A House of a Different Color! Southside Park, Sacramento CA

Post 99

2011-12-14T13:51:00.000-08:00

There is another wonderful blog about Southside park, and my neighbor is actually updating it!

Go check it out... Southside Park: Forty-Six City Block of Surprise

Post 98

2011-06-03T22:31:00.000-07:00

Sacramento Pride Festival comes to our neighborhood tomorrow! Parade starts at 5th and S. Festival on Capitol Mall. I just hope it doesn't get too much rain!

Post 97

2011-04-02T11:03:00.000-07:00

One of those magical moments in the neighborhood... the morning clouds opened, the sun came out, the birds began to sing, and in a moment the church bells started to ring... yes! Be well... Tj.

Post 96

2011-03-20T20:53:00.000-07:00

You gotta love youth... the courage or maybe it is just the opposite. There are some kids that live down on the corner. Now, I call them kids, they are probably my children's age or around that. So, in their mid to late 20's. They brought home a truck load of snow today, covered their stairs with it, and I think were snowboarding down the stairs... too funny! I just hope they don't break their necks!! Be safe guys!!! Tj.

Post 95

2011-03-20T12:32:00.000-07:00

Wow! Quite a storm... the wind was gusting up to 50-60 MPH? I thought for sure one of the big trees on our street would be blown over... but we awoke this morning and they are all standing! At least on our street. I hope the rest of the neighborhood was as lucky! Be well... stay dry and warm. Tj.

Post 94

2011-03-14T19:37:00.000-07:00

Watching all that is going on in Japan, makes me think about our little neighborhood. How much I enjoy it here, and how terrible it must be to lose it. My heart and thoughts are with Japan. May peace find its way to you.

Post 93

2011-03-14T19:02:00.000-07:00

Wild Turkeys? Driving down the street today about a half a block away I saw some very large birds and thought what the heck are those? A closer look they were a pair of wild turkeys! I don't think I have seen turkeys in the neighborhood before! They looked very much like these guys but were very skinny. Didn't look like a Thanksgiving Turkey for sure! Be well... Tj

Post 92

2011-03-07T19:45:00.000-08:00

The Bed and Breakfast around the corner has this beautiful tulip tree. It is currently in full bloom and after the rain yesterday the ground looks like it is covered in pretty pink snow!

Post 91

2011-03-05T19:53:00.000-08:00

We are getting a new traffic light in the neighborhood. The corner of 6th and W. And it can't come too soon, new pile of auto glass all over the ground. That is a bad corner at certain times of day, when rush hour traffic is whizzing by... and on Sundays when the farmers market is on. But the lights are up and waiting for the electricity... and probably an inspection. Soon!

Post 90

2011-02-27T10:08:00.000-08:00

Not exactly my neighborhood but I had to post this... in Rancho Cordova CA which is about 8 miles from home, a tornado touched down! We don't get tornado's here! Photo courtesy of the national weather service. It was quite a storm but a tornado?? WOW!

Post 89

2011-02-24T19:12:00.000-08:00

The camellias in the little church around the corner and in my yard are in full bloom and beautiful!

Post 88

2011-02-21T21:06:00.000-08:00

It was a beautiful day today, the park was filled with people and the playground was alive with happy kids! What a wonderful sound. Happy laughing children! Be well...

Post 87

2011-02-20T10:30:00.000-08:00

Sunday mornings I am often awakened by the sound of the church bells singing beautiful songs. Today only a slight difference, the hawk was singing too! Tj.

Post 86

2011-02-19T12:54:00.000-08:00

My original intent of this blog was to portray a piece of everyday life in my little corner of the world. I failed at that... I think because I tried to hard, to find different interesting things to post. I wanted grand things, and overlooked the tiny miracles that make up every day. So, back to the drawing board! Today, February 19, 2011... the first day of a new daily small details of this wonderful neighborhood I call home. Here today the sky is mostly cloudy, the trees are bare, the neighborhood is quiet. Snow levels are really low so it's cold! I see a Scrub Jay out my window. Be well... Tj.

Post 85

2010-12-31T22:30:00.001-08:00

Post 84

2010-11-06T12:35:00.000-07:00

I have really been neglecting this blog. I really should get back to it! My neighborhood is full of interesting things!

Last night after a seeing a show with my daughter, we arrived home, while I was parking the car I caught a glimse of something crossing the street. It was a raccoon... then there were 2 following, and another 3 and another and another... in total we counted 9!! We watched as they crossed from our side of the street to the other and up a big tree. We went over to take a little closer look, most were already up the tree, one brave one was sniffing around in the dirt. He looked over at us, and then followed the others. I have never seen that many together before. It was something! This is urban living!! Tj.

Post 83 an invitation!

2010-09-08T14:30:00.000-07:00

Upcoming park event!

The Tony Award-winning San Francisco Mime Troupe (SFMT) is coming! This Sunday, September 12th @ 5:00pm, music begins at 4:30 at the Southside Park bandshell, 6th and T streets. SFMT presents POSIBILDAD, or Death of the Worker. A small U.S. factory is shutting down. All of the workers are losing their jobs, and to add insult to injury, they have also lost their last two weeks of pay and retirement funds, which were raided over the years to pay stock dividends. On the final day of work, a pregnant employee, suddenly overtaken with labor pains, sits down on the job. Interpreting this as an act of difiance, The Boss calls security. The situation escalates and before anyone has a chance to think, the Workers have accidentally occupied the Factory!

Ticket info: FREE! donations are happily accepted. ASL Interpreter will be on site. Bring a low back chair, blanket, and a picnic and come on out! Political comedy at its finest! SFMT always funny!!! For more info go to the SFMT website. See you there... Tj.

Post 82 an apology

2010-08-23T18:29:00.000-07:00

I always try to be a good neighbor. We are always mindful of the noise our dogs make, try to train them not to bark, keep them inside as much as possible. They are good dogs really. They do have issues with some of the kids in the neighborhood running by and poking sticks through the fence at them. Barking at them... the kids barking at the dogs, and of course then the other way around. We really do attempt to stop them.

Well, Saturday night my daughter and I went to a movie and while we were gone we left Bosco out in the yard. Now he is usually pretty good, in fact the note I was left really is hard to believe but none the less I don't know what he does while I'm gone. There could have been raccoons wandering around or something else that set him off. And I apologize if he bothered anyone, but really this note, I feel like it's exaggerated. This is what I came home to at midnight:

Your dog barked non stop ALL NIGHT!

If this happens again we will call animal control with noise complaints.

-The entire neighborhood (underlined twice)

So, my apologies. But also my interpretation, my dog barked non stop all night meaning from about 9:10ish when we left until midnight. I guess if a dog is barking and annoying someone that can seem like all night. Non stop? Really? Bosco never barks on and on... we have had him for 4 years now, since he was a puppy and he's never done that. And really? A threat? That is not neighborly at all. And signed the entire neighborhood. So, while I was at the movie for about 3 hours the entire neighborhood got together and formed a united front against my little dog? I don't know. I'm not buying it.

