tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24720529573271108152024-02-20T06:35:29.888-08:00San Jose day-by-dayI moved to downtown San Jose seven years ago. While walking, bicycling and driving around I see something remarkable almost every day. Some of my friends are afraid to come down here to visit me. I'm hoping this blog will make San Jose seem less scary. This is my personal view of San Jose and life downtown.JoAnn Fredahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11240421577171367015noreply@blogger.comBlogger108125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472052957327110815.post-47097465346305855772010-08-31T19:08:00.000-07:002010-08-31T19:08:56.064-07:00Gifts from Artists<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzTsp1N0eptb3pdbwP2l524igj2nS_qJ8su6N90603qJuTbzZxLLTutMbP1mPCzKSr135cgQ4saJUy5WkhTh0y8eW4mO6SsA5jlO5JpkDrUlub-m2C4c62uwSqD32rY2W_84x0x_a0mLSt/s1600/IMG_5301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzTsp1N0eptb3pdbwP2l524igj2nS_qJ8su6N90603qJuTbzZxLLTutMbP1mPCzKSr135cgQ4saJUy5WkhTh0y8eW4mO6SsA5jlO5JpkDrUlub-m2C4c62uwSqD32rY2W_84x0x_a0mLSt/s400/IMG_5301.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><br />
I was riding my bike down San Fernando Street last night and as I crossed the Guadelupe River I heard bird calls and looked up to see this intriguing sculpture installed across the entire span of the bridge. There were miniature tents (which I've always loved) mounted on metal pipes. The text that accompanied the sculpture seemed a little wordy and somewhat gratuitous. The little tents and bird calls and other sounds really speak for themselves and for several minutes allowed me to marvel over the artists' ability to transform this space.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZiTBgbqGZX-n0T1Ei-igibqWohBDB6a3_8dyDtHvtmJZKnylZUZv4ZqGI6oEvnNg5cIWoTg8RTO0dGc3G2ZGJhE1pm4LEMkFm6VacgsDL2MDgn0jNQY-AJ2rMTiDoZwiayfhyCV5sMRQm/s1600/IMG_5292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZiTBgbqGZX-n0T1Ei-igibqWohBDB6a3_8dyDtHvtmJZKnylZUZv4ZqGI6oEvnNg5cIWoTg8RTO0dGc3G2ZGJhE1pm4LEMkFm6VacgsDL2MDgn0jNQY-AJ2rMTiDoZwiayfhyCV5sMRQm/s320/IMG_5292.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJuMemQTUI-8y6C5sFXQZub9ayW6iGEQ7vLXzOR7iWGWrKuYXdGTLDfXWijJShuBMON_fRfqNqcAJDxekDeNiSuQreYmlsodH3LN710oQ2kGNd9mSGr8M6kaS4te24dBmLinr9jkEibLLy/s1600/IMG_5299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJuMemQTUI-8y6C5sFXQZub9ayW6iGEQ7vLXzOR7iWGWrKuYXdGTLDfXWijJShuBMON_fRfqNqcAJDxekDeNiSuQreYmlsodH3LN710oQ2kGNd9mSGr8M6kaS4te24dBmLinr9jkEibLLy/s320/IMG_5299.JPG" /></a></div>This is just one of several newly commissioned public art projects that can be experienced for FREE. Go to <a href="http://01sj.org/programs/public-art/">2010 01SJ Biennial</a> for a complete list of the public art on display now.JoAnn Fredahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11240421577171367015noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472052957327110815.post-36445374807015152602010-08-02T07:31:00.000-07:002010-08-02T07:34:24.499-07:00Our Friendly Neighborhood Parrot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV8xqqmBSoooqrm95_racAJIrlDkrMHy8pe1kDCQYS-v8bGOZFYPomJ8xrlcp6pTo3-G9R2mi3qG9NOyr1CPwx-Lj7zj0Vnu-BDAJ3IjALcAekUUuDl_eqLqgz0J704WuLEkN_P2ecPIts/s1600/parrot-favorite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV8xqqmBSoooqrm95_racAJIrlDkrMHy8pe1kDCQYS-v8bGOZFYPomJ8xrlcp6pTo3-G9R2mi3qG9NOyr1CPwx-Lj7zj0Vnu-BDAJ3IjALcAekUUuDl_eqLqgz0J704WuLEkN_P2ecPIts/s400/parrot-favorite.jpg" width="317" /></a></div><br />
Most mornings I am awakened by a big brown boxer but this morning I was awakened by some very loud parrot noises. I often hear him when I am working out in my garden but until this morning he has been my phantom parrot. Today he seemed to be posing at the top of my neighbor's walnut tree where there appears to be a nest. I think he is adorable. Has anyone else in San Jose seen parrots in their neighborhood?JoAnn Fredahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11240421577171367015noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472052957327110815.post-69531113663805546102010-06-29T18:07:00.000-07:002010-06-29T19:57:17.755-07:00Award Winning Tamales Just Five Blocks from My House!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi54CrN8uVHmWTH2BQlFALciN5oU4-89ihDJO_d2dxeouFz5E5ZK0aY6bVT1uQ08CbbIUMWreePtONk0CLcZ_mYzGEwbtINd7p_VoCKQQK-YsgOOyLDFBGkaOMInqPIAZE33RNoGZvXpVNx/s1600/IMG_4653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi54CrN8uVHmWTH2BQlFALciN5oU4-89ihDJO_d2dxeouFz5E5ZK0aY6bVT1uQ08CbbIUMWreePtONk0CLcZ_mYzGEwbtINd7p_VoCKQQK-YsgOOyLDFBGkaOMInqPIAZE33RNoGZvXpVNx/s400/IMG_4653.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>While exploring the <a href="http://www.fivewoundschurch.org/">Five Wounds</a> neighborhood yesterday, my friend and I discovered a tamale factory on S. 28th St. We went into the lobby and noticed a small window (closed), a menu and a button to ring for service. It was still pretty early in the morning for tamales so I went back today. Turns out <a href="http://www.elaztecafoods.com/">El Azteca Mexican Foods</a> is celebrating 50 years of being in the tamale business.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw4uKiz32FsHxjID6qweEsbUAi4dX7YXPIvfhZ0WCPGA7D-QzLAbHTJ-sdelQ2QsgcjdVzpUTY-zrpzmsYuiC157XL-jpxJIz8AOreVjdiQVMSGS7uGBDFBJFjBndUS33aSwo0QIiPADlv/s1600/IMG_4656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw4uKiz32FsHxjID6qweEsbUAi4dX7YXPIvfhZ0WCPGA7D-QzLAbHTJ-sdelQ2QsgcjdVzpUTY-zrpzmsYuiC157XL-jpxJIz8AOreVjdiQVMSGS7uGBDFBJFjBndUS33aSwo0QIiPADlv/s320/IMG_4656.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTCW5J2OZKtrLuNs73zDpFdfvXSZhr7jFVx_bawwGWbPzBcTwLJ0L_CyRvp6aBw9OPtNI6xEBSciYxh6M5LaPJC_nzd7EsBy6xYoO6YyX-f1lYX1jsBA9OQUuWag7t32lBy9-RGSh81RGF/s1600/IMG_4657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTCW5J2OZKtrLuNs73zDpFdfvXSZhr7jFVx_bawwGWbPzBcTwLJ0L_CyRvp6aBw9OPtNI6xEBSciYxh6M5LaPJC_nzd7EsBy6xYoO6YyX-f1lYX1jsBA9OQUuWag7t32lBy9-RGSh81RGF/s320/IMG_4657.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>It has been a family run business the entire 50 years and I had a nice long chat with Joe, the current family member in charge. They make two things, tamales and chile rellenos and both were the best I ever tasted. I make my own chile rellenos from scratch and I think they're pretty darn good but El Azteca's have a better flavor and a puffy coating that's not too puffy. The masa dough of their tamales is flavorful, chewy perfection and the fillings are tasty and ample. I got the green chile, cheese and chopped olive filling and brought home beef and pork tamales to the meat eaters in the family.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFIK8Q9JEsiD9pIHO8kq13BOdgbpOJqZ6E9uj1lQuxTuBZ3IVajDIB3C0XHB85qdAJOlbcIHROmhhyH7v_RLynPEQxH4KawT0FkD3uI9rfBgTssY2WJlGTEt2t3-C_L5kHu5O2_wnwLhq8/s1600/IMG_4658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFIK8Q9JEsiD9pIHO8kq13BOdgbpOJqZ6E9uj1lQuxTuBZ3IVajDIB3C0XHB85qdAJOlbcIHROmhhyH7v_RLynPEQxH4KawT0FkD3uI9rfBgTssY2WJlGTEt2t3-C_L5kHu5O2_wnwLhq8/s320/IMG_4658.JPG" /></a></div><br />
I served everything with the tasty chile relleno sauce for an extraordinary lunch.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKwJgQTpRKZhuUqKh3ihyphenhyphenLi-vOoOaE7JQTpIQGU6w3uAKLMzkN4z1TPeNrcEx8fgtuXVZqvMUN9H2M16BiXV-6Y8PI9MBQ9m6fPhHxWJ1UJHWgYnrsoywgpr4dOKP8M-svXAXbSdPD-5Lt/s1600/IMG_4659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKwJgQTpRKZhuUqKh3ihyphenhyphenLi-vOoOaE7JQTpIQGU6w3uAKLMzkN4z1TPeNrcEx8fgtuXVZqvMUN9H2M16BiXV-6Y8PI9MBQ9m6fPhHxWJ1UJHWgYnrsoywgpr4dOKP8M-svXAXbSdPD-5Lt/s320/IMG_4659.JPG" /></a></div>JoAnn Fredahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11240421577171367015noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472052957327110815.post-51888573848827624102010-06-28T15:00:00.000-07:002010-06-28T15:02:15.367-07:00Jacaranda Trees Shed Lovely Lavender "Snow"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuOlw_iLhG828GQIfcUgfvoRpE9OR1ZZnJMuJTRn7aW3HEJw0dR2QdFbW8K9zf9-qazC5XPVZgISTGwjUBqdoqHAu4VAjaKHyJZ6tifv5uLclQc_cBApQ0YNQUzDEerEXpz8UQi1MbHwrg/s1600/IMG_2253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuOlw_iLhG828GQIfcUgfvoRpE9OR1ZZnJMuJTRn7aW3HEJw0dR2QdFbW8K9zf9-qazC5XPVZgISTGwjUBqdoqHAu4VAjaKHyJZ6tifv5uLclQc_cBApQ0YNQUzDEerEXpz8UQi1MbHwrg/s400/IMG_2253.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>I associate <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacaranda">Jacaranda trees</a> with southern California where they supposedly bloom in early spring but right now Jacaranda trees are deliciously in bloom all over downtown San Jose. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5hr088SNnXYvnlS3Vfhxe5xez7TVxcXAZp8HLllIcHxhbgt0Pf1ATrtXFjohKmS48HNhiNO5QIIeWJo9z3A7ETLFuDfUYcQ208JJTY26oUdFNkr6zD_yl8R-IUkdmiXAozj7wftOvTIgx/s1600/IMG_2250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5hr088SNnXYvnlS3Vfhxe5xez7TVxcXAZp8HLllIcHxhbgt0Pf1ATrtXFjohKmS48HNhiNO5QIIeWJo9z3A7ETLFuDfUYcQ208JJTY26oUdFNkr6zD_yl8R-IUkdmiXAozj7wftOvTIgx/s320/IMG_2250.JPG" /></a></div>JoAnn Fredahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11240421577171367015noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472052957327110815.post-2699226714332185212010-06-19T09:17:00.000-07:002010-06-19T10:29:24.885-07:00Phil Wood - I Never Knew Bike Parts Could be this Fabulous!