A Trip Back in Time - Midway Antique Mall

Last weekend, I visited the Midway Antique Mall at 5130 Madison Avenue for the fourth time. My folks have a booth and a couple of glass cases at this truly fabulous establishment.



MY DAD CHECKING OUT MY MOTHER'S BOOTH

Over the years, I have been inside plenty of these antique super stores, where dealers take small spaces and fill them with every kind of oldie-but-goodie imaginable. Normally, this means wandering through cramped quarters, and being somewhat overwhelmed by the clutter. Where Midway takes a step away from the others I've been to, is the way the owners have managed to lay out the place, giving it a spacious feel.

The location is an old Ethan Allen store, so it automatically has a retail feel, rather than the usual barn-like quality, and several areas for small vignettes. Additionally, it's got a terrific entry area and red-vested attendants throughout the store. The Red Vests are dealers in the shop, who take turns manning the place, so there are always experts on hand and plenty of assistance getting into the various cases to oogle the goods.


WELCOME TO MIDWAY




My favorite thing about this stroll back in time is the "Fabulous 50's" area. There you will find rooms fully decorated to reflect this glitzy era. When I was there last, there was THE most amazing Parisian orange and yellow dining set, in incredible condition. If only I had a place to put it!

WIDE VARIETY OF THINGS EVERYWHERE YOU TURN

The 50'S area is in the very back, a more open air area, so be sure to head all the way the rear of the store before you go.

Their website www.midwayantiguemall.net says they are open everyday from 10 a.m to 6 p.m. and lists their phone number - (916) 779-6252. But if you're looking to see what all they have, hop in your car and head towards the 80 and Madison exit - you won't regret the drive.

Davis Daytrip

Last weekend, I ventured to Davis, something I'd been planning to do for several weeks. I finally made it and I was thrilled with the result. Davis has lots to offer and I plan on going back soon.

I started at the Farmer's Market, which is really much more than a market for farmers. It's more of a bazaar, with offerings from exquisite pastries to handmade products of all kinds - clothing, jewelry, handbags, soaps and more. Under the permanent canopy, is mostly the farm products, with a few stalls to stave off urgent hunger pains, which I suffered until I gave into a magnificent cinnamon crisp and a perfect cup of coffee. The booth, which I neglected to record the name of, cannot be missed - it's large and the smells wafting your way will give it away. And if you have any question as to whether you're at the correct booth, the spinach and feta scones will reassure you. I plan on trying one of those next time.



A YOUNG CUSTOMER AT SALLY'S BOOTH

As I wandered down the promenade in the center, eventually it gave way to uncovered booths, where most of the handmade products were being offered as well as causes. I'm always thrilled to happen upon artists' goods and that's what I found at Sally Parker's booth in her "Tiny Worlds Jewelry." It was fanciful and I delighted in her pieces, where the fact that she's also a storyteller was evident. I could not resist a charm that reminded me of a character I'm currently writing about and a pair of fun earrings.

Further down, I happened upon a gentleman named Tom, manning a custom t-shirt booth, with sayings I loved, being a grandmother now. My favorite "I eat my vegetables" will be a Christmas present for my grandson, when I venture back to Davis again. To view their "green" products, visit their website at ninaandtom.com.



TOM OF THE TSHIRTS


If you have little ones, allot some time for the old-fashioned merry-go-round and two playgrounds nearby.


After the Farmer's Market, I headed to the U.C. Davis Arboretum, which you'll find if you take the U.C. Davis loop. On weekends parking is free, and it's open 24 hours a day. I was genuinely thrilled to find the Redwood Grove, as I absolutely love the smell and feeling of shelter in a forest. Next time to Davis, I will pack a picnic lunch and spend a few hours pondering - one of my favorite activities.




There much more in Davis to keep you occupied for the day. Walking around the downtown area nets you quirky shops, a red double-decker bus and fabulous dining choices. The day I was there was also filled with music and gatherings at the fraternity and sorority houses and a couple of cause-driven happenings.

Happily, my drive to Davis took less time that my daily commute home. Visit Davis on a day when you think you've played out the Sacramento area for things to do. You'll take home memories and the desire to drive the 30 odd miles again - soon.

