You're looking at August, 2010
Ford Falcon Futura
··· Aug 18 2010 · By ···
I grew up under the hood of cars. If I wasn’t out playing with neighborhood kids, I could usually be found hanging out with my Dad in the garage. He really taught me everything I need to know about working a wrench. As a result, I am also kind of a car junkie. This is evident by the long list of cars I have owned over the years, now well over 20.
So it would seem right that as I am walking around, I can always spot cars that I have owned. I am not talking about something like, “Look, there’s a Buick Regal, I used to own a Regal” (which I did, by the way). But rather, I have a keen eye for locating exact matches for previous cars I have owned, down to the year, trim package, and engine.
Walking around Gerstle Park a few weeks ago, I came across a 1964 Ford Falcon Futura convertible, the only convertible that I have owned. This, of course, was not the same one but it caught my eye because it was a ‘64 Futura. Unfortunately it was pink.
As I checked it out, and took some pictures, I told Dorothy how I knew it was a 1964 and not a ‘63 or ‘65. Ford changed the body style for the Falcon in 1964, to a more chiseled look than the first generation models (1960-63). This second generation Falcon body style was only around for 2 years, 1964-65. There is one main difference between the ‘64 and the ‘65, and it lies in the tail light. In 1964 they used an all red tail light. No reverse lights to be found. 1965 brought some safety to the car, adding a white reverse light within the center of the unique tail light design. And that is what I always look for first when I check out old Falcons, the tail lights. 
As I explained to Dorothy, one of the coolest parts of the Falcon was the interior. I always loved the vast amounts of metal and chrome used in these old cars, and the Falcon mixed it just right. I told her that my car’s inner door top area (which was painted metal) had been worn down to the metal, from years of driving around with the driver’s arm perched up there. The steering wheel had (like many cars of that era) a horn ring inside the wheel instead of a big pad with an airbag stuffed into it like we see today in cars. This sense for detail is one of the things that really appeals to me.
My Falcon was a pretty funny car. It had an engine that idled nearly silently, but there was an exhaust connector donut that was kind of rotten so it kind of made a lot of noise when the pedal was floored. With the 200CID straight six engine it got good mileage but had pretty good power. It was equipped with the two speed “Ford-o-matic” transmission. The best part (tongue firmly planted into my cheek here) was the Flinstone’s style floorboard. Being a Michigan car, road salt had taken its toll on the underside. As a result there was little left of the floor pan in the back seat area. Any passengers in the back had to make sure they were prepared to help stop the car in true Fred Flintstone style.
Nevertheless, anytime I see a ‘64 Futura (even a pink one) I kind of miss my Falcon.
Corte Madera Marsh
··· Aug 17 2010 · By ···
After ruling out a trip into SF last Saturday, we were looking for a nice place to take a walk – not far from home, mostly sunny, and mostly flat. The goal was to get a good dose of sun and fresh air without a long drive to get there and without big hills/steep climbs (J’s back is still healing.) We remembered seeing a trail across the street from the mall in Corte Madera (The Villages) when we were there the previous weekend. Looking at the satellite view on google maps, it appeared to be a marshy area, which means birds, and we love birds! And it also appeared open (sunny) and flat. And, finally, it’s a quick, easy, and pleasant drive from our place to that area.
We parked at the mall, crossed over Redwood Highway, and got on the path, heading north. It’s a flat dirt path and the first stretch has a creek along one side and open field then wild fennel along the other side. There was an egret sunning itself on a stump in the creek and another white bird with black legs, yellow feet, and a yellow beak, hanging out along the edge. Now that I’ve looked at our bird book (A Guide to Field Identification – BIRDS of North America), I’m pretty sure the smaller bird was a snowy egret – they’re about 20” tall. The big guy was a great egret – they’re about 32” tall with a wingspan of 55”, which we got to admire when a little dog got too close and he coasted off towards the fennel.
