Here's the 'After' look..not sure why he couldn't muster a smile!
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
The 'Before'
We took Santa into the Beehive Salon today for a 'trim' Here's what he looked like when we started.
Monday, December 28, 2009
The drive to Monterey was lovely. The Sun was out and the rolling hills had only a little fog in a few places. We knew we had arrived when we could see and hear the breakers crashing on beach below us over the freeway noise!
We had a very leisurely walk with the pups on the two piers there and did a little shopping....more cute stuff for Emily! The best dressed baby we know!!
After a leisurely lunch with Brett we took a drive through Monterey stopping and every lookout to 'ooh and aah' at the crashing surf....and the surf WAS crashing. The weather types have been predicting really large surf and it certainly looks like they were right!
Up this morning to see Marg off on her trip back to winterland then the two of us commenced the herculean task of putting away and re-organizing everything we had dragged out of hiding over the last two months!
There are errands and haircuts and some socializing tomorrow then on Wednesday we hope to be on our way to the sun! First day just get the motorhome out...which is more of a problem than it sounds! And then on to Bakersfield to stock up on oranges and almonds. As well as get tanks filled that should be filled and emptied if that be the case!!
We will then head on Thursday to Quartzite where we will see in the 2010 with friends.
There's a whole bunch of photos now on Flickr if you want to see what we've been up to!
We had a very leisurely walk with the pups on the two piers there and did a little shopping....more cute stuff for Emily! The best dressed baby we know!!
After a leisurely lunch with Brett we took a drive through Monterey stopping and every lookout to 'ooh and aah' at the crashing surf....and the surf WAS crashing. The weather types have been predicting really large surf and it certainly looks like they were right!
Up this morning to see Marg off on her trip back to winterland then the two of us commenced the herculean task of putting away and re-organizing everything we had dragged out of hiding over the last two months!
There are errands and haircuts and some socializing tomorrow then on Wednesday we hope to be on our way to the sun! First day just get the motorhome out...which is more of a problem than it sounds! And then on to Bakersfield to stock up on oranges and almonds. As well as get tanks filled that should be filled and emptied if that be the case!!
We will then head on Thursday to Quartzite where we will see in the 2010 with friends.
There's a whole bunch of photos now on Flickr if you want to see what we've been up to!
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Merry Christmas! Happy Boxing Day!!
Here's hoping all our readers had a wonderful Christmas, we sure did!
After a leisurely sleep-in (we let Marg sleep in even later!) we enjoyed coffee then Mimosas made Orange-Tangerine juice with Piper Sonoma Brut and watched "A Christmas Story" on TV ("You'll shoot your eye out!!")
After opening our packages we got ourselves organized and headed up to the Foothills area to Oakhurst and this fabulous Inn that we had made reservations at for Christmas Dinner. Here's a URL if you want to have a peek. http://www.elderberryhouse.com/
Everyone we talked with said that Erna's Elderberry House was just fabulous but we really had no idea.
After a lovely sunny drive north from Fresno we arrived in Oakhurst and found Erna's. Well, nothing could have prepared us for our welcome there.
This exquisite jewel of an inn and restaurant welcomed us as though they had waited their whole life for us to arrive.
When we were seated we were presented with a personalized hand decorated menu. "A Very Merry Christmas to The Schneider Party"....a first!
It was a prix fixe six course menu with a couple of extras thrown in..beautiful lamb sausages and homemade sauerkraut with a beautiful honey fig mustard and amazing home made bread; A sturgeon fillet wrapped in Serrano ham with a Kale risotto with saffron and parsley sabayons; this was followed by the most surprising dish, an oxtail ravioli in beef and mushroom consomme....sounds kinda plain but it was NOT!
This was followed by the main course which was a perfectly roasted goose with Brioche, apple and sausage stuffing, accompanied by orange-cranberry chutney, braised leeks, savoy cabbage and the most amazing roasted sweet potatoes we ever tasted!
The next course was an amazing salad of mixed lettuces, persimmons, pomegranates and pine nuts with a pomegranate/mint vinaigrette and topped with a froth of rose water.
Dessert was a trio: Poppy seed almond cake, pear and dried plum tarte tatin, and elderberry ice cream.
The wines were all perfect. There were five and ranged from a lovely German Brut Rose Champagne, a German white we had never heard of, A beautiful California Pinot Noir and a Cab Sav. BUT the crowning glory was the wine served with dessert. It was my all time fave dessert wine Quady Elysium.
This was most fortuitous as Marg and I had driven up to Madera on Christmas Eve to check out Quady first hand. of course we had to sample the wares and brought a few bottles back. Now, to be fair Marg isn't a really serious wino, she rarely visits Okanagan wineries though she has been known to enjoy a glass or two. BUT she really likes the sweet dessert wines produced by Quady. We each bought several bottles and I have to report that the bottle of Elysium that we bought is already gone as I write this!
BUT as is my habit, I digress! The atmosphere, the meal, the service, the wine and everything about Erna's was superb...as was the price! But, one has to splurge once in a while! If you go to their website, note the prices for the Inn, we won't be staying there anytime soon! But if the Inn is half as nice as the restaurant it too must be an experience!!
Today, Boxing Day (though that specific holiday is not recognized here) after our Stollen and coffee we had another appearance by Santa! This for some of the youngsters in the trailer park which has been our home for the last two months. It was lots of fun as there are some real cuties here!
We then decided to head out for a bit of exploring. We visited Kearney Park and the Kearney House the home of one of Fresno's pioneers. There's more information here:
http://www.valleyhistory.org/kearneyhistory03.html
The house is just amazing but we weren't sure it was open on the day after Christmas even though the phone message and sign on the front door said that they were.
There was only one car in the parking lot and the lights were on in the house and finally a wonderfully enthusiastic young man named Jeff appeared and asked if we wanted a tour! We did! And it was just fascinating. Originally Kearney intended it to be the superintendent's house but he was going to live in it (he never married) until his Chateau was built.
Sadly that never happened as Mr. Kearney died in 1906 and willed his entire estate to the University of California. They maintained much of the estate in its original condition completely furnished as a working farm of about 5000 acres.
The University sold of most of the land in the 1940s and the house sat vacant until 1964 when the Fresno Historical Society was able to acquire it and commence restoration.
After that we drove down Kearney Avenue to downtown Fresno. This palm lined avenue is about 11 miles and was Mr. Kearney's attempt to make his land more glamorous and attractive to investors.
We next visited the Fresno Metropolitan Museum of Art and Science. We visited "The Met" on our previous visit and were fascinated by it. It is newly renovated and was originally the home of the local paper "The Fresno Bee."
Unfortunately due to some mis-management and the economic downturn, the Met is officially bankrupt and will be closing sometime in 2010. Very sad.
Currently they are exhibiting (among other things) "The Art of Dr. Seuss" which celebrates the art and life of Theodore Seuss Geisel. In addition to lots of background on many of his popular books such as "The Cat In the Hat" and "The Lorax" there are extensive examples of some of his other work. Including cartoons, magazine covers, and his amazingly zany sculptures.
It was a truly wonderful day, topped off with a Jack Daniel's Manhattan and some wonderful home-made tamales given to us by one of Ross elves on the set at the mall. And of course the last of the Quady.
We're going to be eating quite a few tamales in the next while....Ross wanted to have a wee dooooo for the staff after closing on Christmas Eve. Soooo I asked around and found that everyone seemed to like the tamales from one particular restaurant so I ordered three dozen for our little soiree. What I didn't realize was that these tamales are HUGE. One is a meal for a 'normal' person and two for a piggy. So, long story short we have a few left over...lucky they're very tasty and we have some room in the freezer!
Tomorrow we're off to Monterey for lunch with the Boss. Should be a lovely drive through the coast hills...prediction is for good weather.
Then after that it's time to pack up and try to make tracks for the desert.
After a leisurely sleep-in (we let Marg sleep in even later!) we enjoyed coffee then Mimosas made Orange-Tangerine juice with Piper Sonoma Brut and watched "A Christmas Story" on TV ("You'll shoot your eye out!!")
After opening our packages we got ourselves organized and headed up to the Foothills area to Oakhurst and this fabulous Inn that we had made reservations at for Christmas Dinner. Here's a URL if you want to have a peek. http://www.elderberryhouse.com/
Everyone we talked with said that Erna's Elderberry House was just fabulous but we really had no idea.
After a lovely sunny drive north from Fresno we arrived in Oakhurst and found Erna's. Well, nothing could have prepared us for our welcome there.
This exquisite jewel of an inn and restaurant welcomed us as though they had waited their whole life for us to arrive.
When we were seated we were presented with a personalized hand decorated menu. "A Very Merry Christmas to The Schneider Party"....a first!
It was a prix fixe six course menu with a couple of extras thrown in..beautiful lamb sausages and homemade sauerkraut with a beautiful honey fig mustard and amazing home made bread; A sturgeon fillet wrapped in Serrano ham with a Kale risotto with saffron and parsley sabayons; this was followed by the most surprising dish, an oxtail ravioli in beef and mushroom consomme....sounds kinda plain but it was NOT!
This was followed by the main course which was a perfectly roasted goose with Brioche, apple and sausage stuffing, accompanied by orange-cranberry chutney, braised leeks, savoy cabbage and the most amazing roasted sweet potatoes we ever tasted!
The next course was an amazing salad of mixed lettuces, persimmons, pomegranates and pine nuts with a pomegranate/mint vinaigrette and topped with a froth of rose water.
Dessert was a trio: Poppy seed almond cake, pear and dried plum tarte tatin, and elderberry ice cream.
The wines were all perfect. There were five and ranged from a lovely German Brut Rose Champagne, a German white we had never heard of, A beautiful California Pinot Noir and a Cab Sav. BUT the crowning glory was the wine served with dessert. It was my all time fave dessert wine Quady Elysium.
This was most fortuitous as Marg and I had driven up to Madera on Christmas Eve to check out Quady first hand. of course we had to sample the wares and brought a few bottles back. Now, to be fair Marg isn't a really serious wino, she rarely visits Okanagan wineries though she has been known to enjoy a glass or two. BUT she really likes the sweet dessert wines produced by Quady. We each bought several bottles and I have to report that the bottle of Elysium that we bought is already gone as I write this!
BUT as is my habit, I digress! The atmosphere, the meal, the service, the wine and everything about Erna's was superb...as was the price! But, one has to splurge once in a while! If you go to their website, note the prices for the Inn, we won't be staying there anytime soon! But if the Inn is half as nice as the restaurant it too must be an experience!!
Today, Boxing Day (though that specific holiday is not recognized here) after our Stollen and coffee we had another appearance by Santa! This for some of the youngsters in the trailer park which has been our home for the last two months. It was lots of fun as there are some real cuties here!
We then decided to head out for a bit of exploring. We visited Kearney Park and the Kearney House the home of one of Fresno's pioneers. There's more information here:
http://www.valleyhistory.org/kearneyhistory03.html
The house is just amazing but we weren't sure it was open on the day after Christmas even though the phone message and sign on the front door said that they were.
There was only one car in the parking lot and the lights were on in the house and finally a wonderfully enthusiastic young man named Jeff appeared and asked if we wanted a tour! We did! And it was just fascinating. Originally Kearney intended it to be the superintendent's house but he was going to live in it (he never married) until his Chateau was built.
Sadly that never happened as Mr. Kearney died in 1906 and willed his entire estate to the University of California. They maintained much of the estate in its original condition completely furnished as a working farm of about 5000 acres.
The University sold of most of the land in the 1940s and the house sat vacant until 1964 when the Fresno Historical Society was able to acquire it and commence restoration.
After that we drove down Kearney Avenue to downtown Fresno. This palm lined avenue is about 11 miles and was Mr. Kearney's attempt to make his land more glamorous and attractive to investors.