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjci4ki_Sjf0_JwLzrER4DoLnIQQruZMjjOkUUNhKHdUm8jIq1B6ij2rt96HQ4f8oAlqaOc-fZ2Chyphenhyphen7v2ekSXOCD6DvnRi_EttGBmE0BsDirAKEmJEGBybLhePxJw_09hDAnRY-mTGnsyof/s1600/IMG_4521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjci4ki_Sjf0_JwLzrER4DoLnIQQruZMjjOkUUNhKHdUm8jIq1B6ij2rt96HQ4f8oAlqaOc-fZ2Chyphenhyphen7v2ekSXOCD6DvnRi_EttGBmE0BsDirAKEmJEGBybLhePxJw_09hDAnRY-mTGnsyof/s400/IMG_4521.JPG" width="267" /></a></div>Last night's San Jose Bike Party ride was a memorial ride in honor of Phil Wood, a bicyclist who re-invented bicycle hubs, established a bicycle parts manufacturing business and made truly excellent bicycle parts.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr8MCt33C1PnLwfZ63Nsmlj4CYr8_JRckcge8mZG7ZwK4Kw_3Jx4Mwy0bzRTIpEBryXmZqYlLfmWNFRkQU8XR9jLChZGu9kXUEJ-cb5dG3ms7RVqB-yPADzRAjtm0mtr5JfdMOJ7kKrtR-/s1600/IMG_4516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr8MCt33C1PnLwfZ63Nsmlj4CYr8_JRckcge8mZG7ZwK4Kw_3Jx4Mwy0bzRTIpEBryXmZqYlLfmWNFRkQU8XR9jLChZGu9kXUEJ-cb5dG3ms7RVqB-yPADzRAjtm0mtr5JfdMOJ7kKrtR-/s400/IMG_4516.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> He died recently but his company lives on. Thousands of bicyclists gathered last night at the <a href="http://www.philwood.com/">Phil Wood Company</a> before heading out on their ride. Tours of the company were available and while I never thought machine shops were anything I could get into, I ended up loving the tour. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2f-cS78-xNtjsCOdMa1IIWdjvMqyxHmCgTs9BjfG2EmPDXaARwZU8YvPkB6knLD6btoVltSkoRgx7v2HEagMDfKxYyGXPauUyAWFE4C4_Sh67YHItyAm24b13-bqtDcpIEM1-6pNPNLFW/s1600/men+at+machine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2f-cS78-xNtjsCOdMa1IIWdjvMqyxHmCgTs9BjfG2EmPDXaARwZU8YvPkB6knLD6btoVltSkoRgx7v2HEagMDfKxYyGXPauUyAWFE4C4_Sh67YHItyAm24b13-bqtDcpIEM1-6pNPNLFW/s400/men+at+machine.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggWRBBlAgXNOUjGeyAbCUECgClPZmoofHK-RxfLnyyOeF9TZncm_IQB5t6Wtv7pdmH_qmeixvsafwAYyOsfn39zipfZiZgnmqpDOyg4oapJVlfpA64gDEGp2zwSulVxHcku1u4LTX_Pd6g/s1600/IMG_4524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggWRBBlAgXNOUjGeyAbCUECgClPZmoofHK-RxfLnyyOeF9TZncm_IQB5t6Wtv7pdmH_qmeixvsafwAYyOsfn39zipfZiZgnmqpDOyg4oapJVlfpA64gDEGp2zwSulVxHcku1u4LTX_Pd6g/s400/IMG_4524.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><br />
Phil Wood hubs are gorgeous and the design and manufacturing process was fascinating. I had no idea San Jose was home to this very special company.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9iccUlGK1HFH24QfRUbxE9VljsQX9f5zsRIt1yaKyGzeWC02KXTzu2Rto4yi6NMFZN-0j8BKCJyx7uEGFFk7B_q4gEkUv74jeJlXxciH-INJp-rbTrViGzBUxdsciVoy2ETGFfBdQ2PnA/s1600/IMG_4511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9iccUlGK1HFH24QfRUbxE9VljsQX9f5zsRIt1yaKyGzeWC02KXTzu2Rto4yi6NMFZN-0j8BKCJyx7uEGFFk7B_q4gEkUv74jeJlXxciH-INJp-rbTrViGzBUxdsciVoy2ETGFfBdQ2PnA/s400/IMG_4511.JPG" width="267" /></a></div>JoAnn Fredahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11240421577171367015noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472052957327110815.post-18816369999531377762010-06-15T21:28:00.000-07:002010-06-15T21:44:01.404-07:00The A's May Have Just Moved One Step Closer to San Jose<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlgTM47mkWpTflW62vVDRE5e_PEZAOcxJ1-IlDezbR2lENM1L49yBaP0MhIy60Mj4p6C0foNC5uijfTMYW2kOPxwVqeZMaJYP1ZITrNYPEoPIpHX3gjKmi44VSbGW5WY5LwKtaIuBFiYeD/s1600/city+hall+steps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlgTM47mkWpTflW62vVDRE5e_PEZAOcxJ1-IlDezbR2lENM1L49yBaP0MhIy60Mj4p6C0foNC5uijfTMYW2kOPxwVqeZMaJYP1ZITrNYPEoPIpHX3gjKmi44VSbGW5WY5LwKtaIuBFiYeD/s400/city+hall+steps.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">People leaving the city council meeting tonight</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">Tonight I attended a city council meeting during which the council voted to certify the environmental impact report concerning a <a href="http://www.probaseballforsanjose.com/">major league baseball stadium in downtown San Jose</a>. I have been an A's fan for about 28 years, ever since my oldest daughter started earning A's tickets by reading books for the A's reading incentive program. Tonight the council heard many people speak on concerns about noise, parking, traffic and more. But the council never lost sight of the immeasurable positive impact a major league baseball team can have on a city. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">Go A's!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"> </span></div>JoAnn Fredahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11240421577171367015noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472052957327110815.post-69358744721017014202010-05-23T15:34:00.000-07:002010-05-23T17:54:45.547-07:00The Best Cappuccino Deal in Town<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLN6m0fZNtKwf1yxXDnk8EY1Z9kKjiYGJYAKjhB9YZXyRDZbgqYk0lJst2q39zYrCnggjbS9_lZB3QZigiFywUncunkCPodpqNFH1dC5QyZ7q2krdQDTPjwpLaXYyppgkbO__4-eVncfuJ/s1600/IMG_4307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLN6m0fZNtKwf1yxXDnk8EY1Z9kKjiYGJYAKjhB9YZXyRDZbgqYk0lJst2q39zYrCnggjbS9_lZB3QZigiFywUncunkCPodpqNFH1dC5QyZ7q2krdQDTPjwpLaXYyppgkbO__4-eVncfuJ/s320/IMG_4307.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">First cappuccino</span></div>I have resisted writing about <a href="http://www.cafedocanto.com/3194.html">Cafe Docanto</a> because every time I've been there I have been the only female patron and it kind of bothered me that it was such a male dominated establishment. But they are always very friendly and I can accept that certain places appeal to or are by tradition favored by one sex or the other.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOb5KyIZ5X5YhXNkG5iRbf9rP2Z7CQEWXAzm9gNUOIO2zaTwnj3MN3NrHTvm1GC4RIeRBWrtzuNBN6s1PAIU7ykesB5n6oGKRMWb91FOzLpKPdNOMSD97UOCSd7lOJVelzcBeknlzbI8X8/s1600/IMG_4310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOb5KyIZ5X5YhXNkG5iRbf9rP2Z7CQEWXAzm9gNUOIO2zaTwnj3MN3NrHTvm1GC4RIeRBWrtzuNBN6s1PAIU7ykesB5n6oGKRMWb91FOzLpKPdNOMSD97UOCSd7lOJVelzcBeknlzbI8X8/s320/IMG_4310.JPG" /></a></div>When I was a kid, my father said the same thing every evening when he came home from work: "Did anyone send us any money today?" Well someone (the state franchise tax board) sent me some money yesterday and I wanted to celebrate by going out for coffee. So I headed over to Cafe Docanto and had TWO cappuccinos and some sort of creme filled pastry.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJZJbzUEC3TybsDVC4FkwV9PHhiu0pc7H3bLmi5CL5YJUUnAWLYTY-8DpKaG-ujYD7UWtpO8obffxqQhkChEDqgDq_b8KV-DFxulq2atE-M3YjEcn_fWQFUScfUfQBpiJ_Lm98bk-4kel7/s1600/IMG_4306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJZJbzUEC3TybsDVC4FkwV9PHhiu0pc7H3bLmi5CL5YJUUnAWLYTY-8DpKaG-ujYD7UWtpO8obffxqQhkChEDqgDq_b8KV-DFxulq2atE-M3YjEcn_fWQFUScfUfQBpiJ_Lm98bk-4kel7/s400/IMG_4306.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">Second cappuccino</span></div> The cappuccinos are strong and robust with just a hint of bitterness and each one costs just $2. Cafe Docanto also serves Portuguese sandwiches starting at $2. The owner provides free morning newspapers for the customers to read which I really appreciate. There were men sidled up to the coffee bar drinking espresso shots like they were tequila shots and every seat in the cafe was taken and everyone was watching a futsal game.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3FEVzftWcVL8_6EwqwRChKkdVeafQhUSXuSOqUNA6QDo-pq53qBJ4w70ZzVuDZ6sp6-BlQzluMkCWTsK3iBHhyphenhyphen4uhR-RbvMmdEW5OW-d99hDuF7jSlNZKAwii99BipgCk1WfS18qF55xh/s1600/IMG_4309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3FEVzftWcVL8_6EwqwRChKkdVeafQhUSXuSOqUNA6QDo-pq53qBJ4w70ZzVuDZ6sp6-BlQzluMkCWTsK3iBHhyphenhyphen4uhR-RbvMmdEW5OW-d99hDuF7jSlNZKAwii99BipgCk1WfS18qF55xh/s320/IMG_4309.JPG" /></a></div><br />
