Knights Ferry Bridge, great place for wedding photos! Oakdale, CA

Knights Ferry Covered Bridge doesn't hold car traffic anymore, only foot traffic.  The bridge was built in 1864 to replace the original bridge that washed away by the flood of 1862.  The bridge is fastened together with locust pins.  It was a toll bridge until purchased by the city of Stanislaus county in 1885.  

Resources:

Knights Ferry Covered Bridge

17968 Covered Bridge Rd.

Oakdale, CA

(209) 334-2968

Weddings at the Presidio, San Francisco, CA

The Presidio of San Francisco, is a gorgeous backdrop for gatherings, such as weddings, reunions, anniversaries, retreats, etc.  The park features elegant reception venues, intimate chapels, conference facilities, scenic vistas, and a large exhibition space.  Popular sites include the Golden Gate Club, the Observation Post (with spectacular bay views,) and the newly refurbished Presidio Chapel.

Resources:

Presidio Event Venues
Telephone:  (415) 561-5444
E-mail:  events@presidiotrust.gov
www.presidio.gov/venues

The Officer Club, Presidio, San Francisco, CA- opening mid-2014

In the U.S. Army days, the Officer's Club a social center of the post, since it was the backdrop for countless dances, weddings, and other gatherings.  In mid-2014, this institution will be reborn following a two year revitalization.  The Officer Club will feature a restaurant and bar, celebration venues, and comfortable gathering areas for visitors.  It will also be a center for historic and cultural programming, hosting concerts, talks, and a gallery showcasing important milestones from the Presidio's past.

Inn at the Presidio, San Francisco, CA

The Inn at the Presidio is a historic structure in the Presidio that was built in 1903.  This elegant Georgian Revival-style building was once home to unmarried officers in the service.  The Inn at the Presidio is located at the historic Pershing Hall on the Main Post, the "heart of the Presidio."  In the U.S. Army days, the Main Post was the Presidio's social and administrative center.

The inn features an inviting front porch with rocking chairs, a dining room for breakfast and complimentary evening reception, and an outdoor deck with a fire pit.

Resources:

Inn at the Presidio
42 Moraga Avenue
San Francisco, CA  94129
(415) 800-7356

www.presidio.gov

Halloween event- Preston Castle Halloween Haunt, October 18,19, 25, and 26

Finally, a real haunted mansion!   The Preston Castle in Ione, CA is opening its doors for a Halloween Haunt!  Adult tickets are $20.00 for this event.  They have music, food vendors, and hauntings.

Resources:

Preston Castle 2013
Halloween Haunt
October 18,19, 25, and 26
Time:  6-11 PM
900 Palm Dr., Ione, CA
Adult tickets, $20.00
Students with proof of ID, $10.00
Children's carnival, 6:30PM- 9:00PM, $5.00
Music in the visitor center
Food vendors
Tickets at www.prestoncastle.com or at the gate

Copperopolis - golfing at Saddle Creek Resort and dining in town

I recently discovered a new, old town called Copperopolis and it is staying in my memory.  A few miles away is some of the best golf in California at the Saddle Creek Resort, which has new, old bungalows and other accommodations, plus dining.  In town, I discovered two delicious restaurants that both faced the town square, which is decorated with ghosts, goblins, etc. for Halloween!  Panini's Italian Grill had delicious spaghetti, lasagna, and comforting minestrone soup.  Griff's Barbecue and Grill had great barbecue, and I had a delicious salad!

Resources:

Copperopolis

Saddle Creek Resort

Panini's Italian Grill

Griff's Barbeque & Grill

Snap's Coffee House

Recommended DJ- Star Productions

I went to a friend's wedding recently and I heard an amazing DJ from Star Productions in Oregon!  I loved the choices of songs as well as the music videos on the screen in the background!  It was so fun and revealing to see the bride and groom's favorite songs, such as Michael Jackson's "Thriller" and Blue Moon playing during the father and daughter dance!

Resources:

Star Productions

songs I like- "I Will Follow You Into The Dark" by Death Cab For Cuties

This morning as I was writing a blog in a cafe, I heard the song, "I Will Follow You Into The Dark," by Death Cab For Cuties.  I had a teary night last night seeing my friend dance with her dad at her wedding.  When I woke up today, I felt a sense of sadness for a minute, then when I heard that song, a few tears fell again.  The song reminds me of friends and family who have passed away, and how hard it is without them in my life.  I have a sense of sadness for all those who have lost loved ones, it is so hard.

These are some ofnthe words:

I Will Follow You Into The Dark
by Death Cab for Cuties

Love of mine some day you will die
But I'll be close behind
I'll follow you into the dark.

No blinding light or tunnels to gates of white
Just our hands clasped so tight
Waiting for the hint of a spark
If heaven and hell decide
That they are both satisfied.....

This song reminds me of the stages grief when losing a loved one.  When people I've loved have passed away, it felt like I died, or was dying.  There was a darkness about life, I've felt alone and isolated.  I haven't felt part of the world and things have seemed to go to fast and be too cruel.  For me, when my close family and friends have died, each time it feels a small part of me is gone too.  It is hard to explain.  Sometimes I remember them and I feel that part of me I lost comes alive again, yet other times I remember that fear, isolation, and darkness and it is hard to remember their essence.

I miss you, Dad!  I will always love and remember your smile and spark!

This song can be seen on u-tube by FearRonaldMcdonald, it has some wonderful photos!  Also, it can be purchased from Google Play, Amazon MP3, and iTunes.

I didn't have my father at my wedding, it was harder than I thought....

Yesterday, I went to a dear friend's wedding and it was such a sweet event.  The one part that brought me in tears, though, was seeing my friend dance with her dad during the father-daughter dance.  It brought me to tears quickly and unexpectantly.  I still feel teary and it is the next morning.  I really miss him and it has been years.  Another friend at the wedding was telling me that she tells her daughters to tell her and her husband anything since no one loves them as much as them.  That reminded me how much safer in life I felt with my dad around, he always had a way to help me see a different perspective.  I remember when he was dying in the hospital, he said that he didn't want to leave, as he wanted to take care of my mom and I.  I remembered that also last night as I saw my friend smiling and so safe in her dad's arms.  I wish I had my dad around still, I miss him so much.

Halloween Murder Mystery Dinner- Oct. 31, 2013, Sonora, CA

A Halloween Murder Mystery Dinner is being offered at the historic National Hotel in Jamestown, CA.   The National Hotel was established in 1859 by Heinrich and Hannah Neilson.  The 2 wooden buildings of the hotel were among the first permanent structures in the gold-rush town of Jamestown.  The dinner begins at 6:30PM with appetizers, dinner is at 7:00PM.  The price is $70.00 per person and includes appetizers, dinner, complimentary well drink, tax, tip, and sleuthing.  The hotel has rooms available for staying the night.  There is a resident ghost named Flo, who is written about on the website.  Dogs are welcome at the hotel, but cannot be left alone in the room.  They are welcome to dine with you on the patio.

Resources:

Halloween Murder Mystery Party
Thursday, October 31, 2013
$70.00 per person (does not include overnight stay)
Historic National Hotel
18183 Main Street
Jamestown, CA

Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur, CA

The Post Ranch Inn is perched on a cliff over 1,200 feet above the ocean.  It is known for the laid back luxury that you feel almost instantly after you arrive.   While on one side it faces the Pacific Ocean, the other has views of the granite peaks of the Santa Lucia Mountains.  The spa has floor to ceiling windows that maximizes the amazing views.  The rooms at the inn have large indoor spa tubs, fireplaces, and a few of the rooms, such as a Pacific Suite, Cliff, or Peak houses, there is even a hot tub on the balcony.

Resources:

Post Ranch Inn
Big Sur, CA
Rates start at $775.00
800-527-2200
postranchinn.com

Visit Murphy's, CA

Here are some events happening in Murphy's, CA.  

Tuesdays in Murphy's-  Winemakers Night at the Alchemy- Enjoy a featured wine and a great meal along with live music on the patio from 5:30-8:00PM.

Fridays and Saturdays in Murphy's-  Local Food Tours- Join Murphys Food and Wine Tours every Friday and Saturday from 11:00Am to 2:30PM.  Call 800-407-8918 for reservations and information.

Saturdays in Murphys-  Walking Tours of Historic Downtown Murphy's are available at no charge (donations gratefully accepted) at 10:00AM leaving from the Old Timers Museum.  Please Contact Jo Sanders at 209-728-3072 to confirm dates and times or make arrangements for large groups.

October 11th-13th- 36th annual mountain Heirloom Quilt Faire at Ironhouse Vineyards.  For admission price and times visit www.independencehallquilters.com/quilt-faire

Historic Murphy's Saturday, November 2, 2013.  Dia DE Los Muertos.  Celebrating the lives of those who have passed and are with us in heart and spirit each day of the dead.  Activities are the following:  Traditional Food and Mariachi band, Ofrenda walking tour, Folk art Mercado & art show, procession to Saint Patrick's Cemetery.

