Lemon Meringue Pie (Good Housekeeping Version)

Read entry below this article*

Eggplant Parmiganno and Lattice Apple Pie

Camera used: Treo Phone (with palm pilot by Cingular)*

***Click photos to enlarge***

I baked these for dinner last Wednesday evening. Success! The eggplant parmiganno was delicious and the apple pie remains to be moi husband's favorite. Yeah! The parmiganno was served with red wine and the pie, with hot brewed coffee and tea respectively for husband and moi. We had these before heading to the North Beach Jazz Festival that kicked off last Wednesday. Bars sponsoring this were the ones along Grant. Today a lot is going on at the Washington Square. I'll take photos tomorrow. Incidentally, my gf from my RIS days in Thailand is driving over from Sacramento for this event. We'd enjoy the concert at the park, have some drinks and go for our rounds of food gallore! Meanwhile, husband decided to volunteer as bar tender. I backed off. haha!

Today, we decided to take a breather and stay at home the whole day...resting.


For dinner, I am right now baking the "Old Fashioned Southern Meat Loaf" by Paula of www.foodnetwork.com and earlier on I baked "Lemon Meringue Pie." For this one, I used the Good Housekeeping recipe and the crust wasn't at all flattering. Yikes! The side burned a bit but am learning my lesson. Geewiz!

I'd stick to Home and Garden recipe for crust pie recipe! They advise to cover the side with foil to refrain from burning and to put on the cookie pan underneath the pie pan. Hence, true to their advise, the crust I baked today had the edge half burned- so I covered the edge when I baked the meringue with folded aluminum foil, the width equals that of the edge. But despite of that the crust still burned so I at once removed the foil. What happened next? Well, the meringue did shrink! After it cooled down it really got smaller. I Ayayay! Will post photos later. Ciao! Can't be perfect all the time. Right? Need to learn some lessons about humility and the right attitude to make me a better chef. Ok, ciao for tonight. Bye!

Wednesday Morning Scenes @ Washington Square

Click photos to enlarge*


Photos taken at 7: 25 A.M. on our way to our first 7: 30 A.M. Mass at SS Peter & Paul Church

Chinese oldies doing their morning routine of exercise and camaraderie...the park being
watered...



Our postal office along Stockton and Filbert...we are close to almost everything at an average walking distance of 4 minutes from our flat! See our park, so neat! People sunbathe here at noontime in bikinis and trunks...see the famous "San Francisco Fog" it finally showed up yesterday! San Franciscans are not used to the summer heat that when the fog hid for a week, the locals felt desperate for the usual cool breeze in the city! This was along Union Street. See how hilly the street is? And can you see it in the background? Walking anywhere here is like doing for a cardio vascular work out at the gym! We love it!



We are gloriously ecstatic living in North Beach! Look at our parish...plus the view from the church as we walked back to the park on our way home after the mass... felt good to do our obligation as Catholics!

What I Baked Last Friday ("Moist Lemon Bundt Cake")

Click photos to enlarge*

Been baking since Friday last week and yesterday, too and today as well...just those days when I feel like it and craving for some sweets! Here is what I baked when Mike and Arn came by...

My husband's siblings are inviting us to relocate in Portland and be their neighbors. Oh, they are so funny..they just love my cooking and baking...haha!

What I Baked This Afternoon a("Blueberry Cake") And What I Baked Yesterday Morning ("Cherry Pie")

*Blueberry Cake* with Streusel Topping

Click photos to enlarge
Blueberry is my favorite berry in season and living here in CA makes it all affordable to use it, bake it and eat it, too. While I was posted overseas teaching in international schools in different countries, I only get to buy or eat the canned ones so here I am delighted to be able to purchase the fresh ones-mamamia, fresh blueberries! We just finished eating this cake, with the new recipe I found in www.joyofcooking.com and I served it hot with freshly brewed coffee. Yummy! It's easy to bake even for first time bakers...yes, indeed! It should be fun more than baking cookies or banana cake.

