Silicon Valley BBQ Championship, Santa Clara

6/28/15 - Silicon Valley BBQ Championship, 909 Kiely Blvd., Santa Clara

We arrived at 3:30 on Saturday for a festival that was supposed to end at 8 pm. We purchased tokens ($3 each or 7 for $20). We bought 8 tokens - for every 7 you receive a golden ticket to give to the BBQ team you like most.

We stood in a long line for ribs after buying the tokens and noticed that the first place we picked was sold out of ribs. Hours before the festival was to end? We sadly realized that EVERY single place was out of ribs. We showed up mid-day and everyone had sold out already. We each had two chicken samples and two pulled pork samples (one slider, one taco). Food was good, but we were really disappointed that we couldn't try a rib sample from anyone. It was the reason we drove an hour to attend the event.

Most disappointing was that Juicy O's pro BBQ team (and their pulled pork taco) was our favorite, but we couldn't give them our ticket to vote for them for the People's Choice Winner. Meat was tender, juicy, warm, not at all greasy, and the taco with it had yummy BBQ sauce and delicious coleslaw. But the ticket buckets had already been taken to be counted and they didn't know how to get our vote to the counters.

The festival did have a good live band and lots of vendors selling clothing, snacks, jewelry, etc. The same kind of things you see at most festivals or fairs. We almost bought this crunchy corn snack... it came in a great, really spicy habanero flavor - but their credit card scanner wasn't working because they didn't have cell phone reception. I did buy two cute tee shirts for $20 with cats on them from another vendor.

Other BBQ that wasn't competing was being sold, and also the usual food vendors with fried artichokes and similar items - Armadillo Willy's was there (they have a restaurant across the street from Central Park where the festival was held), but they were a cash only booth too so we couldn't even buy ribs (which they still had). We'd spent all our money on the tickets. Adult beverages were available as well. $10 for a commemorative glass with $7 refills of beer. (Wine for sale too.) There were so many teams competing that it was really surprising everyone was out of ribs so early. Perhaps it's grown significantly in popularity, since it sounds like they ran out of ribs last year too and I'm sure they planned ahead to not let that happen again - just not well enough.

Summer Festival - Diablo Japanese American Club, Concord

Summer Festival - Held at the Japanese American Religious & Cultural Center on Treat Blvd, Concord - Hosted by the Diablo Japanese American Club
8/8/15
2015 is the second year I've attended the Japanese Cultural Center's Summer Festival. It is going on this weekend (August 8th and 9th) and has a variety of activities and Japanese foods - great fun for your whole family!


Adults can shop at a couple small booths for trinkets and small goodies. Children's games with prizes are in the lawn area at the back of the Center.







Food booths include fire-roasted chicken with rice and cucumber salad and edamame ($8), udon soup ($5), teas and ice cream and sodas ($1-2 ea) and beer, BBQ beef (this was the best) 3 skewers for $6, fried tempura, and gyoza ($5). The lines moved quickly and food is served fast. Tons of tables and chairs are under a shade structure so you can eat and enjoy the cool breeze!














The bonsai displays outside are beautiful and the plants are between 15 and 150 years old this year!

Inside the Center are beautiful plant/floral displays and calligraphy lessons. There is also a band and dancers that perform. Tonight at 7:30 and tomorrow at 6:30 pm will be a group dance. It's only a couple simple moves and is the traditional Japanese dance to call the spirits of the dead.

The event is small but it's very fun. A shuttle from Ygnacio Valley High School will pick you up if you don't want to try to find parking on Treat. It's free to get in too!

Victorian Square, Reno, NV

9/8/15 - Victorian Square, Reno, NV

This Square in Reno has several restaurants and bars, plus a water fountain (that kids can play in) and a movie theater.

We visit once a year on our way home from BurningMan for the Rib Cook-Off. (http://www.yelp.com/biz/best-in-the-west-nugget-rib-cook-off-sparks?utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)) Over 500,000 people attend the end-of-summer event but we always seem to find parking in the nearby neighborhoods without having to pay one of the local businesses (and even residences) that are trying to make a few extra dollars.

We also make sure to visit Paddy's Irish Pub for a cold drink. Service is friendly, drinks are strong, and you can take them to go if you don't want to finish them inside. They have live music and a window for ordering drinks for the festival-goers on the street.
(http://www.yelp.com/biz/paddy-and-irenes-irish-pub-sparks-2?utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct))

Labor Day in Reno can be very hot, but I wouldn't recommend playing in the water zone too long - it always smells like they use more chlorine than water.

iCureMelanoma 5K, Fullerton

6/1/15
iCureMelanoma 5K - Laguna Road Elementary School, Fullerton


For the last two years my husband and I have journeyed down to southern CA for a one day 5K event: the iCureMelanoma 5K in Fullerton.

