For the adventurous spirits

Feel like adventuring? C'mon....it'll be fun! And, it will be LOCAL!

Obviously, this post is for my Central Valley readers and visitors. Let's explore the opportunities for adventure that you may have yet to consider.

Perhaps, you have this desire to try rock climbing. It has always intrigued you, but you have a fear of heights. Or you just feel generally uneasy about the idea of climbing Half Dome. Fear not! Stonehenge Indoor
Climbing Gym offers a perfect opportunity! Whether you are a skilled climber looking for a different adventure or just wanting to learn to climb, Stonehenge has quite the list of offerings.

 We tried it on a drizzly Saturday afternoon. With a fear of heights that I intend to conquer, I looked forward to the challenge of climbing. Stonehenge offers a quick, but detailed lesson in how to belay and climb. We peppered our instructor with questions and I sought extra reassurance, but he remained patient and understanding with us. It was fantastic! Off we went! Climbing like Spiderman. Well, learning to climb with ropes and safety mechanisms. The best part came when I later taught a lesson on simple machines to my eighth grade science students and shared what I learned about the belay system.

I found a great video to incorporate into my teaching while drawing on my experience at Stonehenge.

My friend already looked into buying shoes and I certainly want to go back. She and I will go again and we may even take friends or family. We saw children climbing and they did great! We opted to take my two to a local park with a small rock climbing wall the next day. We also saw experienced climbers making their ways around the inside of Stonehenge. Watching some of these climbers was inspiring, to say the least. Stonehenge certainly has something for every level of experience. the rates are certainly reasonable and they are located just on the edge of Downtown Modesto. Check out their website for more information.

If you want to keep it simpler, many local parks have small rock climbing walls that are a blast too!

If you're feeling even more adventurous and want to get out into the thick of it all, California Cavern State Historic Landmark offers a variety of adventures. An adventure the whole family (all ages) can enjoy is the walking tour. They also offer two different spelunking tours that take you through the ins-and-outs of the cave, literally. The Middle Earth Expedition offers the biggest adventure of all, taking you through the depths of the cavern and through mud and muck. Typically, in November, water levels can be waist high and one needs to be prepared for this. In a sure sign of the drought we are currently in, it was drier than that, considerably. In fact, the mud was thick and very sticky, but water posed less of a problem. Even the lake was, reportedly, down several feet from normal. Still, the adventure across the lake by raft capped a wonderful trip through it all. Choose your adventure and go for it!

Other caverns and zipline experiences are available as well. The website provides plenty of good information, including how to make reservations if required.







The fall also included golfing in Escalon and traveling with friends to the Davis-area for Warrior Dash. I visited the driving range in Escalon a couple of times last summer, but in November, I had the fabulous opportunity to play a round of golf. Escalon is a nine-hole course that is easy to navigate and fun to play. I played a friend and our dads. As a first-time golfer, I found it exhilarating to finally get out on a course and I felt thankful for the opportunity to play such a course. Another possible sighn of drought? Some of the grassy areas looked rather dry. Still, the course offered a great experience and we will return. When time lacks for playing a round, their driving range provides great fun whether by yourself or with a friend (or family member).

The drive to Davis is quite manageable which makes this easy enough to include in the local adventures category. Warrior Dash previously took place out in the area of Casa De Fruta, but this year made the move to near Davis. the biggest complaint we had and that we heard from others was how absolutely dry this "mud run" was. However, when thinking of it as an obstacle run, finding the fun in it is easy. the obstacles provided good challenges for all and we finished by making our way across a mud pit. Certainly, we all would have liked to have seen more water, and subsequently more mud. One can consider linking this, too, to the result of our drought conditions. Warrior Dash will again take place near Davis next year. Having done both Survivor and Warrior Dash, next we are set to do MS MuckFest. Let's see how muddy it gets! Others have done Tough Mudder and Spartan which are lengthier distances. If you're looking for a distance of about 5k, stick with Survivor or Warrior Dash. Or, like us, try something new!

What are you waiting for? Get out and find an adventure you love now!

Have a suggestion for me? Share with me where you go on your local adventures so I can review it! I also love hearing about local theater and music offerings. Let me here from you and I'll certainly share credit (if you like). Adventures in 2014 will include some of the regular spots but more is to come. I'll be sure to share some reviews here, of course. I will also review more restaurants, foods, and other other interesting items. Watch for local theater offerings and more too! Bek's Bites looks forward to the new year ahead!

Two more chances to catch "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever"

The Denair Gaslight Theatre has staged the Starmites production of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever this month. It began last Friday, November 15. The cast includes students between the ages of three and 17. It will run through November 24. Remaining performances will take place on  Saturday, November 23 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, November 24 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $5 each for all ages.

The cast came together in August, following an audition process during which children performed a monologue and sang a song. The Starmites program is designed to give children of all ages a chance to learn about musical theatre and the performance process. Everyone who auditions gets a part. Some of this cast worked together over the summer during the Startmites on Stage program which came together with a revue style show. In mid-September, Starmites performed a collection of songs with dance during the Denair Farm and Family Festival. The theatre remained open throughout the day's festitivites.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever follows the coming together of a church's Christmas pageant. The church stages the same pageant every year, but a set of circumstances shake things up some leading to "The Best Christmas pageant we've ever had."

From the leading roles down to the baby angels, this production has a wonderful cast that draws the audience into the story and leaves them with big smiles at the end of the show.

