Wednesday, December 24, 2008

A Change in Christmas Attitude


If I wasn’t already happy to be back in California, the holidays would have put me there.

First of all, I just have to take a short ride up to visit my folks to get a little of the snow show that’s not unusual in the Sacramento area. See the picture of Bebe, my Toyota Yaris, loving the clumps of snow leftover from the previous weekend in Pine Grove.

Then there’s the brisk feel of wintry air all around, something I had missed terribly during my encampment in Arizona. There is a stillness about things when the air gets cold. I really enjoy that sense of waiting for spring, but enjoying the moment. I’ve found myself sitting in my outdoor lounge chair with my feet propped up on the “visitor’s” chair watching the leaves fall and the squirrels chasing each other across the nearly bare branches of the oak tree across the street.

Tonight, I’m off to Oakdale (near Modesto) to spend Christmas Eve with my youngest sister and her family. My parents will be there, too. I haven’t been around for Christmas in years, so it will be very enjoyable for me, reconnecting with my family and memories of my youth.

I’m apart this year from my daughter, Vanessa and my son, Erik and his family. That’s very difficult for me, but we’ve made special arrangements so that we’ll spend some quality phone time together tomorrow.

I almost forgot! The Universe brought me a nice little Christmas present – winning $600 at Jackson Rancheria, the casino that’s between my folks and home.

To all of you, wherever your Christmas will be, I’m wishing you sweet moments with the ones you love.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Baby, It's Cold Outside...and Wet!


The past few weeks I’ve been caught up in a thousand Christmas chores (okay, maybe simply a hundred or so, but it has felt like a thousand) and the rewriting of the novel I hope will push me into the ranks of heralded and financially comfortable authors.

So, I have missed the pleasures of exploring the Sacramento area. There is so much more to see, experience and write about, so I plan to renew my forays into myriad adventures awaiting me in earnest after the New Year comes skipping over the horizon. In the meantime, I took a look around myself today and realized there is so much to enjoy in my own front yard.

It was raining today as I read in my cozy little nest of a bed in my RV, Wanda. I stopped for a few minutes as I heard the wind pick up a bit and glanced out the window. I found myself smiling as I watched a cascade of leaves being persuaded to leave a tree by the gusts. They came tumbling over each other by the tens, creating such a lovely sight of yellowed migration.

I marveled at those that remained on the stark branches, still clinging to their usefulness and life. It made me think of the human struggle to remain and survive, but I was also able to see the drifting beauty of those golden leaves that couldn’t hold on any longer, that simply let go and created a new carpet of intricate patterns on the earth below. There is an analogy here greater than any observer or writer’s ability to convey it.

The chill in the air hovers in the mid-forties most days lately. I love the brace of walking from a warm building into that biting cold and the instant alertness that goes with it; the realization that everything around me is a bit crisper than in the spring and summer. This feeling is something I sorely missed while I lived in Arizona.

Even the comfort of the indoors is amplified and distinctly more appreciable in this lovely climate.

The tinkling of rain on tin roofs is a sound I’ve always loved and here I get to experience that every time it so much as sprinkles when I’m in Wanda. The sound is slightly different but just as enjoyable.

In retrospect, perhaps my adventures have been more introspective of late, but in Sacramento all it takes is a cold, rainy day to feel as if you’re somewhere special.

Monday, November 24, 2008

Sophistication Hidden In A Grocery Center


THE COZY LITTLE BAR AT THE RAVINE

You wouldn’t normally find this kind of sophistication in culinary fare and atmosphere in a shopping center anchored by a grocery store, but welcome to The Ravine.

The bistro leans towards an updated version of décor you might have found in a restaurant/lounge frequented by Frank Sinatra. It has that “swingers” feel, with a dance floor and piano player who happily tinkled the ivories with tunes from the forties and fifties, like Blue Moon and Sentimental Journey, but accommodated younger patrons with more recent tunes as well.

The food choices were limited but varied with prices for entrees hovering in the $25 to $30 range. I had the pork tenderloin and added a salad. The flavors added to the pork, which was served in beautiful stuffed rounds, were both engaging and different. I was one of a party of fourteen and all seemed quite satisfied with their meal.

