Friday, December 23, 2016

I Spy . . . a Merry Gnome in San Juan Bautista


I spy with my little eye a gnome of cakes, sprinkles, and fairy tales enjoying himself at the San Juan Bakery on Third Street. 

"While there," suggests the gnome's friends reflecting in the Christmas bulbs, "be sure to try the doughnut-hole size doughnuts. They are the perfect taste of sweetness."

Peace and love, Dear Take 25 Readers. See you in 2017.

Su-sieee! Mac

Saturday, December 17, 2016

I Spy . . . a Loving Tribute


I spy with my little eye a memorial to the courageous men and women who died in World War II.

You can see this statue of Michael the Archangel called the "Winged Victory" on the grounds of the Immaculate Conception Church in Tres Pinos. The church is on the south end of the village, right beside Highway 25 (Airline Highway to us, locals).

The statue was built by Edward Matthews who also built the church grottos and other statues in memory of his son who died at the age of 14.  The "Winged Victory" was specifically erected as a tribute to the sons and daughters who fought for us in WWII. The plaque reads:
Tres Pinos Memorial of the Great World War
Dec. 7, 1941 - Aug. 14, 1945
For God and Country
For Peace and Freedom

Saturday, December 10, 2016

I Spy . . . a Jolly Big Red Rig


I spy with my little eye a happy-looking big red truck driving east on Highway 156.

This I spied as I waited in the car at the corner of Union and Mitchell Roads while the Husband bought honey from the local Honey Guy.  


Friday, December 2, 2016

I Spy . . . Holiday Cheer


I spy with my little eye holiday decorations in the streets of Downtown Hollister. They're lovely whether looking at their reflections or straight on.

Last Saturday was the annual Lights On Celebration. I wasn't able to enjoy the fun. For photos of the parade, check out this Benitolink page.



Friday, November 18, 2016

I Spy . . . Green Hills!


I spy with my little eye a band of sunlight on the flanks of the Gabilan Mountains.  That was this past Wednesday as the Husband and I drove east on Highway 156 through San Juan Valley. Notice how green the hillsides are becoming again. Whooo-hooo! 



Friday, November 4, 2016

I Spy . . . Low Clouds!


I spy with my little eye very low clouds crossing Sunnyslope Road.

Heads up!


Friday, October 28, 2016

I Spy . . . Raindrops and a Schoolbus


I spy with my little eye this morning happy raindrops and a happy yellow elementary school bus.

Didn't you love all the rain this morning? Hope there's a lot more on the way.


Friday, October 21, 2016

I Spy . . . New Hiking Trails!


I spy with my little eye a new place in Hollister with trails for hiking, horses, and bicycles. Whooo-hooo!

The place is called Mudstone Ranch, which is part of the Hollister Hills State Vehicle Recreation Area. Not to worry. This section of the park is dedicated to non motorized activities, meaning you won't come across any dirt bikes, ATVs, or other motorized vehicles.

Having opened this summer, Mudstone Ranch is located on Cienega Road, a couple miles north of the main entrance to the Hollister Hills SVRA. If you're traveling from the north on Cienega Road, you'll find Mudstone Ranch soon after seeing the Hollister Hills Barn.

Happy trails to you.

Friday, October 14, 2016

I Spy . . . a New Restaurant Opening Soon!


I spy with my little eye activity going on in the old Pendergrass Hotel at the southwest corner of San Benito and Fifth Streets.  The sign says that a new restaurant is going up. A little bit of research uncovered a Benitolink article written this past July about the upcoming Hollister House Bar & Grill.

The article stated that the owner hoped for an October 1 opening. That's okay. Hollister's ready when you are!

Friday, October 7, 2016

I Spy . . . a Dinosaur!


I spy with my little eye one of the Swank Farms' dinosaurs from the sky. Roarrrrrrrrr!