Concessions including candy and popcorn, raffles, and Stargrams help complete the theatre experience and support the Starmites program. Hot beverages have been available for no charge, as well.

In January, Starmites will hold auditions for the spring semester production: Willy Wonka.

Still, first, take the time to step into the Christmas spirit a little early and take in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever this weekend. The Denair Gaslight Theatre is located at 3908 N. Gratton Road in Denair. For tickets, call 209-664-9514 or purchase your tickets online at http://denairgaslight.ticketleap.com/.

Not-so-hidden treasure: The State

Back in August, I decided I wanted to write a couple of different reviews and they both had connections to The State Theatre in Modesto. I first discovered the State Theatre back in 1995. The small theatre is an historic icon in the City of Modesto. It offers movies that typically rarely, if ever, show at the more "mainstream" theatres, stage shows, and concerts. This year, they started hosting Singles Mingle events once a month. The unfortunate thing is that a lack of community support has caused them to cancel the remainder of the events. These events served a greater purpose than connecting singles and making matches. They provided great networking opportunities. However, despite the number of people turning to Internet dating and looking for "the one" these days and despite the great themes for the evenings, numbers dwindled and for the non-profit theatre the events proved a financial loss. Following the August Singles Mingle event, the board opted to cancel the monthly events. Disappointing especially as I had looked forward to the spaghetti western night scheduled for September. Yet, understandable given the financial perspective and the low attendance.

My mother and I visited The State in August to see Joss Whedon's Much Ado About Nothing, a modern twist on a Shakespearean play. The movie had opened in many theaters in June and we waited anxiously to see when and where it would show locally. It never did. No local theaters had it scheduled. Then, word came that The State would have it for about two weeks. We attended on a late Friday afternoon. We were among a small audience for what was a fantastic movie. Familiar with Whedon's work and a longtime Shakespeare lover, I expected to like it. I knew it would be good and this movie did not disappoint. With actors including Castle's Nathan Fillion, the cast breathed fresh life into this show by way of Whedon's amazing artistry. I applaud The State for showing it and wish more people had taken advantage of the opportunity to see it.

The first Saturday in September brought the modern classic Dirty Dancing to the small theatre in downtown Modesto. For just $5 a ticket, fans of all ages had the opportunity to see this show some have only seen by way of video rental on the big screen. Though it failed to sell out, the audience packed in for this one. The State had earlier run Woody Allen's Blue Jasmine which met with such success the theatre opted to extend the run slightly.

A regular visit to the theatre's website will help keep you up-to-date. Shows, prices, times all vary. Look often and do your part to support Modesto's treasure. Upcoming films include Haute Cuisine, Austenland, and Letters to Jackie. At the end of October, they will have a one night only showing of Ghostbusters.

***Coming Soon: August Reviews***

Later this month, I will review two State Theatre events. I will offer an update on the monthly Singles Mingle event and I will review Joss Whedon's "Much Ado About Nothing" that The State Theatre will show beginning this Friday, August 9. For showtimes and other calendar information from The State, please click here. Whedon's fresh take on a Shakespeare favorite was released earlier this summer, but The State is the first theatre in the local area to show it.

If you have any ideas for other reviews, please email me and I will do what I can. I'm always on the lookout for something new to try and something fun to write about here on the review blog.

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Until review time...

Beyond the surface, Reno offers something for everyone

Everyone knows that Reno stands in stark contrast to Las Vegas. Las Vegas offers an adult playground, Disneyland-type atmosphere while Reno has always offered a quieter alternative. Many large casinos, hotels, and resorts built up around the Reno area drawing in more people ready for gambling action, but managed to maintain a more family-friendly environment. However, many of those have now shuttered.

As you now make your way around Reno, the closed up buildings
and minimal foot-traffic are a glaring reminder and the economic downturn from the past few years. Some hypothesize that the economic downturn partnered with the rise in California casino action to cause a bust in the Reno area. The Fitzgerald, now closed and appearing desolate, has a rock walk along the side that tempts people to explore an adventurous side of life. Parts of Reno feel almost a Ghost Town, maybe like Calico, only quieter. Still, Reno has a lot to offer. You may just have to look deeper.

 Exploring Reno and beyond

Trinity Episcopal Church - Reno

Reno still hosts Hot August Nights, though according to one Reno waitress, it now draws in a smaller crowd than it did even two years ago. Hot August Nights rolls into Reno next week. Some longtime Reno lovers continue to attend and enjoy the annual event.  Neighboring Lake Tahoe has its own Shakespeare Festival. This year's featured play, A Midsummer Night's Dream, runs through August 25. Back in Reno, through the month of July Artown has offered a variety of events, concerts, and activities. Even churches have been involved, offering pipe organ concerts and art of their own, marking the history of their churches. Trinity Episcopal Church had a bake sale, art display, harp playing, and an organ concert throughout the day Saturday, July 27 leading into their regular 5:10 p.m. church service. A little ways up, on the other side of the river, the United Methodist Church has also offered organ concerts and promoted its rich history by way of a small booklet.

Something to remember about Reno, Nevada is that it remains a college town. Like other college towns, it becomes more deserted in the "off season." Students return home for the summer which leaves college towns feeling quiet. Still, regular offerings are worth exploring. There are several farmers' markets which include everything from fresh produce to bread to fresh meat and fish. The Grand Sierra Resort has a unique driving range where golfers of various levels come together to hit balls into a pond. There are shows to see such as the current offering of "Grease" at the El Dorado and the regular circus acts at Circus Circus. You may find a smaller act in one of the hotel/casino lounges that surprises you with some fun covers. Bartenders and wait staff at the various bars and restaurants at The Sands are incredibly friendly and welcoming. Look carefully online and you may find some great deals on nice places to stay and, remember, you don't have to go gambling to have a good time.

