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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Late Shopping Night in San Juan Bautista

San Juan Bautista is always a great place to wander when you're into shopping for gifts. This Wednesday evening, November 16, 2011, many of the shops and restaurants in San Juan Bautista will be open from 5 to 8 p.m. to give Christmas shoppers a head start. According to a flyer I saw, many of the businesses will be offering discounts.

Shops that will be open on "Late Shopping Night" Wednesday are:

Aggie's Porch
Attic Angels
Bear Flag Gallery Mall
Bear's Hideaway
Bluebird Antiques and Collectibles
Class Connection
Dreaming Tree
Fools Gold Vintage Collectique
Guatemalan Boutique
It's Shabby and Chic
La Dolce Vita
Little Red Barn
Livin' the Green Dream
Mission Clocks
Mrs. B's Treasures at the Plaza
Nicky's Fair Trade
Nooks-N-Crannies
Paloma Paloma
San Juan Bautista Antiques
Seasons Handcrafts
Southwest Roundup
Sweet Envy 
Sweet Pea Antiques
Tops A Rock Shop
Vintage Corner