This isn’t a hurry-up-and-eat sort of place, so if you don’t have time for a leisurely dining experience, wait until you do.

The owners, Jonathan and Gita Rolls, have done a wonderful job of making the patrons feel important. Gita visited our table more than once, as it was my parents’ anniversary and she was determined to make it special.

The bar is very retro and hip, a great place to meet and sip martinis.

I would highly recommend The Ravine, especially to a couple looking for a quiet and elegant dining experience.

The Ravine is located at 25005 Blue Ravine Road, Suite 140, in Folsom. You can visit their website at www.theravinefolsom.com or call 916-983-5070 for reservations.

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Artfully Yours - Sutter Creek


THE WINDOW BETWEEN GALLERY 10 AND SUSAN'S

A recent outing with family members took me to Sutter Creek, a community in the thick of history, smack in the middle of Gold Country. The wonderfully intact Main Street attracts tourists all year long for a trip back in time and also for its antique shops.

It had been years since I'd been to Sutter Creek and didn't realize the there's a thriving art scene there too. We stopped into a gallery and what I would call an "art shop."

Gallery 10 is located just off Main at 15 Eureka Street. Tucked into a two story ancient storefront, with a popular bistro "Susan's" next door, the works of art welcome you right through the plate glass windows, which on the side of the building give customers a cozy view into the patio courtyard of Susan's. Between the two hang strands of three-inch round glass balls, blown into being with diverse swirling colors.

The space is cut up into alcoves which feature different types of art, from paintings to sculpture to jewelry to pottery, ad infinitum. Turn a corner and you will walk into a new experience. However, the gallery is smallish, so don't move too quickly. You'll get through all of it and feel you've just experienced your own small renaissance.


Painting by Margaret Soegaard


Gallery 10 is open Thursday through Monday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you'd like to call ahead, here's their number 209-267-0203.

The Fine Eye Gallery at 71 Main Street feels more like a shop, but its art is no less spectacular, however in most cases more contemporary with enough practical and crafty objects to attract those that enjoy wearable or usable art.

The Fine Eye Gallery

This gallery is a delight to the senses and you may well find yourself turning around and gasping with surprise one minute then examining with deep concentration the next.

Fine Eye is open daily from 10:30 a.m to 5 p.m.

So, if you haven't already, think of Sutter Creek next time you're hankering for a little art pleasure.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Sunday Blues for Lunch and Dinner


SAUL KAYE

This weekend the Sacramento Blues Society hosted a competition for the band and solo/duo act that would represent Sacramento in Memphis. The event was held at the former Clarion Hotel at Auburn Boulevard and Fulton Avenue from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Although the old-timers didn’t just give it up, in my opinion the show was stolen by two young in differing categories.

Saul Kaye, whose latest “record” is entitled “Jewish Blues”, played two of his original songs, one detailing the struggles of the Jewish slaves in the time of Moses and the other relating the story of his grandfather being cured of the Black Water Plague through the unusual three day administration of Zulu Beer in Africa. Not only were the subjects different from what most associate with the blues, but the delivery was unique. Kaye has a very watchable habit of cocking his fedora forward on his head every so often, as well as slapping his guitar for emphasis. This musician was a delight visually as well as to the ears.

STEVENSON PROFFITT

In the band category, The Stevenson Proffitt Band is aptly named after a 30-year-old phenom guitar-player. Profitt is endowed with magic fingers and a musically maturity beyond his years. The music he produces on his guitars played as much across his face and out into the room full of blues aficionados. After flitting his fingers, without the benefit of picks, across the strings at indeterminable speed, he sat for one number and made the guitar pop as it lay on his lap; it seemed as if it was speaking in tongues.

There were some especially interesting moments from others that appeared. Allie of the duo “Allie Marcel & Dave Baldwin”, sang his self-penned song called “Psychic Vampire Blues” describing painful love affairs in a bizarre and humorous way. Not to be missed was the saxophonist from “Cold Truth” who played two saxes at once. Then another of the younger crowd, Matty Tayton, from the band named after him, “Matty T”, also demonstrated flying fingers – but the thing about Matty that I found myself thinking was, “Some guys just know how to look cool.”

