A huge ‘shout out’ to all the fire fighters, first responders, and everyone who supports them
First, a huge ‘shout out’ to all the fire fighters, first responders, and everyone who supports them behind the scenes; including those at home and those who feed and care for them while they are working in brutal conditions! This was a close call for many in our area. I want to acknowledge anyone who had personal damage. There is enough being said about the fires (the how’s and why’s) so I won’t go into it here, but please know all good thoughts are coming to you. I know if anyone out there is in need of anything you only need to reach out to neighbors and support groups. There is too much going on and for many of us and we need to keep one little blessing each day in focus.
Beaches, trails and creeks
Hopefully by now during the last seven months you have walked all the beaches in your area, all the inland hiking trails, and have explored all the creeks! Well – what else is there to do! Friends seem far away, our once casual gatherings and potlucks have turned upside down so what can we do socially. While most of our restaurants no longer serve Happy Hour you can create your own. I have started a ‘Happy Hour’ on zoom! We see each other, share a few toasts, count our blessings, cry and laugh. And you don’t have to have alcohol. Share some good stories and keep the connections alive.
Farmers Markets
And by now we have tried our hand in making sourdough starters to make bread, pizzas, and biscuits, and many of us have been trying to go back to our hippie days and make our own sprouts, yogurts, and salves. If you have found yourself too ‘busy’ to get out in the garden or do the a fore mentioned homebound ideas you are in luck with two very active ‘Farmer’s markets’. While the Fort Ross School Sunday markets have been cancelled, we have a new one that sprouted up at the Fort Ross Store Farmers Market (thank you Jeff and Nellie) with the leadership of Hank Birnbaum held every Sunday from 10:00 to Noon. This market will have many great vendors with home grown or home-produced goods. You will find fresh herbs, veggies, fruits, salves, figs, dried pears, granola, jams, scones, and more. If you would like to sell at the market please contact Hank at 707-321-5783 or hankbirnbaum@gmail.com.
The other truly down home market is in Annapolis with the Frank Schmidt Family Farms. I am so happy about this. I have known Frank and his family for over 35 years and they have put some love into their land. Frank has Candy Crisp Apples, Golden Delicious, Golden Russets, zucchini, basil, parsley, cherry plums, and a selection of tomatoes. Sometimes he has eggs, and other assortment of goods. You can find them at 35860 Annapolis Road inside the gate generally from 11-2 on Saturdays. Plus it is a beautiful drive up Annapolis Road.
The arts
Gualala Arts Center continues to update their events and art exhibits. Please check their website often for upcoming events at http://gualalaarts.org/category/events/.
Point Arena Theater continues to offer telecast programs of opera’s, ballet’s, film and art shows. Please visit the web at https://www.arenatheater.org/home/calendar/.
Once Upon A River streaming at the Arena Theater
This Midwestern Gothic Americana story is, in the words of Jane Smiley for The New York Times, “an excellent American parable about the consequences of our favorite ideal, freedom.”
Friday, Oct. 2- Thursday, Oct. 15
Directed by Haroula Rose
2019, 92 Minutes
Timber Cove Resort is serving patio dining. Visit them at https://www.timbercoveresort.com for all the details. Many restaurants and hotels are open in Gualala. Check out the Redwood Coast Chamber site for some of the listings https://redwoodcoastchamber.com/explore/?type=all-listings&sort=nearby.
So two big things coming up! One is Halloween. What’s the plan? Be creative. Maybe a costume parade at the school grounds, or a Trunk or Treat. Those are fun! And it’s easy – as everyone is already wearing a mask. And the other BIG day is elections. Please VOTE! Many blessings to each of you.
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