A Golden Gate Birthday (Part 2)

A Golden Gate Birthday (Part 2)

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Moving Around

During their 68-year marriage, my parents moved 27 times. I, of course, was not present for all of those moves. There may have been one or two moves before I was born, but there were certainly a few after I left home in 1972 to join the Air Force.

My own list of moves is a bit shorter, although the exact total can’t be confirmed since some of those came during the period of my childhood where I was not aware of much going on around me. And, sadly, my parents are no longer around to ask for the answer.

The moves I do remember, however, begin during my first year in grammar school. I started the year in Edgemoor, South Carolina, where one of the three churches my father pastored at the time was located. Early that school year, we moved from the “manse” in Edgemoor into the brand new home built for us in Richburg, South Carolina.

The second move came in 1962, when the family—which numbered six at the time—made the journey to Little Rock, Arkansas. Dad had accepted a pastorate at a church there, Highland Heights A.R.P.

The reason for the next move in 1966 was written about in BudZine No. 1. Dad’s first assignment as a U.S. Army chaplain took him to Fort Hood, Texas, where we lived for one year. When he took off for an assignment in South Korea, the remainder of the family—which now included five children—relocated to Virginia, so we could be near Mom’s relatives.

Once Dad’s tour of duty in South Korea was done, he was stationed at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, which was our introduction to the place where I have spent the majority of my life. After two more years, he was sent to Vietnam, and the family moved from the post into Sierra Vista, the neighboring town.

On his return from Vietnam, Dad was assigned to Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He remained there for two years, but by that time I had joined the Air Force and began making moves of my own. The first was Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Texas, where I attended basic training. Then came the Presidio of Monterey, in California, where I spent nine months at the Defense Language Institute. The next assignment took me to Goodfellow AFB in San Angelo, Texas, for six months of technical training. Then came my tour of duty on Okinawa.

After discharge from the Air Force in 1975, I made my way to Tucson, where I rented a house in the fall until I could move into the dorms on the University of Arizona campus. Moving between dorms for regular and summer sessions did not constitute what the military referred to as a Permanent Change of Station, but once I ran out of GI Bill in the spring of 1980, I moved with a friend into a rental in Tucson for the rest of the summer.

My move to Nogales, Arizona, came in the fall of 1980, when I went to work for the Nogales International. Upon leaving there in 1983, I spent the rest of the year with my family in Berlin, where Dad was stationed. I returned to the states at the beginning of 1984 and worked for UPI in Louisville, Kentucky for four months, and couch-surfed with a friend in Tucson for four more months. In the fall of 1984 I sought refuge with relatives in Virginia, where I worked for two newspapers for a little more than a year.

Shortly before the end of 1985, a public relations job at the Carondelet hospitals took me back to Tucson. I lived in two different apartment complexes before moving into my first home in 1990. Just over ten years later came my second home, where I remained until 2015, when I moved in with Nancy.

Our move to Oregon will be the 22nd for me, more or less. I hope we can remain in place for a while. It’s been exhausting just compiling this list.

The Ultimate Guide to a Memorable Maternity Photo Session in San Francisco

Capture the radiant glow of motherhood amidst the iconic backdrop of San Francisco with our exquisite maternity photo sessions. Nestled within the heart of this vibrant city, our sessions offer a perfect blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty. From the stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge to the lush greenery of parks like Golden Gate Park or Presidio, every location becomes a picturesque canvas for celebrating the beauty of pregnancy.

Our skilled photographers specialize in creating intimate and timeless moments that reflect the joy, anticipation, and love of this special chapter in your life. Whether you prefer a chic urban setting or a tranquil natural environment, we tailor each session to suit your unique style and preferences. San Francisco's diverse neighborhoods provide a rich tapestry of backdrops, allowing you to showcase your journey to parenthood in a way that resonates with your personal story.

During the session, we focus on capturing the natural connection between you and your growing baby bump, emphasizing the beauty of your changing body. From the soft, dreamy light of sunset at Baker Beach to the architectural marvels of downtown, each photograph becomes a cherished memory that preserves the essence of this transformative period.

Our maternity photo sessions in San Francisco aim to create not just images but a visual narrative that tells the story of your pregnancy. Let us help you celebrate this precious time in your life against the breathtaking backdrop of one of the most iconic and picturesque cities in the world.

