Saturday, January 13, 2007

Turlock to Santa Nella and Back

I drove out to Santa Nella today to visit mom and dad for the first time since mom's interment last month. Our weather has been windy, rainy, and icy cold. We expected all three but were gifted with clear blue skies and no wind. The rain had backed off for a couple of days so even the mud was no more. The little gold leaf is something I found in my pocket. Of course, I forgot flowers. I'm not good about these sorts of details. If Don had been there, the flowers would have been there too.


On the way to Santa Nella, we passed a small herd of Brahman cows and calves. I've never seen baby Brahmans before and of course the camera was out of sight. We stopped on the way back but by this time most of the herd had relocated and the babies were in a far corner curled up on the ground. However there was one pretty lady by the road and she posed very nicely. I am impressed with how pretty the females are. They are very different from the Gurneys and Jerseys around here.


Years ago I had noticed this barn whenever we passed this way to Hwy. 5. I always promised myself I would find this barn again and take pictures. Well, the day finally arrived. The barn seemed much brighter than before. The farmer was out working and told me they had painted it a few years ago to brighten it up. I don't think I'm the first person to take pictures of his barn since he didn't seem very surprised to see me clicking away.




Linda and her son David and I arrived home and settled on lunch at Bistro 234. Bistro is one of those place the reeks of atmosphere, serves good food, and in the end always disappoints me. I'm not picky but for me it is all in the details. I don't like it when the bill comes and I'm surprised by extra and unexpected charges. I also don't like it when all I get is an apology and a gee I'm sorry you didn't understand. I!!!! didn't understand? Hard to understand when the details of the extras aren't explained and no one else at the table heard them either. I had told Linda that Don and I had been there a couple of times and I always left feeling vaguely disappointed considering the dent the place always leaves in my pocketbook. Well, after a two year break, I've been reminded again that there is a reason I don't go here very often.


But even aside from the Bistro disappointment, I had a memorable day. I had a happy day. Brahman babies, Pepsi barns, clear crisp weather. What more could a girl ask for??


22 comments:

Unknown said...

I know EXACTLY what you mean about the Bistro 234. What I wonder is, do all those people that go there really like it????
I'll be dropping some hats and scarves by for Frida. Thanks for doing that!

Miss Robyn said...

that gold leaf is the perfect thing to put on the headstone ~ xoxo

J C said...

I can only say I love cows! Why? Dunno, but I always visit the Moo-ternity Ward at the State Fair...that's the closest I can get around here. I love to touch them and smell them and look into their big brown eyes. She's beautiful! OKOK so I'm wierd. The barn is wonderful too. I prolly should have been a farmer. :)

Anonymous said...

oh... I remember seeing those Brahmans. They are outside of Sonora?

It looks like a great day for taking photos.

Regina said...

Thanks for all the lovely pics, Annie... and I am glad you had a good day despite Bistro 234!

Susie said...

I love that old barn. Sounds like the weather at the National Cemetary has held through the week! Glad it was a peaceful day for you..
Sorry the restaurant wasn't the perfect ending. I'll have to keep that place in mind to avoid if we're ever in the area!
:)

paris parfait said...

It does sound like a lovely day. Nice photos and a beautiful gold leaf to honour your parents.

trailbee said...

What a wonderful way to have your parents resting together. This is nice. Where is the Bistro? Extra charges? How can they do that? Like, it's the only eats place in the county? Thought I caught you at Hilmar? The ladies? There's this place just past the Red Barn on 49 at Tuttletown that has some, and they always look so smooth, and calm; I always wanted to touch them.

Annie Jeffries said...

Hi B. I think I COULD have touched the pretty lady had I thought to reach out. Ascender above mentioned seeing Brahmans near Sonora. Would the Red Barn on 49 be the place. Bistro is downtown on Main and Center. I've since learned that at least one other person shares my opinion. See Kris above. Yep, that was the Cheese Company. It was break time for a soccer tournament. There were so many people in there, they had to send them elsewhere. Of course we ended up at Bistro. Joke on us all the way around.

Tammy Brierly said...

"Enduring love" was lovely!

luzie said...

I love your pictures, and I love the.. Brahman? I bet the baby Brahmans were adorable. Being a city girl I love the countryside or anything related to it.. cows, pigs.. and most importantly.. sheep. :) I'm glad to hear you had a nice day out.

Naturegirl said...

A quiet day and that gold leaf is lovely.A grey cow first I've seen one.
**I have ~posted~ something for YOU and need your email addy..:)NG

Gina E. said...

I have also had the experience of unexpected extra bits on to bills, but I'm the argumentive kind and usually get a discount after muttering veiled threats about writing to the local paper!
Thanks for visiting Patra's Place!
Gina

Lila Rostenberg said...

Very proud of you for taking the photo of the barn. We see a lot of picturesque (and vanishing) farm scenes around NW Arkansas. Seems we are always going to photgraph them "one of these days".
My father raised cattle, we once had a Brahma bull; I rememeber the
skin hanging under the chin is called a "dewlap".

Tongue in Cheek Antiques said...

Thank you for touring me around homeland, it feels good!!

Beth said...

Loved the pics,,the brahmas are cool cows. I love old barns too. We have a Bistro 234 here too. Its right across from the school. I have ate there once and didn't think it was that great for the price I had to paid. I am glad you had a pleasant day!

savvycityfarmer said...

Love love love those olive pots.

Lady Prism said...

felt like I was with you :>

Mary Bee said...

I see Lisa is bringing things for this great cause mentioned below in your 1/12/07 Hats for Kids post, to our get together this Saturday. I bought 5 sets of gloves and knit caps to match. That will be my part. I challenge the next poster to match or better this. We need to help these children stay warm.

Rethabile said...

Hello, Annie,
I hope you're doing well. I wanted to say that at least it's Pepsi, not the other one.
*big, dumb grin*

diana said...

I love how you use great photos to honor the visit to see your parents. AND I also love those pots

Anonymous said...

If the Bistro was so bad, I will give you the $1.50 you were overcharged. I love the Bistro
Linda