The event was well planned and well attended. The Sacramento Blues Society does a good job of supporting and presenting the Blues in Sacramento. You can join the group for $25 and get reduced admissions, a newsletter and frequent emails letting you know what’s happening locally. If you love the blues, you’ll never be bored in SAC if you’ve got a membership to this group.


JUDGING
The judges were (from left) Bo Ely, a former promoter, and long-time blues aficionado, Brenda Taylor from Po’ Boyz Restaurant, Charles Washington an active member of the Sacramento Blues Society since the 70s and Marina Texiera, the manager of the famous landmark night spot “The Torch Club.”

Since I wasn’t able to stay through the whole competition I missed out on hearing the winning band, “The Aces", as well as the announcements as to the winners. Lew Fratis and Jimmy Pailer won the solo/duo competition as well. While, I personally dug Saul Kaye’s style, Fratis and Pailer were great to watch and listen to as well. Best wishes to the winners in the upcoming 2009 International Blues Challenge in Memphis this February. I’m sure they’ll do Sacramento proud.

Saturday, October 18, 2008

For Those With The Speed Gene


Last week, the company I work for had a team building event at an indoor go-cart racing track called Race Place Motorsports (RPM) just off Hwy 50 on Bradshaw Rd. I discovered on the track, I no longer have the "speed gene." I used to own it and had a lead foot, but as the cars raced past me I found I was too cautious and desperately desiring a rear-view mirror. I was firmly convinced my inner child still resided in me, but now I know, it's only the tyke, not the teenager. Oh, well, suiting up and the anticipation was a blast.

So, here I am in all my glory, waiting for the green flag. We made fifteen laps...I think. It could have been 10, because I definitely lost track. Some people were slower than me (I got stuck behind one of them) but most were way faster and a lot more gutsy. I was concerned about flipping over and didn't want to hit anyone. That particular worry wasn't part of the package for several of our group. I flinched as they whizzed by, casually clipping my tires.

Afterwards, we took to the upstairs lounge, reserved exclusively for our company, with about 35 participants. We chatted, gave out goofy awards and partook of a pasta buffet and all-you-could-drink-softdrinks. We were treated incredibly well and photographed from every angle by their on-staff photographer.

A good time was had by all and I would recommend RPM as a group event, especially for a group closer to the teenage years - say in the 20 to 40 year-old range. A couple of us older chicks would have opted for a rousing bowling tournament instead. Again, it was a matter of no longer owning the speed gene.

RPM is located at 3130 Bradshaw Road and you can reach their offices at(916) 368-7223.

RPM Website

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Down By The River


On Saturday night, a couple of weeks ago, I left my favorite karaoke spot, Marie Callendar's (closed the joint) and then went down to the river along the Garden Hwy, to a place called Crawdad's, a restaurant and lounge floating on a big barge on the Sacramento River. Getting to it involved crossing an elevated pier bridge and then travelling down to water level by elevator.

(Crawdads - 1375 Garden Highway. Call(916)929-2268 for more information or click here)


It was a tad slow that night, at least at 11:30 (maybe the crowd had come and gone already), but the band played on - Paradox - formed in 1988 by Arden Elicker, lead vocalist. Other band members include Perry Clark (Vocals/Guitar/Keyboard), Greg Atkins (Vocals/Guitar), Christian Wise (Vocals/Drums)and Paul Hawley (Bass). They are regulars at Crawdads and you can see by the picture they inspire the crowd to join them on stage now and then, as these two ladies, not members of the band, demonstrated that night.

What was really fun was discovering that there's a whole nightlife scene right down by the river. The Riverbank Marina, of which Crawdad's is a part, also hosts Chevys and the Blue Gecko. The Gecko had heavy sounds drifting down to the water, too.

The riverside experience is better enjoyed while the weather's still mild, so consider squeezing in a trip before the heavy rains come. Wear your party gear, because that's the mood at Crawdads.

