tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-979844310076543832024-03-03T22:43:20.041-08:00Take 25 to HollisterHollister, California is a real town that has been around since the 1870s. Unlike the fictional town created by a corporate clothing company, Hollister is no where near a beach. The town is about 45 miles east of the Pacific Ocean. Seagulls occasionally make their way over the mountains. Hopefully, they are able to find their way back.Su-sieee! Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12515318972570669414noreply@blogger.comBlogger1655125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-97984431007654383.post-18532256084406434812018-09-22T14:37:00.002-07:002018-09-22T14:37:57.958-07:00Saturday Errands in San Juan Bautista<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hellllooo! Yes, it has been a while. I am alive and well, thank you very much. Officially retired I am, so there you go. I've been catching up with the Husband who has been in every-day-is-a-Saturday mode for years.<br />
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This morning we actually got out of the house early to do errands in San Juan Bautista. First stop was the <a href="http://www.pinnacleorganic.com/SaturdayFarmstand.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pinnacle Farmstand</a> in San Juan Valley for fresh locally grown organic vegetables and fruit. Only past 9:00 a.m., the place was already full of customers with potatoes, broccoli, beans, tomatoes, peppers, onions, lettuces, squashes, cantaloupes, apples, and other produce in their baskets and reusable bags. We're fortunate to have a source for organic vegetables and fruit in the area.<br />
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From the Saturday-only produce stand, we meandered the back roads to the Mission City. The further west we drove, the deeper we went into the morning fog. At Prescott Road, we turned left onto San Juan Highway to town while the fog veered to the right to head back to the coast.<br />
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It was a hard choice for breakfast: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sanjuanbakery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">San Juan Bakery</a> or Vertigo Coffee ? <a href="https://www.facebook.com/vertigocoffee/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Vertigo Coffee</a> or San Juan Bakery? The Husband let me choose, so sweet of him. <br />
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Vertigo now serves delicious pastries, baked on the premises. The last time we were there, we had a peach scone with our mocha latte. Sigh, sweet delightfulness.<br />
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Because it had been awhile, I opted for the bakery where the Husband and I shared the last ham and cheese croissant that was in the display case We also split a raspberry and cream cheese croissant, and each had the perfect bite of an apple fritter doughnut hole. Droool. It's a good thing we don't live within walking distance to the bakery. <br />
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If I had remembered to wear my hiking boots we would've walked up the <a href="http://geologycafe.com/fieldtrips/anza_trail.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">De Anza Trail</a> for a bit. Instead we wandered a couple of blocks, peeked into store windows, and read signs about upcoming events. We also sat for a short spell on a comfy bench, enjoying the beautiful morning and saying hello to passersby.<br />
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Our last stop in San Juan was Vertigo Coffee where we purchased a bag of their roasted coffee beans, which comes with a free cup of coffee. Whooo-hooo! <br />
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See ya. <br />
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<br />Su-sieee! Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12515318972570669414noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-97984431007654383.post-60606337312307902102018-06-13T12:26:00.000-07:002018-06-13T18:45:14.866-07:00Calavera Coffee<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yippieeee! <br />
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Hollister has a new go to place for a cup of rich, hand roasted specialty coffee. It's called Calavera Coffee, run and owned by local coffee guru Evan Morris. Today was his second day in business. As the Husband and I walked through the door, we were welcomed with infectious happy smiles.<br />
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Evan and his assistants serve coffee from <a href="http://vertigocoffee.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Vertigo Coffee Roasters </a>in San Juan Bautista and <a href="https://catandcloud.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cat and Cloud</a> in Santa Cruz. You can purchase your latte, Americano, mocha, and other coffee drink to go or to enjoy in the patio.<br />
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Calavera Coffee is located at 364 7th Street in downtown Hollister. It's in the cute grey house with the gorgeous garden that's home to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheGardenShoppe/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Garden Shoppe n' Bar</a>, a fun loving plant boutique and wine and beer bar established by another local entrepreneur, Marci Huston. You can't miss the red and white awning in the front to tell you that you have arrived.<br />
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Currently the coffee bar is open Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to noon. As Evan and his assistants get settled in, they plan to stay open until 2:00 p.m. Visit Calavera's <a href="https://www.blogger.com/page%20https://www.facebook.com/baristaev/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a> or <a href="https://www.calaveraspecialtycoffee.com/welcome" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">website</a> for updated hours. <br />
