Longing for Watermelons of Old

What ever happened to seeds in watermelons? I have enjoyed my fair share of watermelons this summer since it is one way to make it feel like summer without having the summer heat here in SF. The only watermelons I can find are seedless. While these are nice and convenient I miss the childhood fun of spitting seeds, especially the idea of me doing it out of my third floor apartment window. I am not sold on those 'personal' watermelons either. The beauty of a watermelon is lugging this huge melon home pondering how it is humanly possible to eat the whole thing and joy of sharing. And what happened? Watermelons used to be oblong, now they seem to be more round.

What do you spend?

Sometimes, finding out how much other people are spending on different things affects my own financial behavior in positive ways. If I learn that I'm spending less than the regional average on something, I figure, Hey, I'm doing something right. Let's keep on keeping on. If I blow well above an average on something, it's time for a little re-evaluation of how I'm spending.

According to Bundle.com, the typical San Francisco household spends the following sums monthly:

* Food and drink: $370 on groceries; $419 on restaurants and takeout

* Housing expenses, excluding mortgage or rent: $238 on home improvement; $179 on utilities; $107 on phone-related expenses

* Shopping and consumer goods: $231 on clothing and shoes; $482 on department stores and wholesale clubs; $54 on hobby-related purchases

* Gasoline: $148; auto loan payments and related expenses: $211

* Diversions: $293 on travel; $51 on cable or satellite TV; $96 on live entertainment, gaming and tourist attractions

* Insurance and services: $358 on insurance; $103 on prescriptions and doctor visits; $125 on school and childcare expenses; $110 on gym memberships, haircuts and other personal care-related services; $89 on charitable donations; $37 on pets


How do you compare? You can check out other cities on bundle by following the link.

Summer in San Fogcity

Put away the shorts and grab those sweaters, it is a typical San Francisco summer. Covered from high it's like the city is grabbing the covers to hibernate for a few weeks. We all need that once in a while. Like it or not America looks to San Francisco to lead the way in many things and maybe San Francisco gets tired and needs to escape the spotlight. We all need to recharge. The revolutionary tradition seems to permeate the ground here and before long The City will emerge with a bolder plan for a better tomorrow.

Maybe The City is trying to keep a secret. It whispers around corners and through tunnels to only those delicate few willing to have the patience.

I never tire of the fog. I find it consoling, like the rain. It is another layer between me and the world. The light is softer. Sounds are muffled. It pushes one inward. Outside the fog horn comforts.