Monday, September 22, 2008

Lake Tahoe Is A Project




My daughter came to visit this past weekend so I took her to Lake Tahoe - for the day. Wow, the day is not nearly enough.

We took the winding Hwy. 50 route, which is stunning in itself, with the twists and turns through pines, tiny outposts of towns and cliff-side views of the lake once you get there.

Once we arrived we headed straight for Pope Beach. Tall pines stand like sentinels along the large-grained sandy beach. Ducks and geese clamored for the attention of the very few people populating the stretch of shoreline.

It was rather cool, but I ventured into the water, while Vanessa, my daughter who lives in Arizona, bundled up and read. We spent about two and half hours just relaxing by the immense basin of water that has three bands of color; a brownish-green near the shore, deep turquoise a ways out and in the middle a deep navy blue. The striations were fascinating to me, as they increased with the amount of sunshine that made it out from behind the clouds.

Van read the stats of the lake to me; 1642 feet deep, 12 miles wide by 22 miles long. It is enormous and very, very beautiful.

Once we left the water, we drove around to the Nevada side, and gambled for two hours on $20 each. Of course, I'm a gambling wimp and won't lose more than $20 (I also play the penny machines!).

Then our time for the day was up! We didn't get to explore other beaches or Emerald Bay, or the historical sites. I'm planning a much longer trip next summer. A whole weekend might be enough.

We'll see.

Saturday, September 6, 2008

Sophistication offered at Horseshoe Bar Grill in Loomis



Loomis, a tiny town north of Sacramento off I-80, is home to one terrific restaurant, Horseshoe Bar Grill, located on the main street of Loomis,at 3645 Taylor Road. The restaurant, an oasis of sophistication in a decidely country village, reopened in June with new management. The general manager, Richard Bruce, was present and visiting customer tables the Saturday my sister Laura and I chose to have a late lunch.

While the hour the restaurant opens on Saturday, 3 p.m., was a little past the time our stomachs began to protest. It worked out fine, because the atmosphere and food was definitely worth the wait.

Laura and I were going to be treated to a homemade meal when we got back to her home (my brother-in-law John loves to cook!), so we kept to the light choices, both of us ordered the mushroom soup and we shared an artisan cheese tray. My raspberry iced tea came in a water goblet, with mint sprigs draped over the lip

If I had it to do over, I would order two bowls of the mushroom soup, which was a broth-based concoction with a several varieties of mushrooms and a taste that sent us both over the top. Dainty diners we were not. The delectable soup tempted both of us to consider lifting our bowls and draining the last of drops or follow Laura's best plan of sucking up the last of it through a pair of straws. But our manners prevailed and we satisfied ourselves with moaning with pleasure.

The cheeses arrived accompanied by proscuitto, salami, pancetta, an olive selection and bits of fruit. Coming from a family of cheese lovers, our appreciation of the blues, cheddars and creams was warm. We were checked on by Mr. Bruce and our waiter enough to make us both feel important as we enjoyed our treats and our conversation, in the nearly empty restaurant. Of course, we had arrived as the bistro was just barely opening.

The menu had a several choices of both cuisine and price range. There was also a lovely wine list.

I highly recommend taking a trip out to Loomis for the food alone, but don't drive too fast. You may miss the short but picturesque little main street and country roads leading into it.

Reservations are a good idea. Call(916) 652-4100 for hours and to make sure they'll save a seat for you!

Remember adventure always lies just beyond your everyday life, especially in Sacramento!

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

A Step Back in Time - Locke




The first thought I had when I drove down into Locke off the 160 Hwy, was, "Wow, this looks like a cowboy town from an old Western."

The narrow one-way Main Street is lined with two-story storefront buildings, most of which are filled with businesses or are historic sites. Locke was built in 1915, by a group of Chinese businessmen after a fire in the Chinese section of nearby Walnut Grove and remains essentially the same as it was after it's completion in 1920.

You can step back in time for free at the Chinese schoolhouse, which dates back to 1915, but was closed in the 1980s due to a lack of Chinese students. The walls are covered with interesting photos.