We next visited the Fresno Metropolitan Museum of Art and Science. We visited "The Met" on our previous visit and were fascinated by it. It is newly renovated and was originally the home of the local paper "The Fresno Bee."
Unfortunately due to some mis-management and the economic downturn, the Met is officially bankrupt and will be closing sometime in 2010. Very sad.
Currently they are exhibiting (among other things) "The Art of Dr. Seuss" which celebrates the art and life of Theodore Seuss Geisel. In addition to lots of background on many of his popular books such as "The Cat In the Hat" and "The Lorax" there are extensive examples of some of his other work. Including cartoons, magazine covers, and his amazingly zany sculptures.
It was a truly wonderful day, topped off with a Jack Daniel's Manhattan and some wonderful home-made tamales given to us by one of Ross elves on the set at the mall. And of course the last of the Quady.
We're going to be eating quite a few tamales in the next while....Ross wanted to have a wee dooooo for the staff after closing on Christmas Eve. Soooo I asked around and found that everyone seemed to like the tamales from one particular restaurant so I ordered three dozen for our little soiree. What I didn't realize was that these tamales are HUGE. One is a meal for a 'normal' person and two for a piggy. So, long story short we have a few left over...lucky they're very tasty and we have some room in the freezer!
Tomorrow we're off to Monterey for lunch with the Boss. Should be a lovely drive through the coast hills...prediction is for good weather.
Then after that it's time to pack up and try to make tracks for the desert.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Last two days at the mall
Well, it's down to the last two days for this Santa and crew. It's been a wonderful time and I have met some great people along the way.
No more holdups that we know of so everyone is breathing a little easier now. Although when I talked to the crew about the holdup they all looked at me strangely and said: "Yeah, it's Fresno".
Our friend Marg McLellan arrived yesterday and we all had a great 'chinwag' last night. Today Ed and Marg get to explore Fresno while I catch the last few children before my big trip on the 24th. Sure that they will have fun.
Lots of funny things happening that I will write about when I have a little more time (just waiting for breakfast to cook then we dash off to the cave and then work). Like the young girl who wanted another brother after enduring photos with this little guy who sat screaming and squirming on my lap. Or the little girl who resisted all the way to Santa's lap screaming her head off, then when she was (rather forcibly) placed on my lap turned to me and said in a bright cheery voice - "Hi Santa, I love you!" and sat perfectly still for the whole picture shoot with a beautific smile on her face. Some wonderful memories like the three young adults who have been having Santa sit on their laps for every Christmas photo since they were teenagers. Or the family photo with four generations and total number of babies, children, teens, adults being 23. Or the two and a half day old baby. Or the babies that were fussing and parents who stood amazed as Santa fed them the bottle AND got the pictures. Yes, lots of memories. Of course there were some naughty children, some young ones who would not sit on Santa's lap or screamed bloody murder the whole photo shoot, and some teens who were just out to cause havoc but those memories will fade quickly.
Marg, Ed, and I will be having Christmas dinner at a restaurant just outside Fresno. I am sure Ed will fill you in on all the details. Then we have photos with Santa on Dec 26 with the children here at the park and possibly get to sit down with my 'hairdresser' and his partner later on that day. We have been wanting to just sit and talk (instead of him bleaching my beard) but never have found the time.
Probably will go off to Monterey on Dec 27 for a meeting with the big boss about what worked (or didn't) this year and plans for next year and then we start packing up the motorhome. Dec 29 is the day I go back to the hairdresser to have beard and hair cut. This year my hair and beard is the longest it has ever been - even way back in the 70's when I tried to have an afro and long hair was usual.
Must get going and we hope everyone is ready for the big day - I know that I am!!!
No more holdups that we know of so everyone is breathing a little easier now. Although when I talked to the crew about the holdup they all looked at me strangely and said: "Yeah, it's Fresno".
Our friend Marg McLellan arrived yesterday and we all had a great 'chinwag' last night. Today Ed and Marg get to explore Fresno while I catch the last few children before my big trip on the 24th. Sure that they will have fun.
Lots of funny things happening that I will write about when I have a little more time (just waiting for breakfast to cook then we dash off to the cave and then work). Like the young girl who wanted another brother after enduring photos with this little guy who sat screaming and squirming on my lap. Or the little girl who resisted all the way to Santa's lap screaming her head off, then when she was (rather forcibly) placed on my lap turned to me and said in a bright cheery voice - "Hi Santa, I love you!" and sat perfectly still for the whole picture shoot with a beautific smile on her face. Some wonderful memories like the three young adults who have been having Santa sit on their laps for every Christmas photo since they were teenagers. Or the family photo with four generations and total number of babies, children, teens, adults being 23. Or the two and a half day old baby. Or the babies that were fussing and parents who stood amazed as Santa fed them the bottle AND got the pictures. Yes, lots of memories. Of course there were some naughty children, some young ones who would not sit on Santa's lap or screamed bloody murder the whole photo shoot, and some teens who were just out to cause havoc but those memories will fade quickly.
Marg, Ed, and I will be having Christmas dinner at a restaurant just outside Fresno. I am sure Ed will fill you in on all the details. Then we have photos with Santa on Dec 26 with the children here at the park and possibly get to sit down with my 'hairdresser' and his partner later on that day. We have been wanting to just sit and talk (instead of him bleaching my beard) but never have found the time.
Probably will go off to Monterey on Dec 27 for a meeting with the big boss about what worked (or didn't) this year and plans for next year and then we start packing up the motorhome. Dec 29 is the day I go back to the hairdresser to have beard and hair cut. This year my hair and beard is the longest it has ever been - even way back in the 70's when I tried to have an afro and long hair was usual.
Must get going and we hope everyone is ready for the big day - I know that I am!!!
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Excitement at the Mall
When I arrived at the mall last night (Friday) to get Santa I was met with a literal wall of police.
In addition to the expected 'Friday before Christmas' chaos in the parking lot the boys in blue had locked down the Macy's at one end of the mall causing major gridlock.
We didn't really find out what happened until we watched the 11:00 news. Three armed guys held up someone in the parking lot and when confronted fled into the Macy's store. One sawed-off shotgun was left behind but assumedly there were other weapons still on them....lovely!
Lets see, you have two potentially armed crooks in a crowded department store being pursued by dozens of cops armed to the teeth...not a great scenario!!
In spite of the crowds we got in and out without incident and according to my neighbor who listens to everything on his police scanner...the miscreants were literally 'treed' about two blocks away when they were spotted hiding in a tree by a helicopter using infra-red cameras.
Apparently the 'copter could see them but the cops on the ground under the tree could not!!
I can hardly wait to see what Saturday night brings!!
In addition to the expected 'Friday before Christmas' chaos in the parking lot the boys in blue had locked down the Macy's at one end of the mall causing major gridlock.
We didn't really find out what happened until we watched the 11:00 news. Three armed guys held up someone in the parking lot and when confronted fled into the Macy's store. One sawed-off shotgun was left behind but assumedly there were other weapons still on them....lovely!
Lets see, you have two potentially armed crooks in a crowded department store being pursued by dozens of cops armed to the teeth...not a great scenario!!
In spite of the crowds we got in and out without incident and according to my neighbor who listens to everything on his police scanner...the miscreants were literally 'treed' about two blocks away when they were spotted hiding in a tree by a helicopter using infra-red cameras.
Apparently the 'copter could see them but the cops on the ground under the tree could not!!
I can hardly wait to see what Saturday night brings!!
Getting Emily ready to be a 'real' Canadian!
in spite of being amazingly cute....I'm so glad I'm not there!!
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Sunday, December 13, 2009
The littlest Reindeer!!
Emily in her new reindeer outfit that just arrived from Grandpa Ed and Grandpa Ross
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Wow! Cats and Dogs!!
For a place that is supposed to be desert...Fresno sure gets lots of RAIN!!
What we are experiencing is the tail end of the weather systems currently pounding the whole continent. We had fairy cold temps (Sub-arctic for Fresnans!) for a few days and then the rain started.
We finally figured out what the big fenced in depressions are that we thought were parks...well, they are parks...sort of. When it rains somehow the excess water is funneled into them. In short, what had been ball diamonds and large grassy areas last week are lakes today!! Amazing!!
12 Days to Christmas (But who's counting!) and we're both ready for a break. Day off on Monday...last one....then into the home stretch. The last few days have been slow but business has picked up today and will probably really pick up next week.
What we are experiencing is the tail end of the weather systems currently pounding the whole continent. We had fairy cold temps (Sub-arctic for Fresnans!) for a few days and then the rain started.
We finally figured out what the big fenced in depressions are that we thought were parks...well, they are parks...sort of. When it rains somehow the excess water is funneled into them. In short, what had been ball diamonds and large grassy areas last week are lakes today!! Amazing!!
12 Days to Christmas (But who's counting!) and we're both ready for a break. Day off on Monday...last one....then into the home stretch. The last few days have been slow but business has picked up today and will probably really pick up next week.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Random Fresno Thoughts
While I have the time and the computer (!) I thought I would record some random observations of our temporary home in Fresno now that we have been here over a month.
Fresno was settled as an agricultural center largely by Armenians escaping oppression in their home country. The flat and arable lands of the San Joaquin Valley offered fabulous opportunities.
There is all kinds of details of the Wikipedia page here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fresno,_California#Armenian_population
Now the metropolitan area (This includes the conjoined city of Clovis) is over 1 million making the 36th largest city in the US and the commercial hub of the central valley.
You don't have to drive very far out of town to see just how important agriculture remains. There's lots of farming going on. Principal products are grapes either for wine or raisins. But there are also almonds, olives, pomegranates, all of which have their roots in the original Armenian settlers. There used to be lots of figs but more about that later.
As an agricultural area, the whole town is laid out in sections. And, of course, it's also flat so consequently the main part of the city is like a grid with main streets all a quarter of a mile apart and very straight. Very much like Richmond BC for those of you who might have been there. It's really easy to find your way around most of the city!!
Which brings me to the drivers. They aren't as bad as San Jose. There are fewer massive SUVs and Hummers quite a few more Priuses (Priii?) and more reasonable size cars. Unfortunately there are still a large number of drivers who race from stop light to stop light, flooring it as soon as the light turns green then slamming on the brakes when the next light turns red before they get there. Guess they haven't figured out what that does for their fuel economy not to mention the maintenance issues.
And, even though talking (or texting) on a cell phone while driving was outlawed over a year ago it is still rampant and really, really scary!
There are a number of defined neighborhoods but the most interesting is the one known as Fig Garden and, you guessed it, it was originally fig farms...now luxurious homes. The main drag through Fig Garden is Van Ness Avenue and every Christmas for 87 years the residents have produced "Christmas Tree Lane" along their special street. It's just spectacular....lights everywhere. We drove it the second night it was open...amazing just doens't cover it!! There's loads more about "Christmas Tree Lane" here:
http://www.oldfig.org/about/christmastreelane.html
Right in the heart of the Fig Garden area is a VERY upscale shopping center called Fig Garden Village. The shops include some fairly basic stuff like Whole Foods and CVS but also some really upscale clothing and accessory stores like Williams Sonoma...but it's fun to window shop...I intend to check out the cigar shop when Santa isn't looking!!
The population of Fresno is very largely Hispanic. There are times in stores and the malls when I have trouble remembering that I'm not in Mexico!! The up side of that is that every corner has at least one Mexican restaurant. Everything from mom and pop taquerias to fairly upscale dining rooms. Costco here sells really acceptable tamales!
On our first few days here we discovered El Pescador. It is on Blackstone which is one of the main North/South thoroughfares quite near Fashion Fair the mall Santa Ross is at. It is run by two brothers (and it appears a whole raft of the rest of the family) and has quickly become one of our favorites. Here's their website but a warning! It will make you hungry!!
http://www.restaurant.com/microsite-menu-image.asp?pgn=gcp&rid=360095&mcn=&eb=False&nav=menuimage
Just to add to the fun of driving around Fresno are the multiple train tracks that bisect the city. There are over and under passes in many places but also lots of good old fashioned grade crossings. Since these lines are major north-south links for the whole west coast there's LOTS of traffic!! And bless their little diesel-fueled hearts they run all night and so do their horns! Even though we are probably at least a mile from the nearest right-of-way (and there's a major freeway inbetween that we DON'T hear!!) we have been awakened more than once in the middle of the night!!
