In the Lap of Luxury

My daughter came to visit me from Phoenix two weeks ago and we spent four glorious days exploring Sacramento. I got to share so many of my favorite Sacramento things with her: the Davis Farmer’s Market and the arboretum at UCD, the homes surrounding Land Park, the Hoss Academy on Sunrise for dueling facials, the Capitol and JimBoy’s tacos.

We treated ourselves to a night at the Sheraton Grand downtown, in part because as a Sheraton employee in Phoenix she gets great discounts. But I was wholly unprepared for how nice everything was.

We had a great view, incredible cloudlike beds, a great meal at Morgan’s Central Valley Bistro (the atrium restaurant) and probably most importantly, fabulous room service – see the desserts we had delivered, crème brulee and tiramisu.

Since I gave up television a couple of years ago, we watched the first “Dancing with the Stars” of the season in our room and it was a blast.

Sometimes, the very best thing you can do for yourself is let yourself be treated royally. The Sheraton fit the bill.

A Trip Down J Street

I was headed to a Chinese New Year event this Saturday. The address was 6000 J Street. I started at 1200 J Street. I had no idea I was headed for Sacramento State University.

It was pure luck I didn’t know. Otherwise, I may have taken the quickest route by freeway. Instead I had the very great pleasure of slowly driving the 48 blocks that wind through downtown, midtown and East Sacramento until I finally arrived at the University.

Somewhere along the way, I figured out that I was headed to the college. But by then I was committed to and enjoying the scenic drive, which I would now highly recommend. I was glad for the lack of traffic as I could turn my head to the right and left and take in the wonderful, stately homes and quirky little cafes and shops I passed. If I hadn’t had a destination, I would have stopped for lunch at one of the restaurants. I contemplated getting out and taking pictures of the lovely homes, but there was essentially no parking on J Street. So, I just enjoyed through my windows.

When I arrived at Sac State, I had no idea where the event was being held and I had never visited the campus before. Consequently, I wandered around until I found the Student Union – University Union. The stroll was terrific, because the grounds are covered with old evergreens and lots of places to sit and contemplate, which I thought I’d do on the way back to the parking structure in which I had left Bebe, my little red Yaris. Unfortunately, it was drizzling by then so I’ll just have to return sometime for that pleasure.

At the student union, the Chinese New Year festival was in full swing, but I stayed outside the hall that was dedicated to the event. One peek inside told me I’d be overwhelmed by the claustrophobia that I sometimes experience. I watched families enter and exit, some costumed, others not and ate a little Chinese food. I’m a people-watcher and this was a wonderful opportunity for that pastime.

When I’d had my fill, I headed back the way I’d come, but along the way I was treated to an encounter with an alpaca, named Twinkle, and her companions, two women who seemed to belong to her. Twinkle looked so incredibly sweet. with her smile-like expression, cuddly exterior and dainty feet (okay, they were hooves) that seemed to be prancing. This was definitely the highlight of my trip down J Street – and beyond.

All In A Pea Pod

A visitation with my parents almost always includes a short road trip to in search of antiques and hidden treasure. This past weekend we took a ride through tiny towns from Jackson to Oakdale, like Minton and on the way back – Escalon.

In Escalon, we happened on a terrific, eclectic shop called The Green Pea on Main Street, straight across from the Main Street Park.

My mom and I spent at least 45 minutes exploring the collection of antiques, new crafty creations and unique pieces of clothing. It was an enjoyable adventure, winding through the old building, set up with vignettes and open floor displays filled with lovely old things blended nicely with the occasional “cupcake” pin cushion or ornate beaded scarf.

The owner, Sandi Vander Dussen, does a terrific job of merchandising. She is the buyer as well and brings an elegant style to the exposed brick and open ceiling.

If you get a chance to visit Escalon, off Hwy 99 by about ten miles, be sure to stop at The Green Pea, at 1802 Main St. You won’t be disappointed. In the meantime, visit her blog at thegreenpeaboutique.blogspot.com.

In Search of Treasure

I went to visit my folks last weekend, in Pine Grove and we spent Saturday in search of treasure – in other words, looking for garage sales, church bazaars and anything else that might hold unsuspected riches.

So, we hit a “barn sale”, which was really in a former workshop for making headstones, barely held together with weathered old boards, and festooned with rusty chains and pulleys. It was quite a place to look for buried treasure – pun intended.

We took away a couple of items – my cherished piece was a 1980’s embroidered jacket that will become a pillow.

Driving around the hill country, we hit a church bazaar where my Pop picked up a gingerbread cake and I found a bag of ceramic tiles for a mosaic project I’ve wanted to do.

Mom and I both went a bit nuts when her diligence in digging through the PennySaver and figuring out how to get through netted us the “Treasure Trove.” This was technically a garage sale, but really much more the ladies who put together the event, had created little vignettes and packaged recycled items into gift packages that were different and very reasonably priced.

I found several items, including a piece of folk art that now hangs on my RV’s bedroom wall. (You realize the word bedroom is stretching it a bit?)