There is also the Dai Loy Museum, for a little more time travel, open to the public for a very minimal fee.

One local artist, Chris Spencer, characterized Locke as an artist colony, and the art galleries attest to the talent in town. Spencer shows his art in the "Down By the River Gallery" opened by Catherine Conner Erickson.

The name may be politically incorrect (from a time before there was even such a thing as politically correct), but "Al the Wop's" bar and restaurant is very popular with the locals and out-of-towners, who often ride in on motorcycles.

Locke is worth a half hour drive along the Sacramento river, both for the destination and the drive itself. Take Hwy 160 south and follow the signs. Come prepared to stroll Main Street, perhaps buy a piece of artwork, stop into Al's for a libation or maybe dinner - steak and pasta is their speciality, and definitely for a step back into another time.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Freeport Is Jamming On Sundays



I had the good fortune of being let in on a secret. Freeport, which is about 10 from miles of riverside driving from downtown Sacramento, has its own blues celebration every week. Okay, it’s a smaller scale that the blues festivals, with about 120 people attending last Sunday, but it is cozy and lots of fun.

The Moon River Inn hosts the blues jam from 4-8 p.m. on Sundays through Nov. 2 (or until it starts raining!). You can’t miss the Inn, because it’s right on 160 and there will a number of motorcycles leaning to one side, waiting for their owners to return. The music can be heard from the road, too.

The jam is organized by members of the Sacramento Blues Society and rotates local musicians through sets, so you get a different flavor from each group that takes the mike.

The music is good and the atmosphere very relaxing. You can get fed from the Inn's menu or you can buy a hot dog and chips for $3. Alcohol and soft drinks are available inside the bar or if you can catch a waitress, you can have it delivered.

While there are tables and chairs provided, some of us brought our own chairs and blankets. The crowd was very diverse and ranged from families, to older folks to a few twenty-somethings.

Getting to Freeport is easy from almost anywhere, take the 5 to the Pocket Road exit and drive south on Freeport Blvd aka Hwy 160. You'll be there in a couple of minutes.

So, plan to get to the Moon River Inn before the rains come!

Monday, August 18, 2008

Imagine My Surprise...






…when I found a thriving karaoke scene at Marie Calendar’s! Seriously, would you have ever thought of Marie’s as a place for karaoke? Yet, when my neighbor April told me about it I couldn’t wait to see what it was like and I wasn’t disappointed in any way. The Marie Calendar’s we’re talking about is on Sunrise, just north of Madison.

Like any karaoke gathering, there were those who sang for the pure joy or fun of it, but couldn’t carry a tune (which is the group I belong to). However, the great majority of the singers were quite good, and some were great.

Because the bar serves food, kids could come and listen or sing until 9 p.m., which was a treat. Watching them listen to their folks sing or in the case of one really talented young girl, probably 13 at the most, rock the house with old songs from the 60s and 70s, was really a blast.

The picture of Kid Rock’s brother – just kidding – is actually of Tiny, a 7 foot singer who belted out “What a Wonderful World” in Louis Armstrong’s voice. I had to thank him. He did a great job, and Pete, my wonderful late husband, loved that song the best above all others. We played it at his memorial service. So, watching Tiny deliver the goods, was really great. By the way, he does smile…quite a bit.

Then the trio of singers, April, Curtis and April’s daughter Sophie, was who I sat with and cheered on. April is really a fabulous singer, with a strong voice for songs like those Faith Hill sings. Sophie has a sweet voice and is coming along right behind her mother, while Curtis did George Strait with ease and played with a soprano range at the table when only our group could hear. Actually, I liked the high sound a lot.

In the last hour, two of the best singers in the house, gave the audience the chills. First a tiny gal sang RESPECT with a flair that Aretha would have bowed to and then a young woman who looked too young to have lived enough to understand her rendition of Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive” sang it like someone who had really been through the pain. She hit and hit it hard.

Lastly, a shaved-bald Joseph crooned “Unchained Melody” with such range and sincerity the women in the bar nearly swooned, at least I did.

