Category Archives: Entertainment

Construction, Entertainment, Environment

Optimizing Your Outdoor Living Environment

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Park. Architecture, exterior.

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(NewsUSA) – For many homeowners, the backyard is not at the forefront of their home-design plans. But procrastination can be an advantage when it comes to outdoor living. By the time many people consider the backyard, they have developed a strong sense of their own décor personality.

Most consumers’ design styles can be classified as traditionalist, bohemian, modern, eclectic, rustic or industrial, according to Belgard, a company dedicated to outdoor living design and elements for patio spaces and beyond.

Fortunately, there are backyard design plans to suit any taste, as well as any budget. Some design elements that might have particular appeal to different décor personalities include:

*For the traditionalist:

Classic comfort. What is the primary purpose of a patio? A place for sitting and relaxing. Attractive, sturdy pavers in appealing patterns provide easy walking and an artistic base for conversation nooks of tables, chairs, planters, and picnic tables.

*For the bohemian:

Fire pit. Fire pits are an easy way to promote cozy gathering for all ages. And everyone can appreciate freedom from bugs; wood fires can help hold mosquitoes at bay.

*For the modernist:

Multiple levels. Homeowners seeking a modern look can consider a range of options for walkways and pavers that might include steps and slopes to wind through a terraced garden.

*For the eclectic:

Water features. But not just for swimming. Homeowners can show off an eclectic backyard style with a fountain, fish pond, or other water feature that makes a splash.

*For the rustic:

Eating out. 

Cooking outdoors can reach a new level, as advanced outdoor kitchen units allow guests to help with meal preparation or just chat with the host/chef while enjoying the outdoor setting.

*For the industrial:

Unique lighting is a way to make a statement and set a mood in an outdoor setting. Some ways to get creative with light include not only hardscape lighting and illuminated planters, but short-term elements such as lighting fixtures that highlight cool metals and metallics for a more urban, industrial vibe.

Belgard, part of Oldcastle Architectural, was established in 1995 and remains a respected source of durable, classic, stylish outdoor-living products and a resource for design ideas to help homeowners take on backyard design with confidence.

Visit www.Belgard.com for more ideas on optimizing your outdoor living environment.

 

Bits & Pieces, Entertainment

Creepiest Home Tours Ever

Picture courtesy of http://joyreactor.com/post/788368
Picture courtesy of http://joyreactor.com/post/788368

When you work in real estate, you don’t come across haunted houses only on Halloween. When touring properties for sale any time of the year, practitioners and their clients never know what they’ll scare up. Foreclosures in particular, some pros say, often account for the oddest showings, but other types of homes lend some surprises, too.

The Wall Street Journal recently highlighted some of the creepiest retellings of showings by real estate professionals. Here are a few.

House of the Dead

Phil Faranda, a broker with J. Philip Real Estate in Briarcliff Manor, N.Y., recalls stepping into a home that contained floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and numerous vases. Then, on the second floor, he spotted a sign that read: “World’s Greatest Mortician.”

“Either it was the craziest coincidence that the owner liked to collect vases and was a mortician, or we were in a mausoleum,” Faranda told the Journal.

Animal House

The last thing Tonya Nelson expected in a new townhome was a reptile-infested basement, says the Redfin agent based in Arlington and Alexandria, Va. But when she and her buyers walked into the basement, they saw bright fluorescent lights with 10 large reptile aquariums filled with frogs, snakes, and alligators.

Odd Stares

Jordan Clarke felt like there were people in every corner of the house watching him. That might have even been less creepy than the fact that those “people” were mannequins staring blankly at him from every angle. The house obviously belonged to a seamstress, says Clarke, a Redfin agent in San Diego. But it was startling nevertheless to see mannequins lurking in every corner of the home.

“You walk in and get that sense that something is staring at you,” he said. “This has probably happened a half-dozen times now. I had one client scream briefly.”

Foreclosed Nightmare

Colette Barnett, an Atlanta-based Redfin agent, may have an expanded definition of “dilapidated” after seeing one foreclosed home. A porch was upheld by cinder blocks with caution tape around it; the stairs were crooked; a garden window was caved in; tiles were falling off the shower; and a huge patch of black mold outlined the basement wall.