A lively discussion ensued when I asked what "futsal" was. They were having trouble agreeing on a definition so I asked for an English translation and someone said "futsal" is "futsal" in English. Well almost. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Futsal">Futsal</a> is like soccer (football) played on a smaller surface and indoors and with a harder, less bouncy ball. For the record, Brazil's and Portugal's futsal teams are internationally ranked first and fifth respectively.JoAnn Fredahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11240421577171367015noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472052957327110815.post-62723643820931290512010-05-08T23:40:00.000-07:002010-05-08T23:40:48.766-07:00Sharks Win - Behold Happiness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSXf13Q3bO-WGOv3KRU_SgKGupsSnkzsE86IXY1-zDTkBLZg8EPIm2eTL9HLNV55F8oAF5LG0hgUgpgqMBvRhgvaBTUCGvFDnrB2DXMLcpu0UD2fboURyiqO8aTWB4x-derZA1_gU9gMGE/s1600/sharks+win+playoff+game.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSXf13Q3bO-WGOv3KRU_SgKGupsSnkzsE86IXY1-zDTkBLZg8EPIm2eTL9HLNV55F8oAF5LG0hgUgpgqMBvRhgvaBTUCGvFDnrB2DXMLcpu0UD2fboURyiqO8aTWB4x-derZA1_gU9gMGE/s400/sharks+win+playoff+game.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">I watched game five of the semi-finals at home but the minute the Sharks won it, I jumped on my bike and headed downtown. Now THAT was fun!</span>JoAnn Fredahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11240421577171367015noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472052957327110815.post-22371989162600573552010-05-08T09:11:00.000-07:002010-05-08T12:16:08.632-07:00So Much to See and Do the Kids (and adults) Will have the Time of Their Lives<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOg0AyMuD7eUDxESPz101U9rwsgfEx7AZVhwSboKi9237Tfsp4ukBuhhJSx0WvoDWBtFdp64lpDgQDMKRY2fHz4ItljBsBGA5gEs2QIIKcOftvaLCRfEcQUSxJWR5vmf9MEg6_u-UqZ6j0/s1600/IMG_2191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOg0AyMuD7eUDxESPz101U9rwsgfEx7AZVhwSboKi9237Tfsp4ukBuhhJSx0WvoDWBtFdp64lpDgQDMKRY2fHz4ItljBsBGA5gEs2QIIKcOftvaLCRfEcQUSxJWR5vmf9MEg6_u-UqZ6j0/s400/IMG_2191.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Yesterday afternoon my friend called me and said she would be playing soccer on a field near my house and she thought I might like to walk the dog over and watch. Yes, I would like to watch the game, no I would not like to bring the dog. He's had his chance to attend a soccer game. One day we were out walking in an big open area (he was off leash) when we came upon a girls' high school soccer practice. He started running up and down the field with the girls, chasing the ball and having great time. When I finally got him leashed up and over to the sidelines, the girls came over and started petting him and fawning over him. Noticing how irritated the coach was, we left.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg229OTV_VWkfAI6qv3VNG39dczfpNR0DxxzG0BOlTi7UJjFVLhxEWH7oHTKxAym-uLPEQIZEnPNI3NoYm3yFqeuGtOYv61hIcb2zjqFC14I7OH9jRhXKdSD6os-qEZ3BjSlpAVg6dP4FQL/s1600/IMG_2193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg229OTV_VWkfAI6qv3VNG39dczfpNR0DxxzG0BOlTi7UJjFVLhxEWH7oHTKxAym-uLPEQIZEnPNI3NoYm3yFqeuGtOYv61hIcb2zjqFC14I7OH9jRhXKdSD6os-qEZ3BjSlpAVg6dP4FQL/s320/IMG_2193.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">Handball courts are in the background.</span></b></div> The field where my friend was playing is part of a vast and impressive sports complex that lies between Roosevelt Park and San Jose High Academy. There is a fantastic skateboard park, a <a href="http://events.mercurynews.com/san-jose-ca/venues/show/34015-roosevelt-park-roller-hockey-rink">roller hockey rink</a> and stadium, handball courts, baseball fields (yes, multiple baseball fields) football stadium and track.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXtU2o6T3Ft9bfaOmBIbo6gFoqFoK7hAahpaxhQh4ahg6TG7-E5WEYeTAcqec8poT-mykrf0o-EwUlmx4Mxa1c-osZ7J3w7hEUneXWtD9WmtkoawF4lSxnJiI61ISGdp1fwhSP4nQaTc_h/s1600/IMG_2183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXtU2o6T3Ft9bfaOmBIbo6gFoqFoK7hAahpaxhQh4ahg6TG7-E5WEYeTAcqec8poT-mykrf0o-EwUlmx4Mxa1c-osZ7J3w7hEUneXWtD9WmtkoawF4lSxnJiI61ISGdp1fwhSP4nQaTc_h/s400/IMG_2183.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">Roller hockey rink is in background.</span></b></div>Nestled in among all these arenas are two open fields large enough to accommodate soccer. Any given night in San Jose, one is likely to find soccer games (organized and not) taking place in parks and schools and fields. My friend's game was part of an adult coed soccer league and I have to say it sure looked like fun and set against the backdrop of <a href="http://mthamilton.ucolick.org/">Mt Hamilton with Lick Observatory</a> sparkling in the setting sun, it was a pleasure to be there. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhYrq7mMmEZqWMrSFGKcMpP3kgnbASiK_qkIwEx29CfZ39PGxd3zfdGSEhB0BRki44WaQMkQqSc2PpSc8QnHZ38DY1MorHK1AYXhsUsXarj5ibTegjobPN_1oQf5OUk7eVHEOuoaTZK9w2/s1600/IMG_2178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhYrq7mMmEZqWMrSFGKcMpP3kgnbASiK_qkIwEx29CfZ39PGxd3zfdGSEhB0BRki44WaQMkQqSc2PpSc8QnHZ38DY1MorHK1AYXhsUsXarj5ibTegjobPN_1oQf5OUk7eVHEOuoaTZK9w2/s320/IMG_2178.JPG" /></a></div>JoAnn Fredahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11240421577171367015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472052957327110815.post-73380228869558576862010-05-01T18:41:00.000-07:002010-05-01T19:21:45.583-07:00What a Difference 7 Years Makes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi_dsxlM0-v6FEuh3Y3GqPGl3BA4OtXdyviMNStE-FLsZcnZmyypHsH7HWaio5PKakskzg4_DYbldtn3pZcz7EEnYWVD601zEdr7NyvLxINvaFMKK0dPWp2Szmmhz4h6zS4MbBhK9xLOy2/s1600/big+flag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi_dsxlM0-v6FEuh3Y3GqPGl3BA4OtXdyviMNStE-FLsZcnZmyypHsH7HWaio5PKakskzg4_DYbldtn3pZcz7EEnYWVD601zEdr7NyvLxINvaFMKK0dPWp2Szmmhz4h6zS4MbBhK9xLOy2/s400/big+flag.jpg" width="242" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>This weekend marks the 7th anniversary of my move to downtown San Jose. I remember that weekend 7 years ago well, with all the wonderful friends and family who helped me move and offered words of encouragement (even if forced at times) and tried not show their horror at what I had taken on. Cinco de Mayo celebrations were in full swing and every car, house and person (it seemed) sported a Mexican flag. There was music and the happy sounds of family gatherings everywhere and the air was filled with wonderful smells of barbeque and home cooking. My neighbors came over with plates of delicious fresh food to welcome me. Today I spent the day in the Santa Cruz mountains and as I rode back into town I could tell from the helicopters overhead that the immigration reform march must have started. I headed over to Santa Clara Street and was struck by the different tone and appearance of today's march from the marches in the past.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIX16HjZB0zmxBsWVBL5Q-k51E6sCqqvMYU6y0CjR7SoRo1jXeWh7fgOXYvW4RiVbuTcCT3MGpgRBo1U3qi7eUUDbDOhKkMZUcMidXSYuMrp4GSU1oCbonL0hPA_OY1C1-SxrXpMGi4XZE/s1600/IMG_4161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIX16HjZB0zmxBsWVBL5Q-k51E6sCqqvMYU6y0CjR7SoRo1jXeWh7fgOXYvW4RiVbuTcCT3MGpgRBo1U3qi7eUUDbDOhKkMZUcMidXSYuMrp4GSU1oCbonL0hPA_OY1C1-SxrXpMGi4XZE/s400/IMG_4161.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Today there were mostly American flags sending a clear message: "We ARE Americans." The crowd had a focused message "Reform Now!"<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4HSlTRQa0LDwSqoD2uqSPK70tXn32mCDFzpvpHU2jc5KVKhLeSOw9HQ7X7-lUnIqtP7hvx4B4qSyRF6Oa44H5gEouCScy94n4fTwdwO66LIOqVIJb-R3_LekREtaXwLDJjuNVqN9m4T3Q/s1600/IMG_4165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4HSlTRQa0LDwSqoD2uqSPK70tXn32mCDFzpvpHU2jc5KVKhLeSOw9HQ7X7-lUnIqtP7hvx4B4qSyRF6Oa44H5gEouCScy94n4fTwdwO66LIOqVIJb-R3_LekREtaXwLDJjuNVqN9m4T3Q/s320/IMG_4165.JPG" /></a></div><br />
This country has shown itself to be capable of great things, enormous generosity, bravery, creativity, ingenuity and resourcefulness. We are big enough and good enough to tackle this issue and make America work for all its people.JoAnn Fredahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11240421577171367015noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472052957327110815.post-90198248673416554452010-04-10T11:38:00.000-07:002010-04-10T15:22:59.983-07:00Spring Garden Market<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQuos2lOHB6Ct6SfnvU8CRGP8fKOar4m5FtdAcki4v_E9iaTo-gtft4gMe1BJ1SZ_pk-ZePryKSWa1KmO2BB4sjgA8XK-cKtouPluwzhYDeRYbb1TdQCjeN6vGuDPVohOslNrHVIAqPiy8/s1600/IMG_4097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQuos2lOHB6Ct6SfnvU8CRGP8fKOar4m5FtdAcki4v_E9iaTo-gtft4gMe1BJ1SZ_pk-ZePryKSWa1KmO2BB4sjgA8XK-cKtouPluwzhYDeRYbb1TdQCjeN6vGuDPVohOslNrHVIAqPiy8/s400/IMG_4097.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">One does not usually associate the word ruthless with gardeners but when it comes to the <a href="http://www.mastergardeners.org/spring-garden-market">Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County spring sale</a>, there is a certain "take no prisoners" attitude. Serious shoppers arrive very early and wait in line for the gates to open. Then wait again in a sea of serious shoppers before getting the go-ahead signal. From there it gets brutal. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv4ZEJIpKCUZIVWlWwkPYxFk4RNharypDRxdbs4GK1Z1-lYXTIfQwWMS2UFlsJqY5QsUl8p79NBU4LerDwIQlhZY_JHz6xhLZQhmCfiHheBFpO2jE24GXH9cuhbCRSE8lXlNVOaXj7KPTt/s1600/IMG_4099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv4ZEJIpKCUZIVWlWwkPYxFk4RNharypDRxdbs4GK1Z1-lYXTIfQwWMS2UFlsJqY5QsUl8p79NBU4LerDwIQlhZY_JHz6xhLZQhmCfiHheBFpO2jE24GXH9cuhbCRSE8lXlNVOaXj7KPTt/s400/IMG_4099.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrKWM1VUHsj6Gw_GMHGpJadR3m9NcBJOIy9Nb2C2UehY7UtXYdNNzSioYMf6YGrDLOskHjEPtp8GnFig27ChWwU9cc81yLPoQ0K94xXd4pn_k114UIp7vlaRW1QdBTu9BSmLENygfJtZ2H/s1600/lady+looking+at+tomato.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrKWM1VUHsj6Gw_GMHGpJadR3m9NcBJOIy9Nb2C2UehY7UtXYdNNzSioYMf6YGrDLOskHjEPtp8GnFig27ChWwU9cc81yLPoQ0K94xXd4pn_k114UIp7vlaRW1QdBTu9BSmLENygfJtZ2H/s320/lady+looking+at+tomato.jpg" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';"> If you are a person whose ego might be bruised by getting mowed down by an extremely experienced gardener, then this event is not for you. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaGNqg7UtsoRhRN91rPd5iCOsdPXuqt3jU7dE9ixB_L6VjV9zayu9Tyefwcugx8X8oggGb4PWTEHIK1aO_v4C9mt0s_su21CMDyA0BaG3LOjQ11qCZmsOlk3S6ISRy1JRSjXXTpfkAmkgS/s1600/lady+with+walker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaGNqg7UtsoRhRN91rPd5iCOsdPXuqt3jU7dE9ixB_L6VjV9zayu9Tyefwcugx8X8oggGb4PWTEHIK1aO_v4C9mt0s_su21CMDyA0BaG3LOjQ11qCZmsOlk3S6ISRy1JRSjXXTpfkAmkgS/s320/lady+with+walker.jpg" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">The madness lasts about 15 minutes at which point many of the more coveted tomato varieties are gone but the atmosphere is more relaxed and fun and there is still plenty to choose from. The sale features heirloom tomatoes, peppers, herbs and a variety of vegetables and flowers. There are also industrial strength tomato cages for sale and (in a separate area) vendors of all gardening related goods. The sale is extremely well-organized and even provides "plant sitting" for you while you continue shopping.</span><br />