Everyone here seems oblivious to the racket, the trains after all were here long before the people!! But some of the houses (and the gym I go to) are so close to the tracks that it's a miracle they sleep at all!!
Discovered that the major cemeteries for Fresno are just south of us. Every religion and some ethnic groups are all represented with their own final resting places. Some look really old so I intend to go explore sometime.
The City of Fresno is dotted with a large number of parks but many are fenced in completely with no visible gates! Some appear to be part of some sort of drainage or water storage system
but many are clearly parks but not open to the public. We suspect that this may be a cost-cutting situation but it is kinda strange.
There are two really large parks, Woodward Park on the north side of town and Roeding Park just about a mile from us. These are also fenced but you can get in for a fee!! Roeding Park contains the Chaffee Zoo which dedicated readers will remember that we checked out on our first visit here in February.
The Zoo has a Christmas light display which we plan to check out but probably not until Ross has some time off and when Marg is here.
We have both been totally blown away by how 'small town' Fresno feels. Everyone is so friendly. Even in the short time we've been here there are stores where they know us when we go in. And even businesses that we go into for the first time are so welcoming and helpful...it's very pleasant!!
Even the staff at the Post Office (often derided for being the surliest of public employees!) are so friendly and helpful....have good senses of humor and seem to be genuinely friendly. We can think of several places back home who could benefit by some exposure to what customer service should be!!
There's probably many more things to comment on but they will have to wait for the next installment!!
Fresno was settled as an agricultural center largely by Armenians escaping oppression in their home country. The flat and arable lands of the San Joaquin Valley offered fabulous opportunities.
There is all kinds of details of the Wikipedia page here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fresno,_California#Armenian_population
Now the metropolitan area (This includes the conjoined city of Clovis) is over 1 million making the 36th largest city in the US and the commercial hub of the central valley.
You don't have to drive very far out of town to see just how important agriculture remains. There's lots of farming going on. Principal products are grapes either for wine or raisins. But there are also almonds, olives, pomegranates, all of which have their roots in the original Armenian settlers. There used to be lots of figs but more about that later.
As an agricultural area, the whole town is laid out in sections. And, of course, it's also flat so consequently the main part of the city is like a grid with main streets all a quarter of a mile apart and very straight. Very much like Richmond BC for those of you who might have been there. It's really easy to find your way around most of the city!!
Which brings me to the drivers. They aren't as bad as San Jose. There are fewer massive SUVs and Hummers quite a few more Priuses (Priii?) and more reasonable size cars. Unfortunately there are still a large number of drivers who race from stop light to stop light, flooring it as soon as the light turns green then slamming on the brakes when the next light turns red before they get there. Guess they haven't figured out what that does for their fuel economy not to mention the maintenance issues.
And, even though talking (or texting) on a cell phone while driving was outlawed over a year ago it is still rampant and really, really scary!
There are a number of defined neighborhoods but the most interesting is the one known as Fig Garden and, you guessed it, it was originally fig farms...now luxurious homes. The main drag through Fig Garden is Van Ness Avenue and every Christmas for 87 years the residents have produced "Christmas Tree Lane" along their special street. It's just spectacular....lights everywhere. We drove it the second night it was open...amazing just doens't cover it!! There's loads more about "Christmas Tree Lane" here:
http://www.oldfig.org/about/christmastreelane.html
Right in the heart of the Fig Garden area is a VERY upscale shopping center called Fig Garden Village. The shops include some fairly basic stuff like Whole Foods and CVS but also some really upscale clothing and accessory stores like Williams Sonoma...but it's fun to window shop...I intend to check out the cigar shop when Santa isn't looking!!
The population of Fresno is very largely Hispanic. There are times in stores and the malls when I have trouble remembering that I'm not in Mexico!! The up side of that is that every corner has at least one Mexican restaurant. Everything from mom and pop taquerias to fairly upscale dining rooms. Costco here sells really acceptable tamales!
On our first few days here we discovered El Pescador. It is on Blackstone which is one of the main North/South thoroughfares quite near Fashion Fair the mall Santa Ross is at. It is run by two brothers (and it appears a whole raft of the rest of the family) and has quickly become one of our favorites. Here's their website but a warning! It will make you hungry!!
http://www.restaurant.com/microsite-menu-image.asp?pgn=gcp&rid=360095&mcn=&eb=False&nav=menuimage
Just to add to the fun of driving around Fresno are the multiple train tracks that bisect the city. There are over and under passes in many places but also lots of good old fashioned grade crossings. Since these lines are major north-south links for the whole west coast there's LOTS of traffic!! And bless their little diesel-fueled hearts they run all night and so do their horns! Even though we are probably at least a mile from the nearest right-of-way (and there's a major freeway inbetween that we DON'T hear!!) we have been awakened more than once in the middle of the night!!
Everyone here seems oblivious to the racket, the trains after all were here long before the people!! But some of the houses (and the gym I go to) are so close to the tracks that it's a miracle they sleep at all!!
Discovered that the major cemeteries for Fresno are just south of us. Every religion and some ethnic groups are all represented with their own final resting places. Some look really old so I intend to go explore sometime.
The City of Fresno is dotted with a large number of parks but many are fenced in completely with no visible gates! Some appear to be part of some sort of drainage or water storage system
but many are clearly parks but not open to the public. We suspect that this may be a cost-cutting situation but it is kinda strange.
There are two really large parks, Woodward Park on the north side of town and Roeding Park just about a mile from us. These are also fenced but you can get in for a fee!! Roeding Park contains the Chaffee Zoo which dedicated readers will remember that we checked out on our first visit here in February.
The Zoo has a Christmas light display which we plan to check out but probably not until Ross has some time off and when Marg is here.
We have both been totally blown away by how 'small town' Fresno feels. Everyone is so friendly. Even in the short time we've been here there are stores where they know us when we go in. And even businesses that we go into for the first time are so welcoming and helpful...it's very pleasant!!
Even the staff at the Post Office (often derided for being the surliest of public employees!) are so friendly and helpful....have good senses of humor and seem to be genuinely friendly. We can think of several places back home who could benefit by some exposure to what customer service should be!!
There's probably many more things to comment on but they will have to wait for the next installment!!
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Tuba or not Tuba! That is the question!!!
I (the Wrangler) had some time today and heard that Manchester Center was hosting Tuba Christmas and decided to check it out.
Now, I had heard of Tuba Christmas but had no idea it was as big a production. It is hard to imagine about one hundred tubas all playing Christmas carols but that's exactly what it was. They were crammed into the mezzanine of the shopping center playing their hearts (and lungs! ) out....it was amazing.
There is a whole organization (copyrighted of course!) overseeing this whole Tuba Christmas thing and you can't just set up your own you must register with them.
There's loads more details here: http://www.tubachristmas.com/whatis.htm You may also be able to find out if there is a Tuba Christmas in your neck of the woods....there's one in Penticton!!
It only lasted about a half hour (though they do the show twice) and that was probably enough of the bass cleft...and it was lunch time so the rumbling of my stomach and the vibration of the tubas wasn't a great combination! But it was still a hoot!!
Now, I had heard of Tuba Christmas but had no idea it was as big a production. It is hard to imagine about one hundred tubas all playing Christmas carols but that's exactly what it was. They were crammed into the mezzanine of the shopping center playing their hearts (and lungs! ) out....it was amazing.
There is a whole organization (copyrighted of course!) overseeing this whole Tuba Christmas thing and you can't just set up your own you must register with them.
There's loads more details here: http://www.tubachristmas.com/whatis.htm You may also be able to find out if there is a Tuba Christmas in your neck of the woods....there's one in Penticton!!
It only lasted about a half hour (though they do the show twice) and that was probably enough of the bass cleft...and it was lunch time so the rumbling of my stomach and the vibration of the tubas wasn't a great combination! But it was still a hoot!!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Monday, November 30, 2009
Santa and his helpers
YIKES!! Santa has a fan club/clique/bunch of groupies...............AAARRRRRHHHHHH!!!
The Fresno Mobile Home Park has many residents who have, for whatever reason (unemployment, bankruptcy, family disturbances), opted to live in a trailer. Usually these people are retired and this is a good way to conserve the little money they have. BUT there are also a large portion of people who have children. These children are school age or younger and it seems like having Santa join them in the park is the biggest highlight of their young lives.
As Ed and I were stringing lights around the awning and doorway of the motor home and winding (endlessly) lights around the tree outside our spot a group of 6 - 8 year olds descended on us. They all knew I was Santa and wanted to know a little about the big guy - Where do you live? Where are the reindeer? Where is Mrs. Claus? Why are you here? Are you the real Santa? What do elves eat? What are you doing? etc, etc, etc
All the while I was winding lights around the tree trunk they had endless questions. And they found others to "come and see Santa". I finally had to tell them I was busy and had to go up to the North Pole for a staff meeting.............so for the record (in case anyone asks):
- Santa is 483 years old
- Ed is Santa's older brother and is older (barely) than Santa
- Mrs. Claus like baking cookies - especially chocolate chip
- Santa and Ed are down in Fresno for a vacation because the elves are busy doing what they do best and the reindeer are in training
- Santa flew down from the North Pole and the reindeer will come and pick him up in time for Christmas Eve
- Santa does not promise anything but will try to get something for everyone.
- Santa's bag always goes with his sleigh
And so on and so forth.
We finally got the lights strung and they still followed me around, so therefore the ruse about the staff meeting. Thank goodness I go to work tomorrow.
Funny exchange with one of them:
"Hey, Santa do you get a day off work?"
"Yes, it's today"
"Huh?"
"Yup, and guess what I am doing?"
"Working?
"Yup, I think I am going to have a long talk with my elves!"
"Yeah, you better.........you need a real day off!"
Talk to everyone soon.
The Fresno Mobile Home Park has many residents who have, for whatever reason (unemployment, bankruptcy, family disturbances), opted to live in a trailer. Usually these people are retired and this is a good way to conserve the little money they have. BUT there are also a large portion of people who have children. These children are school age or younger and it seems like having Santa join them in the park is the biggest highlight of their young lives.
As Ed and I were stringing lights around the awning and doorway of the motor home and winding (endlessly) lights around the tree outside our spot a group of 6 - 8 year olds descended on us. They all knew I was Santa and wanted to know a little about the big guy - Where do you live? Where are the reindeer? Where is Mrs. Claus? Why are you here? Are you the real Santa? What do elves eat? What are you doing? etc, etc, etc
All the while I was winding lights around the tree trunk they had endless questions. And they found others to "come and see Santa". I finally had to tell them I was busy and had to go up to the North Pole for a staff meeting.............so for the record (in case anyone asks):
- Santa is 483 years old
- Ed is Santa's older brother and is older (barely) than Santa
- Mrs. Claus like baking cookies - especially chocolate chip
- Santa and Ed are down in Fresno for a vacation because the elves are busy doing what they do best and the reindeer are in training
- Santa flew down from the North Pole and the reindeer will come and pick him up in time for Christmas Eve
- Santa does not promise anything but will try to get something for everyone.
- Santa's bag always goes with his sleigh
And so on and so forth.
We finally got the lights strung and they still followed me around, so therefore the ruse about the staff meeting. Thank goodness I go to work tomorrow.
Funny exchange with one of them:
"Hey, Santa do you get a day off work?"
"Yes, it's today"
"Huh?"
"Yup, and guess what I am doing?"
"Working?
"Yup, I think I am going to have a long talk with my elves!"
