Create your own early signs of spring by placing this outdoors on a porch or in a sheltered garden area for early color or greenery

———-

What You Need: a Mason jar, string of beads, glass decorative pebbles, and a flower stem of your choice- artificial preferably- you can add "Read On[...]"]]> Spring Bloom Jar

Create your own early signs of
spring by placing this outdoors on a porch or in a sheltered garden
area for early color or greenery

———-

What You Need: a Mason jar, string of beads, glass decorative pebbles, and a flower stem of your choice- artificial preferably- you can add water if you plan to use a real flower.

First place the decorative pebbles at the bottom of the jar. Next, the string of beads. Finally, stick the flower into the jar and you’re done! It’s a  fun decoration and an easy and thoughtful gift for the first day of Spring or Earth Day.

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The decision to choose a reverse mortgage is a big one and one that should come with careful consideration. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) offers  help for older adults who wish to examine their home equity options in an effort to stay at home.

A reverse "Read On[...]"]]> Advice For Senior Citizens from the National Council on Aging

The decision to choose a reverse mortgage is a big one and one that should come with careful consideration. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) offers  help for older adults who wish to examine their home equity options in an effort to stay at home.

A reverse mortgage allows homeowners aged 62+ to convert a portion of their home equity into cash while they continue to live at home for as long as they want and are able. In order to apply for a reverse mortgage, applicants must first get counseling from a government-approved agency. The National Council on Aging’s Reverse Mortgage Counseling Services Network is one of four national counseling organizations approved by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development.

Their counselors are exam-qualified aging services professionals who can help individuals:
* Evaluate the pros and cons of a reverse mortgage for your situation.
* Apply for public and private benefits that can help you pay for needs like home energy, meals, and medications.
* Find services in your community that can help you stay independent longer.

To schedule a counseling session, call NCOA toll-free (800) 510-0301. There is no fee unless you choose to apply for a reverse mortgage. The NCOA also waives the $125 counseling fee for older adults who:
* Are facing financial challenges such as foreclosure.
* Have modest incomes — under $20,000 for single homeowners and under $30,000 for couples.

The NCOA also offers a free booklet you can download outlining the pros and cons of reverse mortgages on their website at www.ncoa.org where a wealth of information for senior citizens on a variety of subjects can be found.

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Reno Film Festival Announces  Annual Oscar Shorts Screenings

 The Oscar-nominated and winning live action and animated short subjects will be screened in Reno Friday and Saturday, March 26 and 27.  Evening shows at 7:30 pm will screen at the Joe Crowley Student Union at UNR and a 2 pm Saturday matinee will "Read On[...]"]]>

Reno Film Festival Announces  Annual Oscar Shorts Screenings

 The Oscar-nominated and winning live action and animated short subjects will be screened in Reno Friday and Saturday, March 26 and 27.  Evening shows at 7:30 pm will screen at the Joe Crowley Student Union at UNR and a 2 pm Saturday matinee will be shown in room 108 of the Sierra building on the TMCC Dandini campus. 

 Tickets are available at the door or in advance at www.renofilmfestival.com or from Neil in the TMCC library.   Ticket prices are $8/general and $5/student.  Bring two cans of food to benefit the Food Bank of Northern Nevada and take $1 off.  (Those purchasing tickets in advance will be reimbursed at the door.)

 Festival organizers are currently accepting entries for three contests:  March 12 is the deadline for both this year’s annual poster contest and the Reno Indie competition.  The Indie competition has a late deadline in April and the synopsis contest has April and May deadlines.  Information on all three contests is at the festival’s website, www.renofilmfestival.com

 This year’s 10^th annual Reno Film Festival is slated for June 13-20 and will feature the annual Indie Shorts competition with short films in a variety of categories, classic films, educational sessions, parties and more.  A complete Reno Film Festival schedule and ticket information will be posted at the festival’s website as this year’s program is finalized later this spring.

 Festival sponsors for the 2009-10 season include the City of Reno’s Arts & Culture Commission, E.L Cord Foundation, DP Foundation, Terry Lee Wells Foundation and the Nevada Arts Council & National Endowment for the Arts.  Media sponsors include Yellowbook, KTVN-TV, Americom/Reno Radio Representatives, Bea-Design for Marketing, H & A Productions, KNPB Channel 5 Public Broadcasting, KUNR Public Radio – FM 88.7, Red Machine Multimedia and the Reno News & Review.