By the way, the Swank Farms' corn maze and pumpkin patch are now open until October 31, 2016. If you haven't yet, go check out the fun. Swank's is located on San Felipe Road, just north of the Hollister Airport. Look for the dinosaur. For more info, visit the Swank Farms website.

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Soaring Above Hollister


Last Friday, the Husband and I celebrated our wedding anniversary by soaring high above our fair city. Yup. Through Groupon.com, we purchased discounted tickets for scenic sailplane rides with the Bay Area Glider Rides/Hollister Soaring Center, located at the Hollister Airport. The local outfit has been offering scenic rides, soaring lessons, and glider towing services at the airport since 1993. About four or five years ago, it was purchased by Bill and Sharon, who are originally from Vermont.


Bay Area Glider Rides is the only operation in the San Francisco and Monterey Bay areas to offer glider rides to the public. Depending on the ride, you soar over 4,500 to 6,000 feet. Two of the scenic rides fly around San Benito County, while the third soars above Monterey Bay.


The sailplanes can accommodate two passengers, but the Husband and I purchased individual rides. The weight limit is 328 pounds for passengers, which uhm the Husband and I exceed. That was fine, more room in the back to sit.


For the Husband's trip, the sailplane was towed to the west, where Pilot Bill and the Husband glided above Fremont's Peak. I was interested in seeing what it looked like above the Diablo range, so that's where Pilot Bill took me.


Here's how ditsy I can be: I thought that the Central Valley starts immediately behind the Diablo Mountains. So, I was very surprised to see a narrow valley beneath the eastern side of Santa Ana Mountain, and that there were a couple other ridges beyond that valley.


Pilot Bill and Jake, one of the Bay Area Glider Ride employees, said it was a clear day for soaring. One of the best days in a long while. From the sailplane, Pilot Bill and I saw the San Luis Reservoir. I thought I could see the Sierras.


Another thing I didn't realize is how near we really are to the ocean. The Husband says that Hollister is about 23 miles from Monterey Bay as the crow flies. Caw, caw. 


Would I soar again?

Is Hollister the county seat of San Benito County?

Friday, September 23, 2016

I Spy . . . A Yellow Door


I spy with my little eye a happy yellow door around the middle of Downtown Hollister. Open the door at 615 San Benito Street and enter the Farmhouse Cafe, a restaurant that opened recently.

I haven't tried it yet, but I've heard many good things about it. Fresh local organic ingredients, friendly people,  and delicious food. What's not to like about that, right?

Farmhouse Cafe is open from Monday to Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Check out the Farmhouse Cafe website to learn more about them.


Monday, September 19, 2016

A Bushel and A Peck of Talent!


There was a great deal of local talent to be seen and heard this past Saturday afternoon. Young and old. Everyone of these artists were full of energy, passion, and delight.

The youthful dance troupe in the photo above are students from Sammy's Animation Dance Community. They caught the Husband's and my attention immediately upon arrival at the annual LULAC Community Health Fair, which was held at the Hollister Community Center. The young men and women performed hip hop individually and together. They were popping and locking, tumbling, and doing all sorts of amazing choreographed and improvised steps.


Moondance, a group of outstanding musicians, also performed at Saturday's health fair. Actually, the Husband and I attended just to hear the band play. This band rocks big time!

Originally formed in 1976, Moondance performs at local events as well as at private parties and various venues, such as Ridgemark County Club, Mom & Pop's Saloon,  Chillin & Grillin Roadhouse, in and nearby Hollister. You can learn more about Moondance, along with hearing them play at its website.


Zack Freitas was performing his original songs, along with popular cover songs, at Fisher's Delicatessen during the Downtown Hollister Beer and Bacon Crawl. Zach has a unique voice. Intense. Intimate. Thoughtful. Listen for yourself at Zack's website.

Zack, Moondance, and the dancers from Sammy's Animation Dance Community are only the tip of talented artists from Hollister.  We are fortunate!



Friday, September 16, 2016

I Spy . . . a Blimp


I spy with my little eye a blimp going across the sky.