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<br />Su-sieee! Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12515318972570669414noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-97984431007654383.post-88092162765848011682018-03-22T22:36:00.000-07:002018-03-22T22:36:16.054-07:00Shimmering Yellow Mustard<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Finally!<br />
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Mustard is growing in the empty field near the corner of Chappell Road and Santa Ana Road. The yellow mustard was practically glowing in the afternoon sun today. Normally, by now, the mustard would be several feet high. Better late than never.<br />
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Hurrah for the rain! Su-sieee! Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12515318972570669414noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-97984431007654383.post-51373289011504718582018-03-08T16:02:00.001-08:002018-03-08T16:02:50.821-08:00Seeing the Sights off Fairview Road<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today, the Husband and I went sight-seeing off of Fairview Road. It was a great day for meandering between Spring Grove and Rosa Morada Roads. The birds certainly agreed.<br />
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<br />Su-sieee! Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12515318972570669414noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-97984431007654383.post-58227072293743067982017-10-21T11:31:00.002-07:002018-03-22T23:06:38.210-07:0030 Days of B&W Photos<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Swanson's Ridge, behind the San Benito County Historical Park and Bolado Park in Tres Pinos</span></span></td></tr>
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Hey 'ya! Hi 'ya! How 'ya?<br />
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Just wanted to let you know that I've given myself a 30-day challenge of posting new black and white photos of San Benito County, in general, and of Hollister, in particular. Not here on the blog though, but at the <i>Take 25 to Hollister</i> Facebook page, which you'll find <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/take25toHollister/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a></b>.<br />
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I invite you to come check out the photos. Today is Day 2.<br />
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See 'ya!<br />
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<span style="color: purple;">Update: Here's the Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2090479177644078.1073741868.122542294437786&type=1&l=f1a800f845" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>link</b></a> to the 30 Days of B & W Photos. Enjoy!</span>Su-sieee! Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12515318972570669414noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-97984431007654383.post-26958315956748872172017-10-18T13:40:00.001-07:002017-10-18T13:40:32.916-07:00A Lovely Day for the San Benito Olive Festival<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The <a href="http://www.sanbenitoolivefestival.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">San Benito Olive Festival </a>was this past Saturday. It was a gorgeous day, and the setting—the <a href="https://benitolink.com/features/walking-san-benito-san-benito-county-historical-park" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">San Benito County Historical Park</a>—was a perfect fit for the celebration of agricultural harvest and culinary delights. So much fun!!! Here's what I ended up doing on my checklist!<br />
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<li> <span style="color: #38761d;"><b><i>Check! </i></b></span>Make an olive wreath. <b><span style="color: red;"></span></b></li>
<li>Try a fresh fruit juice concoction by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/gaspachos/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gaspachos</a>. </li>
<li> <b><span style="color: red;"><i><span style="color: #38761d;"><b><i>Check! </i></b></span> </i></span></b>Paint rocks with <a href="https://www.arti-culture.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ARTI-culture</a>. </li>
<li> <b><span style="color: red;"><i><span style="color: #38761d;"><b><i>Check! </i></b></span></i></span></b>Take the walk and geology talk with <a href="http://palominodream.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jim Ostdick</a>, who walked across the United States earlier this year to raise funds and awareness for the <a href="http://www.reachsanbenito.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">R.E.A.C.H. Foundation</a>. <span style="color: #38761d;"><i>(I'm darn tootin' proud of myself for climbing up and down the slope with the help of my cane and the Husband.)</i></span></li>
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<li><span style="color: #38761d;"><b><i>Check! </i></b></span>Sample wine from <a href="https://www.bonnydoonvineyard.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bonny Doon Vineyard</a>, <a href="https://derosewine.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">DeRose Winery</a>, <a href="http://www.morganwinery.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Morgan Winery</a>, or other wineries. <span style="color: #38761d;"><i>I sampled wines from <a href="http://www.guglielmowinery.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Guglielmo Winery</a>, <a href="http://www.koriwines.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kori Wines</a>, and <a href="http://visionwinebrands.com/divum-wines" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Divum Wines</a>.</i><b><i> </i></b></span></li>