*CHERRY PIE*

Above: My first attempt to bake a "cherry pie" was a success. Yipee! I am delighted as always! You'd see the different stages on how I worked on it in preparation to bake it. The advise given at the book was to place the pie pan over a baking pan so the crust won't get burned or overly brownish in color due to overheating. Foil is used in the first 25 minutes to protect the crust then it is removed as the baking time moves on.

The cherry pie is so yummy, husband and I have been eating it non-stop since yesterday and even this afternoon. As a matter of fact, it's almost finished...hahaha!

For this pie I used the recipe of Home and Garden's latest edition. It uses oil (I always use olive oil for health reasons) and not butter for the crust. This recipe is labeled as "BEST LOVED." And sure it is now our best love as well!

Well, if you are interested with the recipes here, you may leave a note at the bottom of this feature. Click comments and you may drop me a line or two. Ciao!

BTW, to make the cherry pie, I bought a "cherry pitter" at Sur La Table at Ferry Building. It is $12.00 + excluding tax. But it works wonder and takes off the seeds easily!

July 26- 30: 11th North Beach Jazz Festival @ the WASHINGTON SQUARE

Background Infomation (taken from the NBjazz fest website)


There was a time, the locals say, when the rich jazz history of San Francisco was written in North Beach. From the traditional jazz sounds of the Barbary Coast, a block south of Broadway, to North Beach's main digs like the Jazz Workshop, the Coffee Gallery, the Jazz Cellar, the Bagel Shop, El Matador, Basin Street West, Sugarhill, Keystone Korner and others, North Beach was the hotbed of San Francisco's vibrant jazz scene.

While many Jazz Festivals deal in the nostalgic presentation of old masters, the North Beach Jazz Fest has consistently demonstrated an eye and an ear for the future of jazz. Presenting innovative shows that capture a younger listener's ear (while staying true to jazz fundamentals) NBJF has produced shows with artists like Poncho Sanchez, Carlos Santana, Bobby Hutcherson, Carl Craig, DJ Snowboy, Pharoah Sanders, Los Hombres Calientes, Rebirth Brass Band, Kermit Ruffins, and so many others.

Affectionately referred to internationally as the "Soul of San Francisco," North Beach hosts an indoor/outdoor jazz fest featuring over 100 local and international artists at over 30 locations throughout the week long festival and over 200 artists annually. Special programs are also offered including Jazz and Heritage in the Park, two days of free jazz in Washington Square Park with attendance of over 10,000 guests per day.

For details, click the link below:
http://130.94.6.124/www.sunsettickets.com/images/nbjazz/

Mike and Arn: Our First Guests In Our New Flat In North Beach

They came over last Friday, July 21st (which happened to be the birthday of my younger sister, Balloon) for dinner. Mike and Arn buzzed us in at 5 PM sharp...with Arn in her usual convivial self-saying hi to me with gusto! We were ecstatic to see each other again after staying connected here in CA while she was on a study-leave in 2004. However, she went back to Guam and got back to teaching in the classroom.This summer, Arn returned in San Mateo (south of SFO) for a summer term in Notre Dame, pursuing her M.A. in Art Therapy. Her fiancé Mike joined her for 6 weeks. Anyhow, Mike and Little Boy hit it off and got to talk for most evenings while Arn and I had our share of updates about our life away from each other. I served "tom-ka" (Thai spicy soup with shrimp, coconut milk, lemon, lemon grass and tom-ka) "broiled salmon" (marinated in salt and thyme) and steamed rice plus "green salad" (spinach, tomatoes, onions, parmegan cheese, olive oil and balsamic vinegar) for dinner. For dessert I baked "Lemon Moist Bundt Cake" served with hot brewed coffee.