There were others, too many to recount here, who really did a great job, but the true joy of the evening was just feeling the love in the house. That’s what karaoke is all about. I fell in love with the atmosphere about ten years ago, when under the spell of eight (count them – 8) martinis I got up and sang Frankie Valli’s “Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You” and nobody laughed. In fact, when the song calls for a crescendo, they even clapped. And take my word for it, I can’t sing. What bliss is this?

I’ll go back again, soon. Maybe I’ll see you there. I’ll be the one with a ridiculous grin on my face, chair-dancing with gusto. Wait a minute, that’s most everyone there…

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Downtown Treasures




I was lucky enough to participate in a company mixer held at Barton Art Gallery at 1723 I Street last week. What a lovely little gallery and a perfect venue for an intimate gathering.

The exhibit was "Hot African Nights", the proceeds of which will benefit a school in Kenya. On every wall and pillar was hung beautiful, intensely colorful art. When the conversation lagged on business, all eyes turned to appreciating the creativity surrounding us.

The event was catered by "Michelangelo's" restaurant, right next door, and it was incredible. Although I couldn't get a good picture of the interior of the comfortable, yet elegant bistro, all our staff stepped over to check out the location that had produced such great appetizers.

The individual pizzas were delectable and the meatballs were the tastiest I've ever had. Often, the flavor of the sauce overwhelms the taste of the meatballs, but such was not the case with these. There were also wonderful raviolis and I had my first bit of polenta - lovely.

This little island of culture was right in the heart of government central. As with many of downtown eateries and galleries, both Barton's and Michelangelo's were fabulous little finds that make you want to explore more.

Next time you're looking for someplace a little different to try, wander down to 17th and I Street! You won't be sorry.

Sunday, August 3, 2008

Quaint Ain't All It Is - Old Folsom


I have to start with my favorite picture from my exploration of Old Folsom. The star is Guinness and he actually posed for me. I love a good-looking redhead. Guinness was visiting Buffy's Barkery, a doggie treat shop, with his owner. Along with a great selection of treats that look like human fare, but are actually good for your pooch, the Barkery offers upscale accessories to make your beloved pet feel beloved.

Buffy's Barkery is at 711 Sutter Street, Suite E, in Old Town Folsom, and you enter from a wooden sidewalk that covers three block of Sutter Street. Most of the sidewalk is also covered by overhanging storefront and there are plenty of benches for just watching the world go by if you like. But that's going to be hard in Old Folsom, because there's so much to do.

Quaint is the definitive word for the atomsphere that has been so successfully created here. A stroll down the walkway will lead you through a retail community that is awash in antiques, places to eat and unique little shops that will lure you away from your bench in a heartbeat.

There are a couple of places for funky clothes; one is the "Fire House" and another is "Rides." At the Fire House you can load up on distinctive wear that meanders through slightly hippieish to funky, upscale club wear. There are also things for the Red Hat Society and accessories to brighten up any outfit that may have gotten a little staid. Rides offers the type of clothes and accessories you'd imagine a biker chick wearing, hence the name Rides. Just a sidenote here; I sincerely believe there's a biker chick in all of us, so most people will enjoy checking it out.

For a more sedate, but still playful adventure, try "Partea Time" a tea house and gift shop. Here again, is a business which offers the Red Hat ladies a place to meet, but it is also great for little ladies that want to have a tea party, or just the average everyday gal who wants a moment of quiet elegance. You get to pick your tea cup and a hat to wear if you like. What fun! This delightful little spot is located at 727 Sutter Street, just down from Buffy's.


Places to eat vary to accomodate every taste, from pizza at the "Hacienda Del Rio" or "Hop Sing's" for Chinese. There are several little places that offer gourmet dishes and ambiance. The stroll will uncover these for you, and perhaps even lead you right through a door to culinary heaven you hadn't anticipated even finding. Have fun with it.




Willams Carriage House Antiques is a great example of what you'll find if you're a treasure hunter. It's got a wide selection of pieces and lots little nooks and crannies to explore. It's also got a funky facade that will catch your eye, right across from Partea Time, at 728 Sutter Street.