<li>Build a scarecrow that I can take home!</li>
<li>Taste olive oil produced by such award-winning producers as <a href="http://oilsofpaicines.virb.com/we-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Oils of Paicines</a> and <a href="http://www.moonshadowgrove.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">MoonShadow Grove</a>. </li>
<li><span style="color: #38761d;"><b><i>Check! </i></b></span>Paint and Plant with <a href="http://thegardenmarthollister.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Garden Mart. </a></li>
<li>Watch Chef Carlos Pineda, the 2017 Gilroy Garlic Festival Showdown champion on the Cooking Demo Stage.</li>
<li><span style="color: #38761d;"><b><i>Check! </i></b></span>Learn how to create a Fall flower bouquet. </li>
<li><span style="color: #38761d;"><b><i>Check! </i></b><i>but it was to Mr. O's Jazz Band.</i><b><i> </i></b></span>Tap my feet to the sound of the Mariachi Juvenil Alma de Mexico.</li>
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<li><span style="color: #38761d;"><b><i>Check! </i></b></span>Sip a microbrew from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Grillin-Chillin-Alehouse/953839618012377" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Grillin & Chillin Alehouse</a>.</li>
<li>Check out the Venetian masks at the Gioia Italian Art & Products booth. </li>
<li><span style="color: #38761d;"><b><i>Check! </i></b><i>No dancing though. </i></span>Dance with the Husband to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/absurdumclamperband/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Absurdum</a>. </li>
<li>Eat some tapas made by <a href="http://eatwiththeseasons.com/farmhouse-cafe/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Farmhouse Cafe</a>.</li>
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The Husband, our Friends, and I criss-crossed the park several times and still didn't experience all of the festival, particularly the cooking demonstrations, the merchants' booths, the nonprofit groups' displays, and all of the historical village's buildings and exhibits. Did you know there's an indoor model train display at the village? The Husband and I will visit the park throughout the year to see what we missed during the festival. For everything else, we shall wait patiently for next year!<br />
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I don't think it's well known that the San Benito Olive Festival is a non-profit organization. The organization, and festival, exists on the generosity of many, many volunteers and donors. All of the net proceeds the San Benito Olive Festival earns go back into the community. Thus far, it has donated to more than 20 local nonprofit organizations.<br />
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For more photos of the festival, check out the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1871000836258581.1073741864.122542294437786&type=1&l=28dc3527a9" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>album</b></a> at Take 25's Facebook page.<br />
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Su-sieee! Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12515318972570669414noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-97984431007654383.post-30843359646182649762017-10-04T23:57:00.000-07:002017-10-04T23:57:12.034-07:00A Fun-Filled San Benito Olive Festival Ahead!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is what I imagine I'll be doing that day, some activities by myself and others with the Husband or our friends:<br />
<ul>
<li>Make an olive wreath.</li>
<li>Try a fresh fruit juice concoction by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/gaspachos/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gaspachos</a>. </li>
<li>Paint rocks with <a href="https://www.arti-culture.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ARTI-culture</a>.</li>
<li>Take the walk and geology talk with <a href="http://palominodream.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jim Ostdick</a>, who walked across the United States earlier this year to raise funds and awareness for the <a href="http://www.reachsanbenito.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">R.E.A.C.H. Foundation</a>. </li>
<li>Sample wine from <a href="https://www.bonnydoonvineyard.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bonny Doon Vineyard</a>, <a href="https://derosewine.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">DeRose Winery</a>, <a href="http://www.morganwinery.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Morgan Winery</a>, or other wineries. </li>
<li>Build a scarecrow that I can take home!</li>
<li>Taste olive oil produced by such award-winning producers as <a href="http://oilsofpaicines.virb.com/we-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Oils of Paicines</a> and <a href="http://www.moonshadowgrove.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">MoonShadow Grove</a>. </li>
<li>Paint and Plant with <a href="http://thegardenmarthollister.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Garden Mart. </a></li>
<li>Watch Chef Carlos Pineda, the 2017 Gilroy Garlic Festival Showdown champion on the Cooking Demo Stage.</li>
<li>Learn how to create a Fall flower bouquet. </li>
<li>Tap my feet to the sound of the Mariachi Juvenil Alma de Mexico.</li>
<li>Sip a microbrew from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Grillin-Chillin-Alehouse/953839618012377" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Grillin & Chillin Alehouse</a>.</li>
<li>Check out the Venetian masks at the Gioia Italian Art & Products booth. </li>
<li>Dance with the Husband to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/absurdumclamperband/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Absurdum</a>. </li>
<li>Eat some tapas made by <a href="http://eatwiththeseasons.com/farmhouse-cafe/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Farmhouse Cafe</a>.</li>