Right before the path turns towards the water (the Bay) there’s a nice stretch of marshland to the left, between the path and creek and the Redwood Highway, which has moved off to the west at this point, creating a sizable distance between it and the path. As we approached that area, a flock of birds came zooming overhead, very fast and close enough that we could hear their wings and feel the wind pushed by those wings. We don’t know what they were and when they landed it was too far away to tell. Note to self: bring field glasses next time we got walking! It was a cool feeling, being that close to the power they generate in flight. We stopped to look out over the marshland and observe the many birds out there. There was a big group of white swans floating in the water, a big group of gulls also floating, and then a few other types hopping and pecking around and making some fun noises (which, of course, would be easier to hear without the traffic noise.) Without the field glasses, we’re not sure what we we were looking at. Now that I’ve read about the birds of the Corte Madera Marsh, I look forward to getting to know several which will be new to us: gadwall ducks, black-necked stilts, California clapper rails and California black rails, American avocets, and Forster’s terns.
From there the path turns and takes you through a dense “forest” of fennel. It’s a narrow squeeze between unruly pollen-laden branches, jutting into the path and full of buzzing bees. We just walked slowly and calmly and enjoyed observing the busy work of the honey bees collecting that abundant pollen. If you don’t know how important honey bees are to the pollination of our edible crops, other plants, and flowers (not to mention the wonderful products they produce which have a variety of health benefits for humans), and how they are challenged with habitat loss, pesticide use, and parasites, I encourage you to learn about it. These are good guys. They aren’t aggressive and won’t sting unless they feel threatened. We should be grateful for all they do for us and share with us, and we should all work to protect their hives and habitats.
Anyway, back to the fennel. I am blown away by the size and color of it. Jeph, at 6’3”, was dwarfed by it. And the brilliant yellow of the pollen and bright green of the stalks and stems, especially against a clear blue, cloudless sky, plus the vast amount of it – it was most impressive. This is another one of those uniquely Californian experiences (unless you travel to the Mediterranean, where it originates) and we never encountered it in San Francisco, the East Bay, or Los Angeles. A quick read tells me it’s actually considered an invasive species and may crowd out some of the natives, but given the pollen it’s supplying to the bees (and birds enjoy the seeds apparently), it seems like a good example of how there are two, or more, sides to every story. I remembered having read about fennel pollen a few years back and how it was a unique and quite tasty spice (I think the author was sprinkling it on popcorn…) so I’m reading up on harvesting the pollen (and the young fronds which can be eaten fresh or cooked up) and will write more about those culinary adventures.
Coming out of the “fennel forest” there are some gorgeous views of the surrounding hills, and the marsh and fields all around. Those golden hills and fields of rich earth-toned growth have got to be one of my favorite visuals here in Marin County. I’ve never been to the Tuscan countryside, but always admired it in paintings and photos. Now that we are here, in America’s Mediterranean, out of the city (finally!) and more in the country, I recognize the striking similarity between that part of Italy and our new home. Both are beautiful and we get to live in, and enjoy, one of them every day!
Then the path takes a second turn and heads south, back to the starting point. To the left is the Bay, for a good dose of ocean view and air. On that note, the breezes throughout this walk were steady and the air was very fresh. It was nice to be so close to the water but without a chilly breeze. The paths that lead out to the water are closed (not blocked off, but posted) to “protect endangered species and marsh habitat” – Amen to that. Also of note was the abundance of butterflies (J thinks one of those spotted was an Anise Swallowtail) and dragonflies. I love seeing them both and especially enjoy watching the haphazard flight pattern of dragonflies – it’s good fun!
I’m just starting to learn about this special place, home to a diversity of species including some which are endangered and such an important ecosystem to preserve and protect. I’m learning that conservation efforts have been helpful for the area and there are many enlightened and concerned citizens continuing that work. After just two months of calling it home, J and I are already appreciating that care, protection, and love of the environment as one of the wonderful things about Marin, and I know that we will be getting involved in that work.
It was the perfect walk based on our criteria for the day and, for a 2.25 mile loop across from a mall and busy road, it’s a surprisingly rich slice of nature. We will visit again soon, field glasses in hand, and keep our eyes open for turtles, lizards, fish and other creatures, too.