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The tiny town of Vinton welcomes performers including poet/singer/ songwriter/musician T.J. Casey known as pure cowboy. His poetry and music are reflections of his life on the land. Singer/musician/ songwriter Belinda Gail, along with J.D. Seibert, considered one of cowboy poetry’s premier youthful talents, will also perform.

The "Read On[...]"]]> (and Olde Time Western Music) – March 19 & 20, 2010

The tiny town of Vinton welcomes performers including poet/singer/
songwriter/musician T.J. Casey known as pure cowboy. His poetry and
music are reflections of his life on the land. Singer/musician/
songwriter Belinda Gail, along with J.D. Seibert, considered one of cowboy
poetry’s premier youthful talents, will also perform.

The event includes on Friday, March 19th, a corned beef and cabbage
dinner, served from 5-7p.m. followed by the evening show beginning at
7:30.  On Saturday, March 20th a matinee show will be held at 1 p.m.
followed by a delicious home cooked roast beef dinner served from
4-7.  The evening show begins at 7:30 p.m.

Shows and dinners take place at the Sierra Valley Grange Hall, 92202 Hwy 70,  Vinton, CA.  Show admission is $18 for adults and $6 for kids.
Dinner is $12 for adults and $6 for kids.  For more information
contact Betty Ramelli, at 530-993-4692 or email: bramelli@gotsky.com.

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There are few creatures as interesting to watch as the beaver. These perpetual builders are second only to humans in their ability to change the landscape to suit their needs.  Much like ourselves, the busy beaver builds his home, called a lodge, of logs, stones and mud for mortar. An underwater entrance is "Read On[...]"]]> By Melissa Wynn

There are few creatures as interesting to watch as the beaver. These perpetual builders are second only to humans in their ability to change the landscape to suit their needs.  Much like ourselves, the busy beaver builds his home, called a lodge, of logs, stones and mud for mortar. An underwater entrance is a must, so a stream to dam up in a forested area is prime beaver real estate.

Sharp front teeth that never stop growing and strong jaws enable the beaver to gnaw down a tree three feet in diameter in just a few hours. An adult beaver will cut down about 200 trees a year. A mated pair can easily have the stream blocked with fallen trees and a pond forming  in a single night, laying the foundation for the dam and filling their new home’s protective moat. They continue to build the dome shaped lodge with twigs and branches, filling in the cracks with mud and rocks carried in their fronts paws while lumbering along on hind legs and using their thick, flat, hairless tail for balance. Those amazing tails also aid in swimming and are used to make a loud SLAP on the water as an alarm when the beavers feel threatened.  After sounding the alarm for the rest of the family, all retreat to the safety of the lodge interior . Simply designed, this safe haven is just two small rooms. The first is like a mud porch for shedding water and shaking off their oily waterproof coat before going into the drier main living room that is shared by all members of the colony.

Colonies are made of family units that include a male and female that are mated for life and their young. Baby beavers stay with Mom and Dad for two years and find a mate of their own after that. A mated pair will have a litter of one to four kits every spring and the yearlings act as babysitters and teachers to their little brothers and sisters.

All beavers must be taught to peel back the bark from the  aspens, willows and cottonwood trees to get at the tender cambium between the rough bark and the hard wood that makes up a large portion of the herbivorous beaver diet. Water lily tubers, clover, apples and berries are a few other seasonal favorites of these largest of North American rodents. Not only do the crafty beavers build a warm and safe home for the winter, they also stash a rich cache of green branches in the cold waters of their pond beneath the lodge. This inventive refrigerator keeps the colony fat and happy through the winter.

Although colonies reuse the same lodges year after year it isn’t uncommon to find them abandoned during  months of plenty. The colony will often build a temporary second lodge near a favorite summer feeding area. Beavers are territorial but won’t defend the summer camp as fiercely as they will the main winter residence. When the first frosts come, the family will wander home and take care of the necessary repairs to the lodge including a fresh coat of mud on the roof that dries hard as cement when it cures in the cold of the late autumn season. Predators like, wolves, mountain lion and wolverines are challenged to dig through this carefully installed armor.

