As we settle in this evening awaiting the fistula procedure early tomorrow morning, we savored a delicious meal at the infamous Tadich Grill, the oldest restaurant in California.

San Franciscans enjoy eating out. Some say that it is a heritage from the gold seekers who journeyed to California without their families, became accustomed to the good and exotic cookery of the restaurants of San Francisco, and were never again completely satisfied to eat at home.’’ That’s not a quote from one of today’s trendy food magazines. It’s from an article by Salvatore P. Lucia in Atlantic Monthly in 1950.

Lucia goes on to write about the hot restaurants of the time that have since closed — Rijstaffel, the Papagayo Room in the Fairmont Hotel, and Amelio’s. But he also mentions a San Francisco classic that’s still open, Tadich Grill, which he describes as being a place “for the more sophisticated fancier of fish dishes.’‘

Tadich Grill isn’t just the oldest restaurant in San Francisco; it’s one of the oldest businesses in California.

In 1849, when California wasn’t even part of the Union, the restaurant began its life as The New World Coffee Stand on the edge of what’s now Commercial Street. It moved several times in the early days until it found a more permanent home — from 1912 to 1967 — at 545 Clay St. It moved to its current address on California Street when Wells Fargo took over the space on Clay.

The “new’’ location looks much like the Clay Street restaurant, according to Bob Buich, one of the owners, who says the restaurant was basically disassembled and recreated in the new space.

Lots of dark wood, including the long bar and lunch counter, highlight the decor and give the space an old-fashioned, clubby feel. Booths are created by wooden panels for more private dining away from the din of the restaurant. White-clothed tables line the walls and Deco-style light fixtures add a warm glow. The open kitchen, so popular at restaurants now, was also recreated from the Clay Street restaurant.

Tadich Grill — one of the most written-about restaurants in San Francisco history —

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This is what the LORD says —
your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:
“I am the LORD your God,
who teaches you what is best for you,
who directs you in the way you should go.

Isaiah 48:17

It may be hard to believe …. but this Father’s Day commemorated Irene’s ONE YEAR stem cell transplant birthday!!!!!  Irene underwent the amyloid stem cell transfusion @ UCSF on June 15, 2007 ….

One year ago following the stem cell transplant (2 days difference to be precise) Irene is now scheduled for a Cimino fistula procedure.  A Cimino fistula is a type of vascular access for hemodialysis. It is a surgically created connection between an artery and a vein in the forearm.  Once the graft takes place over the next 2-3 months Irene’s current dialysis catheter in her chest will then be removed with yet another surgical procedure.

Here’s the plan.  We will spend Monday night in San Francisco.  Tom & Janet Williams (Tom is the Chairman of InterWest) have graciously offered their condo to us in preparation for the early Tuesday morning hospital admission (6 a.m.).  The procedure is scheduled at 7.30 a.m.  Irene is expected to be released from UCSF late in the day at which time we will travel home because she has dialysis treatment early Wednesday morning.

2008 Father’s Day pix ….

Yum …. baby back ribs provided by Jocelyn

…. and JoAnna made a fresh homemade fruit tart for dessert!!!!

It’s been quite a year …. and we look forward with wholehearted trust and confidence to whatever God has in store, knowing that He always has our best interests in mind and directs us according to His purposes …. even along the amyloid journey.

This is what the LORD says &mdash:
your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:
“I am the LORD your God,
who teaches you what is best for you,
who directs you in the way you should go.

Isaiah 48:17

Caminando con Fé

Dave

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Happy Father’s Day weekend, Dad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dad and Mom with Irene @ Matt Dias’ recent high school graduation party

Dad and Mom with Irene @ UCSF on June 14, 2007, the day before Irene’s stem cell transplant.

You’re the greatest, Dad…thanks for your support all these years!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I add the following Father’s Day proclamation saluting all dads!!!

President’s Father’s Day Proclamation
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

Fatherhood is one of life’s most challenging yet fulfilling endeavors. On Father’s Day, we honor America’s fathers and express our appreciation for all they do to help build a strong foundation for our children and our Nation. We also reaffirm our commitment to supporting fathers and encouraging responsible fatherhood in our society.

Fathers have indispensable roles to play in the lives of their children: provider, protector, nurturer, teacher, and friend. Every caring father unconditionally loves his sons and daughters and strives for the best for his children in the future. In seeking to give their children the opportunity to succeed, fathers offer needed strength, guidance, and discipline.

Fathers teach their children many basic things in life: how to read a book, throw a ball, tie a necktie, ride a bike, or drive a car. More importantly, they also help instill time-honored values in their children, such as hard work, respect, honesty, and good citizenship. Through their words, actions, and sacrifices, fathers play an important role in shaping the characters of their sons and daughters.

The time and attention that a father gives to a child is irreplaceable—there is no substitute for the involvement and commitment of a responsible father. Not only are fathers essential to the healthy development of children, they also influence the strength of families and the stability of communities.

For this reason, our Government is working to help fathers succeed in this challenging, but life-affirming, role. Over the last 2 years, my Administration has taken important steps to promote responsible fatherhood and encourage community-based initiatives that help them fulfill their important roles. We are working to provide funds for healthy marriage and parenting education and for community mentoring programs to

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