Crissy Field Overlook

I was painting after work today, and usually, it’s super windy and cold over by the bridge as the fog rolls in. But not tonight; instead, it was lovely, calm, and warm. The quality of light was exceptional. As far as Presidio painting sessions go, these conditions were as good as it gets. I worked on this one for about an hour until I lost my light, then finished it up at home. 9x12in oil on…

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5 Beautiful Small Towns in South Texas

Texas is a big state. It's so big that you can live in one area (like North Texas) for decades and never experience its other corners. Whether North, South, East or West, each of these regions in Texas has its own unique landscape, culture and feel.  If you’re planning a move to another area of Texas, it can be overwhelming knowing where to start. But, just as we did in our blog post about some of the most beautiful small towns in North Texas, we have a few recommendations for South Texas as well. Here are our picks for some of the most beautiful small towns in the southern part of the Lone Star State. 1. Goliad Tucked away along the San Antonio River, Goliad is a small town teeming with history and natural beauty. As one of the oldest Spanish colonial municipalities in Texas, Goliad boasts an array of historical landmarks, including the Presidio La Bahia and the Mission Espíritu Santo. Stroll through the town's picturesque streets lined with charming boutiques and local eateries that offer a taste of authentic Texan cuisine. Whether you're soaking in the town's rich past or basking in its tranquil ambiance, Goliad is a hidden gem well worth visiting. 2. Castroville Often referred to as "The Little Alsace of Texas," Castroville transports visitors to a quaint European village with its well-preserved Alsatian architecture. This small town, founded by French settlers in the mid-1800s, offers a delightful blend of French and Texan culture. Take a leisurely stroll through the town's charming streets, adorned with half-timbered houses and colorful gardens. Don't forget to explore the Medina River and Castroville Regional Park for some outdoor adventure amidst the stunning natural scenery. As with the other towns on this list, a residential moving container is an ideal solution for a move to Castroville. 3. Rockport Nestled along the Gulf of Mexico, Rockport is a serene coastal town that exudes laid-back charm and a rich maritime heritage. With its pristine beaches, art galleries and world-class fishing opportunities, Rockport has become a beloved destination for artists, nature enthusiasts and anglers alike. Capture the captivating sunsets, enjoy fresh seafood by the water and immerse yourself in the town's vibrant art scene. For those seeking a relaxing coastal retreat, Rockport is a perfect choice. 4. Fredericksburg As you venture west, you'll discover the enchanting town of Fredericksburg, a haven of German heritage and Texas hospitality. Surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards, this town is a treasure trove of wineries, boutique shops and German-inspired eateries. Indulge in wine tasting sessions, explore the National Museum of the Pacific War and take a scenic drive along the Willow City Loop to witness the breathtaking wildflower displays in spring. Fredericksburg is a delightful escape that blends Old World charm with modern-day allure. 5. Marfa For the adventurous souls seeking something unique, Marfa is the ultimate destination. This artsy town in the West Texas desert is renowned for its minimalist art installations, eclectic galleries and the mysterious Marfa Lights. Experience the captivating ambiance of the desert landscape while browsing contemporary art, and don't forget to visit the iconic Prada Marfa art installation. As the sun sets over the vast desert, you'll be left with unforgettable memories and a newfound appreciation for this offbeat gem. Whether you’re moving to South Texas or anywhere else in this great state, a SAM (Store & Move) container can help ensure that your relocation is seamless. We’ve moved thousands of families all over Texas over the years. We know how to help you get your belongings to your new home. Read the full article

Still one of my favorite engagement sessions at Lover’s Lane! Day dreaming of spring sessions with couples! #engagedlife #engagedcouple #engagementphotos #loverslanetrail #loverslaneengagement #sanfranciscoengagement #sfengagementsession #engagedinsanfrancisco #bayareaweddingphotographer #thisisus #theknothalloffame #loveissimple #gettingmarriedsoon #candidlove #howtheyasked (at Lover's Lane Trail Presidio) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cnm5cPHPi0V/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

With 90 per cent of San Francisco's 2,000 police officers refusing to work, no crime wave seemed to be sweeping the hilly streets of this city and county of 671,000. Police supervisors handled emergency calls only. And lines of tourists still waited patiently at cable car stops.

But there were isolated incidents of violence, apparently directed at picketing policemen, who are wearing civilian clothes but may still carry their weapons.

In meetings throughout the day Mayor Alioto sought to renew negotiations between the Police Officers Association and the 11‐member County Board of Supervisors, San Francisco's legislative body.