"Yeah, you better.........you need a real day off!"
Talk to everyone soon.
Wow! Santa had the day off today so we did a bit of running around. Santa had to get his beard whitened which is a great experience with Mike and his partner Bill...Mike wielding the chemicals and Bill and his friend Paul hanging Christmas lights.
There were two phone calls from some of Teacher Marg's adorable kids and a bit of shopping...necessary stuff like phone cards and a new coffee maker!! Then back to the park to string Christmas lights all over the RV and the tree at our front door.
The lights look fabulous but I will let Santa tell you about the 'helpers' he had while the wound the lights around the multi-trunk tree.
There were two phone calls from some of Teacher Marg's adorable kids and a bit of shopping...necessary stuff like phone cards and a new coffee maker!! Then back to the park to string Christmas lights all over the RV and the tree at our front door.
The lights look fabulous but I will let Santa tell you about the 'helpers' he had while the wound the lights around the multi-trunk tree.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Black Friday has come and gone
Well here it is Sunday Nov 29 and we have completed another week here in Fresno. When last we left you we had just returned from the trip to Yosemite Nat'l Park. The next day was Friday - Black Friday - and I was kind of anxious about it. You have all heard about the crowds on that auspicious day, some even trampling people in an effort to get the best deal on various items that they just HAVE to have. So Ed dropped me off at my cave (fairly easily accessible even with the parking lots jammed to overflowing) and I made my entrance as per usual. I had no idea what to expect, so imagine my surprise when the mall traffic wasn't as bad as I expected! Photo places like ours can either be busier than ever on Black Friday or deader than a doornail. I mean why bring your young child to the mall with all those crowds. We were busy all day and the next day too. Seems like we have truly welcomed the Christmas season to Fashion Fair Mall as we were busy today (Sunday) too! People are now ready for Christmas and wanting their pictures with Santa.
There have been a few interesting experiences while on set:
- a mother wanted her child to just speak to Santa that she tried to jump the line and pushed her child in through the exit line - Santa was none too pleased about that and she left rather upset.
- 2 young girls only wanted their father to return home. Santa thought he may be overseas or away on business - NOPE! - He is in prison and won't be released for at least 5 years. That was difficult to deal with.
- a couple of chatterboxes that had multiple question about everything - reindeer, elf feeding habits, location of sleigh, reason Santa lives at the North Pole, what is Mrs. Claus doing, reason for not being able to see reindeer/elves/etc. And then there are the strong stoic types - nothing will get them to smile, move easily, or even speak.
- we have had many requests for anything electronic (iPod, iPod touch, XBox, etc), anything Barbie or Bratz dolls, and strangely a lot of requests for the Monster Dump Truck.
- many of our children are Hispanic - some speak some English, most don't. Santa does not speak Spanish so he asks lots of questions which remain unanswered for the most part. The only thing most of them understand is "candy".
- a couple of kids wanting only candy for Christmas. One young lad wanted candy, Santa asked what else he would like, he answered more candy, Santa asked if he wanted a toy like a truck, he answered "Yes, for more candy" - One track mind.
- some of the older teenagers have nothing they need so have been interested in being a secret Santa.
- and then there are the screamers -some we can get distracted enough to stop crying, others where it is a lost cause and we just take the picture anyway (parents can use these pics in later years for emotional blackmail). One young lad today decided he REALLY didn't want to speak or sit anywhere near Santa so threw a temper tantrum right in front of Santa's chair. Mom and I had a lovely chat while he had his little hissy fit.
-some families (one as large as 12), some groups of teens/seniors/women/college students wanting to sit on Santa's lap. One great grandmother brought all four generations for a photo.
Crew and Santa are working well together and many a time we have been able to turn a "just visiting" into a paid photo - sometimes with the whole family (who usually buy plenty of prints). We have also been rather successful in getting pics of children smiling with Santa. It may require work for all the crew (one on camera waiting for that perfect shot, one working with the troublesome child trying to get them to smile/laugh/giggle, and the other working the printers/manning the door/crowd control. It feels great when we can turn an umpleasant adventure for parents of unruly children into a cherished moment for years to come. We have also made goal for most days (I think we have only missed one day) and have been told we are 28% over last year at this time.
This company uses last year's daily total plus 8% as this year's goal. So if they had a great day last year, it may be difficult to make goal this year. But there is incentive for the crew - a bonus is given weekly to the crew with the highest overall average percentage over goal. It's something to work for!!
Most days I am so tired after work that we go home, I check my email, eat supper, and go to bed. And now the daily hours are extended (Mu to Sa - 10AM to 8PM; Su - 11AM to 7PM). We are having a bit of trouble with our candy canes. Even though they are triple boxed and wrapped in bubble wrap we are finding about 25% breakage - anyone know of some good recipes for using broken candy canes...........other than the incredibly good Jo-Jos from Trader Joes. The Oreo like cookies have an awesome cream centre - peppermint with finely chopped candy canes - YUUMMM!
Had our usual Sunday supper at this tiny Mexican place Ed found when we first got here. They have only been open since May but make some dynamite meals - all seafood. I usually get something with shrimp in it but tonight got talked into having the mahi platter. Very nice. They grill a piece of mahi then while it is being grilled cover it with a lid to steam it at the same time. Ed had a shirmp dish that was yummy as well.
Dogs are both adapting well and have got a routine. When Ed brings my lunch or coffee he always parks just outside the door to the cave. When Mojo hears my bells he races to me then back to the car. Teddy just gets out of the car and waits for me to come to pat him - seniority has its priviledges!
Still have a youthful following here in the park. Most of the children know I am Santa and all call me by that name. One young girl has taken to just coming over to the motor home, sticking her head in through the latch cover in the screen door (or knocking on the outside door) and asking if Santa is here. Ed usually has to tell her that I am at work and she goes back home.
Should get to bed as tomorrow I have two phone interviews, a beard bleaching, and some shopping to do!!!!
Take care and give yourselves a big hug from us.
There have been a few interesting experiences while on set:
- a mother wanted her child to just speak to Santa that she tried to jump the line and pushed her child in through the exit line - Santa was none too pleased about that and she left rather upset.
- 2 young girls only wanted their father to return home. Santa thought he may be overseas or away on business - NOPE! - He is in prison and won't be released for at least 5 years. That was difficult to deal with.
- a couple of chatterboxes that had multiple question about everything - reindeer, elf feeding habits, location of sleigh, reason Santa lives at the North Pole, what is Mrs. Claus doing, reason for not being able to see reindeer/elves/etc. And then there are the strong stoic types - nothing will get them to smile, move easily, or even speak.
- we have had many requests for anything electronic (iPod, iPod touch, XBox, etc), anything Barbie or Bratz dolls, and strangely a lot of requests for the Monster Dump Truck.
- many of our children are Hispanic - some speak some English, most don't. Santa does not speak Spanish so he asks lots of questions which remain unanswered for the most part. The only thing most of them understand is "candy".
- a couple of kids wanting only candy for Christmas. One young lad wanted candy, Santa asked what else he would like, he answered more candy, Santa asked if he wanted a toy like a truck, he answered "Yes, for more candy" - One track mind.
- some of the older teenagers have nothing they need so have been interested in being a secret Santa.
- and then there are the screamers -some we can get distracted enough to stop crying, others where it is a lost cause and we just take the picture anyway (parents can use these pics in later years for emotional blackmail). One young lad today decided he REALLY didn't want to speak or sit anywhere near Santa so threw a temper tantrum right in front of Santa's chair. Mom and I had a lovely chat while he had his little hissy fit.
-some families (one as large as 12), some groups of teens/seniors/women/college students wanting to sit on Santa's lap. One great grandmother brought all four generations for a photo.
Crew and Santa are working well together and many a time we have been able to turn a "just visiting" into a paid photo - sometimes with the whole family (who usually buy plenty of prints). We have also been rather successful in getting pics of children smiling with Santa. It may require work for all the crew (one on camera waiting for that perfect shot, one working with the troublesome child trying to get them to smile/laugh/giggle, and the other working the printers/manning the door/crowd control. It feels great when we can turn an umpleasant adventure for parents of unruly children into a cherished moment for years to come. We have also made goal for most days (I think we have only missed one day) and have been told we are 28% over last year at this time.
This company uses last year's daily total plus 8% as this year's goal. So if they had a great day last year, it may be difficult to make goal this year. But there is incentive for the crew - a bonus is given weekly to the crew with the highest overall average percentage over goal. It's something to work for!!
Most days I am so tired after work that we go home, I check my email, eat supper, and go to bed. And now the daily hours are extended (Mu to Sa - 10AM to 8PM; Su - 11AM to 7PM). We are having a bit of trouble with our candy canes. Even though they are triple boxed and wrapped in bubble wrap we are finding about 25% breakage - anyone know of some good recipes for using broken candy canes...........other than the incredibly good Jo-Jos from Trader Joes. The Oreo like cookies have an awesome cream centre - peppermint with finely chopped candy canes - YUUMMM!
Had our usual Sunday supper at this tiny Mexican place Ed found when we first got here. They have only been open since May but make some dynamite meals - all seafood. I usually get something with shrimp in it but tonight got talked into having the mahi platter. Very nice. They grill a piece of mahi then while it is being grilled cover it with a lid to steam it at the same time. Ed had a shirmp dish that was yummy as well.
Dogs are both adapting well and have got a routine. When Ed brings my lunch or coffee he always parks just outside the door to the cave. When Mojo hears my bells he races to me then back to the car. Teddy just gets out of the car and waits for me to come to pat him - seniority has its priviledges!
Still have a youthful following here in the park. Most of the children know I am Santa and all call me by that name. One young girl has taken to just coming over to the motor home, sticking her head in through the latch cover in the screen door (or knocking on the outside door) and asking if Santa is here. Ed usually has to tell her that I am at work and she goes back home.
Should get to bed as tomorrow I have two phone interviews, a beard bleaching, and some shopping to do!!!!
Take care and give yourselves a big hug from us.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Thanksgiving Day 2009
Happy Turkey Day!!
What a great day! Beautiful sun, pancakes and bacon while we watch the Macy's parade live from New York, a bit of the Westminster Dog show then off for a drive in the sunshine.
We drove all the way to Yosemite, partly on the back roads...the 'scenic route' it was lovely and not a far as we originally thought.
When we finally arrived at the park gates (not surprisingly) the 'toll booth' was closed so we made ourselves right at home. When we reached the Mariposa Grove (of Giant Sequoias) we were quite shocked to discover that it was a zoo. There was not a parking space to be had so we ended up in the 'commercial bus' parking area....feeling rather certain that there wouldn't be any buses today.
We took the pups for a short walk up into the Sequoias which are breathtaking...or maybe it was the steep path...there are some photos on Flickr and a couple posted below. Then back to the car for the drive out of the park and back to Fresno.
As it was getting late we decided to forgo the trip through to Yosemite Valley and head back the way we came. Much to our surprise, the gates were now manned and the fee being collected....AND there were three buses waiting to get in! Imagine the surprise of the folks parked in the bus area!!
The scenic drive back to Fresno was through Olive, Walnut, pomegranate, persimmon and various other orchards as well as miles and miles of vineyards...beautiful. We sidetracked through Madera sort of looking for the Quady Winery (home of Quady Elysium and Quady Essencia--but more about that later) but our directions were faulty so we never found it.
We decided to try Marie Callendar's to see if they were serving turkey dinner and they were! It was very reasonable, and very tasty...but way more than we needed! We took the pie 'to go' and that will be enjoyed later!!
It's Black Friday tomorrow and the mall actually opens in just over three hours from now!! Santa's hours now switch to 10AM to 8PM so we have to move a little quicker in the morning! I dread the idea of the Black Friday crowds but Santa is sort of looking forward to it!!
It will be interesting to see what happens but in some malls there are few children on BF because of the crowds....sooooo tomorrow will either be really busy for him or very quiet...we will let you know!!