That was yesterday afternoon. Actually the Husband and I heard it before we saw it and then it took me awhile before I thought about getting my camera. Better late then never.


Friday, September 2, 2016

I Spy . . . an Unlikely Pair of Friends


I spy with my little eye a palm tree and a pine tree in the parking lot of Hollister Super, a.ka. The Baler Market, on Third Street. The pine tree sits partly in the shade of its neighbor, the palm tree, while casting its own shadow on the palm tree's mighty trunk.

It's an interesting duo—the palm and the pine. But, not unusual. Check out this story of the palm and the pine trees that mark the center of California on Highway 99.


Friday, August 26, 2016

I Spy . . . Doughnut Holes


I spy with my little eye light and fluffy doughnut holes from the San Juan Bakery on Third Street. Yummmmm. One or two of these glazed nuggets, along with a more substantial pastry and coffee make for a happy breakfast. Once in a while, of course.

The Husband and I like to eat our treats at the cute table outside the bakery or take them down to the park next to the San Juan Bautista City Library. It's a great way to start our morning of doing a bunch of errands.



Wednesday, August 24, 2016

What's Happening: Free Entry Days to the Pinnacles



Tomorrow, August 25, 2016, is the 100th Anniversary of the National Park Service.  Happy Anniversary, NPS! 

To celebrate its centennial, NPS is offering free admission to its parks for four days, from August 25 to August 28. That includes our own Pinnacles National Park.  Whooo-hooo! Enjoy!


Friday, August 19, 2016

I Spy . . . A Lot of Fun to be Had.


I spy with my little eye so many possibilities of things to do in San Benito County.

Just today, the Husband and I headed over to San Benito Bene in Hollister to purchase our tickets for the Gourmet Roasted Chicken Dinner Take-Out Fundraiser on August 23, 2016, for the San Benito Olive Festival.  Yummmm. We also bought our tickets for the Downtown Beer & Bacon Crawl on September 17, 2016.  I saw on the tickets that the LTD Sedan & Limo Service is offering free rides that day. Trés cool!

What else?  Well, how about. . .

And, lots, lots more. I could write a book. Maybe I ought to. What do you think?


Friday, August 12, 2016

I Spy . . . Happy Hour


I spy with my little eye a sign for Happy Hour at Vertigo Coffee Roasters in San Juan Bautista!

Vertigo Coffee Roasters .  .  . craft beer by local breweries .  .  . wood-fired brick oven pizza .  .  .  and Happy Hour! What's not to like with that combination, eh?



Friday, August 5, 2016

I Spy . . . A Little Old Cute Airplane


I spy with my little eye a classic single-engine airplane proudly on display at the Frazier Lake Airport in Hollister.  Actually, I saw several sweet antique aircraft last month there.

Frazier Lake Airpark is a small, private airport several miles to the north of Downtown Hollister. It's located on Frazier Lake Road, off Shore Road.

On the first Saturday of the month (which is tomorrow, August 6, 2016), the airport has an exhibit of antique aircraft, such as the Cessna 180, Stearman, and Stinson, on its grounds. The display is free and open to the public from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

For for information about Frazier Lake Airpark, check out its website.

Friday, July 29, 2016

I Spy . . . Stripes of Different Hues


I spy with my little eye fantastic strips of pinks, yellows, browns, and whites on a eucalyptus tree next to the San Juan Bautista Library on Second Street.

Today I learned that the eucalyptus tree, the largest flowering plant, is a rainforest tree species. Poor tree must miss the coolness like us, humans.


Friday, July 22, 2016

I Spy . . . Sunflowers


I spy with my little eye sunflowers growing near the corner of Fifth and West Streets. Every summer I am surprised when I see sunflowers smiling at this spot. Many thanks to the person who grows and tends to them.


Friday, July 15, 2016

I Spy . . . a Sandwich Sign


I spy with the my little eye a billboard advertising sandwiches far beneath the near distant Santa Ana Peak.