<li>And more! If this old body with no cartilage in the knees can handle it. </li>
</ul>
Definitely lots to do at this year's San Benito Olive Festival. And, I haven't even mentioned that the location of this year's event is the <a href="http://www.take25tohollister.com/search/label/San%20Benito%20County%20Historical%20Park" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">San Benito County Historical Park</a> in Tres Pinos. A perfect setting!<br />
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For more details about the event, check out this <a href="https://benitolink.com/news/foodies-families-get-ready-eat-drink-and-dance-san-benito-olive-festival" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>article</b></a> at BenitoLink.com. Also, visit the San Benito Olive Festival <a href="http://sanbenitoolivefestival.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">website</a> or Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sanbenitoolivefestival" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">page</a>. <br />
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<i>Confession Time: </i>I'm an Olive Fest volunteer, helping out with publicity. But, even if I weren't I'd still write about it. Look, I'm finally writing after how many months of silence. :-)<br />
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Here are some photos from the 2015 event. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia_T1xCf0u5qL4OwvdjK-CUmV0ta5nu2BBnMcwuYzkqqwocpkTYE84F6gOo6fR78w6SQJShE7PpNN5P_HT05glmp8zBH4u-NXJkYfRp0f7Dwbr4nXC-vvxDgcnDaQkF-fBYUnu0EGRj8J7/s1600/2015sbof-paint2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="408" data-original-width="544" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia_T1xCf0u5qL4OwvdjK-CUmV0ta5nu2BBnMcwuYzkqqwocpkTYE84F6gOo6fR78w6SQJShE7PpNN5P_HT05glmp8zBH4u-NXJkYfRp0f7Dwbr4nXC-vvxDgcnDaQkF-fBYUnu0EGRj8J7/s1600/2015sbof-paint2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">There'll be two olive paint party sessions at the 2017 San Benito Olive Festival. <br /></span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6V9zuWEjQxf8PU0oTx20JBqgxKf3O8MyP8V6q4fzsGsgrpvwMlCa6h_96TbixCQlPviE5mu_iXeWiTaZ36OIW_ZltLl4nl1w6FTN8YXt_EohI2XhFcKMH9XtdrsBYBZ0Kcq2uEg7ynsUQ/s1600/SBOFVIP-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="385" data-original-width="576" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6V9zuWEjQxf8PU0oTx20JBqgxKf3O8MyP8V6q4fzsGsgrpvwMlCa6h_96TbixCQlPviE5mu_iXeWiTaZ36OIW_ZltLl4nl1w6FTN8YXt_EohI2XhFcKMH9XtdrsBYBZ0Kcq2uEg7ynsUQ/s1600/SBOFVIP-1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The VIP Tasting Grove</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4QsJC6tb6bcxyKTOTESEd9cTJzO_6Aq7TXn7piC8b8u2CQzU7vqY-t-HYSySmzazUy-ubZ3ZifTD6Pli_mW_MLsriNN47q1R28hyphenhyphenLteB16AZdhZJnGVl4XGN_EkaTrDzuKqTsoSvjguQy/s1600/2015sbof-food-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="431" data-original-width="576" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4QsJC6tb6bcxyKTOTESEd9cTJzO_6Aq7TXn7piC8b8u2CQzU7vqY-t-HYSySmzazUy-ubZ3ZifTD6Pli_mW_MLsriNN47q1R28hyphenhyphenLteB16AZdhZJnGVl4XGN_EkaTrDzuKqTsoSvjguQy/s1600/2015sbof-food-3.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cooking Demonstration Stage</span><br /></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTg1t7YWZhOzJeXFuaA_KU5aF9HCVB_s6X2bktuH9_WBCwcLla2yEal3cw1HsgbzmAF5u-JmwVorjc93IXlPmmgDHuej7hddZhkMgwKI0zmWTU1TMyS-IimyCTAOjPJ9N2pC3L5vPed4j7/s1600/2015SBOF-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="544" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTg1t7YWZhOzJeXFuaA_KU5aF9HCVB_s6X2bktuH9_WBCwcLla2yEal3cw1HsgbzmAF5u-JmwVorjc93IXlPmmgDHuej7hddZhkMgwKI0zmWTU1TMyS-IimyCTAOjPJ9N2pC3L5vPed4j7/s1600/2015SBOF-10.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Olive tasting at Papa Joe's Spicy Products</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Tk3yWMr1fKo-DcCjZoBQI7am47R31huqMWKEA7x3yiwY4Ha0Bi7xZ-kU6K_dJ4-o6df8inn9YQUKTd9tSV5wngLEecA-fYrJGcnge2BIiHAhG6UVH13TT-QEeORnkhvOwHldRzYO3gzG/s1600/2015sbof-music-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="399" data-original-width="576" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Tk3yWMr1fKo-DcCjZoBQI7am47R31huqMWKEA7x3yiwY4Ha0Bi7xZ-kU6K_dJ4-o6df8inn9YQUKTd9tSV5wngLEecA-fYrJGcnge2BIiHAhG6UVH13TT-QEeORnkhvOwHldRzYO3gzG/s1600/2015sbof-music-4.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mr. O's Jazz Band -- They'll be there this year, too!</span></span></td></tr>
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<br />Su-sieee! Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12515318972570669414noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-97984431007654383.post-45553426301937101052017-02-28T11:46:00.000-08:002017-02-28T11:46:10.337-08:00Glancing Back on Hwy 156<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_9GiCR6_nZNOIgMbl0VrouUhzj4FLvJlOkZQYZnA8qF3EVEa7wc8H_D_ALt79aCCMc1jJVaSRMSSxMcDk8P-MT7XmULOMGmu56S67QJJWBNEp3OyITEE4tWGrdFFF1qX8w6rCZf5a97j6/s1600/156-reflection.jpg" /></div>
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The Gabilan Range looks good in the car's side mirror, too, as the Husband and I drive west on Highway 156, towards Highway 101.<br />
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Enjoy the sunny, but slightly chilly, days. The weather guys forecast clear skies for at least a week.<br />
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<br />Su-sieee! Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12515318972570669414noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-97984431007654383.post-35185519483732290882017-02-22T10:09:00.001-08:002017-02-22T10:09:15.608-08:00Book Browsing for Book Lovers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38wgHNTtgDn4pTEhLH2FsHpGRZPLqfEkZPxGZ8pq0QQr9KHyqhlLJATToNV4nK2aY3-0XluRRI770snxOxU2s9Pnf88Os4tnmEJgbS6TJoz9L0wH9R2kKdhAHvo9JoeLoHTld_cbWi7A7/s1600/benejournals.jpg" /></div>
