100 Things I Like: Serendipity Gift Shop

Serendipity's window display in 2010

Haven't stepped into the shop at 616 San Benito Street yet? It's a happy chance you'll like what you see. I can usually find something for the sister-in-law there. And, she's quite a difficult person to shop for, I tell you what.

Instead of me telling you what joy and fun you'll find at Serendipty, check out the shop's Web site. Better yet, check it out in person.

A note to FTC:  I wasn't paid or given anything to write what I just wrote. So, move along.

For more 100 Things I Like About Living in Hollister, click on that link.

100 Things I Like: The Ross Building

The Ross Building is such an anomaly among the other historic buildings on the Fifth Street block between San Benito and Monterey Streets. There it stands confidently oblongish, low, and "soft" among the straight and sharp angles of the much older and taller buildings. The Ross Building makes me think of space aliens and ice cream. Not both at the same time, of course. That would be weird.

At the back of the building is a freight elevator. Obviously, it doesn't go up, unless it's a portal to another dimension. See, space aliens. If only. According to what I've been told, the original owner designed the structure so that it could be converted into  a supermarket or a warehouse in case it failed as an office building. Hmmm, that's a lot of ice cream one could haul to the basement.

For more 100 Things I Like About Living in Hollister, click on that link.

100 Things I Like: Signs

This sign just makes me wonder if anyone does park their car downtown, between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m., on Sundays. But, not so much that I need to actually go and find out.

Here are a few other signs that have made me think of the absurd:  Sign 1, Sign 2, Sign 3, and one more.

For more 100 Things I Like About Living in Hollister, click on that link.

100 Things I Like: 5th & San Benito Streets

Represented here is architectural design from late 1800s,
1930s, and 1990s (the Briggs Building behind the Vault).

On the four corners of Fifth and San Benito Streets stand some of the oldest and tallest buildings in Hollister.

• The Vault is located on the NW corner. Built in 1931, it was originally the Bank of America. Lots of Art Deco going on with that building, both in and out. 
• The Italianate building on the NE corner went up around 1874. Its first owner was William Palmtag, one of the founders of Hollister.
• The old Elks Lodge building stands on the SE corner.
• Standing empty, the old Pendergrass building is on the SW corner. A once-upon-a-time hotel and office building, its construction was completed in 1927. The building was owned  by Jesse Pendergrass, a Hollister mayor.

Much of this information came from Welcome to Historic Downtown Hollister, a walking tour brochure, which I obtained from the San Benito County Chamber of Commerce. The brochure was put together by Sharlene Van Rooy.

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100 Things I Like: The Old Elks Lodge Building

The old Elks Lodge building on the southeast corner of San Benito and Fifth Streets is an absolute beauty. The folks who remodeled it several years ago did a great job bringing out the details. Look at those golden decorative pieces under the eaves, which glow even more with the reflection of the setting sun. And, how about that slim ornamental column embedded in the corner of the building.

One of these days, I'll find out the five W's about the building, such as: Who designed it? When was it built? What materials were used? How long did it take to build? Where did the Elks actually meet in the building? Why did they decide to leave it?

Based on the little that I've seen of the inside, I'd say beauty is more than skin deep with this building.

For more 100 Things I Like About Living in Hollister, click on that link.

100 Things I Like: Using Fresh, Local Products

Can you really make butter by shaking cream in a jar?

Yep. I tried it yesterday with much success.

Step One: Buy Claravale Farm Cream at Bertuccio's. Located in Paicines, Claravale Farm sells certified raw milk, which they get from Jersey cows.  Yeah, there is a difference in taste.

Step Two: Find someone to shake cream into butter with you. Alternatively, wait until another person is hanging out in the kitchen or nearby. For me, it was after breakfast, while the husband was still reading the newspaper. He kinda had an idea of what was happening.

Step Three: Get a clean jar with a lid.  Pour whatever amount of the cream that you want into the jar. Screw lid on tightly. I experimented with about a 1/3 to 1/2 jar full of cream.

Step Four: Shake. Shake. Shake. Maybe do a little dance as you shake. After a minute or two, hand jar off to your captive butter-shaking partner. Watch him shake. Shake. Shake. Take turns until you hear no more sloshing in the jar—about seven to 10 minutes.