A Little Chalk, A Lot of Fun

Last Saturday, I was killing some time in midtown Sacramento, waiting for a lunch appointment with my family members. So, I drove around a bit and happened upon Fremont Park, in the midst of a "Chalk It Up" event. The block-sized park, with trees hanging over the sidewalks that surround its edges and cuts through its center, was beginning to fill with kids and adults trying their hands at art on the pavement.

Those that weren't actively expressing themselves with chalk were walking around inspecting the progress of the others and enjoying the free music, vendors and beautiful weather. I didn't stay long, but I did buy a couple of things and take a few pictures.

I also talked to some of those drawing everything from dragons to a reproduction of Van Gogh's "Starry Starry Night." They were all very into what they were doing, concentrating heavily, even the kids, but having a wonderful time.

I think I might try it myself next year. What a great way to spend a day!

Comedy On A Budget

I love comedy clubs. Nothing makes me happier than an hour or two of belly laughs. That’s why I was thrilled to find a comedy spot – literally – that I could easily afford at eight dollars for admission.

Last Friday night, I ventured down to 17th and Broadway to find a little place called Sacramento Comedy Spot. I’m easily confused when I don’t know an area, so it took the help of a kind man and his Blackberry, because I forgot to bring the actual address me. It’s 1716 Broadway, by the way.

I got there at about 10:15 p.m. The show, called Comedy on a Couch, was due to start in fifteen minutes. I settled in and watched the crowd develop, mostly thirty-somethings.

Once inside, I was amazed at how much the producers had managed to cram into a tiny space. The stage was professionally done and there was seating for about 50. Two strategically-placed televisions were loaded and ready for what later turned out to be visual gags. In the back was a tiny snack bar with a friendly guy attending it. I grabbed a Diet Coke, a small tub of popcorn and a seat up front.

It turned out the seat was an unfortunate choice, for the club, not me. A video cam was rolling right behind my head and I’ve discovered since viewing the videos online that my head and clapping hands are woven throughout their onsite production. Sorry, guys! I had no idea.

Anyway, the show lasted an hour and a half and featured three young male comics, sitting together on a couch, hence the name, and alternating sets at the mike. If any of three were over thirty I would be surprised. They were young, very eclectic and often hilarious. They were also very obviously trying out their material on this audience, so their delivery was sometimes hesitant and searching. But that was actually part of the fun of the experience. I felt like I was in the role of encouraging a tentative talent.

Tall and thin with wild black hair, Brenden Lynch, was given to wry smiles and sudden punch lines that bowled you over. I have no idea whether Kellen Erskine was even married, but he had the look of a perplexed dad and gave up jokes as if he had to – just had to. The local comic, Ray Molino, with his taxi-cab cap and slow dry wit, literally twinkled when he pulled one over on the crowd. These three have a lot of talent and I would be looking forward to seeing them on late night someday, if only I owned a TV.

The master of ceremonies for the evening, John Ross, was no slouch himself. He moved easily from his own jokes to introducing each performer and gave cohesiveness to the whole show. Well done.

All in all, I couldn’t have spent a measly eight bucks in any better way. I’ll be back for the Improv Show one weekend in the future. I urge you to get out a support our local comedians.

For more information, log on to their website -

Farmer’s Market at Sunrise Mall – Who Knew?

Well, apparently a lot of people. Last Saturday was the second one in two weeks that I visited the surprisingly robust Farmer’s Market at Sunrise Mall, along with several hundred other people – just in the time frame I was there, about 20 minutes.

Both times, I treated myself to some garlic and cheese bread sticks from the Sacramento Baking Company, but last Saturday I added a loaf of the garlic-cheese bread so I’d have some throughout the week; really good stuff and at $3.75 for a very fresh loaf, a bargain and half.

Toss in a half dozen tomatoes, six or seven beautiful mottled plums I didn’t catch the name of, three white peaches, cucumbers (three for a dollar), red onions, yellow squash and red potatoes and I walked away with two paper bags of fresh groceries for under $20 and a great feeling about the area in which I live.

I haven’t incorporated this much wholesome food into my diet since I had a garden years ago.

