it WAS great.
I love that kind of hometown event. Family oriented, entertaining, exciting. Of course again, this gorgeous climate. It was a beautiful warm night, with a full moon and a stunning sunset in blues, violets, peaches, pinks....golds.....just spectacular.
There were throngs of folks walking up and down Washington Street, the one main street that goes through Sonora. Little boys coming into town from the ranch at night, gussied up in their cowboy hats and boots, straight legged jeans and western style shirts, standing in front of the toy store with their noses pressed against the window......Little girls dressed up in their Disney Princess Gowns, bows in their hair, excitedly pointing to the snow cone vendors. Old hippies, wandering aimlessly, looking for old friends and sneaking sips from their flasks. Stylish retired couples, with coifed white hair, holding hands and swaying back and forth to the swing band, watching all the other couples swinging their partners around and around.
There are a lot of REAL dancing couples here in this community. Ive noticed them before when i've gotten to see shows at the casino. Not just spinning in circles, girating their hips and flailing their arms around, but couples, dancing steps, knowing how to lead and follow. It is so cool. Still an art here in Tuolumne County.
Traffic moving at a crawl, A narrow street runs through Sonora. Past the old western buildings. Built with Ranching and Gold Mining money. Logging money too . Now tourist money keeps it going. Interesting western architecture. Real old timey.
And the streets are lined with boutiques, antique stores, and cafes'. Play bills for upcoming events taped to all the front doors. There is ALWAYS something to do in Tuolumne County. Free entertainment. Like this Street Festival, a different band on every block. And magical acts, belly dancing and fire juggling right in front of the county courthouse. Every kind of vendor selling any kind of treat. From wine tasting to Kettle Corn. All the shops were open late, pretty sales girls leaning on the door frames, bright lights spilling out onto the sidewalk calling you in to spend a little cash.
And no fighting. No rudeness. All ages, all backgrounds, all lifestyles, just enjoying the night. smiling and laughing......saying hello and excuse me.
I went to my favorite restraunt with two of my favorite old hippies and had a nice meal of ravioli and red , red wine.
and finished off the night nibbling on my tira misu out of a white styrofoam leftover container, watching the meteor shower.
On Saturday after wandering around the farmers market, ( they have the BEST tomatoes and peaches anywhere) I got to see the " Fire on the Mountain" Blues Festival. It is held in the County fairground/campground.
There was not too much of a turnout probably not even 1000 people. I got a great seat right in the middle of the arena, on the lawn in the shade. They had "misting tents" set up if anyone got too hot. I think it was well organized but i can't imagine what happened to their marketing or what else was going on to keep the crowd away. Well, there were 2 festivals in the area besides the blues festival so maybe that's what happened.
Festivals are great places to people watch. ...... i got some pictures...will have to post them when i get back to CT.
My favorite acts were Paul Thorn and the incredible Roy Rogers.
Paul Thorn is really a fun entertainer. He talks to the audience between each original song. Besides being a great blues man he's a brilliantly funny, down to earth entertainer. ok for instance, one of his songs is titled " my cousin the Jehova witness Stripper" It's on u-Tube. check it out.
Roy played with the original founder and keyboard player for the legendary "Doors" Ray Manzek. They've made a recording and are on Tour together. Roy actually "posed" for a photo for me. He's my favorite guitar player.
oh i have a list.....i won't go into it here.
The drive home was long and hot . I don't like to use air-conditioning.
and here is Saturday already. a week after my birthday trip.
my sleeping pattern is bizzare. some nights im still awake at 2am and some nights i wake up at 2am and cant go back to sleep. tonight im typing with one eye closed because i found the Gypsy, Red Lavender Tea at Raley's and had some a little while ago.
Today i went to the farmers market in Oroville. then came back and waited for Larry. I realized after i got back that the drip system in the veggie garden was not working. My investigation showed that the batteries needed replacing, i only had 2...needed 3 and Larry who was coming down to pick up some veggies in trade for some new potatoes brought me the extra battery i needed.
otherwise, i was pretty useless today. and i carbed up.......first time since i got here.
I ate french bread which was terrific, corn, a burritto, and a whole bowl of quinoa......im not telling you how big of a bowl. OH and bok choy.....don't tell me that's starchy
im doing a detox tomorrow.
write when you can or feel like it.
love
mom/sal
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