I really am sorry if he barked and caused any disturbance. But at the same time, annoyed by the approach, really was that necessary? That's all for today, be well. Tj.

Bosco is sorry too... just look at that face!

Post 81

2010-07-31T10:35:00.001-07:00

Beautiful July day! How often do you get to say that in July in Sacramento? Not often, well usually anyway. But hasn't it been pleasant here? High's in the 80's or low 90's, I would be just fine with this trend! Looks like there is some activity in the park today, maybe I'll wander down and see what's up! Have an enjoyable day! Tj.

Post 80

2010-07-11T18:31:00.000-07:00

It's HOT!!! The pool at the park is open... festivals have begun... summertime! Thank goodness for the big trees, shade absolutely helps cool us all! Even the squirrels are hiding!

Post 79

2010-06-19T11:23:00.000-07:00

We have a hawk living in the treetops. I thought it was a red tail hawk, but doing some research and listening to their call I think it is actually a red shouldered hawk. I haven't caught it with my camera yet, hopefully soon.

Red shouldered hawk: A loud, screaming "kee yar" dropping in pitch, typically uttered 2-4 times. Red-shouldered hawks are quite vocal (blue jays frequently mimic their call), especially during spring courtship.

Red tail hawk: Often described as a scream, resembles a long, wheezy "kkeeeeer." Used on television, regularly dubbed over as the sound of an eagle or vulture.

What bird website you can listen to the different voices. Here is a photo of a Red Shouldered Hawk from Wikipedia.

Beautiful bird, I love hearing it call... Kee yar kee yar kee yar kee yar... be well... Tj.

Post 78

2010-05-20T08:19:00.000-07:00

Last night I was letting my dog out for his last "outside time" of the night, and I have been looking around before I let him out so there aren't any surprises or animals to chase... and sure enough. My cat had not eaten all of his food from the morning, and there was a baby possum up on the table eating the left overs! He was actually kind of cute... yes I said that, a possum was cute. He was about the size of a rat. It took me a while to chase him off, but he finally left. I dumped the cat food. I am sure that my cat had not eaten because he's eating the food the crazy cat lady leaves out. She is a whole different story. We have a lady that comes around and leaves food out for the feral cats whose population has grown in the last year or so... I'm sure because she is feeding them. More on that later.... until next time. Tj.

Post 77

2010-05-19T10:39:00.000-07:00

Last evening I was discussing all the different critters we have in our neighborhood with a friend who lives in Folsom. She was quite surprised the variety since I live down town. You wouldn't think we would have a vast wildlife in the middle of the city. But we do! I told her that I hadn't seen a skunk or raccoon in a while. Well I spoke too soon! I didn't see the skunk last night but the scent waffling in my window was pretty obvious, there was a skunk out there and pretty close too my eyes were burning! Good thing the dogs were in the house. Then when I went to bed I heard rustling around in the back yard. And there out my window was a baby raccoon up in the tree. I went to get my camera but I couldn't see him by the time I got back, I could still hear him in the tree but couldn't see. He looked very much like this photo. Funny enough neither the skunks or raccoons bother me, in fact I think they are kind of cute. Not like the possum…. They just creep me out! Until next time… Tj.

Post 76

2010-05-15T19:18:00.000-07:00

Today is the annual Yarmarka Festival! It is a traditional Russian festival celebrating Russian-Ukrainian American culture. This year is the 12th annual and it is expected to attract 10-15 thousand people throughout the day. A very popular event of the year for the Russian speaking community. This is an annual festival for the park, and it's always a big party! Most of the festivals end mid to late afternoon, but this one goes till dark! Party on!! Until next time... Tj.

Post 75

2010-05-15T09:49:00.000-07:00

There is a festival at the park today! I can hear music, probably a sound check. Looks like a ticket booth and rides of some kind. I am going to wonder down and see what's up!

Post 74

2010-05-14T11:06:00.000-07:00

I am really not keeping up with this blog. For anyone who reads it I so apologize!! There was a Summer Youth Fair in the park last weekend, it looked like it was well attended, it was on Saturday and I was busy with Second Saturday so I didn't get a chance to go down. It is the beginning of festival season in the park and I am looking forward to it!

We have had some visitors the last week, I shot this photo on our back porch. Gives me chills just looking at it... possums! They are really creepy, at least I think they are. Like big giant rats! Anyway, this was the first to visit us. I saw another 2 nights later and then last night there were 2 in our yard. They were hissing and growling at each other. Of all the critters we have in our neighborhood these I could do without. This one is all ratty and torn up too... ick!

Until next time, be well. Tj.

Post 73

2010-05-07T11:01:00.000-07:00

Second Saturday is tomorrow... go out and help support local arts! The Sacramento Bee is almost in the SouthSide Park neighborhood and hey are having a great art show this month! Come out and learn how you can help save the honey bees and see some great art! Until next time... Tj.

Post 72

2010-04-28T15:33:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow, Thursday April 29th is the 4th annual Pay It Forward Day. The idea is to do one to three good deeds for others without asking for anything in return. What a better place the world would be if we all practiced this daily. They have free downloadable pay it forward cards that explain the pay it forward concept, and to give out when you do pay it forward! So come on... lets change the world one random kind act at a time!!! For more information go to their website http://www.payitforwardday.com/

Post 71

2010-04-21T17:03:00.000-07:00

Raining today, but in the park on my way to work I saw a big tent going up! I found out that there was going to be a march for CA's future. Marchers gathered for the last leg of this march at Southside park at 2 and marched to the capitol for a rally on the west steps at 4. This march began on March 6th in Bakersfield! Marching to fight for the California Dream! For more info go to www.fight4cafuture.com

Post 70

2010-04-16T10:49:00.000-07:00

The Goldfinches are back! Just love them, and this time of year they are so yellow! On the feeder this morning. :)

Post 69

2010-04-11T12:19:00.000-07:00

Friday it was a little breezy but gorgeous out. Yesterday was overcast, looked like rain, and a little cold. Today it's windy and now raining... and there is a festival today in the park. I don't know what festival, but there are tents set up, vendors preparing, I hear music now. There are quite a few people arriving, some just finding shelter under the trees. I'm sure the weather is going to interfere with attendance. I feel bad for the organizers! Weather is so hard to predict this time of year! Until next time.. Tj.

