Things just keep getting better and better in the Jack London District. It’s been a long time coming, but it seems almost every week, there’s a new and exciting business opening in the area. Last night we dined at a new restaurant two blocks away – Encuentro. The 100% vegetarian menu was 100% delicious. And prices are reasonable. Highly recommended.

This afternoon, a neighbor informed us of the latest addition to the ‘hood – Cerruti Cellars Tasting Room. Just three blocks away, and the wines are great. So convenient, it’s dangerous. We’re already trying to think of some excuse for having a party in the beautifully remodeled space. See you there!

For the first time in 25 years, Oakland played host to a marathon today. Six thousand People of all shapes and sizes come out to run and watch the 26 mile course on a beautiful Sunday morning. I love it. Go Oakland!

I attempted to recreate exactly the black and white photo, shot in 1962. I took several shots, but could not seem to find the exact spot the original was taken from, but one thing seems clear – the middle of the road has shifted somewhat to the left.

We decided we had had it with the white tile and grimy grout. We decided to go in a completely different direction. We think it was a good decision. I can’t decide what I like most, the fabulous shower or the speakers in the ceiling. :)

The mood around here is definitely up-beat. Turns out we all love the bathroom, except of course, the birds, who are totally mortified by this new dark space. Ahh… Life is good.

We finally received the last couple bits of the kitchen remodel, so I can finally share the results. Roll over the image for a before and after view.

The normal state of affairs as up to eight birds jostle for a seat on one of the two perches.

A couple of these buggers probably eat half of the seed I put out.

Anyway, I had no idea how pretty doves are until I saw this shot.

I mostly prefer birds that live outside to those that will live indoors with us – forever, it seems.

Here’s one I shot through the living room window.

New tile. Yay!

It’s a warm day. Spring is definitely in the air. Time for me and my camera to take a walk.

My respect and sympathy to the families who lost a husband, dad, son. A terrible price.

And it looks a lot better “in person” than it does here. It’s nearly five feet tall – the color and sharpness are excellent, and the metallic Fuji Pearl paper really shines! Move your mouse over the image below to compare my PhotoShop visualization with the actual print on the wall.

I have some free time today, (Kelly’s in far-out Fresno) so I’m preparing one of my Burma images for printing. I plan to take advantage of the ridiculously good deals at Elco Labs, and print an image 52 inches tall on metallic paper. I’ll have the poster mounted and hang it on the wall above Kelly’s desk. But first, a little visualization brought to you by PhotoShop’s awesome Vanishing Point filter!

Move your mouse over the image below to view the wall before and after I hang the poster. Sorry Mark, we’ll have to move your excellent Paris poster to another wall. :)