Mike brought white wine for moi Little Boy while Arn gave me orchids, journal book, a parasol and a shopping straw bag (ARN!ARN!ARN! You are ever so generous and perky)! We spent most of the time in our flat (we were supposed to go dancing) and by past midnight they said goodbye. We accompanied them at the parking lot near the Washington Square. They parked there early on…in fact, Little Boy and Mike had to go there every couple of hours to put on the coins for the parking. But after 7 or 8 PM, parking was free (didn't know this~ayayay!) so that helped Mike and Jeff not to be coming back and forth for the ticket payment. Well, we wished that they stayed longer in our place but Mike and Arn were limited by time and space since they had a lot to do-to prepare for Mike’s return trip to Guam today. Meanwhile, Arn will stay over to finish her summer term. Overall, Mike and Arn's visit was short and sweet!

BTW, after they were gone, we walked around our neighborhood and went dancing at the Italian bistro along Grant (where live Latin music was being played by a band). As we entered the place, we were surprised to see that no one was dancing-OMG! As we walked in and got right on the dance floor, Little Boy was enthused that he began swinging and dancing! Later on, I joined him and after a while, we were both like jitter bugs- dancing up in the air! We danced to the syncopated Latin beat (we were able to modify our cha-cha-cha, swing, fox trot and box steps). We noticed as well that some young people watched us dance. Whew-that was really something! After 3 or 4 songs, we had enough of it; called it a night; walked along Columbus; had a soda; roamed around once more-this time to the next block where some bistros and pizzerias are located that we have not visited yet. There we couldn’t believe how much people were out last Friday night! It was like hey, the city was just starting to swing at 1 AM! In fact, at one pizzeria, there was a long line of folks awaiting for their order of pizza! Surely, everyone was celebrating the end of the week being TGIF! We got back home shortly; took a shower (our mantra before we go to bed) then we were off for our long journey to sleep. zzzZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ! Ciao!

Yesterday, I was in bed for most times of the day...felt lazy...with all the prep work I did to make our haven presentable, did the cooking and baking....I was dead tired! Despite the fact that we still have some boxes (around 8 of them) to unload, our flat is coming together nicely...so to speak- but can't do the total unpacking yet since we are still awaiting for the crew of the moving company to move our piano from the garage downstairs (to our level 2 flat). Most of the content of the boxes are my piano books and art materials (that I placed in the piano chair and on top of the piano when we were still in Ripon). I plan to place them there as well so it is critical that we have the piano here in our flat before we could finish our organization in our North Beach haven!At 5 PM yesterday, we walked to Market (Financial District) and returned the "blue tooth" that Little Boy bought for me at Cingular. It took a while before all was sorted out there but we left the place happy and free---especially moi! I was not keen about using the blue tooth. It felt heavy on my right ear although it was cute and light in weight indeed. It's just not my cup of tea! Ok this is all...it's Sunday morning and lunch time would soon come...got to cook now...rahrahrah!

Happy Birthday, Sisterette!

Balloon is a professional artist and for many years did work as an animation artist in the Philippines. Together with her husband Tito Romero, they were commisioned to illustrate a book entitled, "Las Pinas" -published in Europe, written in English and translated in Flemish during the early 90s. These days, Balloon dedicates her time as a wife to Tito and mother to Paco and Muriel.

Happy Birthday, Balloon!!!

It's A Date Mike and Arn~

Friday, 21 June 2006!
at our place in North Beach~where else?

Please check out your email, Dr. Arn. Cheers!

Moi and My Jeans

This is my "alive" picture taken last week in our flat in North Beach. Haha!

Almond Chocolate Biscotti, My First Ever Baked Italian Cookies!

I did it! It's super crunchy and yummy!
LEFT: "Almond Chocolate Biscotti" ready for vacuum packing; RIGHT: Serves three!
Little Boy Blue time and again would share with me bits and pieces of his childhood memories about his mom’s cooking and one of these was all about the Italian cookies (biscotti) he raved about. I thought it sounded like our own Filipino cookies called "Biscocho." It is a crunchy cookie baked first as bread then toast in the oven until it gets crisp. It is glazed with butter and granulated sugar and almost like it is drowning in butter and sugar- so imagine the taste and then it's crunchy~yum, yum and rich- ayayay!