This fundraising event holds a special place in the hearts of my family. We lost my cousin, Erik Halonen, to melanoma in 2014, the first year we participated in the run. That same year our cousin Staci took 1st place for women in the competitive run. They have an early competitive run, and then a walk/run that starts an hour after that. No matter which time you're run begins, be sure to get there early because parking is limited (pssst - carpool if you can!)


Lots of vendors are passing out samples and coupons and sunscreen. Dermatologists will also schedule free cancer screenings for registered participants the day before the event. Everything about this is geared toward a healthier today AND healthier tomorrow.



The run was well-organized and finishers receive a medal as they cross the finish line. It was a lot of fun and we look forward to participating for many years to come. Registered teams also get custom shirts with your team name.

Go,Team Erik!  xoxox We love and miss you everyday.

Scottsdale Pond and Park, Novato

3/22/15 - Redwood Boulevard, Novato, CA

Right off the 101 freeway at the Rowland exit is the Scottsdale Park and Pond. You can park on Redwood and walk down a few steps to the water's edge.











The pond is large and has a couple of pretty fountains of water and a large island oasis in the middle serving as a bird sanctuary. Lots of birds swim in the water, settle on the island, and walk around on the land near the pedestrian path.  There are a few benches and some shaded areas so that people can sit and enjoy the scenery at the park.






My sister and her husband bought their first home in the neighborhood behind the park. It's a beautiful residential area and the residents here are lucky to have such a pretty water and park area greet them each time they return home.

Oakland, CA

4/22/13

I HELLA HEART OAKLAND

"Oakland! A fabulous vacation wonderland awaits you on the other side of the Bay Bridge."
This is THE BEST video on YouTube. Come on over to the East Bay!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzkoeyhAAdk

Seriously, I love Oakland. There's so much to do and the City works really hard to try to improve the uh, problem areas.

My favorite things: I was MARRIED at the OAKLAND ZOO! Love that place :) My 1966 Mustang goes to Oakland's MOSTLY MUSTANGS any time she needs work. The Oakland Athletics Baseball team (GO A's!!!) and O.CO where they play! The Oakland BART stations that bring you to the Coliseum's front door! My sister-in-law lives in Oakland. My nephew also lives in Oakland :)  Oakland has a LAKE (albeit one I don't think you should swim in). There are Redwoods in Oakland if you enjoy hiking whilst surround by giant trees and nature. The Oakland Museum of CA is our new discovery and AMAZING! Parkway Theater - yesss! JACK LONDON SQUARE! The area near here is about to get a makeover. FENTONS Creamery and FERRYLAND for the kids. I could go on.

Just catching up on the news

Seriously, the crime, litter, vandalism, etc. is all a serious issue. You should be aware of your surroundings when in town. But it's not worth letting what you see on the news scare you away from this City that is so rich with history.








5/3/13 UPDATE: OAKLAND WAS JUST DEEMED THE MOST EXCITING CITY IN AMERICA
http://www.eastbayexpress.com/CultureSpyBlog/archives/2013/05/02/oakland-deemed-most-exciting-city-in-america

Benicia Public Pier and Beach, Benicia

5/7/13

WHAT'S NOT TO LOVE

It'll take just one walk through the streets of Benicia that lead to the waterfront before you fall in love with the quaintness of this little town. Small shops, friendly patrons and vendors, pleasant weather, and a waterfront with a great view.






Myself and three others spent Saturday afternoon walking through the streets and enjoying all the nicest surrounding us. At the end of First Street is water. When your toes are wet, you've gone too far.  There's actually a small beach area so we were able to access the water and I did get my feet wet! The water was nice (though a little muddy!) Even the beach was more muddy than sandy, but still really pretty!






I think another trip to this water will be coming this summer, and will involve fishing poles and some beer!!

Great Wall of Oakland

5/13/13

OAKLAND CAT INTERNET VIDEO FESTIVAL AT THE GREAT WALL

Hi fwwwiends! We attended a purrfectly fun event this Saturday at the Great Wall. As lovers of the furry felines, we happily put on our cat costumes and scurried down to Oakland to watch all our favorite Internet kitties. My all-time favorite Internet cat is Sparta Cat, but many were featured at this fundraiser for the East Bay SPCA.  Adoptions took place and a couple people brought their kitties along with them. I do have an enclosed cat stroller but thought our cats would prefer staying at home. Soothing cat massage instruction was offered. And all attendees were invited to strut for treats at the cat walk!! Face painting for $5 donations put whiskers on a lot of faces!Tickets for adults were $10 in advance or $15 at the door.

(=^..^=))/

The Great Wall of Oakland worked with the Walker Art Center to bring this Festival to Oakland, and the Mayor of Oakland even declared the day an official festival day for Oakland. There were a lot of people in attendance, though I'm not sure they hit the 5,000 mark they'd hoped for. The first 500 people received free bags of cat food, but I'm pretty sure that was just a way to encourage early arrival and they actually had  a lot more than 500 free bags. Ten lucky participants won touch-screen gloves as well when purchasing tickets through EventBrite. (We won a pair!)