<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF23TzPajEYJaUXT45Yv_EzpLnghdUTaPYb5A8uVNaiV0txWrz8xlklhj8eDyfGtnv7MX3ED5q0dsxRTSXoXITFUvJ6cEUIICpNFUNrFsPybSwzA-wxcGmpMN8SeTIPZn8v0IQs4dQfZ4_/s1600/IMG_4114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF23TzPajEYJaUXT45Yv_EzpLnghdUTaPYb5A8uVNaiV0txWrz8xlklhj8eDyfGtnv7MX3ED5q0dsxRTSXoXITFUvJ6cEUIICpNFUNrFsPybSwzA-wxcGmpMN8SeTIPZn8v0IQs4dQfZ4_/s320/IMG_4114.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Or you can just have a family member guard your selections while you continue shopping.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVGZvSMW7DAnyyJRlRVCHMF0JxqGlCqQlVqv5tYlcZa9G6wC-Q5Z7yeHJ6De2dVy3LnhWuKxGB82x0XhFYfxEvLZqlqEdDfmS7ARVrsAHxbSGjgimH8xfnkKajKgk2B9KV7StG4U03JBiC/s1600/IMG_4105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVGZvSMW7DAnyyJRlRVCHMF0JxqGlCqQlVqv5tYlcZa9G6wC-Q5Z7yeHJ6De2dVy3LnhWuKxGB82x0XhFYfxEvLZqlqEdDfmS7ARVrsAHxbSGjgimH8xfnkKajKgk2B9KV7StG4U03JBiC/s320/IMG_4105.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It is best to come to the sale with a game plan. The Master Gardeners website provides you with a list of available plants for "pre-shopping" and then of course you have to check your list to make sure you got everything.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYIlSs3ht-EKg3nFkEgUkO53mYdmzfLCa6miZggKnFZSTXhzELjqCwQ2rC1QzlYMbPEzHpgT7lXs7v2QtZEYeB6c40v52GRtU6wv9qMEemR34O4AG44sRGtKvj21ijyDIvjExcpfziW8IS/s1600/checking+off+list.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYIlSs3ht-EKg3nFkEgUkO53mYdmzfLCa6miZggKnFZSTXhzELjqCwQ2rC1QzlYMbPEzHpgT7lXs7v2QtZEYeB6c40v52GRtU6wv9qMEemR34O4AG44sRGtKvj21ijyDIvjExcpfziW8IS/s400/checking+off+list.jpg" width="283" /></a><br />
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</span></div>JoAnn Fredahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11240421577171367015noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472052957327110815.post-76112727007673590722010-04-08T17:09:00.000-07:002010-04-08T17:10:38.646-07:00Springtime at Civic Center Means Taxes and Weddings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6LbPwl7ZM9XuBYMHe3-BNcNm9vafv8d7yOcp86Ycjv2CoY9vrguvJCIT0hQcNcposXRLQC4XlFktAwvQcbtsSCTqptaAGAIUUSU6WTMuWGFJ-Fmf5_R-SHnvRY1CbObr_MR41Hj7cCSNN/s1600/wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6LbPwl7ZM9XuBYMHe3-BNcNm9vafv8d7yOcp86Ycjv2CoY9vrguvJCIT0hQcNcposXRLQC4XlFktAwvQcbtsSCTqptaAGAIUUSU6WTMuWGFJ-Fmf5_R-SHnvRY1CbObr_MR41Hj7cCSNN/s400/wedding.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>When I went to pay my property taxes today I wasn't expecting to witness a joyful wedding celebration - but I did. And happily, the bride and groom were kind enough to wear outfits that looked beautiful with the new leaves on the trees.JoAnn Fredahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11240421577171367015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472052957327110815.post-51662115469554473172010-03-20T15:05:00.000-07:002010-03-21T12:33:30.702-07:00Fans Flock to San Jose for NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirM2G66ex8AESMMw2AEzzereEV_tuAQHB11pPgN25E7qnh7WXGZxQDqBGkU-Ao7T7GdLz0DTBYRje4x-JKgAAnhNAPnaQSC_Y6a1arYQ3nZR4mQiRtDPe-6HH7mI6SPUrc_CXSRSYnchdp/s1600-h/IMG_3820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirM2G66ex8AESMMw2AEzzereEV_tuAQHB11pPgN25E7qnh7WXGZxQDqBGkU-Ao7T7GdLz0DTBYRje4x-JKgAAnhNAPnaQSC_Y6a1arYQ3nZR4mQiRtDPe-6HH7mI6SPUrc_CXSRSYnchdp/s320/IMG_3820.JPG" /></a></div>Is it just me or is it really easy to get caught up in March Madness? My first awareness of the <a href="http://www.ncaa.com/brackets/basketball/men/">NCAA championships</a> came when I moved to Champaign, Illinois in 1971 and I have never seen anything like that level of excitement and obsession about basketball since I moved back to California. But when I got off light rail in downtown San Jose yesterday I picked up on a very heightened adrenalin level. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizyjYxgYhuIcA6A38bKi6AiBMqsABL85n8g84kfxRPjYHh-h_6cVKbLwv-OcY5HSjZXZXLUOJOOn3cRNQOgUSQQyeG5j6YhCCdX1AxkJ1J1F1gvfUVMhg7EA36EiZ35h86mDU19v_EUj71/s1600-h/IMG_3825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizyjYxgYhuIcA6A38bKi6AiBMqsABL85n8g84kfxRPjYHh-h_6cVKbLwv-OcY5HSjZXZXLUOJOOn3cRNQOgUSQQyeG5j6YhCCdX1AxkJ1J1F1gvfUVMhg7EA36EiZ35h86mDU19v_EUj71/s400/IMG_3825.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I heard this group from a block away. They were incredibly pumped up and irresistibly friendly.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSqywx5_xGqWOf5-IOiISg7r_st_PNrJhmsgYsS2VvE7QST4DfTOKLj1H-WuoJXkXrIE__ohZqZDfNM9MJpy7AR-XZVBBpaznacXLT5aHbvYQH7FmC-GyblziKZswP7gEGHXPJz03ouVCa/s1600-h/IMG_3813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSqywx5_xGqWOf5-IOiISg7r_st_PNrJhmsgYsS2VvE7QST4DfTOKLj1H-WuoJXkXrIE__ohZqZDfNM9MJpy7AR-XZVBBpaznacXLT5aHbvYQH7FmC-GyblziKZswP7gEGHXPJz03ouVCa/s400/IMG_3813.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This group had a friendly rivalry going on with a lot of pom-pom pushing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvMgZF8Wfcp2umI7Pd9GVTvST0miFhchDXf94p-ZB9yIw2_knITH0Hx9eny9dDB7mjM9C5D0o264fwrWwkjXZbwrLf5hHUYqha6AX5PuJcV2jjYChTTSLETkP6j14uy4Zp5DtBCLdizbGO/s1600-h/IMG_3814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvMgZF8Wfcp2umI7Pd9GVTvST0miFhchDXf94p-ZB9yIw2_knITH0Hx9eny9dDB7mjM9C5D0o264fwrWwkjXZbwrLf5hHUYqha6AX5PuJcV2jjYChTTSLETkP6j14uy4Zp5DtBCLdizbGO/s400/IMG_3814.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">This group was unanimous in their allegience.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZPVRLVF_M-PQc_2P1IAx-bc-4mrpxje1-ceY1vYRUjB1b39CaEtHJf_sVSINpEaUaeCrCCLmaagq61ui2a3ufEKq08A5va7vIntZ4uM9_5tPYNQBz48aEw4uVqoysc1RAlK-p1yGWYGWF/s1600-h/IMG_3811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZPVRLVF_M-PQc_2P1IAx-bc-4mrpxje1-ceY1vYRUjB1b39CaEtHJf_sVSINpEaUaeCrCCLmaagq61ui2a3ufEKq08A5va7vIntZ4uM9_5tPYNQBz48aEw4uVqoysc1RAlK-p1yGWYGWF/s400/IMG_3811.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">These guys started to rattle off the rankings (I believe they said UNM was 8th, "Nationally."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVEFixgpSRLKE1XiXqx8mDZW5Ux_hsJQ4q_FRXDuSBYecX236Q8Lr6rDtkfBRPwHXG8JVIDkirxAwx5UVLxOTMvI4xc6JlcWa_q8amRbi3QaE04-eair5MDifo5MO2PcR4L0DtkzJgqmmU/s1600-h/IMG_3819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVEFixgpSRLKE1XiXqx8mDZW5Ux_hsJQ4q_FRXDuSBYecX236Q8Lr6rDtkfBRPwHXG8JVIDkirxAwx5UVLxOTMvI4xc6JlcWa_q8amRbi3QaE04-eair5MDifo5MO2PcR4L0DtkzJgqmmU/s400/IMG_3819.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Non-partisan paper salesman. I hope the NCAA tournament was good for his business as well as other businesses downtown.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>JoAnn Fredahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11240421577171367015noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472052957327110815.post-75626453694453081302010-03-16T11:04:00.000-07:002010-03-21T12:32:08.454-07:00Nasdaq Moves to San Jose for the Day, Just in Time for My 100th Post<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQwOmVqiHRZYY5CJMBXuiQwvMI7WCr6dNg7d_kH959SQnx1us4CdRPP_17_U80_eVgOB3k2Kh5Wzvp1ow-YnTP1M-eeDQpxyECoauPHd2HArUsmQE0BtMVIP5mEVkWaa0-JIePIRg639tB/s1600-h/IMG_3778.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQwOmVqiHRZYY5CJMBXuiQwvMI7WCr6dNg7d_kH959SQnx1us4CdRPP_17_U80_eVgOB3k2Kh5Wzvp1ow-YnTP1M-eeDQpxyECoauPHd2HArUsmQE0BtMVIP5mEVkWaa0-JIePIRg639tB/s400/IMG_3778.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHotRKZKWynvHkkpdKMPZLIYtHtTQMCQMi3K43pTokdXb8UM2i2kbaWqTDNoRKRM_LNJVwOBtb-NFM0INzYJvJn4KVOaPisDrZeePkUDkMnqVds8kbzmsGonEgEImvEAULjaLJHELeJ9Ua/s1600-h/IMG_3786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHotRKZKWynvHkkpdKMPZLIYtHtTQMCQMi3K43pTokdXb8UM2i2kbaWqTDNoRKRM_LNJVwOBtb-NFM0INzYJvJn4KVOaPisDrZeePkUDkMnqVds8kbzmsGonEgEImvEAULjaLJHELeJ9Ua/s400/IMG_3786.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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I had an idea for the subject of my 100th post but when I woke up this morning to the news that the opening bell for Nasdaq would be rung in the San Jose City Hall rotunda in 24 minutes, I dressed quickly, grabbed my camera and rode down to city hall. I made it with minutes to spare and was pretty impressed with the glamor of the event, the number of press members<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8fLn2XLz4JqV1Eh5RPVMxOwqJBmfyPkVo1jJ4Ux0C9ox5JNDemRW7jWBQ4POdvZtKCxy9hpItB6W-6Eu3fg0Vj7JzqDBDT1dCdMYb94dbfaL_ZTTFdlORwicYTEkZoqHzD8rteQyh2ltc/s1600-h/IMG_3791.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8fLn2XLz4JqV1Eh5RPVMxOwqJBmfyPkVo1jJ4Ux0C9ox5JNDemRW7jWBQ4POdvZtKCxy9hpItB6W-6Eu3fg0Vj7JzqDBDT1dCdMYb94dbfaL_ZTTFdlORwicYTEkZoqHzD8rteQyh2ltc/s400/IMG_3791.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
