The Hungry Dog's day off

Yesterday I took the day off. Did I have an interview? A doctor's appointment? Was I waiting for the cable guy?

No. Just took it off. So I could be footloose and fancy free in the middle of the week. Decadent, right?

The weather was gorgeous, warm, sunny, and still. In the morning, I lingered over coffee and the paper, such a treat during the week. Then, I went for a leisurely swim. After that, I ate some lunch and pottered around the house for awhile, Frances a sweet little shadow next to me.

In the afternoon, I decided to go up to Tank Hill, which is half a block from our house. Unless you live around here, you probably wouldn't know about Tank Hill. It's a small, unruly patch of earth, too little to be kept up by the parks department but just the right size for tromping around with your dog, or stopping to take in the view. I love Tank Hill and go up there almost every day with Frances. Yesterday I decided to bring my camera along so I could share it with you.

If I knew how to take panoramic pictures you'd get a better sense of the view. But since I don't, you'll have to see it in two parts. Although the day was ever so slightly hazy, I hope you can make out the star of Part 1: the peaks of the Golden Gate Bridge.

To the left of the bridge is Part 2: the Pacific ocean and the Marin headlands:

In the spring, wildflowers cover Tank Hill. I spied some bright yellow ones...

and tons of California poppies.

Poppies happen to be my favorite color: orange!

Later in the year, wild blackberries grow on the side of the hill, ideal for urban foraging. I noticed them too late last year but this year I'll be ready to pluck a few for breakfast one day.

While I admired the view, Frances stayed close to the ground, sniffing for other dogs, as well as raccoons, possums, skunks, and coyotes, all of which have been spotted at Tank Hill.

Anyone who says dogs don't smile has never met Frances.

When we got home from our outing, I set about making some Irish soda bread. I didn't forget what day it was! The recipe was a cinch and in no time at all Frances and I were both salivating over this lovely loaf.

I had to cut myself a piece. You don't bake things just to look at them.

The bread was delicious. I've only had a few soda breads in my life and have never made one, so I don't have a lot to compare it to. But I thought it was a winner. My only change was that I used currants instead of raisins, because that's what I prefer.

Such a pleasant afternoon snack!

And what about you? What do you do on your day off?