Does it Snow in Santa Cruz, Calfornia?

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Let's go on a trip now! ~ The Fun Tour Guru

Still Remembering Santa Cruz, CA: Just Because I Can

Santa Cruz is an escape for me and not a tourist destination.

It is a fun region where I go to explore all of the unfamiliar nooks and crannies that I can find. I have done this for ... well...let's say for many years.  (Remember, I am not a day over 39, and yes, I am borrowing this line from Jack Benny's famous joke).

On my last trip over to Santa Cruz at the end of March, I followed my own advice, and I stepped off my own beaten path or route of my favorite things to do.

On this day I found the streets congested with traffic as it was the Friday before Easter weekend.  I know this community grows beyond its 60,000 residents and happy to share with any of them their fun activities on days like this.  

I followed the local news stories of the passing of our two Santa Cruz police officers, and heros, and there is something which spoke to me this time.  I don't recall any incidents like this through the years I have been going to this small community of Santa Cruz.  I feel safe on these streets.  Even though I may not know everyone directly - I feel I am welcomed to stop to talk to  the locals.   

I saw reminders during this trip.  I took the time to stop at the Santa Cruz Police Department and found these reminders that are still being shared by the public in front.

Santa Cruz Police Dept Tribute

Flags were still lowered ...

Santa Cruz Police Department

Surfers Lighthouse

Would you, as a stranger who is unfamiliar of visiting this region, know what had happened and think to ask someone about this?

What made this trip so different for me this time?


"Remember, we only have today, tomorrow is not here, and yesterday is gone.  I believe we should enjoy every moment and experience that we can.  We have choices, I choose to be happy everyday," as spoken by Jean Jennings Bartik, Eniac Women Pioneer, at the Computer History Museum.

I will share later some of the other fun things I did it did, ~ The Fun Tour Guru
 

San Jose, CA: "Gymnastics City, USA"

San Francisco Bay Area is making their mark on the map this year with the National spotlight of major events.  When we expect this from the city of San Francisco, San Jose is stepping up too as the:

San Jose, CA ~ "Gymnastics City, USA" 

San Jose, California announced today they will host the Opening Ceremonies for 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials - Gymnastics to celebrate the first day of competition, Thursday, June 28, 2012.

The best gymnasts from around USA will be in town from June 28 - July 1 at the Shark Tank (nickname for HP Pavilion SAP Center)  this weekend as they compete for a spot on Team USA at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.  The Olympic Flag has been flying at San Jose City Hall since June 24.  

Starting at 11:45 a.m., participating sponsors and dignitaries will view the lowering of the flag at City Hall and then they will ride on an authentic London Double Decker Bus to Shark Tank HP Pavilion to deliver the Olympic flag for Opening Ceremonies at the Shark Tank HP Pavilion. Following the conclusion of the Opening Ceremonies, the “Road to London” opens on Arena Green.

Tickets may be purchased at Shark Tank (SAP Center San Jose) website to see the Gymnasts compete. Are you going?

WHAT:  USA Gymnastics 2012 Olympic Trial

WHERE:  HP Pavilion (SAP Center - 2018) at San Jose, 525 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose, CA 95113  

Information for this article was obtained by Media Advisory, Sharks Entertainment,  Media Contact:  Jim Sparaco (408) 999-5792

Let's get out and support out Gymnastics Team USA! ~ The Fun Tour Guru


Click here to view photos of the opening ceremony in San Jose, CA

Image used from Microsoft Clip Art.

Grapes & Glass Art Design Tours - at Annieglass Studio, Watsonville, CA

Made in USA 

I enjoy this half day trip to visit this well known, local, Smithsonian Artist and entrepreneur, Annie Morhauser and her studio.  Most people know about the Annieglass production studio in Watsonville, 310 Harvest Drive. (one half hour south of Santa Cruz, one hour from San Jose), when was your last trip?

I have seen glass blowing artists many times – two recent trips were to Vecchia Murrano in Venice, Italy and the Museum of Glass in Tacoma, Washington.  Wow, what a discovery and a local gem nearby!   Why is this local glass art so different?

Annieglass Production Studio in Watsonville, CA

Summer of Love with Annieglass Studio Tours

A must see is Annieglass events – yes, even wine tasting is available. You may go on their free glass art studio tours at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. on these weekend days. Call to get more information about the events. (831) 427-4260

Update:  Please call Annieglass to find out about all events.  

Annieglass Production Studio

I found out about this insider secret on my trip – Annieglass is not made by the common method of glass blowing – Annie developed a process called “slumping.” Starting with a sheet of flat glass that is cut into a circle, the glass is melted in a ceramic mold in a kiln to take shape.

Please ask about this process and any of the technical artist details when you go and let the experts tell you in their own words.  Information is on the Annieglass website and these tours have in depth, excellent information.  (Sorry, no pictures were allowed to be taken inside.)

Even though joining individual public tours is fun, I enjoy arranging private small groups and you learn so much from everyone's curiosity and questions. 

 

The guide, Joseph, showed us the glass plates they purchase and we watched Joseph actually cut a small piece of glass by hand. You get to walk through the entire studio (15,000 square feet) and see each of the machines, tools and equipment where Annie and the other artists make the individual glass art pieces during the week.

Each piece is inspected when it is finished and has an authentic signature etched with name, number, and date.  Annie is an  artist and business woman who employs a expert team of artists year round along with other valued employees to make their production goals. Annie continues to share her stories of how she started her business today.

I learned how this was developed as a different process.  Annie's first piece that she created in her studio in 1983, was a simple circle of glass with a 24k hand painted gold rim before firing in the kiln, titled Roman Antique. This actual process you discover on your tour ensures each piece is dishwasher safe and with chip and tarnish resistance.  

There is another Annieglass store in downtown Santa Cruz for shopping if you don't have time to drive to the studio.  Of course, glass art enthusiasts already know Annieglass is sold at many luxury retailers such as Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and Bloomingdales. You will also find Annieglass in prominent hotels and restaurants like the Bellagio Hotel and Casino and Ritz Carlton. Yes, there is a piece on exhibit at the Smithsonian in Washington D.C. And we now have a store at Santana Row, San Jose, CA.

Can you name 2 famous people who have Annieglass in their private collections? 

Don't Forget the Wine Tasting, Windy Oaks Estate

During my visit, I found this fun and unique story of this local winery. There were Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines from Windy Oaks Estate in Corralitos, CA. One of my favorites, 2008 Estate Pinot Noir, Cuvee, was awarded 91 points, 2011 Gold Medal, beverage Tasting Institute, with a bright fruit flavors.

Windy Oaks Estate, Corralitos, CA

I had a private conversation with the Assistant Winemaker (yes, he is a son of the Winemaker) about the crush process, the acres where their grapes are located (two locations nearby), and the global history trail starting in the central USA of how this family of tech workers started the winery. Windy Oaks Estate just opened their new tasting room – Saturdays from 12–5. (831) 786-9463  I will return for a second story.

Tell us below in the comments of your Annieglass pieces you have. 

Just another fantastic trip of discoveries off the beaten path ~ The Fun Tour Guru 

*This is not a sponsored post, I simply followed up on news which I received and went to see for myself. I even became a buyer with my new knowledge.  Although advertisers are always welcome!

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