What a great day! Beautiful sun, pancakes and bacon while we watch the Macy's parade live from New York, a bit of the Westminster Dog show then off for a drive in the sunshine.
We drove all the way to Yosemite, partly on the back roads...the 'scenic route' it was lovely and not a far as we originally thought.
When we finally arrived at the park gates (not surprisingly) the 'toll booth' was closed so we made ourselves right at home. When we reached the Mariposa Grove (of Giant Sequoias) we were quite shocked to discover that it was a zoo. There was not a parking space to be had so we ended up in the 'commercial bus' parking area....feeling rather certain that there wouldn't be any buses today.
We took the pups for a short walk up into the Sequoias which are breathtaking...or maybe it was the steep path...there are some photos on Flickr and a couple posted below. Then back to the car for the drive out of the park and back to Fresno.
As it was getting late we decided to forgo the trip through to Yosemite Valley and head back the way we came. Much to our surprise, the gates were now manned and the fee being collected....AND there were three buses waiting to get in! Imagine the surprise of the folks parked in the bus area!!
The scenic drive back to Fresno was through Olive, Walnut, pomegranate, persimmon and various other orchards as well as miles and miles of vineyards...beautiful. We sidetracked through Madera sort of looking for the Quady Winery (home of Quady Elysium and Quady Essencia--but more about that later) but our directions were faulty so we never found it.
We decided to try Marie Callendar's to see if they were serving turkey dinner and they were! It was very reasonable, and very tasty...but way more than we needed! We took the pie 'to go' and that will be enjoyed later!!
It's Black Friday tomorrow and the mall actually opens in just over three hours from now!! Santa's hours now switch to 10AM to 8PM so we have to move a little quicker in the morning! I dread the idea of the Black Friday crowds but Santa is sort of looking forward to it!!
It will be interesting to see what happens but in some malls there are few children on BF because of the crowds....sooooo tomorrow will either be really busy for him or very quiet...we will let you know!!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Day before Turkey Day
This morning started well - lots of kids and all of them good, quiet, and smiling. First break I was on my own as Ed was doing laundry (see previous post), so ate my sandwiches and sat in the cave!! Second set started well - some line ups, but then one young and eager cousin/mother/sister wanted to see the picture just taken and tripped over the electrical cord plugged into the floor outlet. Then there were sparks and crackling, and the smell of burned cord - the camera wouldn't work and the computer attached to the camera went into sleep mode. On closer inspection the outlet was fried and we were NOT going to try to use that one. Thankfully it was close to the break time and the electrical people set up an alternative power source (extension cords all over the place). We got back on track for the start of the third set only to have two of the three printers run out of paper and toner........that slowed things down again.
All in all, everything went well enough.......we were over our goal!!!
We will watch the Macy's Day parade in the morning tomorrow and then see what happens after that - trip or veg or whatever.
All in all, everything went well enough.......we were over our goal!!!
We will watch the Macy's Day parade in the morning tomorrow and then see what happens after that - trip or veg or whatever.
Gloriously sunny day...back into the shorts! Decided to do laundry today so we have all of Thanksgiving Day off tomorrow.
I'm trying to convince Ross that a drive out of Fresno would be a good idea...maybe as far as Yosemite or Sequoia National Parks but I also understand if he just wants to veg!
Unfortunately everyone else in the park had the same idea. Luckily the laundry is right next door so I can write this while I watch the clothes machines do their thing!
We are counting the minutes til we can start putting up Christmas stuff. We are trying really, really hard not to get sucked into the 'earlier is better' mind set!! The Manager (jokingly) told us we weren't allowed to put up our Christmas stuff until she had hers up!! I think she saw the compartment that we have our stuff in and feared she was outclassed! Just to be sure I stopped at Home Depot today and got some more strings of lights and some other bits and pieces.
There is a poor unsuspecting tree in our 'front yard' that is going to be illuminated!!
Once the laundry is done it's off to pick up Santa's dry cleaning then take him coffee. Then off to the gym for my moonlight aquasize class.
Ah, the sweet life of the reindeer wrangler!!
I'm trying to convince Ross that a drive out of Fresno would be a good idea...maybe as far as Yosemite or Sequoia National Parks but I also understand if he just wants to veg!
Unfortunately everyone else in the park had the same idea. Luckily the laundry is right next door so I can write this while I watch the clothes machines do their thing!
We are counting the minutes til we can start putting up Christmas stuff. We are trying really, really hard not to get sucked into the 'earlier is better' mind set!! The Manager (jokingly) told us we weren't allowed to put up our Christmas stuff until she had hers up!! I think she saw the compartment that we have our stuff in and feared she was outclassed! Just to be sure I stopped at Home Depot today and got some more strings of lights and some other bits and pieces.
There is a poor unsuspecting tree in our 'front yard' that is going to be illuminated!!
Once the laundry is done it's off to pick up Santa's dry cleaning then take him coffee. Then off to the gym for my moonlight aquasize class.
Ah, the sweet life of the reindeer wrangler!!
Monday, November 23, 2009
Nov 23 -What Santa does on his day off
Ever wondered what Santa does when he's not in the workshop, training the reindeer, or sitting in a mall????? Well, worry not good readers, here is the answer - he sleeps in until 9AM, sits around the house in his PJs (yes, Santa has red flannel PJs with reindeer dancing all over), and doesn't get breakfast until 11:45AM. Then he does a little more surfing on the web (checking emails and Facebook) and takes one of his suits to the cleaners because one little bugger smudged up the fur with something red and now the bottom hem has a rather large (and very prominent) pink blot right about crotch area - not cool!!!
Then Santa and the Wrangler set out to explore a bit of Fresno - the Christmas Lane neighbourhood. This up scale area is filled with million dollar houses and they string the tree lined lane with lights in the trees, one the houses, and anywhere else lights can be strung. Along with the lighting effects there is also a sound system. This five block street also hosts a walking tour where residents hand out hot apple cider and sing Christmas carols (OH, JOY - more carols - did I tell you the mall has Christmas carols playing ALL THE TIME?? - used to love that music, now I am having a bit of trouble). Should be interesting and it all starts just after Thanksgiving.
After Christmas Lane we stopped at Martins. This store is filled with all manner of Christmas decorations - wreaths, trees, flowers, tinsel, ribbon, ivy, holly, and anything else that is real looking but very fake. Think Michael's but classier. Incredible.
Back home for a sundown drink (Manhattans today) and relax watching TV and having salmon and rice.
Again keep the spirit of Christmas alive in your heart until the next time we meet.
Big Hugs.
Then Santa and the Wrangler set out to explore a bit of Fresno - the Christmas Lane neighbourhood. This up scale area is filled with million dollar houses and they string the tree lined lane with lights in the trees, one the houses, and anywhere else lights can be strung. Along with the lighting effects there is also a sound system. This five block street also hosts a walking tour where residents hand out hot apple cider and sing Christmas carols (OH, JOY - more carols - did I tell you the mall has Christmas carols playing ALL THE TIME?? - used to love that music, now I am having a bit of trouble). Should be interesting and it all starts just after Thanksgiving.
After Christmas Lane we stopped at Martins. This store is filled with all manner of Christmas decorations - wreaths, trees, flowers, tinsel, ribbon, ivy, holly, and anything else that is real looking but very fake. Think Michael's but classier. Incredible.
Back home for a sundown drink (Manhattans today) and relax watching TV and having salmon and rice.
Again keep the spirit of Christmas alive in your heart until the next time we meet.
Big Hugs.
Monday Nov 23 and a day off for Santa
What a week! Great kids, some laughing, some crying, some so terrified they peed their pants (not anywhere near Santa thankfully). Singles, groups, families, and qute a few adult group shots. The youngest has been 2 weeks old, and the oldest was 92 years old (with daughter, grand daughter, and great grand daughter). Lots of pics with babies - sleeping, crying, giggling, bored, and just looking around. Biggest problem so far is getting the camera/computer to consistently talk to the printer/computer. Sometimes I think the electronics take a vacation break and wait for us to find out!! Crew has been great - taking care of Santa (getting water/lemonade, asking how I am doing), letting Santa know the names of children as they come through the door, and also let me know if its a visit or photo shoot.
Ed keeps piling on the mileage as he goes between the motor home park, the mall, and the gym. I must publically thank him for all he has done. He does all the other jobs and lets me concentrate on being the jolly old elf. And he continues to voluntarily walk into the mall even though he can't stand the places. Even has offered to go to other malls to "check out the competition".
And speaking of competition - we have noticed two men watching my entrance on seperate days. Both hung back in the mall concourse, both had the same body shape as I, and both had good white beards.............HMM..........competition checking out what I am doing. Interestingly enough, both 'visits' happened just after my picture was in the local paper!!! Third page, big as life - check out the link posted a couple of days ago by Ed.
Have found a great Mexican place (seafood - shirmp, mahi-mahi, tuna), a pretty good B-B-Q place (not bad, but not as great as in Texas - home of barbeque), hamburger joints (only tried it once but In-N-Out is pretty good), and there are lots more to choose from. Every corner has at least one Mexican restaurant - makes sense as there are a huge number of Hispanics here. Plenty of Spanish being spoken (even to Santa who does not speak the language very well).
Ed has found cheap gas (Costco), cheap booze (BevMo), and great grocery shopping (Von's which is really a Safeway in different clothing). We had to find a seamtress as a bit of my fur started coming away from the velvet (some young thing squirmed a bit to hard and pulled the suit), and then the next day another little one somehow got my suit soiled so I have a small bright pink spot on the fur so will have to find a good dry cleaners.
Have been getting everyone coming to see Santa to sanitize hands and most children have no problem with that. Parents see this, think for a minute, and then understand completely as their child gives me a hug or fingers the beard/suit/gloves.
The 'replacement' Santa is working out well - gives me a day off (rare in Santa circles)!! Also allows me a day to get things done (beard whitened, shopping, dry cleaning, etc).
As it is almost noon and I am still in PJs (red flannel with reindeer - would Santa wear anything else?) and hungry because we haven't even had breakfast yet, I should go and start the day!!
Believe in the spirit of Christmas.
Santa Ross
Ed keeps piling on the mileage as he goes between the motor home park, the mall, and the gym. I must publically thank him for all he has done. He does all the other jobs and lets me concentrate on being the jolly old elf. And he continues to voluntarily walk into the mall even though he can't stand the places. Even has offered to go to other malls to "check out the competition".
And speaking of competition - we have noticed two men watching my entrance on seperate days. Both hung back in the mall concourse, both had the same body shape as I, and both had good white beards.............HMM..........competition checking out what I am doing. Interestingly enough, both 'visits' happened just after my picture was in the local paper!!! Third page, big as life - check out the link posted a couple of days ago by Ed.
Have found a great Mexican place (seafood - shirmp, mahi-mahi, tuna), a pretty good B-B-Q place (not bad, but not as great as in Texas - home of barbeque), hamburger joints (only tried it once but In-N-Out is pretty good), and there are lots more to choose from. Every corner has at least one Mexican restaurant - makes sense as there are a huge number of Hispanics here. Plenty of Spanish being spoken (even to Santa who does not speak the language very well).
Ed has found cheap gas (Costco), cheap booze (BevMo), and great grocery shopping (Von's which is really a Safeway in different clothing). We had to find a seamtress as a bit of my fur started coming away from the velvet (some young thing squirmed a bit to hard and pulled the suit), and then the next day another little one somehow got my suit soiled so I have a small bright pink spot on the fur so will have to find a good dry cleaners.
Have been getting everyone coming to see Santa to sanitize hands and most children have no problem with that. Parents see this, think for a minute, and then understand completely as their child gives me a hug or fingers the beard/suit/gloves.
The 'replacement' Santa is working out well - gives me a day off (rare in Santa circles)!! Also allows me a day to get things done (beard whitened, shopping, dry cleaning, etc).
