Mather Mud Run

I took the challenge and the plunge...into a mud pit! On live television! It was all part of the annual Mather Mud Run...benefiting the Marines Toys for Tots and the Rancho Cordova Parks & Recreation District. I took on a Sacramento County Sheriff's Detective. He thought it was going to be easy...Ha!

What's Old...is New Again

There is something new in Old Sacramento. The Orleans is now open and ready for renters. The building dates back to the 1800's and used to be an old hotel. It still has the same look...that was part of the condition to rebuild....but it is revamped with 24 living units and a large space that will soon house a restaurant. I got a sneak peek!

Sunrise @ Sunrise

I was in Citrus Heights this morning for the opening of the new Joann store. It's on Sunrise and Madison. The sun was just coming up and we were at the light on Sunrise. Ssunrise at Sunrise.

Rising Above the Clouds

Another shot from our trip to Groveland.

Goose for Groveland

What a day! This morning my photographer and I drove two and a half hours to Big Oak Flat...about 26 miles away from Yosemite! All for a story... I love a good story! A dog is running for honorary mayor of Groveland. It was hilarious! On the way we saw amazing scenery, so of course I had to take a snapshot! Enjoy!

Auburn

I was in Auburn this week...about half an hour northeast of Sacramento. On our way to do our segment for the show, we passed by this...the Sisters of Mercy. This is where many of the Sisters live...it's a beautiful piece of property...hidden in the foothills.
I show you this picture because this is where I used to come for piano lessons! I was about 10...I remember my mom or dad would drive me up to Auburn every Saturday morning for my lesson with one of the Sisters. I even had a recital here. After my lessons, I remember we used to stop at the Maidu Market around the corner for a soda or sandwich. They have the best deli sandwichs! Oh the memories! If only I could still play piano!
Both my parents worked for the Sisters of Mercy, some of the employee picnics/retreats were held here too.

Budget Breakthrough

After 76 days, state lawmakers finally reached a budget deal...it's not ideal, but it apparently will work. This of course was the story of the day...I was out there covering it at the Capitol. It could still be several weeks before we see any action taken or the actual details of the deal.

Wine Art

I had to show off these wine bottles! My uncle painted these Sacramento landmarks on the bottles...they will all be auctioned off at local events.

He has done so many over the years...no doubt you will see them sprinkled around the city at different restaurants and businesses.

Early Morning

Driving through downtown Sacramento before sunrise...my favorite time of day.

Bike Impact

Sacramento is very bike friendly. You see more and more people opting for two wheels instead of four....including local businesses.

A local flower shop is making quite an impact on the environment. Visual Impact Design, is now delivering beautiful flower arrangements by bike.

This morning, they taught me how to make a lovely bouquet...then we delivered it to the Capitol.

Believe it or not, I have yet to invest in a bike! As soon as I find a leopard print bike---done.

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

I finally got to go to a Sacramento River Cats game! They've only been here 8 seasons! They're in the playoffs for the fourth year in a row...playing the Oklahoma Redhawks.
Raley field is actually in West Sacramento...just on the other side of the Sacramento River...but it is a Sacramento team...a Triple-A affiliate of the Oakland A's. A number of players from the team have moved on to the big leagues...including Barry Zito!!
It was a fun night with the family!

Segway Polo

Okay... I've heard of polo. I've heard of water polo...but, segway polo? Yes there is such a sport and the world champion team lives in the Sacramento area!

I got to play with the California Gold Rush this morning in Gold River...boy, was it a beautiful morning to be outside!

The team just returned from the championship tournament in Indianapolis. In all there are 8 players...ranging from 11 to 65 years old...both men and women.

It really is a fun sport...you just need a little balance, speed and endurance! Darn, I'm 0 for 3!

P.S...if you like the amphicar in the last post... check out video of our ride on the river!

Cool Car

This is one sweet ride! It's an amphibious car...I had never heard nor seen one before this weekend. Lucky me got to go for a spin...or shall I say dip?! We drove to one of the boat ramps then drove right into the river. I invited to the owner to be a guest on our morning show so you'll see this again!

Chili Cook-off

Yet another food judging contest! This time a chili cook-off at the Monte Carlo Club...benefiting the Northern California Shriners Hospital for Children.
The Monte Carlo is a local dive in downtown Sacramento...it's been around for years! Ed the owner was there too.
The people there are great and they know their chili! There were 9 entries! All very tasty.

Battle of the BBQ's!

I am sooooo full! I judged a rib contest at Swabbies Pub & Grill...a very fun restaurant along the Sacramento River. I hadn't been there before...very fun atmosphere!

Mariachi Serenade

Had drinks with the girls tonight at Zocalo, one of my favorite midtown restaurants. On Fridays, they have Mariachi music!!! They get people off their seats and dancing in the aisles! It was fun!

Stop...Smell the Roses

Lunch with the Girls

Sacramento is offering more and more options when it comes to restaurants. Ernesto's is one of my favorites...it's an oldie, but goodie. It's the bright yellow restaurant in the background...the girls in the crosswalk are my coworkers!
Ernesto's offers delicious Mexican food with a fun atmosphere. If you like Mariachi music, this is where you want to be on a Friday night. They also have a great patio. My family has been coming here for years...the owners are longtime family friends. The same family also owns Zocalo...a newer restaurant in midtown.
Today was lunch with the girls . I am blessed to work with the people I do...we are a family.

Back to School

Labor Day is the unofficial end to summer. You know what that means...back to school!
I remember being so excited about buying new school supplies, but nervous about the first day of school.
I passed by my old elementary school as I was driving through town today...St. Francis Elementary. It's downtown...on the corner of 25th and K Streets. School was in session...it was lunchtime so kids were running around on the playground...in uniform of course!
I remember the year we started wearing uniforms here--2nd grade! That's right, I went to school here-- kindergarten through 8th grade! Oh, but that's not all. My cousins went here too! Are you ready for this? A member of my family has gone to school here every year for the past 25 years! This will be the first year without any of us.
I made a lot of memories here, not only in school but at the church ...just behind the school.
At St. Francis of Assisi Parish I celebrated my kinder and 8th grade graduations and my first communion.
The campus has certainly changed. The playground I used to play on is no longer there. That area was turned into housing just after I left.

Just wonderin': Do you remember how you felt on the first day of school?

Happy Labor Day!