Cornerstone Garden, Sonoma

 23570 Arnold Dr, Sonoma, CA 95476

http://www.cornerstonesonoma.com/

A lovely garden with lots of amazingly cool outdoor artwork. There are a few shops, a cafe as well as an area for holding events (think wedding!).  It is situated between Sonoma and Napa. About an hour's drive from San Francisco.

Mount Davidson

Address: Multiple entrances. There is one near 275 Juanita Way, San Francisco.

This is a good hiking trail right inside the south side of the City. The hiking trail is not paved and could get quite muddy when wet. But we don't have this problem lately due to the drought. After winding though a few sloped rounds you will see a big field with gorgeous view of the city. And on the other side stands the 300 ft tall big white cross. It's just amazing. And yes, it's dog friendly.

Tom and Jerry House, Christmas 2011

Westfield Shopping Center SF

The beautiful dome at Westfield shopping center in downtown San Francisco has transformed to be the backdrop of the 3D light show called Illuminique Under the Dome show during the Christmas season.

Staircase at the Westin St. Francis Hotel

Address:335 Powell Street, San Francisco, California 94102

Staircase at the Westin St. Francis Hotel. So narrow and need to turn every 5 steps. Got sooooo dizzy after walking down the 12 flights of stairs

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Palace Hotel Ginger Bread House Contest 2011

Address: 2 New Montgomery Street San Francisco, California 94105

These are my 2 favorites of this year's Palace Hotel Ginger Bread House contest -- Golden Gate Bridge and the Painted Ladies. You can cast a vote and get a chance to win 2 nights stay at the Palace Hotel.

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Spring or autumn?

Trees are turning orange but saw a few young birds jumping around on the tree. May be it's just a resting spot in their migration path?

Beautiful Sunset viewed from Woodminster Amphitheater

Address: Woodminster Amphitheater, 3300 Joaquin Miller Road, Oakland, CA

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SFO, Christmas 2011

Snowing inside Hyatt Regency & outdoor skate rink

Cute Bug

Saw this cute-looking bug in Fremont.

Beautiful Sunset

The Fish House

A residential house that looks like a fish in Berkeley.

Squirrel Car

An interesting car decorated with lots of squirrels and wind wheels in Pacifica, CA

Shopping Cart Christmas Tree

Address: Bay Street Shopping Center, Emeryville, CA

This is quite special -- Christmas tree made up of shopping carts. Taken at Bay Street Shopping Center Emeryville, CA

Morcom Rose Garden

Address: 700 Jean Street, Oakland, CA

This beautiful rose garden is located near Grand Ave and quite close to Lake Merritt in Oakland. The park is lined with fragrant roses and a waterfall fountain in the center. A great place for wedding pictures. We caught a big squirrel dining in the middle of the park. Free admission.

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Lake Elizabeth, Fremont, CA

Address: 40000 Paseo Padre Pkwy, Fremont, ,CA

Beautiful lake in Fremont, CA. It's a park where you can jog, walk, bike, fish with ducks, birds, squirrels around. There is also a boating area in the park.

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Fry's Electronics Super Store - San Jose location

Address: 550 East Brokaw Road, San Jose, CA

This place is haven for people who likes electronics. Ranging from computer software/hardware to kitchen appliances. To me it's the Mayan-themed decor of this San Jose store that attracts my attention.

Dolores Park and Mission Murals

Address:
Mission Murals - Balmy Alley , San Francisco
Dolores Park - bounded by Church, Dolores, 18th and 20th Street, San Francisco

It's first day of 2009. Most shops were closed and streets were quiet. San Francisco is never lack of entertainment if you like sightseeing. We wondered around Dolores Park area and visited the colorful mural-filled Balmy Alley in Mission District where Artists turned the garage doors and fences of the alley into beautiful art.

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Street view about 2 blocks up from Dolores Park

View of San Francisco city from Dolores Park.

Front porch of this house looks like a fortress.

This house has a big bird cage in the front yard which is full of luscious greens.

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Pictures below were take from Balmy Alley and surrounding: