Jacaranda Trees Shed Lovely Lavender "Snow"

I associate Jacaranda trees with southern California where they supposedly bloom in early spring but right now Jacaranda trees are deliciously in bloom all over downtown San Jose.

What a Difference 7 Years Makes

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.

 Today there were mostly American flags sending a clear message: "We ARE Americans."  The crowd had a focused message "Reform Now!"

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.

High Above San Jose by Day

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 Communiversity 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.

Fabulous Saucer Magnolias

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.

Keeping San Jose Beautiful

As part of the "Keep San Jose Beautiful" 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.

Here are some daffodils  in another neighbors yard.

And here are some paperwhites that have been blooming for weeks now.

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.

Always Something Interesting Along the River

Enjoyed a nice long walk along the Guadelupe River today and saw these colorful little flags again.  Does anyone know why they are there?

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.

And then this.  Always something new to see, just around the corner.

Just One More Day to Enjoy Christmas in the Park

Dogs are not allowed in the park but he enjoyed 

circling the park and watching the displays.

He especially liked the mechanical animals...

like Mary's little lamb in 

Harker Academy's display.

Christmas in the Park 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.

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.

 There is also Ice Skating Under the Palms until January 18th (tickets must be purchased) and a raffle tomorrow night at 7:00.

Philz! Coffee

Today was a rare mid-week holiday and I started it off with a walk down Guadelupe River Park then went in search of  a much needed cup of COFFEE.  Couldn't park anywhere near peets because of the parade but I remembered seeing a little coffee place on Paseo de San Antonio and so I headed over there.  I became an instant devotee of Philz.  The guy making the coffee was just about as personable and upbeat as a person performing their job could be.  He guided me through the somewhat different approach to coffee and I walked away with a rich, strong but mellow cup of coffee.  He even talked me into a bit of their cream and sugar, which I never have, and I loved it.  They really do make the coffee one cup at a time with a vast menu of different blends.

As I was driving home I spotted these men who were running laps around San Jose State.  One man was carrying the P.O.W. flag and the other the American flag.  Made me think of the little memorial plaque on campus near the chapel and also what a nightmare it must be for family members of P.O.W.'s.

Fall Color, San Jose Style

After a morning of bill paying and chores around the house, boxer and I headed out to post the bills and get some fresh air (and food). We ended up at Sabor Salvadoreno (a very clean, proud, authentic little Salvadorian restaurant) for my second try at falling in love with pupusas.  It didn't happen, although the loroco pupusa I had was puffy and tender on the inside with cheese and herbs oozing out and the outside was nicely browned and crunchy, they just didn't GRAB me. Something I might crave about once a year.  I had ordered a fish taco as a back-up and it was great.  The fish was pan seared and super flavorful.  Then we went for a walk around the neighborhood and ran into one striking flower and tree after another.  We also saw a house decorated for a birthday party with these cute owls and I thought how refreshing it was to use something made from paper instead of commercial plastic registered trademark decorations.  We topped off the afternoon with a pumpkin twister from the Foster Freeze on N.4th and Taylor Streets. And no, he didn't get any pumpkin twister.

One Year Anniversary of Bicycling

Cement horse planter on E. St. John

This month marks the one year anniversary of riding my bike to work. The decision to commute by bike became so much more than I anticipated.  I didn't expect to enjoy riding so much or ride so many places other than work.  I didn't expect to see so much more of the city and I didn't expect to rethink so many things that I just did by habit. I didn't think I'd be getting a new bike but I did.  I quit riding the cruiser in favor of a very lightweight custom re-built 1986 Schwinn Traveler that I can lift onto the light rail bike racks with ease. Here is the break-down of my year of riding:

4 flat tires
2 accidents
1 tiny facial scar
2 very scarred knees
6 pound weight loss (without trying)
207 gallons of gas saved
many new bike-related friendships

Cement horse on E. St. John St.

I was expecting to save money by not buying gas to commute but when I calculated the cost of my light rail passes and subtracted that amount from the money saved in gas, it was about a wash. Still, a year on the road in my opinion: priceless.

How Sweet the Sound

I woke up this morning with an intense craving for a good old fashioned breakfast pastry,  you know, like a bear claw.  So I headed downtown to see if I could scare one up.  After navigating my way through the temporary metal fences set up for the Tapestry and Talent Festival, I ended up at Bijan where I had a flakey, tender raspberry swirl pastry drizzled with icing and a shot of espresso (it never ceases to amaze me how much pleasure can be purchased for under five dollars).  But that is not where I was going with this post.  On my way back from the bakery I passed a gentleman out in front of St. Joseph's Cathedral who was playing the hymn "Amazing Grace" on his flute as people were filing into the church. I sat on the steps and listened for awhile.  Now anyone who has heard me sing or hum or do anything that requires carrying a tune knows that I am not a great judge of music but to me this man's rendition of "Amazing Grace" was beautiful.  Since I am pressed for time this morning as I'm getting ready for a little dinner party, I'm going to call this moving experience "church" for today. 

A Unique Plant Stand

I was riding my bike back from the post office one day when I spotted this fanciful display of potted plants. Looks like a home for a Keebler elf. I just hope it's okay for the tree.

Make it Work

If you have ever watched the TV show Project Runway, then you are familiar with Tim Gunn's signature phrase "Make it work."  For instance he will be looking at a dress form draped with seat belt straps and a work table piled with random automobile parts and the contestant has been assigned to make a sophisticated dress from these things and Tim will just say "Make it work."  Well I don't know if I would ever choose to plant most of my garden in recycled plastic containers but the gardener of this lovely plot of land in front of an apartment building on S. 3rd Street made it work.  I am always touched and pleased when I see the great effort people put into making their little piece of the landscape more attractive.  Is it human nature to want to improve our surroundings?