Fresh tomatoes at The Summit's Farmers' Market

Have a Nice Dinner
You may want to have a nice dinner while visiting Reno. Two of the options available are the Wild River Grille down on River Walk and Copa found within The Sands.

Wild River Grille is a little higher end, so be prepared to pay a little more. They have a decently sized menu with delicious main dishes such as the Jerk Chicken. They also offer a lengthy wine list with something for everyone whether they prefer red, white, or blush wines. The wine prices also range from the more affordable range of under $30 for a bottle, on up. A must-try is their creme brulee which is absolutely divine. I recommend sitting outside and enjoying the cooler night air.

Copa has more reasonable prices, offers some delicious dinners, and has a decent wine list. The salmon with fresh vegetables hit the spot for me. It was fresh and prepared well. I paired it with a Petite Sirah and finished the dinner with their creme brulee. The creme brulee was a little soupy, but tasted great. The flavor made it edible despite the disappointing texture. The restaurant offers a break from the smokey casino atmosphere.

Other Copa diners recommend the ribs. The restaurant offers both half and full racks of ribs, slow-cooked. It has become a favorite of some longtime patrons of The Sands and this restaurant, which previously was something other than Copa and had a slightly different menu.


Enjoy Breakfast at Mel's
Also within The Sands is Mel's Diner. A highlight here is their Huevos Rancheros. Although it was far from the best I have ever had, it certainly tasted great and brought me back for another breakfast. They have a large breakfast burrito topped with sausage gravy. Their "coffee shop coffee" is a little above others. The fun part about Mel's, of course, is that some of the tables have juke box accessibility, always a plus!

Think Reno
If you need a weekend away, or even a midweek escape, give Reno a try. The quieter atmosphere and family-friendly offerings make Reno a destination and, really, it can be done on a budget. Budget wisely, plan ahead while remaining flexible, and enjoy the variety of Reno. Look past the shuttered casinos and take in some of the sights and sounds only Reno can offer. The drive across I-80 from California alone offers a trip worth taking. The tall trees and unique rest areas help you get away from the standard scene. Take it in as you venture from California to Nevada. Reno also has an airport for those who prefer to, or need to, fly. Just outside of Reno, Boomtown still has its own fun to offer. Near Boomtown is a Cabela's store for the outdoorsman who may have a desire to check it out. When you plan your next getaway: think Reno.

San Francisco tailgate saves the day

In an attempt to do a San Francisco Giants game on a smaller budget, give the tailgate experience a try.

Step One: Save up for parking. It costs $35.
Step Two: Decide what you want to take for your tailgate.
Step Three: Upon your arrival, try to park in Lot D.
Step Four: Have a fantastic time!



We saved up for our parking and set aside some money for our tailgate picnic. We opted to skip grilling out in the parking lot this time and instead packed in salami, fresh sourdough bread, grapes, and string cheese. We also brought along bottled water. We enjoyed sitting and doing our tailgate thing, then packed a few items into a backpack to take into the stadium.

During the game, we enjoyed our own peanuts, finished our string cheese, and stuck with our water to drink. The only in-park expense was CD's must-have cotton candy, which he had saved for himself.














Despite the disappointing 11-0 loss to the Cincinnati Reds, we had a blast! We will try other versions of tailgating in the future and recommend everyone try it! Whether the Giants win or lose, you can win just by going and allowing yourself to have a great time! A perk of AT&T Park is that you can take in your own food. Drinks are slightly restricted as far as what they allow into the park, but we tend to stick with water anyway. They do not allow you to bring in alcohol and you are supposed to stick with things in sealed, clear bottles. Still, the ability to take your own food means you can picnic in the park! Some nearby fans brought a variety of fresh fruit that they shared throughout the game.

Another "W" for AT&T Park!

Random Find: Latte Cafe

Imagine you have had a very long day. Perhaps you had car trouble that delayed your trip home. You are anxious to get home, but still have nearly three hours to go. As you drive up the Central Coast, you know you need another restroom stop. You also know a caffeine infusion would do you well. You see a McDonald's and think, "well, that ought to do." Then you see it: "Peet's Coffee" and you think "OH YES!" There you find a local establishment called Latte Cafe that boasts that they proudly brew Peet's Coffee and Tea. Thank goodness! It shines like a beacon of hope. So, you park, unload your two small children and enter the establishment.

Just then...

It gets even better!

Although, according to the sign on the door, they are right at closing time, they welcome you in, allow you to use their restroom and pleasantly take your order. A moment later, you find that you need to order again and they oblige.

This experience happened on Monday, July 15.

Everyone at Latte Cafe demonstrated a welcoming attitude and served us pleasantly. I felt so incredibly satisfied by the experience, that I tipped a little more than usual. As we left, my two small children and I shared about what a great experience we had. Their open sign remained on and I suspect they may be open later than the hours I observed on the way in, but they were certainly working on cleaning up and getting ready to close for the night. I appreciated their kindness and patience with us during our short visit and I will add it to my list of good stops on the Central Coast, as this is a trip we make a few times a year.

