I learned many things about tying shoes today.

Earlier today I was replacing the shoe laces on a pair of my shoes, when I couldn't decide what would be the best lacing technique. Twenty minutes later I had settled on a pattern that fit well and looked good. Some months ago I had read about a tying technique that reduces heel slippage, but couldn't figure out how it worked, so after I got to work I looked up lacing on the Internet. There is a lot more to tying shoes than you may possibly realize. Two sites in particular stood out. The first, by far the most extensive exploration on shoe lacing and tying you could hope to

http://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/index.htm

My shoes are now well-tied.

There be parrots here...

Today I slept in late. I just felt like enjoying myself after being so busy for so long. After I got up, I looked up running shoes stores, and found Fleet Feet in the Marina District had good reviews. I walked down there, and tried on some shoes. Excellent service, but unfortunately they didn't have shoes in the width for me. But, now I know exactly what I need, so I may be able to order something.

After that, I headed over to the wharf where it was pretty crowded. I stopped into Mickie D's and then ice cream on Pier 39. Then, I continued to telegraph HIll in search of wild parrots.

As I was making my way around, I noticed a flock of birds, but the distance was so far they could have been blackbirds. Eventually, I got to the foot of the hill, where a steep stairway greeted me. Anyway, it wasn't long before I heard the parrots. Then, looking up I was able to locate a few. They were a bit high up in the trees to see well, but I could definitely make out that they were parrots. As I made my way up, it became obvious why the parrots chose this place to hang out. At either side of the stairway were gardens of flowering plants, mostly tropical, in the yards of the hill (actually cliff) houses. I never stopped very long on the stairs or took too many pictures. The intimacy of the gardens and private homes gave me a 'keep it moving' feeling. But, the gardens themselves were worth the climb, and seeing the parrots firsthand made it all the better.

http://blinkdog.smugmug.com/gallery/3117058

Today's number of steps: 21,703

Presidio, Crissy Field, Marina, Fort Mason

Did a lot of walking today. After running around getting pics for and initiating my visa application, I wandered off into the Presidio (the Korean Consulate is way the heck out in residential neighborhoods), from there I wandered until Ghiradelli Square. Then, taxi back to Korean Consulate (more time wasted waiting around - in the cold). After that, bus to Market, and San Francisco Shopping Mall. All in all, a good day. Pictures here.

Steps: 34,291