Merry Christmas to all

It's hard to believe that Christmas is upon us again. It's a busy busy season that ends so peacefully. I like the busy-ness in the beginning, but long for the peaceful ending. The fact that I have to do food shopping for three big meals, and clean this cluttered house before that peace comes does not enthrall me, but it's all part of the whole Christmas gig.

Maggie thinks any season that involves a ton of shopping is a good season, no mater what your religious affiliation. We have shopped downtown, in Fishermans' Wharf, in Westlake, in Stonestown, in the neighborhood, on Clement Street and on the Embarcadero.(online too, but that does NOT count in Maggie's view.) Life is good for a shopaholic like Maggie. I have to work at the hospital this morning, but we will made one more run to the mall late this afternoon. Maggie needs to get something else for Tim. We found out yesterday someone else gave him what Maggie bought.

In addition to shopping, we do have certain traditions that go along with the Christmas season. Once is to ride the glass elevators at the Hyatt Regency. We did it every year until a couple of years ago when they decided to go all Homeland Security on us. We couldn't get in the elevator without a room key. We joined hotel guests when we could but it wasn't the same. We went this year and were able to ride again. Some floors were locked off, but we did get plenty of time in there. The hanging lights are always spectacular, especially as you ascend into them in the glass elevators.

 I think you can see how very much Maggie loves it.

Just in case we don't get back here before Wednesday, I want to say how very much I appreciate you taking the time to read about Maggie's antics and adventures.

Maggie and  I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas. If you don't celebrate Christmas, we wish you a very Happy Wednesday and all the Blessings of the Season, no matter how you celebrate.

Sneaking around downtown

The school bus was a welcome sight this morning. Maggie has been home for five days and we both need a little change in the routine. She will have fun with others and I can get some stuff done around here.

The weekend was great but busy. We had family over Thursday and Friday and part of Saturday. We all consumed Turkey in various forms. Yesterday everyone was gone. We headed downtown early for our annual stop at the Hyatt Regency to view the Christmas decorations and ride the glass elevators. Maggie loves those elevators.  They overlook the beautiful atrium lobby which is 17 stories high and adorned with lights hanging down several stories from the top.

We have done this for several years now and Maggie starts laughing as soon as we enter the building. Imagine our disappointment, then, when we discovered the Hyatt had installed security measures to keep out the riff raff (us). Now you had to have a room key to access the elevators.

We considered asking the concierge for permission because people rarely deny reasonable requests for Maggie.  Of course if he said no, then where would we be. Being the criminal masterminds we are, we just waited for a guest with a key. That took all of about 30 seconds. A family arrived and were happy to oblige. Sadly they were only going to the 6th floor. However another couple boarded on the 3rd floor. They were a bit grumpy and didn't appreciate the crowded elevator. We just gave a smile and tried to look like we belonged. They put their key in for the 16th floor. SCORE!

Maggie got her elevator fix and was delighted.

We left there and checked out the Holiday Ice Rink in Justin Herman Plaza

Then we walked past the Occupy SF encampment and saw this Barbie Dream House tent.

We figured this must be the high rent district or the encampment - even the 99% has a 1%.

Maggie just wants to know if it has glass elevators.