As it is almost noon and I am still in PJs (red flannel with reindeer - would Santa wear anything else?) and hungry because we haven't even had breakfast yet, I should go and start the day!!
Believe in the spirit of Christmas.
Santa Ross
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Saturday
We spent the morning watching our 'across the street' neighbors pack up their unbelievable amount of stuff before heading back to Texas. He is a specialized RN who was working here on contract but had every toy you can imagine that someone living in a motorhome could have, boat, kayak, bicycles, etc. etc.
They weren't out of the park yet when the maintenance crew were on their site pruning, edging and mowing...they had been there for several months and it needed a trim!!
By this time of course, Ross was off to the mall and I was just getting used to the open space across the street and watching the painters paint the trailer next door...two tones, Wedgewood blue and white....when a gentleman knocked on our door.
Turns out he lives in one of the huge motorhomes up the street a ways....from Texas, natch! He is here working on a huge natural gas storage facility somewhere nearby. According to him this is a huge project and will attract workers from all over the country who will all be looking for places to park RVs.
Anyway he wanted to know if we could move our car because one of his team was arriving and was checking into the spot across the street from us!! So much for the open space!
He and his wife are 'full timers' that is, they live year around in their motorhome and don't even own a house anymore. Though he indicated that at age 70 this is probably his last big project and now that his wife has fully recovered from her kidney transplant he feels that it's time to settle down!!
The remainder of my 'break' before I had to get coffee to Santa at the mall was taken up with a lovely long chat with my daughter Carolyn who is currently in Fredericksburg TX with her maternal Grandmother who has just lost her sister.
After that I had a brief chat with the manager of our park...and I asked her about an ad for an RV repair service that is posted in our laundry room. "Oh, don't call him, he's useless....I meant to take that ad down!!"
She asked what needed repair......so I showed her....I was trying to open the awning a few days ago when one of the brackets literally pulled right out of the side of the RV. This left the support arm of the awning dangling in the breeze...rendering the whole machine un-driveable!!
Oh, says Kathy, there are a couple of guys here in the park who work on RVs....I'll go find one of them. Ten minutes later she returns with Shane who looked at the dangling arm and knew right away what needed to be done. "I'll be back in ten minutes" and he was! With tools and parts in hand.
Turns out he's 'between jobs' right now so he is going to do a couple of other projects for us...after all the beast is five years old and it's got all kinds of things that need attention.
Tomorrow is Ross' short day 'almost like a day off' only noon to 6PM...wheee...then Monday is a real day off. So we will have to see what trouble we can get into!!
They weren't out of the park yet when the maintenance crew were on their site pruning, edging and mowing...they had been there for several months and it needed a trim!!
By this time of course, Ross was off to the mall and I was just getting used to the open space across the street and watching the painters paint the trailer next door...two tones, Wedgewood blue and white....when a gentleman knocked on our door.
Turns out he lives in one of the huge motorhomes up the street a ways....from Texas, natch! He is here working on a huge natural gas storage facility somewhere nearby. According to him this is a huge project and will attract workers from all over the country who will all be looking for places to park RVs.
Anyway he wanted to know if we could move our car because one of his team was arriving and was checking into the spot across the street from us!! So much for the open space!
He and his wife are 'full timers' that is, they live year around in their motorhome and don't even own a house anymore. Though he indicated that at age 70 this is probably his last big project and now that his wife has fully recovered from her kidney transplant he feels that it's time to settle down!!
The remainder of my 'break' before I had to get coffee to Santa at the mall was taken up with a lovely long chat with my daughter Carolyn who is currently in Fredericksburg TX with her maternal Grandmother who has just lost her sister.
After that I had a brief chat with the manager of our park...and I asked her about an ad for an RV repair service that is posted in our laundry room. "Oh, don't call him, he's useless....I meant to take that ad down!!"
She asked what needed repair......so I showed her....I was trying to open the awning a few days ago when one of the brackets literally pulled right out of the side of the RV. This left the support arm of the awning dangling in the breeze...rendering the whole machine un-driveable!!
Oh, says Kathy, there are a couple of guys here in the park who work on RVs....I'll go find one of them. Ten minutes later she returns with Shane who looked at the dangling arm and knew right away what needed to be done. "I'll be back in ten minutes" and he was! With tools and parts in hand.
Turns out he's 'between jobs' right now so he is going to do a couple of other projects for us...after all the beast is five years old and it's got all kinds of things that need attention.
Tomorrow is Ross' short day 'almost like a day off' only noon to 6PM...wheee...then Monday is a real day off. So we will have to see what trouble we can get into!!
Santa makes the news!!
Page A3 in November 21, 2009 issue of The Fresno Bee you may recognize someone here!!
So long that you can braid it!!
So, Ross keeps saying that his beard is so long that he could braid it...well, you should always believe Santa! Last night while relaxing in front of the television he proved himself right! Here's the proof!!
Friday, November 20, 2009
830 hours and counting down!
Traffic at the Santa set has picked up quite a bit and people are obviously are feeling much more confidence than last year. Lots of good children, lots of interesting requests, and we are still having fun!!
My day as I see it - I leave my hovel (AKA "the cave") walk across the back shipping yard (dodging UPS, FedEx, and other delivery trucks) and enter the back walkway. This is where all deliveries go, where employees enter and leave their work place, and where I stand and wait for an escort to bring me through the throngs of people and onto the set. Why I need an escort I have no idea, but I have been escorted both in San Jose and here in Fresno for every entrance and exit. Not that the escorts are anything large or threatening - in fact some of my escorts are smaller than I am!! Anyway, I finally get to the set and settle into the chair. They take a few pics of me to test the camera and other equipment and then open the door for visitors. And the party is on - kids come in, see me and either scream and run away or tackle me at the knees, then we try and get three pics with them looking at the camera......and smiling, they let me know what they want for Christmas and then they leave with a candy cane. Speaking of candy canes - we almost ran out of the little curved sweet a couple of days ago..........thankfully management came through with another 2000 canes and we are good to go. So after a few hours of ringing my handbells (and driving most of the retailers and my crew nuts with the sound - not to mention becoming deaf myself) its time to leave the set with my escort and return to my hovel for lunch or coffee with Ed and the dogs. Two breaks of 45 minutes each (except on Sunday - our short day - where we only get one break of 30 minutes) makes for a long day.
We are all looking forward to Thanksgiving and Black Friday the next day - NOT!!! For those of you who have only heard about Black Friday here is a rundown of things to happen. Following a great rest day of watching football games and eating turkey on Thanksgiving (Thursday) everyone gets ready to take on the world and go shopping at the nearest mall for the best prices of the year. TVs for $200 (or less), computers for next to nothing, clothes/jewelry/games/etc are all on sale and most malls open early with huge savings for the early bird. The mall here in Fresno plans on opening at midnight.....thankfully I do not have to be there until 10AM!! Most of the crew will be given a couple of hours off to go shopping. This does not apply to Santa dammitt! Needless to say, Black Friday (so named for the day when all retailers try and make enough money that their bottom line goes from red to black) is not for the weak hearted. Malls are usually crowded beyond belief and there have been people actually trampled to death as doors open. Fights are common and tempers are short. Should be a great time!!!!
Ed has been shopping a bit and here's what he has found. Costco is a great place for all the usual things but you know that they also carry tamales (actually quite good)..........and cheap beer!!!!! I knew we kept our Costco membership current for a reason!
There will be a new (and different) picuture posted tomorrow - something to look forward to!!!!
Take care
My day as I see it - I leave my hovel (AKA "the cave") walk across the back shipping yard (dodging UPS, FedEx, and other delivery trucks) and enter the back walkway. This is where all deliveries go, where employees enter and leave their work place, and where I stand and wait for an escort to bring me through the throngs of people and onto the set. Why I need an escort I have no idea, but I have been escorted both in San Jose and here in Fresno for every entrance and exit. Not that the escorts are anything large or threatening - in fact some of my escorts are smaller than I am!! Anyway, I finally get to the set and settle into the chair. They take a few pics of me to test the camera and other equipment and then open the door for visitors. And the party is on - kids come in, see me and either scream and run away or tackle me at the knees, then we try and get three pics with them looking at the camera......and smiling, they let me know what they want for Christmas and then they leave with a candy cane. Speaking of candy canes - we almost ran out of the little curved sweet a couple of days ago..........thankfully management came through with another 2000 canes and we are good to go. So after a few hours of ringing my handbells (and driving most of the retailers and my crew nuts with the sound - not to mention becoming deaf myself) its time to leave the set with my escort and return to my hovel for lunch or coffee with Ed and the dogs. Two breaks of 45 minutes each (except on Sunday - our short day - where we only get one break of 30 minutes) makes for a long day.
We are all looking forward to Thanksgiving and Black Friday the next day - NOT!!! For those of you who have only heard about Black Friday here is a rundown of things to happen. Following a great rest day of watching football games and eating turkey on Thanksgiving (Thursday) everyone gets ready to take on the world and go shopping at the nearest mall for the best prices of the year. TVs for $200 (or less), computers for next to nothing, clothes/jewelry/games/etc are all on sale and most malls open early with huge savings for the early bird. The mall here in Fresno plans on opening at midnight.....thankfully I do not have to be there until 10AM!! Most of the crew will be given a couple of hours off to go shopping. This does not apply to Santa dammitt! Needless to say, Black Friday (so named for the day when all retailers try and make enough money that their bottom line goes from red to black) is not for the weak hearted. Malls are usually crowded beyond belief and there have been people actually trampled to death as doors open. Fights are common and tempers are short. Should be a great time!!!!
Ed has been shopping a bit and here's what he has found. Costco is a great place for all the usual things but you know that they also carry tamales (actually quite good)..........and cheap beer!!!!! I knew we kept our Costco membership current for a reason!
There will be a new (and different) picuture posted tomorrow - something to look forward to!!!!
Take care
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Kids say the darnest things
So I am sitting in Santa's chair talking with all the good girls and boys today when a young man and his mother came through the door. He was smiling and laughing, then raced to me to give me a hug. I bent down to place him on my lap and the following conversation ensued:
Santa: Well, have you been a good boy this year?
Child: (loudly) Yes...........I'm free
Mother: Actually he's just about four
Child: No, I'm not, I'm free.
Santa: So, what can Santa bring to you this Christmas?
Child: (loudly) Candy!
Santa: (laughing) Well, would you like anything else other than candy?
Child: Yeah!!
Santa: What would you like other than candy?
Child: More candy!!
Santa: How about some toys?
Child: Yeah
Santa: How about some cars or a truck?
Child: A choo-choo!
Santa: A train? You want a train?
Child: Yeah, to get more candy!!
Well that ended that visit!! I laughed for 5 minutes!!
Lots of children and we have made most of our goals that corporate office has set. Still a great job - where else can you look into a child's eyes and see their absolute belief in Santa? Ed is piling on the mileage driving between the mall, the gym, and the motor home.
Weather was overcast today and cooler but the sun did poke out this afternoon (as if I could take advantage of it!). Might rain tomorrow but then the sun comes back out for the next 5 days. Cooler than I expected but by looking at what people are wearing you would think the next ice age was coming - parkas, toques (or stocking caps as they are known here), even mittens and scarves.
Dogs are getting some exercise but also getting bored going from the motor home to the car, then waiting for what seems ever, then out for a pee, back in the car, and back to the motor home. Ed continues to go to the gym most days taking either an aquasize class or a zumba class (aerobics meets salsa with some yoga thrown in for good measure) and we think he is losing some weight.
Hope all is well with everyone. Take care
Santa: Well, have you been a good boy this year?
Child: (loudly) Yes...........I'm free
Mother: Actually he's just about four
Child: No, I'm not, I'm free.
Santa: So, what can Santa bring to you this Christmas?
Child: (loudly) Candy!
Santa: (laughing) Well, would you like anything else other than candy?
