Confessions of a Pizza Snob

Yes, my name is Denise, and I am a Pizza snob. I have to taste the pizza in every city in every country I visit. Chicago, deep dish, great fillings, but too much crust. LA, "Pizza Kitchen" type stuff, well, really, is that pizza? Save the Thai Chicken for, well, Thai Chicken dishes. Also, do not dump a salad on top of my pizza, it's disturbing. Middle of the US, say, Nebraska or Iowa, PLEASSSE, do you not own herbs? By the way Iowa, that's not crust, it's bread. What is that stuff you are calling cheese????? Mexico, guys, you just got it all wrong. San Francisco, your heart is in it, especially in little Italy section, but, still, why are you so in love with big crust? Just cause you make the best sour dough bread doesn't mean you should put it under a pizza. Jupiter Pizza in Berkeley, great, if you like that gourmet twist, like pear and gorgonzola, served with root beer flavored beer, which I do on occasion. The crust is perfect though. I even had pizza in Hoi An, a little village in central Viet Nam, could not pass up the opportunity. I must say, not bad, but I think because there are so many Euorpean's living there, and they demand good homeland food. Now, New York. Perfection. Skinny oily crust, a perfect smear of paste, properly seasoned, and a grating of really creamy cheese, perfectly melted, and pepperoni to die for. Which brings me to the reason I am writing this. I haven't had what I consider really good pizza in Nevada County in 10 years, since Cowboy Pizza on Spring St. closed their doors. I've had what other people say is good, or even great (Franks, Northridge) however it's just not to my snobby authentic pizza standards. However, went to Goomba's on Colfax Hwy. across from Memorial Park Friday night, and had a GREAT NEW YORK STYLE PEPPERONI PIZZA. While the crust could have been even a little thinner, it was still lovely. The sauce was perfect, the cheese creamy, and the pepperoni nice and salty and crunchy. THANK YOU GOOMBA'S. By the way, their beef and pepper sandwich is as good as any I've had in Chicago. Hmmm, happy.

"Baby" needs a home

There is the cutest little Chihuahua at the Nev. County Shelter. Little "baby" weight about 6 lbs, is blond and tiny and sweet. She just wants to hang out with her person and be held and loved as much as possible. She was abandoned, so not much is known, but sweet, sweet, sweet. Do you know someone looking for a little lovebug? She's in the lobby at the shelter. Thanks.
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Are we enjoying this balmy 60's weather? So beautiful. Looks like people are getting cleaned up from the aftermath of the Thanksgiving storm. I can hear the chainsaws and chippers and blowers. So nice to walk about in tee shirts again.
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Walking around, I see that alot of the "short sells" have been bought up. Still wondering when we will see bottom of this market. Just heard from a couple who tried to buy a house last fall when it was a regular sale, fell out, and now they succeeded purchasing the same house as a short sale. So, I'm guessing they got a much better deal. Kind of ironic. It doesn't make sense, but then, what about the real estate debacle did? I guess the silver lining is that lots of people that had been priced out of the market are in.
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So the B&B ordinance allowing reopenings of B&B's in Nevada City failed. Ah well, Nevada City is not known to be business friendly. I would have thought they'd have jumped at the chance to restore a few, since so many have closed. Deer Creek Inn is the latest to close. That only leaves 2 or 3 B&B's and the National Hotel. If you've ever stayed there you know is it sadly outdated and I think the beds are from the 50's. The 1850's.
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Just read in Jeff Pelines Sierra Foothill Report of the passing today of Nevada City's own, Charles Woods. Charles and his partner David Osborn were multi- talented, incredibly artistic and visionary men who arrived in Nevada City when it was a rather run down diamond in the rough. Their efforts certainly led the way for what you see today. In addition to saving the Foundry building and leading many a conservation effort, Charles created the Teddy Bear Museum that was housed on the corner of Pine and Spring (the large building currently being renovated). His accomplishments are to long to be listed here, but check out Jeff Peline's article on him. I met Charles many times, and found him sweet, shy, charming and mostly an immensely generous man. A celebration of his life will be observed in the spring. I would not want to miss that. They don't make them like Charles anymore.

Want to help Nev County Shelter by getting rid of your e-waste

The shelter (aka as Sammies Friends) is sponsoring a e-waste drive on Sat. March 5th, from 9-1pm at Knights Paints (on Sutton, past the CVS Pharmacy, 2 business past the Dollar Store). This means you can bring all that electronic and electric stuff you've been meaning to dump to that site instead of going all the way to McCortney transfer station. The shelter will get $$$$ for your recycling. So here's the list of things they will accept:
Monitors, TV's, desktop and notebook PC's, VCR's, stereo's, keyboards, mice (the computer kind!) digital camera, cellphones, zip drives, printers, copiers, multi function scanners and fax, small household appliances such as toasters, blenders, mixers, vacuum cleaners with dust bags removed (basically, anything with an electrical plug).

Sorry, NO: large appliances, refrigerators, washers, dryers, microwaves. No paints, chemicals, pesticides, oil, batteries or the like.