 

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Bits & Pieces, Business, Entertainment, Grass Valley, Restaurants

Review of Bear River Pasta Company

Bear River Pasta Company Entrance

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By Judy J. Pinegar, Writer

Recently, a friend recommended I try the Bear River Pasta Company, it was a little hard to find, at 109 Bank Street. Inside it is compact and very clean. There is a refrigerator full of pre-made pasta dishes with the sauce, along with bread and yummy salads for eating in, or taking out for an easy dinner meal. They also make lots of different sandwiches on wheat or sourdough bread with all the fixings. Owners Carl Brenner and Theresa McGuire have done a nice job of creating a reasonably priced venue for quick meals and take-out dinners.

If you are eating in, you microwave the dish of pasta, and your choice of salad and freshly toasted bread is brought to you. We tried the Spaghetti and Meatballs, apparently the hands down favorite seller!  It was delicious, and so were the Garlic and Pesto Breads! We also shared a Carmel Balsamic Gelato which was fantastic!  Lots of other flavors of gelato were also available along with Cannoli and Tiramisu.

A second refrigerator was filled with many different kinds on homemade pasta as well as homemade sauces, enough to serve a family. There is also a supply of Italian specialty items, oils, candies, cookies, beautiful wooden wine stoppers, nic-naks and potholders. The salad items also include many varieties of olives, nicely displayed.

We took out some fresh made Fettuccini and the Tomato Basil Sauce, along with some nice homemade pot holders. All and all it was a great find, and I am sure we will come again!  Check out the full menu at their website www.bearriverpasta.com. Bear River Pasta also attends local events and street fairs, and catering as requested.

For their menu and more go to their website Bear River Pasta Company

Their telephone number is 530.274.1760

Please help to keep this blog going
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John J. O’Dell Realtor® GRI
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Bits & Pieces, Entertainment

Scramento Home Winemakers June Jubilee Roaring Sucess

Judging wine at the Sacramento Home Winemakers June Jubilee
Judging wine at the Sacramento Home Winemakers June Jubilee

The Sacramento Home Winemakers June Jubilee was a roaring success with 121 wines judged and over 100 members and their families attending.  They had 13 cellar rats (they are the ones that pour the wine for the judges) a couple of data gurus and twelve judges.

All this was held in Judy Pinegar’s barn in Loomis, CA.  With the weather at 100 degrees, thanks has to be given to BBQ chefs Joe McGilivray and Manual for their great barbeque skills. After the judges swirling, sniffing and tasting, 4+ hours and 24 flights later, the gold wines emerged and were lined up for the Best of Division rounds that included 14 reds.

When the best of show was completed, and the competition was stiff, the judges remarked that Sacrmento Home Winemakers  were some of the best that they have judges. Wines judged included lively whites, beautiful roses, unusual red blends, outstanding petite sirahs, creative fruits and desserts; a flight of 8 well-crafted tempranillos and fruit intense blackberry wines.

Chief Judge Mike Touchette, assisted by Jubilee Coordinator Judy Pinegar and Assistant Coordinator Shannon Shackelford, announced the winners.

Best of Show – Dave Hicks, 2012 Viognier (Judy Pinegar to the left in the picture)
Best of Show – Dave Hicks, 2012 Viognier (Judy Pinegar to the left in the picture)

Best of Show – Dave Hicks, 2012 Viognier (pictured above)

Best of White – Dave Hicks, 2012 Viognier

Best of Rose/Blush – Carl Sweet, 2012 Primitivo

Best of Red – Terry Piazza-Perham, George Smith and Roberta Sparkman, 2011 Petite Sirah

Best of Fruit/Exotic – Rex Johnston and Barbara Bentley, 2012 Wild Blackberry

Best of Dessert – Donna Bettencourt, 2009 Blackberry Port

A complete list of awards can be found at this link:  2013 Jubilee Awards.

Check out Jubilee photos on Sacramento Home Winemakers facebook page.  More Jubilee photos to be added to this web site soon.
Please help out to keep this blog going
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John J. O’Dell Realtor® GRI
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Bits & Pieces, Entertainment

Dodgers Ace Zack Greinke Buys Mansion in LA

Photo Credit: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
Photo Credit: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

After a mid season trade brought him from Milwaukee to Anaheim last year, Zack Greinke extended his stay in Los Angeles by signing a lucrative six-year contract with the Dodgers this offseason. And it appears the pitching ace has settled into his new West Coast surroundings quite comfortably. With $147 million burning a hole in his pocket, Greinke recently picked up a prime piece of real estate in L.A., shelling out nearly $5 million on a massive Craftsman compound in Studio City, CA.