But the sessions produced no settlement. And late tonight in a radio‐TV address to the city, the Mayor said he would seek an accord through night‐long negotations and the courts.

Earlier today city officials obtained a temporary restraining order from Superior Court Judge Robert Drewes prohibiting picketing and ordering the police back to work pending a hearing on Sept. 2.

Twelve hours later, however, the police were ignoring the order. Gerald Crowley, president of the police association, called it “unconstitutional.”

The Mayor said dismissal procedures against striking policemen would begin in the morning and that contempt citations and arrest warrants would be sought against defiant union leaders.

The Mayor warned that San Francisco “can go the route of New York unless we call a halt right now” to financial demands on the city.

[...]

Last night city crime appeared to increase dramatically. Negotiations at City Hall were suspended suddenly when a pipe bomb exploded in the early morning darkness on the front porch of Mayor Alioto's home in the exclusive Presidio Heights area.

No one was injured in the blast, but considerable damage was done to the door and steps.

And a note was found on the lawn: “Don't Threaten Us.”

Some thought the note referred to the Mayor's threat to dismiss all striking uniformed city employes. But the Mayor called it the work of “goofy people.”

From this and this, 1975 pieces

Sean Connery, Oscar Winner and James Bond Star, Dies at 90

Sean Connery, the Scottish-born actor who rocketed to fame as James Bond and became one of the franchise’s most popular and enduring international stars, has died. He was 90.

Connery, long regarded as one of the best actors to have portrayed the iconic spy, was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2000 and marked his 90th birthday in August. His death was confirmed by his family, according to the BBC, which notes that the actor died in his sleep while in the Bahamas. It’s believed he had been unwell for some time. His last acting role had been in Stephen Norrington’s “The League of Extraordinary Gentleman” (2003).

Connery was an audience favorite for more than 40 years and one of the screen’s most reliable and distinctive leading men. The actor was recently voted the best James Bond actor in an August Radio Times poll in the U.K. More than 14,000 voted and Connery claimed 56% of the vote. Global tributes poured in for Connery on Saturday following news of his death.

In a statement, Bond producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli said Connery “was and shall always be remembered as the original James Bond whose indelible entrance into cinema history began when he announced those unforgettable words, ‘The name’s Bond… James Bond.’

“He revolutionized the world with his gritty and witty portrayal of the sexy and charismatic secret agent. He is undoubtedly largely responsible for the success of the film series and we shall be forever grateful to him,” said the producers.

However, Connery — who made his debut in the first Bond film, “Dr. No” (1962) — also transcended Ian Fleming’s sexy Agent 007, and went on to distinguish himself with a long and mature career in such films as “The Wind and the Lion” (1975), “The Man Who Would Be King” (1975) and “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” (1989).

His turn as a tough Irish cop in Depression-era Chicago in Brian De Palma’s “The Untouchables” (1987) brought him a supporting actor Oscar.

Even as he entered his seventh decade, Connery’s star power remained so strong that he was constantly in demand and handsomely remunerated. In 1999 he was selected People magazine’s Sexiest Man of the Century, and from his 007 days to “Entrapment” (1999), opposite the much-younger Catherine Zeta-Jones, his screen roles more than justified the choice. Age seemed only to intensify his sex appeal and virility.

In his early career, his physique was his main asset as he modeled and picked up acting jobs where he could. In 1956, he landed the role of a battered prizefighter in the BBC production of “Requiem for a Heavyweight.” Good notices brought him to the attention of the entertainment community, and his first film was “No Road Back,” a B crime movie in 1956. He seemed doomed to play the hunk to ageing leading ladies, as he did opposite Lana Turner in “Another Time, Another Place,” or roles that stressed his looks such as “Tarzan’s Great Adventure” in 1959.

It was easy to dismiss him in films like “Darby O’Gill and the Little People,” but his Count Vronsky to Claire Bloom’s Anna Karenina on the BBC brought him some respect and the kind of attention needed to raise him to the top of the Daily Express’ poll of readers asked to suggest the ideal James Bond.

After an interview with producers Albert Broccoli and Harry Saltzman, he landed the role without a screen test, according to Saltzman. It was a controversial choice at the time, as Connery was an unknown outside Britain. But 1962’s “Dr. No,” the first of the Bond films, made him an international star.

