Sacramento - Day 33 - March 16, 2015

The party's over - but only for a little while.

We ventured out this morning to continue our mission to see as much of Sacramento as we could in a short visit. We returned to the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacramento so that we could really view it without interrupting a mass. I don't think my pictures do it justice though as the lights were off but it is a very impressive church.

Views of the Cathedral

 



the dome is almost as impressive as the Capitols'

St. Patrick - with an early wish for a Happy St. Patrick's Day! and a remembrance of the St. Patrick's in Wheatville

Views of Old Sacramento

 

From the cathedral we walked to Old Sacramento. This is the historic area of the town but it is more businesses housed in the old buildings rather than museums like Old Town San Diego was. We had a great afternoon anyway though.

 

we walked through this tunnel which is under the freeway to get to old Sac

Statue of the Pony Express

The juxtaposition of the old and the new

Great chandelier that they had in the Tavern

Gotta love the Buffalo

Old Fire Department

The grandkids would go crazy in this candy store

The Old School House

The old school marm

Grandpa Ron acting like a hobo or maybe looking for one on the rail road for Brayden

 

Headed home to get showered after having walked 5 - 6 miles and to get our bags packed to leave.  It has been fabulous and we look forward to our next adventure - Disney World in Florida.  Since it's a family trip and most of you have been there I probably won't blog but you may see some pictures on FB.

Other views of Sacramento

 

the light rail.  The y had the same in San Diego

winded through this area to find the tunnel to old sac

what wonderful symbolism ....

the fox and the goose tavern.  Sacramento has many neighborhood eateries rather than having to drive to find someplace to eat or imbibe

yeah we're about 2 month behind weather wise but come to think of it we are not even in the same playing field



Sacramento - Day 32 - March 15, 2015

Beware the ides of March.

Started the day off with a yummy breakfast that Chris made for us complete with eggs, home fries, toast, tomatillo salsa and mimosas.(Champagne and OJ)  Started the day off with a buzz....

The Breakfast of Champions!

 Then at 10:30 we walked down to the market (literally under the freeway) and bought some almonds and eggs. (and tasted the free samples)
 

Just had to show a picture of Chris' clean car after Dad washed and waxed it.  Aunt Anna would be proud.  2004 Blazer with only 44K!  Sue and I put on about 10K of it.  Chris mainly uses public transportation like a good liberal.

Don't see these much anymore  - but I don't think this one is going to work anyway

Farmers Market under the freeway.  I hoped and prayed that there isn't an earthquake while we were there.



All kinds of greens, vegetables, fruit, and flowers

Also baked goods

Chris had a soccer game at 2:00. She and I went while Ron stayed home with Clu. Clu probably needed a nap. The game was outdoor and full field. Chris got a good workout even though the score was not in their favor.

Came home and changed for church. We walked to the 5:00 Mass at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament. Unfortunately I don't have any indoor pictures since I didn't want to wait around for everyone to leave first.

Came home to find Clu reading

Chris and a cat we saw along our walk

This cat is called Norm Lopez - the Mayor of Sacramento.  He's a recognizable "personality" that everyone in Sacramento knows about.   

Statue of Fray Junipero Serra in the Capitol Garden

Cathedral of The Blessed Sacramento

From there we walked to Bombay Bar and Grill. Chris had Palak Paneer, I had Chicken Tikka Masala, and Ron the Saagwala. We actually did some sharing. We have had more Indian food in California - I don't believe we even have an Indian restaurant in Watertown.

One of the many "character" homes we've seen in Sacramento on our walks

On our walk home we passed the Sac Brew Bike - it was too dark to get a picture but I really think it could catch on here. Came home and enjoyed another glass of the red wine we bought yesterday after our tasting session.

 

 

Tomorrow is our last day in sunny California. We hope to go to Old Sacramento but I'm not sure if I'll get to blog or not. See you all soon back in good ol' NY. 

Sacramento - Day 31 - March 14, 2015

Happy Birthday Matt!  Happy Pi Day!

Christine had her boot camp again this morning so I went with her and did a lap around McKinley Park. We let Ron sleep but he claims he got up right after we left.

Morning Views from McKinley Park

 

So nice to see beautiful flowers blooming in March

Houses across from the park

Park wildlife

More blooms

The boys would really love this playground



After returning from the park we ventured off to the Delta Region.  We rode along the Sacramento River until we came to the small town of Locke. It was previously called Lockeport but the name had been shortened over the years. Locke is the only rural Chinese town left in the U.S. Founded in 1915 it was built and mainly inhabited by the Chinese until recently. The town still looks like it did 50 years ago. We went to the museum, the school, the gambling house, and Al the Wops Saloon and Restaurant just to name a few.

Views along the Sacramento River

 



Vineyards in the delta area

Views of the town of Locke



Main Street in Locke



Chinese School

 

Medicine Shop



There were lots of bikers in the town today!



The gambling house



Having a cold one at the Saloon and Restaurant - a Pepsi that is!

 

 

From there we rode into the remote delta area and viewed rows and rows of vineyard and pear orchards. Seeing all those grapes made us head for the Old Sugar Mill. The site of an old sugar beet factory is now the home to about a dozen tasting rooms for the local wineries. It is really one-stop wine tasting. They also had jams and olive oils. After sampling a few tasty wines we picked a nice red that we thought would go good with spaghetti and we headed to the store for the necessary ingredients. At home we prepared our spaghetti and it paired perfectly with the wine. We haven't had spaghetti since we came to California and it really hit the spot - the wine didn't hurt any either.

Ron was very excited to see this huge bag of carrots for only $6 in the store - If they would fit in the suitcase we'd bring some back for Brayden and Mom Spitzer!  Tis was an amazing grocery store half the products were in #10 size tin cans or huge bags like the carrots.  If Ron gets excited about a grocery store you know it had to be something.  He wants to open a branch of it by us ... it's called Smart and Final.  Strange name but.....



Chris being very domestic!

A great dinner with even better company

We were going to go the local comedy club but they were doing a special roast for a local TV personality that we didn't know so we decided to stay home.