Anyhow, as for the BISCOTTI, I wasn't familiar with this until we started living here in North Beach last June 18; being in the Italian section of SFO has exposed me to a variety of Italian way of cooking and baking!

LEFT: The biscotti after it was vacuum packed looks quite appetizing, don't you think so?

Wanna hear something? Listen to this...

One morning, about two Saturdays ago, Little Boy Blue surprised me with this Biscotti and he found his serendipity at the Italian French Baker (our neighborhood bread shop, one building from our flat). He bought different flavors for me to taste and savor: anise, almond, and licorice biscotti. So far, I like the almond best. But they were not crunchy. Still the almond biscotti caught my taste buds!

Next day, we went to a café and he ordered another biscotti. This time I liked it, as it was crunchy and more tasty- I told myself,

"Hm...so this is it. Much better and tasted really great when it is crunchy!"

And then out of the blue, husband continued his story (sigh) about how his mom (Italian) would bake those cookies when he was young (he was nostalgic while **me and my melting heart** took note: I’d bake some for my little boy soonest- hm)!

Inspired by his story telling, I went online last night and researched for the best one I thought was it. The website is the one where I got my "ENGLISH SCONE RECIPE" a few days ago. And since the scone turned to be creamy the way it should be- and yes, delicious- of course, I thought the site had already won my heart. I went there at:

www.joyofcooking.com

I went to their biscotti recipe link and found two that satisfied my curiosity: almond chocolate and almond biscotti. Today, I first tried baking the almond chocolate biscotti. It was superb as I said earlier!

As of this writing am cooling down the almond biscotti and would cut them into strips while it is still hot- and would bake them 2X for 10 minutes for each side after they were cut while still hot- the baking twice after they were sliced is done to make them super crunchy!

FYI~Authentic biscotti has no oil or butter. Shelf life is longer without butter added to it and of course this makes it crunchy when baked this way. The only binder is- guess what? The eggs!

LEFT: "ALMOND BISCOTTI"

~Biscotti is traditionally eaten with hot chocolate. Others soak them for a few seconds in their hot coco to soften it according to stories. Others prefer hot coffee with biscotti while me, I love it served with a hot cup of oolang and jasmine tea mixed.

Okay, until later…still baking…this is moi, reporting from North Beach Live. Ciao!

BISCOTTI BAKING TIPS for ALMOND BISCOTTI:

1. Use serrated knife to cut them into diagonal pieces- 1/2 to 1 inch in width

2. Slice evenly

3. Bake for 10 minutes (300 degrees F) front and then again- another ten minutes back to make them crisp!

4. Remove biscotti from cookie pan as soon it is done baking. Transfer in a drying rack. Once cooled, keep in air tight container.

My personal assessment of my "ALMOND BISCOTTI"- it tasted like "PASENSYA" cookies of the Philippines. PASENSYA is round and about 2" in circumference. The Germans have PASENSYA and they call them as "ANISE COOKIES."

More World Cup 2006 Photos Taken in Little Italy (North Beach) in San Francisco

*Click photos to enlarge*

DATE: July 09, 2006 (Sunday)
TIME: Noontime

Washington Square (across Saints Peter and Paul Church along Filbert Street)


Park scene before the game was over. After Italy won, the park was jumpacked by people! One could hardly walk with ease! They were standing, sitting, playing soccer...walking their dogs...doing a variety of things all at the same time! There was also an outdoor exhibit of serigraphs and photographs. Anyhow, by the time we learned that Italy won over France, North Beach was shaking with intense energy of festivity! By this time, I was tired taking photos... BTW... all these photographs were taken using my new toy, TREO 650 phone by Cingular. I also have a "blue tooth" also known as the "wireless headphone" in the information technology world...I thought at first, husband was taking me to a dentist to have my tooth be done with a colored blue effects later did i find out it was a hi-tech gadget. Ayayayayay! Hahaha! Blue-eyed husband is super sweet and thougthful.. all these were gifts last week. We walked to Market Street (financial district of SFO) and there he got me my phone at the Cingular office. Now, I write my calendar appointments via my Treo phone and synch the files in my laptop. I also have file photos & personal information re: my friends and family in my contacts at my phone. That I call a
W-o-w!