Post 68

2010-04-09T18:28:00.000-07:00

Many of our neighbors knew our Chester so I wanted to share. We had to make a really tough decision today. He has been going down hill. The vet told us about a month ago that he had a urinary tract infection, the cause of it could be from many things including liver failure. We put him on antibiotics and he seemed better for a while, but the last few days he had been turning up his nose at food even the good stuff, and he has been losing weight, and his legs and snout were swollen. At times he almost couldn't make it up our steps to come in. Our main living is on the second floor, a lot of steps for an old sick boy. Went back to the vet today and he confirmed Chester has liver failure. What a tough terrible decision it is to make. We don't want him to suffer, and he has been. We will miss you terribly Bubba and love you always. RIP Chester Field Lev 1998-2010, our wonderful dog with a great big loving heart.

Post 67

2010-04-09T08:58:00.000-07:00

I didn't make it down to the park for the egg hunt last weekend, but we did very much enjoy the sounds of happy kids walking by, they were so excited! I snapped a couple of photos from my front porch, looked like fun! Good thing the event was on Saturday because Sunday, well late Sunday afternoon it started pouring! What a storm that was! Below is a photo of the rain! Until next time... Tj.

Post 66

2010-04-01T10:22:00.000-07:00

Spring Egg Hunt in Southside park, 6th and U streets, Sacramento, Saturday April 3rd, starts around 11am. There is a planned appearance by the Easter Bunny, giveaways for children and adults, arts & crafts and lots of fun for the family. It is a FREE event but bring your own basket to collect those eggs!

Until next time... Tj.

Post 65

2010-03-27T23:02:00.001-07:00

It's spring and even the wildlife are pairing up! I took this in my backyard, a morning dove couple. We have many bird species pass through and some that stay around, like the morning doves! It was a beautiful day today. The park was alive with people, passing time and celebrating! I hope you enjoy... be well! Tj.

Post 64

2010-03-20T16:20:00.000-07:00

The beauty and diversity of Southside Park! The Aztec Celebration of Tlacaxipehualiztli (The Flaying of Man), a springtime festival in honor of Xipe Totec. Xipe Totec, the god of Spring and new vegetation. Beautiful head dresses, powerful drumming, inspiring dance... Wonderful! And spring is here! At the pond while the drums were pulsing and the conch shell singing a Great Blue heron came in for a landing at the pond! What a celebration for the senses it was today!! Happy Spring! Tj.

Post 63

2010-03-20T12:56:00.000-07:00

Pow Wow!!! Love the sound of the drums floating down from the park!! I am going to go down and take some photos today, will post some later!! Happy Saturday. Tj.

Post 62

2010-03-12T22:45:00.000-08:00

Good things are growing in the SouthSide Park community garden!!

Post 61

2010-03-08T16:52:00.000-08:00

Spring is really springing! Southside park is one of the only neighborhoods I've lived in that I have noticed these little yellow clover flowers in the spring. I am sure they are probably a weed, but I think they are just lovely and they are really proficient here! Empty lots are covered in them, they pop up brightening tiny corners of yards. They are the sunniest yellow color. Just beautiful, and for me one of the first signs spring is almost here! Until next time… Tj.

Post 60

2010-03-07T00:11:00.000-08:00

I have been a really bad blogger lately! I am going to get back out there and see what is going on in the world again I promise! For now here are a couple of more places of worship... until next time, Tj.

Post 59

2010-02-28T10:49:00.000-08:00

Ok, I've been sick. The flu found me, knocked me down hard! I've not left my house in days so I missed the snow yesterday. I thought I'd have enough energy to get up and at least snap a few photos but I never did. So, if anyone wants to share about the snow day... or anything else please let me know! Be well... I hope to soon! Tj.

Post 58

2010-02-25T15:13:00.000-08:00

Spring is in the air!!

Post 57

2010-02-23T15:20:00.001-08:00

Snow man in Southside park? Well anything is possible!! This Saturday, February 27th, bring the kids!

Snow day at Southside Park from 11-4 pm featuring: Snow Caves ● Toboggan Rides● Face Painting● Games● Food● Community Resources● Child Safety finger printing. Sponsored by Council Member Lauren Hammond & the 2010 Complete Count Committee, City of Sacramento. For more information, call Helen Hewitt at 916-808-7234.

This was a little photoshop fun! I will try to get some actual photos of the event and post this weekend! Until next time... Tj.

Post 56

2010-02-21T10:35:00.000-08:00

Church bells are ringing! Our neighborhood has a variety of places of worship. You can find many different views, traditions and customs. Here are a few photos of just a couple of them. Be well... Tj.

Post 55

2010-02-19T23:31:00.000-08:00

Contributed by: Joe Lev

If you go out my back door, you can sit on the second floor deck and look out at our yard. To the left you got a butterfly bush, then creipe myrtle, some roses and a maple tree we planted 10 years ago that is now close to forty feet tall. In front of it on a small lawn are bird feeders, two finch socks and 2 regular seed feeders. Typical morning you get a dozen various finches and sparrows, 6 or so doves, a junco or two, and other visitors.

Hanging from the beam are hummingbird feeders and we watch them feed in front of our faces. They are cranky little things and don't like sharing.

Oh yeah down to the left is a brugmansia with peach to rust colored flowers in profusion. In the middle of the lawn an arbor , covered with Grateful Dead roses (the bush was here when we moved in),leads to the pond with a couple of elusive bullfrogs. Back of the pond we got another white brug, a nectarine tree, crepe myrtle, acacia maidenii and a parking pad made from pavers and another lawn.

To the right we got some kind of pine and another brug covered with yellow flowers under what was our xmas tree 10 years ago and now is a towering redwood with an ever thickening trunk. The trees are home to a bunch of squirrels, jumping from tree to tree to telephone line to roof to the attic of the apartments behind us to the right.

Some nights we get visits from skunks, possums, and racoon families.

There is an alley behind the yard and we can watch the world walk by. First it's an old muslim guy in traditional dress walking his grandkid (or kid?) to the park. A chinese family may be next or hispanics headed to the big church. Loud Mexican oompa music plays from the apartments, church bells ring and from the park a block away someone is doing a soundcheck for a festival on the big bandstand. Our 3 dogs bark at some kids running down the street in front and we yell at them to shut up. Someone fires up a chain saw or jackhammer.
Some kids drive by bumping the rap and rattling windows.

This 'hood was once the redlight district then went downhill from there, when we moved in this place had been abandond for years, the yard a pile of rubble and weeds. It was a squat for junkies, and we found 35 hypos in the yard.

A typical day down here on the ground, I love it here!!!!! It's the opitome of diversity and that kind of selects out people that are uptight about stuff. If you don't like blacks,muslims, asians, hispanics, gays, hippies, pretty much anyone, you wouldn't dream of living here. But all these groups live in harmony under the 100 year old trees.

Post 54

2010-02-17T07:51:00.000-08:00

I found another nest in a tree down by the park. This is a much larger nest, maybe a Crow or a Scrub Jay? Or maybe it's a squirrel? I don't think it is high enough to be a Hawks nest, they nest way up in the tallest trees and in buildings. I think I"ll have to walk down and keep an eye on this one too!

