home alone?

This little guy looks kind of lonely.

Paris in Oakland

Spotted this vignette while walking along College Avenue.  Oakland rouge?

primary colors

It's been gray and raining.  But the sight of these chairs seemed to lift the gloom.  A bonus is the deco era tiles on the facade.

ABC Wednesday: V is for verklempt

Verklempt is a wonderful Yiddish word meaning "choked up with emotion."  That's what I thought this chicken might be feeling knowing he's soon to be dinner.  Caught this in the window of Maison d'Etre on College Avenue.  It made me laugh.  For more takes on "V" visit the variety of contributions to ABC Wednesday.

Weekend Reflection: trees inside and out

This flower shop's window display is unique and eye catching.   For more reflections, visit James' meme.

garden gate

A lovely garden gate off Broadway Terrace.  Love the Mediterranean blue color.

Skywatch Friday: humble abode

This home is located in the Upper Rockridge area above the golf course I showed you last year.  Lucky folks who get to live in such a fine looking house.  It comes with a bay view too.  You can see we're enjoying fair weather.  The fog (usually) burns off by 11 a.m. and then begins its return about 6 p.m.  But in between it's sunny and warm.  For more sky views, visit Skywatch Friday.

Weekend Reflection: shop window

This shop on College Avenue was new to me.  I was sure the shabby chic look would die out in a few years.  Boy, was I wrong.  I like the window display much better than the reflection, but sometimes it's like that.  At least you can see the blue sky in the window(s).  For more reflections, visit James's Weekend Reflections.

Skywatch Friday: Oakland hills

After the 1991 Firestorm that destroyed 3000 homes in the Oakland-Berkeley hills, most people elected to rebuild.  Many built McMansions on lots that had previously held more modest size homes.  These neighborhoods were typically obscured by stands of tall trees that are only now returning to maturity.  A drive through this area was accompanied by clear blue skies perfect for Skywatch Friday.

Diesel Books

Diesel is one of several independently owned bookstores in town.  It's housed in an old brick building in the Rockridge district.  They've done a good job of preserving the old architecture while creating a warm and welcoming space.

ABC Wednesday: R is for Rockridge

The Rockridge neighborhood is an upscale area with a BART station (next to Highway 24), gourmet food and wine shops, restaurants, cafes, service businesses, and a variety of architectural styles.  Even modest homes are pricey.  For more "R" photos, visit ABC Wednesday.

Monday Mural: hidden mosaic

This vine is growing up the side of one of my favorite thrift shops in the Rockridge district.  Because it faces onto a narrow alley, it's easy to miss.  What amazes me is that it is composed of thousands of mosaic tiles.  I can't begin to contemplate the number of work hours that went into creating this splashy design.

Monday Mural: deep space at the Rockridge BART

This mural was created in 1980 by students from Laney College. It adorns the parking area at the Rockridge BART which is

under the 24 freeway.

George & Walt's

An old time bar at the top of College Avenue.

holiday fantasy

Window display on College Avenue.

Weekend Reflections: shop lights

A shop on College Avenue in the Rockridge neighborhood.  For more reflections, check in with James' Weekend Reflections.

ABC Wednesday: V is for Vespa

There's a Vespa store on College Avenue in the Rockridge neighborhood.  Every time I drive by they seem to beckon.  They're making them in candy colors now. But I'm holding out for 1950s aqua.  For more "V" posts, check out this week's ABC Wednesday.

fresh flowers

Across from the BART station posted yesterday is Market Hall.  It contains several specialty shops including a pasta shop, butcher, bakery, greengrocer, fishmonger, wine shop, gelateria, and coffee shop.  This flower stand brings some color to the sidewalk and draws attention to the building.  Upstairs is a well known restaurant.  There's lots of action around here all day long.

ABC Wednesday: R is for Rockridge

Rockridge is an upscale neighborhood in North Oakland.  The Rockridge BART (our metro) station is on College Avenue which runs all the way to the UC campus in Berkeley.  This line takes you directly to downtown San Francisco and the airport without having to change trains.  This station is in the thick of a residential neighborhood along with restaurants, coffee shops, and all kinds of retail shops.  For more "R" photos from around the world, visit ABC Wednesday.