More Rain, Please

It rained yesterday morning.  A light rain. But, enough to make the streets wet and to drive about with the windshield wipers on. Because we're in a drought, any amount of rain, however slight, is something for which to be grateful and happy.

Weather.com predicts a good chance of rain next Friday and Saturday. Think positively that it will pan out.

The Peafowl of Casa de Fruta

Peacocks and peahens wander aimlessly around the grounds of Casa de Fruta. I came across this peahen near the swimming pool of the Casa de Motel, also known as the Peacock Inn.

Seriously, these guys and gals are all over Casa de Fruta. They walk through the parking lots. They hang near the pond. They saunter around the exhibits of antique farm machinery. They even stop and watch the kids ride the Casa de Carousel and gaze at folks eating their lunch on the patio of  the Casa de Wine.

Yes, a visit to Casa de Fruta for me is not complete without an encounter with one of the peafowls. Now, if only one of the peacocks would've strutted about with his feathers in full display. Next time.

Today, I'm linking up with The Weekend in Black and White. Please click here to see other B&B white photos from around the world.

Pumpkins!

Yes, you can buy your pumpkins at the supermarket. Nothing wrong with that. But, if you want a bit more added fun, you might check out one of these local hot spots.

Tonascia Farms Pumpkin Patch

The Tonascia Farms Pumpkin Patch is in the parking lot on the west side of Airline Highway (aka Highway 25) just before you reach Bertuccio's Market–The Farm, near the corner of Union Road. Another reference point for you: Where Maverick's BBQ is set up on Friday afternoons. The pumpkin patch is self-pay. If you'd like to buy gourds, Indian corn, and decorative pumpkins, then head down to Bertuccio's Market.

Swank Farms Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch

At Swank Farms, you can choose to pick your own pumpkins or buy them ready to go. While you're there, you might enjoy some of the other fun activities, besides the corn maze, they offer throughout October, such as the pumpkin sling shot, pedal cars, pig races, and the corn cannon. If you want a good fright, go at night and check out their Terror at Night, Alien Invasion.  Mwahahahahaha!

Pumpkin Junction at Casa de Fruta

Every October, Casa de Fruta, just a few miles northeast of Hollister, sets up its Pumpkin Junction with pumpkins of all sizes ready to go. Either before or after choosing your pumpkins, take the time to enjoy the various activities and shops that Casa de Fruta has to offer, including its infamous produce stand, Casa de Choo-choo, Casa de Carousel, wandering peacocks, antique farm machinery, and more. 

Tree Sculpture

Wow!

This amazing tree trunk is just one of the wonderful sights to see while walking around the downtown neighborhood.

Joshua Inn Bed & Breakfast

Yesterday, I wrote about my childhood buddy and I eating lunch at the Country Rose Cafe. Today, come with us as we toured the Joshua Inn Bed and Breakfast at 712 West Street, across from Dunne Park.

The tour was a sweet happenstance. As we approached the B&B, we wondered if we could take a peek inside. Maybe step into the hallway and crane our necks to see into the parlor and the dining area. So, we knocked at the door and what do you know, it was answered by the lovely Trish Harvey, who, with her husband Steve, owns the beautiful inn. Busy as she was, she graciously showed us both the insides and outsides of their beautiful inn.

The B&B has five themed rooms. Their names give you an idea of the decor—French Quarters, Pennsylvania Station, Captains Quarters, Savannah Beach, and The Kuschel Suite (which means cuddle in German). Check out the Joshua Inn's webpage for photos of the cute rooms.

Both my buddy and I have been curious about this classic Queen Anne house ever since we were teenagers many years ago. The house was built around 1902 for Judson Hamilton who owned the harness and saddle shop in Hollister. Perhaps the architect designed the newels of the stairs to reflect Hamilton's occupation. Don't you think the details remind you of a saddle?

Every now and then I see photos at the B&B's Facebook page of the yummy breakfasts that they make for guests. Trish says they don't have the proper license to offer breakfasts to the public. Take a look yourself at the photos.  Here's the link. Try not to drool too much.

Along with being a B&B, the Harveys have space available for meetings, tea parties, family reunions, and other private and business events. I can imagine an afternoon class reunion there.

For more information about the Joshua Inn Bed and Breakfast, check out the Harveys' website.

One more photo before I go. This is one of my favorite spots in the inn—a cozy window seat on the second floor.