and the large crowd. It is a special occasion when the ceremonial opening bell is rung anywhere but New York. The Nasdaq executives were here to observe the 20th anniversary of its presence in Silicon Valley.<br />
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By coincidence the company <a href="http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/globenewswire/186544.htm">Financial Engines</a> was here for the opening as the country's latest IPO. If you want to be there for the ceremonial ringing of the closing bell, our very own mayor Chuck Reed will be ringing it at 1:30 today (again in the rotunda of San Jose City Hall).JoAnn Fredahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11240421577171367015noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472052957327110815.post-22473221762686522652010-03-10T19:07:00.000-08:002010-03-21T12:32:58.153-07:00Sonia's Kitchen-Cheesesteaks and Curb Appeal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1HvDlNVpJrt0cSLB_hwF4VJviTir3D50Vt3em-BIUtkKXYhyphenhyphen7VjpTCHBaUKZl3OeaXbI2KDGLv84wl38TbZxELxarxWnIE64swESZfIBxSJFIM51C5hKPDz3V40U22UI_IAi5kXa9Zjg6/s1600-h/IMG_3713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1HvDlNVpJrt0cSLB_hwF4VJviTir3D50Vt3em-BIUtkKXYhyphenhyphen7VjpTCHBaUKZl3OeaXbI2KDGLv84wl38TbZxELxarxWnIE64swESZfIBxSJFIM51C5hKPDz3V40U22UI_IAi5kXa9Zjg6/s400/IMG_3713.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I spotted <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/sonias-kitchen-san-josewww.yelp.com/biz/sonias-kitchen-san-jose">Sonia's</a> seven years ago during the first week I lived downtown. I absolutely loved the bright green and yellow paint job and how unexpected it was to see a cheesesteak place on this corner. Even though I don't eat meat, I couldn't resist checking out the place.<br />
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There is an interesting looking vegetarian sandwich option on the menu and even though I am notorious for making poor choices (like the time I ordered the seafood platter in a restaurant in Wendover, Neveda which is located in the middle of a desert) I couldn't bring myself to order a veggie sandwich at a cheesesteak place. So I engaged the services of a carnivorous guest blogger who went to Sonia's, ordered the pepper, swiss cheese and grilled onion cheesesteak and reviewed it for me. He said it was great. The swiss cheese gets all melty and becomes a tasty sauce for the steak and the steak was really good.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhptiwVHoQEblEZ_iiDj1JBUDwjyL6LoMt5EK1E3IaWGG1fPMj1JCOvCOLSOOVVb7s2-2n2E-IfqENve_H2Gxw458l7Z2cvEPpH-iBAk_gZVZJtu4jA9tqzLrAmyCENxMbkaPvclF_VwbXY/s1600-h/IMG_3765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhptiwVHoQEblEZ_iiDj1JBUDwjyL6LoMt5EK1E3IaWGG1fPMj1JCOvCOLSOOVVb7s2-2n2E-IfqENve_H2Gxw458l7Z2cvEPpH-iBAk_gZVZJtu4jA9tqzLrAmyCENxMbkaPvclF_VwbXY/s400/IMG_3765.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Someday I'll order the veggie sandwich. It can't be as bad as the Wendover seafood platter.JoAnn Fredahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11240421577171367015noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472052957327110815.post-62394579073499642732010-02-19T17:30:00.000-08:002010-03-21T12:34:01.080-07:00High Above San Jose by Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQTzJ_W0ucI0LQpRLk0fGQYLo6FVv21v_StjXkXN4rGbnFq7tt1I91mSbgY_uToZje7DoRHNoaH3m5ZVhPvZVFiupOoIOBIPGrkK3IpeEytVz5HVWCMktrmCssZuWlN4uwqs6sEBF0TFj9/s1600-h/IMG_3708_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQTzJ_W0ucI0LQpRLk0fGQYLo6FVv21v_StjXkXN4rGbnFq7tt1I91mSbgY_uToZje7DoRHNoaH3m5ZVhPvZVFiupOoIOBIPGrkK3IpeEytVz5HVWCMktrmCssZuWlN4uwqs6sEBF0TFj9/s400/IMG_3708_1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgffFJTw5znFovivFMaOX3kEIEC4rMvnpZWsnsuy2X49iVjmUsaJRBbfqGQoSQyaZIqGFu3F_Hw_1ili6TftpNbMnhEosJXBXGSkLe8P-9aVWmFxMYUWkkLC2ST-1hoPagA3_FiAhO9FUDl/s1600-h/IMG_3696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgffFJTw5znFovivFMaOX3kEIEC4rMvnpZWsnsuy2X49iVjmUsaJRBbfqGQoSQyaZIqGFu3F_Hw_1ili6TftpNbMnhEosJXBXGSkLe8P-9aVWmFxMYUWkkLC2ST-1hoPagA3_FiAhO9FUDl/s400/IMG_3696.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_olgRVn4rLIBerfMPltZOeUe6pbcqJcQULRIgdshu8z9ZOegAHMHP1eG0BwTT7RS8m1NdCLl_CULtQa7h0ePSqkBBcHlBd0nrqNTuLwJsYFAmCSDcllG2Jota4xcmYK5b-hOFsiQfS48t/s1600-h/IMG_3710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_olgRVn4rLIBerfMPltZOeUe6pbcqJcQULRIgdshu8z9ZOegAHMHP1eG0BwTT7RS8m1NdCLl_CULtQa7h0ePSqkBBcHlBd0nrqNTuLwJsYFAmCSDcllG2Jota4xcmYK5b-hOFsiQfS48t/s400/IMG_3710.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhATIxAr5oUH4JslrE_RhmVGUbK7XKpd41BuvczeC8egROFBsV0qlu7o9RZJvdqu4ab7CimbJB9cxIRckUuE60SyHNIkuTL-6Mz_go_e6Eaw1C_xTa8NHPFKQDw7_byRrmiR9BRY_GBCyEB/s1600-h/IMG_3704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhATIxAr5oUH4JslrE_RhmVGUbK7XKpd41BuvczeC8egROFBsV0qlu7o9RZJvdqu4ab7CimbJB9cxIRckUuE60SyHNIkuTL-6Mz_go_e6Eaw1C_xTa8NHPFKQDw7_byRrmiR9BRY_GBCyEB/s400/IMG_3704.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWNtwUmB817jtYQYrPSnHvwp3XX7l0as6fptYmttkmm91EA67JTyVYXr5EYlG9vxyCkDMxF7haeT-R7V5WqTs9cnaSC8gx2GbO9EtenjRkAbOQGut984SU_-3voj1e8XUKEFA2UpfEZuwR/s1600-h/IMG_3701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWNtwUmB817jtYQYrPSnHvwp3XX7l0as6fptYmttkmm91EA67JTyVYXr5EYlG9vxyCkDMxF7haeT-R7V5WqTs9cnaSC8gx2GbO9EtenjRkAbOQGut984SU_-3voj1e8XUKEFA2UpfEZuwR/s320/IMG_3701.JPG" /></a></div>I attended a meeting on the 17th floor of San Jose City Hall the other night and was struck by how beautiful the city looked from that vantage point. I was disappointed I didn't have my camera with me. Then today while I was out walking the dog I ran into one of the <a href="http://communivercitysanjose.org/newsite/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5&Itemid=99">Communiversity</a> leaders (Communiversity is a community building partnership between San Jose State University and the downtown residents) who invited me to their meeting on the 14th floor of City Hall. This time I had my camera with me and San Jose was looking quite dramatic with the sun just peeking through all the clouds. I still want to get back to the 17th floor at night for some pictures but here is San Jose by day.JoAnn Fredahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11240421577171367015noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472052957327110815.post-67935062641225777952010-02-16T15:22:00.000-08:002010-03-21T12:34:27.939-07:00Fabulous Saucer Magnolias<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS2-nXCn1GMNyD16tWZvFCFpPZmBV1wJiyey2vC_MXquOGuCAxjLVvA0wPNkycPNJAolPmollmuBKjAuXpqZ149Vhph-RrZzqDcI0MarRt0jpdOc9093O-W9Vfd8Pz_uZdgWwczMOVvBT6/s1600-h/IMG_3666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS2-nXCn1GMNyD16tWZvFCFpPZmBV1wJiyey2vC_MXquOGuCAxjLVvA0wPNkycPNJAolPmollmuBKjAuXpqZ149Vhph-RrZzqDcI0MarRt0jpdOc9093O-W9Vfd8Pz_uZdgWwczMOVvBT6/s320/IMG_3666.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJlgpEsAsM4YteXueWF6UWYS5DplWYgvm1DfWGdkLnnFX19H-2hEnC7FmoHDCdVWlAfOoH7r5lophDRMaLJweGsd-quTF8U5OHq59Hp5HsbD2-psJCZPE14Cnnms7Ii14ZDhyk41wN0k_B/s1600-h/IMG_3672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJlgpEsAsM4YteXueWF6UWYS5DplWYgvm1DfWGdkLnnFX19H-2hEnC7FmoHDCdVWlAfOoH7r5lophDRMaLJweGsd-quTF8U5OHq59Hp5HsbD2-psJCZPE14Cnnms7Ii14ZDhyk41wN0k_B/s320/IMG_3672.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div><br />
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</div>Besides the ocean of unwanted oxalis blooming in my yard, there are plenty of signs around town that winter is ending. On a short bike ride around the neighborhood I discovered these beautiful magnolia trees. I figured I better capture them today before the rains move in on Friday and beat the blossoms down.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy6YdCRdXlH-TZzyClQFLCVGPadMZ10wdbgh_sIyMKkd44eEQlueDSez2bj45E278Wu0CKghq9s_aLy1Euaus3F4wLLgET5cb9dYUVVli2npeUYd-qumpC8xvPRSBi3q3394fithRYwVQl/s1600-h/IMG_3681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy6YdCRdXlH-TZzyClQFLCVGPadMZ10wdbgh_sIyMKkd44eEQlueDSez2bj45E278Wu0CKghq9s_aLy1Euaus3F4wLLgET5cb9dYUVVli2npeUYd-qumpC8xvPRSBi3q3394fithRYwVQl/s400/IMG_3681.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi9ifquH0b_KqzLBDAbpBmVqI4uUHEGbVSVndYgsr05ceRtmRLNvfIqqAZBfl4jpWc6PVvJ5akE1iV81u6QAaVSKhZB1Xqq3i3IumPSHUlPlqKlnfq8NoxkTDo8w2Zh2av9Z-L7lbkm4Tx/s1600-h/IMG_3684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi9ifquH0b_KqzLBDAbpBmVqI4uUHEGbVSVndYgsr05ceRtmRLNvfIqqAZBfl4jpWc6PVvJ5akE1iV81u6QAaVSKhZB1Xqq3i3IumPSHUlPlqKlnfq8NoxkTDo8w2Zh2av9Z-L7lbkm4Tx/s400/IMG_3684.JPG" width="267" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijSwMbw-qeZP_Kv9HV7icWMmaQXeJ3uXDxLDC-_CYwiFHyEwME5FT0O5cXTetSEHCYRWiJFlr8h8XDNgGtc3zQIUYf3O1NRwPE8NMBneUCsCSULBinoQIBNvYFGkLIJlVHNdOtAPweOGno/s1600-h/IMG_3690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijSwMbw-qeZP_Kv9HV7icWMmaQXeJ3uXDxLDC-_CYwiFHyEwME5FT0O5cXTetSEHCYRWiJFlr8h8XDNgGtc3zQIUYf3O1NRwPE8NMBneUCsCSULBinoQIBNvYFGkLIJlVHNdOtAPweOGno/s400/IMG_3690.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />
</div>JoAnn Fredahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11240421577171367015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472052957327110815.post-66576176901978521262010-02-13T16:02:00.000-08:002010-02-13T16:09:18.625-08:00The Farm Stand is Now Open<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5RE8zx3eIxrunh1IKDaXX9hpuSVBivdBrz63-ptSy8kzZsKRiTLZb-mLHz-eddDvtiVFzJnp-okGZ3ivHXh37pNEfXdJQ_tK0pcJDjtoF04RLvKRrQR-b0-ePGKRQe4Byu0oKcaZ__2Iv/s1600-h/IMG_3642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5RE8zx3eIxrunh1IKDaXX9hpuSVBivdBrz63-ptSy8kzZsKRiTLZb-mLHz-eddDvtiVFzJnp-okGZ3ivHXh37pNEfXdJQ_tK0pcJDjtoF04RLvKRrQR-b0-ePGKRQe4Byu0oKcaZ__2Iv/s400/IMG_3642.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today and every Saturday until the end of the growing season, the <a href="http://www.veggielution.org/">Veggielution</a> Farm Stand will be open from 2:30 to 5:30. Right now they are selling green garlic, beets, cilantro, rosemary, green onions, lettuce, choi sum, collards, kale, broccoli, arugula, chard, and pak choi. They sell on a sliding scale with 3 levels: 1. I can't afford to pay anything right now. 2. I can pay about what I'd pay in a supermarket and 3. I can afford to pay a little extra to support Veggielution. I bought some fine looking arugula which I plan to use in a grilled Swiss and arugula panini. The stand is set up right in front of the <a href="http://www.pruschfarmpark.org/">Emma Prusch</a> farm house. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLSyIDYmUFoD8tzTk4PabNImcnuYdnchvA4J628DC-5D-pmBBSZ7RO2uqlgvfaYtZhRzKgAvnBxHtocskxeBwiHdbTisvydaUpZtwge7ASjv_xu-eE3wcYFZRVOGb1BG_hNPvHeiPrmUBE/s1600-h/calendula.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLSyIDYmUFoD8tzTk4PabNImcnuYdnchvA4J628DC-5D-pmBBSZ7RO2uqlgvfaYtZhRzKgAvnBxHtocskxeBwiHdbTisvydaUpZtwge7ASjv_xu-eE3wcYFZRVOGb1BG_hNPvHeiPrmUBE/s400/calendula.jpg" width="292" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Here is some calendula growing right in front of the farm stand. Calendula's greatest virtue is that it blooms in every month of the year. </div><br />
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</div>JoAnn Fredahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11240421577171367015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472052957327110815.post-76003343943997301982010-02-07T09:20:00.000-08:002010-02-07T16:55:01.355-08:00Keeping San Jose Beautiful<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">As part of the <a href="http://www.sjbeautiful.org/daffodil.html">"Keep San Jose Beautiful"</a> program, the city of San Jose has been distributing bulbs to community groups to plant every fall for the last fourteen years. Our neighborhood association requested and received bulbs this fall and they are beginning to bloom. Here are are some my neighbor planted.</span><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAMm-C2JULG_FUl3_OiJH07T5Csp3zQghbh91kjajjNEoff_L8RHBx0YV12CAwzFD2hWThnVFT3PLEmebv6VZkmSxVMzLgXF1UpgIi6jnayGojWtIEe72gMKdC-PVOiDoRu2FU6v8RFG15/s1600-h/IMG_3578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAMm-C2JULG_FUl3_OiJH07T5Csp3zQghbh91kjajjNEoff_L8RHBx0YV12CAwzFD2hWThnVFT3PLEmebv6VZkmSxVMzLgXF1UpgIi6jnayGojWtIEe72gMKdC-PVOiDoRu2FU6v8RFG15/s400/IMG_3578.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are some daffodils in another neighbors yard.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjocRvvtgS4bbIdXCzHEP1UYPPAeHk3iPjWaikz9bTxW7Coq_CX2jnKMFON6jRT3vjJWcpa1xUbEjzFyJDF-TH8-CS4G5uHyxHECvITTIKLNaIYJp1upEn0hSA7wZysVPhC05Xy-DP7l5IQ/s1600-h/IMG_3581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjocRvvtgS4bbIdXCzHEP1UYPPAeHk3iPjWaikz9bTxW7Coq_CX2jnKMFON6jRT3vjJWcpa1xUbEjzFyJDF-TH8-CS4G5uHyxHECvITTIKLNaIYJp1upEn0hSA7wZysVPhC05Xy-DP7l5IQ/s400/IMG_3581.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv-k3jcS8CUQfW7ZIyU3PkK8Z7nfY7wklzbdpEToZg9MHH4leD2bhkspAewo7_K15RAo8cj21Lkx1DaIBxLKqW4VzGKehgq1FwXkuH6s_EY8yVmgMTbBinRbI51KlbH0RJEuuOLjOzEbIM/s1600-h/IMG_3585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv-k3jcS8CUQfW7ZIyU3PkK8Z7nfY7wklzbdpEToZg9MHH4leD2bhkspAewo7_K15RAo8cj21Lkx1DaIBxLKqW4VzGKehgq1FwXkuH6s_EY8yVmgMTbBinRbI51KlbH0RJEuuOLjOzEbIM/s400/IMG_3585.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And here are some paperwhites that have been blooming for weeks now.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3TAFLzvyPitFHfMfqmxHRimAszKvO-U5pJBGDE8vNMAFg1IahSd1QgHlkApYAMSVQDQTmMGFsMbRN4v7qpHvv9DUJ9xreBTjxpG6T_OR0wny6EmSJ07eLIEWEUcvWH3ePPcp5aeP3izBE/s1600-h/IMG_3582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3TAFLzvyPitFHfMfqmxHRimAszKvO-U5pJBGDE8vNMAFg1IahSd1QgHlkApYAMSVQDQTmMGFsMbRN4v7qpHvv9DUJ9xreBTjxpG6T_OR0wny6EmSJ07eLIEWEUcvWH3ePPcp5aeP3izBE/s320/IMG_3582.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even with all the gloomy gray skies and rain, I can't help but feel lucky when I see my neighborhood blooming like this and read about the mid-Atlantic being pounded by snow storms.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';"><br />
</span></div>JoAnn Fredahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11240421577171367015noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472052957327110815.post-29003614982785160032010-01-24T16:02:00.000-08:002010-01-25T17:34:48.512-08:00Red Berry Coffee Bar, I Think I Love You<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt_ypP_hWwLVE94_eMdo-AfvZ2kH9lAvMyNCBYdi7tUDSCGfr5yMNV8ILMOQzhwwA3SlUXuuD80lMuQVM6qEEW1T7VuE_hhrrgrpivqrGkd6Fm3YbvfZQkCPHKvTEHRax9x6xolEvazmsU/s1600-h/IMG_3550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt_ypP_hWwLVE94_eMdo-AfvZ2kH9lAvMyNCBYdi7tUDSCGfr5yMNV8ILMOQzhwwA3SlUXuuD80lMuQVM6qEEW1T7VuE_hhrrgrpivqrGkd6Fm3YbvfZQkCPHKvTEHRax9x6xolEvazmsU/s400/IMG_3550.JPG" width="267" /></a><br />
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</div>Who cares if I'm down to my last few dollars until payday, I had to try the latest (and greatest) coffee place in town. I heard about <a href="http://www.redberrycoffeebar.com/">Red Berry</a> from the people at Veggielution who sang their praises. Apparently Red Berry donates all their coffee grounds to the grateful people at Veggielution for their worm bin. But this is not about worm bins, it is about the best latte in San Jose. I ordered a latte made with Barefoot beans and it was a cup of sheer bliss. The milk was perfectly heated and foamed, giving the latte a mellow sweetness and it was rich and smooth. The only downside (and this is more about me than Red Berry) is that it is impossible for me to wait until 9 a.m. (Red Berry's opening time on weekends) for my first cup of coffee. While I was there a gentleman ordered the Belgium waffles with fresh fruit and real maple syrup (weekends only) and so I had to wait around to see how they looked. They looked scrumptious and smelled even better. The interior of Red Berry is luxurious but small and intimate with beautiful finishes everywhere and striking artwork on the walls. I love that Red Berry looks out onto my favorite public building, San Jose City Hall, and I love that it brings the nearest coffee place just a few blocks closer to home.JoAnn Fredahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11240421577171367015noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472052957327110815.post-68690314343145204042010-01-09T16:17:00.000-08:002010-01-10T14:44:59.062-08:00A Winter's Day at the FarmCertainly there was plenty I could have been doing at home for the good of the cause (in terms of care and maintenance) but I wanted to be out on the Veggielution Farm today. It is wonderful to witness this enterprise, which is flourishing. It is amazing how many winter vegetables are thriving right now. Here is a list of todays harvest.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTjGQklZiOhinfzEVUXpwz4wNVhvCvwJ3uAt7xukj5k3fvbTqz37QQR_dIV8Un-eD8x9Bayd7WRYNBytDEY-p5_V8fuzT33KIA4eygE4rh3Q4nh1gfzBY7nzwnXgfDnNb3KFVjcq_RhUK_/s1600-h/veggielution+collage+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTjGQklZiOhinfzEVUXpwz4wNVhvCvwJ3uAt7xukj5k3fvbTqz37QQR_dIV8Un-eD8x9Bayd7WRYNBytDEY-p5_V8fuzT33KIA4eygE4rh3Q4nh1gfzBY7nzwnXgfDnNb3KFVjcq_RhUK_/s400/veggielution+collage+2.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Saturday from 10 to 12:30 is the weekend workday that is open to the public now and it consists of work like weeding, mulching, planting, thinning, cooking, and digging and harvesting. Here is a picture of Chloe, the rescued rooster, "helping" prepare vegetable bean soup (to be eaten at the end of the work session).<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkgyo93NKOlJ8lhXArxyAsb60TDXkty774DLvU2k0HCfiA-2-_sv5RBN8eDqn5GwJPGoMNbkZclsLG1oyq3VqRS_hhgKvWEadmgQ9ivm5miSp413DNcAsWeEVb9uVzLDhTjSHg9N5zYdCr/s1600-h/IMG_3457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkgyo93NKOlJ8lhXArxyAsb60TDXkty774DLvU2k0HCfiA-2-_sv5RBN8eDqn5GwJPGoMNbkZclsLG1oyq3VqRS_hhgKvWEadmgQ9ivm5miSp413DNcAsWeEVb9uVzLDhTjSHg9N5zYdCr/s400/IMG_3457.JPG" width="267" /></a><br />