There's much more to Old Town Folsom - like Sunday Farmer's Market, Railroad Museum and Interpretative area where you and the kids can even pan for gold - but that will have to wait for the next installment.

You can even hop the most modern transportation available - the Light Rail - right into the heart of Historic Folsom, then wander back in time, like the folks below did on a lovely Sunday afternoon.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

A beloved community park






I was a little lazy last weekend and hard pressed to go very far for an adventure, so I hopped on Hwy 80, took the Capital City Freeway loop, and was downtown from the Citrus Heights area in about 15 minutes. Of course, it was Sunday and the traffic was light. However, once I got there it took me another 20 minutes to locate my targeted destination, McKinley Park. That was simply a matter of getting turned around three times. It's actually easy to get there if you're just using your internal compass and natural intelligence (of which I was in short supply on Sunday apparently).

I never thought I could relax in a city park as I found myself doing that day. The weather was gorgeous. It was breezy and even a little too cool in the shade for a summer's day. But I wasn't complaining. I've just come from Phoenix!

Anyway, the park is lovely, unless you have an aversion or fear of ducks and geese, for they are obviously in charge of the pond and 50 feet in any directions. They're beautiful and people came with bags of feed for them. Squirrels are also in abundance and seem to be doing well in the food department as well. No skinny varmints in this neck of the woods.

A squadron of dragonflies, seeming to fly in formation, made a reconnaissance mission around one area of the park. What they were looking for - I have no idea. However, they were fun to watch and imagine them having radio conversations like the fighter pilots in old World War II movies. My imagination got away with me - a sure sign that the place was relaxing the old girl (me).

The place seemed way too deserted for its size. It's 275 acres are bound by Alhambra and McKinley Boulevard, and 33rd and H Streets, so we're not talking a tiny community park here. However, the area residents obviously use the park for walking, jogging, dog-walking and even horseshoes. One gentleman, who was very good, was out honing his skills, ringing the post almost every time.

There were tennis courts, a beautiful swimming pool (not open that day for some reason), lots of picnic tables, benches for resting and a truly grand playground. The playground was put in by a community group in 1984, and resembles a castle made out of wooden blocks. Two giant lions guard the gates.

Whether you just want some peace and quiet, or a place to take the kids for an outing, or a romantic spot to nuzzle a bit (I saw several couples walking hand-in-hand and sneaking a smooch when they could), this is the park for you. It's not that far from anywhere in the Sacramento area. On the plus side, there are several areas nearby to explore if you're an urban adventure seeker. You'll find interesting coffee houses or places for lunch that aren't on the national franchise list.

Live a little! Check out McKinley Park for yourself.

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Roseville, Rocklin and Steinmart



I went in search of the only Steinmart in the Sacramento area as if on a mission. In fact, I was on a mission. I work with some ladies that love to shop, and I personally know they are missing out on a great experience, as only one has ever been to a Steinmart. There are only 22 in the entire state of California. However, since I returned to California from Arizona, where there are seven of these glorious stores in the Phoenix area, I am a big fan of what I call the “funky” store.

Well, after some trepidatious wandering down the wrong highway, I consulted my map again and finally found Steinmart after only 30 minutes of hard looking. It was actually easy to find, if you don’t follow the directions of an 18-year-old stock boy from Camping World, right off of Highway 65. He was sweet, but come on, he’s only been driving for two years.

I don’t usually extol the virtues of chain stores, but I have to make an exception here. What I love about Steinmart is that where other “discount” stores carry the castoffs from other chains, Steinmart concentrates on high quality and often very unique items. I always find things there that are unusual and therefore, to me, desirable. I don’t want to wear what everyone else is wearing, although I often end up doing just that.

In addition to clothes, I’ve found shoes, jewelry, gifts and household items that I just loved. Their selection of decorative pillows can’t be beat and one of my nieces was the recipient of a beautiful set of multi-colored, hand-blown wineglasses from Czechoslovakia that I found there.

Now let’s talk prices. When I wanted a shower curtain that was rich-looking, I found a red and gold one that had been $35 and paid less than $7. You can’t even get a nice Wal-Mart shower curtain for $7. My watch, the first one I’ve worn in years, is a Bulova that started its retail life with a price tag of $199. I paid $19.99. It has been running on the original battery for almost two years and I love it.