Resources:

For a full calendar of events in Murphy's, CA  visit the web at www.visitmurphys.com

USS Hornet Museum Anniversary Gala- Saturday, November 16, 2013

The USS Hornet is having an anniversary gala on Saturday, November 16, 2013.  This will be a celebration of the aircraft carrier USS Hornet's 70 years of success serving the San Francisco Bay area! This will the evening's schedule:

6:00PM- Special guest Apollo 12 astronaut Dick Gordon
(VIP exclusive meet and greet and cocktails.)

6:00PM-10:00PM- Silent Auction

7:30PM-General Admission Doors Open, Hosted Bar

8:00PM-Seated gourmet buffet dinner and hosted signature cocktails

8:30PM  Live Auction

9:30PM- The Sun Kings (Musical performance by the Beatles tribute band.)

Plus:

Dancing surrounded by Vintage Aircraft & Authentic Space Artifacts.

Surprise Guests

Special Exhibit entitled Hornet:  Reflection Through Time

Resources:

USS HORNET MUSEUM ANNIVERSARY GALA
(510) 521-8448  x 411
www.HornetEvents.com

USS Hornet
1943-2013

USS Hornet Museum
1998-2013

Autobahn Cafe, Oakland, CA- in adorable Victorian

I'm sitting by the bay window in an old Victorian having a cup of chai.  When I look out the large windows I can't help but imagine what people looked like when they originally looked out these windows.  When I gaze out the bay windows I can dream....  This place does that, even early in the morning.  There is classic, dreamy music such as, "As Time Goes By," playing in the background.  I love this place!   The menu looks delicious too!

Resources:

Autobahn Cafe
571 5th Street
Oakland, CA  94607
510-836-1234

All Natural Cheese Puffs- the ultimate salty snack

My husband loves Barbara's Original Cheese Puffs, they are one of his favorite salty snack.  Barbara's cheese puffs are made with real aged blue & cheddar cheeses, and are baked instead of fried.

Resources:

Barbara's Original Cheese Puffs
Manufactured for the Weetabix Company
300 Nickerson Rd.
Marlborough, MA
BarbarasBakery.com

ecopsychology- could being in nature help a relationship

Ecopsychology is the study of the connection between the natural world and psychology.  A ecopsychologist would help a get more in touch with the natural world, and prescribe more outdoor family for a family or couple.   We as a society are getting farther away from nature, so it makes sense how this kind of psychology would help families and couples.

Resources
ecopsychology.com

Storyslam- open mic event for true stories- "The first time I..."

Storyslam is an open mic event for true stories.  You put your name in a hat to tell a 5 minute story from your life.  The two top winners get prizes for mesmerizing the audience why their tale of the month's theme, "The first time I......"

Rules:  Stories must be true, about your life, and 5 minutes or less.  No notes!  The story must be told spontaneously or from memory.

Resources:

StorySlam- Five minutes of true life
Sweet Bar Bakery
Thursday,  October 10, 2013
2355 Broadway at 24th Street, Oakland,
Beer, Wine,  & Pizza on the menu
Doors open at 6:30PM, Stories begin at 7:00PM.
www.facebook.com/StorySlamOAK

Where to meet for breakfast in Old Oakland, CA- Caffe 817

I am sitting at Caffe 817 in Old Oakland,  I am having a Chai Soy latte and a poached egg while blogging.  This would be a great friend to meet a friend for a cup of coffee or chai!  They use huge white latte cups for their coffee and chai, which always make them feel more special!  I love the huge cups!  Also, there are wood tables and built in benches, high ceilings, unique art on the walls, jazzy music that is not too loud for conversations, and yummy food!

Resources:

Caffe 817
817 Washington Street
Oakland, CA  94607
T (510) 271-7965
www.caffe817.com
caffe817@gmail.com

Campout at Full Belly Farm, tonight, $25.00 per car

Full Belly Farm in Yolo County, CA is having a campout tonight.  The price is $25.00 per car and no reservations are required, and you do not have to have a CSA membership to camp over.   This year is the 26th annual celebration, and the main festivities are  today from 11AM to 11PM.  Last year my son and I drove to Guinda for the Saturday celebration, but did not camp.  They had food, music, and other entertainment.  They also had tractor tours of the property which were really interesting!  This year we had another engagement so couldn't go, but I look back fondly at last year's trip there.  Next year I want to camp there as it was a long trip there and back.

Check out a video of full belly camp on tube, under the title of Full Belly Camp Documentary by Andrew Pinkham.

