The Annular Solar Eclipse

May 20, 2012: The Annular Solar Eclipse in Hollister, California

How many of you noticed the sky suddenly looking dark for a short while late Sunday afternoon?

Did anyone notice that the birds stopped chirping for a little bit?

And, how many of you went outside and watched the annular solar eclipse? Not directly, of course.

The Husband pricked a hole in a piece of notepaper and held it up to another piece of paper. I thought it was quite impressive, both the pin-hole viewer and the eclipse. So, I can just imagine how supercalifragilisticly magnificent it would have been to see the ring of fire. But then that would be the last thing I would see.

As the Husband gazed at the image of the eclipse on the paper, I poked my camera towards the sky. (No, I didn't look at the sun.) I was shooting in color but the image came out in black-and-white. I guess that's how dark it really was at that moment. By the way, if you want to know the scientific particulars about the annular solar eclipse last Sunday, check out this link at the National Geographic.

May 20, 2012: The Annular Solar Eclipse in Hollister, California

Be Part of the Cash Mob!

 A Cash Mob is happening this Saturday, May 19, at one lucky random business in downtown Hollister.

Cash Mob? you ask.

It's a new strategy that's going on nationwide to support local businesses. A "mob" of people choose one store and each person spends at least $20 there.  The store has no idea its going to be mobbed with customers. 

Hollister Downtown Association (HDA) is hosting Saturday's event. Interested? Show up at the parking lot on the corner of Sixth and East streets at 11 a.m.  with your 20 bucks. From there, you and the rest of the mob will head to the selected business. HDA isn't saying until then. For more details, check out this link.

Cute—and Yummy—Eggs

I was not even thinking taste when I saw these small eggs. They were just so cute! I was thinking about a way to remove the insides so I could have the shells intact for. . . Sigh! Crafting will have to wait for another day.

Eggs from the Hain Ranch Organics are always top quality, as far as I'm concerned. (So are its chickens, by the way.) But, that afternoon at the first Hollister Farmers Market, I didn't need any yummy eggs. So, I took a photo of the cute eggs and bought myself a pound of the local family farm's delicious organic walnuts.

Hain Ranch Organics is one of the several local farmers who sell their wares every Wednesday afternoon (3 to 7 p.m.) at the Hollister Farmers Market. Have you had a chance to check the market out yet?  Click here to see the market's photo album of its 2012 opening day.

A Touch of Green Expo

Smiling cactus behind Jardines de San Juan

Are you interested in checking out the latest green products?

Then head on over to the streets of San Juan Bautista for the Touch of Green Expo this weekend. According to the flyer, it will be: "A two day family event — with activities, vendors, children's playground, food, entertainment, displays, information, a 'Touch of Green' and more."

The Touch of Green Expo will take place on Saturday May 12 (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and Sunday May 13 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.). It will be free.

Boxing fans: Robert The Ghost Guerrero will be there to sign autographs.

Music lovers: There will be a Touch of Green concert on both days at Abbe Park. The cost of that is not free. Check out this page for more details.

For more details about the weekend, head over to the Touch of Green Expo Web site or Facebook page.

2012 Arts Out Loud

Hey Balers!

Hey former Balers!

Hey Baler supporters and lovers!

Check out the current Baler artists at the Arts Out Loud celebration!

This 5th annual event is sponsored by the SBHS Department of Visual and Performing Arts. It showcases artwork, music, and live performances by more than 500 budding artists, musicians, and performers.

Arts Out Loud will take place from 1 to 5 p.m. this Saturday, May 12, and Sunday, May 13. It will be held at the SBHS Cafeteria.  For more details, check out this link. To see a campus map, click here.