Beavers definitely have the forest building business all wrapped up. Late evening and moonlit nights are the best time to watch to these fuzzy engineers in action. Next time you are hiking in the forest near the streams in our beautiful Sierra Nevada home,try to locate a beaver pond with a lodge and go back at night and wait. If you are very still and stay low and quiet, the gentle but skittish marvels of nature will waddle about their business . Never get too close or try to touch them. Gentle or not, beavers are still wild animals. Keep your distance and enjoy nature’s busy builder.

Facts courtesy of  www.beaversww.org

nationalgeographic.com and discovery.com

photo from bigstockphotos.com

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Ever had the impulse to say “What a great idea!  Glad somebody thought of that!”  Well, that was exactly what I said when I learned about HICAP.  The initials describe what it does – Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program.

MediCare, MediCal, Medicaid, Medi-gap, Medicare  supplement , Medicare Advantage–these are "Read On[...]"]]> by Nancy Lund

Ever had the impulse to say “What a great idea!  Glad somebody thought of that!”  Well, that was exactly what I said when I learned about HICAP.  The initials describe what it does – Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program.

MediCare, MediCal, Medicaid, Medi-gap, Medicare  supplement , Medicare Advantage–these are not words we learned in school.  And that is where HICAP comes in.  Its sole purpose is to  help seniors  cope with the complicated and confusing world of health care insurance.  HICAP has no axe to grind, it is non-partisan and non-political.  And best of all – it is free!  In Plumas County the toll free number is 1-800-434-0828. In Lassen County call 530-223-0999. In Sierra County call 1-800-434-0222.

HICAP holds regular informational meetings but you do not have to wait for one.  If you have a question call the toll free number.  When you call HICAP you will be referred to someone who can answer your question –or, if you like, will set up an appointment with a HICAP volunteer who will sit down with you and explore your various options.

HICAP  volunteers not only know the basics, they are always up to date on any changes which have been made.  These men and women are adept at searching the internet,  They can compare insurance policies — what they will cover and what they won’t cover, as well as their premiums.  They can show you which drug companies  operate in our area and which pharmaceuticals they cover.  HICAP can help you determine if your income qualifies you for help toward your Part B deductible  (2009 legislation  added $562.5 million to the program.)

Are you one of those seniors who have health care coverage through retirement?  In most cases this is better than purchasing a plan  as an individual.  But you still may have  questions which HICAP will be happy to answer.

When it comes to drug plans you are entering an area that is extremely complicated.  Not only are there different companies but each company may offer an array of different plans, a different list of which prescription drugs it covers, with varying prices and varying co-pays. HICAP has helped many seniors get the drugs their doctor thinks best for them, when earlier denied.

Perhaps you are one of the healthy seniors who has no need for a drug plan at this time.  But there is a penalty for those who do not opt for a drug plan when they are eligible to do so –HICAP can point out your options.

HICAP is especially valuable for those seniors who are thinking about assisted living facilities or long-term care.   HICAP not only has a list of facilities in our area, the volunteer can show you their costs,  their state rating, what complaints, if any, have been made against them .

HICAP is dedicated to fighting fraud and abuse and has won court cases where seniors have been over-charged  or charged for services they did not receive.  But we as consumers have responsibility, too.  We need to be alert in protecting ourselves.  Keeping a record of all our medical appointments makes it easy to check all bills as to the dates and procedures listed.   Hopefully, we have asked all providers for their fees ahead of time, so we will not be surprised when we get the bills!

HICAP offers the following advise:  Don’t give out personal information to marketing representatives.  Don’t give out your Social Security/ Medicare Number over the phone. Insurance agents are prohibited from calling before 8: 00 A.M. or after 9:00 P.M.  If you get repeated unsolicited calls from an agent you can tell him that he will be reported for using improper methods.  Do not pay an agent to find the wheelchair, bath chair or commode you or your loved one may need.  Such items are handled by certified suppliers of durable medical equipment and may be reached directly.

There’s more to HICAP than I can cover in this space so I urge you to keep those numbers handy and call them when you have a question.

Nancy Lund is the Chair of the Plumas County Commission on Aging.
She represented this area in the California Senior Legislature from 1984 to 92 and served on the California State Legislative Committee of the AARP.

