up to her old tricks

February 12, 2022. Sunset 5:45 PM. San Francisco, CA. Riley returns. Guest appearance from Emily and Riley after our visit to dog world at Ft. Funston. So many dogs running around the dunes!!!

we choose Riley

January 18, 2022. Sunset 5:18 PM. San Francisco, CA.

You can just tell that this is a beauty, and we'd be able to see it in all its glory if we walked to the end of the block. But then we would miss Riley.

...and she would miss this- Riley is our most enthusiastic bell ringer. She can hear when the garage door opens and runs to her front door-- Anxious to get out-- mostly for the treats that she knows are on the way.

will work for treats

January 3, 2022. Sunset 5:03. San Francisco, CA.

Santa Baby Riley contemplates performing in costume

— And she goes for it!

I love Riley (the dog)

November 13, 2021. Sunset 5:00. San Francisco, CA. Riley’s “grandfather” accompanied her for the sunset this evening. While he took a bit longer to entice Riley to ring the bell, he was quick with the treats.
Thank you, Gillian for the new little bell that Vangie is ringing from the window upstairs.

August 22 - sea to shining sea

August 22, 2021. Sunset 7:44 PM.

From my friend Lisa, sunset at Wildwood Crest, NJ.
-Joe Pokrifka


August 22, 2021. Sunset 7:52 PM. San Francisco, CA.

Norman noticed it was a Three Dog Night as Riley greets her fan club's newest member. Welcome back to Kiki after a month away at doggie camp boot camp. Everyone was on their best behavior this evening. Masking up again...


August 22, 1985

Today is the 37th anniversary of my grandmother Irene McElhoes' death. I adored her and she loved me unconditionally (well, as long as I stayed on the couch an didn't run around her house and make a mess)-- I am forever grateful to have known what that kind of love felt like and have aspired to pass it along as I go. Thank you, Nan.

Riley rings again

August 9, 2021. Sunset 8:09 PM. San Francisco, CA.

She is a pro at this point and is able to ring it with finesse or wild abandon. She is even attracting her own doggie followers.

will work for treats

July 19, 2021. Sunset 8:28 PM. San Francisco, CA.

Our neighbor Emily pulled up exactly at sunset this evening, with Riley hanging out the car window. The car had barely stopped moving when Riley came running over, jumped on Norman to say hello, breezed past me and then went right up to the bell and executed a perfect double ring. She knows what she’s doing now and seems to like ringing the bell almost as much as she enjoys her treats. A sunny spot of our day here.

Day 450

June 4, 2021. Sunset 8:28 PM. San Francisco, CA.

This has become a highlight of Riley's day. Mostly I think it's because of the treats. But it's pretty wonderful when she succeeds in ringing the bell.
Still slowing down the increasing bits of daylight. +0:53 today.
Day 450 sunsets at home

Day 448 Happy Birthday, Bill

June 2, 2021. Sunset 8:26 PM. San Francisco, CA.

Today would have been my brother's 59th birthday-- Hard to imagine him as anything other than a middle-aged man with young children- who are now accomplished young women. We all miss you, Bill.
+0:59 (less than a minute of more light today and counting down...)

+0:59 (less than a minute of more light today and counting down...)
Day 448 sunsets at home

June 1- here and there

June 1, 2021. Sunset 8:26 PM.
Mare Island Naval Shipyard, Vallejo, CA.

“Mare Island moment”
- Elisabeth Beaird and Richard Marriott


San Francisco, CA.

Same moment a few miles away in that distant fog bank.
+1:02 more daylight today...
Day 446 sunsets at home

Day 444 priorities

May 29, 2021. Sunset 8:24 PM. San Francisco, CA.

Everyone looks to be waiting for something to happen-- except for Riley who has a more immediate itch to satisfy.
+1:10
Day 444 sunsets at home

Day 443

May 28, 2021. Sunset 8:22 PM. San Francisco, CA.

We live in the middle of a long block, and I happened to glance down to the end of the street between bell tolls. In the distance, I saw a person and a bouncing dog running up the hill. And then they were here. Just in time.
+1:13
Day 443 sunsets at home

Day 441

May 26, 2021. Sunset 8:21 PM. San Francisco, CA.

Thank you Thea for stopping by- Riley likes you! Look at that smile.
Day 441 sunsets at home

Day 440

May 25, 2021. Sunset 8:21 PM. San Francisco, CA.

Riley takes the night off.
+1:20 light for the day
Day 440 sunsets at home

Day 439 Riley greets her fans

May 24, 2021. Sunset 8:20 PM. San Francisco, CA.

Riley greets her fans. Approaches the bell. And succeeds in performing "a double"! (that’s what we've come to call 2 rings for one push.) It's a heavy bell and quite an accomplishment- especially for such a short performer.
+1:23 more daylight—(can't find the moon...)
Day 439 sunsets at home

Day 435

May 20, 2021. Sunset 8:17 PM. San Francisco, CA.

Teamwork.
+1:32 more sunlight today.
Day 435 sunsets at home

Day 432 booster!

May 17, 2021. Sunset 8:14 PM. San Francisco, CA.

All vaccinated- standing close to each other- evenly spaced like birds for no reason.
+1:38 daylight today. Moon is up. A little bit of sunshine. A good day.
Day 432 sunsets at home

Day 425- Not feeling it tonight?

May 10, 2021. Sunset 8:08 PM. San Francisco, CA. A happy Riley had other things on her mind this evening. Meanwhile, the doves have the best seats in the house-- so quiet and calm up there.
daylight 14:04:39 v darkness 09:55:21.
Day 425 sunsets at home

Day 424 Garage door opener too handy

May 9, 2021. Sunset 8:07 PM. San Francisco, CA.

There have been some break-ins and property stolen in the neighborhood recently, and our garage was broken into early this morning. We are ok, and nothing of great value was taken. We feel very lucky to live on this street with people who come together for each other, and wholeheartedly thank our neighbors for their kindness and support.
Day 424 sunsets at home

Day 422 Riley Rings the Bell - almost

May 7, 2021. Sunset 8:05 PM. San Francisco, CA. Sunset is the same time this evening as last evening. The expansion of light is still on but slowing down- until the Solstice. Riley, however, is upping her game - with a little help from her friends.
daylight 13:58:59 v darkness 10:01:01
Day 422 sunsets at home