Child: Yeah!!
Santa: What would you like other than candy?
Child: More candy!!
Santa: How about some toys?
Child: Yeah
Santa: How about some cars or a truck?
Child: A choo-choo!
Santa: A train? You want a train?
Child: Yeah, to get more candy!!
Well that ended that visit!! I laughed for 5 minutes!!
Lots of children and we have made most of our goals that corporate office has set. Still a great job - where else can you look into a child's eyes and see their absolute belief in Santa? Ed is piling on the mileage driving between the mall, the gym, and the motor home.
Weather was overcast today and cooler but the sun did poke out this afternoon (as if I could take advantage of it!). Might rain tomorrow but then the sun comes back out for the next 5 days. Cooler than I expected but by looking at what people are wearing you would think the next ice age was coming - parkas, toques (or stocking caps as they are known here), even mittens and scarves.
Dogs are getting some exercise but also getting bored going from the motor home to the car, then waiting for what seems ever, then out for a pee, back in the car, and back to the motor home. Ed continues to go to the gym most days taking either an aquasize class or a zumba class (aerobics meets salsa with some yoga thrown in for good measure) and we think he is losing some weight.
Hope all is well with everyone. Take care
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Pet night at Fashion Fair
Today was 'pet night' at the Santa set...so of course we had to take Teddy and Mojo into the mall to meet Santa...the resulting photo is attached
Monday, November 16, 2009
First day off
After 10 days working 'in the chair' I got my first day off today (Monday). Try as we might neither one of us could sleep in later than 7:30AM! Go figure - we're retired, and on vacation, and on a day off, and we can't sleep in until 8:00!!
Off for bleaching of my beard - Beehive Salon with Mike. Just a little after 10AM a large truck pulls up to the curb and Mike steps out. He is about 40 (I found out that he is actually 39), very good looking, and quite nervous as he has never bleached a beard or eyebrows before. This does not help my confidence, but we are both determined to push ahead. He asks that I check out the consistency of the solution in the back of the shop.........and that's when I see a picture of a very good looking shirtless male taped to the inside of his chemical locker. Yes, he's gay and has been in a committed relationship with his partner for 10 years. Anyway, we get the beard and eyebrows bleached and we are both happy. I ask what I owed him, his answer......."Uhh, how about $20"!! I usually pay at least $40, if not $45!!! I talk him up to $30 and we make a date for two weeks hence. What a find - he's very good at his job, very good looking, and cheap.
Off and pick up lattes at McD (well, they have been advertising that they have espresso coffee and how good it is!). We waited for at least 12 minutes (I personally think they were waiting for the beans to mature!). Then off to have a massage at the gym Ed has been going to.
Ralph is a large black masseusse at the gym and he wants to know all about being Santa. So while he inflicted pain to all parts of my body one knot after another I tried to carry on a decent conversation. One hour later and I flow out to the lobby/foyer to pay for the experience. All in all it was quite good. I again flowed over to the men's change room and see Ed soaking in the hot tub/jacuzzi. As I climb into the perfectly acceptable warm waters and sit under the waterfall (interesting experience sitting in a jacuzzi while hot water pours over your head) I wonder if I will leave an oil slick on the water's surface as I melt.......but no, I start feeling parboiled and go to shower off. Get dressed and out the door after a tour of the facility with Ed. The gym has a large room with cardio machines, 6 racketball courts, a basketball court, a 'toning' room for physio therapy, an outdoor heated swimming pool, a basketball court, and a free weight room with more cardio equipment. And of course a bar/TV room.
Off to an alternation shop for them to fix a slight tear in one of my suits (fur came away from the fabric and then to Costco for cheap gas (at least 20cents/gal).
Stopped at In-N-Out for burgers ($12 for double cheeseburgers advertised as double/doubles just like at Timmie's plus fries and medium drinks which are slightly smaller than a vat!) and then off to see a bit of Fresno we haven't explored. My handbells had a slight accident yesterday - one of the bells detached itself from the leather strap. The rivet just gave out, but where in Fresno to find a machinist to re-rivet? Well we did drive through a very nice (read expensive) shopping court just to see what they had to offer. And sure enough we saw a shoe repair shop - what could be better? They deal with rivets and leather all the time, right? Nope, he looked at us and said, "We don't do that stuff".........."Try the leather shop down a few doors from here". Walk into this beautiful leather shop selling expensive purses, luggage, handbags, and briefcases. A very nice gentleman comes out from the back and asks us if he can be of some assistance. I explain the problem, he looks at the bells, the strap, then me and back to the strap. "Let me look at this closer and I'll be back in a few minutes. Sure enough, in a few minutes he's back with all bells attached...........and he doesn't want a penny for it "Call it a Christmas present from me to Santa". What a day!!
Off to let the pups have a stretch and we find a great park (Woodward) - several lakes/ponds, biking and walking paths, large expanses of grass. Similar to Stanley Park. Great time to stroll and let Mojo have his say at the large flock of semi-domesticated geese. He so wanted to chase those birds.......and I'm sure that they would have loved to have him come into their midst. Can you say chopped Llasa salad??
Back to home and having a martini, watching TV and munching on cheese and crackers (big and late lunch - we don't need anything for dinner!).
So what has everyone else been doing? Off to work tomorrow so will probably not write too much for a week. Take care of yourselves.
Off for bleaching of my beard - Beehive Salon with Mike. Just a little after 10AM a large truck pulls up to the curb and Mike steps out. He is about 40 (I found out that he is actually 39), very good looking, and quite nervous as he has never bleached a beard or eyebrows before. This does not help my confidence, but we are both determined to push ahead. He asks that I check out the consistency of the solution in the back of the shop.........and that's when I see a picture of a very good looking shirtless male taped to the inside of his chemical locker. Yes, he's gay and has been in a committed relationship with his partner for 10 years. Anyway, we get the beard and eyebrows bleached and we are both happy. I ask what I owed him, his answer......."Uhh, how about $20"!! I usually pay at least $40, if not $45!!! I talk him up to $30 and we make a date for two weeks hence. What a find - he's very good at his job, very good looking, and cheap.
Off and pick up lattes at McD (well, they have been advertising that they have espresso coffee and how good it is!). We waited for at least 12 minutes (I personally think they were waiting for the beans to mature!). Then off to have a massage at the gym Ed has been going to.
Ralph is a large black masseusse at the gym and he wants to know all about being Santa. So while he inflicted pain to all parts of my body one knot after another I tried to carry on a decent conversation. One hour later and I flow out to the lobby/foyer to pay for the experience. All in all it was quite good. I again flowed over to the men's change room and see Ed soaking in the hot tub/jacuzzi. As I climb into the perfectly acceptable warm waters and sit under the waterfall (interesting experience sitting in a jacuzzi while hot water pours over your head) I wonder if I will leave an oil slick on the water's surface as I melt.......but no, I start feeling parboiled and go to shower off. Get dressed and out the door after a tour of the facility with Ed. The gym has a large room with cardio machines, 6 racketball courts, a basketball court, a 'toning' room for physio therapy, an outdoor heated swimming pool, a basketball court, and a free weight room with more cardio equipment. And of course a bar/TV room.
Off to an alternation shop for them to fix a slight tear in one of my suits (fur came away from the fabric and then to Costco for cheap gas (at least 20cents/gal).
Stopped at In-N-Out for burgers ($12 for double cheeseburgers advertised as double/doubles just like at Timmie's plus fries and medium drinks which are slightly smaller than a vat!) and then off to see a bit of Fresno we haven't explored. My handbells had a slight accident yesterday - one of the bells detached itself from the leather strap. The rivet just gave out, but where in Fresno to find a machinist to re-rivet? Well we did drive through a very nice (read expensive) shopping court just to see what they had to offer. And sure enough we saw a shoe repair shop - what could be better? They deal with rivets and leather all the time, right? Nope, he looked at us and said, "We don't do that stuff".........."Try the leather shop down a few doors from here". Walk into this beautiful leather shop selling expensive purses, luggage, handbags, and briefcases. A very nice gentleman comes out from the back and asks us if he can be of some assistance. I explain the problem, he looks at the bells, the strap, then me and back to the strap. "Let me look at this closer and I'll be back in a few minutes. Sure enough, in a few minutes he's back with all bells attached...........and he doesn't want a penny for it "Call it a Christmas present from me to Santa". What a day!!
Off to let the pups have a stretch and we find a great park (Woodward) - several lakes/ponds, biking and walking paths, large expanses of grass. Similar to Stanley Park. Great time to stroll and let Mojo have his say at the large flock of semi-domesticated geese. He so wanted to chase those birds.......and I'm sure that they would have loved to have him come into their midst. Can you say chopped Llasa salad??
Back to home and having a martini, watching TV and munching on cheese and crackers (big and late lunch - we don't need anything for dinner!).
So what has everyone else been doing? Off to work tomorrow so will probably not write too much for a week. Take care of yourselves.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Hey Ho everyone. Finally getting to put some thoughts down on the blog. Ed is correct that the mall is much busier than last year, but that also makes the days fly by.
The set is the inside of Santa's Holiday Lodge (fake log cabin with decorated trees everywhere). There are four mobile reindeer that I have named Kelowna and Kaleden (they are the twins), Victoria (she is the mother of the bunch), and from the loft overlooking the whole set is Vernon. There are times some children don't even see me as they are watching the reindeer and trees. Children enter from the 'front door' at the back of the set and come into the lodge. Santa's seat is a beautiful (and comfortable) leather wing back chair.
Lots of kids from the youngest (so far) of 2 weeks right through all the ages and stages and on to "older" people. Worst request was a little girl that wanted her Mom and Dad to find a house they could live in.............and the weirdest request was today when a young boy asked for 20 - 15lb Hersey bars (that's 300lb of chocolate!!). Lots of requests for Barbies, teddy bears, remote control anything, Xbox 360, Nintendo DS and DSi, cell phones, and candy - usually from the young Mexican children who have not mastered the English language.
My day revolves around sitting on the chair and asking/answering questions for young and old. And it's a great job. I look into the eyes of children who still beleive in magic. Even if they can't speak the language they understand about Santa and the belief that he can do anything.
Enough of my ramblings for now.............will talk to one and all in awhile.
The set is the inside of Santa's Holiday Lodge (fake log cabin with decorated trees everywhere). There are four mobile reindeer that I have named Kelowna and Kaleden (they are the twins), Victoria (she is the mother of the bunch), and from the loft overlooking the whole set is Vernon. There are times some children don't even see me as they are watching the reindeer and trees. Children enter from the 'front door' at the back of the set and come into the lodge. Santa's seat is a beautiful (and comfortable) leather wing back chair.
Lots of kids from the youngest (so far) of 2 weeks right through all the ages and stages and on to "older" people. Worst request was a little girl that wanted her Mom and Dad to find a house they could live in.............and the weirdest request was today when a young boy asked for 20 - 15lb Hersey bars (that's 300lb of chocolate!!). Lots of requests for Barbies, teddy bears, remote control anything, Xbox 360, Nintendo DS and DSi, cell phones, and candy - usually from the young Mexican children who have not mastered the English language.
My day revolves around sitting on the chair and asking/answering questions for young and old. And it's a great job. I look into the eyes of children who still beleive in magic. Even if they can't speak the language they understand about Santa and the belief that he can do anything.
Enough of my ramblings for now.............will talk to one and all in awhile.
Time sure flies!!
Wow! It's hard to believe but we've been here two weeks now.
We have certainly settled into a routine. For me driving back and forth to the mall, making breakfast and lunch and coffee for breaks. I've been spending lots of time at the gym which has an outdoor pool which is heated (barely) but almost unused now as Californians think this weather (65-70F) is WINTER!!!
They have aquasize classes which are sparsely attended but great. In addition to some time on the treadmill and exercise bike (they have dozens of pieces of equipment but no rowing machine!! must ask why!!)