These 2 quotes are from the Friends of Corte Madera Creek website, from an article written in 2008 by Roger Harris. They speak to the importance of being actively engaged in the protection of the natural world, and are also a cautionary reminder that the negative effects of our human actions are not easy, or quick, to “correct.”
Although much of our environmentally valuable marshland has been lost to development and some to invasive plants, much has also been preserved due to the actions of citizen activists. If birds are any indication, the protection, enhancement, and re-creation of Corte Madera Creek marshes has been a conservation success story.
Other marshlands have been restored, and much more could and should be. But restoration is inevitably a pale substitute for preservation. A properly and fully functioning marsh takes millennia of natural processes to develop and for all the pieces to operate in harmony.
The Flip the Flop
··· Aug 12 2010 · By ···
When I built my fixed gear bike, I figured that it would be nice to have that connection with the bike that you don’t get by having a freewheel. I really do enjoy that connection, but it does take away from my pleasure of just riding because I have to always pedal. So I picked up a freewheel hub from The Recyclery. I love going there because they offer a large selection of used biking gear, and their store supports a good cause, Trips for Kids.
The fixed cog gearing is 46×16 (2.875), which is a pretty decent gearing for flat with some minor hills, and what my main biking is around San Rafael. I ended up getting a 17 tooth freewheel, mainly because that was all they had. So my 46×17 (2.705) is a bit more toned down, reducing my top speed, but making starts and uphill climbs just that much easier.
I have really been digging it. I can now stand up out of the saddle and just coast if I want. The first leg of most of my rides is a mild downhill run, and it is just that much nicer to use that time to get situated on the bike, instead of having to always pedal.
Electronics Plus
··· Aug 11 2010 · By ···
Among the great things that I have found to really dig about San Rafael, and Marin County, is an electronics store that is keeping it real, Electronics Plus.
I used to get the vast majority of my electronics pieces and parts from Radio Shack. Back in the day, you could go in and dig through the racks, and find what you came in for, and a few things you never thought you needed. I loved that about the Shack. In fact, my first contact with an actual computer was taking BASIC programming on a TRS 80 at the Flint Radio Shack computer training center. Of course, I now understand that the training center was really there to try to get interested people into a computer, or to help people who had purchased a TRS 80 to figure out how to get it to do stuff. At roughly age 11 or 12, my typing skills were very poor, so I didn’t fare well in the class, and failed to complete my programming tasks in the time that the class was held. Not having a computer of my own, I couldn’t save anything and further my knowledge and understanding at home, so I quickly lost interest in programming, until I got my Timex Sinclair 1000, but that’s another story for another day.
Nowadays you are more likely to walk into a Radio Shack and be asked if you want to upgrade your cell phone or plan. And that is one of the main reasons I just don’t enjoy going into the Shack any more. But I still like to mess around with electronics, so that is what brings me to Electronics Plus.
Before you walk into Electronics Plus, you are welcomed to the world of electronics possibilities just by looking at the window display. There is everything from a flashing LED array to a Tesla Coil, and everything in between. And that’s just the window display. When you walk into the store, it takes a second to pick up your jaw off the floor. After you gather yourself you start to see that Electronics Plus isn’t just a store that sells electronics, but a full featured shop that has a staff who really know their stuff and are available to help you find just what you need.
I had been looking for a few things that just weren’t available at other places around town, and getting them through internet stores didn’t make sense due to the shipping costs. They were a little calculator battery, a funny 12 volt light bulb from our refrigerator ice cube dispenser, and a PS/2-USB adapter. Dorothy and I walked into Electronics plus, sidled up to the counter and asked for each of the items on the list. In a matter of seconds, all of the items were on the counter and ready to buy, how about that? We walked around the store a bit, looking at their selection of everything from switches to project boxes to books, cases, wires, you know, the kind of stuff you should expect to find in an electronics store. Best of all, nobody asking if I would like to upgrade to the newest smart phone with a 2 year contract.
