So Sylvie

Updates

Sweet Sean from Strangers Car Club reminded me when he inquired about Marcel's well-being the other day that I needed to give an update. We've been giving him Omega-3s every day and his seizures have been significantly reduced. Hallelujah! We'll continue with this remedy and see what the long term holds.

 

 

And another update about the mystery t-shirt artist from the car show (reviewed in my last post). Her name is Lorraine. She's from Sacramento and has Scissor Fight Clothing. I love that name!

 

 

After that car show we went into downtown San Jose, not far from the university campus, and had a meal at Vegetarian House: Vegan Organic Cuisine. What a great find. They have three different kitchens with three different crews creating dishes from all over the globe. Check out their menu on the web site.

 

 

When we left we were approached by a guy out on the sidewalk who asked us how we liked our meal and we raved about it. He said, and I share this with a little trepidation, he heard that you could pay what you could afford. I sort of believe it, the people who run the place are so kind. But don't say I told you, just in case, ha.

Here is an excerpt from their web site:

"The Vegetarian House was inspired by The Supreme Master Ching Hai, a worldly renowned spiritual teacher and humanitarian. Located in downtown San Jose, the restaurant began operation 1994 with a principle based on non-violence."

It can be so difficult to find vegetarian restaurants, at home and abroad. They have a link on their site to vegetarian restaurants around the world. Bravo! Check them out some time.

Strangers Vintage Car Show

We had a great family outing to this totally fab vintage car show in San Jose, California. It's such a treat living in the Bay Area. In one hour we can be in San Francisco, and we can drive 10 minutes and be in downtown San Jose with it's restaurants, museums, and my favorite eight story library on the university campus, Dr.Martin Luther King, Jr. Library. More about all of that in my next post. Back to the car show. There's such a culture built into car groups like the Strangers club.

 

 

The guys, the gals, the music, all wrapped up in a Rockabilly styling. It's pure theater. My lil' Marcel took over 200 photos. He was really in heaven that day...

 

 

Music wafting through the summer air, one of my faves: "Train I ride, sixteen coaches long. Train I ride..." (Elvis)
I was tickled pink to be skipping along to the English Beat's "Hands Off She's Mine" on this sunny playful day.

 

 

There are some very talented designers among the grease and gears. I discovered the lovely Lydia who makes charming hats that are the antithesis of Beach Blanket Babylon in their diminutive scale.

 

 

hat and Lydia

Laura modeling a hat, and Lydia with a customer

 

I met this sweet re-make queen who customizes t-shirts of your choosing. I'm sorry I can't find my notes on her name and contact info. If any car show people are reading this and know her, please fill me in. Merci. *Update HERE

 

I was bowled over by the designs of graphic artist Chico Von Spoon. His qualifications for being an inspired artist are: he's from Oakland and he's a Johnny Cash fan! His style is a combination of cartoon and tattoo art and he creates original paintings, patches, and badges. Chico, if you're reading this, please put some items up for sale on your web site!

some badges I bought from Chico

There is also a vintage trolley museum at the park that's always fun for browsing:

I love the glass transformers on the chair legs

Everyone needs a Do-All machine!

For more fun photos of the day check out my Flickr set.

sylvie & richie

Marcel

The Strangers Car Show, San Jose!

The Strangers 9th Annual BBQ and Car Show is Sunday, July 13th at Kelly Park in San Jose, California. These guys are a little too organized. I think they must be accountants in their day jobs to be able to pull off nine years of this. Congratulations boys!

 

 

If you've never been to the 138 acre Kelly Park, now would be a great time to go. The car show will be held in an area of Kelly Park called History Park. Located at 1300 Senter Road, a turn-of-the-century village was created by moving historic houses and shops from various parts of San Jose. There's an ice cream shop, a Chinese Temple with an incredible altar,  historic trolley barn, and much more. There are free trolley rides around the park.

The car show and BBQ runs from 10am to 4pm. Admission: walk-in $2 (they don't say how much it is if you run in), kids under 12 are free. Here's a sample of some of the Bay Area's car clubs...

 

Radiator Hoes, these gals are actually bi-coastal.

 

Hoe Beaus!

 

The Pedal Pushers: Marion, Stephanie, Margaret Ann, & Karyn

 

Hell's Belles: Jamie, Sandy, Pam, & Andrea

 

Sean Denton, A Stranger

 

If you don't live in The Bay Area and can't make it to the show then at least have some fun cruising around the web links for these happenin' clubs. Don't be afraid. They're not all that unlike some of us. For instance The Pedal Pushers, who call themselves "fun retro addicts" are thrift store hounds. You can relate to that, right?

P.S. I want Sean's bike.