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Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Thrift tip of the week

Went to the Zion Cancer Thrift to pick up a few decorations. In the parking lot, I noticed 6 artificial Christmas Trees, still in their original boxes. All were 6 ft. or better, in the $20 - $25 range, and looked to be in perfect condition. Then went to B & C, and observed a woman purchasing a same tree new for $199! Just in case you're in the market . . . . . there were many, many lovely decorations and ornaments to choose from . . . . all the thrifts have their years collections of Christmas stuff out. Isn't it nicer to help a local charitably organization out with a purchase than a corp? (though I consider B&C a local business, and yes, I do try to shop local).
FYI, anything you see in the parking lot of the Zion Thrift is 1/2 price.
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Next Wed is the first Victorian Christmas Fair in Nevada City. I think that this Friday night is the first Cornish Christmas in Grass Valley. This Friday night also is the Miners (NU High School Football) home game playing a championship playoff game. Lots o f fun, and good burgers! Go Miners. NU girls volleyball is kickin' butt too. Go Lady Miners! We went to game's last year to watch Henry Harrison play (his senior year). The Harrisons (Brian and Lisa and kids) live down in Gas Canyon around the corner from Lost Mine Lake. Henry is now at University of So. Oregon and getting some playtime I hear. Brian Harrison did a 500 sq. ft. addition on our house last year. We added a beautiful cathedral ceiling living room, front porch and extended the back deck. Brian was an amazing contractor. He gave us the exact room we wanted, on time, on budget and was a complete professional, and totally nice guy. If you ever need work done, he's the man (you can find his info on our service provider list cascadeshore.org). Thanks Brian. We're decorating for our 2nd Christmas in the "new room" and it looks mah-va-lous. There is not one thing I would change.
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Friar Tucks has a Monday Night football menu that's good, and inexpensive. Fun place to watch the game! I'm still a sucker for their fondue's.

my cousin Sally

just called to ask why I'm not blogging anymore. Well, my desktop computer was acting up (despite the many talks we had about that) and my new laptop wasn't connected yet. But now I'm connected and WIRELESS for the first time in my life . . . so, back in business. Sally, who lives in Atlanta, Ga. says she likes to read about our "small town living." So this is for you Sal.
Today is Keith and Patricia's last day owning Cascade Shores General Store. The new owners will be giving it a go in the very new future. I plan to go get the "skinny" from them as soon as I see life there . . . curious what their business plan will be.
My friends Shera and Terry took me to town for birthday lunch today. We walked Mill St. in GV to get into the Christmas mood. Man, those stores change hands often, as we visited a half dozen shops I didn't know were there. Anyway, went into the Bamboo store. Have you had a chance to feel the fabric they make from bamboo? Heavenly!!! There is a specialty store on Mill by Main "Florio's" owned by a young local guy, Neil Sarchett. He has a wonderful selection of olive oil and flavored balsamic vinegar that you can taste test. The pear, fig, and strawberry balsamic's were good enough to drink! We bought some and even dip bread into in instead of butter or oil, or dress a salad with no need for oil. He bottles it for you right out of the jugs. It makes a great gift. Yuba Blue if just full of wonderful new gift items. Their buyer sure has a good eye.
If you weren't here, we got our first snow last Friday. Funny, it snowed on the lake side of store, but not over here on our side. Mike Inglis told me he was moving his boat to town when it came down, and almost didn't make it out Pasquale for the slipping and sliding.
Phil and I were just coming down the steep part of the big hill the other day when a medium sized bear jumped in front of us crossing the road. That part of the hill is a regular bear crossing, so be careful out there. He was sure fat and jiggly, and quite beautiful. I don't think our bears hibernate, they seem to be active all winter.
Propane season is here. Remember, if you want to save 20-30% on your Suburban bill, join the CSHA and you'll get the member discount.
Thaaaaat's all folks. Happy Thanksgiving to all.