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Once upon a time, when I was a much younger thing, Hollister had the best bookstore around. It was called Henry's. (Or was the bookstore called Henry or Henrys? That's how long ago it was.) It was on San Benito Street in an old storefront a couple shops to the south of Fisher's Restaurant. The bookshop was run by Mr. and Mrs. Henry, a sweet couple, who had no problem with a much younger me regularly roaming the aisles and checking out random titles, without buying a thing. Ah, the yearning. <br /><br />Today, Hollister doesn't have a bookstore, independently owned or a well-known chain store. Still, there are places in town for book lovers to browse for a good book or two for fun reading. <br /><br />I know for sure that Target sells a small selection of new titles for adult and children readers. You can also find a few new books at Nob Hill and Safeway. Maybe Save-Mor, KMart, Walgreen's, and Rite Aid does, too. <br /><br />The <a href="http://eatwiththeseasons.com/farmhouse-cafe/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Farmhouse Cafe</a> (615 San Benito Street, Suite D) has a smattering of cookbooks and food-related books for sale. The other day I noticed <i>The Farmhouse Cookbook</i> by Susan Mayor and <i>Under the Tuscan Sun </i>by Frances Mayes on the shelves.<br /><br />Next door at San Benito Bene (615 San Benito Street, Suite B) you can find a few books by local authors such as John Chadwell. The store also sells <i>Hollister</i>, a photo book about the history of our area by Joseph M. McMahon and Peter Sonne. While you're in the shop, be sure to check out the cute blank notebooks and journals for sale. A perfect gift for any writer of any age, novice or professional. (Hint, hint, you know who.)<br /><br />As for used books, we have several sources in town for fiction and nonfiction books. Two places are nonprofit thrift shops. <a href="http://forgivingpaws.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Forgiving Paws Thrift Shop</a> (195 Meridian Street) is one such store. Another is Hazel's Thrift Shop (898 San Benito Street). It has a room called <a href="http://hazelsthriftshop.wixsite.com/hazelsthriftshop/booknook" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Booknook</a> in the back of the store. If you're into collectible publications, you can sometimes find some at Hazel's Treasures Boutique on Hawkins Street behind the thrift shop.<br /><br />
The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sbclibraryfriends/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Friends of the San Benito County Free Library</a> resells used book donations. Often, you can find current titles among their offerings. This nonprofit group maintains sale shelves in the library next to the magazines. Hardbacks are $1 and paperbacks are 50 cents. You can't beat that price. <br /><br />
This group also holds regular Saturday morning book sales behind the library on West Street. Currently their sales are monthly. The next one is Saturday. On March 11, 2017, from 10 a.m. to noon. Contact <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sbclibraryfriends/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Friends of the San Benito County Free Library</a> for further details about future book sales.<br />Su-sieee! Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12515318972570669414noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-97984431007654383.post-55721182168955884152017-02-19T11:55:00.000-08:002017-02-19T11:55:51.850-08:00Bloomingdale's in Hollister<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOhQhDbrBXEpx1zMxwKNiyXWN3m9wlNJIBpwrxGZBmjn3XA26OiGfrsis7JL7YsDjC_8UXUzacljMo-RrlB-mAMFXCiDG0JSiR1MoXHvVHZeo6GlpVjUEJC7wgRaRIsIEAiczQCJn3boLF/s1600/bloomingdale.jpg" /></div>
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It seemed that whenever a woman in a 1960s or 1970s movie wanted to go shopping in New York City, she went to Bloomingdale's. When I was a young thing shopping at Macy's in San Francisco, I wondered if that was what it would be like to shop in Bloomingdale's. That thought came to me the other day when I noticed again the Bloomingdale's container alongside San Juan-Hollister Road near the San Benito River.<br />
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<br />Su-sieee! Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12515318972570669414noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-97984431007654383.post-58245975087480524112017-02-11T12:03:00.000-08:002017-02-11T12:03:31.757-08:00I Spy . . . Pieces from the Past<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii6D8UQs8LWdod8EVO7Hbtv8hklSCVdt4ZkgzBlPOn9lUMbvsVPaP0BC44qdXlVrpb3oh1ro4feSHi4e5GffB1XzPQ06UKldpGryDgHQz51Do4z5QqmzuNNHNyfFNaa7sSU6tQKsNg1Ccn/s1600/past-time.jpg" /></div>
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I spy with my little eye an old-timey clock and valentines displayed in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sanjuanbakery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">San Juan Bakery</a> window. Precious!<br />
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<br />Su-sieee! Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12515318972570669414noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-97984431007654383.post-50015250397599126842017-02-06T17:07:00.000-08:002017-02-06T17:07:31.798-08:00There's Fremont Peak! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRTJQF9xd6t_GzcQVv7qhp4ChGhHviiVyg9Ij0DEmyQP_-kgeWSjr1bayQb-cH3bAegjVJX7MFnjL0pjaNUavmQZm5z6UywLA0MnMjvNzMUJU34dgS9Bo6w9bwzemcMyy1j_RWhXUPhRVK/s1600/2017-fremontpeak1.jpg" /></div>
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For the past two years I've wanted to take a picture of Fremont Peak from the Fremont Peak Marker, aka California Historical Landmark #181, on Muckelemi Street. My attempts have been foiled by clouds or smog, until last week.<br />