Mi Pueblo and Jamaica Lime-Ade
··· Aug 11 2010 · By ···
A few days after we moved into our new home, we received the weekly flyers in the mail. Usually they get tossed, because most of our grocery shopping is done at Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods. But the Mi Pueblo flyer got our attention. Two pounds of tomatillos for $1 – how could we not check it out? So we drove over that Saturday and found a lot to like. The San Rafael store (330 Bellam Blvd) is their 15th in the Bay Area and just opened earlier this year, in an old Circuit City building (2 points for re-using an existing structure instead of building a new one!) It’s big, shiny, and very colorful (from the pinatas to the agua frescas to the red and yellow shopping carts and so on.)
We were like big kids in a candy store. The panaderia (bakery) is quite impressive (even to a former SF mission dweller) and it took us about 5 minutes to look over all the cases, overflowing with tasty looking sugary treats, and pick a few to try. Unless you speak/read Spanish, or are willing to ask an employee, who may or may not speak much English, you choose based on what looks the best. I loved the shell shaped pastry with a dusting of fine sugar – yeast bread-like and not too sweet.
The bulk section is great. There are, of course, beans of all types. We got a couple pounds of red and black and have been enjoying making slow simmered beans instead of opening a can (thank-you to Rick Bayless for the inspiration we continue to receive from his pbs series and cookbooks.) The spice assortment is phenomenal – big bags of all the staples, plus tons of dried chiles. We plan to get most of our spices here from now on and just refill our existing glass jars. Also on the list was jamaica, otherwise known as dried hibiscus flowers, and, as hoped, they had a large tub of it. Rick Bayless made a pitcher of jamaica cosmos on one episode of his pbs series and we wanted to try it.
Here’s a simple recipe for the basic syrup, mixed with lime juice and water to make a jamaica lime-ade, courtesy of another one of our favorite foodies, Guy Fieri. (Most Friday nights from 9-10 you can find us watching Diners, Drive-ins and Dives – “Triple D” – on the Food Network.) Once you’ve got that mixture, it’s easy to add tequila for a margarita or vodka for a cosmo. We had rum on hand and that was the plan, but Noah showed up with a bottle of my favorite champagne, Gloria Ferrer from Sonoma (we’re driving distance to the vineyard now!) so we created “Jamaica Kir Royales.” They were quite good.
Anyway, back to Mi Pueblo. Our favorite part of the store is the produce department. The selection, freshness, and prices cannot be beat. I mentioned the great sale on tomatillos recently. Likewise, jalapenos (and all the fresh hot peppers), cilantro, limes, garlic, onions, tomatoes – basically everything you need to make salsa and/or guacamole – are always incredibly cheap. For example, the cilantro is usually 4 bunches for $1! Onions, potatoes, mangoes, bell peppers – all priced very low. We do love the farmers market and go almost every week, but on a tight budget it’s nice to do some of our shopping here, save some money, and enjoy the vast, and unique, selection.
You can also find everything else a full service grocery store carries: canned/boxed, dairy, meats/seafood, etc. They have a full-on restaurant at the front, which is always packed. So, if you’re craving a taco, agua fresca (love ‘em), or full meal, that’s an option, too. And, I mentioned the wall full of pinatas – fun for the whole family!
Here’s what we got last Saturday:
* celery
* radishes
* romaine lettuce
* onions (1 white, 2 yellow)
* bell peppers (1 green, 1 yellow)
* russet potatoes (5)
* hot peppers (1 anaheim, 2 pasilla, 1 jalapeno, 3 serrano)
* avocados (2)
* mango
Total = $10.53
Stone Paper
··· Aug 10 2010 · By ···
Realizing that my current scratch pad was getting a bit full, and in need of a replacement soon I realized I should scan what is out there to accommodate. I didn’t really do a lot of research into this, knowing that there are the usual suspects, virgin old growth, recycled, some combination of both, cotton, hippy paper, acid free, NOS. The main thing that all of these choices give us is the ability to have some paper that uses plant matter in its manufacture.
I was kind of curious to learn that there is now an available type of paper that is made using dust of various minerals (I think mostly limestone dust) and some form of a nontoxic resin (3:1 ratio minerals:resin). That example is from a company that manufactures a similar type of product that I ended up getting. This technology has been around for a few years, but only recently available in the US at places like Target (which is where I got my pad of Stone Paper).