Latte Cafe is located on Fifth Street in Gonzales, just off of 101. It appears to be in what may have previously functioned as a Starbucks. I prefer Peet's Coffee and I prefer local service, so this certainly made my trip a little easier and a lot nicer. According to their Facebook Page, they serve lunch specials. If you find yourself in the area, take a few moments and check it out or even stop in for lunch.

Singles Mingle at the State

Ever on a search for a networking opportunity, I found the Singles Mingle monthly event at the State Theatre intriguing. Were I not single, obviously I would keep looking, but this seemed to present an interesting opportunity. As it turns out, the July event brought in an older-than-usual crowd. I also learned that typically the men outnumber the women, but that was not the case at this event.

A combination of tall tables and shorter tables with chairs offered people gathering places to meet and talk to others. Pencils and sticky notes were available on each table. Skewers provided some light food for the evening: hummus, Brie, roasted heads of garlic, sourdough bread, and flat bread. Desert Wind Dancers provided entertainment in the form of belly dancing. Additional snacks and beverages, including the usual fare of wine and beer, were available at the snack counter for the usual prices.

 People gathered, made conversation, and generally enjoyed themselves. For some, the hope for meeting their "perfect match" beamed from them as they navigated the room. Others found enjoyment in just getting to know each other or meeting friends.

Whether you seek the "love of your life" or just want to meet some new people, the Singles Mingle event seems a good place to do it. The art and culture that naturally emanates from the State Theatre provides a great backdrop for some casual getting-to-know-you time. Never pass up an opportunity to network, especially in a fun environment!

Desert Wind Dancers

Each of monthly Mingle events have a unique theme. They take place on the second Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. Sometimes food is included, but be prepared just in case. Admission for Singles Mingle is $10. Be sure to budget for the concessions stand if you think you will want a little something.

The 6 p.m. start time deceived me some and I expected that since food was listed in the offerings that it would be enough to count as my dinner. I ended up having a late dinner once I arrived home. I also purchased popcorn to help me make it through the evening, though the spread from Skewers was tasty.

August 14 -- Beach Party theme, including a limbo contest
Sept 11 -- Spaghetti Western theme and yes, that means there will be spaghetti AND a Western film!
October 9 -- Halloween Party where costumes may add to the fun
November 13 -- Pre-Thanksgiving Potluck and a savings of $2 off admission when you bring a canned food item that will go to The Salvation Army
December 11 -- Holiday Party and Dance, a chance to dress up and celebrate the holiday season!

For more information on this or any of the State Theatre's events, visit their website at www.thestate.org or call 209-527-4697. You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter.

**Coming Soon**

Coming at the end of July:

The AT&T Park Tailgate experience (following the July 22 game against the Reds)

If you know of a show, restaurant, or other experience that needs reviewing, please be sure to let me know! I would love to do another review even sooner!

Three ballparks in four days: Best bang for your ballpark buck

Angel Stadium June 19, 2013
Parking $10/$20
I grew up going to Angels games. In 1992, I had the great pleasure of getting to be the "Honorary Bat Girl" during which time I met some Angels greats. It was Tim Salmon's rookie year. I remember seeing JT Snow walk out of the clubhouse and feeling excitement as I reached to shake his hand. I also fondly remember meeting Rod Carew and cheerfully announcing that my family and I had seen him hit his 3,000th hit in that very ballpark. Obviously, I have a special place in my heart for Angel Stadium. I always will.

Now, 21 years later, I entered Angel Stadium for the first time all over again. I rode with friends who had offered to take me to an Angels game, which I happily accepted. I took it all in with fresh eyes. The ballpark had changed some, inside and out, but it still filled me with great memories from my childhood. The first thing I noticed was the great price for parking. Angel Stadium has a huge parking lot adjacent to the ballpark. Even the less expensive parking requires not much more than a short walk, as long as you arrive early. (Or if it happens to be a day with low attendance.) Even a longer walk, if necessary, would be completely reasonable. Access from the parking lot to the park is a breeze.

We sat along the first base line and enjoyed the game between the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and the Seattle Mariners. Players from both teams interacted nicely with the nearby crowd. Fans cheered. Children soaked in all of the greatness of America's pasttime. Food was reasonably close, as well as fan gear shops. The prices for food fell within what you might expect at a baseball game. Drinks, especially beer, was considerably more expensive, as seems to be the case at ballparks and arenas. The average price for a beer is about $10. Some of the souvenirs seemed priced better than others. T-shirts and hats tended to have higher price tags, and the women's wear in particular seemed a bit steep. However, souvenir mini bats ranged in price from $4.70 to about $7 and they would fit perfectly into my suitcase. I picked up one for each of my two children who I knew would appreciate them.

The game was fantastic and enjoying the company of friends is something I will look back on fondly for years to come. Overall, I had a great experience and would go back to Angel Stadium in heartbeat, not just for the sake of nostalgia, but because the experience now as an adult was a good one.

AT&T Park June 21, 2013
Parking $35

Please note: Last September I parked in AT&T parking for $30, but it was an extension of Lot C where we could not even see the ballpark from our car. This $35 parking seemed like a bargain compared to that simply because we felt considerably closer to the park.



We ended up with a parking place within an enclosure, a building right on the Bay. We walked from our car to the ballpark, passing by Barry Bonds Junior Giants Field, a place where CD once ran the bases when we visited on an off day. He was not-quite-four at the time. I reminded him of this and told him I have a picture I can show him. He found that exciting. We walked among a crowd of Giants fans, taking it all in. The walk was a bit long for my three-year-old but her excitement and enthusiasm helped carry her along. CD looked out at people in kayaks and said, "Hey mom! It's McCovey Cove!"

We approached the park, and yet, once we got through the gate, we still had quite a walk ahead. We navigated through the ballpark all the way around until we reached the left field side. Then we began our ascent to the view reserve area. Food at AT&T Park runs a bit pricier, particularly if you would like to go with some of the specialty foods. Thankfully, you can get a hotdog for $5. We made it work within our budget. Beer runs $10 or higher. For the kids and me, though, a single bottle of water met our needs. A bottle of water costs $5.

The great thing about AT&T Park is that there really isn't a bad seat in the place. View Reserve meant we could see all of the action on the field, check out the goings-on in McCovey Cove, and watch the sunset. We sat with great fans who encouraged my two small children to be the best cheerleaders they could. We belted out "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" and we generally skipped souvenirs, but splurged on cotton candy ($6.75). However, on the way out, we stopped and got a Giants World Series decal for $2. If you hit the right stand, you will find little souvenirs in the $1-5 range, perfect! We ended our AT&T Park experience making the long trek back to the car. The park is lit up beautifully at night which makes for amazing pictures and security is out in full force which helps with any safety concerns you may have.

Stockton Ballpark
Parking $10/$15
Premium parking costs a little more, but general parking runs just $10 which may seem a little steep for a minor league game, but when you're going to see the Stockton Ports take on the San Jose Giants and you know you're going to see Pablo Sandoval play, it softens the blow some. Further softening the blow, of course, is knowing what to expect. We have traveled to this area of Stockton in the past and event parking runs $10 off-site. The City of Stockton is broke which may account some for the price. Still, the price is fairly reasonable and the walk from where we parked to the ballpark was simple, safe, and short. The majority of the walk actually took us through the general parking lot attached to the ballpark itself.


Our tickets waited at Will Call for us and the process for collecting them was simple. We then went almost immediately into the ballpark. This game sold out and despite the fact that it took place at the home of the Stockton Ports, the ballpark filled with orange and black as Giants fans came out in full force, most to support the third baseman loving called "Kung Fu Panda."

Food prices ranged in a much more affordable range and even beer ran for about half the price of a major league ballpark. Lines got long, but moved nicely. A special hit for CD was the kids meal which included a hot dog, chips, and a drink in a fun box. I loved it because it cost just $6! Tired of hot dogs, I ventured out and tried something new: chili cheese fries. They were delicious and they hit the spot! They also ran a reasonable $7 which hit the spot for my wallet. We did not venture into the souvenir shop as CD got a very special souvenir. A family down the row from us caught a ball thrown our direction by "Panda" and they had already picked up a Stockton Ports souvenir ball. So, the family gave CD their souvenir ball after they seemed quite impressed by his die-hard Giants cheers! This made CD's night almost as much as seeing his favorite Giant. Being surrounded by good Giants fans certainly helped make the evening more special.

Our overall experience was extremely positive. Having been to both John Thurman Field in Modesto (where the Modesto Nuts play) and the Stockton Ballpark, price-wise they are comparable, but they each provide different experiences. Still, this has to rank among one of my greatest ballpark experiences of all time.

In Summary
So, how do they all rank? This is where things have to flush out in a world of relativity.

Best parking: Angel Stadium
Best parking (for price): Angel Stadium
Best viewing experience: AT&T Park
Best food (for price): Stockton Ballpark
Best fans: AT&T Park
Best bang for your buck: Stockton Ballpark

If you just want to go watch a baseball game for the sake of watching a baseball game, I strongly suggest attending a minor league game. You get a great experience for a great price. Our tickets cost just $8 each and were right on the third base line. Our parking cost $10 and we spent about $20 on food. We have had similarly good experiences in Modesto. So, my first recommendation is to check into the Stockton or Modesto games, if local, or your own area's minor league team if elsewhere. The Central Valley has at least four teams from Fresno to Sacramento. If you want to have the MLB experience, save up and invest in a trip to AT&T Park. The experience is amazing! The fans are welcoming. The food is delicious. You may consider your parking a worthwhile investment, arrive early, and tailgate as many people do. (A review on the AT&T Park tailgate experience will come at the end of July.) If you find yourself in Southern California, pay a visit to Angel Stadium. Buy some tickets in the cheap seats (there are plenty of seats available right now, it seems), pay the $10 and park in general parking, skip the beer, skip the souvenirs, and just enjoy the game.

Center Stage Conservatory: Nickel and Dimed

The month of June brought "Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By In America" to the Center Stage Conservatory Lower Level Studio. the show ran June 7-23 with shows on Friday and Saturday nights as well as Sunday afternoons.

The play, based on the novel by Barbara Eherenreich, follows a woman on her journeys through life among the working poor. the woman, the novel's author, sets out on these journeys to see what life is really like for those working jobs such as store clerks, waitresses, and housecleaners.

Carin Heidelbach portrays Barbara realistcally and brings these journeys to life in an incredibly engaging manner. Even when other actresses purposely break the fourth wall, the audience can see her as Barbara. Her portrayal is raw and accurate.

The supporting cast assists in this realism. The set, too, brings a real feel to the stories. the set is simple, with walls covered in newspaper advertisements and handmade signs to represent the places where Barbara works. wood boxes are used to create the rest of each set for each of the businesses. they are rearranged for each scene. A boy with a sign marks each scene change as another boy plays the saxophone. Scene changes continue the feel of the play through all three acts.

