Saturday, December 31, 2011

Glancing into Back Yards


I turn away from the historical hoosegow in the San Juan Bautista State Historic Park. Voila! An enormous-looking barrel is in my sight. Of course, I had to click the camera.


Friday, December 30, 2011

Christmas Decor in San Juan Bautista


This is one of the beautiful panels that are part of the Christmas decorations that line the main drag of San Juan Bautista. I think most, if not all, of the panels of of the saints for which the California missions are named.


Thursday, December 29, 2011

Fancy Brickwork Leads to Burritos


You'll find this patch of brick pavement in front of La Villa de Jerez Taqueria at 512 San Benito Street in downtown Hollister. The taqueria serves yummy burritos by the way.

The year 1924 must mean when the pavers were laid. I've wondered whether this shop was the only one with a brick entry way.  Anyone know what business was there then? I think the storefront was a shoe store during the 1960s. But, I could be confusing it with a shop in Salinas.

The name "Simons" may refer to the Simons Brick Company, which was a Los Angeles company that manufactured bricks during the 1920s.


Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Looking Up: Just Hanging


Birds like hanging out at coffee shops too. These birds were sitting above Mars Hill Coffeehouse. The drivers who made sure not to hit me as I was taking their photo from the street most likely thought I was nuts. Thanks for not hitting me. :-)

By the way, cool building work. 


Tuesday, December 27, 2011

100 Things I Like: Hollister!


Today's post is my last of the 100 things that I like about living in Hollister. There are more than 100 things, of course. Much more.

I was born in Hollister at the old Hazel Hawkins Hospital on Monterey Street. I went to the local schools and after several decades continue to be friends with many of the kids I grew up with. In fact, the 1971 Balers offer a scholarship to graduating seniors. At 19, I moved to San Francisco to attend college and, except for a couple short moves back to Hollister, I lived in SF and the East Bay for about 30 years. I've visited my family regularly through the years, but I honestly never thought I'd move back.

When the husband and I moved to Hollister  8 or 9 years ago, I did not realize how much I missed the area—the open spaces, the expansive sky, the surrounding mountains, the farm lands, the back roads, and the cute downtown. As a kid, other than school stuff, I took part in few of the local activities, including the San Benito County Fair. That has changed. For instance, one of my goals has been to win a ribbon in something at the fair. Checked!

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

Monday, December 26, 2011

100 Things I Like: Veterans Memorial Auditorium


The Veterans Memorial Building on San Benito Street and Seventh Street was built in 1927 in honor of the Veterans of World War I. For more details about the history, click here.  Today, the building is rented for both public and private events.

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

Sunday, December 25, 2011

100 Things I Like: Walking the St. Francis Retreat Grounds


The St. Francis Retreat was part of San Justo Rancho, the Mexican land grant that eventually was divided and became San Juan Bautista and Hollister. The retreat is up in the hills above San Juan Bautista. Originally the grounds was home to the Flint and Bixby families who bought the land grant with Colonel Hollister. There is a lot of history about the place. Click here to read about it.

Happy Christmas, dear readers!

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

Saturday, December 24, 2011

100 Things I Like: Christmas Lights


Of all the houses decorated with Christmas lights, Santa Clauses, and nativity signs, this one was my favorite.

My wish to each and every one of you is Peace, Joy, Love, and Happiness.  Merry Christmas!

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


Friday, December 23, 2011

100 Things I Like: Snow on the Range

This was taken two years ago. Click here for the original post.

If it was raining right now, I'm sure it would be snowing in the Diablo Range.

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


Thursday, December 22, 2011

100 Things I Like: Seeing What's at the Back


Have you ever wondered what was in the back of the buildings in downtown Hollister? This photo, for instance, shows the back of  part of this, the east side of San Benito Street, near Fourth Street.

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

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

100 Things I Like: The Main Street

Heading north on San Benito Street
Until I moved back to Hollister several years ago, I rarely, if ever, referred to the main drag through town by its actual name. Now, I'm in the habit of saying San Benito Street, and it's weird whenever I say Main Street or even hear it as such.

A few interesting things about the main street of ours:
• San Benito Street (north end) turns into San Felipe Road at Santa Ana Road.
• Until the 1980s, the south end of San Benito Street stopped at Nash Road, by the high school. Today, it runs south for a mile or so more to Union Road
• San Benito Street is originally part of highway 25. Technically, it may still be highway 25. The city of Hollister built the 25 bypass a few years ago so that it can claim the main street as its own. The move is part of the plan to revitalize downtown. So far as I know, Caltrans hasn't completed the transfer.

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

P.S. Thank you, Mr. Arrmac for pointing out my grammatical errors, which dear readers, who're reading this P.S. will never know.


Tuesday, December 20, 2011

100 Things I Like: The Library


I shall always think of the San  Benito County Free Library as The Library. It is, after all, the first library from which I ever borrowed books and was introduced to so many exciting worlds and possibilities.  