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Prepare for St. Patrick’s Day with dinner and a mystery!  On March 16, at the Quincy Veterans Hall, the Association of Concerned Theater Goers (ACT) will  begin an evening of fun with hors d’ oeuvres, wine and beer at 6:00pm.  This will be followed by a delicious meal at 7 pm served up "Read On[...]"]]> by Jan Cox

Prepare for St. Patrick’s Day with dinner and a mystery!  On March 16, at the Quincy Veterans Hall, the Association of Concerned Theater Goers (ACT) will  begin an evening of fun with hors d’ oeuvres, wine and beer at 6:00pm.  This will be followed by a delicious meal at 7 pm served up by Chef Sean Conry of Longboards Restaurant.  Before and after the meal, an Irish mystery entitled “Eat, Drink and be Murdered”  will keep your mind turning and your table in suspense.  During dessert, playgoers may purchase clues for $1 each from the players to help solve the mystery. The first table to do so wins the prize.

ACT came into being to help fund drama at Quincy High School.  They now pay the stipend of the Assistant Drama Coach and also offer scholarships for seniors. All proceeds will benefit ACT.

Tickets are $30 apiece or a group may purchase a table for ten for $300.  Why not bring all your friends to the Quincy Veterans Hall at 274 Lawrence St. and have a night of fun, laughter and intrigue?  Tickets may be purchased at Epilog Books, and Plumas Arts Office or call Cherry Shipp at 283-6510 or 283-3903.

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Throughout this mountain valley area there are many outstanding artists and photographers.  This month I had the privilege of visiting with Pam Trebes, Photographer, in her studio at 3215 Hill Crest Drive at the Hamilton Branch, Lake Almanor.

This year, Pam is celebrating 10 years as a photographer.  Starting with a 1.3 megapixel camera "Read On[...]"]]> by Jan Cox

Throughout this mountain valley area there are many outstanding artists and photographers.  This month I had the privilege of visiting with Pam Trebes, Photographer, in her studio at 3215 Hill Crest Drive at the Hamilton Branch, Lake Almanor.

This year, Pam is celebrating 10 years as a photographer.  Starting with a 1.3 megapixel camera in 1999, she has come a long way!  Trebes is active in all parts of the photographic process.  She is a freelance photographer for events and scenics, does photo restoration, image capture, and graphic design.

Not only does her studio contain a gallery of her own framed photos, but she also has a large print center where she can make giclee’ prints from artists originals on whatever paper is desired.  This center will print up to 24″ X 100′.  She is also able to print amazing signs on indoor/outdoor self adhesive vinyl!  Pam can scan 35 mm slides or negatives, convert VCR tapes to DVD movies, scan hard copy images, download most disks, and photograph objects on a new green screen in her studio.

One of the more exciting projects she has going at the present is the creation and publishing of a beautiful photographic book encompassing Lassen, Plumas and Tehema Counties.

This prolific photographer may be found not only at her studio, but also at Art Around the Lake, Plumas Sierra County Fair, Almanor Art Show,  Second Fridays in Chester, and is now proudly showing at The Blue Goose Fine Art Gallery at 607 Main in Chester.  Watch for Pam Trebes 2010 Open Studio’s, check her out at www.PamTrebesPhotography.com or call 530-596-4166 for more information.

Pam Trebes with Photo Book

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*Drizzled with cool jam or warm syrup, these scones are perfect with your morning cup of tea*

Ingredients:

1 ¾ Cup Unbleached Flour

¼ Cup Wheat Germ

1 ½ Cup Oats

1 ½ tsp Baking Powder

½ tsp Baking Soda

½ Cup Oil

½ Cup Milk

1 Egg

½ Cup Maple Syrup

½ Cup Sliced Almonds

½ Cup Blueberries

Preheat oven to "Read On[...]"]]> Blueberry Scones

*Drizzled with cool jam or warm syrup, these scones are perfect with your morning cup of tea*

Ingredients:

1 ¾ Cup Unbleached Flour

¼ Cup Wheat Germ

1 ½ Cup Oats

1 ½ tsp Baking Powder

½ tsp Baking Soda

½ Cup Oil

½ Cup Milk

1 Egg

½ Cup Maple Syrup

½ Cup Sliced Almonds

½ Cup Blueberries

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Cover a large baking sheet with non-stick foil. In a large bowl combine flour, wheat germ, oats, baking powder, and baking soda until blended.  Next, add oil, milk, egg, syrup, pecans, and blueberries. Divide batter into two equal rounds on foiled baking sheet and flatten each until 8 inches diameter. Using a pizza cutter, divide rounds into 8 pieces- make sure to cut through but do not separate the pieces once cute. This makes it easier to fit on the cookie sheet. Place cookie sheet on preheated oven on middle rack. Bake 18-22 minutes.  The scones will be golden brown. Cool. Enjoy!