Barbara begins as a waitress in Key West, Florida where she earns $2.15 per hour, plus tips. She finds that she must take on a second job in order to make her rent of $600 per month. Eventually, she leaves both jobs and flees the area so close to her real home. She heads to Maine where she struggles working as a housecleaner among a group of women working for a franchise of a major corporation. Ultimately, Barbara speaks her mind to the point that she not only walks away from her job, but loses the companionship of her fellow housecleaners in the process.

The final act takes us to Minnesota where Barbara takes a job at a corporate "big box store" carefully portrayed in the play as "Mal Mart." There she makes $7 per hour. She struggles to find housing, but finds a friend in a fellow Mal Mart employee.

All of the journeys teach something about life among the working poor. Personal relationships were a huge part. Struggling to make ends meet affected all of the families, even those where a spouse worked a "good" job. The play gets across a very real look at life among the working poor and alternates between making the audience roll with laughter and cry.

The supporting cast all put on amazing performances, but two actors especially stood out. Elda M. Coleman (who did an outstanding job earlier this year in the same theatre's production of "The Vagina Monologues") did an especially good job as the seasoned waitress who guided Barbara through her first low-paying job. Kyle Duval portrayed four very different characters and it was difficult to see that the same actor portrayed each of the characters. His portrayal of "George," an Eastern European immigrant, required minimal talking but superb acting. In stark contrast, he also brought to life the character of Ted who ran the franchise of the corporate cleaning business where Barbara worked in Maine. Ted had a great deal to say with a sort of cockiness that was necessary to show the difference between franchise owner and franchise employee.

Center Stage Conservatory puts on more unique shows and does its part to support the arts in the Modesto area. Their youth program helps promote arts education among area youth. They take their mission beyond the arts, though, as well. For example, their production of "The Vagina Monologues" benefited Haven Women's Center in Modesto. Upcoming productions include "Seven Day Play Festival" August 16-18, "References to Salvador Dali Make Me Hot" September 6-22, and "The Mystery of Irma Vep" October 18-November 3. For more information on the Center Stage Conservatory, visit their website at centerstagemodesto.com.

Treating ourselves in San Francisco and staying on a budget

The children and I received Giants tickets from Santa. These tickets have waited and waited in the drawer and finally nearly six months after Christmas, the time arrived to use them. We were all three excited. The tickets were for a Friday night game. Taking a six-year-old and a three-year-old to a major league ballpark may seem daunting, but I am...SUPER MOM! Ok, so maybe that takes things a bit far. However, I hatched a plan that succeeded on multiple levels.

One, we had to arrive early because parking at AT&T Park was a must
Two, I booked a hotel room for that night knowing it was the safe thing to do. Driving home tired was not an option. To save on the room, I found DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel San Francisco Airport. In traffic, it was a 30 minute drive to the park. Without traffic, it took 20 minutes. The savings was worth it and the drive was easy.
Three, I called it...VACATION!

AT&T Park Experience
We arrived early enough to park near the ballpark. The tailgaters and all-day types arrived super early and got the best parking, but our parking was enclosed and the walk was nice. The kids and I had fun. I consider it a $35 investment. We were safer, we had fun, and the car was in a good spot. Excellent! We will do this again. (It would have cost that for the three of us to take public transportation, by the way.) In fact, CD and I will attempt our own tailgate picnic at the next game we attend.

The long walk from downstairs on the right field side to the view reserve on the left field side took some time and patience. Going to our seats, I found that I had to occasionally pick up Miss Hollywood to give her a little rest and to help navigate through the crowds, but we made it. In fact, we made it with smiles on our faces! So, we lined up for food. Three hotdogs, one page of peanuts, and a bottle of water. A $25 dinner that actually worked out pretty well. If you want garlic fries, beer, and all those sorts of things, obviously you need to be prepared to pay a lot more than $25. We later added a cotton candy that the kids split. $6.75

Overall, our AT&T Park experience was incredibly good! Giants fans are the best! They were patient and understanding with my two small children. Some even engaged them and encouraged them in all of their "FANtastic behavior" (quoting from Candlestick Park). We left after the seventh inning which allowed us some calm time to walk together. That, of course, allowed me to take some photographs.



DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel San Francisco Airport

First, let me again say that I chose this hotel because hotels near the airport ran better price-wise and price was a factor. The kids and I went there first (crossing the San Mateo Bridge was such a relief compared to dealing with the game day Bay Bridge traffic) to check in, get settled, and change into our clothes for the game. As we checked in, we each received a cookie, a warm chocolate chip cookie. When I saw that DoubleTree offers a cookie upon check-in, I envisioned one cookie sitting on our bed or dresser. Instead, we each received a warm one at the check-in counter. That scored major points for me immediately. We were offered help bringing in our things, but since the kids had rolling suitcases, I declined. I paid a lower price for parking because I included it with my room reservation. our room key worked to get us in and out of the parking lot with ease.
When we returned to the hotel after the game, the restaurant had closed, but the bar remained open. I ordered two hot chocolates and a glass of wine. The bartender made the hot chocolates for the kids and poured my wine that they had ON TAP! This glass of Cabernet was one of the best I have ever tasted. When Miss Hollywood dropped her hot chocolate in the elevator, she reached a point of devastation. We went back downstairs to inform the night clerk. He located someone to help with clean-up. In the meantime, the bartender who had previously helped us walked by and saw a sweet boy comforting his very sad sister. When he learned about the spilled hot chocolate, he went straight back to the bar to make her a fresh one at no charge. He brightened that little girl's night. We finally settled in back in our room. A calm fell over the three of us and we snuggled into our King sized bed for the night. We were comfortable, we were content, we were happy. We were on vacation.
The next morning we tried the restaurant for breakfast. our waitress went over and above any expectations. We felt as if we were enjoying a fancy breakfast, with orange juice in nice tall glasses and cloth napkins. She guided me through the menu to make our breakfast as good and price efficient as possible. Needless to say, she got a great tip.
As we checked out, I thanked the clerk for the amazing service we received. Upon hearing this, she handed me four more warm chocolate chip cookies for our drive back. I filled out a comment card for the room and the restaurant and now I give this hotel two thumbs up! If you ever find yourself needing a place to stay in San Francisco and you won't mind having to drive into the City to do things, this is the place to stay! Every single person was helpful, pleasant, and worked to make our stay amazing!

