If you're looking for something fun/interesting/delightful to do today (Saturday) and/or Sunday, consider the annual Palo Alto Clay and Glass Festival. Not just any old summer street fair. Much, much more art condensed into one lovely, mostly-shaded, location.
In search of food? You'll find few vendors. Eat before or after. Then enjoy the winding walk through Rinconada Park in Palo Alto.
Something you probably thought was impossible: Taking a 1906 streetcar ride in San Francisco! Filmed just four days before the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire that destroyed so much of SF, this footage had been shipped by train to New York for processing.
Here's a terrific opportunity to enjoy some time-travel. The film was taken from a streetcar traveling down Market Street. You can clearly see the clock tower at the Embarcadero Wharf/still standing. The quality and detail is great, so be sure to view it full screen.
The footage was originally thought to be from 1905 until David Kiehn with the Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum determined exactly when it was shot. New York trade papers announced the film, the streets were wet from recent heavy rainfall and shadows indicated time of year. Weather conditions exist on historical records. Additionally, the cars were registered so he could determine who the owners were and when the plates were issued.
According to Wikipedia, traffic signal lights were not invented until 1912 and not common for some years later.
Fun/sometimes funky/definitely friendly/very informative. What could be better? You may have heard about their collection of roses. What you may notknow is that they stock all the traditional annuals and perennials as well as an abundance of other plants that you might not find at most other garden centers.
Crank up your volume. Then click left and listen to Jack Johnson while viewing. I'll eventually figure out how to merge music with info/until then, enjoy.
It's Regan's Nursery on Decoto Road in Fremont, CA. Just a few minutes from Menlo Park/Palo Alto via the Dumbarton Bridge.
Take a short ride to find: Some pretty sensational succulents. Numerous heirloom vegetables. Interesting and often unusual herbs. Lots of labels featuring educational bits of info and/or fun facts.
It was raining recently when Susan and I were there pretending to be in England. We loaded up on herbs guaranteed to boost brain power (gotu kola). She apparently has a slew of very smart snails in her garden. Back to restock what they quickly consumed.
There's not much shade, so come prepared. And hold on to your hat. If it’s windy on our side of the bay, it’ll be much windier there.
I think you'll enjoy, as I always do, their awe-inspiring array of plants. If this info piques your interest, plan to spend at least an hour wandering around Regan's well-organized five acres. Clear your trunk just in case you locate a few new finds to bring home.
I make the short trip on a regular basis. See you there one day?
Bay Area friends...other than the following nurseries: Redwood City, Ladera, Portola Valley, Half Moon Bay (another top pick), Los Altos, Summer Winds (Palo Alto), Roger Reynolds (Atherton), Wegmans (Redwood City)...where else do you go/what other nurseries do you enjoy?
I'm thinking that Annie's Annuals could be a great adventure. Want to go one day? I'm game.
Saturday, July 14, 2012 at 12:04PM 