All posts by Steve Stern

Happy 4th….redux

July 6, 2010Americana, Current Affairs, Photography, TravelSteve Stern

On the 4th I went to what seemed like my first, small town, 4th Of July parade. But, upon reflection, it was really my second 4th of July parade: my first was a parade in Downieville, California in 1957. I don't remember much about that parade except that, afterwards, I was eliminated – in the second heat – in the town footraces.

My second, small town, parade was in Sonoma. It was very small town. It was much fun, and, I hope, it will be as long before I go to my third, small town, parade. I don't know what I expected, certainly not the Rose Parade, but something more than what we got. Maybe not more, different. I don't mean to knock the parade, but I do want to say that it was more charming looking back at it than standing in the hot sun looking at it.

I kept thinking how the parade reflected California and, more specifically, Northern California, and how much different – and the same – it would be if we were watching an Iowa small town parade.

What I didn't expect, but should have, is that most of the floats were by service groups, promoting their causes. This one, by a mentoring group, was typical.

What I did expect was that lots of groups used somebody's car to promote their group.

I was a little surprised that there were so few Mexican entries. Maybe not Sonoma proper, but the Sonoma area must be primarily Mexican – it is a farming community after all, even if the farming is mostly grapes for wine.

A couple of great looking draft horses turned into riding horses.

It wouldn't be a California parade without atleast one dragon.

This grandfather and his two grandkids representing nothing more than their family, charmed me.

I am not sure what the deal was with these zombies and their dollar truck – and if anyone has an idea, I would love to hear it – but I did think they were great fun.

And they were a contrast to the fuzzy puppy (Bichon) entry.

Of course, I expected veterans, but is still a shock when the veterans turn out to be young kids from a war we are still fighting and not some old guys from WWII. This particular vet, I think the only one in the parade, was almost a parody.

I had come to get a picture of a fire-engine with flags, but we had to wait until the end of the parade.

Maybe they are at the end because – in small towns all over America – everybody has come to see the
fire-engines with flags.

Happy 4th

July 4, 2010Americana, PhotographySteve Stern

We are back from Albuquerque

July 1, 2010UncategorizedSteve Stern

This was a trip to my sister Paula's wedding without much Albuquerque. We got into town just in time for a barbecue at one of our future daughter-in-law's home. The next morning, Michele took it easy by sleeping in while I wandered around our Bed and Breakfast – Adobe and Roses, which we can both highly recommend. .

As an aside, it seems to me that Albuquerque is a city with a real sense of place. I am not sure that was always the case. Actually, I'm pretty sure that wasn't the case, say, thirty years ago. As I remember Albuquerque, thirty years ago, it looked pretty much like any other small, spread out, city except for a so-called Old Town. Thirty years ago, only Santa Fe had a distinct image. And it had worked hard to get it.

When I first saw Santa Fe in the early 1960's it was not as adobe-ish as it is now. But good zoning laws and civic pride had changed that by the mid-80's. Albuquerque followed suite and now, even drugstores in Albuquerque are adding to the look.

But it is more than just a look. The City was founded in 1706 by the Spanish – Santa Fe, about 45 minutes away, was founded sometime between 1050 and
1150 by Pueblo Indians and claimed by the Spanish in 1540 – so its roots go back to before we were a country. End aside.

The rehearsal dinner was our next event and everybody had a good time. Especially the future bride and groom who, surrounded by friends and family, were almost giddy. There was singing, story telling, and plenty of laughing as can be seen in this photo by Michele.