The trick is taking advantage of their “red dot” sales and signing up for their “card”, which doesn’t really do anything for you except that then you get on their mailing list and they send you coupons regularly. If you combine a 20% coupon with the discounts, up to 75%, you walk away nearly feeling guilty for the amazing bargains you’ve just scored.

Okay, so the title promises more than Steinmart, but to be truthful I don’t have a lot to deliver on Roseville or Rocklin. Both are growing communities with lots of shopping opportunities. In Roseville, I wandered around until I found Vernon Street, a restored and celebrated downtown area, but didn’t find much to cause me to stop and explore. However, the old cottagy ( I think I just made a word up) homes in the downtown area lend a lot of charm. And of course, I found another bridge. The one pictured here is a footbridge over a little creek and the Roseville Veterans Memorial Hall is captured in the background. I really liked old Roseville, but if there is an old Rocklin, I didn’t manage to find it.

Don’t worry, I’ll explore again when I’m not so excited about Steinmart, so I can really concentrate and bring you more to explore yourselves in both Roseville and Rocklin.

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Give yourself a treat and visit The Nugget




Although The Nugget grocery store has a reputation for being appropriate for those with expensive tastes, when I visited the mercantile located in El Dorado Hills with the fanciful front pictured above, I found there were quite a few bargains and treats to be had. After all, $2.49 for 7-inch high cream puff has to be considered a bargain. This, of course, is one of the treats I bought myself.

The wine and cheese selections were incredible, again with many reasonable prices for various choices that go beyond what the normal grocery store offers.

In a section overflowing with natural facial solutions and odds and ends, I found a small basket I’ll use as a purse and Pacific soy candles that have incredible scents that actually seem to permeate a room. I bought just a couple of votives this time, to test out the brand, but I’ll be back to restock later, when I feel the need for another pastry treat and a moment of reprieve at the patio tables outside.

There was also a great supply of “take out”; Chinese, barbeque and the usual offering from a deli department, all arranged in an appetizing way.

I’m afraid I did not venture much into the more traditional grocery items, like dairy, produce, meat, etc. I was too caught up in the periphery and time was pressing. I knew I had just so much time, on July 4th, until the swimming pool that awaited me would cool and no longer appeal.

I bought my cream puff and a unique soda and sat on the patio, in the shade, enjoying them both. My eyes were far bigger than my stomach, for it was only a few bites into the gigantic pastry that I could not go on. Not for lack of flavor though. It was a lovely surprise to find that the filling was 100% heavy whipped cream – just like a cream puff is supposed to be.

So, if you get to visit a Nugget grocery store, there are a few around the Sacramento area, make it an experience and treat even if you do actually need milk and eggs.

Saturday, July 5, 2008

Been to El Dorado Hills lately?





Why does shopping have to be done in such ordinary, boring settings? That must have been the question the developers of the El Dorado Hills shopping complex asked themselves.

I had heard of The Nugget grocery store in El Dorado Hills and wanted to check it out for the blog, but I also wanted to see "Sex in the City" this weekend. So I combined the two outings and drove out to El Dorado Hills.

I was completely unprepared for the lovely setting the theatre towers over. Built like a European street scene, with more than one architectural style blended together, the shops line a street that ends at the theaters. Before you get there, however, there's a lovely pond with a fountain, bridge and courtyard, loomed over by a bell tower with a working bell that rings on the hour. I couldn't see whether or not the bell was the old-fashioned kind or an electronic model, but I really couldn't have cared less. The effect was the same. Calming, peaceful and able to carry one away to another time and place within seconds of its tolling.

The courtyard was nearly deserted, although one couple sat sharing soulful conversation and another older twosome strolled hand-in-hand.

I recommend the drive. The shopping center has all the usual stuff, drugstores, Starbucks, Chili's; and yet, it has several smaller, unique stores. The Nugget is well-worth the drive - so much so that it will have it's own little write-up later this week. Stand-by...