Flea Hopping

It's the last full weekend of the month which means an outing at Treasure Island Flea Market. I rarely contribute posts of my purchases from TI because there isn't much in the way of antiques. Sure, there are definitely a few but either it's not what I'm looking for or they are super pricey. Usually it's the former. If I do purchase anything, it's usually artisan products such as soaps and anything lavender based.

Even if I don't purchase anything, it's still nice just to browse around and enjoy the weather. This weekend had bright blue skies and mild weather. Since this month's theme was Easter Fleaster, I decided to go out in Spring attire; a 1940s day dress paired with dark green peep-toes, and my hair in a pageboy using my late grandmother's hairpin.

Yes, I actually wore pink lipstick

 Since the flea market is dog friendly, you'll find a good share of unique looking canines. I loved the one with the blue mohawk. And the chihuahua lady! She always dresses her pups in holiday attire. My dog, Daisy, loves them and always says hello.

Of course, when you look at each seller, it's always in the presentation. Sometimes the market is more like an art display of antiques.

I noticed in recent months that in addition to the food trucks on the lawn, there are two stand alone bars and a roving bartender. I decided to indulge in a Spring Fling Cocktail; I actually had two of them because it was buy one, get one free. What does the cocktail include? Ole’ Smoky White Lightnin’, Ole’ Smoky Blackberry Moonshine, St. Elder Liqueur, house-brewed ginger beer & fresh mint. 

And since I had two cocktails, I had to sit around for a bit while I sobered up. And it was a beautiful view from Bay Bridge to Golden Gate Bridge.

In addition to purchasing goat-milk soap and lavender lotions, I bought this cute little figurine of a 1920s bather. She now sits at the corner of my bathtub.

All in all, a great day on the island.

2015 Hike #4: San Pedro Park

This weekend's hike brought me back to Pacifica. This time to San Pedro Park. There are several hiking trails available, and I chose the Valley View Trail. It was a windy loop trail up a hill from which you can view the ocean. There was various wildlife such as deer, hare, different bird species, and lizards. Supposedly there were mountain lions, but I didn't encounter any. It was quite serene particularly when listening to the trickling waters along the trail.

Picture bottom right is a view of Devil's Slide.

Glorious view of the hills 

A family of deer snacking on the grassy knoll.

Bursts of color along the trail

Always remember to look up at the trees.

2015 Purchase #3: 1930s Gown

After a disappointing Fall show, I still went to the Vintage Expo at Golden Gate Park. This season was actually quite impressive. There were more vendors dedicated to pre-1960 wardrobe.

Finally! More 1920s inventory

 I was only supposed to have a look around; no purchases. But I relented. Though I had stated that I wouldn't make any vintage clothing purchases until May, I bought a 1930s gown. It is a lovely pale pink with embroidered flowers. It will a need a slight alteration since the gown is very low-cut. A Gatsby Afternoon Picnic dress? Perhaps.

My latest acquisition

2015 Hike #3: Sugarloaf Open Space

This hike is a little closer to home. I ventured Laurelwood Park in San Mateo. The trail traversed a hill that stopped at a summit overlooking the bay. The view from top was absolutely gorgeous.

Overlooking the bay from Marin to Fremont

Descansa en Paz

Today I was informed that my tía Josie passed away this morning at the age of 69 following a short battle with cancer. She was my dad's eldest sister. It makes me sad the thought of losing a sibling. I called my brother this evening to let him know that I love him. Our time on earth is precious. Cherish the people in your life both family and friends. 

May you Rest in Peace tía Josie. I know that you are watching over us from heaven with Grandma, Grandpa, and tía Carmen (who was tragically killed in a car accident in 1967). Give them all a kiss for me. I love you.

With my grandmother Maria

Josefina Perez Silva

1945-2015

2015 Vintage Purchase #3: Glassware

After replacing my truck's battery, I headed out to Alameda Antique Faire. I'm holding true to my "no clothing until May" rule. I decided that the only time I'd buy vintage clothing is during the Alameda Vintage Fashion Faire, which occurs only twice a year. On my antique shopping list: home decor, kitchen wares, bathroom fixtures.

I may not find much; sometimes I buy nothing at all. What I enjoy most is strolling about the market on a gorgeous, sunny day. I love to see antiques on display, and more often than not, sellers will design there spot like a shop window.

I did find just ONE thing. What I really want are tall drinking glasses with poodles or cats. But I thought this glass was just too cute to leave on the table. One side of the glass is a couple sitting in the country side. The other side has lyrics to a song When You and I were Young, Maggie. I have this song in my library, and it's a 1930s jazz standard. However, when I researched this song, it actually dates further back. The lyrics come from a poem written in 1864 by a Canadian school teacher who fell in love with a young lady named Maggie. They married, but she died of an illness the following year. *sigh* It was then set to music and performed around 1870 before first being recorded in 1905. It has been covered several times.

Grease Monkey

It's the first Sunday of the month and that means Alameda Antique Faire! (Post to follow) I usually leave around 8:30 when there's less of a crowd. So I head out toward my truck and click the remote to unlock the doors. Nothing. Hmmm...I guess my remote needs a new battery. So I opened the door the old fashioned way =) and I notice that the dome light didn't turn on. Odd. So I put the key in the ignition and turn. NOTHING. My battery is dead. 

I knew I needed a new battery eventually. Back in October, I had to get a jump. When I had the oil changed at Toyota, they tested my battery at 50%. So the day arrived that I had to replace it. I figured I could do it myself. All those years that I watched my dad P.M. his truck, change the break pads, change the battery, etc...I MUST have learned something.

I texted my friend that I'd have to meet him later because of the battery. I got a Lyft and rode straight to AutoZone and purchased a new battery.

It was pretty easy. Just loosen the bolts, replace the battery, red to red, black to black and tighten the bolts. The only thing hard about it is lifting the battery; it weighs damn near 40 pounds! 

But I did it! All by myself! Wearing a dress! Daddy would be proud!

Old Battery; Removal; Dirty Hands; And all done in a dress!

Transcript: First time changing a battery all by myself. Thank you, daddy for having been such a great teacher. And I did it in a dress!