His stature grew with the ever more popular sequels “From Russia With Love,” “Goldfinger” and “Thunderball,” which arrived over the next four years. Bond gave Connery a license to earn; he was paid only $30,000 for “Dr. No” but $400,000 for Alfred Hitchcock’s “Marnie” and was soon getting $750,000 a film.

His initial efforts to break out of the Bond mold, however, proved fruitless. Films like “A Fine Madness,” “Shalako” and “The Molly Maguires” were well-intentioned attempts that did nothing to shake Connery as Bond from the public consciousness. After 1967’s “You Only Live Twice,” he left the Bond franchise, but he was coaxed back for 1971’s “Diamonds Are Forever.” He looked old for the role, and the series seemed tired, so with that, he left Bond behind — though money would tempt him back once last time in 1983 for “Never Say Never Again.”

He took a major misstep with sci-fi film “Zardoz,” and his career seemed to be foundering.

But he bounced back in 1974 with a supporting role in “Murder on the Orient Express” and the following year with “The Wind and the Lion” and “The Man Who Would Be King,” two bold adventures featuring a mature, salt-and-pepper-bearded Connery. “Robin and Marian” (1976) opposite Audrey Hepburn was not a popular success, but critics embraced it, and the film cemented Connery’s reputation as a versatile, serious screen actor.

In the late 1970s, there were more missteps such as “Meteor,” “A Bridge Too Far” and “Cuba.” But he scored in Terry Gilliam’s “Time Bandits.” It wasn’t until after his last Bond film that his standing as a box office star caught up to his critical reputation, thanks mostly to two huge worldwide hits: “Highlander,” which was not a big hit in the U.S., and “The Name of the Rose,” which was also much more popular abroad.

BAFTA gave him a best actor award for “Name of the Rose,” and he received his Oscar for “The Untouchables.” After that, he was an instant greenlight any time he agreed to take a role even if some of them, such as “The Presidio,” and “Family Business,” were not so hot.

Pairing Connery and Harrison Ford as father and son in the third “Indiana Jones” film was an inspired move, and the film grossed almost half a billion dollars worldwide.

Meanwhile, “The Hunt for Red October,” in which Connery played a defecting Soviet sub captain, was also a major hit in 1990.

By the 1990s, he was so popular that his uncredited cameo as King Richard in “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves” became one of the film’s highlights.

He was still a force to contend with in the foreign market, as “Highlander 2,” “Medicine Man,” “Rising Sun,” “Just Cause” and “First Knight” proved over the next several years. His salary was regularly $5 million and above.

One setback was a bout with throat cancer in the early 1990s, but Connery rebounded with a burst of activity. He starred with Nicolas Cage in 1996 actioner “The Rock,” playing a character that drew more than a little on his history as James Bond. In 2000, he essayed a very different role and received positive reviews for “Finding Forrester,” playing a reclusive writer who bonds with a young black basketball player who’s an aspiring scribe himself.

Nevertheless, he continued with action roles well after his 70th birthday, playing the legendary adventurer Allan Quatermain in 2003’s “The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.” He announced his retirement in 2005. He voiced a James Bond videogame the same year, and he subsequently did some other voice acting, playing the title character in the animated short “Sir Billi the Vet” and reprising the role in 2010 for “Sir Billi,” which he also exec produced.

Thomas Sean Connery was born of Irish ancestry in the slums of Edinburgh on Aug. 25, 1930. Poverty robbed him of an education, and by his teens he’d left school and was working as an unskilled laborer.

At 17, he was drafted into the Royal Navy, but he was discharged three years later due to a serious case of ulcers.

He returned to Edinburgh and worked a variety of jobs, including as a lifeguard. He took up bodybuilding and placed third in the 1950 Mr. Universe competition.

After moving to London, he learned of an opening in the chorus of “South Pacific.” He took a crash dancing and singing course and, surprisingly, landed the role, in which he stayed for 18 months. He was “hooked,” he said, but spent several years paying his dues in small repertory companies in and around London before anyone else became hooked on him.

Connery was devoted to his native Scotland and used his stature to press for the re-establishment of a Scottish parliament. When the body reconvened in 1999, 296 years after its last meeting, Connery was invited to address the first session, where he was greeted with a thunderous ovation. The next year, when he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II — an honor he called “one of the proudest days of my life” — he asked that the investiture be performed in Edinburgh.