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</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ojRRI0Q6RH96YEl0gFti0drdqlfrm8nHM33DlRE_D2kNJ51CA10Xo30IOpKkfxUUHkmkAenF_RirOGsHKY0mTA0Yp1_NTvw88mmQD7_zT5s1kLY8G57Tbx_q15Tqb72LyKc67kiueRWC/s1600-h/IMG_3456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ojRRI0Q6RH96YEl0gFti0drdqlfrm8nHM33DlRE_D2kNJ51CA10Xo30IOpKkfxUUHkmkAenF_RirOGsHKY0mTA0Yp1_NTvw88mmQD7_zT5s1kLY8G57Tbx_q15Tqb72LyKc67kiueRWC/s400/IMG_3456.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The resident peacock has quite an attitude. <br />
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</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIaAq7zfZyGymqwPKy7MIcIGCk75xH6xgNx0IZzTvkkFGkCUbjwtk2cMoZs8T7odb08n_oUW4OAGxdo5_kV22EI1CaKOKS3utNR0qguP9xUOZ2QYWghioQtD5b_QBVOuDyfiMT-Mea_FCO/s1600-h/IMG_3453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIaAq7zfZyGymqwPKy7MIcIGCk75xH6xgNx0IZzTvkkFGkCUbjwtk2cMoZs8T7odb08n_oUW4OAGxdo5_kV22EI1CaKOKS3utNR0qguP9xUOZ2QYWghioQtD5b_QBVOuDyfiMT-Mea_FCO/s400/IMG_3453.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One night he got into the greenhouse and leveled the trays of seedlings. Everything had to be replanted thus delaying the planting in the fields.<br />
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</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsXdE8RlSfpqTvPBDACVPGAguEFCEeh0mRJo4NC-sh6vquxf-J6QXkPPX3w-jUrvsPH3WhE91wt2vmwEPK0Z0iVo_sRd_ZNnl0en4Xx-gXxdAo-wZDl9qwlel27ZkgPZ9LhtQAQNGZMjHA/s1600-h/IMG_3465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsXdE8RlSfpqTvPBDACVPGAguEFCEeh0mRJo4NC-sh6vquxf-J6QXkPPX3w-jUrvsPH3WhE91wt2vmwEPK0Z0iVo_sRd_ZNnl0en4Xx-gXxdAo-wZDl9qwlel27ZkgPZ9LhtQAQNGZMjHA/s400/IMG_3465.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One of the biggest projects of the day was shoveling the compost into wheelbarrows and then onto the grounds. Check out the steam coming off the pile.<br />
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</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCDa7aCDfnzShvAu1RV2VnjCnMsNQRyxNnErSUAJhzfXlQlXpU-fP3i_Ies36PvxZ0KT11zG7jzFtu5Ok_30ktz7aKfKH2KDRrrcFvZbhYnUIrTjEVABNOJmRNmai6mImUqCE57IWIKJh_/s1600-h/IMG_3467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCDa7aCDfnzShvAu1RV2VnjCnMsNQRyxNnErSUAJhzfXlQlXpU-fP3i_Ies36PvxZ0KT11zG7jzFtu5Ok_30ktz7aKfKH2KDRrrcFvZbhYnUIrTjEVABNOJmRNmai6mImUqCE57IWIKJh_/s400/IMG_3467.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is Stella, who gets into plenty of mischief of her own and keeps a very close eye on the rooster.<br />
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</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ1bklEnpix19RQyKi6EjpDYMhjw95DXNHAx6Qv2QUcWg-1wZzS2Dj_oFsBIaxHIZMe2vHv8g6w5AL5tERtPbJ8cyt1hHwY5lBUbPU8_h3BtzLv7lsJpgPnvm-aD9s5-eBgx0FD2iq1dto/s1600-h/IMG_3463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ1bklEnpix19RQyKi6EjpDYMhjw95DXNHAx6Qv2QUcWg-1wZzS2Dj_oFsBIaxHIZMe2vHv8g6w5AL5tERtPbJ8cyt1hHwY5lBUbPU8_h3BtzLv7lsJpgPnvm-aD9s5-eBgx0FD2iq1dto/s400/IMG_3463.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div>JoAnn Fredahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11240421577171367015noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472052957327110815.post-2079568706420984722009-12-30T21:54:00.000-08:002010-03-21T12:35:01.630-07:00Always Something Interesting Along the RiverEnjoyed a nice long walk along the Guadelupe River today and saw these colorful little flags again. Does anyone know why they are there?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnzuzHfh_beGh3RrqH_9AOYp2N-Ubn2lFjbgveZa2qBgjo8P3jahD-eaPxixehsGiVI8_1Q0602QSe1Rv76wJTvZZrIalZtbPGiV3hmzbd9x1lk1-SiBz9ehonvzblIEvOehJGjo3-HKxk/s1600-h/IMG_1746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnzuzHfh_beGh3RrqH_9AOYp2N-Ubn2lFjbgveZa2qBgjo8P3jahD-eaPxixehsGiVI8_1Q0602QSe1Rv76wJTvZZrIalZtbPGiV3hmzbd9x1lk1-SiBz9ehonvzblIEvOehJGjo3-HKxk/s400/IMG_1746.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And then when we took a little side trip to check out Henry's Hi Life we peeked into a hole in the wall and saw this dazzling sight.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXs2QXw3yFw8EGGGDLlJfeWTtpRpUNi6xr9OPGAnGQygikWt24WgmYHb2wzQQ1Mbe_Uhq-BsFuo_ivpUl3hc120uQFL917zSrrxF_at6B0tOjE317-EseUrakayYwcG-vK7-aOooEilhOo/s1600-h/IMG_1750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXs2QXw3yFw8EGGGDLlJfeWTtpRpUNi6xr9OPGAnGQygikWt24WgmYHb2wzQQ1Mbe_Uhq-BsFuo_ivpUl3hc120uQFL917zSrrxF_at6B0tOjE317-EseUrakayYwcG-vK7-aOooEilhOo/s400/IMG_1750.JPG" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And then this. Always something new to see, just around the corner.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXs2QXw3yFw8EGGGDLlJfeWTtpRpUNi6xr9OPGAnGQygikWt24WgmYHb2wzQQ1Mbe_Uhq-BsFuo_ivpUl3hc120uQFL917zSrrxF_at6B0tOjE317-EseUrakayYwcG-vK7-aOooEilhOo/s1600-h/IMG_1750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-CXjYS8i78s8mnTiPhE0B7NHlr7mjZp5UqzYOYBifJBspyp5dG0ww7c4VNcD-q-Schja-zc1hnHui4RdpUgbEfhDmVhPJsV_1DQQw8Jvtu9F1z4WmULV8issX5LodRnMB6lAtSFu6YKh/s1600-h/IMG_1751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-CXjYS8i78s8mnTiPhE0B7NHlr7mjZp5UqzYOYBifJBspyp5dG0ww7c4VNcD-q-Schja-zc1hnHui4RdpUgbEfhDmVhPJsV_1DQQw8Jvtu9F1z4WmULV8issX5LodRnMB6lAtSFu6YKh/s320/IMG_1751.JPG" /></a></div><div><br />
</div>JoAnn Fredahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11240421577171367015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472052957327110815.post-78665119132514000142009-12-28T14:21:00.000-08:002009-12-28T15:03:31.821-08:00Trade Rite Market - The Commercial Heart of Little Portugal*<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiubUP91IdcLCWDfoKxHga0Sd8fqLCYjEI-zBOJw12AcEaKx40hLPexQDMEGv8Kyj12kTsx8yILrb_KOhKFBNmZb8aph2ExAbhb5vneidtyJfGqtIZunlr6uUPb8yP-EuKA3zzmlLxX6K_3/s1600-h/IMG_3437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiubUP91IdcLCWDfoKxHga0Sd8fqLCYjEI-zBOJw12AcEaKx40hLPexQDMEGv8Kyj12kTsx8yILrb_KOhKFBNmZb8aph2ExAbhb5vneidtyJfGqtIZunlr6uUPb8yP-EuKA3zzmlLxX6K_3/s400/IMG_3437.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Portugal,_San_Jose">Little Portugal</a> (an area roughly bordered by King, 28th Street and Alum Rock) sits just a few blocks from where I live and yet I had never eaten traditional Portuguese food until last week when someone brought food catered by Rosa of <a href="http://www.traderitemarket.com/">Trade Rite Market</a> to a meeting. We talked about Trade Rite and he recommended their breakfast burrito claiming: "You have one of Rosa's breakfast burritos and you're good for the day." Well this morning at 8:30 I had one. The delicious, chewy, warm tortilla was filled with tender scrambled eggs, grilled onions, and red and green peppers. I topped it with tiny, pickled red pimentos enjoyed every bite. It is now 2 o'clock and I am still not hungry. <br />
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</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju1rSq1jIsvbv3ItGtY0sBu9N4kL3sXkwNFcCt6lZOPrew1XhNQeJuMbjgFS68IuXll0Zl-jCdFvzfaBV8BcI3mbW8XexDNVDq1Sw1O7jckXfo7nFzDiKLEtQqot0Wi3YBKTVM5X_XFp8J/s1600-h/IMG_3428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju1rSq1jIsvbv3ItGtY0sBu9N4kL3sXkwNFcCt6lZOPrew1XhNQeJuMbjgFS68IuXll0Zl-jCdFvzfaBV8BcI3mbW8XexDNVDq1Sw1O7jckXfo7nFzDiKLEtQqot0Wi3YBKTVM5X_XFp8J/s400/IMG_3428.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was really tempted to sample the <a href="http://www.shopbacchuswine.com/r/products/wiese-and-krohn-porto-lagrima">Porto Lagrima</a> which sat on the counter with tiny cups and a Santa who seemed to be encouraging me to try it, but with an alcohol content of 20% and the time of day being early morning, I decided to take a pass.<br />
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</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWi2oNq-haadp3duNtccCtK-28qzNDlQyDRLYHLt-WRSc70tqiTn2sFliikp_gtpOxguKfnHruKP34F26dD8pOosCZum_ESMfwPiN1pftBLRQ6Um61KS3foeqrWmXX5YRBdz3Ko-7hyuXY/s1600-h/IMG_3435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWi2oNq-haadp3duNtccCtK-28qzNDlQyDRLYHLt-WRSc70tqiTn2sFliikp_gtpOxguKfnHruKP34F26dD8pOosCZum_ESMfwPiN1pftBLRQ6Um61KS3foeqrWmXX5YRBdz3Ko-7hyuXY/s200/IMG_3435.JPG" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDy8vpIK4D2VIhvAAbUEYpV7jys0jzrgM-um4ubUVMtbEM7XqoSxJhTvSn9YChqSCMHKHHy5tZJXfaJlIHl1_KQoryt7F3W-mV_XXvf0dJSf0z2kEPUDJZp6OIfLpo-D_xQQDJV70oVZ4x/s1600-h/IMG_3430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDy8vpIK4D2VIhvAAbUEYpV7jys0jzrgM-um4ubUVMtbEM7XqoSxJhTvSn9YChqSCMHKHHy5tZJXfaJlIHl1_KQoryt7F3W-mV_XXvf0dJSf0z2kEPUDJZp6OIfLpo-D_xQQDJV70oVZ4x/s320/IMG_3430.JPG" /><span style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;">The bakery and the connected grocery store have a big selection of sardines, imported wines, religious trinkets and Portuguese pastries. </span></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBjw8blEPpPIePOnB_tQmoSn_0MWqJxq1q_ELIWNN6C2tZmxJlhlCL2a8m5BmfiCsKLDlofN8Cjli82gRcbTsIQTF_yHv4L5-KUEabOh5U2Na78ZeoOfIscVA4gRuUKUN5Ahdeji-TA8sw/s1600-h/IMG_3434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBjw8blEPpPIePOnB_tQmoSn_0MWqJxq1q_ELIWNN6C2tZmxJlhlCL2a8m5BmfiCsKLDlofN8Cjli82gRcbTsIQTF_yHv4L5-KUEabOh5U2Na78ZeoOfIscVA4gRuUKUN5Ahdeji-TA8sw/s200/IMG_3434.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGbYASTmCsNyca7owpOm39RZ9TzV_pn5ZCWpxTbOV-C7JasL9g-7NyXstq6DoLkmfvIKufXiVa1FBqrYzQUFvU3K9HUNCCqOiHq9_4JQGkBOMhLaOLsFChCYvx3E6cHXbViIUb-Pc_KYXZ/s1600-h/IMG_3438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGbYASTmCsNyca7owpOm39RZ9TzV_pn5ZCWpxTbOV-C7JasL9g-7NyXstq6DoLkmfvIKufXiVa1FBqrYzQUFvU3K9HUNCCqOiHq9_4JQGkBOMhLaOLsFChCYvx3E6cHXbViIUb-Pc_KYXZ/s320/IMG_3438.JPG" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I don't know what those pastries on the left side of the tray are, but I know that before vacation is over I am going back for one and a cup of Rosa's espresso.<br />