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by Jan Cox

Ideas flew fast and furiously at the planning meeting for this year’s Chester Wellness Festival.  Reorganization was necessary due to both the state of the economy and the vast amount of information we are confronted with in our daily lives.  A new format emerged.  "Read On[...]"]]> KEEPING IT SIMPLE: OUR 3 BEST TIPS FOR HEALTHY LIVING

by Jan Cox

Ideas flew fast and furiously at the planning meeting for this year’s Chester Wellness Festival.  Reorganization was necessary due to both the state of the economy and the vast amount of information we are confronted with in our daily lives.  A new format emerged.  The Winter Wellness Festival became the Spring Wellness Faire to be held April 15-17, 2010, with the theme, Keeping it Simple: Our 3 Best Tips for Healthy Living.

I spoke with Jan Davies, Whole Health Practitioner and one of the planners of the faire, who had some interesting observations to share about wellness.

She suggested that “wellness” is often thought to be the same concept as “health,” and while they share a commonality,  they essentially have two different meanings.  Health is usually considered to be the absence of disease or ailments; whereas, wellness is a more holistic term encompassing the whole person and usually implies a vitality in daily living.  Wellness is unique to each person.  It describes a movement toward freedom from ailments but also happiness, vitality and a greater sense of value and meaning in life.

According to Davies, if we are going to integrate wellness into our lives it could encompass the following: finding and treating the source of illness instead of medicating symptoms; disease prevention; pain management; healing our relationships; eating wholesome foods; living in and creating supportive job, community and recreational environments; meditation, spiritual study and intellectual challenges; massage; time in nature; appropriate exercise and movement; and making choices that improve the world around us.

One of the important outcomes resulting from the Wellness Festival in the past has been a building of community and a sharing of the wealth of knowledge in this more isolated rural environment we live in. An opportunity has been created for those interested in healthy living to meet each other, develop new alliances and strengthen the awareness of alternative and complementary healthcare available in the Lake Almanor Basin.

The wellness-based events in Chester began with a small group of alternative health practitioners, Dr. Thomas Archie, a family physician who worked as a functional medicine and integrative doctor, and merchants interested in healthy lifestyles. The basic goals of this group included: a) to expand awareness of the holistic medicine and healthy lifestyle resources in the community; b) to educate the public with classes on wellness-related topics; c) to show appreciation for the local community in a variety of health-related venues.  Alternative, integrative and complementary healthcare are the largest growing industry in the U.S. at this time.  As our modern healthcare systems become increasingly overwhelmed, more people are taking responsibility for their own wellness.  Davies reports that “National studies show a high percentage of Americans integrating the best of both worlds using conventional Western medicine along with attention to diet, exercise, stress management, supplements, mind/body medicine, Eastern therapies and more.”

This year the Spring Wellness Faire will begin on Thursday, April 15 with a community dinner open to all.  This dinner is free with donations welcomed at the door from those who are able to give. The emphasis will be on a delicious, well balanced  and healthy meal served by the wellness committee along with local merchants and others interested community members.

Friday evening, April 16, will set your spirit soaring at a community bonfire and drumming circle. Bring drums and rhythm  instruments to join in the fun. Please watch for information on the location of this activity.

On Saturday, April 17, a variety of wellness group practitioners will be holding short talks at Good Vibrations, 278 Main St. Chester.  Parking is available in the back of this building. Speakers will include Sharon Geney, Jan Davies, Dr. Don Tharpe, Jan Cox and several others.   Each speaker will give the audience their 3 best ideas for healthful living in their specific area of expertise.  These speakers will also have stations set up throughout the building where community members may talk to them and get questions answered or peruse books written or recommended by them.  There will also be an opportunity to experience Sound Healing using crystal and Tibetan bowls. Watch both the local newspapers and flyers for further information. Or call Sharon Geney or Jan Davies at 258-4663.

