Bay Area Outings: South Park Green

Located in San Francisco's SOMA neighborhood sits an unlikely hidden gem of a park. South Park has a sandy play area with swings, things to climb on and a fenced in area for little ones, all in a tree lined historic park. If you have been there in the past there is one recent major change. The large multi-colored climbing structure is no longer there. (Probably a good thing as it was very worn fiberglass.)

Located between 2nd and 3rd streets just south of Bryant, South Park is a welcome quiet spot in the busy city and an oasis of green in SOMA. It's easy to forget you are in the midst of one of the more commercial neighborhoods in San Francisco.

There are several good cafes and full restaurants in the ring of businesses around the park as well as the surprisingly kid friendly 21st Amendment right over on 2nd street. It's a perfect place for dad to feel at home and still get the kids something decent to eat after romping in the park. (Don't miss the weekend only breakfast pizza.)

Hint for dad: Za Za nail salon is just up on 2nd St. As well. A perfect place to give the lady in your life a mani-pedi break while you take the kids to the park. She can also shop at small stores nearby and join you for brunch, lunch or dinner.

The Good Stuff:

It's a really well done small park that is rarely overrun with bigger kids.

There is some shopping nearby.

There is a wide array of good food nearby.

The Bad Stuff:

Sometimes there are a few vagrants in the park but SFPD tends to keep them out.

Butler And Chef located right in the circle has great food but is not the most kid friendly. They actually have a "no stroller policy".

It's in an odd spot if you aren't already in SOMA for another reason.


South Park Wiki

Kitchen Skills: One Minute Eggs!

Every parent needs kitchen skills. Often stay at home parents need them even more. Here's a great way to make eggs in a hurry.

You'll need a microwave, an egg and a microwave safe mug or bowl. A typical coffee mug works well. It also helps to have a small amount of butter, oil or cooking spray to help prevent the egg from sticking but it's not essential.

While you only need an egg, you might want to add cheese and something green and leafy. Eggs area great vehicle for getting little ones to eat things like spinach, swiss chard or dandelion greens.

First: Use your oil, butter or cooking spray to very lightly coat the inside of the mug.

Next: Crack your egg into the mug and add any cheese, greens, tomatoes or other stuff you might want.

Then: This is very important, mix the egg well. You can beat it with a fork or simply mix it up thoroughly with a spoon, chopstick or whatever is handy. If you don't your egg will likely explode and spatter itself all over your microwave!

Finally: Place the mug in the microwave and set it for a minute. You may need to adjust for your particular microwave. If the egg comes out soupy try putting it back in for another 15 seconds and if it comes out looking like a kitchen sponge try subtracting 15. Adding ingredients usually requires more cooking time. An extra egg or a particularly large one will almost certainly take longer.

As with all microwave foods, there may be hot spots in the eggs. Make sure you chop them up before giving them to your child and give them a moment to cool to a safe temperature.

You can also read this article over at Examiner.com!

http://www.examiner.com/x-20294-SF-StayatHome-Dads-Examiner~y2009m8d31-Kitchen-skills-One-minute-eggs

Just For Dad: Wet VS Dry Shaving

There is a growing trend in mens shaving that puts some tried and true traditions up against more "modern" methods. Personally I think it's all semantics being thrown about by one crowd seeking a deeper authenticity in their lives and another crowd trying to make a buck off of them.

So called, wet shaving, is just your typical shave wisely commenced after a hot shower or maybe the application of hot towels to the face to soften the beard. It then involves lathering up and shaving with regular rinsing of the razor. ...yeah, sounds familiar to me too.

Dry shaving on the other hand is either simply using an electric razor or an often oddly described event where copious amounts of shaving cream are applied to the face and then shaved off... not shure how without rinsing the razor but that seems to be the suggestion.

So, we are left with the question, "What's the difference," and or big deal? The difference is really in the type of razor. The most common razors used for wet shaving are the old style Gillettes that our dads and grand dads used to use. Like the one in the photo, they most often use a double edged razor blade that is dropped into the head. Younger folks will likely know these from paint scrapers, suicide scenes in movies or possibly in association with chopping up cocaine.

My familiarity with them comes from a life of using them. My grandfather taught me to shave with the Gillete he'd carried in his toilet kit during WW2, a razor I still sometimes use. Tried the plastic disposables and I have to say that while you get fewer nics and avoid the occasional cut the shave just isn't the same. Any time I have strayed from "wet shaving" I find myself invariably coming back.

The razors are easily had for reasonable prices at antique stores and flea markets and eBay most always has a wide variety on offer. Other than the Gillette 195, a suddenly highly saught after adjustable model, you can get them for as little as a few dollars with mint condition models still obtainable under twenty bucks. The 195 can run you as much as a ridiculous thousand dollars or more these days. Yeah, someone always has to come along and rape your world for the sake of a well heeled collector every once in a while. Annoying at best.

They are also available from a handful of manufacturers such as Merkur and R. A. Rooney. The best source I have seen is www.classicshaving.com. Though the prices are pretty high compared to just taking a trip to your local antique mall where, as mentioned above, they can be had for as little as a few dollars.

Either way, I highly recommend gents giving it a shot. Emphasis on "gents". These razors have a nasty habit of taking chunks out of the lovely legs of our lady friends in a hurry who grab the nearest razor. Not a good idea. While ladies historically used the same style safety razors as the fellows, the contours of female shin bones and knees have greatly benefitted from developments in shaving technology.

