The Ding a Ling Cafe

The owner of the Ding a Ling Cafe at 696 Fourth Street is a former Haybaler. And, it shows. Part of her restaurant's decor is a tribute to the mighty fine Balers. My favorites are the tables painted with the block H.

The Ding a Ling Cafe has been a mainstay of Hollister breakfast restaurants for over 50 years. The restaurant has relocated several times since, including a long stay at the Hollister Airport. When I was a kid, I remember the restaurant being further east on Fourth Street near Fremont School. I always liked repeating "Ding a Ling" a bunch of time whenever I saw its sign. What kid wouldn't, right? Someone once told me that the restaurant got its name from the little bell that hung above the door.

The Ding a Ling Cafe is open every day for breakfast and lunch. The food is delicious and the portions are generous, including the mini-plates. The service is friendly, prompt, and courteous.

Sacred Heart Church Steeple

This view of the Sacred Heart Church steeple is from Briggs Alley (near Line Street). I wonder if the church still rings the bells. Anyone know?

The View to the East from Vista Park Hill

Vista Park Hill is a curiously that rises above downtown Hollister by Third Street. It's a lone hill which the Calaveras Fault skirts along the west of it.  The other day the Husband and I walked up the hill, but this time instead of turning left, we went right to check out the county buildings and what was behind them.

Whoo-weee! Behold the peaks of the Diablo Range to the east of Hollister. 

Today, the letter P is being featured on Mrs. Nesbitt's ABC Wednesday. Click here to read other P posts by bloggers from around the world.

Happy Halloween!

Mwa-ha-ha-haaaa!

Seeing the Halloween decorations in front yards is making walking a treat lately.  I also enjoy the Halloween decor in some of the shops and businesses around town.

And, the jack-o-lanterns! Wowza!

I spied the scariest sight the other day when I was driving into my neighborhood.  Some folks had already put up their Christmas decorations! Shudder. 

Today, I'm linking up at Our World Tuesday. Come check out what's going on in other parts of the world by clicking here. 

Happy Halloween! Mwa-ha-ha-haaaa!

Swank Farms' Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch

Every October, Swank Farms opens its gates to the public for its annual Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch.  Located on San Felipe Road, just past the north end of the Hollister Airport, the annual event has something for everyone of all ages, from a huge jumping pillow for the tots to a petting corral, pedal karts, pumpkin toss, pig races, pick-your-own pumpkins, and more.

The piece de résistance is the Maniac Maze. Every year, Bonnie Swank designs a new amazing corn maze to challenge the young and old. This year, the theme is Alien Invasion, which goes along with Swank Farms' spooky haunted Terror in the Corn. The Maniac Maze is open during the day all this week until November 1. If you want to try the maze at night, it's open on Halloween night. It may be also open on Friday and Saturday. Given them a call to make sure -- 831-637-4704. 

Today, I'm linking up with Monday Mellow Yellows. To see other mellow yellow posts, please click here.

See the yellow-tipped spider at the right. Yowza!

To see the Swank Farms pick-your-own pumpkin patch,
click here and scroll down to the bottom of the post.

The pigs flashed by so quickly, my camera caught nothing but their dust.

Ornamental gourds. All grown by Swank Farms.

This sweetie is part of the Kiddy Corral.