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We all know that April 1st is the day set aside for Tom foolery and practical jokes but this fun filled holiday itself may be the best joke of all. I intended to tell the historic origins of April Fools Day, instead I found myself giggling about the fact that no one really "Read On[...]"]]> By Melissa Wynn

We all know that April 1st is the day set aside for Tom foolery and practical jokes but this fun filled holiday itself may be the best joke of all. I intended to tell the historic origins of April Fools Day, instead I found myself giggling about the fact that no one really seems to know. Ironic, no?  There is a theory that the naughtiness began in 1582 Rome when the Gregorian Calendar we use today replaced the old Julian Calendar. The old calendar began each new year on or near April 1st and the new called for that to change to January 1st.  Some people refused to observe the change and continued to celebrate their New Year on April 1st. Those ready to roll with the changes began to make fun of the traditionalists by sending them on “fool’s errands”  and tricking them into believing harmless falsehoods. The fun has been spreading ever since. Many dispute this theory saying that the Gregorian Calendar wasn’t adopted in England until 1752 but April 1st mischief was practiced there long before the calendar change. HMMMM.

Another explanation of the origins of April Fools’ Day came from Joseph Boskin, a professor of history at Boston University. He explained that the practice began during the reign of Constantine, when a group of court jesters and fools told the Roman Emperor that they could do a better job of running his empire. Constantine, amused, allowed a jester named Kugel to be king for one day. Kugel passed an edict calling for absurdity on that day, and the custom became an annual event. “In a way,” explained Prof. Boskin, “it was a very serious day. In those times fools were really wise men. It was the role of jesters to put things in perspective with humor.” This explanation was brought to the public’s attention in an Associated Press article printed by many newspapers in 1983. There was only one catch: Boskin made the whole thing up. It took a couple of weeks for the AP to realize that they’d been victims of an April Fools’ joke themselves.

So I guess we may never know how the whole thing got started.  I’m just glad that it did. Everyone can use a good laugh at someone else’s expense and blessed are we who can laugh at ourselves for we never fail to be amused.

info courtesy of www.infoplease.com

photo from bigstockphoto.com

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 CONSIDER A PRE-HOME INSPECTION WHEN SELLING

By Richard Barlupi

In today’s real estate market, buyers tend to be more sensitive to the condition of properties they are considering purchasing. By obtaining a “pre-listing home inspection” report, the seller and real estate agent can provide potential buyers with a complete "Read On[...]"]]>  

 CONSIDER A PRE-HOME INSPECTION WHEN SELLING

By Richard Barlupi

In today’s real estate market, buyers tend to be more sensitive to the condition of properties they are considering purchasing. By obtaining a “pre-listing home inspection” report, the seller and real estate agent can provide potential buyers with a complete evaluation of the home by a qualified home inspector from their area. The home inspection report will also give the seller the opportunity to identify defects in their home and obtain bids from subcontractors to determine the cost to make the repairs. By disclosing any defects to possible buyers, the seller can realistically price their home to adjust for the repairs needed. Or, the seller can make the corrective repairs themselves before listing their home with a real estate office. Most home inspection companies are up-to-date with current defects or safety hazards that appraisers and lenders look at very closely. Therefore, the seller may be able to ward off potential issues that could delay the sale of their home. Seeing that there are no major defects in the home, it would assist the buyer in determining how much they should spend on the property. In most cases, once the seller accepts an offer and opens escrow, the buyer will hire a home and pest inspector of their own. However, if a home has a clean inspection already completed, the buyer would not need to have additional inspections done. By correcting problems found in the home inspection report or by disclosing the defects in the listing agreement, the seller could be saving themselves from deal-breaking issues that prevent their home from being “sold”.

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In a charming Spanish Mission type building between Reno and Carson City on US 395, I found a place of healing peace. My sister and I were off for a girls getaway to visit the old west in Virginia City, Nevada and decided that a relaxing day at the spa would be an "Read On[...]"]]> By Melissa Wynn

In a charming Spanish Mission type building between Reno and Carson City on US 395, I found a place of healing peace. My sister and I were off for a girls getaway to visit the old west in Virginia City, Nevada and decided that a relaxing day at the spa would be an awesome way to wrap up our weekend. We made a call to the cheerful Executive Director Rita Glover at  Steamboat Hot Springs Healing Center and Spa and ended up choosing “Day at the Spa”  ($167) from the extensive menu which added  a detoxifying herbal mud wrap to our Steamboat Signature Massage and Mineral Bath.  As we pulled onto the narrow frontage road that leads to the parking area I could see steam rising from the ground in several places between the sagebrush. Just across from the main entry a piping hot stream flows down the hill giving you a natural preview of the mineral rich hot spring waters waiting inside.

