Last Vine Street Victorian Showcase Preview

The big event goes live on Vine Street between 6 and 9 pm  December 12, in Paso Robles between 8th and 21st Streets. This is probably the biggest family party Paso Robles has all year, with the possible exception of Pioneer Day in October.  I showed you Scrooge and the Grinch yesterday, and today I will show you  the Snow Queen's house and some other decorated Victorian homes on display for the evening. Here is the sign designating the Snow Queen's house.

Below is the house itself. I like the simplicity of the wreaths and red ribbons that show off the whiteness of the house so  fitting for an ice queen. Tonight  I expect there will be more lights. I was here just before dark.

Vine Street Showcase, Queen Elsa's house, © B. Radisavljevic

The next house is more festive with its bright lights, Christmas tree, and presents, along with its lighted wreaths. I'm  sure it will be glowing tonight as the guests pass on the dark street. Enlarge any  photo by clicking on it.

Lighted House on Vine Street, © B. Radisavljevic

This last Victorian home does not need a lot of adornment to be beautiful. It looks ready to welcome Christmas guests. I didn't see any sign announcing what will be happening here, but there is always something happening inside, in front of, or near every one of these homes. Musicians and dancers seem to be everywhere, but they are spread out enough so they don't drown each other out. There will be cotton candy, cookies, and hot chocolate, and probably more.

Decorated Victorian Home on Vine Street, © B. Radisavljevic

If you go, dress warmly. It may rain. The temperature will have a high of 57 and a low just above freezing. Bundle up and bring an umbrella and a flashlight. I've noticed that those with toddlers often bring wagons so the walk won't make the little ones too tired. If you are bringing an older person, expect that they may be tired before you are and want to leave early. I found that out the year I took my mother who was in her early eighties. You will probably have to park at least two blocks away, so make sure to leave while the young and the old still have the energy to get back to the car.

If you can't go, do the next best thing. Put on the Christmas music, make popcorn, and drink hot chocolate at home. A fire would be appropriate, too, if you have a fireplace. You can sit in  front of it with your hot beverage or a glass of wine and think of all the people shivering on Vine Street.

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Autumn Grape Leaves at Castoro Cellars

This is the time of year when wine country is most beautiful. The grapes are almost ready to  harvest in most vineyards. Some have already been harvested. The purple grapes hang heavy from the vines. The leaves are turning various shades of red and gold to complement them. The netting attempts to keep hungry birds from getting the first fruits. You can see the netting if you click to enlarge the photos.

Wineries are preparing to make merry in their harvest and first crush events. The colorful leaves are like banners inviting people to come and taste when all is accomplished. Soon we will be smelling grapes as we drive by at night on 46 West. Let the festivities begin!





While you wait for the harvest festivals, why not work a puzzle like this one?

Puzzle: Autumn Grape Foliage Puzzles

A Meeting At Taft Barn in Atascadero

Entrance to Taft Barn in Atascadero, © B. Radisavljevic 

Taft Barn in Atascadero is a popular place to get married. However, it opens its doors to other events besides weddings. I have been there a couple of times to meet candidates for public office. It's large enough to hold 200 people, but you might not guess that from looking at the outside.

Bridge to Taft Barn in Atascadero, © B. Radisavljevic 

To get to the barn, which is on the Taft Ranch, you take Santa Clara Road east from El Camino Real until it ends. At the end is this bridge which you cross to get to the ranch itself. You will find parking in dirt lots around the barn.

Once you enter the barn, it is immense. The normal decor can be changed for weddings and other events, as these photos show you. At the informal events I've been to there, the decor has been western in theme. You almost expect to see horses inside. There are many interesting items on the walls and freestanding that bring to mind the Old West. This stagecoach is just one example.

You might want to consider this as a venue for your next important event.  I'm surprised that I've lived in the North County for over twenty years and I've only known about Taft Barn for the last three of them.

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Discoveries at the Home Expo Show in Paso Robles

Entrance to Inspired Home, Garden, and Gourmet Expo 

Today was the first day of this weekend's Inspired Home, Garden, and Gourmet Expo. My husband and I attended to get information for possible solutions to save more energy and soften our water. I will have to credit the sales reps for the companies represented for working hard during what appeared to be a slow show by the time we arrived in mid-afternoon. I'm afraid most of them were disappointed that they didn't succeed with selling us any of their show specials. It's not because they didn't try.

This aisle shows some of the exhibitors at the show.

The rep  for this Whole House Fan wanted to be sure you could see how it was hidden from view when not on. It lives in the attic.

The one man who actually might have us returning to the show tomorrow to make a purchase was selling REM beds. My husband tried one just to humor me and because there weren't any chairs to sit on when he was tired. He's been talking about needing a better mattress. Trust me. After spending fifteen minutes on one of these beds, you will want one. My husband was of the opinion that a mattress is a mattress is a mattress until he tried this.

Hubby Getting up after REM Bed Demonstration

I already have a mechanical bed my mom bought about twenty  years ago. It will raise head and feet, but it has a cord and when  the massage is on it is very noisy and really shakes me up. The REM bed has a remote with many different settings and you can't even hear the massage. I don't know if we can afford two new REM sleep systems, but I'm hoping my husband will at least get one, since he needs it the most. I hope I'll at least get a new pillow. I've never experienced a better bed and it was amazing how pain in my back went away with a few touches of the remote to put me at zero gravity. Lying flat I had sciatic pain. With my head and feet in the right position, I didn't. I felt the pain  leave my back.

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Why the Tent in the Park?

That's what I wondered when I walked to my car near the park this afternoon. City Park in Paso Robles does not usually have a tent in it unless some event is about to take place, but I wasn't aware of any major festivals happening this weekend. I decided to take pictures first and find out what was happening when I got back to my computer.

Once I got on my computer, I discovered that what will occur is Eroica California, an event which will bring cyclists from all over the world to ride one of three beautiful routes through our Central Coast Wine Country and along our coast. The rides will begin and end here in the park.

There will also be a vintage bike fair. Maybe that's what the tent is for.  There are also tents set up on the other side of the park. All the information about the events and the routes can be found on the Eroica California website. 

As you can see, they were still setting up the tents as I left. It should be a lovely ride for the participants, but motorists in wine country should be extra careful this weekend.