We skipped Farmers Market since we have plenty of produce in the frig from last weeks trip, and instead headed out to Las Pilitas Nursery which is in the middle of nowhere, but a lovely drive in the backcountry away, even under cloudy skies. Randy bought 50 1-gallon native chaparral plants to continue his restoration project on the west slope just away from the house.
I petted, and provided a warm lap for, the resident Las Pilitas cat, NiNi, who is alleged to be an unpredictable attack cat, but who has never been anything but sweet and gentle with me. Go figure. I always look forward to seeing NiNi. I think she's misunderstood.... By the way, she's a lovely long-haired brown tabby whose coat is in great shape in spite of spending so much time outdoors.
As long as we were halfway there, we continued on to the Pozo Saloon for a lunch of tri-tip sandwiches and chili beans. We hadn't been there for ages, and then only for Sunday breakfast, so we practically had the whole ancient place to ourselves and sat at the antique bar near the fire (a stove, not a fireplace). Kinda swell.
We came home and unloaded plants. Then, while RDK attempted to sell his sailboat to a couple of CalPoly students (I told them I'd let the boat AND trailer go for $50....), I went to Templeton for car juice and a few groceries from Trader Joe's. And it rained a little. Here and there.
Early darkness found us heading to Atascadero Lake, a smarmy fake pond which is nonetheless, a center of community activity, for the 12th Annual Musical Walk Around the Lake, an event we apparently overlooked last year. It really was amusing and entertaining. Even RDK said he had fun.
Many of the homes around the lake decorate rather extensively and host various musical events and/or snacks. One home had Christmas rock tunes and lighting effects with a local restaurant serving up big, saucy meatballs in bowls. Another had a puppet show and cotton candy. The City Council served hot cider, cookies, and candy canes at the half-way point of the walk. There were choirs and popcorn and bonfires dotting the way. The streets were closed off to allow pedestrian-only traffic. Lots of kids and dogs and the Atascadero High School marching band.
The added bonus was having our little Charles Paddock Zoo open and serving roasted marshmallows. (Man, those flamingoes were busy and noisy!)
Best of all, all of this was free to anyone attending. All of it! Other than a bit of the old "Jesus is the reason for the season" pitch, no one was selling anything or promoting anything. No wine or other alcohol. Just a lot of people walking around, frequently in the dark since most of the streets around the lake aren't lighted, enjoying the holiday lights and music and other simple pleasures of the holiday season. It was all quite refreshing!
We came home and watched National Geographic animal shows while munching on yet more minestrone and bread and cheese.
It was just a nice day.
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