Roses in May

I went to the San Jose Rose Garden again to see the roses in bloom for this spring.   It is a tremendous sight to see so many colorful roses in bloom all at one time. 

Play ball!

The first weekend of April was the start of the 2011 Major League Baseball season.  The Oakland A's were hosting the Seattle Mariners for 3 games.  Sunday, April 3rd was Japanese Heritage Day.  It was a promotion to recognize the many Japanese people in the Bay Area, but also to welcome Hideki Matsui, former star player of the Tokyo Giants to the Oakland A's.  And of course, whenever the Seattle Mariners come to town, that means a big crowd attends to see Ichiro Suzuki.  

Of course, these plans were over shadowed by the earthquake and tsunami disaster that has affected areas of Japan.  As a result, there were numerous corporations and groups raising money to aid the relief organizations in Japan.  The Oakland A's also donated a portion of ticket sales to the cause.  Overall, it was a beautiful spring day for a baseball game.  And the home team won, too!

A beautiful day to relax and enjoy a baseball game from the bleacher seats.

Ichiro hits a single!

Later in the game, Matsui hits a double!

 After Ichiro ends the threat by throwing Matsui out at third base.

Ichiro jogs out to take his position in right field.

 

And then warming up by playing catch between innings.

More photos of Golden Gate Park

I went for a 2 hour walk through various parts of Golden Gate Park, snapping photos along the way.

Tulips just beginning to bloom near the Dutch Windmill.

Different types of bicycles available to rent.

 Different views of Stow Lake, which is a large man-made lake with an island

in the middle of Golden Gate Park.  Boats are also available to rent at the lake.

 

A sign with a map of Golden Gate Park.  If you look closely, you can see how big the park truly is.  On the left side of the map, each of the yellow lines on the side is 1 city block!   Stow Lake is in the middle.

Flowers beginning to bloom.  Spring will soon be here!

Mondays in the City

 San Francisco skyline at sunset, taken from Treasure Island.

Baker Beach at sunset.

Golden Gate Bridge from Baker Beach.

Ferry boat at Pier 39.

New Bay Bridge under construction, taken from Treasure Island.

Hiking trail from Lands End.

Golden Gate Bridge, taken from Lands End.

Another trail near Lands End.

Lincoln Park Golf Course, near Lands End.

While much of the United States was suffering through snowstorms and bad weather, it was a beautiful February weekend in San Francisco.  Typical California weather and why it is such a great place to live!

 Conservatory of Flowers in Golden Gate Park just before sunset.

Benches near the fountains in Golden Gate Park.

Fountains in Golden Gate Park after sunset.

California Academy of Sciences and Sutro Tower in the distance.