Full Belly Farm is a certified organic farm located in the beautiful Capay Valley of Northern California.  Their CSAF program offers boxes of fresh, organic fruits and vegetables, and offers seasonal outings like these, some for members of the CSA only and others for the general public.

Resources:

Full Belly Farm
fullbellyfarm.com

Hoes Down Harvest Festival
26th Annual Celebration
http://www.hoesdown.org/
October 5th and 6th
Yolo County
Saturday, 11AM to 11PM
Saturday Night camping, $25.00
Sunday- Specialized hands-on seminars in a variety of subjects, register at Ecofarm booth.

Fully Belly Farm
16090 Road 43
Guinda, CA
95637
(530) 796-2214

From www.fullbellyfarm.com:

From www.hoesdown.org:

Three Babes and a Bus- San Francisco, CA

When I had my bachelorette, my friends and I went on the Three Babes and a Bus adventure.  My friends still talk about how much fun the night was!  I would do it over again in a minute.  My friend is getting married soon and I am planning another Three Babes and a Bus adventure for her, if she is willing.  Three Babes and A Bus provides a safe and fun nightclub adventure in SF's hottest clubs.

Resources:

Three Babes and a Bus
http:  //www.threebabes.com
1-800-414-0158

Tours: Bay area Green Tours, San Francisco Bay Area

Bay Area Green Tours

A memorable tour I went on this past year was the Sustainable Restaurant Tour of San Francisco.
I saw a whole new side of San Francisco that took me outside of my comfort zone of places I normally go to!  Also, it gave me an inside tour of the restaurant, I got to meet chefs and vendors, and it was so yummy and healthy!  The tour ended at the farmer's market at the ferry building which is a food lovers dream!  Recently, on September 28th, there was a San Mateo Coast Farm Tour that visited farms on the San Mateo Coast and included lunch and a tasting session.  The price was $99. for adults and $68. for children 12 and under.  The participants were able to hop onto a luxury biodiesel coach for this unique journey along highway 1, at bus stops in either San Francisco, Berkeley, or Half Moon Bay.

Resources:

Bay Area Green Tours
http:  //www.bayareagreentours.org/
2150 Allston Way
Suite 280
Berkeley, CA  94704
(510)  704-0379

Secret Tip:

Years ago, my cousin visited the Bay Area, and for months before we had been planning a trip up Highway 1 to Fort Bragg and Mendocino and the skunk train.  Unfortunately, my new Honda had gotten broke into the week before her visit and had gotten trashed with broken windows and so forth,  so I had to rent a small car (all I could afford) for our trip.  It was horrible driving on Highway 1 as I'm afraid of heights and that rental car did not hold the road well.  It was so stressful for me!  It would have been  dreamy to be able to take a tour of the highway 1 farms by taking the biodiesel coach and be able to visit with family and friends and not have to worry about driving!  This would be a great tour for me to treat out of town guest to, as I would also enjoy it and learn something!

Cookbooks and bakeries: Good Morning Baking, by Mani Niall

My favorite bakery in Oakland, CA is Sweet Bar Bakery on Broadway Avenue in Oakland, CA.  Mani, the owner has a new cookbook called Good Morning, Baking.  There are some yummy recipes to have for yourself or to share!  One recipe I noticed looked really yummy for fall is the Brown sugar-sour cherry doughnuts on p. 108 of the book.  When I was growing up in Michigan in the fall we always went to the cider mills in the fall and had cold, fresh apple cider and warm, soft cinnamon and sugar doughnuts!  Mani grew up in Michigan in his early years and I found out this past week that his dried cherries that he uses in his sour cherry, oatmeal, chocolate chip cookies are actually from Traverse City, Michigan.  I love this bakery!!

Resources:

Good Morning Baking
Delicious Recipes to Start the Day
Mani Niall
ISBN 978-0-9838595-7-4
Egg & Dart Publishers

Bridge School Benefit Concert is this weekend!

The Cheese Plate plus white wine

"Every meal should include a cheese course.  Period.  And despite what you may have heard, white- not red-is best with it.  Prepare to believe."

bon appétit, October 2013, p. 116, "The Perfect Match, The Cheese Plate + White Wine."

Blue Cheese, with off-dry German Riesling, (labeled Spatlese or Auslese.)  The reason is that salty, stinky blue cheese needs a counter balancing sweetness without sacrificing fat cutting acid.

Goat Cheese, with Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc.  The reason is that mineraly Chèvre is wiped off the palate by a wave of bright acidity.

Parmigiano Reggiano, with Oloroso Sherry.  The reason is that the nuttiness and depth of the cheese is a great combination with the caramelized flavors of the wine.