And, finally...thank you Santa for the Giants tickets! (Just a side tip, I hear "he" got them on sale for $11.50 each just before Christmas. Watch those pre-season sales that start around Black Friday. Sign up at mlb.com to stay in the loop.) Another tip, sign up for the HHonors program with Hilton hotels. You earn points for everything while you stay at one of their hotels.

Digital, film, and one hour photo services

As the world has immersed itself digitally, the need for one hour photo services may seem a thing of the past. However, there are still places that offer such services. Walgreens is one such place. Built into the chain of pharmacies, one hour photo services remain. They also appear to be in decent demand, at least in the Sacramento area.

One of my best friends and I participated in the Survivor Mud Run in Rancho Murieta this weekend (review to come). Knowing that we didn't want to risk damaging our good cameras or our cell phones, we looked into alternatives. She first purchased an under-water digital "disposable" camera from Rite Aid. Upon working with the camera ahead of the event, we realized it was not compatible with our computers and would have difficulty getting the pictures, so we decided to return it and go for the film option.

We stopped at another Rite Aid en route to the run. While the return required manager approval, the procedure seemed to go quite smoothly. We immediately turned around and purchased the under-water film camera. Everyone at the Rite Aid near Arden Fair Mall was friendly and our experience was very positive. We inquired about one hour developing services which they do not offer. The woman behind the counter had previously worked as a pharmacy assistant for Walgreens and suggested we try a Walgreens store as she knew they offered one hour photo services.

As we ventured out for dinner that night, we first stopped at a Walgreens that was nearby. I had called earlier to confirm their services, but by the time we arrived, they had experienced a problem with their machine and were unable to accommodate us. However, the young man suggested another Walgreens down the road. Off we went only to find that their machine was down as well. We found yet another Walgreens in Rancho Cordova. Their machine was up, but by this time we were facing a time constraint due to their closing time. Still, we had not given up. We simply decided to wait.

This morning, I was scheduled to visit a family member. I found a Walgreens in North Highlands that was perfectly convenient. It was on the way to her house and I would need to go by it again on my return trip home. I stopped in and their machine was working. There were two rolls ahead of mine, so the technician cautioned me that it could take as long as two hours. I mentioned to her that I did not live in the area and would need the film ASAP. She assured me it would not take any longer than that. I trusted what she said. I returned after my visit which got me back to the store slightly over two hours later, but I was still on schedule for my return home. My film was not ready. She explained that there had been a problem earlier with the machine, but it was fixed and my pictures would be ready in 35 minutes. Again, I trusted her.

I will give people the benefit of the doubt. I consider myself somewhat forgiving, especially in the service industry and I felt confident that she would get this done. I again reminded her that I did not live locally and I needed to get on the road. I also mentioned to her that I would have to contact my babysitter because of the delay. She said she would call my cell as soon as they were ready and I looked at her and confirmed that they would be ready in 35 minutes, stating what time that would be. She agreed.

I returned 40 minutes later (giving her an extra five minutes). She very apologetically told me that my pictures were not yet ready. At this point, I grew frustrated. She said they would come out of the machine any moment, then it would take five minutes to finish up the prints. This time, I stayed put. I did not go more than about five feet from the photo counter. During this time, she mentioned that she had gone on break (which I am sure contributed to the additional delay). I heard her mention to another employee that I was waiting for my pictures. At this point, she appeared to grow nervous. She started making different statements and promises to try to put my mind at ease. I repeatedly reminded her that I needed to get home to my children. At one point she asked me how much time I had. I said, "I have no time. I'm out of time. I needed to pick up my children an hour and a half away" at a time that was 35 minutes from when she asked. She offered me discounts. She apologized. After about 20 minutes of this, with me texting to check in with my friend who was watching my kids and posting about my frustration on Facebook, she walked over to the machine, checked a couple of buttons, opened it up, and pulled out my roll of film still yet undeveloped! Not only did I not have pictures well over three hours after dropping off my film, but she hadn't event processed the film yet! Now, I was very upset. The level of customer service here was the most frustrating part. I felt that I had been misled through the entire ordeal. I took my roll of film, and I left.

At this point, I have no reason to recommend Walgreens one hour photo services. Their equipment breaks down, as evidenced by not one, but three stores. One hour photo does not seem to take one hour, particularly if there are people ahead of you. Lastly, the customer service, particularly at the North Highlands location is severely lacking. If I had been aware earlier that the film hadn't even begun to be processed, I could have left. I felt misled and there is nothing that can bring back the loss of time. This not only affected me, but my friends and my children, as well.