Have something to share? Let me know! Read post 53 for more info. Be well... Tj.

Post 53

2010-02-15T16:08:00.000-08:00

I am hoping to expand this blog. Southside park is such a great neighborhood. Lots of interesting people from many different cultures and points of view. I would love to get slice of life type stories to post from other Southside neighbors. If you have an interesting experience and you would like to share, please email to me at tjdaisey@aol.com and please put blog submission in the subject line so I can identify those quickly. If you give me your name and I post your experience, I'll include your name. Or, it's ok if you don't want your name here too! So, bring it on! What great things have you seen, heard, smelled, experienced here? Let me know and I'll get it posted! (disclaimer: I reserve the right to not post, this is my blog after all. Keep it positive and it's all good!) Until then... Tj.

Post 52

2010-02-15T16:05:00.000-08:00

Spring is in the air... seems a little early but, maybe not. There is a nest in the tree in front of our house, have not seen anyone move in yet but it is there waiting! Maybe I'll be able to catch them soon, I hope! Until next time... Tj

Post 51

2010-02-15T15:36:00.001-08:00

Out for a walk I found this statue in one of my neighbors front yards. I just thought her face has such a kind expression on it. Beautiful sunny day in the neighborhood!

Post 50

2010-02-10T09:40:00.000-08:00

My hubby and I arrived home last night around 8:30, after the YMCA, and as we pulled up to our house, out the corner of my eye I saw something moving looked like a cat at first but then I saw no…. not a cat. It was a possum! Just walking down the sidewalk in front of our house. It ran and hid under my daughters car where it proceeded to play possum! Until next time...

Post 49

2010-02-07T00:42:00.000-08:00

Took my new camera out for a spin last week. It was a beautiful day! Ducks and seagulls and volleyball, ... oh my! All part of the action in Southside Park! Tj.

Post 48

2010-02-05T22:50:00.000-08:00

We have almost any type of church you could want to find in the Southside Park neighborhood. Just around the corner is a very small church that is almost never used. Once or twice a year we have seen people there cleaning off the roof of the building, and we hear the church bell ring. But it is a tiny space and I don't think used very often. I am really not sure what kind of church this is, en Espanol. It has the cutest little bell tower, and beautiful tile mural of Nossa Senhora De Fatima. Oh and beautiful dark pink camellias! Until next time... Tj.

Post 47

2010-02-03T11:21:00.000-08:00

Our neighborhood has a wonderful community garden which was started a few years ago. It sits on 5th street at the corner of W. Wonderful magical garden cared for with love. This is the new garden gate, added last year. What an enchanting entrance to a delightful place!

Post 46

2010-01-29T10:13:00.000-08:00

Our neighborhood sits in the South West corner of downtown Sacramento. Right where Interstate 5 and Highway 99 intersect, both major freeways. My home is just 2 blocks from 99, and 4 blocks from 5 and yes we can hear the traffic noise. Well most of the time we don't even notice, but at night when all is quiet we do. I guess to many that would be a down side of living here, but just shortly after moving in, my hubby and I decided that we would just pretend it is the ocean! Last night while falling asleep I was warm, so I cracked my window just a little… the freeway noise came rushing in. But as I drifted off I could see the ocean waves crashing onto the shore! Ah… so relaxing… Until next time… Tj.

Post 45

2010-01-28T13:41:00.000-08:00

Let the sun shine.... let the sun shine in.... the sun, shine in! Woo hoo!!

Post 44

2010-01-25T10:56:00.000-08:00

Damp and wet. That is what it's been for the past week. The sun did come out on Saturday for a bit and it was a welcome sight! Yesterday it was overcast and misty, but that didn't stop people from spending time in our park. When I drove by in the afternoon, I spied 3 boys riding their bicycles, a dad and son getting in some batting practice and a young family going for a walk. They had the cutest little girl with a little pink coat on! Well, they were over by the pond and I was driving by in my car so really I couldn't see the little girl, but the bright pink coat spoke cute very loudly!

I finally picked up my new camera and am very happy with it, just have to learn how to use it now. Photos to come! Until next time… Tj.

Post 43

2010-01-22T21:47:00.000-08:00

The construction behind us has begun again. This photo was taken the end of November, but it still looks pretty much the same. I am not sure what happened, the windows were installed, then a week or so later were removed. My brother said maybe someone didn't pay. There they sat like 2 big hollow wooden blobs all through the holidays. No action. But now the windows have been re-installed and there is action again. There has been tar paper laid for the base of the roof and I'm not sure what else we can't see, just hear the hammering! So far they have not started too early, thank goodness! But they did work late into the evening tonight. I could still hear them about 8:30. They must be trying to catch up! Until next time... Tj.

Post 42

2010-01-20T14:00:00.001-08:00

Monday morning in the rain I noticed there were several goldfinches hanging on to the very bottom of our sock feeders pulling out the last of the seed. The sun came out so I filled the feeder. This morning I look and see the seed is about half gone again. But it's been stormy!!! A few minutes later I look out and the feeder is covered with birds and there are a couple dozen more on the ground, enduring the wind and the rain! Wind gusts were up to 45mph at that time, the feeder was flapping in the wind and yet they hang on! I guess there isn't much food this time of year for them. If you don't know what they are, lovely little birds, here is a photo of the gold finch on our sock feeders a couple of months ago. Greenish yellow in the winter and bright beautiful yellow in the spring and summer. I am getting a camera this week so I'll be posting more current photos soon… yeah! I am looking forward to having a camera again. Really much of what I wanted to do with this blog is post photos of the neighborhood, looking forward to sharing the beauty of Southside Park! Until next time… Tj.

Post 41

2010-01-19T05:28:00.000-08:00

Chinese food! I was craving some good sweet and sour yesterday for lunch. Thought I might go to Cheung Hing Co. but unfortunately they were closed, however it is my good fortune to live in this neighborhood! We have choices here. I decided to go to Hong Kong Cafe. 501 Broadway. Not technically Southside Park, but it is only 4 blocks from my house so... Good food, nice family run business. Their dining room is like stepping back in time. It is reminiscent of an old diner, big U shaped counter, wagon wheel light fixture. They even still use an old, antique push button cash register. I recommend a visit soon! Until next time... Tj.