Slow down, be "manly", enjoy a quality shave and feel just that much closer to being Steve McQueen.

You can learn more about the wet shaving "cult" at http://badgerandblade.com/vb/index.php They have an active group of wet shaving enthusiasts with a nice BBS and "blog style" articles.

Note: The razor pictured is a Pomco "Twisted Head" made in Germany for Pomco of Chicago Illinois. Not sure on a date. A close second next to my Gillette Aristocrat.

Tools Of The Trade: The Mommy Hook

The Mommy Hook:

I'm a climber, not a great one but I have some really great stuff that gets used on and off climbing routes. So, this item predictably caught my eye. While the name is kind of annoying I have to say it's a handy thing to have in my daddy tool kit. It's useful for carrying bags of groceries home, looping jackets and things through and occasionally, like standard carabiners, attaching things to the stroller or diaper bag. The foam section really does make for a nice handle. Far more comfortable way to carry plastic grocery bags weather your walk is two blocks or twenty.

While it isn't rated for real "work" it's an honest improvement over what you might be tempted to use from your normal non-baby related life. The closest you'll get is going to be around $20 versus the very reasonable $8 for the Mommy Hook. So, if you can get past the name and the inevitable ribbing your likely to get from your friends you can get a Mommy Hook at any number of locations most notably Babies R Us, Toys R Us and Bed Bath and Beyond. As a bonus it will likely even perform better in this instance than your manly carabiner would have.

The website is just a simple splash page but the product isn't all that complicated...
http://www.themommyhook.com/

...Not a bad stocking stuffer.

Date Night: Tango

One of the most important things for many couples is maintaining a healthy romantic life away from the kids. A relatively inexpensive way to have a night out and break the mold of the traditional dinner date is an evening of dancing. There also comes a time in the lives of many when randomly shaking your groove thing to the latest pop sensation just doesn't cut it anymore.

Why not give Tango a try? Basic Tango is simple enough that with a small amount of practice even the least coordinated can manage. There are lessons available for as low as $20 per person. So, even tight budgets can fit in enough instruction to take their new skills out on the town.

Tango can be a great way to get a workout without going to the gym and it's also a great way to meet new people and make friends you might never have otherwise met.

Most cities will have at least a couple of places that offer lessons. A simple Google search should turn up some schools and dance venues where you can learn and apply your new skills. Try these in San Francisco.

Tango Vida on Pacific is great. Low key and not too serious, easy to find in Nob Hill.

BA Tango is also a fantastic resource.

Bay Area Outings: Classic Zoo Trip

The zoo is a time honored outing that most parents will either enjoy or endure a number of times. San Francisco is lucky to have a really good zoo. It's well laid out and manageable as either a family trip or a solo adventure. Since the exhibits were designed with kids in mind there are relatively few hazards and several areas where toddlers can stretch their legs given some supervision.

San Francisco Zoo

The zoo overall is a nice one but little folks will especially like the ample petting zoo and the playground. So, plan on some extra play time and maybe not seeing the entire zoo in one visit. It's a very spread out facility with a lot to see. Also plan on the kid(s) getting dirty.

We like the insect zoo and be sure to visit the birds of prey. One of the only places you can get close to large birds like owls, hawks and falcons. Very cool indeed.

The "Little Puffer" train is a lot of fun when it's running.

Bea loves the petting zoo goats but mind the horns. The goats tend to whip their heads around a bit and the horns are right about eye level for a toddler.

We also pack a kite and a blanket/towel for the beach after the zoo. The water is cold but kids will enjoy playing in the sand.

The Good Stuff:

Very kid friendly.

Easily accessible by public transit. Just take the Muni L and walk a couple blocks right to the zoo.

San Francisco residents get a discount but bring "proof" of residency. Get an additional dollar off with a Muni receipt. As low as $11 instead of the full price $15 admission.

It's a classic, good for the entire family or just dad and the little one(s).

Fun diner style places to eat near the zoo and close proximity to the beach if you want to make a day of it.

The Bad Stuff:

The food is mostly processed greasy stuff. OK quality but it's mainly pizza, burgers, breaded things and it's expensive. Maybe pack a lunch. (The food is fine for adults.)

Not a lot of shade. Plan on hats and sunscreen.

It can be both windy and cold. The zoo is right next to the ocean.

Beyond the Bay: Humboldt Redwoods State Park

Over Fathers Day weekend we took Bea on her first camping trip. We got to see some amazing things and it couldn't have gone better.

We got a great campsite in the Hidden Springs part of Humboldt Redwoods State Park. The restroom and shower facilities were cleaner than a lot of gas station and rest stop facilities, water was readily available and the campsites had enough privacy to keep us in the camping spirit. Firewood was available at the ranger station and each campsite had it's own "bear locker" for food.

Each site has a parking space and the roads in the park are well maintained. The well groomed paths are great for even the littlest campers. We felt safe letting Bea run around our campsite as ling as we kept her away from the fire. One nice thing about the fire enclosure was that it was roughly two feet tall and therefor high enough that she couldn't fall into it. Not to say that it didn't get hot and still need a watchful eye but it was way better than a simple fire pit would have been.

Some camp areas in the Redwoods also offer activities for kids and families at certain times of day that are posted on bulletin boards near the restrooms. Bea was a little too small for most things as they are targeted more for school age children. Though, there was still plenty to do in the park and surrounding area.

It's hard to beat for $20 a night! We already have our next trip planned.

Bring a variety of clothing and plan on layers. It gets cool in the evenings but can get hot during the day.