The brand I got was a Gartner Stone Paper, but there is very little information online that shows that they even mfg this stuff, as they are a notecard and invitation printer. This stuff is of course designed in the US and made in Taiwan. But it’s just so darn cute with its bold patterns designed to test color blindness or something. Way cuter than my go to – Moleskine.
I haven’t yet tested the paper out, but will update this as I start to use it. Initial reports (August, 2009) show that most pens seem to work fine on it, Sharpies don’t bleed through and pencils don’t fare to well as they skip. My favorite part of that forum post is this response FTW.
Probably made from petrified wood
-Bob H.
Good Festival a Good Reason to Take a Bike Ride
··· Aug 08 2010 · By ···
For the most part, the bike route from San Rafael to Fairfax is one of the most enjoyable, easy routes to ride. The middle part, going through San Anselmo is kind of tricky, and not very direct, but once you figure it out, it’s not so bad. We had to ride through that, and on to the town of Fairfax for the 2010 Good Festival. The preeminent event for hanging out in a park and getting your hippy on, or letting your hippy hang out or whatever the kids are saying these days.
For those who don’t know, Fairfax is the last real town heading west on Sir Francis Drake until you get to Point Reyes Station. So it is a major stop on the road bike circuit. The Fairfax Coffee Roastery is lined up 4-5 deep with nothing but bright spandex, as was the case as Dorothy and I walked in to get a recharge before heading over to the Good Festival. We got our drinks and headed up Bolinas to the park, and remembered that we needed to get some grommets for some curtains I’m making, so we stopped into Rainbow Fabrics, and a few minutes later I had what I needed. This is a really cute independent shop with some great fabrics (Hello, Burning Man’ers) and some nice beads, and cool old buttons.
Fairfax is one of those places where you never know what you are going to see. So you just expect anything, like seeing a 10 foot tall winged creature with furry long goat like legs walking down the street. Or the local Fairfax old hippy who we warmly call Rainbow Dread.
Well, they were both there, and other people doing a bunch of stuff. Stuff like visiting some pretty cool vendors, with everything from soaps, to green home technology to back rubs. Big props to Whole Foods for handing out free, reusable tote bags. D and I picked up two to add to our ever growing shopping bag collection. Some folks were lounging in the grass enjoying some bands perform their music, while others lounged in some hand made bent wood chairs. Rainbow Dread was cold rocking it, perched on top of his bike, almost levitating, keeping watch over things.
We got our fill of the Good Festival, and hopped back on our bikes and pedaled back to San Rafael.
Saturday Afternoon in Fairfax and Swell Soap
··· Aug 07 2010 · By ···
Today we rode out to Fairfax to check out the Good Festival and the local color (Fairfax is consistently colorful and good for people watching), get some exercise, and enjoy a sunny afternoon outside. After locking the bikes up and happening upon the Jerry Garcia Memorial, we walked down Bolinas and had fun checking out the local shops. Then it was time for some coffee at the Fairfax Coffee Roastery (which was “the office” our first three days in Marin, while searching for the perfect apartment) and back up the other side of Bolinas to do more window shopping.
One of my favorite shops along that stretch is The Potting Shed. It’s charming from the outside, with its bleached-out wood siding, and the birdhouses made of old license plates are fun (Christmas present hint to Santa.) When we walked into the side structure, an “out building” with pea gravel ground, I immediately felt “calm and uplifted.” And after a few moments of walking around, I found the source of that good vibe: big bunches of lavender stacked high on a table – YUM. They have quite a few really unique plants (ones I’ve never seen anywhere else), all artfully placed in nice handmade clay pots.
At the festival I was drawn to the handmade soap table (a guilty pleasure I will indulge until The Foust/LaRue Workshop starts making our own.) We enjoyed chatting with Aja, co-owner of Swell Soaps with her husband, Billy, and bought a mini bar to try. What a great idea: mini bars for $1 each. Some great uses for them: traveling; stocking stuffers; guest bathrooms; hostess, etc gifts. (They also offer 2oz and 4oz versions.)
