctor and his girlfriend a bit before walking to the waterfall.

He told us stories about being a doctor. We took photos of things he remembered from growing up in the woods. When we got back we said bye to my old classmate and headed out to the city. We got coffee at the station and I said goodbye to them. I got tacos. I noted I would be at home shortly.

This is an occasional series chronicling my life. This Notebook Analysis series is meant to be contemporaneous piece developed as an agglomeration of my notebook pages. In each of these posts I used my notes to develop my recent thoughts.