Post 40

2010-01-14T11:17:00.001-08:00

Not exactly Southside Park, but close. Last night, I arrive home from work, my husband suggests we go out to dinner to one of our favorite hamburger places. Hamburger Patties. It is a bar/restaurant in midtown Sacramento, the corner of 17th and J streets, they have great burgers and friendly staff. The building was once home to Sams Hofbrau, a place my hubby and I knew very well, he used to play there several times a week so it is very familiar to us. Anyway, we go to dinner and we arrive and their parking lot is really full! The attendant tells us it's Drag Queen bingo night! What? I had heard from a friend about Drag Queen Bingo! Hamburger Patties like many midtown business is gay friendly so it didn't surprise me that was the location. AND I won!!! BINGO!!!!!!! The winners have to walk/run through the restaurant while wearing a wig and crown, and all the other players pelt you with their balled up bingo cards! No worries, the cards are just paper. What a fun thing to happen into! And yet more evidence of the cultural diversity that is this place where I live! Love it! Until next time… Tj.

Post 39

2010-01-13T17:16:00.001-08:00

Last evening, in the cold, under the freeway because it was raining, about a dozen people running back and forth. Training I'm sure, probably some team, maybe soccer practice. The field across the street at Oneil park was dark and probably pretty wet, it had been raining most of the day. Under the freeway, an empty parking lot covered by the freeway! Makes perfect sense to me!

Until next time... Tj.

Post 38

2010-01-12T12:58:00.000-08:00

Down the street on 3rd between T and U there is a place you can go to work your butt off! Literally. Midtown Strength and Conditioning. Not a fancy gym, no high tech machines but it looks like quite a workout! I often see people walking (well, walking? Not the right word) down the street pulling huge tires attached to these belts around their waist. Great big tractor tires it looks like! Want a work out, go check them out! One of the many options in Southside Park!!! Until then… Tj.

Post 37

2010-01-11T12:46:00.000-08:00

Hungry for some great Mexican food? Just a quick walk from our home is Vallejo's Restaurant. 1900 4th Street. Great food and atmosphere. They often have a Mariachi band on Sunday afternoons. Friendly staff too! Another of Southside Parks multi cultural experiences just waiting for you! Until next time... Tj.

Post 36

2010-01-08T17:27:00.000-08:00

I learned yesterday that an institution in the neighborhood is closing its doors. Wishing Well, a party and craft supply store on the corner of 9th and S. They have been open for over 50 years! I have many memories of visiting as a child. Purchased many items over the years for holidays, birthday parties, heck I think I even bought some of my wedding supplies there. The last couple of times I was there, the shelves seemed kind of light. Now I know why! Sad. Well it was good to have you for all these years. Now, I wonder what will become of the building, it is a great space. Hum...

Well until next time... Tj.

Post 35

2010-01-07T11:32:00.000-08:00

Just a block down and around the corner from Beer Books is a great little Asian market called Cheung Hing Co. It is on 11th street between T and U. It appears a little funky at first glance, you step through their door and walk into a small slice of another world! Narrow isles filled with dried foods, pre packaged things, tea pots and cups, clothing, fresh fruits, veges and other items. Shoot you name it you can probably get it there. Of course, I can't read any of the labels and really I have no idea what some of it is! I mean what is that?

They have a hot food counter in the back with takeout available. And YUM! Lots of old style Chinese entrées to choose from and also Chinese pastries, BBQ pork, Dim Sum. I LOVE their fried rice and sweet and sour pork. You can also get roasted Hong Kong Style whole duck! I admit, it was kind of a shock to me the first time I walked in and saw the duck hanging there by their necks in the roaster. Or the first time I witnessed a cook take one down, over to the big chopping block and WHACK! Chopped it up and into a box for a customer. Yes it is quite a cultural experience for sure and I highly recommend it! Until next time… Tj.

Post 34

2010-01-04T23:26:00.000-08:00

One of the wonderful things about living the urban life is things are so close! You can walk and get anything you need... well just about anything. We have a favorite used book store just a few blocks away. Beers Books! On S street between 9th and 10th! Love the mural on the side of their building too!! Until next time... Tj.

Post 33

2010-01-03T09:48:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year!!!

Well the fireworks at midnight were even more spectacular than the earlier ones! The whole neighborhood seemed to be out watching them too, and banging pots and pans and making noise! Welcome 2010!!! The next block over I could hear a big party going on, hootin and hollerin!! Woo Hoo!!! New Years Day, all was quiet. Hardly a person on the street. I guess everyone is sleeping off the New Year hangover?? :) Today I awoke to the church bells ringing, and a mist hanging in the air. So peaceful! 2010 looks bright and shiney! Until next time... Tj.

Post 32

2009-12-31T21:43:00.000-08:00

Ok, this is the last post of 2009. I swear. One of the pleasures of living so close to old Sacramento and Raley field is the fireworks!!! Now during the summer months there is a huge display for the 4th of July, and when the RiverCats are in season (that sounds strange huh) well the RiverCats often have big fireworks displays. But during the summer the trees have all their leaves and we can't see them at all unless we walk down the street. This time of year, no leaves, BIG New Years Eve celebration in Old Sac, and Big spectacular fireworks at both 9:00pm and Midnight!! The first round tonight was great! Can clearly see them from my front porch! Yahoo!!! Until next time... Tj.

Post 31

2009-12-31T11:01:00.000-08:00

The last post of 2009!

One of the businesses down town, corner of 19th and L I think, has the funniest Christmas light display I think I've ever seen. If I only had a camera I would have taken a picture to share. But, I don't so you will just have to use your imagination! 8 pigs, pulling a BBQ sleigh on the roof top of the building! The pigs look much like this pig light, they are all in a line with the lead pig headed up like it's taking off to fly away. They are pulling a red Weber BBQ. So funny! Not sure what the business is, but what a hoot!

Have a very Happy New Year!!! Until next time… Tj.

Post 30

2009-12-29T14:51:00.000-08:00

Things have been pretty quiet around here. The construction behind us has come to a grinding halt. In fact they came and removed the windows that had been installed. What does that mean?? I don't know, but my brother who works in construction, said he thinks someone was not getting paid. So now we have these half built shells of buildings that block our once nice view to the park. Ug.

It was quite foggy this morning not so unusual for Sacramento this time of the year. Makes everything look surreal! I do not have a camera yet, but here is a photo I found and what the park looked like this morning. Not Southside park, but you get the idea. The new year and new decade is almost upon us. Be safe, be well! Until next time… Tj.

Post 29

2009-12-21T22:50:00.001-08:00

When we arrived home yesterday evening, it was just about dusk. The crows were lining the tree tops making so much noise! As we walked up to our house, some neighbors were walking by with their 3 dogs, of course that made our dogs go into crazy mode, let the barking begin... which I think spooked the crows! They took off all at once, hundreds of them swooped up in a big swirl of squawking... around the top of the trees in a circle, then back to where they had been perched. It was quite an exciting few seconds! I just love to watch the crows this time of year, they migrate through every evening. Not sure where they are coming from except south, and not sure where they go except north. Hundreds of them, it is a sight to behold! Until next time... (and since this is Christmas week, I may be a little longer than usual, we will see!) Tj

Post 28

2009-12-18T15:50:00.000-08:00

Today, my gardener was here, the dogs were dying to get out. I thought he was done so I looked out the window to see he was pulling away from the gate out in the alley. As he pulled out I noticed feet walking in the alley, there, a man probably walking to the mosque, modestly dressed in what looks like cotton, very pale in color, long shirt and baggy pants. A small hat. I am not sure what this dress is called, I am sure it has a name. It is what most men wear that we see going to mosque. Bearded man. Part of the color and enjoyment of what makes Southside park wonderfully unique! Until then... Tj.

