San Ramon Valley Newcomers Club
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Archive for November, 2007
November 28, 2007 at 9:03 pm · Filed under Gad-Abouts
Filoli Mansion-November 27, 2007
Fifteen of us enjoyed the morning celebrating the magic of the holiday season at beautiful Filoli Mansion! We experienced the festive holiday spirit by strolling through the grand mansion decorated with swags of evergreen garland, patterned ribbon, and exquisite floral displays. The wintergreen and gold-leafed ballroom was adorned with picturesque holiday trees, intricately designed ornaments, and sparkling lights.
We had a wonderful time shopping for presents while listening to the wondrous melodies of live musical performances.
Afterwards six of us treated ourselves to an outstanding lunch at John Bentley’s Restaurant in Woodside. It was a very fun and worthwhile adventure and I highly recommend it.
Happy Holidays - Tracey Harper
November 20, 2007 at 5:11 pm · Filed under Hiking Club
Hi Newcomer Hikers and Guests,
Today Cindy W., Shirley A., Jacky H. guest Bubs L. and Sharon K hiked along Knobcone Trail at Mt. Diablo. We hiked past balancing rock and out to the rocky overlook. It was a clear day. We saw a few turkey buzzards and some manzanitta berries but most of our time was spent talking as we hiked up and down the numerous hills. We hiked in and out along the same trail for a total of about 5 miles in 2 hours 15 minutes.
With the calories we burned we are ready for the Thanksgiving turkey with all of the fixings. I hope you each have a wonderful day among family and friends. if you are traveling have a safe trip. There will be no hike next Friday.
The next hike with be Nov 30th.
It was lovely meeting you today Bubs and hope you will join us again soon. Thank you Jacky for driving up to Mt. Diablo.
Happy Trails, Sharon
November 14, 2007 at 4:11 pm · Filed under Book Club
Date: Dec. 11 - Tuesday
Time: 12:00 Noon
Where: Bridges Restaurant, 44 Church, Danville
The book club will meet at a delightful local restaurant in December. The menu is varied and has something for everyone. The club will not select a book for December, but we ask you to share one inspirational or uplifting book or story, and tell the group about it. Please RSVP to Suzanne Ziarnik at 830-8339 by Thur., Dec. 6, so we can notify the restaurant. We welcome new members so think about attending this special meeting. If you have any questions, please call Suzanne Ziarnik.
Jan. - The Constant Princess by Phillipa Gregory
Feb. - Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
Suzanne
November 13, 2007 at 9:04 pm · Filed under Hiking Club
Hi Newcomer Friday Hikers and Guests,
Today, Nov. 9th, we hiked at Las Trampas, up Elderberry, up and down the Ridge Trail and then up and down Cuesta, and then down the continuation of the Ridge Trail. It was a lot of ups, thankfully mostly towards the beginning. The day was perfect weather for hiking, starting off in the upper 50’s. The sky was mostly clear although a few clouds came in towards the last part of the hike. We had lovely views of Mt. Diablo once we got on higher ground and we saw several wildflowers. We saw the bright red cardinal flower, quite a few lupines and several bright orange California poppies. In several areas the grass was starting to turn bright green. We saw a snake but by the time I saw it, it was just a tail in the grass, and I wasn’t about to aggravate it! I didn’t see any rattles so it probably was a gopher snake. The multi-trunk oak trees were lovely with the light coming through them.
Today’s hikers were Shirley A., Cindy W., Cathy I., Lois T., and Sharon K.
We hiked at a good clip and did the loop in 2 hours 15 minutes. We passed on lunch today although Lois and I couldn’t pass up a quick cup of coffee after our hike.
I hope to see you all next week. I’m yearning to go to Mt. Diablo so expect an e-mail telling of a hike somewhere there if the weather holds.
Happy Trails to you all, Sharon
November 12, 2007 at 1:47 pm · Filed under President's Corner
Hi Gals!
Boy, parties are being planned for groups, our houses are being readied for trimming, we are going into shopping mode and heading into a new year.
I hope all of us get into the spirit of giving thanks by volunteering, donations, or just good will toward all-both strangers and friends.
This has been another stressful year for the family and friends of those in the Middle East who spend every minute of their lives over there protecting us and each other. A big wave of thanks and prayers go out to them. There is no bigger gift than volunteering to offer up their lives for their country.
So enjoy this holiday season with thoughts of family and friends (and Newcomers) and consider a random act of kindness towards a stranger.
Hugs, Myrna
November 7, 2007 at 1:10 pm · Filed under Hiking Club
Hi newcomer Friday Hikers,
Today we hiked a 2 hour loop at Black Diamond Mines. The weather was cool and crisp but the uphill hike to the old cemetery warmed us up fast. The weather quickly warmed up into the mid 70’s.
Today’s hikers were new members Kathy I. and Chris T. plus Shirley A., Jacky H., Lois T., Cathy K., April R., and Sharon K It was wonderful to see both the old and new faces with us today.
We hiked up a new (to us) trail - Manhattan Canyon, which overlooked the trail we usually return on and the old mine shaft. With a little good map reading we made it to the footbridge where we started our ascent up through the red barked Madrones.
As we climbed higher we were able to look back on the cemetery in the distance. We had a clear view of Mt. Diablo when we reached the intersection of the Ridge Trail. We noted the textures and shadows, the bright mistletoe handing from the trees, and the subtle fall colors. We didn’t see much in the way of wild life, perhaps because of the very dry conditions. All the ponds we observed were dry. We did see a small gopher snake with quickly slithered off of the trail.
It felt so good to hike after being off a couple of weeks that I am planning an extra hike for next Friday, November 9th. We will be hiking at Las Trampas. Be on the lookout for an e-mail next week. We will still be hiking on Nov. 16th as planned.
Thank you for driving today, Lois.
The hike was followed by lunch at the Bagel Street Cafe.
Happy Trails, Sharon