I took this photo earlier this week from San Felipe Road as the Husband and I were slowing down for  the stoplight at Highway 156. A few days later, we went searching for the sign because I was curious: Who is selling the sandwiches?

We couldn't find the sign. Hmmmm.


Friday, July 8, 2016

I Spy . . . a Dancing Cactus


I spy with my little eye a dancing cactus on Fourth Street in San Juan Bautista. Actually, I saw quite a few cacti dancing over there that day the Husband and I were taking a stroll after eating breakfast at Vertigo Coffee. Giggle.


Friday, July 1, 2016

I Spy . . . the First Biker through the Gate


I spy with my little eye the first biker to rumble down San Benito Street when the gates to the 2016 Hollister Independence Rally officially opened this morning.  This annual biker rally is a three-day event, ending on Sunday, July 3.


Thousands of bikers are expected to descend onto our small city, which some bikers describe as the Birthplace of the American Biker. If you want to know how our town got that designation, click here.

Admission to the rally is free. There shall be lots of food and drink, activities, and three stages for bands and other live entertainment. For details, head over to the Hollister Independence Rally web site.



Friday, June 24, 2016

I Spy . . . Jerry Garcia?


I spy with my little eye Jerry Garcia walking down San Benito Street on Farmer's Market Day last week.

Just kidding.

It was the Husband. Giggle.

I couldn't resist. At a recent Relax! Grillin and Chillin' gig, featuring Moondance Band, folks kept coming up to the Husband and saying how much he looked like Jerry Garcia. Giggle.

Not anymore. Not since he got a haircut and a pacemaker.


Friday, June 17, 2016

I Spy . . . a Tree with Knobby Knees


Yup. That's right. I spy with my little eye a tree with knobby knees on Hawkins Street by the Hazel Thrift Store.


Friday, June 10, 2016

I Spy . . . Dolls!


I spy with my little eye dolls of all types, shapes, and sizes throughout Sherry's Adoptable Dolls and Antiques in Hollister.

I also spy women's vintage and antique hats, purses (oooh, a black velvet clutch made in Italy), china cups, costume jewelry, sheet music, and much more.

This treasure trove is in a cute vintage house located at 890 San Benito Street, between Hazel's Thrift Shop and Grunnagle's parking lot. It's owned by the lovely Sherry Dolfin. She offers so many delightful things from our past to rediscover and enjoy again.

Sherry's Adoptable Dolls and Antiques is open on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.



Friday, June 3, 2016

I Spy . . . an Old Coke Machine


I spy with my little eye a once-upon-a-time Coca Cola machine at the Ivancovich's cherry stand on Buena Vista Road. It's where you can wash any cherries that you just purchased and want to eat immediately. Who doesn't want to do that?

The cherry stand is open every day, from around 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. until the cherry season ends. The season doesn't last long, so get your fresh cherries soon. Yummm!


Friday, May 27, 2016

I Spy . . . Bongo Drums


I spy with my little eye bongo drums in the park on top of Park Hill.  Yes, you can play them. They make a pretty cool sound.


Wednesday, May 25, 2016

When Pigs Fly


One HUGE pig flew about Highway 25 on Monday. Hope it brought a lot of smiles to people.

Friday, May 20, 2016

I Spy . . . a Barn


I spy with my little eye an oldtime barn on the north side of Airline Highway (aka Highway 25), across from the Ridgemark Golf & Country Club.

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Happy Face


The Victorian house sporting the happy face is the bed and breakfast in Hollister called the Joshua Inn Bed & Breakfast. I haven't stayed there yet, but I've had the opportunity to peek inside. It's warm and delightful. The owners, Tricia and Greg, are friendly souls who sport their own happy faces. No doubt they spoil their guests with sugar and spice and everything nice.

Today is Our World Tuesday, a long-time weekly meme in which participants from around the world share their world. Check it out here.


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