Mid Nov in Silicon Valley with Family (mostly not pictured)

The floor

Cascal

Santana Row Counter

Koi Palace

I've only been gone 18 months! #49ers Stadium

OK, so I've only been gone like 18 months!  The house that we owned is in the Rivermark area, practically in the shadow of the future home of the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, CA.  When we sold the home, there was nothing more than a proud sign and a parking lot at the site of the planned stadium.



Eighteen months later?



I don't think I've ever seen this much progress on a project in California in such a short time! Supposedly, the stadium is scheduled to be completed in time for the 2014 season, followed by opportunities for Super Bowls and other events.

Parking is a big weakness for this stadium.  There is almost no parking on the stadium property.  But let's not bother with details right now.

The jury is still out as to whether this will improve home values near the stadium.  Some say it will bolster values, and other say it will drag them down.  If this project is handled like AT&T Ballpark by the San Francisco Giants, values will soar due to ongoing redevelopment efforts nearby.  If the project is handled like the Oakland Colosseum, eh, watchout!  I already know the 49ers wanted to avoid the AT&T Ballpark model, so a bit of concern is appropriate.  It all depends on how Santa Clara City itself handles things.

Breakfast with my Father-in-law, and this giant donut

https://www.instagram.com/p/SECKpphR26/

Last movie I'm going to see at Winchester Century 22

[UPDATE: Time has finally caught up with this relic.  This gloriously aged structure was torn down recently to make way for shops and condos or something.  Work continues to protect her sister building, Century 21.]

https://www.instagram.com/p/SCBO2BBR6U/

Monterey Bay in November

Lunch with customer (no, I don't golf)

https://www.instagram.com/p/R--E9jBRy6/

My wife and I enjoyed a pleasant evening (on Alvarado St.)

https://www.instagram.com/p/R_cfdNBR_F/

Praying Mantis

Found this little guy on top of a trashcan in Wellesley.  Didn't seem to be doing much, but it did take notice when my wife and I took a few shots.  It's kinda creepy to have a bug watch you while you are watching it.