The market is much more than fruits and vegetables though, with offerings from olive oils to entertainment to cheeses. Both weeks there were musicians playing, and this time I especially enjoyed a wonderful rendition of the Peter, Paul and Mary song “Where Have All The Flowers Gone?” You can stop and smell the roses – or should I say the flowers? There are a couple of vendors with a wide array of blossoms. Peruse the petals with a cup of java in one hand, if you want, because the coffee lady at one end offers Americano to lattes.

You can’t miss the marketplace. It’s located on the southeast side of the mall and from 8 a.m. to noon is intensely populated with white tent tops. There’s plenty of parking nearby, but it’s busy with children running around, so drive slowly and carefully. Be sure to bring your own bags to carry all your goodies.

See you Saturday!

The Valley of Awe – Yosemite

YOSEMITE FALLS



SAM AND TOM AT GLACIER POINT

Until last weekend, I hadn’t been to Yosemite since I was about 12, even though I’m a native Californian. At twelve, it’s all very pretty and grand, but - come on - at that age there was much more on my mind, like a cute redheaded boy.

This time I found myself in complete awe, turning around at every curve in the roads that wind through this magnificent park and emitting noises of joy or being stunned into silence. I took my two nephews, Tom and Samuel, with me and they seemed to appreciate their surroundings almost as much as I did. Perhaps they're more mature than I was at their age.



Yosemite National Park doesn’t require a lot of selling. Most people know it is a wondrous place. But there are a few tips travelers might appreciate.

1. The admission fee of $20 per car is good for seven days. The park is far too vast to take in during the course of one day, so plan for at least two, three if you can spare the time. I went for one day and barely scratched the surface.

2. Get there early. We arrived at 8 a.m. and were only 4 cars back from the front of the line. By about 10 a.m. the park began to fill up and cars lined many of the roadways.

3. Take time to ride the shuttle bus in Yosemite Valley. It’s about 45 minutes to go round to all the stops, but you’ll get a sense of where everything is and can hop off at any stop. A new shuttle will show up in about ten minutes.

4. I know nothing about the Tuolumne Meadows area, because we didn’t make it that far, but I do know you must not miss Glacier Point. It’s a long drive to the top – 32 miles – but well worth it. All along the way there are viewpoints, each more more spectacular than the next. However, once you look out over the insanely beautiful, almost surreal grandeur of Yosemite Valley, across at Half Dome and beyond, you’ll think the other views that went before so much smaller in scale.

5. Bring lots of water. Drinks are expensive at the stores and you’ll find yourself gulping down bottles at an alarming rate, between the walking and summer heat.

Every thing else you need to know is available online at the park’s website: http://www.nps.gov/yose/

Go, enjoy, take pictures and remember.

Way, Way Beyond Sacramento – Prescott, AZ

I know this is really stretching it, but I couldn’t resist doing a piece on my vacation destination of Prescott, Arizona.

Over the week following Memorial Day, my daughter and I ventured north from Phoenix to one of my favorite little towns, Prescott, about an hour and a half from Phoenix, depending on what part of town you start from and how fast you drive!

You start up Interstate 17 towards Sedona and Flagstaff, then head west on Highway 69, winding around through thoroughly desert terrain, until suddenly you head out of Prescott Valley and begin to enter a more alpine area.

Prescott was the first capital of Arizona, so it is rich in history, but what I find most intriguing is it’s curious mixture of old and new, alpine and desert with a touch of “red rock” thrown in. Within a five-mile radius, you can travel to several small lakes, stroll along quaint old town streets, visit a handful of museums and go to the mall.

The Sharlot Hall Museum, named after and founded by the territory’s very influential woman, is a nice diversion, and explores the pioneer area of Arizona. There are other choices, such as the Smoki Museum, but we didn’t have time for all that was available.

Several of the town’s streets are tree-lined and hold little architectural treasures of their own, with both tiny and palatial homes that step right out of the past.

The downtown is built around a square, with the county courthouse at its center, a relic itself, and provides a wonderful variety of dining choices and enough shops to keep a shopaholic busy for most of the day.

My very favorite spot, which I will return to whenever I visit in the future, is Lake Watson, an idyllic laying down of water amongst gorgeous, awe-inspiring juts and valleys of red rock. Just sitting on a bench and staring at the lake brought my blood pressure down a few notches, I’m sure.

So, if you pass that way, take a trip to Prescott. You’ll find yourself slowing down and relaxing, in spite of yourself.