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Do you see Fremont Peak up there in the background? You can't miss the pointy 2,799 feet high mountain and the TV tower to the left of the peak. What I like about this shot is the historical marker points an arrow to Fremont Peak, saying it's 11 miles away.<br />
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Here are two more shots of Fremont Peak that I took that same day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs4f5L84ydhA6SZoftRnn258sAUpjZJHWbdFCkXa15J7hqgQNX1lthJhsPkAL1DUNWJmsfOaogbvhqJ3M9ZfvJb4ZE6NmwswKApX_nO72k74heyLL7KvKOOsC3al8ymh4yrlxq9yp51u5w/s1600/2017-fremontpeak3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">From Highway 129 (aka Ohlone Kallentaruk Highway) in the Pajaro Valley<br /></span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij6QP0Vq22O0M9pZkl5AV653WoRFK-lyGQZXcL2njptJy9GmZjcayLqM5stK49MIULKEEqnYj7LzQS8LHDwE9LSw5PpRKjdL0i9jLFdOInGsSvETVbhqGPLOHCklqwwXAAU3rfAKwqufLU/s1600/2017-fremontpeak2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">From San Juan Highway<br /></span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></td></tr>
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<br />Su-sieee! Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12515318972570669414noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-97984431007654383.post-45568139982936795882017-02-03T10:33:00.001-08:002017-02-03T10:33:59.576-08:00I Spy . . . Delightfulness in Downtown Hollister<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpUtPfhjhweRcynO-d2RqRpSz1uT9qxN-1Vh4xXSUmNoDLshDYDfI_AROGijkCx-Oufa4b55dL5nz4DbISPpm3ETFkGRXYs0JaXomIyqhlfpnZrsk6oXiv_ZmyjnCSvmMCncnOhwOH_MmR/s1600/2017kidart.jpg" /></div>
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I spy with my little eye the darling window display in the ARTspace Gallery, 240 Fifth Street, in Downtown Hollister. It is part of the <a href="https://benitolink.com/life-skills-art-program-debuts-artspace" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>Joy of Art Soup</i> Exhibition</a> that features students from San Benito High School and Hope Services participating in the Life Skills Art Program. The exhibit continues until February 24, 2017.<br />
<br />Su-sieee! Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12515318972570669414noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-97984431007654383.post-35261145149633682462017-01-30T17:44:00.001-08:002017-01-30T17:44:14.371-08:00Marching to the Dug Out<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiIB0sbRAVNzNuXlyUnVspNMLKxfYKmijRyE1MMwwz_NIfSNTZ5rAonPM-y5LRAUZmKZFhMwK2Onhyphenhyphenq3enpyCHJmP7m0OgbNHFvAIA2Ru3zVSxONPuyLnPJTjiYs07OgUxt_Lz-w6Zxq3K/s1600/Dugoutmural.jpg" /></div>
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Have you seen the mural going up on the back wall of the Veterans Memorial Building? Be sure to take a quick peek when you drive by the building on East Street.<br />
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<br />Su-sieee! Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12515318972570669414noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-97984431007654383.post-32737231709384998012017-01-27T12:18:00.000-08:002017-01-27T12:18:51.606-08:00I Spy . . . Flowing Water<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheYpIPrIV1Fw4RcrryHx3WCMlOlMKr83EWBLMX4zISpTkFkieAn0zhm2nmKWe8QtcuoVpomhFSAfkoZgFDWN-316sEl1Qhbp-GgcW0CkiofIqUoBNwyUEvHemKfNM36F3gnNiGz3u1hqru/s1600/2017-SBriver-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">San Benito River by Southside Road</span></span></td></tr>
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I spy with my little eye water in the San Benito River and in the Tres Pinos Creek. Thank you, rain!<br />
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Both the river and the creek are several miles south of downtown Hollister, far from the flooding that happened to the north of Hollister in San Benito County. Hopefully the levee in Pacheco Creek, which overflowed twice, will be fixed before the next downpour.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJSu257uoj1JqwN30ORjRoqUVbvPB9_DRwBEZ17IQCbMrTn95RvZ4Xh6I-aDvk8nXCZG-BCOI2PtviH97-d32LOHxUArm-qcxX6HfLhudzKQGkFOQpsmcJxekxxu5nU9gIr5Om-VmQtE-Z/s1600/2017-TPcreek.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Tres Pinos Creek</span></span></td></tr>
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By the way, during a heavy rain the Tres Pinos Creek flows across Southside Road. As of yesterday, you still couldn't cross the road there. So, if you're going to the <a href="http://www.suncoastorganicfarm.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Suncoast Organic Farm Bakery</a> today or tomorrow, you'll need to access it from the Hollister end of Southside Road.<br />
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<br />Su-sieee! Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12515318972570669414noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-97984431007654383.post-12074444304554982742017-01-17T16:09:00.002-08:002017-01-17T16:09:35.871-08:00A Bene Sky<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3PyUwhahRsbzc9KJHmNNZ0n53II7Kt3RE2p2eNFMPep6ZEqDz_d3RSxb2hYhGHqn1ETu1ZUSt-G88rU3kqYVxs0MHtzL1GNK5bsOgpTWl231QHpF3hjGVREhtQrcJ7NqxE1kY5Yaumprf/s1600/Bene-sky-72a.jpg" /></div>
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We hadn't seen a tempestuous rainfall as we did last weekend in a long time. Maybe some of you heard about the flooding in Hollister which actually made national, news. A creek flooded about 10 miles north of downtown in a rural area, causing more than 100 residents, with their pets, horses, and other small animals, to evacuate. All is getting back towards normal, as far as I've heard.<br />