The Great Wall made a wonderful backdrop for bands performing, aerial dancers, a juggling circus, and ultimately the cat videos. We didn't stay until dark so we only participated in the daytime cativities, and had a really great time doing so! The Great Wall hosts so many awesome aerial performances, this was the first time I'd seen the streets nearby closed off as well. Really fun! Can't wait for the next annual cat festival!

 

Carnival Cruise (Long Beach, CA to Ensenada, MX) 3 day

12/27/14

I've been on vacations around the world, but this was my 1st cruise. I wanted to do something local, w/ a destination that I'd be OK to only get to explore for a day. I've been to Ensenada before, so the 3-day trip on Carnival's Imagination was perfect for me.

If you've been on a cruise before, then this summarizes my holiday trip: staff was amazing, food was great, entertainment was outstanding, it was a great deal for a short trip with one destination.


If you haven't been on a cruise before, here's what you can expect on this ship:

My husband booked the trip "last minute" (about a month in advance). We had a choice between a 3 day trip (Ensenada) in December or 4 day trip (Catalina Island & Ensenada) in January for  just a little more$$.  The 3 day departed on Sat. evening (5 pm) and returned Tues. (9 am).  We checked in & received a card that you keep on you during the entire trip. They will swipe this card if you want to buy drinks, spa services, etc - the credit card you have on file is billed at the end, but you can check/pay your balance at any time prior to that at guest services.





We checked out our room (M12 - 5th Floor - Main Deck).  Marvin was the staff person in charge of cleaning our room 2x a day, folding our towels into animals & leaving chocolates on our pillows before bed. He greeted us by name as we walked up, and every time he saw us through the week, he made sure to say "Hi Amy! Hi Casey!" and ask us how we were doing. This was amazing!

Our bags were at our room before we were & an itinerary for the ship's daily activities was next to the room service card with 24 hour menu options & a breakfast card if we wanted breakfast delivered to bed. We went to the lobby bar and my husband purchased a soda card ($6/day for unlimited soda). I wanted the alcohol card, but it works out to $170 for the trip, and that's a per person charge - both people in a room have to purchase it. So that didn't work for us. We each brought a bottle of wine onboard anyhow, so I only ended up buying a couple of drinks each day.



We went shopping and I bought a gorgeous Citizen watch for my husband for Christmas. There aren't a lot of shopping options on the ship - only a couple small stores.  They also have a gym which I went to the first morning (Sun.). I had sprained my ankle on Friday before departure, so I wasn't able to run on the outdoor Olympic jogging track, but they have a nice padded track w/ ocean views.  We played mini golf & bean bags while on board but never found time for ping pong.  We would have like to go swimming but the small pool was freezing - this was the only kind of disappointing part of the trip, but my injured foot was afraid to swim anyhow. My husband went on each of the 2 waterslides. We never had a chance to get in the hot tubs because they were always swarming w/ children, but we stayed warm by basking in the sun on the lounge chairs around the different decks.

Fitness center

At night we enjoyed music at the piano bar with great singing and fun! Comedians Russ Nagel & Will Marfori kept us laughing during the family shows and especially at the late-night adult-only shows. We sat through a little karaoke and even danced along to the amateur singing (but did not sing ourselves). At night we hit up the dance club and I hobbled about on my sprained foot as best as I could to a packed dance floor with great songs. I won a prize on the game Hasboro game show!

Pianist

Tea time on Monday was awesome! It took place in the piano bar & we were served hot tea, cakes, cookies, and cucumber sandwiches. The Taste Bar opened up small plate samples at night time. Neither of these were anywhere near as amazing as the dining hall options. We choose open dining rather than an assigned dining time. Food was incredible w/ an extensive menu & service was better than you'll find anywhere else. We made friends with the tables around us & said hi to our dining partners all weekend long. The food doesn't stop there. A wonderful buffet with terrific fresh salad ingredients, grilled fish, beet salad, cauliflower and blue cheese, or hot dogs, grilled burgers, etc was available at night. Pizza with a thin crust and tons of topping options was available 24 hours a day, as was the soft serve ice cream (& room service). Everything was delicious. Iced tea & hot tea were free in the buffet hall.


Staff all over the boat had smiles on their faces and were extremely accommodating through the whole trip. 16 hour work days, for 7 months on/2 months off - can you imagine how hard that would be?! And to keep a smile on your face every day while youre away from home.I have so much respect for their team, who made my trip extra special. These employees come from all over the world and they really made us feel like VIP.

Booked thru Last Minute Cruises - $299 each, plus $36/day tips, $17/day parking in Long Beach - next time (later this year!!) I'm inviting all my friends to come w/ us! Can't wait to return!