Connery published his autobiography, “Being a Scot,” co-written with Murray Grigor, in 2008. Besides his knighthood and his Academy Award, he received many kudos over his long career, including the Kennedy Center Honors in 1999 and the American Film Institute’s lifetime achievement award in 2006.

Connery was married to actress Diane Cilento from 1962-73. The couple divorced in 1973 and Cilento died in 2011. Connery is survived by his second wife, painter Micheline Roquebrune, whom he married in 1975; his son by Cilento, actor Jason Connery; and a grandson from Jason’s marriage to actress Mia Sara.

Daily inspiration. Discover more photos at http://justforbooks.tumblr.com

Lovers’ Lane Engagement Photos, San Francisco

Lovers’ Lane Engagement Photos - San Francisco engagement & wedding photography planning tips

If you’re thinking of doing your engagement photography session at San Francisco’s stunning Lovers’ Lane location… seriously, just do it! It offers so much and is really photography-friendly.  In this blog post I’m going to showcase some of my favorite photos I’ve taken at Lovers’ Lane at the Presidio, as well as provide you with valuable information that will help you plan your shoot. That’s…

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When we first met Barbara & Justin back in August of 2019, we had no idea that the Covid-19 pandemic would arrive and completely change their wedding plans. Initially planning a big celebration in the iconic Presidio area of San Francisco, come April, these two busy doctors knew their big day would have to look a little different.

That said, I love that Barb & Justin still chose to get married on their original date! Instead of their large wedding celebration, they opted for an intimate backyard ceremony & celebration with their parents and closest friends.

After finding the perfect courtyard-style backyard in the city, lush with blooming jasmine flowers (it smelled amazing!!), they quickly locked down the rest of the details including hair & makeup by Beauty by Lia and flowers from Amanda Vidmar.

Looking for more of these cuties? Check out their Oakland engagement session HERE!

Ready! Set! Go! #Repost @doyouyoga with @get_repost ・・・ Get ready to join the June challenge - #DOYOUGetBackToBasics 🌻💛⁣⁣ •⠀⁣⁣ Starting June 1st - it’s time to get back to our yoga basics. ⁣⁣ •⁣⁣ Whether you’re new to yoga or your yoga practice simply needs a reset, this challenge is will show you the way.⁣⁣ •⠀⁣⁣ Not sure where to begin? Each day’s pose is designed to complement the themes from our FREE 💥Yoga for Beginners Program 💥 guided by @kristinmcgee (LINK IN BIO). 🌟⁣⁣ •⁣⁣ These 15 minute guided sessions will help you get back to basics and start a consistent yoga practice - no previous experience required!⁣⁣ •⁣⁣ This challenge is for ALL LEVELS of yogis to help us create inspiration and motivation for each other! 💞Everyone is welcome...modifications & variations are highly encouraged. Have fun! 🙃⁣⁣ •⠀⠀⁣⁣ 🌟 PRIZE! 🌟⠀⠀⁣⁣ 3 lucky randomly selected winners will each win a 1 year DOYOUYOGA Premium Account with UNLIMITED access to the complete DOYOUYOGA library of classes and challenges! 💃🏽💥⠀⠀⁣⁣ •⠀⠀⁣⁣ 👉 HOW TO JOIN:⠀⠀⁣⁣ 1️⃣ Repost this image to your feed (and bonus points if you tag a friend or two that would like to join in on the fun!) ✅⁣⁣ 2️⃣ Follow @doyouyoga. ✅⁣⁣ 3️⃣ Practice with us starting June 1, 2019 & post a photo or video of the daily pose (or a modification of it) on @instagram ✅⠀⠀⁣⁣ 4️⃣ Tag your photos daily with #DOYOUGetBackToBasics & @doyouyoga ✅⠀⠀⁣⁣ 5️⃣ Have fun! And participate in the community by liking, commenting and making new friends! ✅ ⁣⁣ 6️⃣Sign up to the Yoga for Beginners Program on DOYOUYOGA (link in bio) ✅⁣⁣ •⠀⠀⁣⁣ That’s it. Strike a pose. Post a photo. Tag @doyouyoga & #DOYOUGetBackToBasics. Simple as that. 🤗⠀⠀⁣⁣ •⠀⁣⁣ Are you in?! 💚⁣ (at Presidio Heights, San Francisco) https://www.instagram.com/p/ByIxk-NHNse/?igshid=1ayx251vxnxdl