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In the photo, the sign for <a href="http://www.sanbenitobene.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>San Benito Bene</b></a> also speaks well of the sky above downtown Hollister a few days ago.<b> </b>Yup, we've had delightful sunshine. Just enough to get us ready for this next one, which some weather guys say will start tomorrow and continue to possibly next Tuesday.<br />
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Where ever you are, dear <i>Take 25 to Hollister</i> readers, may you be warm and dry. <br />
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<br />Su-sieee! Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12515318972570669414noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-97984431007654383.post-55213539624255568952017-01-13T14:14:00.003-08:002017-01-13T14:14:55.826-08:00I Spy . . . Bwak! Chickens. Kinda<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT_EoiwiDH2zSUrie1BCMr8_GFPo-OGakSmcdkw83urxQVHgtVWF0MpFhaNNT6yD-xptLRpnPyZoFzuTKRy0pPssseDkilMMObvRRvPcdADCjeUkLeIDAgwVBnfthMuiKur8R0p2C9abxL/s1600/suncoastchicks.jpg" /></div>
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I spy with my little eye cute chickens in a once-upon-a-time barn. . . except they aren't real chickens and the barn is now a bakery.<br />
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The chickens are part of the delightful whimsical decor at the <a href="http://www.suncoastorganicfarm.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Suncoast Organic Farm </a>Bakery on 6310 Southside Road in Hollister. Have you been there lately? It's about five miles south of downtown Hollister, on a back road parallel to Highway 25 (or Airline Highway, as we oldtimers like to say) The bakery is down a short driveway surrounded by orchards and loveliness.<br />
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Artisan breads, croissants, pastries, cookies, granola, soups, sandwiches, ice cream, and more are made at the bakery. The bakery has a patio for customers to relax and eat the goodies they purchase. To see more photos of the bakery, please check out this <a href="http://www.take25tohollister.com/2015/05/sun-coast-organic-farm-bakery.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>post</b></a> that I wrote last year.<br />
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The bakery is only open two days: Friday afternoons (from 12:00 to 7:00 p.m.) and Saturdays (from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). <br />
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One more thing. Suncoast publishes its menus on its Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/suncoastorganic/?fref=ts" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">page</a>. If you share the day's menu and mention it to the bakery's cashier, you'll get a discount on your bill. Nice, huh?<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRZNlTA5CCAkr2ceUS1WpmTSmaxaxriIRgb9sBgG1WA4rpfMp5hIC59ebf6A0rZJUY1-O2hZxIFhXwjrv3fNhPGUUh_wsW1p9J0042dyAy4hsj1tawwG6srOjH0qk2EYjmJaOrYf44pnoc/s1600/sunocoast1.jpg" /></div>
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<br />Su-sieee! Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12515318972570669414noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-97984431007654383.post-24168136808017302472017-01-09T13:51:00.000-08:002017-01-09T13:51:07.421-08:00Window Shopping<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUqFkHQF71hehuJtT1vmcpjF-CIeXWyzh8N3CGbJI-pClMM0AkWIPGfWJKVIrqEasE8iHJZB_dZYBnL6mrcRRa7l8e8PIjV9sCB9x_YnfMuN_emnrc7CH9ozAZL0nPoWMnHnxok39h6oiu/s1600/bertuccio-window2017.jpg" /></div>
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I love looking into the window at <a href="http://www.thefarmbertuccios.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Farm/Bertuccio's Market</a>. You never know what reflection you'll see.<br />
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Have you been to the farmstand recently on Airline Highway, just before the Union Road intersection? They now sell organic vegetables along with regular vegetables, eggs, dried fruits, apricot jams and syrups, artisanal olive oils, and other yummy packaged foods. And, when they're in season--fresh, local artichokes. <i>Whooo-hooo!</i><br />
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<br />Su-sieee! Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12515318972570669414noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-97984431007654383.post-20990036495353530222016-12-23T17:40:00.000-08:002016-12-23T17:40:45.206-08:00I Spy . . . a Merry Gnome in San Juan Bautista<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLPEdEx2l5gVl82OQzk_xJHVEYzptG1RJzjPQk9T_3yFDeFdXpVVcrtZL-pxpPFyk9R2fO_Qw8hzIgSj6OfJkNGqgJu8iGb_slapbnweZlYhhFiElUjE2NwZCOWruVDAPURgEu7xKdTVzo/s1600/sjbxmaswindow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLPEdEx2l5gVl82OQzk_xJHVEYzptG1RJzjPQk9T_3yFDeFdXpVVcrtZL-pxpPFyk9R2fO_Qw8hzIgSj6OfJkNGqgJu8iGb_slapbnweZlYhhFiElUjE2NwZCOWruVDAPURgEu7xKdTVzo/s1600/sjbxmaswindow.jpg" /></a></div>
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I spy with my little eye a gnome of cakes, sprinkles, and fairy tales enjoying himself at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sanjuanbakery/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">San Juan Bakery</a> on Third Street. <br />
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"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."<br />
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Peace and love, Dear Take 25 Readers. See you in 2017.<br />
<br />Su-<i>sieee</i>! MacSu-sieee! Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12515318972570669414noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-97984431007654383.post-5678603215641669332016-12-17T16:13:00.000-08:002016-12-17T16:13:07.366-08:00I Spy . . . a Loving Tribute <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj0RpcBOULR_WNcvPirY5_FzC2Radpfk0HsGehoNzPJw7XWsd5_hGjeVdG0TutNi-_dKPAE2ws55J1KgfX2aJgItyHPOPE9NKgQ_GxdG6zkFN9zrIYXHnT-EAU_DVjEqhb4olNMyWxFvgw/s1600/TP-war-memorial.jpg" /></div>