MY FOLK ART FIND
We spent about four hours traversing the great Gold Country in search of our brand of bullion. I highly recommend this type of activity for relaxation, and even financial reward. You never know when you might stumble about the next great find, that’s been buried beneath the accumulations of others for years. The real fun is in the search anyway!

A Trip Back in Time - Midway Antique Mall

Last weekend, I visited the Midway Antique Mall at 5130 Madison Avenue for the fourth time. My folks have a booth and a couple of glass cases at this truly fabulous establishment.



MY DAD CHECKING OUT MY MOTHER'S BOOTH

Over the years, I have been inside plenty of these antique super stores, where dealers take small spaces and fill them with every kind of oldie-but-goodie imaginable. Normally, this means wandering through cramped quarters, and being somewhat overwhelmed by the clutter. Where Midway takes a step away from the others I've been to, is the way the owners have managed to lay out the place, giving it a spacious feel.

The location is an old Ethan Allen store, so it automatically has a retail feel, rather than the usual barn-like quality, and several areas for small vignettes. Additionally, it's got a terrific entry area and red-vested attendants throughout the store. The Red Vests are dealers in the shop, who take turns manning the place, so there are always experts on hand and plenty of assistance getting into the various cases to oogle the goods.


WELCOME TO MIDWAY




My favorite thing about this stroll back in time is the "Fabulous 50's" area. There you will find rooms fully decorated to reflect this glitzy era. When I was there last, there was THE most amazing Parisian orange and yellow dining set, in incredible condition. If only I had a place to put it!

WIDE VARIETY OF THINGS EVERYWHERE YOU TURN

The 50'S area is in the very back, a more open air area, so be sure to head all the way the rear of the store before you go.

Their website www.midwayantiguemall.net says they are open everyday from 10 a.m to 6 p.m. and lists their phone number - (916) 779-6252. But if you're looking to see what all they have, hop in your car and head towards the 80 and Madison exit - you won't regret the drive.

Davis Daytrip

Last weekend, I ventured to Davis, something I'd been planning to do for several weeks. I finally made it and I was thrilled with the result. Davis has lots to offer and I plan on going back soon.

I started at the Farmer's Market, which is really much more than a market for farmers. It's more of a bazaar, with offerings from exquisite pastries to handmade products of all kinds - clothing, jewelry, handbags, soaps and more. Under the permanent canopy, is mostly the farm products, with a few stalls to stave off urgent hunger pains, which I suffered until I gave into a magnificent cinnamon crisp and a perfect cup of coffee. The booth, which I neglected to record the name of, cannot be missed - it's large and the smells wafting your way will give it away. And if you have any question as to whether you're at the correct booth, the spinach and feta scones will reassure you. I plan on trying one of those next time.



A YOUNG CUSTOMER AT SALLY'S BOOTH

As I wandered down the promenade in the center, eventually it gave way to uncovered booths, where most of the handmade products were being offered as well as causes. I'm always thrilled to happen upon artists' goods and that's what I found at Sally Parker's booth in her "Tiny Worlds Jewelry." It was fanciful and I delighted in her pieces, where the fact that she's also a storyteller was evident. I could not resist a charm that reminded me of a character I'm currently writing about and a pair of fun earrings.

Further down, I happened upon a gentleman named Tom, manning a custom t-shirt booth, with sayings I loved, being a grandmother now. My favorite "I eat my vegetables" will be a Christmas present for my grandson, when I venture back to Davis again. To view their "green" products, visit their website at ninaandtom.com.



TOM OF THE TSHIRTS


If you have little ones, allot some time for the old-fashioned merry-go-round and two playgrounds nearby.


After the Farmer's Market, I headed to the U.C. Davis Arboretum, which you'll find if you take the U.C. Davis loop. On weekends parking is free, and it's open 24 hours a day. I was genuinely thrilled to find the Redwood Grove, as I absolutely love the smell and feeling of shelter in a forest. Next time to Davis, I will pack a picnic lunch and spend a few hours pondering - one of my favorite activities.




There much more in Davis to keep you occupied for the day. Walking around the downtown area nets you quirky shops, a red double-decker bus and fabulous dining choices. The day I was there was also filled with music and gatherings at the fraternity and sorority houses and a couple of cause-driven happenings.

Happily, my drive to Davis took less time that my daily commute home. Visit Davis on a day when you think you've played out the Sacramento area for things to do. You'll take home memories and the desire to drive the 30 odd miles again - soon.

A Little Chalk, A Lot of Fun

Last Saturday, I was killing some time in midtown Sacramento, waiting for a lunch appointment with my family members. So, I drove around a bit and happened upon Fremont Park, in the midst of a "Chalk It Up" event. The block-sized park, with trees hanging over the sidewalks that surround its edges and cuts through its center, was beginning to fill with kids and adults trying their hands at art on the pavement.

Those that weren't actively expressing themselves with chalk were walking around inspecting the progress of the others and enjoying the free music, vendors and beautiful weather. I didn't stay long, but I did buy a couple of things and take a few pictures.

I also talked to some of those drawing everything from dragons to a reproduction of Van Gogh's "Starry Starry Night." They were all very into what they were doing, concentrating heavily, even the kids, but having a wonderful time.

I think I might try it myself next year. What a great way to spend a day!