Built in 2012, Greinke’s Greene & Greene-inspired home is the work of noted architect Ray Keller. Weighing in at nearly 11,000 square feet, 7 bedrooms and 9 baths, the home itself certainly has enough room to move, but it also wades out into very Californian, Renaissance Man territory with luxuries like a gym, library and the amenity every big league pitcher will tell you they need, an art studio (just ask Barry Zito). A 9-car motor court anchors the one-acre grounds, while the two structures found on the property are linked via a walking bridge. Last, but certainly not least, Greinke’s new manse rounds out with a pool, spa and waterfall.

Source : NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

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Entertainment, History, Travel

Sheep Ranch, California

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Pioneer Hotel

By Judy J. Pinegar

Sheep Ranch was named after a sheep ranch (imagine that!). The official post office stamp did at one time read “Sheep Ranch” (Zip: 95250). One of the very few “free-range” areas in California, there are about a hundred freely roaming sheep throughout the town today. Sheep Ranch is located in the center of Calaveras County, about 16 miles east of San Andreas and eight miles north of Murphys.

The Pioneer Hotel is one of the main buildings still standing from that era. In 1967 three couples from Marin County discovered the old Pioneer Hotel and purchased it for $27,000. Over the years it was restored to its original look. The couples took turns using the hotel to entertain their personal friends, associates and family during different times of the year. John and I are friends with one of the families so we were invited to share a weekend there with them on August 17-19, 2012. The above pictures were taken by John O’Dell.

Sheep Ranch has a surprisingly colorful history. The town was surrounded by sheep corrals, and in 1860 gold ore was discovered in the corrals where the sheep were kept at night. Soon Sheep Ranch was a bustling gold mining town. Gold discovered at the Sheep Ranch Mine occurred at the 300 foot level in an extremely, rich, unusual black quartz. Before the turn of the century there were five flourishing gold mines and one had a ten-stamp mill. The town also supported 15 saloons.”

The main mine in town was known as the Hearst mine. George Hearst, who with partners bought the mine in 1897, was the father of William Randolph Hearst. The mine operated under various company names until shut down by the government in 1942. The Sheep Ranch mine was the largest source of gold in the district and the largest mine of the Sierras.

At one time the town of Sheep Ranch held two churches, one Catholic and the other Protestant. The local red school house, which still stands as a private home, employed two teachers until 1907 when the enrollment dwindled to 30 pupils taught by one teacher. The Eagle Hotel and the Pioneer Hotel were the two prominent local establishments, but only the Pioneer Hotel still stands.

Much of the movie feature “Honkytonk Man” was filmed in and around Calaveras County. Exterior scenes include Main Street, Mountain Ranch; Main Street, Sheep Ranch; and the Pioneer Hotel in Sheep Ranch. Extras were locally hired and many of the town’s residents are seen in the movie. During the filming, Clint Eastwood was very friendly and hospitable, taking time to chat and visit with many local residents.

The population of Sheep Ranch is 32 people, with sheep well out-numbering humans! There are currently no active businesses in Sheep Ranch, with the nearest facilities being located in Mountain Ranch to the west, and in Avery to the east. In January 2008, the postal service contractor in town relocated, resulting in the town having its ZIP code archived (i.e., made “not usable”) by the U.S. Postal Service. Locals can still use the town name, but must use the ZIP code for nearby Mountain Ranch (95246).

Judy J. Pinegar is a writer and her articles have appeared in many publications.

For all your real estate needs
Email or call today:

John J. O’Dell Realtor® GRI
Civil Engineer
General Contractor
(530) 263-1091
Email jodell@nevadacounty.com

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Entertainment, History

Vacation to Angels Camp, June 10-13, 2012, Part 2

Visit to Columbia State Park

 

 

By Judy J. Pinegar

On Tuesday John and I, and my family visited Colombia State Historic Park, a living, restored gold rush town. The concessions and businesses in the park close on Thanksgiving and Christmas days, but they are open for every other holiday, weather permitting.

The Gold Rush to Columbia, California began on March 27, 1850 by a small party of prospectors. News of the discovery spread and they were soon joined by a flood of miners. Unlike many settlements that have changed with the times, Columbia, California seems to be frozen in the 1800’s, and appears to be the best preserved of California gold rush towns. Columbia State Historic Park offers a blend of museums, displays, town tours, live theater plays, shops, restaurants and attractions.