Step Five: Open the jar. You should see a coagulation of yellow. That's butter. Close jar again and shake vigorously. You should get some liquid. That's buttermilk. Carefully pour the buttermilk into another container.

Step Six: Add a bit of water to the jar, and shake again to remove any more buttermilky stuff from your butter. Pour liquid into your receptacle. There you go, fresh unsalted butter. And, fresh buttermilk! 

The next time I make butter, I'll be sure to have a loaf of bread from Heavenly Bakery on hand. 

For more 100 Things I Like About Living in Hollister, click on that link.

100 Things I Like: Walking Around San Juan Bautista

April, 2010: The San Juan Cemetery also known as the Larios Cemetery

Strolling the shops in San Juan Bautisa is fun. So is roaming the grounds of the mission and the San Juan Bautista State Historic Park. Next time you're in the Mission City, enjoy wandering outside the usual tourist perimeter.

For instance, take a walk up to the cemetery at the northwest end of the city. You'll see some glorious views from up there. And, if you're into wandering cemeteries, you won't be disappointed. You'll find eroding wooden crosses marking the grave sites of  unknown pioneers as well as elaborate monuments of city notables.  On on the way up or down, you may see a very cool red adobe house that looks like it belongs in Santa Fe. Don't ask me which street because I don't remember. That's the surprise of wandering.

For more 100 Things I Like About Living in Hollister, click on that link.

100 Things I Like: Fremont Peak State Park

This was taken in January 2011 from Fremont Peak State Park.
I'm looking towards the northwest. That light stretch of blue beneath
the Santa Cruz mountains is Monterey Bay. For a look-see of the
southeast, click here.

From Fremont Peak, the Pacific Ocean looks like it's not so far away. Ha! Fremont Peak stands over 3,100 feet tall, one of the tallest mountains in San Benito County. It's so worth a drive up to this small state park, which is near San Juan Bautista. The hike up to the highest point is only half a mile from the parking lot. There are a few other trails to explore as well.

Before heading up, check out the Fremont Peak State Park web page to be sure it's open. California has been closing some of its parks due to lack of funds.

For more 100 Things I Like About Living in Hollister, click on that link.

100 Things I Like: After the Parade

The Clock Tower

One of the fun things about the Lights On Celebration parade is being downtown after dark. When the parade is over, people spill out to the middle of San Benito Street and stroll up and down for a while.  For a look-see of parade photos, check out the album at Take 25's Facebook page. Here's the public link to it.

For more 100 Things I Like About Living in Hollister, click on that link.

100 Things I Like: The Downtown Holiday Night Lights

2010 Downtown Holiday Night Lights

Tonight will  a great night to see them for yourself, as well as the 2011 Lights On Celebration Parade that will start at 5:30 p.m.

If you don't know by now, the 2011 Lights on Celebration is an all-day event. Click this link for the schedule.

For more 100 Things I Like About Living in Hollister, click on that link.

100 Things I LIke: The Countryside

Living and working in this beautiful countryside is one of the many things that I appreciate.

I am also thankful to you dear Take 25 readers for your virtual visits. Happy Thanks giving to you and yours.

For more 100 Things I Like About Living in Hollister, click on that link.

100 Things I Like: The Knife & Fork Cafe

A bit of  greenery and the mural reflects in a glass of wine.

The Knife & Fork Cafe on San Benito Street is a great place to meet up with friends, new and old, to eat some fine food and drink a glass (or two) of wine.  Sitting either indoors or outside in the alleyway is both enjoyable.

Two words: lemon cake!  Droooooool.

For more 100 Things I Like About Living in Hollister, click on that link.

100 Things I Like: Penny Wise Drug Store

My five top reasons for shopping at Penny Wise Drug in downtown Hollister (east side of San Benito Street, between 5th and 6th Streets):

5. Every time I enter Penny Wise, I remember the aroma of the hot popcorn that was available for sale when the store used to be Roscoe,  one of the five & dime stores in Hollister when I was a kid hundreds of years ago. The other one was Cornet, which is now Muenzer's on Fifth Street. I used to go out the back door of one shop, cross Wentz Alley, and enter the back door of the other shop.

4. I can usually find fun, creative, and unique gift items at the drug store, from scarves to jewelry to singing bears to jigsaw puzzles to glass giftware to baby clothes.