Post 27

2009-12-17T10:59:00.000-08:00

I drove past Capitol Avenue last night and caught a glimpse of the beautiful Christmas tree at the Capitol. This isn't considered our neighborhood, but it is only 13 blocks from my home so it is close! The are using the LED energy saving lights on the tree, which includes the beautiful blue lights that I love! (I have yet to find those blue lights in a store, but keep looking!) Here is a photo I found on the Capitol Architect website. It is very beautiful isn't it!! The contrast of the white Capitol building against the dark blue sky, and the beautiful blue and colored lights on the tree. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!! Until next time… Tj

Post 26

2009-12-15T11:39:00.001-08:00

A mysterious mist was hanging in the park last night when I went to Safeway. Hanging there, low to the ground. It wasn't fog like at all, more like a fog machine someone had turned on. Rolling off the pond. Was quite beautiful, and made the park seem like a surreal oil painting. All was quiet! Give the gift of time for the holidays. Share yourself with your family. Until next time… Tj.

Post 25

2009-12-14T14:43:00.000-08:00

Celebrations!

It is that time of year right? This weekend in our neighborhood was no exception. Our Lady of Guadalupe Roman Catholic Church across from the park on T street was celebrating Our Lady of Guadalupe Feast Day. Although it was raining... hard, that didn't seem to stop the celebration. Church goers lining the street, vendors, and floats on flat bed trucks! The church has a beautiful mural of Our Lady of Guadalupe on the front, this photo I took a few weeks ago, before my camera was stolen. She is just beautiful! Our Lady of Guadalupe is a celebrated Catholic icon of the Virgin Mary, also know as the Virgin of Guadalupe. This mural is quite large, maybe 20-25 feet! I just love to drive by the church and see her looking down as if to bless all passers by.

In our home we were having our own celebration. It is Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights! We light the minorah celebrate the miracle of oil. May you all be blessed with family and friends to share your own celebrations! Until next time… Tj.

Post 24

2009-12-12T12:20:00.000-08:00

Today is Second Saturday. It's a big day in Sacramento! We have a rich full Artist community and on the second Saturday of every month it is celebrated and shared! Right here in our neighborhood are 2 galleries, S12 on the corner of S and 12th and also Appel Gallery at 9th and T. Of course within just a few miles there are dozens, maybe hundreds of galleries. Second Saturday is a really big deal! To me and my family as well. I am an artist, tonight I'm showing at VOX Sacramento which is about a mile and a half from here, I also have some small works at the Marco Fuoco Gallery. My husband is a musician and often plays at a Second Saturday venue, he is playing tonight but not at a Second Saturday event. So, if you live in Sacramento go out and enjoy the rich artistic ways Sacramento has to offer! Wonderful Art, Awesome live music, food, beverages and this year the Ice Skating Rink is right in the middle of it all! Here is a link to the Art Walk map! (wow there are a lot of links in this post!) Until next time! Tj.

Post 23

2009-12-11T10:31:00.000-08:00

It's wet! That is what is going on today. Oh sure there is probably something happening, I'll be heading out in a bit so I will see, but from my window right now nothing but rain! Yes! We need it. Until then... Tj.

Post 22

2009-12-10T12:09:00.000-08:00

Last night the church bells were ringing. I am pretty sure the bells are from the Downtown Baptist Church. One of these days I'll get over to that side of the park when the bells are ringing to be sure. There are 2 churches side by side, so I am not 100% certain which church it comes from but, the Baptist church appears to have a bell tower, so I assume the bells come from there, but I could be wrong! Anyway, the bells are beautiful. I just love hearing them off in the distance, and last night they were playing songs, not just chiming on the hour. I think there may have been a Wednesday night service. Beautiful bells playing peacefully floating through the air. Love it! Here is a photo I found on line of the church, you can't see the bell tower it is behind the trees on the right. Hopefully I will get a camera soon and will be back to posting more photos! Until next time… Tj.

Post 21

2009-12-08T22:18:00.000-08:00

It's COLD!!! But that didn't stop a group of joggers tonight. I don't know if it was a class, a track team from a local high school, maybe one of the soccer teams that play over at Oneil park. But there they were, jogging around the corner of the park, shorts, t-shirts. First 2, then another 2, then I could see 4 coming up W. I look at my car thermometer, it's 41 degrees! Are they crazy??!!?? Well... maybe but one thing is certain, they are dedicated! Burrrrrrrr!!! Until next time... Tj.

Post 20

2009-12-08T10:44:00.000-08:00

Another wildlife story. I was driving up T street last night about 5:45, and crossing the street at about 8th and T was the biggest fattest furriest opossum I've seen! I was surprised, that was pretty early to see a nocturnal creature wondering about. At least I've only seen them at night. The first time I spotted one, it was late evening, we let the dogs out for their final "go", and all of a sudden they were barking and carrying on. We went out to see what was going on and there on the top of the fence was an opossum. It was frozen in place... playing possum. The dogs were going nuts! My husband went down and took the broom, was trying to knock it off the fence to the other side make it run away, but it just held on. He banged it a couple of times, it just clutched the fence, drooling and foaming at the mouth. We thought it was sick but when we looked it up that is all part of them playing possum! Ugly giant rat looking creatures. Here is a photo I found on line, they give me the creeps. The one last night was huge and had lots of long fur, looked much like this one. I guess this cold weather made it go hunting earlier than usual! Ok, until next time… Tj.

Post 19

2009-12-06T17:53:00.000-08:00

Today it's all about the crows... or maybe they are Ravens. I'm not sure. But every year around this time of year they migrate through our streets. Lining the treetops and telephone lines at dusk. It's almost like a scene from that great old Alfred Hitchcock movie The Birds!! I love to watch them, they are really quite entertaining. They love the nuts on our neighbors pecan tree. I know I have an old photo of them from a prior year, but of course I can't find it. I think I am going to borrow a camera. Maybe I'll get a picture of them and share next time! Until then... Tj.

Post 18

2009-12-05T19:26:00.000-08:00

So, instead of the titles of the posts being days, I decided to change it to posts. I am going to try to post daily, but as I'm finding, some days it just doesn't happen... like yesterday! Ooopss!!! I think this new naming convention will relieve some of the self induced pressure to get them out there, or more, the self induced guilt if I miss a day. So, this is Post 18 instead of day 18.