The Italian flag being carried by Italian fanatics...while they were singing, dancing and chanting..."ITALIA! ITALIA! ITALIA!"


Along Columbus Avenue

People gathered inside and outside the Italian cafes and watched on big screens the on-going games: Italy vs. France

See the church stiple of St. Francis of Assisi? Check out the man on top of the roof at hotel Boheme...Click photos to enlarge!

.

ENGLISH SCONE Recipe (I added blueberry and made it BLUEBERRY SCONE)

ENGLISH SCONE (taken from www.joyofbaking.com modified by moi)

RIGHT: My version of the English Scone with fresh blueberry on it and baked it in muffin pan- lined with muffin papers. This is easier to do than baking this in round pan or cookie pan- the way it is done traditionally.


This is a classic scone that the English serve at afternoon tea with cream, jam, or lemon curd. Raisins (Sultanas) (1/4 cup or 30 grams) and grated lemon or orange zest (1 tablespoon or 6 grams) can be added. I ADDED FRESH BLUEBERRY!


2 cups (280 grams) all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons (8 grams) baking powder
2 tablespoons (28 grams) granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon (3 grams) salt
1/3 cup (76 grams) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) pieces
1/2 cup (125 ml) milk1 large egg, beaten

Glaze:
1 large egg, beaten1 tablespoon (14 grams) milk

PROCEDURE:

1. Preheat oven to 400 °F (205 °C) and place rack in center of oven.

2. Prepare muffin pan (my version- easier to do).

3. For the glaze, mix together the beaten egg with the milk and set aside.

4. In a large bowl whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar and salt.

5. In a measuring cup combine the milk with the beaten egg. With a pastry blender, two
knives, or your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

6. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the liquid. Mix together with a wooden spoon then add *BLUEBERRY* (canned or fresh) making sure you do not overwork the dough. Just mix until dough forms moist clumps. Gather dough together and transfer to a lightly floured surface.

7. Gently knead dough until it forms a ball (10 seconds). Pour dough into muffin pan lined with cup cake papers.

8. Brush scones with glaze and bake for 15 minutes or until lightly brown on top. Remove from oven and cool on wire rack. Makes 8 scones.

World Cup 2006: As Celebrated Here in San Francisco in North Beach (aka Little Italy)

Cafes and bistros were filled with fans of Italy! This was yesterday. The event? World Cup 2006! We didn't walk to the French Quarter of San Francisco but decided to stay within our neighborhood. We had coffee, lemon cake and blueberry pie at Grecco Cafe and watched people go by and expressed themselves as they validate their deepest sense of loyalty and conviviality while awaiting the results of the World Cup 2006. By past 1 PM, there was noise barrage. Italy won! We were festive! Blue-Eyed husband is half Italian (his mom was from Palermo, Italy but American born and grew up in NYC)!

LEFT: Man holding the Italian flag walks in with a big smile towards us as he gives away candies bearing the Italian flag colors and a 10% discounted rate on all items in his cafe- to be availed after the game.

We didn't realize there were thousands of people who came to North Beach not until the game was over. There were singing, dancing and chanting on the streets! No wonder, there were policemen while the game was going on, fire trucks, emergency vehicles...the works. A huge Italian flag was carried all over Columbus Avenue, Stockton, Grant and neighboring streets- a'la Chinese Dragon Dance in commemoration of Italy's winning over France! Viva Alitalia!

"Blueberry Scone" Is What I Baked This Afternoon!

Click photo to enlarge

It was my first attempt to bake it and it turned out well...creamy! We had this for snacks and as "dessert" after dinner! Perfect with hot tea or coffee! Husband loves scones and he influenced me to love this English muffin as well. This is not at all sweet...will post the recipe tomorrow. Another one I'd try out tomorrow is "Biscotti." Another one of Blue-Eyed's favorite. BTW, we are still unpacking! To our friends...we'll invite you over once our place looks decent enough to accommodate you all in our tiny but cute abode. Ciao!