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



Monday, December 19, 2011

100 Things I Like: Sunsets


 I caught this one as the husband and I were driving home on Bolsa Road, aka Highway 25. Of course, I was in the passenger seat.

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

Sunday, December 18, 2011

100 Things I Like: The Filipino American Community Christmas Ball

The Buffet Line
Last night was the annual Christmas Ball of the Filipino American Community of San Benito County. The social club has been around since 1976.

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

Saturday, December 17, 2011

100 Things I Like: Southside Road


Southside Road is one of the back roads that run from Hollister to Tres Pinos. It kinda runs parallel, albeit meanderingly, to Highway 25. It's a more pleasant car or bicycle ride than the highway, that's for sure.

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

Friday, December 16, 2011

100 Things I Like: When Leaves Change Color


This was taken from Vineyard Estates above Southside Road. What a view, don'cha think?

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



Thursday, December 15, 2011

100 Things I Like: Lone Tree Road

Lone Tree Road in the spring.
Pedaling my bicycle up and down the whole length of Lone Tree Road is definitely on my bucket list. What a satisfying ride that will be.  Until I get myself in shape, I shall happily take the jaunt by car.

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

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

100 Things I Like: Ella's Italian Restaurant


Ella, the lovely owner of Ella's Italian Restaurant, taught me the best way to drink espresso—with a sliver of lemon peel. It's details like that which bring the husband and me back to dine time and again.

And, of course, there are the yummy factor, the creative menu, and the use of local ingredients. The other night, for example, we ended our meal with Candy Cap mushroom ice cream.  Yep, that's a photo of it. The mushroom grows exclusively in Northern California. The first bite reminded me of black walnut ice cream. I could be satisfied just having a dish of the ice cream for dinner. Yes, I would. Yummm.

Ella's Italian Restaurant is located at 1709 Airline Highway (Highway 25), in the Heritage Plaza Shopping Center on the southeast corner of Airline and Sunnyslope Road.

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. Unless it counts that my dish of Candy Cap mushroom ice cream and a cup of espresso on the house the other night because it was my birthday. Still, I've been to Ella's countless of times before then. So, there. 



Tuesday, December 13, 2011

100 Things I Like: The South View from Quien Sabe Road


Misty. A bit of rain. That's how it was yesterday afternoon when I took this photo from that almost last bend before the straightaway down to Highway 25 and Tres Pinos. I like this view anytime of the year. But, on a clear day when the hillsides and mountains are green—wow!

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




Monday, December 12, 2011

100 Things I Like: The Sacred Heart Church Spire


In the early 1970s, downtown Hollister was still surrounded by orchards, orchards, and more orchards. During the spring, I liked to go up to Park Hill and see the forest of green, which included the trees lining the residential streets. Peeking over the trees was the white spire of Sacred Heart Church.

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

Sunday, December 11, 2011

100 Things I Like: The Post Office Mural


The wooden mural, created during the 1930s Depression, is a beautiful piece of work. But, I also like that mural because every time I see it, I'm reminded of when the mural was hanging in the post office on Fifth Street. I always felt transported to another place when I entered those doors. It always seemed so dark in there. A sense of reverence, too.

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

Saturday, December 10, 2011

100 Things I Like: Heavenly Bakery



Lemon cake, lemon cupcake, and ciabatta bread. Heavenly.  The bakery's cinnamon roll, yum.

Heavenly Bakery is open 7 days a week.  Yaay!

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






Friday, December 9, 2011

100 Things I Like: The View from the Garage

December 2009
I admit it. I have yet to park in the Briggs Building parking garage on Fourth Street, which you access via Briggs Alley. That you get to via the small parking lot between the Granada Theater and the Vault on Fifth Street.

Hmmm, I wonder how many people don't park in the garage because they can't find the way in. You can't  turn onto Briggs Alley from Monterey Street, because the alley is one way, heading west. And, there's no entrance from Fourth Street. That's too bad. The garage really would be an idea place to park when it's the Farmers Market Day.

But, I digressed. The husband and I like to climb up the four or five flights to the top for the exercise and the view. Also, the art

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

Thursday, December 8, 2011

100 Things I Like: The Street Festival & Car Show


It's chilly. That's a good enough reason to mention a Hollister event that takes place in the summer. Memories of heat to warm things up, you know.

The Annual Street Festival and Car Show is sponsored by the Hollister Downtown Association. Click here to check out its photos of this past summer's event.

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


Wednesday, December 7, 2011

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.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

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.

Monday, December 5, 2011

Looking Up: What Do You Think You're Looking At?


Here's another not-so-common view of a building we so frequently see when we wander in historical downtown Hollister.  If you're a local, I know you recognize it.

Today's post is Day 316 of my personal challenge to post everyday for a year. I don't know about you, but I'm impressed.



Sunday, December 4, 2011

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.

Saturday, December 3, 2011

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.

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

Friday, December 2, 2011

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.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

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.

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