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I spy with my little eye a memorial to the courageous men and women who died in World War II.<br />
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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).<br />
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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: <br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Tres Pinos Memorial of the Great World War</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dec. 7, 1941 - Aug. 14, 1945</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For God and Country</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For Peace and Freedom</span></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwOVZ15ZRpe89UIttvUOt8vAB7TFQqQ3OrXshMb01qlank1tl_0yenhgue6PyQR6McuJNxqBdHXvYY24ow89DhUBMMbep5NlVv5AadBEXky27tgVSbYdDoqmyZ1VKyQOCEPs5ZM4959TwB/s1600/TP-war-memorial-1.jpg" /></div>
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Su-sieee! Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12515318972570669414noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-97984431007654383.post-39782161342378023752016-12-10T09:30:00.000-08:002016-12-10T09:30:22.753-08:00I Spy . . . a Jolly Big Red Rig<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8_7Eh1EH7MaoRkxPf4zc0RYmx8ZZorJeF0KZMqW04jo5pgHDFb030f-nsaI8tWIG53EFCmS3paH60lcxgTBxcjVXs4Aoqa7BDx74DeuQgkdirfL2W_deqpIr0FgK816CG3ownazjopzUI/s1600/156-red-truck.jpg" /></div>
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I spy with my little eye a happy-looking big red truck driving east on Highway 156.<br />
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This I spied as I waited in the car at the corner of Union and Mitchell Roads while the Husband bought honey from the <a href="http://www.take25tohollister.com/2010/04/san-benito-gold.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">local Honey Guy</a>. <br />
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<br />Su-sieee! Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12515318972570669414noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-97984431007654383.post-27911855418859370452016-12-02T08:58:00.001-08:002016-12-02T08:58:18.351-08:00I Spy . . . Holiday Cheer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiSMoY3ucu1Z0dulHGv8HvYiXB4FIkeiqjGuul73sIkLXoobm4xLGknoEyuxED1TYxxBlYIDmJ1q71bTJcGJFEAbSnIgtgx3JPPY_WYjBR5gJWTdxbSFyU_n26Anl3Fv2Xzm8EL42AsHts/s1600/xmas-reflection.jpg" /></div>
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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.<br />
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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 <a href="https://benitolink.com/rain-doesnt-dampen-holiday-spirit" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>page</b></a>.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzbuIgj_8bSRwe-PKuAwchg6aHyRZHulBiMWmQ0LGhtwTVpTBo4Im2uBC-noEXEUQc6u0BO8R8yvwxQfHSjDr-mm899lwaxvxtoTAjQQXMgIDHcY5DRjsiD0COI20chhqdsL0jMXvBkDJq/s1600/Hollisterholidays2016.jpg" /></div>
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<br />Su-sieee! Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12515318972570669414noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-97984431007654383.post-52099431866805648502016-11-18T09:39:00.000-08:002016-11-18T09:39:34.154-08:00I Spy . . . Green Hills!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5a8OlxX84SFSuQOY8XtkILOWgG_7a_iLweYFsJ5V0r9B8tn_TQFu4SVmS28wt7T_tbU9MoL-Uy3dWXlFWq4b9vQ94VesrVPgigTfCf94ImrrWi-VeYSBQ476HgM7MGVF8JyDaHpGqUQc/s1600/bandoflight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5a8OlxX84SFSuQOY8XtkILOWgG_7a_iLweYFsJ5V0r9B8tn_TQFu4SVmS28wt7T_tbU9MoL-Uy3dWXlFWq4b9vQ94VesrVPgigTfCf94ImrrWi-VeYSBQ476HgM7MGVF8JyDaHpGqUQc/s1600/bandoflight.jpg" /></a></div>
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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. <i>Whooo-hooo! </i><div>
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Su-sieee! Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06358274514829649380noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-97984431007654383.post-28979658644134096812016-11-04T18:28:00.000-07:002016-11-04T18:28:41.888-07:00I Spy . . . Low Clouds!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguMXvSnhQNKi5TF_Dg7rtr2FWjBtiwpvFS3umwOnAy5mwTNdEQ97-bst4ny-4pjbUvOi9YEfSEt7PzQk208c9y0359vQl2rTLJymQ6vAOcyMoFZ1gy1J_NOtWEihOsmdPDWQYcpXI3lnk/s1600/low-bridge-cloud.jpg" /></div>
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I spy with my little eye very low clouds crossing Sunnyslope Road.<br />
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Heads up!<br />
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<br />Su-sieee! Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06358274514829649380noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-97984431007654383.post-29952074429428428172016-10-28T12:31:00.001-07:002016-10-28T12:31:06.450-07:00I Spy . . . Raindrops and a Schoolbus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNP1vvuir942vgT7JyN0NpF6NU5UJgxFCG8XSVqpZQk3-0YKDsNefu1lJXX_BAaV7i_xrgw0n6KphlDI6hPY1ZrTy14D9Erhm5BQXs6tatZMX3-ucSiQScwEfFtpEZsm6Edz9yZbqLokw/s1600/raindrops-bus.jpg" /></div>
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I spy with my little eye this morning happy raindrops and a happy yellow elementary school bus.<br />
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Didn't you love all the rain this morning? Hope there's a lot more on the way.<br />
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<br />Su-sieee! Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06358274514829649380noreply@blogger.com2