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.

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.

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.

Egads, A Phone Booth!

This remnant of olden times (lol) stands on the southeast corner of Fifth and East Streets. I remember a phone booth being on that corner since I was a teenager many decades ago. This same one? I don't know.

Interestingly, the phone booth still has an attached phone book. Hmmm, I don't recall there being a phone.

I wonder what Superman would've done if this was only type of phone booth around. Giggle. 

Splish Splash!

Fairview Road, looking north from Sunnyslope Road,
from the other day.

The weather report says it'll be raining a lot this morning and again in the evening. Be careful out there. Slow and easy, please.

Window Reflections

What can I say? I like checking the window reflections while walking down San Benito Street. giggle. This is what I saw in one of the windows of Mars Hill Coffeehouse the other day.

Wooden Lace

The trees across from the San Benito County Free Library were looking quite splendid in all their lacy glory in yesterday's rain. It won't be long before their branches are dressed in green.

Enjoying the View on Valley View Road

When I'm riding the bicycle, I like to stop on that stretch of Valley View Road where there's an unobstructed view of the Gabilan Mountains. Seeing the wild mustard and other wildflowers in the large empty field during our "green" months is a joy, too.

The property is up for sale for development of housing.  So, let's enjoy the view while we can.

Walking in Downtown Hollister

Downtown Hollister is a great town to walk. So many possibilities. Walk up and down the main street, side streets, and alleys. Venture into the residential area beyond South Street or to the west of San Benito Street. Climb up Park Hill and enjoy the view.

If you'd like something a bit more organized, check out these round-trip walks designed by the Downtown Hollister Association. You can download a copy of its brochure describing the walks here. I've summarized the walks below, providing links to past posts on Take 25 to Hollister that give you some background on the subject matter of many of the walks.

• Sacred Heart Walk, a one-mile stroll, begins at Dunne Park where Sacred Heart Church originally was located.
•  Downtown Shop Walk, 1.2 miles, allows you to see and visit all the shops and businesses in downtown Hollister.
• Historic District Walk is 1.3 miles long, covering the Downtown Hollister Historic District. 
• Fault to Fault Walk is a 1.3 mile walk along the Calaveras Fault.
• Vista Park Hill Walk, 1.5 miles, takes you up to Park Hill, the highest point in Downtown Hollister. 
• East of Eden Walk is 2.2 miles of some John Steinbeck history and movie settings for the East of Eden movie.
• Hazel Hawkins Walk, 2.3 miles, starts at the original Hazel Hawkins Hospital and goes to the IOOF Cemetery on Buena Vista Road.

Have fun walking through downtown Hollister!

How Tall, the Wild Mustard

In some fields, the wild mustard is rather tall. It almost reaches the sun.

Okay, I exaggerate. Although, I'm sure I could stand in a field of yellow mustard plants and you wouldn't be able to see me.  I love the sight and smell of wild mustard. It also tastes mighty good with garlic and soy sauce. Have I said that before?

It was a foggy day. . .

Kinda spooky, huh?

I wonder if the branches may be bearing blossoms now. I took this photo out the car window as the Husband was slowing for the stop sign at the corner of San Benito Street and Union Road.

Santa Claus Sighted in Hollister

There he is! Biker Santa Claus on Johnny's Bar & Grill's ledge.

See you tomorrow.

Outside City Limits

I love the pockets of country within Hollister. For example, a residential development borders the south of this field on Meridian Street, and another development is across the street.

See you tomorrow.

Keep the Peace

"The most valuable possession you can own is an open heart. The most powerful weapon you can be is an instrument of peace." ~ Carlos Santana

Autumn Loveliness

Hope you take some time to enjoy the autumn colors between your Black Friday and Small Business Saturday shopping this weekend. This brilliant colorful tree is on the NW corner of Monterey and South Streets.

See you tomorrow.

Morning After a Sweet Rain

We had a wonderful rainy day yesterday. It gave us at least one great reflection in Downtown Hollister this morning.

A Fifth Street Reflection

If you visit the San Benito County Free Library after a rain—or while it's raining—you know about the puddles alongside the curb in front of it. I have no problem with the puddles. I know how not to walk in them, as well as splash through them (Happy smile). One of the things I like about the puddles is seeing the reflections of the trees in them.

The weather guys say that it looks like rain this Sunday.

A Magnificent Autumn Canopy

Did you know that some of those trees lining the residential part of San Benito Street are magnolia trees? Yesterday, the Husband and I sat under the canopy of one of the trees while we watched the Veterans Day Parade.  Simply delightful!

By the way, if you'd like to see some photos of the parade, click here. This will take you to my album at Facebook. You can view it without logging on or even having a Facebook account.

See you tomorrow.

Sunday Morning on Monterey Street

Anyone else have that song "Morning Has Broken" by Cat Stevens going on in their head?

See you tomorrow.

More Rain, Please.

Here was the afternoon calm in Downtown Hollister after the steady showers we had on Monday. Right now, the weather guys are reporting a 50% chance of rain for tomorrow. Knock on wood.