On our tour I learned that during the 1800’s Mark Twain rode past on the original Virginia City-Truckee Railroad and saw two, now inactive, geysers belching plumes of steam and boiling water toward the sky. The famous author, familiar with travel on the Mississippi River, commented that it looked like a steamboat in the desert and the name Steamboat Hot Springs stuck. In those days the  gold and silver miners of Virginia City would come down the hill and bathe. The Native Americans of the area utilized the healing water for generations before the famous visit of Mark Twain. Twain must have also been charmed by the old church bell tower. If only the walls of the belfry could talk,  the things they must have heard and seen; one can only imagine. Not only do the hot springs fill the outdoor hot tub and indoor private bathing rooms, they also heat the building in the winter months keeping the historical site as environmentally friendly as is was back then.

Steamboat Hot Springs Healing Center and Spa is all about peace, tranquility and healing calm, from the serene salt water fish tank in the lobby to the colorful sun shaped stained glass windows of the private soaking rooms. Just like the color spectrum, the rooms graduate from light blue at the beginning of the hall to bright red at the end. I had my hour long Salt Glow soak ($60 ala carte) in the light blue room in an incredibly deep tile tub. AAHHHH! My sister Shay had the same in the darker indigo room next door. She likes the water hotter than I prefer, so we welcomed the hot and cold faucets to adjust the pre-drawn bath to our desired temperatures. The adjacent shower was great for cooling off between soaks. How refreshing. Cozy bath robes and slippers are provided for your convenience and swimsuits are required in the outdoor hot tub.

Phase two of our day at the spa was the Steamboat Signature Massage ($80 ala carte) which may include Swedish, deep tissue, sports, cranialsacral, reflexology, lite aromatherapy, hot towel, and/or hot stone massage. My amazing Licensed Massage Therapist, Soorya Townley, practiced all of the above, melting me into a puddle during that joyous hour accompanied by soft music. She found places I didn’t even know a person could hurt and then made them all better. Randy Bright, the Licensed Massage Therapist that worked on my sister customized her massage to relieve stress and loosen up her problem areas. We both oozed away to our mud wrap, dreaming of ways to convince them both to follow us home and be at our beckon call.  The Mud Body Mask is made of Steamboat Hot Springs Healing Center and Spa’s special herb solution with strong detoxifying properties and two kinds of natural clay.  Along with drawing toxins from your body through the skin this treatment also targets the ever dreaded cellulite (not that I have any) found just below the skin. Many experience noticable loss in cellulite mass after just one time of having the mud mixture painted on the body from neck line to ankles and being swaddled snugly in quality linen sheets and a blanket for up to an hour. The mud gave my skin a tingling sensation and the soft lighting, music and my cozy cocoon let me drift nearly to sleep, especially since I was half way there when the mud wrap began. I rinsed in cool water to close the pores and trap traces of the clay within my skin to contine to reap it’s rewards as directed. My skin was silky soft for days. My sister and I have vowed to return and try several of the other therapies offered at this official historic sight.

Steamboat Hot Springs Healing Center and Spa offers access to the healing mineral hot springs by the soak or in package deals ($10-$105).  There are several facial treatments ($55-$100), a wide selection of massage techniques and times ($50-$145), the mud wrap($90), and a new ground breaking therapy called sonatherapy that utilizes light, color and primarily sound to treat problem areas at a cellular level($95-$295). The flexible menu allows you to mix and match for your specific needs. The competent staff includes Dr. Thomas Lee, a Naturopathic Medical Doctor and consultants for everything from nutrition to make-overs. What a great place to have some quality time with the women in your life that matter most.  I left feeling refreshed, relaxed and rejuvinated. Next time you get some “me time”, grab your sister or a favorite girlfriend and go see Rita and the gang at 16010 South Virginia just off US395. Watch for the billboard sign pointing the way and then prepare to unwind.