After a great Mexican lunch, we saw the soap shop, the museum, information center and the working blacksmith shop. We also visited many other stores, enjoyed a few sarsaparillas, listened to some street musicians, and my four year old granddaughter made her very own dipped candle.

As a grand finale we rode a stagecoach through the woods  – where the bad guys tried to take our gold (we didn’t have any thank goodness, because they weren’t willing to pull teeth). It was a wonderful, educational trip.

Judy J. Pinegar is a writer and her articles have appeared in many publications.

 

For all your real estate needs
Email or call today:

John J. O’Dell Realtor® GRI
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(530) 263-1091
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Education, Entertainment, Travel

Vacation to Angels Camp, June 10-13, 2012, Part 1

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By Judy J. Pinegar

We were staying in a WorldMark Vacations Complex just west to town. On Monday morning the group (John, myself, my sister and brother-in-law, and my daughter and granddaughter) decided to visit California Caverns.

In 1849 or 1850, Captain Joseph Taylor was target practicing on a rocky outcropping and noticed that his targets were being moved by a breeze which seemed to emanate from the rocks. When he investigated this curious phenomenon, he discovered the entrance to a cave which he named Mammoth Cave.

In 1850, he opened the cave for public tours, making it the first show cave in the state of California. In 1980 the cavern was renamed California Caverns and it is now a State Historic Landmark. There are three tours at the cavern: 1) 70 minute Trail of Lights Walk Tour, 2) 2-3 hr Mammoth Cave Expedition and, 3) the challenging Middle Earth Tour taking 4 hours (crawling through very small spaces). Needless to say, with two senior citizens and a 4 year old we took the walk tour!

Early visitors included Bret Harte, Mark Twain and John Muir who wrote about this visit in “Chapter 15 – In the Sierra Foot-Hills” of his 1894 book “The Mountains of California” when it was called Cave City Cave. For 150 years, visitors have enjoyed the unique delicate beauty of the cavern’s crystalline formations. Some speleothems, such as the beaded helictites found in the Middle Earth area are very rare. Others are so numerous as to be spectacular, such as the “Jungle Room’s” array of stalactites.

That tour goes through passageways into large, highly decorated chambers including newly discovered pristine areas like the Jungle Room. Here you see large displays of milky white stalactites, helictites and flowstones decorate the walls and ceiling.

You may visit the website at   California Caverns

Judy J. Pinegar is a writer and her articles have appeared in numerous publications.

For all your real estate needs
Email or call today:

John J. O’Dell Realtor® GRI
Civil Engineer
General Contractor
(530) 263-1091
Email jodell@nevadacounty.com


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Community Events, Entertainment, History

Museums in Auburn : Barnhart Museum, and Gold Country Museum – Mining

museum-sign

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By Judy J. Pinegar

Arriving in Auburn on a hot Sunday in July, John and I decided to tour a couple of museums. First was the historic Bernhard Museum just off Auburn Folsom Boulevard near the fairgrounds. The house is over 150 years old, built in 1851 by George Bishop and John Long as the Traveler’s Rest Hotel, one of Auburn’s oldest surviving buildings.

In the Gold Rush, this hotel held teamsters traveling the old Auburn Folsom Road, and miners working in nearby Rich Flat. In 1858 the building was converted to a home for one of the builders, George Bishop. The house and 30 acres were sold in 1864 to Eliza Caruthers, and again in 1868 to the Bernhard family. This family and their descendants lived here for over 100 years. They started planting vineyards, making wine and then built a two story natural rock winery into a hillside in 1874.

Now with only 2+ acres left, the house has become a beautifully restored museum of the Victorian Era (mid 1830’s to 1900). No pictures are allowed inside the museum, but it is truly a sight to see. Also on the grounds is an old wine processing building, displaying wine making and barrel making artifacts, as well as a barn with a hearse, a sleigh, buggies and wagons of days gone by.

The top of the stone winery is now an art gallery, while the bottom still houses and operating winery, Bonitata (more on this later).

Next we visited the Gold Country Museum, housed in a historic Works Progress Administration (WPA) building, on the Auburn fairgrounds itself.  We began by touring a replicated hard rock mine (thanking our lucky stars that we didn’t have to do that job!) Many other mining displays are also on display, as well as a model stamp mill, and an assayer’s office, a miner’s cabin and an old saloon.

