IT'S FALL & TIME FOR POPPY SEED CAKE!

Happy Fall! It's been a little hard getting into Fall since it has been in the 100s here in Northern California. Since today is a bit cooler, I have started my decorating. But before we take a peek at those pictures, I have sliced a piece of Poppy Seed Cake just for you (recipe at end of post)! We typically eat this cake for breakfast but of course, you can have it anytime. It is very good! (click on pictures for full view)

Hubby and I drove over to Point Richmond, a quaint little area right on the SF Bay. Here are some pics from the day:

Houses right on the water!

The marina surrounded by pretty condos.

A sailboat leaving the Harbor (SF is in the background).

A really cool area where you can take sailing lessons and then take a sailboat out on your own. Fun!!

We noticed this building while walking along the shoreline. These are old buildings from when they would use the pier for loading and unloading container ships. Now they are being renovated into restaurants and such. This building has not been renovated yet. Don't you just LOVE the old green rolling door? And check out those green lights? I would love to have a few of those old lights!

Wait until you see these next pictures! We stumbled upon this very interesting playground in Berkeley. It's called Adventure Playground and is consists of all donated wood, old boats, and stuff like that. The kids play on all this stuff and build things out of the wood, etc. As you can see, you have to pretty much sign your life away due to the liability. However, even with parents signing waivers, I'm still pretty surprised they have this type of thing. The kids all looked like they were having a blast! And the kicker?? It's been there for over 30 years!

Poppy Seed Cake

1 box yellow cake mix

4 eggs

1 small package instant vanilla pudding

3/4 C. oil

1 C. cream sherry

2 Tbsp. poppy seeds

1/4 tsp. nutmeg

Mix all the above together with electric mixer on medium speed for 5 minutes. Grease a bundt pan and mix 1 Cup sugar with 1 Tbsp. cinnamon and use like flour on inside of greased bundt pan - pour excess out. Pour cake batter into pan and bake at 350 for 35-45 minutes. I have also made this without the poppy seeds. Once it cools in the pan for a few minutes, I invert it onto a cake plate. Very moist and yummy!