We chose ‘Easy As Pie’. It’s a blend of organic: extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, palm kernel oil, coconut milk, rice & tapioca flours (natural exfoliant), vanilla absolute and cardamom. I’ve been using it on my face the past few nights and really loving it. That little bar produces more lather than just about any other soap I’ve used. It smells delicate and sweet and leaves my skin clean feeling but not at all dry – the magic combination!
I’m wishing we had bought one of each of their “flavors” to try. The good news is that we can find them at the Thursday Downtown San Rafael Farmer’s Market, some shops in Mill Valley (home base for the business), and most likely at the Sunday Marin Farmer’s Market later this year (they just completed the lengthy application process.) Any time we can choose handmade products we are happy. Buying directly from the artisans who handcrafted those products, and did so using natural and organic ingredients, is triple icing on the cake. Congratulations to Aja and Billy, for producing some swell soap (couldn’t resist) and helping us to Shop Local.
Propaganda Watch – Get Your Flu Shot Everyday
··· Aug 06 2010 · By ···
Riding home from the grocery store, we decided to stop at the Walgreens to get a paper. I walked in through the automatic sliding doors, and looking down I was directed to follow arrows on the floor to get my flu shot. Well, I was only there for a paper, so I didn’t follow the arrows, and bought my news, and walking out I noticed a sign encouraging me to get my flu shot, with Rosie the Riveter iconography. The CDC recommending ‘a flu shot to everyone 6 months and over’. The message of “Flu shots every day” with the implication that this daily dosage is somehow also being recommended by the CDC. Flunk!
Downtown San Rafael Farmer’s Market
··· Aug 05 2010 · By ···
One of the many great things about living in California is fresh, locally grown produce at the farmer’s market, year round! It’s another one of those elements of living that once you’ve been spoiled by it there’s no turning back. We love that the Downtown San Rafael Farmer’s Market is only about a ten minute walk from home, and it’s a nice walk down C Street. It’s definitely a gathering/socializing spot for the community. One thing we’re already appreciating about our adopted city is the diversity – all different types of people co-existing and connecting. It’s totally what we were looking for in a Home Base.
This market has a lot more than just produce. There are usually at least two live music acts (last week’s group of 3 teens did a pretty sweet Purple Haze), jewelers, community groups, bodyworkers/healers, Tibetan/Indian clothing and jewelry, art & crafts, etc. It’s fun to stroll through and browse the offerings and it definitely requires patience because it’s always packed, with lots of little ones, strollers, groups visiting, and people like us: on a mission to find some delicious fruits and veggies to enjoy all week. (Probably not a good idea if you’re in a hurry – this is just as much about the experience as it is about the products you take home.)
One thing we’ve learned from our years of farmer’s marketing is it’s easy to end up spending a lot of money, if you let your senses take over and don’t have a budget. We don’t have a strict budget, but try to keep it under $20 (less is better, of course.) One thing that really helps that goal is getting to know the regular vendors and finding the ones who’s products and prices you like best. We’ve been gradually doing that these past five weeks (two weeks we went to the Ross Valley Farmer’s Market – and I’ll write about that in another post.)
After a really disappointing purchase two weeks ago (two small sweet potatoes for $4), we made a commitment to be more discerning about what we get and who we purchase from. It’s also an energy thing – it feels great to buy directly from the farmers, and even better when you have a nice connection with them. There are a few main vendors we really like. After stopping by all their booths today, plus a stop for some organic raspberries (J & R’s fruit salad last weekend has me dreaming of more big bowls brimming with luscious summer fruits!) our canvas tote was full, and we still had $6 dollars and some change left (so we spent just under $14.) This was definitely a good week!
Usually we make out a menu for the weekend/week and then a grocery list which we take with the market with us. But that didn’t happen today so we decided to just go with what caught our eye. Apparently that on-the-fly strategy is the way to go sometimes.
Here’s what we got (with a space between the 4 vendors):
* Chard (big bunch) = $2
* Broccoli (3 big crowns) = $2
* Tomatoes (basket of mixed red and yellow cherry and grape) = $3
* Eggplants (2 japanes and one small traditional) = $1.70
* Pluots and Nectarines (6 altogether) = $2 (an amazing deal!)
* Raspberries (pint) = $3