After this tour we went back to the Barnhart Museum Parking lot, but walked down to the winery to do a little wine tasting in the Bonitata Boutique Winery (see last picture in the slides).

Judy J. Pinegar is a writer and winemaker, and her articles appear in many publications.

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John J. O’Dell Realtor® GRI
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(530) 263-1091
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Entertainment

Casino Royale Mega Yacht to Vist Stockton

The Ship Casino Royale
The Ship Casino Royale

Stockton’s downtown marina will soon become the temporary home for one of the world’s best known super yachts, the 163 foot Casino Royale. The James Bond themed ship  arrived in Stockton at approximately 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 21st; culminating a 10,000 mile journey which began in Genoa, Italy, last October. The yacht is owned by retired Fresno area CEO and business owner David McDonald. Regarding the ship’s Stockton arrival, Mr. McDonald stated, “I am thrilled to now have the Casino Royale so close to home. I really enjoy the California Delta and have many good friends in Stockton. The outstanding hospitality extended to us by the Stockton Marina and the City of Stockton is greatly appreciated. We are planning a number of exciting West Coast cruises based out of Stockton over the next year, including the Northwest and Alaska.”

The yacht’s westward trek from Italy included a comprehensive maintenance period in Florida where the ship’s mast was lowered by four feet to allow for passage beneath Stockton’s I-5 bridge. Other advance preparations include the yacht funded installation of custom shore power at the Stockton Marina. It is believed that the Casino Royale will be the largest private yacht to ever venture this far into the Delta. Mr. McDonald is a former member of the Delta Yacht Club and several years ago he berthed one of his previous yachts, the Halo, at Stockton’s River Point Landing.

ABOUT THE CASINO ROYALE

Owned by California businessman David McDonald, The Casino Royale is a spectacular 163 foot mega yacht built by Christensen Shipyards in Vancouver, Washington. Launched in the fall of 2008 after a three year build, the yacht was constructed under the close direction of famed yacht builder John Staluppi and remains the largest Christensen ever built. With dozens of unique features and a breathtaking interior, the Casino Royale was named “Queen of the Miami Boat Show” in 2009. The ship’s beam (width) is thirty feet, the draft (depth below waterline) is nine feet, the air draft (height above waterline) is fifty feet, and the yacht’s total weight is 848,000 pounds. Carrying 15,000 gallons of diesel fuel, she has trans-Atlantic range; and holds 2200 gallons of fresh water which is constantly replenished from sea water by two RO water makers. The Casino Royale cruises at twelve knots and has a top speed of eighteen knots. The yacht is powered by twin MTU engines producing 3540 horsepower, has three 480 volt high output generators, bow and stern thrusters, and zero-speed stabilizers.

Unique to the Casino Royale’s interior is the elaborate stonework throughout, striking original artwork, and extensive sapele mahogany raised panel woodwork. With six luxurious guest staterooms (each with en suite bath), the yacht can accommodate twelve guests who are constantly cared for by the ship’s permanent ten-person crew.

The yacht’s advanced audio/video system includes twenty-two HD televisions, US, European, and Caribbean satellite TV throughout, a movie library with 4200 titles, and a ten camera security system. There’s plenty of room to roam with 7000 feet of interior space in addition to 3000 feet of exterior deck space; and all four decks are accessible via elevator. The yacht has three tenders and carries four jet skis, two Vespa scooters, and two Segways. The Casino Royale has fifteen bathrooms, common area seating for ninety-six people, a top deck hot tub, and a commercial scale galley which can serve seventy meals per day. The Marshall Islands registered yacht’s prior cruising areas include Alaska, the US Northwest, the Panama Canal and Central America, Bahamas, the Caribbean, México, the Mediterranean, and the US East Coast. For complete photo library and more information, go to YachtCasinoRoyale.com.

For further information contact:
Erin Johnson ~ (559) 323-8108
Casino Royale Office Administrator
erin@mcdonaldoffices.com
YachtCasinoRoyale.com

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Thinking of buying or selling?
For all your real estate needs
Email or call today:

John J. O’Dell Realtor® GRI
Civil Engineer
General Contractor
(530) 263-1091
Email jodell@nevadacounty.com

DRE#00669941

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