My car window was fixed yesterday. Yes! But what it did was make me take a look at one of the only down sides of living downtown that I can think of. That is parking. Most of the homes do not have garages, or like my home that was build in 1920, has a garage but it was built for a model T. Not really large enough for most cars today. Although, I do drive a small economical car, still not sure I could park in there. We do have a one car driveway, but we are a 3 car family. The night with my broken window with only a plastic bag taped over the opening I was a little nervous. I parked in the driveway, but it was still vulnerable. Of course it was fine. Some homes like ours, have lots that go all the way to the alley. Some have had garages built. We did have a 2 car parking pad installed on the alley, but because our gate/fence is not very functional, we have yet to utilize it. After the first of the year we are going to correct the fence/gate problem, then we will have places for 3 cars to park without being on the street. That will be a relief! There have been more homes refurbished on our street in recent months, homes that had been empty for years. The street looks much more inviting with the fresh new updates, and it is good to have new neighbors, but it also is more cars fighting for street parking. The new construction in empty lots are all adding garages, or so it seems. Might be a mandatory construction rule, I do not know. But it's good they have their own parking built in.

So there you have it, one of the down sides. But really, that does NOT outweigh the good! Ok, until next time... Tj.

Day 17

2009-12-03T21:29:00.000-08:00

Well, I had plans to post a picture of the pick up basketball game that takes place almost nightly in the park. It is always fun to see them playing with the bright light shining down and this time of year with the little bit of fog, well it would make for a great photo and they are usually there, even in the cold. But, I went to my water aerobics class tonight, took my camera with me so I could catch them on my way home. Arggggg.... while I was in class someone broke the window of my car and took my camera. AHHHHHH!!!! Now I have no camera and a broken window. The staff at the Y said this was the 3rd time this week a car has been broken into! Why didn't they warn us then? That is what I'd like to know. Well, I was just saying last week that I'd hope that Santa would bring me a new camera because I've had this one for about 8 years and it isn't taking the best photos any longer. Be careful what you wish for huh! Enough about me... shake it off...

Ok, if you are a sports kind of person this is a great place to live. There is a walking/jogging track around the park, it is almost a one mile track and has fitness stations on all 4 sides of the park. There is a lighted basketball court and 2 tennis courts, usually in use. Seems like there is a pick up game every night, rain, fog, clear, cold, doesn't seem to matter. There is also the swimming pool, of course this time of year it is closed, and way to cold to use, it is an outdoor pool! Just a block south of Southside park sits Oneil park where there is almost always a soccer game or baseball game happening. Here is a pic of Oneil park last night, one of the last few photos from my old camera... Bright lights, big game! Ok, be well. Tj.

Day 16

2009-12-02T22:33:00.001-08:00

It's all about fallen leaves. Piles of them! We had a big wind storm earlier in the week, the neighborhood will get a pick up very soon but for now? Piles! I just want to jump in!! Until tomorrow. Tj.

Day 15

2009-12-01T12:39:00.000-08:00

Last night, around 6:00, down at the park, in the street lights I could see people moving together all in time, as if one. I think there were people doing Tai Chi. Wonderful to watch, all flowing, moving as one. That is something I've always wanted to do, seems very calming and spiritual. Maybe one of these days! No photo today, just the image of the gracefulness of Tai Chi. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, just be... you can see them can't you? Until tomorrow... Tj.

Day 14

2009-11-30T16:30:00.000-08:00

Monday. After a long holiday weekend, Monday is hard. But what isn't hard is my commute. One of the factors in us landing in the Southside Park neighborhood was my office is just blocks from here. The building where I work sits between 3rd and 5th and P and Q. Yep I am about 5 blocks from work and I LOVE my commute! I found our home one sunny afternoon in 1999 while walking at lunch around the park. We had been looking for a house for months and I was very happy to see our house, which I had been watching the refurbishing progress on, have a new for sale sign on it! SOLD! So, I can walk, ride my bike, and occasionally I do take my car, (ok, it's been more than occasionally lately but that is another story). I am about a 12 minute walk through our beautiful streets, about a 3 minute bike ride, and car, well depends if there is any traffic, but even if I get stuck I'm nearly home! Everyone should have such a great commute! I love living downtown! The photo shows the new part of our "campus" Lincoln Plaza East and West, I work in the old building Lincoln Plaza North, but it's just as beautiful! Be well… Tj.

Day 13

2009-11-29T19:08:00.001-08:00

For anyone reading this that might not know, Downtown Sacramento is set up like a grid. Numbered streets run West to East numbered from 2nd to 30th streets, and letter streets North to South from B to W. Very easy to navigate. See the map to the right... Southside park neighborhood is from 3rd to I think 12th (officially) and from W to Q. The South West corner of Sacramento. A very colorful corner of town too! Today, as on most Sundays I awoke to the sweet sounds of church bells ringing. One of the churches across the park has bells that ring on the hour daily, and on Sunday mornings play songs for several hours. Another sound in the neighborhood that makes me smile. Here is a photo of the side of the Catholic Church, Our Lady of Guadalupe. A beautiful large mural of the lady herself. Not the church with the bells, I think the Downtown Baptist church that has the bell tower. More about them another time. Our Lady of Guadalupe church is a very active church, rich in hispanic culture. They often have beautiful colorful celebrations that spill over into the park and occasionally a parade! Most Sundays you can buy food from vendors on the street in front of the church. Like corn on the cob on a stick. Here is a photo of a man selling fruit from his truck on the corner from the church. Until next time... Tj.

Day 12

2009-11-28T18:22:00.000-08:00

Well today I didn't venture out of my home. So I don't really know what was going on in the neighborhood, except I do know the Santa Train is running in Old Sacramento! We live about a mile from Historic Old Town Sacramento. One of the attractions there is the State Railroad Museum, and one of the Museum features is this old steam train that you can take a ride on. In the summer they have open air cars you can sit in, this time of year they are mostly vintage passenger cars. The tracks pass by just 3 blocks from our home, as it travels about a mile or two south, all the while the old train whistle blows whoooo whooooo whooo, the engine then moves from the front of the train to the back and then the train travels back to Old Sac. We can hear it loud and clear from our house, that sounds makes me happy! I found this video of the train on You tube, sure hope the owner doesn't mind if I share! Listen for the whistle... that is what I was listening to all day today and I'm sure many kids were enjoying the train ride with Santa!!! Until next time... Tj.

Day 11

2009-11-27T19:58:00.000-08:00

The thing that struck me most about our neighborhood today were the beautiful leaves. Sacramento is known as the City of Trees. Downtown we have hundreds of trees, some 75 plus feet tall, planted years ago. They canopy some of the streets, and in the summer help keep us protected from the hot sun. In the fall they give us such a display of color, this year they seem to be even more beautiful. There is such a variety of different trees, it is really something to see! Photos don't do them justice, but here are a few from my street and from the park. Be well! Tj.