P.S. We joined the Italians and heaves of folks who trooped our neighborhood last Sunday (yesterday) in celebration of Italy's winning at the World Cup 2006! North Beach had thousands of people yesterday, drinking beer...partying, having fun! The Washington Park was filled with guests and visitors from different parts of the world! More tomorrow.

AMIE: The Wonder Lady Who Became A Doctor Despite Her Treacher Collins Syndrome

Amie Osborn Medical School: University of Texas at Houston Send email to: amie@treachercollins.org

Amie was born in Sacramento, California. She came to Texas at the age of nine and has no plans to leave. She majored in Communication Sciences and Disorders (audiology) at Univeristy of Texas - Austin. During this time, she helped develop a national support group for Treacher Collins Syndrome. Her personal experiences growing up with Treacher Collins led her to medical school at the University of Texas - Houston. She dabbles in web design (check out www.treachercollins.org). She has a cat and knows american sign language. She enjoys spending time with her boyfriend, travelling, hiking, and reading. Amie is leaning towards primary care, but is open to the possibility of a combined fellowship.


LEFT: Amie with her grandpa, mom and dad; RIGHT: Amie's mom, grandpa and herself all have Treacher Collins Syndrome. Her grandpa's case is mild, her
mom's is a bit more apparent and Amie's the most pronounced.



LEFT: Amie with her bf; RIGHT: Amie with her cat

TREACHER COLLINS SYNDROME

Putting Our Life In Another Perspective:

What If You Were Born With TREACHER COLLINS SYNDROME?

How would your life be like? Husband and I were watching the medical information channel on cable tv last weekend when we chanced upon this Treacher Collins Syndrome feature. We never knew it and didn't know such things exist BUT we really do admire those who have this and continue on to live a normal life~ despite the lifelong struggle and challenges they have to deal with on a daily basis.

In the documentary, we learned a lot~ from the heaves of surgeries people with Treacher Collins Syndrome have to go through and the cost of these on-going surgeries survivors have to deal with for most of their life~ if only to make themselves to look "normal." Most of them are very positive about life in general which is quite refereshing to know!

From the documentary, we also learned about AMIE (*not in picture here*), an accomplished lady who made it through medical school in Texas 2years ago. Despite her physical handicap associated with this syndrome, she lives a normal life, has a boyrfriend and is doing well- academically! Now she is doing her residency in pediatric medicine! Isn't that amazing? I am so touched by Amie's story. Will post it later. Meanwhile here are some stuff for you to read on.

TREACHER COLLINS SYNDROME is also called mandibulofacial dysostosis, affects the head and face.

Characteristics include:

1. down-slanting eyes

2. notched lower eyelids

3. underdevelopment or absence of cheekbones and the side wall and floor of the eye socket

4. lower jaw is often small and slanting

5. forward fair in the sideburn area

6. underdeveloped, malformed and/or prominent ears

Most children with Treacher Collins have normal development and intelligence; however, it is important that there be early hearing tests. Most children with Treacher Collins Syndrome benefit from early intervention speech and language programs.

Why did this happen?

Treacher Collins Syndrome is believed to be caused by a change in the gene on chromosome 5, which affects facial development. About 40 percent of the time, one parent has the Treacher Collins Syndrome gene. Geneticists can now determine whether the Treacher Collins gene is a new mutation or one that has been passed on.

Will this happen to children I have in the future?

Treacher Collins Syndrome may be inherited from a parent affected with Treacher Collins. There is a 50% change of passing it on if you have it. If may also occur in children of unaffected parents. However, the chances of Treacher Collins occurring again in children of unaffected parents is minute.What kinds of problems could my child have?

In addition to the physical characteristics common to Treacher Collins syndrome, your child may have some or all of the following problems:

1. breathing problems and/or eating difficulties

2. most children have a 40% hearing loss in each ear due to abnormalities of the outer and middle ear, which conduct sound to the nerve endings

3. the eyes have a tendency to dry out, which can lead to infection

4. some children have abnormally small or absent thumbs

5. cleft palate often occurs with Treacher Collins Syndrome

Will my child need surgery?

