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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.