I have also been doing a dry land aerobics course called 'Zumba' it is sort of like a dance class if can imagine Zorba the Greek meets Tevye meets Bob Marley mixed in with a whole lot of salsa....great movement and really gets the heart rate up!!
The facility has just about everything, it's huge! There are four different weight rooms, toning tables, racquet ball and squash courts, basketball courts, the aforementioned swimming pool and segregated hot tubs and saunas.
They also have a bar (!!) with big screen TVs and food...which seems like a self defeating thing for a health club!!
I've now found all the really important places...EG Costco (Costco gas is 25 cents a gallon cheaper than anywhere in town!!), Trader Joes, seafood market, grocery store, Mexican bakery (!!) no great tamales yet but someone told me that the ones at Costco are hard to beat!!
Ross is loving the set he's on. This mall is much busier and there are frequently line ups which are a new experience!! The photo types have had trouble keeping up. There were problems with the camera yesterday which resulted in even longer lines.
He's having fun but is pretty bagged at the end of the day...so much so that we didn't do anything beyond a smart cocktail for our 25th anniversary yesterday!
If he's not too bagged today (short day!) I will try and get him to put his thoughts online tonight.
We have certainly settled into a routine. For me driving back and forth to the mall, making breakfast and lunch and coffee for breaks. I've been spending lots of time at the gym which has an outdoor pool which is heated (barely) but almost unused now as Californians think this weather (65-70F) is WINTER!!!
They have aquasize classes which are sparsely attended but great. In addition to some time on the treadmill and exercise bike (they have dozens of pieces of equipment but no rowing machine!! must ask why!!)
I have also been doing a dry land aerobics course called 'Zumba' it is sort of like a dance class if can imagine Zorba the Greek meets Tevye meets Bob Marley mixed in with a whole lot of salsa....great movement and really gets the heart rate up!!
The facility has just about everything, it's huge! There are four different weight rooms, toning tables, racquet ball and squash courts, basketball courts, the aforementioned swimming pool and segregated hot tubs and saunas.
They also have a bar (!!) with big screen TVs and food...which seems like a self defeating thing for a health club!!
I've now found all the really important places...EG Costco (Costco gas is 25 cents a gallon cheaper than anywhere in town!!), Trader Joes, seafood market, grocery store, Mexican bakery (!!) no great tamales yet but someone told me that the ones at Costco are hard to beat!!
Ross is loving the set he's on. This mall is much busier and there are frequently line ups which are a new experience!! The photo types have had trouble keeping up. There were problems with the camera yesterday which resulted in even longer lines.
He's having fun but is pretty bagged at the end of the day...so much so that we didn't do anything beyond a smart cocktail for our 25th anniversary yesterday!
If he's not too bagged today (short day!) I will try and get him to put his thoughts online tonight.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Wake up Santa!
The big event of the opening was "Wake Up Santa" which took place starting at 7AM on Saturday...this necessitated us being up at 5AM to be at the Mall by 6AM.
About 200 kids and a comparable number of parents crowded around the set to which Santa had been spirited to through the back door.
After reading a cute story Mrs. Claus invites the kids to "Wake Up Santa" who of course springs to life, sings "Jingle Bells" and then does a meet and greet while the kids have breakfast.
It was fun though it would have been improved with a bit more theatricality (but then I'm not directing this show!) and organization.
Following all this the set was open for photos of which many were made. It made for a long, long day...14 hours. Luckily Sunday was a 'short' day....only six hours....almost a day off!!
There are some pictures attached.
About 200 kids and a comparable number of parents crowded around the set to which Santa had been spirited to through the back door.
After reading a cute story Mrs. Claus invites the kids to "Wake Up Santa" who of course springs to life, sings "Jingle Bells" and then does a meet and greet while the kids have breakfast.
It was fun though it would have been improved with a bit more theatricality (but then I'm not directing this show!) and organization.
Following all this the set was open for photos of which many were made. It made for a long, long day...14 hours. Luckily Sunday was a 'short' day....only six hours....almost a day off!!
There are some pictures attached.
Friday, November 6, 2009
We are settling in nicely in Fresno. Everyone is so friendly and the weather is wonderful!! Cool at night 40F but up to 80 in the daytime....that's quite a swing!
Today is Santa's first day at the mall. What the call a 'soft opening.'
Tomorrow will be a different story...he starts at 7AM and they are expecting 500 Kids for 'Wake up Santa'...wherein he pretends to be asleep (there may be no need to pretend at that hour!) and Mrs. Claus and the children 'wake' him up.
Should be fun...will get photos if I can!
Today is Santa's first day at the mall. What the call a 'soft opening.'
Tomorrow will be a different story...he starts at 7AM and they are expecting 500 Kids for 'Wake up Santa'...wherein he pretends to be asleep (there may be no need to pretend at that hour!) and Mrs. Claus and the children 'wake' him up.
Should be fun...will get photos if I can!
Monday, November 2, 2009
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Beautiful drive to Fresno today. Fairly light traffic except through Sacramento. Gassed up in Ripon and found a truck wash that did not only the motorhome but the little car as well.....they wash it for you!! Now both look good as new with all the road grime gone!!
Uneventful time parking and leveling the motorhome...unlike the guy who checked in immediately ahead of us...his trailer wiped out the little shelter for the mailboxes! Oops!! With the owners and most of the neighbors arriving home from work....
We can hear the hammering and sawing going on up by the office! We have a great spot...near the laundry and quite spacious. Lots of kids who have already spotted Santa!
Very Hispanic neighborhood...lots of houses with 'Dia de los Muertos' stuff prominently displayed!!
Uneventful time parking and leveling the motorhome...unlike the guy who checked in immediately ahead of us...his trailer wiped out the little shelter for the mailboxes! Oops!! With the owners and most of the neighbors arriving home from work....
We can hear the hammering and sawing going on up by the office! We have a great spot...near the laundry and quite spacious. Lots of kids who have already spotted Santa!
Very Hispanic neighborhood...lots of houses with 'Dia de los Muertos' stuff prominently displayed!!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Corning CA, Casino! Buffet! Olives! Warmth! Sunshine! No Rain!!
After what seems like weeks of rain (except for the snow on the Coquihalla!) we are now in Corning CA at the Rolling Hills Casino
http://www.rollinghillscasino.com/
Not as fancy as Seven Feathers but very nice...truly rolling hills and a really interesting golf course....some day!!
But the best part is that it is WARM...shorts weather...though that may change when the sun goes down!
We have already been to the Olive Pit http://www.olivepit.com/ and picked up at least enough olives to have martinis every night for the next long while as well as extra virgin olive oil, and olives stuffed with Garlic, Parmesan/romano, Cheese, Blue Cheese, mushrooms, sundried tomato, almonds...and a few other treats!!
283 Miles to Fresno tomorrow...but first Buffet tonight (after the sundown cocktail!!) and maybe a few (!!!) slots!!
http://www.rollinghillscasino.com/
Not as fancy as Seven Feathers but very nice...truly rolling hills and a really interesting golf course....some day!!
But the best part is that it is WARM...shorts weather...though that may change when the sun goes down!
We have already been to the Olive Pit http://www.olivepit.com/ and picked up at least enough olives to have martinis every night for the next long while as well as extra virgin olive oil, and olives stuffed with Garlic, Parmesan/romano, Cheese, Blue Cheese, mushrooms, sundried tomato, almonds...and a few other treats!!
283 Miles to Fresno tomorrow...but first Buffet tonight (after the sundown cocktail!!) and maybe a few (!!!) slots!!
Emily admiring her mobile
Emily admiring her mobile, originally uploaded by xxcaro.
Too cute...Emily likes her mobile as much as her mother liked hers!!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Totally uneventful ride from Vancouver WA to Canyonville OR and the amazing Seven Feathers Casino and Resort. http://www.sevenfeathers.com/
One of the nicest RV facilities we have ever seen and the staff are so amazingly friendly. The business is owned by the Cow Creek Band of the Umpqua Tribe of Indians (no First Nations here!)
Everything is sparkling clean, well organized and totally thought out.
After a swim in the gorgeous indoor pool we had a soak in the hot tub, a smart cocktail and a quick free ride in the shuttle over to the Casino.
We enjoyed an amazing buffet and then played the slots for a bit. The only negative thing is that about 75% of the Casino is smoking. Though the non-smoking section is pretty good, it is walled off and well ventilated. Though there was one #@$#@! smoker who walked through!!
Tomorrow we head down I-5 and through the Siskyou Pass. Weather isn't perfect but it's warm enough that snow and ice shouldn't be a problem. Tomorrow night in Corning CA. Another Casino but not as fancy! And time to stock up on olives for martinis at the Olive Pit http://www.olivepit.com/ Monday on to Fresno.
One of the nicest RV facilities we have ever seen and the staff are so amazingly friendly. The business is owned by the Cow Creek Band of the Umpqua Tribe of Indians (no First Nations here!)
Everything is sparkling clean, well organized and totally thought out.
After a swim in the gorgeous indoor pool we had a soak in the hot tub, a smart cocktail and a quick free ride in the shuttle over to the Casino.
We enjoyed an amazing buffet and then played the slots for a bit. The only negative thing is that about 75% of the Casino is smoking. Though the non-smoking section is pretty good, it is walled off and well ventilated. Though there was one #@$#@! smoker who walked through!!
Tomorrow we head down I-5 and through the Siskyou Pass. Weather isn't perfect but it's warm enough that snow and ice shouldn't be a problem. Tomorrow night in Corning CA. Another Casino but not as fancy! And time to stock up on olives for martinis at the Olive Pit http://www.olivepit.com/ Monday on to Fresno.
Friday, October 30, 2009
We are in Vancouver WA...long day...up at 4:30 first ferry from Nanaimo, pick the pups up at Christine's by 9...to the motorhome and off by 11 across the border by noon....little wibble....made a wrong turn and ended up in the area for bus searches...guy was testy at first...they did search us but found nothing beyond some grapes and tangerines....I think it was just his lunch time....but they were very friendly and professional.....unlike some Canadian types we've dealt with!!
Tomorrow off to Canyonville Oregon, then Sunday to Corning CA and into Fresno on Monday.....whew!!
Tomorrow off to Canyonville Oregon, then Sunday to Corning CA and into Fresno on Monday.....whew!!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
So far so good
We made it successfully down the Coquihalla on Tuesday...a bit snowy but mostly just mucky. Tuesday nite in Burnaby, Pups off for a sleepover with Auntie Christine.
Wednesday off to Nanaimo after washing some of the road grime off of us and the little car....ferry late (surprise!)
Amazing dinner tonight at Chemainus Theatre the a really really good production of "Lady in Black"
Wednesday off to Nanaimo after washing some of the road grime off of us and the little car....ferry late (surprise!)
Amazing dinner tonight at Chemainus Theatre the a really really good production of "Lady in Black"
Sunday, October 25, 2009
a new tummy time video!
a new tummy time video!, originally uploaded by xxcaro.
Here's Emily trying ever so hard to crawl....
Friday, October 23, 2009
Nothing quite as sure as change!
Change is good...right?
Well, we've now found out that Santa is expected in Fresno eight days earlier than discussed (and as per the contract) sooooo we will be leaving a few days earlier than we had planned!
We will post more detailed updates as things gel.
Well, we've now found out that Santa is expected in Fresno eight days earlier than discussed (and as per the contract) sooooo we will be leaving a few days earlier than we had planned!
We will post more detailed updates as things gel.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Hi There!
Welcome to the twenty-first century!
Here we hope to share the adventures of Ed and Ross (Ed's the Reindeer Wranger and Ross is Santa) on our adventures in Prince Reindeer (our Monaco Monarch motorhome)
Here we hope to share the adventures of Ed and Ross (Ed's the Reindeer Wranger and Ross is Santa) on our adventures in Prince Reindeer (our Monaco Monarch motorhome)
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