3. Penny Wise Drug is a local business run by the Rosati family since 1948. It's the only independent pharmacy in San Benito County. I like to shop locally as much as possible.

2. Customer service! One Wednesday, I went in to buy over-the-counter iron pills, but the kind I wanted had run out. Joan told her brother, Stephen, the pharmacist, to order them. I came back the following Monday to buy the pills. As I was walking towards the counter, Joan asked, "Did you remember to get the iron pills?" I went in for something else on Tuesday, and just before I walked out,  pharmacist sister Jeanne called out, "Did you get your iron pills?"

1. Joan, Jeanne, Stephen, and Marie Rosati!!!!

For more 100 Things I Like About Living in Hollister, click on that link.

Note to FCC: I wasn't paid or given anything to write what I just wrote. So, move along.

100 Things I Like: Proximity to Monterey Bay

The Pacific Ocean is about 40 minutes away. Maybe less, depending on the traffic and who's driving.

For more 100 Things I Like About Living in Hollister, click on that link.

100 Things I Like: The Lights On Celebration Parade

2010 Lights On Celebration Parade

The 21st annual Lights On Celebration Parade will be next Saturday, November 26, 2011, in downtown Hollister. Sparkle, sparkle. Dear readers, take note, this year, the Lights On Celebration is a whole day and evening event, culminating with the parade.

10:30 AM to 8:30 PM: Holiday Boutique, Veterans Memorial Building
During the day: Holiday Car Show
4:30 PM:  Pre-parade Entertainment
5:30 PM: The Parade
Post-parade Time: Photos with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus

Thank you, Hollister Downtown Association, for putting this all together for our town!

For more 100 Things I Like About Living in Hollister, click on that link.

100 Things I Like: The Swaying Garlands Up High

The Christmas garlands were strung up above San Benito Street yesterday. Early, no doubt. But, so what? We all need some cheer these days.

The Hollister Downtown Association (HDA) is preparing for the Lights On Celebration on Saturday, November 26. This year's going to be an all day affair. There will be a car show during the day, the parade in the evening, and a holiday boutique happening throughout. Click here, for more details at the HDA's Web site.

For more 100 Things I Like About Living in Hollister, click on that link.
 

100 Things I Like: Country Rose Gallery & Frame

Have you ever been in the Country Rose Gallery & Frame on San Benito Street? That shop right next to the gas station on the corner of San Benito & Seventh? No, I didn't think so.

You don't need to be an artist or have something to frame to want or need to walk through the door. I'm not an artist, though I wish. It's the art supplies that lure me in. I'm such a sucker for pastel chalk.

Christmas is around the corner.  If you're willing to think outside of the box, you can find lots of great ideas for gifts or stocking stuffers there. Trust me.

Note to FCC: Honestly, I wasn't paid or given anything to write what I just wrote. So, move along.

For more 100 Things I Like About Living in Hollister, click on that link.

100 Things I Like: Irrigation Pipes

A farm at the southern end of  Cienega Road

Yes, irrigation pipes.

My dad irrigated fields for many of the farmers in San Benito County, from after WWII to the early 1970s. When I was a small kid in late 50s and early 60s, I used to go to the fields with him. He trusted me to close the irrigation pipe's water gate to a row when he held up his shovel on the other side of the field and waved it to tell me the water had reached the end of that row. He also had faith in that small kid's tiny fat hands to tightly close the valve on the water pump at the end of the work day.

For more 100 Things I Like About Living in Hollister, click on that link.

100 Things I Like: Livin' the Green Dream

Livin' the Green Dream is a cute little shop in San Juan Bautista that sells eco-friendly products, such as glasses made from wine bottles, purses from recycled candy wrappers, soaps from goat milk, and green cleaning products. Many of the items are made in the USA, with some from the local area. I don't know about you, but I like that. I can head over there first before ordering online or driving out of the county.

Livin' the Green Dream is located at 33 Washington Street, next to the Chinese restaurant. For more info, check out its Web site or its Facebook page.

For more 100 Things I Like About Living in Hollister, click on that link.

100 Things I Like: When Green Happens

Spring 2011, above Sunnyslope Road

It has begun. The gradual transformation of our hillsides into green.

For more 100 Things I Like About Living in Hollister, click on that link.