Day 10

2009-11-26T23:42:00.000-08:00

Goldfinches on the feeder. May you all have plenty to feast on this Thanksgiving Day. Be well and enjoy! Tj.

Day 9

2009-11-25T23:16:00.000-08:00

Ok, I totally missed day 8. I was in bed last night and had one of those, oh shoot moments. Day 8 had already come and gone by then. :( Well, any of you who might follow my art blog know I am obsessed with other peoples laundry hanging out to dry. I don't know why this started, but I have been painting laundry scenes. The other day wandering around our neighborhood, I found 2 different places with laundry hanging! I don't think I've seen laundry hanging in Sacramento anywhere for a very long time. Or, maybe I just didn't notice, now that I'm obsessed I did. Other areas of the world it is pretty common to see peoples laundry, but here? Well there it was, within 2 blocks of each other... laundry!! I was very excited when I found the first one, then to see more on the next block? woo hoo!

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. I am thankful for many things, family, health, friends, I have a job and... I am thankful for the roof over our heads and the wonderful place we call home. Be well and have a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Day 7

2009-11-23T17:54:00.000-08:00

Wow one week already! Today is my son's birthday, he's 28! We are going out to dinner, so, I'll keep this short today. We live about 7 blocks north west of the Old City Cemetery. It was created in the mid 1800's and there are so many beautiful monuments and statuary. Here are just a few photos. For more you can go to their website! www.oldcitycemetery.com

Day 6

2009-11-22T18:55:00.000-08:00

Sunday mornings in the neighborhood are always pleasant. This morning my hubby and I went out to breakfast at one of our favorite breakfast places. Pancake Circus! About 15 blocks East of our home, it has been there forever. Joe and I have been going there for nearly 18 years. Some of the staff have been there the whole time. Nice homey friendly place, full of clowns! They have the BEST pancakes I've ever had anywhere, hands down. Not sure why I didn't take a photo of my pancakes... duh. Oh well. Here are some other photos including one of Elvis. He buses tables at Pancake Circus, and you wondered what really happened to him! Until tomorrow... Tj.

Day 5

2009-11-21T19:42:00.000-08:00

Saturday... so quiet here on Saturday. Well unless there is an event in the park, or someone has a party... nothing like that today. During the week there is much more traffic and people through our neighborhood. 5th street, one half block from my home, is a main cross street, one way street that runs from South to North into downtown. During the week many a State worker pass through going to work. There are parking lots under the freeway 3 blocks south, so usually lots of people walking to and from the State offices too. The park always has many people walking or jogging at lunch during the week. In the evening around 6, and the weekends things just quiet down. It was another beautiful day here. Bright blue skies, the rain yesterday washed away all the yuck from the air. Not much to report, but here are a few pictures of the aliens who live on the space ship in the park! Enjoy... until tomorrow. Tj.

Day 4

2009-11-20T15:19:00.000-08:00

We have an abundant of wildlife here. Our little neighborhood sits between the Sacramento River and the huge pond at the park. About a half a mile in between the two, so it's very attractive to many creatures. Lots of different birds live here and migrate through. We also have a pretty big squirrel population, and at night you can see Raccoons, Possum, and Skunks! Yikes!! Here are some of the visitors we had in our back yard a few days ago. It's a rainy day here in the neighborhood, I was planning to go for a little walk, but not happening! Until tomorrow... Tj.

Day 3

2009-11-19T23:31:00.000-08:00

Shoot... I better get to blogging if I'm going to get this in on day 3! Sharing some of the trees here. In front of my house, and also down at the park and around the pond. What a beautiful afternoon, and the leaves are just starting to turn! Enjoy! Until tomorrow... Tj.

Day 2 again...

2009-11-18T14:48:00.000-08:00

A few years ago Southside Park had a total redo of the playground. It is a wonderful playground now, and it is wheel chair accessible! One of the elements is this spaceship sculpture made from an Airstream! It has aliens on and in it and lights up at night. Did you know that Airstream trailers were from outer space? I didn't either! Until tomorrow! Tj.

Day 2

2009-11-18T07:43:00.000-08:00

Hum... a little cranky this morning. But nothing unusual in recent. I am NOT a morning person. On work days my alarm is set for 7:40, and the sleep gets hit at least once. Since the construction began on the back 2 lots, which is about 25 feet from my bed, they wake me up. It's 7:00am, let the hammering begin! Bla... But this blog is supposed to be all about my home and neighborhood, not me so... here are 2 photos, first of the view we had prior to the construction, between the 2 buildings we had a small view of the playground in the park. The two houses you are looking through are the original B and B on the right, and their new annex on the left. The left side was built a few years ago. The second photo is well our now blocked view. I'm sure the completed projects are going to be very nice, but I'll miss seeing the playground. Ok, I am going to try to post again later today, and not be cranky! Until next time... Tj.

Day 1

2009-11-17T15:13:00.000-08:00

Day 1. I decided I wanted to share this wonderful place where I live. I can sit on my porch and watch the whole world go by, or at times so it seems. Southside Park neighborhood, Sacramento California. An old neighborhood, probably one of the oldest in Sacramento.

The photo here is one of the oldest known drawings of the waterfront looking up J street, from 1849.

If any of the homes in my neighborhood existed in 1849, they would be about 10 streets to the right in this drawing. Not sure if any did, there is one big victorian home at the end of my street that may have. My house was built in 1920, but there are several from the 1800's scattered in our neighborhood. Of course not old by many standards, but for Sacramento yes. Our neighborhood is a mix of ages of houses from old to very new. In fact the 2 little houses just east of us, that sat on one big lot was recently split. One lot became 4. The 2 little houses were refurbished, one of them sold. The 2 lots at the back on the alley were also sold and right now is being developed. 2 small single family homes are being built. I have mixed emotions about it all. When we purchased our home in 1999, from our back porch we could see right to the park, to the playground. We could sit and see kids playing on the swings, hear the laughter. About 3 years ago, the Bed and Breakfast across the alley toward the park purchased the empty lot on our side of the alley and built another building. Did not totally take away our park view, but nearly. Now, with the 2 houses going in, no more park view. At least not from the back. And, even more than that we are losing much of our sunlight. The homes have small footprints because the lots are small. Small footprints equal tall 2 story homes which blocks much of the sunlight we had. I am feeling a little closed in. But such is progress right?

But I digress... In this blog I plan to post daily updates/photos, tidbits of life in Southside Park. It really is an amazing eclectic, culturally rich neighborhood. Such a total mix of people, beliefs, homes, events, wildlife! I love my home!!! I hope you will enjoy it too. Until tomorrow… Tj.