Depending on the severity of the Treacher Collins, your child may need some or all of the following procedures:

1. a conductive hearing aid

2. correction of the cleft palate

3. repair of the sidewall and floor of the eye socket

4. repair of the cheekbones

5. repair of the eyelid notches

6. correction of the undeveloped jaw and chin

7. surgery to correct the beak-like nose

8. reconstruction of the ears

New advances in the procedures to treat Treacher Collins Syndrome are constantly being developed. Be an advocate for your child!

How do I get help for my child?

Your child should be treated by a qualified craniofacial medical team at a craniofacial center. Currently, FACES has information on thirty-two craniofacial teams located in 20 states, the District of Columbia, and Canada. This is by no means a comprehensive list of all the craniofacial teams. Please contact FACES for details on possible locations closer to you. Am I alone?No! There are many families and organizations who will be glad to talk with you and help you with information and support. Don't forget books, videos, and websites.

The listing below will get you started.

FACES: The National Craniofacial AssociationP. O. Box 11082Chattanooga, TN 37401(800) 332-2373

email: faces@faces-cranio.org

We provide financial support for non-medical expenses to patients traveling to a craniofacial center for treatment. Eligibility is based on financial and medical need. Resources include newsletters, information about craniofacial conditions, and networking opportunities.

Treacher Collins Foundation

Box 683Norwich, VT 05055(800) 823-2055Website: http://www.treachercollinsfnd.orgThis organization provides support, research information, newsletter, and networking opportunities.

Johns Hopkins Center for Craniofacial Development & DisordersWeb site: http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/craniofacialAt the web site, click on the "Family" button, "Patient Care" button, and go to the section on Treacher Collins syndrome.

More 4th of July Photos @ The Fisherman's Wharf

Photos Above: the
silhouette of people at the wharf makes me think of Paris, France's *Arc de Triomph*;
Fireworks in progress as seen along Powel Street near IHOP (International House of Pancake)


In photos left and right:

People in different shapes and sizes were busy chatting and walking while waiting for the fireworks to happen. The sky was bright and clear here @ 8.30 PM in Pier 39! This is the place where tourists flock daily for some "bay breeze" ambience or simply to go shopping or to eat in different restaurants in the area. The wharf is famous for its "Alcatraz Cruise" where tourists cruise around the Island of Alcatraz, where stories about convicted criminals trying to escape the tiny island run in a never-ending fashion. In the photo here as well are the rows of green portable potty as seen on the *right* were available nearby (for free- in other countries you pay a price to use one)! Mother nature calls in the most unexpected time and place~ so it was nice to have lots to choose from (laughs)! Haha!

4th of July Photos At The Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco

*Click photos to enlarge*


We celebrated our Independence Day evening walking along Powell from the Washington Square (4 minutes on foot from our flat). This street lead us straight to the wharf. It was cool- we didn't even have to turn right or left, but just did it straight ahead! With us was a battalion of folks from different walks of life, braving the great San Francisco wind to watch what was beautiful and awesome- the great fireworks on the 4th of July!

LEFT: Our parish, the Saints Peter and Paul Church was lighted up as we were walking home. We found out that somebody had gone up to the rooftop! Police cars were all over Filbert Street. There was a firetruck as well.

RIGHT: The fireworks at the Fisherman's Wharf- Here we got tired waiting and feeling the chill of the bay so we started walking to get some coffee at the International House of Pancake (IHOP) then all of a sudden the fireworks began. We took these photos along Grant.

We left our place at 8.05 PM and reached the wharf at around 8.30 PM, walking on a moderate speed. It was great! We have been walking a lot here in SFO since moving here last June 18th. Anyhow, we discovered that the Powell route is shorter as compared to walking along Grant.

Heaves of people came to see the fireworks. We have never seen the wharf that crowded until the 4th of July! So here are some photos to enjoy. Cheers!