I’m taking a break from the west coast today. This tile store in soho definitely caught my attention the other night — particularly since there was a kitty involved. The store’s displays were all covered in this intricate tile work. Very striking.

I was looking at the backs of too many tourists heads out on the deck of the tour boat (bummer being short sometimes) so I decided to seek shelter down below where I could see a unique view of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Yes, this is a picture of buffalo standing over (eating?) a dead american indian. This is a piece of history found at the maritime museum in San Francisco. The museum is filled with old mechanical games popular at fairs in the early and mid part of the 20th century. If you think today’s games are violent and graphic, visit this place and you’ll be surprised at the, shall we say, lack of sensitivity portrayed in some of these ‘playful’ outlets.

Paul and I were in San Francisco all of one hour before we hit up the Giants game in progress. While it looks like the game was not a real thrill ride, it did turn out to be a big win for the local team.

After a bad furniture experience with West Elm, I am more intent on purchasing furniture that is real and has stood the test of time. I wandered into a Chinese antique store the other day and came upon this piece. It is a cabinet crafted around the 1920’s in southern China, and was originally purchased as a wedding dowry. The butterfly hardware is what sealed the deal for me. This photo isn’t textbook perfect by any means, but like the handmade cabinet, it is genuine.

Happy Birthday to Ryan who doesn’t look a day past 19.

Ernie’s toes (and belly).