Someone is backing out of their garage on Hayes when a truck hurtling down the street smashes into them. The truck careers across the road straight into my gently sleeping, beautiful, Tacoma.
This is truly a disaster. We now have to launch into the distressing tedium of police reports, insurance claims, towing and eventually a new truck as I guess and fear that my beautiful truck will be condemned. Such a shame as she is/was the last of an era of Tacoma trucks – single cab, manual transmission, bench seat, no electronic gadgets. Fingers crossed the she can be repaired. How ironic that after mastering frozen mountains, scorching deserts, the most remote trails in the U.S and Mexico that she should meet her maker on a leafy suburb street in San Francisco. To add another bucket of misery, the radiator on James’ Kawasaki sprung a leak and he has to wait for a replacement part. We are transportless.
The house has been under restoration for 2 years. Nothing much happened until the last couple of months when the guys, all from Ukraine, Bielorussia and other former Soviet states, have really got the bit between their communal teeth.
We now live in a very smart NoPa house. https://www.tripsavvy.com/guide-to-nopa-4084567#:~:text=NoPa%20stands%20for%20North%20of,entrance%20to%20Golden%20Gate%20Park. So lucky!
James points out that if I buy a big screen, I could link it up to my laptop and so watch movies, rugby matches etc. Once again, many thanks to James who is able to work out how to remotely connect my laptop to the new monitor using Apple AirPlay. I could not have done it in a thousand years.
I have not sat on a sofa watching movies for more than 10 years. In Japan I sit on an office chair in front of my Big Mac screen. Very different experience.
I am invited down to Stanford to attend the 30th anniversary of the BaBar experiment.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BaBar_experiment Babar was a fabulous success bringing together an uniquely efficient and fun team from all over the world. I am so privileged to have taken part and honoured by the invite. Lots of old friends; most of us showing the ravages of time, but still in great spirit. Very nostalgic.
We go up to Clement to buy new plates and bowls. Clement is very Chinese and has amazing stores and restaurants. It is always a blast to wander around and, of course, eat.
All in all, despite various setbacks, life is fabulous. I can also see much better. I think the eye drops are working. I’m now just old, fat, bald with a limp, rather than blind, old, fat, bald with a limp.
The Quiet Ripple Defines The Pond 
Shame about the Tacoma. Is there any video of the incident? In the UK you or your insurance would have a charge against the truck owner’s insurance – what’s the chances in California? The damage looks sad but not too serious – there’s a couple of good metal-bashers near me that could knock it back into shape – just freight it across the pond! The house does look pretty these days.
I think the front axle is twisted and lots of fluids escaped. We Wii see!
Any news on the ailing Tacoma? On the road again as in Willie sang? Hope all else goes well!
Things looking better! Axle not bent so I I am hopeful that I will be able to get her back on the road!
Sorry to read about your truck. My daughter just moved from Clement Street (b/w 25th and 24th) to the other side of the GGP! We spent a couple weeks on Clement with her in August and then September. Great neighborhood!
Your son’s house looks beautiful!!
Yay Paula! Great to hear from you. The truck is looking hopeful. I think I should be able to get her back on the road. I love Clement! So much going on. Promise to let me know if/ when you come back to SF.
Will do! What address are you at on Hayes in case my daughter is out running on the panhandle? She does 20-30km runs…
How long are you in SF this time?
My brother used to live on Delmar and I went by to see his old home there. Love the Haight!
Our house is 1670 Fell. Great place that looks straight out onto the park. we let out rooms if your daughter is looking.
I am here until August with short trips to Scotland and Canada.Do you do 30 km runs? I do the occasional 300m stroll in the park!
August!! That’s great! But I read last night you weren’t feeling well – whooping cough!!
How much is a room in the house and how many people are living there? Let me know and I’ll pass on the info to her.
I used to do long runs, now I walk twice a day, probably 5kms each time, unless I walk on the beach.
Hey, how bout that Matcha ice cream shop on Clement? Or the one in the Japanese Center?
Do you have an email or use Whatsapp?
Bye for now!
Paula
Sorry for slow reply.
We just rented out our extra 2 rooms. Sorry. I will contact y’all if one becomes free. Best email is Neil.calder146@gmail.com.