I'll try to post a flyer by the Firehouse and store as a reminder.
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It's colder in my BBQ than my fridge

Honestly, temp inside my refrigerator, 38degrees. Temp inside my BBQ, 37 degrees. So, we use it as a 2nd fridge.
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Speaking of gold (who isn't?) have you caught the new reality show on Discovery, Gold Rush Alaska? I was riveted the other night watching 4 episodes in a row (I know, get a life). It's about a bunch of unemployed (who isn't?) Oregonians that sell everything they can, pull together $200,000 and drive huge equipment up to Porcupine Creek, Alaska, where they learn, ON THE JOB, how to gold mine their claim. The whole process of building their "mine" and working the gravel is pretty amazing. What is also amazing is just how hard some people will work, and dream, in order to do what has to be done to take care of their families. The hardships and challenges are countless, and they are living where the bears outnumber people 3/1. Yes, Grizzlies that browse around camp while they sleep, and observe them from the edge of camp during daylight hours . Good luck. I always wonder how much Discovery is paying them . . . . maybe that's the real "gold."
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The silver lining in November's cloud storm, man, there is firewood everywhere! Now that it's been dry for awhile, we have just been rounding up lots of kindling too. Love that part.
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I'm always a little late to the "who's closed their business news" but just noticed that Wolf Creek Wilderness is gone. That was such a great place, run by Dan Childers. They always got awards for their business, and ran kayak sales and clinics from the shores of Scott's Flat Lake. They'll be missed! I'm guessing another causality of the economy.
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My "free range" ShihTzu's finally got adopted. Found the PERFECT couple from Auburn. They will be going to their new home on 5 lovely sunny acres in No. Auburn on Saturday. Lucky girls. They have been a joy in our house for the past few months, other than Rory's 2 week "unauthorized camping trip" into the woods behind our house.

Twentyeleven/the debate continues

Happy2011 all, whatever you call it, and thanks for your kind words about Rocky and me. I still weep at the thought of him, but that is as it should be. I also laugh when I think of his goofy antics.
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On that doggy note, ad in Union today under Lost: Lost Datsun 11/11 in Alta Sierra. He is an 18mo old male. $200 reward when returned, no ques. asked. Gee, isn't a 1 1/2 year old gas saver worth more than $200?
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Also in the Union today, a 9 pound gold nugget found on property near Washington up on Hwy 20, part of Omega-Malakoff Tertiary Channel is expected to sell at auction for about $400K. Wow, nice find. Apparently Jim Sanders of San Francisco found it on his property, which is estimated to have about 3,800 ounces of gold in the first few feet. Crimeny, that's about 5Mil. at $1400 an oz. Wonder what he paid for the property? I used to mine on the creeks of Washington in my misspent youth. Found a little. It is easy to get gold fever!
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Hope we get into a warming trend soon. I've about had it with 31 degrees in the morning. I've never had frozen ground for a month before. Where is our usual balmy winter weather?
Be careful on these roads. I've seen 2 accidents on Red Dog in the past 3 days which were clearly
drivers taking the curves to fast for icy conditions. It's not a race track folks. Arrive safe.
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Nevada County Shelter on McCortney is overflowing with cats and dogs. Please, if you've been considering adopting, or feel like you have the ability to foster, contact them. Too many people are walking away from their responsibilities to their pets. One guy recently came in saying he had to turn in his 4 year old lab and 4 year old shepard because he was moving. I asked where he was moving to. "Alta Sierra." Where are you moving from sir? "Alta Sierra." So, I guess it was to much trouble to find a rental that would accept his pets, or find a suitable home for them himself. The shelter legally has to take strays, but does not have to take "turn ins" and must often turn them away from lack of space. Unfortunately, these dogs are then dumped, like unwanted trash.
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We saw Paula Poundstone on New Years Eve, hilarious! She spent some time making fun of our delightful community, and Grass Valley for the "candy throwing debacle" at the recent "Toys for Tots" motorcycle run. Really, where else would such activity merit countless articles in the paper and letters to the editor. How small town is that. If you missed it, the motorcyclists drive toys from the Rood Center to the fairgrounds, and toss candy to bystanders. Many people complained about the candy becoming litter on the street, and the fact that one cyclist was not wearing a helmet! I think they missed the point . . . . .

Losing the Rock

Rocky, the little rescue Chug (Chi-Pup) that arrived in our home in late August from Scooters Pals rescue. We were to foster him while awaiting his "forever home." He was in poor condition, and had to have half his teeth pulled and put on meds for his back disc. Over time and with lots of love and TLC he became a sweet little hug bug. Rocky took ill a week before Christmas, but despite valiant efforts by 3 vets and Scooters Pals financial assistance, he went "home" on 12/26/10. He gave me one last kiss a hour before he passed. We learned alot from each other. I learned that even a little dog in serious pain, that had been abandoned after 10 years can turn around and give lots of love, and that 4 months of friendship can feel like a lifetime. Rocky is sleeping under the great Cedar Tree next to Harry and Bella. I love you my little friend. Next time, please stay longer . . . .

Happy New Year all. Hug your loved ones.

Wed, no Victorian Christmas but the lights are fantastic

No Victorian Christmas tonight, but the shopkeepers are open till 9pm for your last minute needs. I drove up Broad and onto East Broad last night. Spectacular decorations and lighting. The two victorians at the corner of East Broad and Main (past the Outside Inn) were breathtaking. Also, the Victorian at the wedge of West Broad and East Broad, and all the homes that begin there at East Broad. I'm doing a car tour tonight just to get in the mood. Hope you're enjoying the beautiful season loyal readers. I LOVE YOU MAN!
Check out the NevadaCityWebCam to see Broad Street by day or night. It's beautiful! Did the drive recommended by the Union last night. WOW. Especially the apartments on Dorsey Dr., the house on Butler (10,000 lights). Next is the house on Rattlesnake with 70,000 lights. Lots of smaller beautiful displays. Love the gates with the deer on Banner Quaker Hill. The Amarals house on Pasquale is beautiful as ever, with Eddy the Elf (you have to experience Eddy. Sounds like "Carlton the doorman."