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</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggIf9mswg6mmHjn-5FDF4r-v58FS7d8ooT7Tli2oHUxKejbdpU-uumPRM8V1MN5bF1btHn5vv8qGQB_z3qgEEreW2NeJC5Ib6NBBYuORXC2vHzIxm3ZTEtHfsk3VzuWMxwkSGyzKco7m_r/s1600-h/IMG_3431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggIf9mswg6mmHjn-5FDF4r-v58FS7d8ooT7Tli2oHUxKejbdpU-uumPRM8V1MN5bF1btHn5vv8qGQB_z3qgEEreW2NeJC5Ib6NBBYuORXC2vHzIxm3ZTEtHfsk3VzuWMxwkSGyzKco7m_r/s320/IMG_3431.JPG" /></a><br />
*The spiritual heart of Little Portugal is <a href="http://www.fivewoundschurch.org/">Five Wounds Church</a>.JoAnn Fredahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11240421577171367015noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472052957327110815.post-90323965166454387932009-12-26T16:34:00.000-08:002009-12-27T09:11:35.231-08:00Just One More Day to Enjoy Christmas in the Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLROz0a9Mnlu2nk1E_vkKSG4pDgHbAUafsPRUqJwzVaPpEaQEsE_H577jZBckbRJidGvs7EP26puuv525MwM-_nEz6OEqj6S6oNGRD2RndwtWAmeSKFmNyyl-KKaS-KaaK8sfU6wMZSmz-/s1600-h/IMG_3406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLROz0a9Mnlu2nk1E_vkKSG4pDgHbAUafsPRUqJwzVaPpEaQEsE_H577jZBckbRJidGvs7EP26puuv525MwM-_nEz6OEqj6S6oNGRD2RndwtWAmeSKFmNyyl-KKaS-KaaK8sfU6wMZSmz-/s400/IMG_3406.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Dogs are not allowed in the park but he enjoyed </span><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">circling the park and watching the displays.</span><br />
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</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Z2gjDKKZbjmiqDDU0qi0jbh5j-fx5g8rt7q3PJpXmIDa5-08iB8MrXE2kc7JzoyMnx3BqQAzOTDihH-03x4r40SKGfgBO0nYeP0edJktgnwbsphpiOG2AKTX0LiU2emfpeudP83N-X_d/s1600-h/IMG_3401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Z2gjDKKZbjmiqDDU0qi0jbh5j-fx5g8rt7q3PJpXmIDa5-08iB8MrXE2kc7JzoyMnx3BqQAzOTDihH-03x4r40SKGfgBO0nYeP0edJktgnwbsphpiOG2AKTX0LiU2emfpeudP83N-X_d/s400/IMG_3401.JPG" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">He especially liked the mechanical animals...</span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiipYDyde2z1K4sSEs5YTWCNmytFnVSY_xLSauvof2XQUGmgKcV0fW5rR_AJEx5jVuirgFLZvhykFCJu63-3uyqigYyf4NSkTsLzD2Z0nMCg3t2m8Mvq0X76SPC9-n8dJoLzbWsFaDDCJa1/s1600-h/IMG_3399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiipYDyde2z1K4sSEs5YTWCNmytFnVSY_xLSauvof2XQUGmgKcV0fW5rR_AJEx5jVuirgFLZvhykFCJu63-3uyqigYyf4NSkTsLzD2Z0nMCg3t2m8Mvq0X76SPC9-n8dJoLzbWsFaDDCJa1/s320/IMG_3399.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">like Mary's little lamb in </span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Harker Academy's display.</span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.christmasinthepark.com/">Christmas in the Park</a> is celebrating its 30th year in San Jose. I admit that this festival (which has grown from a cheesy little bunch of Christmas displays to a big, even cheesier carnival with rides and food stands) is hard not to love. <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL7FUooZee9CFVlE7y0FTzi3IbiOgHKdDqUyiSrO73DCEAB39SntWTyMPX-3Y245NVOv4PZSa8lpJFw75tG-rr9vyTFKPhfxomHuHmtaa0EqwqPzXc5YowpwD895ei-2tQw16ZWMpQbajH/s1600-h/IMG_3422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL7FUooZee9CFVlE7y0FTzi3IbiOgHKdDqUyiSrO73DCEAB39SntWTyMPX-3Y245NVOv4PZSa8lpJFw75tG-rr9vyTFKPhfxomHuHmtaa0EqwqPzXc5YowpwD895ei-2tQw16ZWMpQbajH/s320/IMG_3422.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Everything is colorful and fun and they even have snow machines to give California kids a little taste of winter. Local schools, boy scout troops and other organizations decorate the trees. People are invited to vote for their favorite tree.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8uPJ4hNnGETCIiY0X8QBYZVG-7RIu5N2iRX03z0ujnZA69uGVrlGjtB9EP7jM-VdxHc-RYyRMdZQqUV_aRLcx33shAq7F2EFax1TY-E80421Rx4-HXSEgH6dfU9_UtzmeMi2OmN9d9EDq/s1600-h/IMG_3408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8uPJ4hNnGETCIiY0X8QBYZVG-7RIu5N2iRX03z0ujnZA69uGVrlGjtB9EP7jM-VdxHc-RYyRMdZQqUV_aRLcx33shAq7F2EFax1TY-E80421Rx4-HXSEgH6dfU9_UtzmeMi2OmN9d9EDq/s400/IMG_3408.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijUyzs7qbuLl26zS3X99sipS5Ols4Z6uz7S0r6fwgJuV9xNacfq7uRG9ryaBfKoNnS6WG0syWqz9pZhKzyFafmaUakuS793055A75KvwIYg5Cj6k76imwDvzTf0Hke5JJnvf_DEf2Q6Tfm/s1600-h/IMG_3407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijUyzs7qbuLl26zS3X99sipS5Ols4Z6uz7S0r6fwgJuV9xNacfq7uRG9ryaBfKoNnS6WG0syWqz9pZhKzyFafmaUakuS793055A75KvwIYg5Cj6k76imwDvzTf0Hke5JJnvf_DEf2Q6Tfm/s1600-h/IMG_3407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijUyzs7qbuLl26zS3X99sipS5Ols4Z6uz7S0r6fwgJuV9xNacfq7uRG9ryaBfKoNnS6WG0syWqz9pZhKzyFafmaUakuS793055A75KvwIYg5Cj6k76imwDvzTf0Hke5JJnvf_DEf2Q6Tfm/s320/IMG_3407.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> There is also <a href="http://www.sjdowntown.com/downtownice.html">Ice Skating Under the Palms</a> until January 18th (tickets must be purchased) and a raffle tomorrow night at 7:00.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpKUVHZxc0_BfTzlhqRk6SthBHH79E1NXpOpDCfxWISdriVrda3xYIilTRxEcenHjWBZ1SW2CRHBcM35HhY_7mYw8MTiHgiHQk4qgv-u9dTZAq-zDLUCO8lLMaYzRHtn8pmkiXMM4Auwid/s1600-h/IMG_3413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpKUVHZxc0_BfTzlhqRk6SthBHH79E1NXpOpDCfxWISdriVrda3xYIilTRxEcenHjWBZ1SW2CRHBcM35HhY_7mYw8MTiHgiHQk4qgv-u9dTZAq-zDLUCO8lLMaYzRHtn8pmkiXMM4Auwid/s320/IMG_3413.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div>JoAnn Fredahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11240421577171367015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472052957327110815.post-5033703387579399902009-12-19T15:48:00.000-08:002009-12-19T15:48:34.915-08:00A Neighborhood Church with Some Seriously Interesting History<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWg_rovcqQWUskHen33kMoJvqGTK0BZlxYRU3rsZNaYs0dNbZvYh4qOiEv39NBFXGXGmc6Qg5zj7K9VCw73LQCREIE841nwzZ-myBMH_YsfeL03Unm3COBYMVzHwoI4s2lP0rcS2RnRDW1/s1600-h/IMG_3236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWg_rovcqQWUskHen33kMoJvqGTK0BZlxYRU3rsZNaYs0dNbZvYh4qOiEv39NBFXGXGmc6Qg5zj7K9VCw73LQCREIE841nwzZ-myBMH_YsfeL03Unm3COBYMVzHwoI4s2lP0rcS2RnRDW1/s400/IMG_3236.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKSB11tqxxPnqxXiq39rZJJe2v_dqb776uh-tA_tcEEl8tO2prrkXsjo1Nev5KimROgXYA5bZ04_hS2oHjmNuZu95LKoChbFNaKGOeMEMYQxUDkmdIxai8vVzFBQGzT552Ct4oIOyuPFGs/s1600-h/IMG_3235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKSB11tqxxPnqxXiq39rZJJe2v_dqb776uh-tA_tcEEl8tO2prrkXsjo1Nev5KimROgXYA5bZ04_hS2oHjmNuZu95LKoChbFNaKGOeMEMYQxUDkmdIxai8vVzFBQGzT552Ct4oIOyuPFGs/s320/IMG_3235.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQQ4YlsDuyp8rLeWDQdE6kBb2ByyCBrIV09ah-owygOrC1dUpkK2O-t3AGPTMP78223lvEohV4nOWVczMjaDf7iwBdoGFc98mYitE00vf3-YdX_yDKybQIFOrFkvGjZdWzVWdF00QDfXLQ/s1600-h/IMG_3232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQQ4YlsDuyp8rLeWDQdE6kBb2ByyCBrIV09ah-owygOrC1dUpkK2O-t3AGPTMP78223lvEohV4nOWVczMjaDf7iwBdoGFc98mYitE00vf3-YdX_yDKybQIFOrFkvGjZdWzVWdF00QDfXLQ/s320/IMG_3232.JPG" /></a><br />
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It was foggy and cold this morning when I took the dog out for a walk and I was just trudging along without any enthusiasm until we came to the First AME Zion Church. Tucked away in a quiet residential neighborhood that is well off of the beaten path, the presence of the church always comes as a surprise to me. I think the church is beautiful and this morning surrounded by fog it looked even better. The history of this church is fascinating and I encourage you to check it out on the <a href="http://www.firstamezionsj.org/">church website</a>. Just click on "links" and then A.M.E Zion history. I am pretty sure they serve breakfast on Saturday mornings to people in need but I couldn't find that in writing any place.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64NO6KP3H-thFtjxAVMa4xWhXDzRJAtjplczFUIgIzcFm3r-eZBO9yhHolf5hLhQCwXc-yb3XQrp1Kdgsin_zSa-D-xCdv5EoMY-g0FuJS51uIpespn8k_r09YxqtnvDfefnqE58Omf9g/s1600-h/IMG_3230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64NO6KP3H-thFtjxAVMa4xWhXDzRJAtjplczFUIgIzcFm3r-eZBO9yhHolf5hLhQCwXc-yb3XQrp1Kdgsin_zSa-D-xCdv5EoMY-g0FuJS51uIpespn8k_r09YxqtnvDfefnqE58Omf9g/s320/IMG_3230.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple;">I think I've posted a picture of this before but</span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple;">this morning in the fog, with the Christmas lights</span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple;">it was quite a sight.</span><br />
</div>JoAnn Fredahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11240421577171367015noreply@blogger.com2