Last Wednesday was our company white elephant party organized by our tireless party organizer Kimmie. This was the first white elephant we've had since the year we moved up to San Francisco where a nameless executive stole a toy from a young child in exchange for her $20 charity donation. The child cried and cried. There were no children and no tears this year I'm happy to say, but there were some executives who joined in the mix. Part of the fun we missed at our first white elephant were the challenges. When its your turn, you can either pick... | Continue »

We harvested many pounds of fragrant, gold-green quinces this year. The Gardener decides to turn some of them into membrillo. A Quince Membrillo Ingredients Quinces Sugar Wash and quarter the quinces, and then steam until soft. Put through a food mill and weigh the resulting pulp. Add the same weight of sugar. Cook over a medium flame with much stirring ( an energetic process) until the mixture starts to come away from the sides of the pan. Turn out onto cookie sheets and dry for several hours in an oven at 170 F. Cut into squares and serve as a... | Continue »

On the train ride home last night, I couldn't shake the thought of the most recent accident on the Bay Bridge and the associated debate on safety. All I could think about was this, so I quickly sketched it out. | Continue »

As part of our ongoing rollout of the NEW TypePad we are pleased to announce new social blogging features and the launch of TypePad Micro: a completely free level of TypePad focused on easy sharing... | Continue »

The Minaret at La Mezquita (The Mosque) We're in the lovely walled city of Cordoba in Spain. We visit La Mezquita, which was started in the 8th century on the site of a Christian Visigoth church. The interior has row upon row of columns, topped with red and white striped horseshoe arches. The Catholic cathredal was built into the mosque in the 16th century. My friend, Cynthia, who has been keeping an eye on the yard while we're away, e mails that a crew was digging up the front yard last time she visited. We're pleased to hear that work... | Continue »

We arrive in Barcelona, a lively city with amazing architecture, great food and a terrible problem with pickpockets. The gardener replies to an email from Gardens of the Wine Country asking for clarification of the details of the work we want done. We take the train to the pretty French town of Narbonne, where we meet my brother and sister-in-law, and pick up a boat from the excellent LeBoat company. We leave the mooring and start on our way up the Canal de la Robine to the Canal du Midi. It's really fun, but as we cruise along, guiding the... | Continue »

iz warm. via www.flickr.com | Continue »

We've been posting a lot lately about ways to do good things for others through your blog, and before we get to our wrap-up on Blog Action Day, here's three other people in our community... | Continue »