Pier 1 Lunch Excursion and Candlelight Concert

Yesterday, sixteen Senior Residents of THD, Chaperon By Cidney Carbah with our capable and efficient driver, Nancy enjoyed this 5-hr Excursion from the Oakland Ferry Terminal to San Francisco  Pier 1. We left THD at 10:30AM. The day was perfect, sunny skies, no wind and temperatures in the High 60's. 

After our arrival at Pier 1, we were on our own and instructed to be back at Gate G at 1:40PM. The place was crowded and all restaurants have long lines. Luckily, Mary Ann DeWald, Jay Pollack and I were able to get a seat without waiting at Gott's Roadside. Mary Ann and I ordered the Chili and garlic fries. Jay indulged himself with the chicken sandwich. Mary Ann had white wine and I had draft beer.  As usual Jay has his soft-drink, since he does not indulge in alcoholic drinks.

Thank You Mary Ann and Jay for your company at lunch time.  Special mention to Mary Ann for giving me a few minutes of arm support when I felt a little bit dizzy after walking for 10 minutes in the Farmer's Market after lunch.   I took several pictures that I am posting today.   

Our trip back to THD was uneventful, except that we almost lost 2 seniors, Martha M

 and Eileen B. They unboarded the ferry early at the Port of Alameda instead of the Port of Oakland. 

Another event that could have been disastrous was that Farna W, almost fell on the uneven walkway at the Farmer's Market. A Good Samaritan was at the right time to catch her from falling to her face.

My suggestion to THD Activity: If this Activity be Repeated,  It is best to do it on Weekdays instead of Saturdays where the crowds are humungous and overpowering. Perhaps the lines at the Restaurants in Pier 1 will not have a 1-2 hours wait on Weekdays.   I would have love to dine at the Hog Island Oyster Company, but I have no time to wait for 2 hours.  My Congratulations to THD Activities for sponsoring this enjoyable Excursion- one of the best ways for us senior citizens to get out once in a while from our GILDED CAGE. 

Lastly, Don Hoffman's Candlelight Concert last night was a musical evening I will always treasure and remember during my stay here at THD. His repertoire was perfect, starting with Some Enchanting Evening from South Pacific and ending with When You Walk Alone from Carousel. In between the one -hour of heart warming of musical genius singing various genre of music is an event I will never forget. His bass-baritone voice that did not need any amplification filled the Activity Room with such booming and melodious sounds one is willing to pay hundreds of dollars. But it was free to us,  residents of THD. Thank You Galen and hopefully Don will be back soon. I could listen another hour with his music in spite of the not too comfortable seats in the new activity room. 

Two other favorite pieces of music that Don sang was Old/Man River from Show Boat and the Toreador song from the Opera, Carmen. He also sang an Elvis Priestly song.