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Friday, September 10, 2010

On the Road with Austin and Santino, and US

Last Thursday Lifetime aired an episode of "On the Road with Austin and Santino." They are a couple of clothing designers that travel the country remaking innocent local yokels. It's very campy, and very funny. Last week they "remade" Jacque, owner of Pilot Peak Vineyards for her 60th birthday party. It features Mill Street fabrics, Solstice in Nevada City, and of course Pilot Peak and Lake Wildwood. Too goofy to describe. You can view it by typing the title in Google. Must see. Sidenote: Austin is from Nevada City (though he never let's on) and was a contestant on Project Runway's first season. If you don't know what the hell I'm talking about, skip it . . . . but if you have any inkling, it's 20 minutes you won't regret. He kind of resembles one of the vampires on Twilight, but he's funnier. I guess it's not hard to be funnier than a vampire. I'm rambling. . . .
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Just got home from 2 days & nights in Reno, with a side trip to Virginia City (20 minute drive). I haven't been to VC for many years, and forgot how interesting it really is, not to mention the scenic drive there. We did a self guided "nook and cranny" tour and found some really interesting buildings to tour (Fourth Ward school, built during the heyday of 22,000 residents, and held 1,000 students at a time.) Courthouse, Opera House. If you go there, be sure to travel the streets above and below the main drag, as that's where you find the really interesting stuff. We stayed downtown Reno at the El Dorado, and were treated this morning to the site of dozens of hot air balloons drifting around from our 23rd floor room. The Reno night sky is beautiful, and waking to the beautiful mountain range views give you such a peaceful rising. We earned breakfast by taking a brisk walk down the Truckee River park area, and saw the Cirque show at ED. Throw in some really great meals, and the whole thing cost less than $200. Great mini vacation, great bargain!

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Free wood survivalists!

walking out Pasquale about 3/4 mile from the store saw tree work being done, lots of big ones being removed to open up the canopy and let the sun in. I asked the guy loading trees and he said it is a county project. He said it's ok to take the smaller stuff on the ground, just don't cut the trees stacked on the side. Lot's of 3' sections and large rounds up for grabs, mostly pines.
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Hit the big lake both Sat and Sunday, and it was so quiet for a big holiday weekend. Only Kent & Anna Rees with their daughters and grand baby Little Rees on the beach. A handful of ski boats and some sail boats, and a few other kayaks out there. The water is still perfect for swimming. I guess we're being rewarded for such a late summer start with a long summer end!
By the way, the really good news is that both of Kent and Anna's daughters are expecting new little ones in March 2011!
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Went to Pilot Peak Winery Saturday night for ribs and Blues. Fabulous! The setting in beautiful, the band played from 6-11, dinner was good and the wine flowed. The winery dog, a fairly overweight golden lab made the rounds all night looking for handouts. I guess he can't read, cause they had scotch taped a sign on his back that said "Please don't feed me." He looked perplexed at the lack of offerings. Kind of the equivalent of a "kick me" sign in jr. high. Poor guy.
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Tonight I went to the 5 mile house on Hwy 20, yes, 5 miles out of town, for a memorial gathering for Mitch Faber, who passed on last spring. I've know Mitch for some 25 years, and he was an amazing guitarist (and guitar teacher) that really made his mark in Nevada County, and beyond. What a great evening, with his sister in law, Lorraine Gervais singing, his brother Charlie on bass, and many of his students contributing to a talented and moving concert. The 5 mile House is a great setting for concerts, has great food, and is really trying to get the word out. They donated the grounds for Mitch's memorial/celebration of life concert. Good guys.
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Don't forget that next saturday is the firehouse yard sale and hot dog lunch. Come by and find a treasure, sell stuff or grab and lunch. Kids can have a booth for free. Time to get your kids to clean out their old toys? Great time for them to make a few $$ and get a little lesson in capitalism.