A Day with the Hennesseys

Hennesseys all: Chris, Michele behind first cousin Bob; John, Adam, Mitchell

The best part of Sunday was breakfast with Michele Hennessey at her upper floor apartment in San Francisco's downtown. The view of the city and the bay from Michele's balcony is spectacular, especially on this sunny morning. We also got to see city and bay views from the roof of her building; I had forgotten the beautiful serenity of Michele's home.

Fresh fruit salad at cousin Michele's

Breakfast was special too: creamy scrambled eggs, sausage patties, two kinds of homemade blueberry muffins, fruit salad, tomato salad, fresh squeezed California orange juice, strong coffee, all served on lovely dinnerware at the table that came from Michele and Bob's grandparents' farm. Chris, John and the boys all ate outside, while the rest of us sat at the table indoors. Michele is not only a food professional, but very warm and hospitable, and I would have been sorry to leave if I hadn't known we'd  be seeing one another again in Minnesota next weekend.

We went on John's quickie San Francisco tour of the Financial District and Chinatown, culminating in a ride down famous Lombard Street. After a walk around Fisherman's Wharf -- unfortunately  dirtier than I had remembered -- Mary drove Chris to the airport and headed home to Clovis. Sigh ... two of our happy little band gone.

We met up with John and the boys late in the afternoon for dinner at Applebee's, a restaurant that seemed just right after a tiring day. The view of the bay at sunset is beautiful and the place would have been fine if the noise level hadn't been so high. Fans had gathered to watch the Golden State Warriors eventually lose to the Cleveland Cavaliers, and some of them had consumed a little too much booze. Maybe a lot too much ...

Fortunately, a server adopted us and made sure we got our food and drinks on time in this crowded place. I was very tired, and, for once, slept well that night -- a good thing because we were looking forward to a Monday full of activity.

The Hennesseys at Fisherman's Wharf