I will use more caution in the future when seeking such services and will not rely on one hour developing being one hour. I suggest you use someone you trust for your photo developing and printing needs. Obviously, this is not something that can be decided on hastily, particularly if you are operating under any sort of time constraints. It is far better to allow the extra time and use someone you trust to have the job done right. Walgreens in North Highlands will surely not get my business in the future and I will be letting them know. I will also share this with my local Walgreens store. Using Walgreens at all but especially for photo developing services is not something I am in any sort of hurry to do. In the meantime, I was quite impressed with the ease of returns at Rite Aid and the friendly service we received.

Variety abounds at 10 East Kitchen and Tap House

In just about two weeks, what was a British Pub (Wellington's) in Turlock transformed into a kitchen and tap house that prides itself on its beer variety and offering some interesting variety of cuisine as well. 10 East has a new look and a new appeal that brings fresh flare to Turlock.

The appetizer menu includes some interesting options. The rice paper spring rolls have a kick to them that satisfies an appetite for something spicy. The vegetables that fill it are fresh and delicious. the sauces that accompany this appetizer can be unnecessary as the flavor is full and bold without any addition.

I need to preface what is about to follow with a couple of notes. One, when I saw upon the re-opening and introduction of the new menu that bacon-wrapped meatloaf appeared on the menu, I knew in an instant it would be the first entree I would try. I've craved it for close to a month. Two, I don't like ketchup and sometimes even chili sauce is too sweet for me. I fear perhaps I had built up an image, or an appetite, that would be difficult to satisfy. The longer it took me to get to 10 East, the more this craving grew for me. When I finally made it, I felt slightly disappointed because it just wasn't quite what I had hoped. Whether it was ketchup or chili sauce slathered on the top, it was far too sweet for me. The bacon lacked a certain crisp that I especially like. That said, I enjoyed layered meatloaf and mashed potatoes. I certainly would recommend people try it and decide for themselves whether or not it fits their appetite. I would likely try it again, but first there are a few other menu items I want to try. I will likely focus on appetizers, but I am anxious to try the Grilled Cesar Salad.

As for beer, I highly recommend using the "flights" to sample your way around the the taps. As someone who enjoys amber ales, Derek Walker was able to make some good recommendations for me and I enjoyed each of his recommendations. I went out on a limb and tried "Le Freak" which was far too "hoppy" for me; however, I am glad I tried it. It was worth trying and I finished all five ounces. According to Walker, "people either love it or hate it." Truly, there is no in-between. I will never order it again, but am thankful I gave it a try. I know people who will enjoy this and I for those who like like hops, it's worth a try. 104 IBU

Do you know what IBU means? I didn't, so I looked it up (after trying Le Freak). It refers to the International Bitterness Units scale. Had I known that ahead of time, I probably would not have tried Le Freak. So, I can say I am thankful I did not know that ahead of time because I am glad I gave it a try.

If you're looking for a place to sit and get your drink on and party with friends, this may not be the place for you. If you're looking for something with a little more class and a variety of beer selections that offer something for every taste, then give 10 East Kitchen and Tap House a try. You won't regret it. I will return and look forward to sampling some other dishes. Conversation with my dining companion was easy as background noise wasn't too bad. The Giants game was on television. And, yes, they still Guiness on tap. I fully recommend trying 10 East and finding the beer you love and a dish to eat that you can enjoy.

Merced Shakespearefest breathes new life into classic tragedy

Originally written (and posted elsewhere as a portion of another blog post) March 4, 2013

Don't let the headline fool you. The deaths that make "Hamlet" the classic tragedy that it is still occur. The dialogue holds true to William Shakespeare's original work. However, the cast in Merced Shakespearefest's "Hamlet," as directed by Heike Hambley, brings something refreshing to this play, and some special additions bring a bit of something new and bold to the play.

   Performed at the Merced Multicultural Art Center, the audience sits around, and at times essentially within, the action of the play. Hambley took some artistic liberty, and incorporated modern dress and cell phones into the play which offer a new perspective on an old favorite.

   Modesto JC theater instructor Michael Lynch brings classic style to the role of Claudius, and at one point, you almost have sympathy for the character who really is the villain who sets everything in motion leading to unfortunate, untimely deaths of many. Colton Dennis delivers Hamlet's lines with such passion that pulls in the audience and captivates them in each and every moment. He does not simply deliver the lines, but he is Hamlet.

   Hamlet and Ophelia (Emily Wilson) have a magical chemistry that ignites on stage. The possibility of the tragic end to their relationship comes through and the audience is left hoping that perhaps this time it will be different. Of course, it isn't.

   Wilson's portrayal of Ophelia  shows the transformation the young lady undergoes as her life unravels. The devastating blow comes with the death of her father, Polonius (Bert Roper). Wilson shines as Ophelia. Roper's delivery of lines at the beginning of Sunday's performance left something to be desired, but as the show continued, Polonius came alive, and Hambley's casting decision is justified. Another shining star in the cast is Greg Ruelas who's portrayal of Horatio moves play-goers in new ways. A whole different chemistry exists between Horatio and Hamlet.

   From leading roles to all of the smaller parts, the cast pulls off interesting choices and brings the work of William Shakespeare alive. Though the Merced run has ended, the cast will take the show to Mariposa for two nights. Performances are scheduled for Friday, March 8 and Saturday, March 9 at the Mariposa Playhouse. If you have the opportunity to go, do. You don't want to miss this! "Hamlet" kicks off the Merced Shakespearefest's 12th season. Later this year, "As You Like It" will be performed at Applegate Park.