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Mar. 5- Quincy, CA: Opening reception @ Plumas Arts Gallery. 530-283-3402

Mar. 6- Susanville, "Read On[...]"]]> Mar. 3- Chico, CA: The Wailin’ Jennys. Join us for an evening of grace and beauty. It’s the type of show The Big Room was made for. The darlings of the North American roots music arena. Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Tickets $22.50. http://www.sierranevada.com/bigroom/calendar.asp

Mar. 5- Quincy, CA: Opening reception @ Plumas Arts Gallery. 530-283-3402

Mar. 6- Susanville, CA: Honey Lake Hospice “Afternoon Tea.” 1pm-3:30pm. Eagle Lake Village. 530-251-4727

Mar. 6- Chico, CA: 19^th Annual Keeping Dance Alive! 2pm-7:30pm. Showcasing the talents of the North Valley’s dancers. A concert designed to highlight the diverse forms of dance. Always energetic, colorful, upbeat, and exciting, this year’s performance promises to be the best ever! Laxson Auditorium $18 Adult | $16 Senior | $14 Student/Child 530-898-6333 – University Box Office http://www.csuchico.edu/upe/performance/artists/KDA.html

Mar. 8- Chico, CA: Eric Bibb. Acoustic blues at its best.  A show for the whole family. Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Tickets $20.00. http://www.sierranevada.com/bigroom/calendar.asp

Mar. 11- Quincy, CA: Words and Music. Morning Thunder Cafe. Featuring, Spur of the Moment. 7:15pm. Sign up for open mic at door.  530-283-3402

Mar. 11- Susanville, CA: Lassen County Chamber of Commerce Mixer. Hosted by Superior Products Company-Mountain Division, 474-340 Commercial Way. 5:30-7:30pm. 530-257-4323

Mar. 12- Lake Tahoe, NV: Tainted Love. Dance hits of the 80’s. 9pm. Crown Room Show. Crystal Bay Club Casino. Tickets $25. http://www.crystalbaycasino.com

Mar. 13- Lake Tahoe, NV: Bassnectar. Doors 8pm. Show 9pm. The brainchild of Lorin Ashton, an open-sourced musical project that is as diverse as it is heavy, as raw as it is meticulous, and as fierce as it is imaginary. MontBleu Resort & Casino. Tickets $29 + tax. 775-588-3515

Mar. 15- Portola, CA: Drive-A-Locomotive Program. 10am- 5pm.Sponsored by the Western Pacific Railroad Museum. Weather permitting. Call Museum at 530-832-4131 for dates. http://www.WPLives.org

Mar. 19- Portola, CA: Words & Music. Featuring Rob Wade. 7pm.  Sponsored by Plumas Arts & Feather Community Arts Center. Sign up for Open mic at the door. 530-283-3402

Mar. 19-20- Vinton, CA:  Cowboy Poetry Show. 7:30pm. Hwy. 70 at the Sierra Valley Grange Hall. Olde time music and cowboy poetry. Tickets Betty Ramelli 530-993-4692 or bramelli@gotsky.com

Mar. 20- Chico, CA: Atlan: 25^th Year Celebration Tour. With fiddle, accordion, whistles, guitar, and bouzouki, Altan has created an international audience with their traditional Celtic music performances. Laxson Auditorium $23 Premium | $18 Adult | $16 Senior | $14 Student/Child http://www.csuchico.edu/upe/performance/artists/Altan.html

Mar. 21- Johnsville, CA: Historic Longboard Ski Race. Plumas-Eureka State Park. 11am -3pm.
Sponsored by the Plumas Ski Club at the Plumas-Eureka Ski Bowl. Contests and races commemorating the 1855 origin of downhill skiing. Participants and spectators in period costume. 530-283-6345 www.plumasskiclub.org

Mar. 25- Chester, CA: Words & Music. The Coffee Station. Featuring Margaret Garcia and Friends. Sign up for open mic at door. 530-283-3402

Mar. 26-27- Susanville, CA: Monticolas “Women in Musical History.” 2001 Paul Bunyan Rd. Eagle Lake Village. Kay White 530-257-4961

Mar. 26-27-Reno, NV: Reno Film Festival Annual Oscar Shorts Screening.  The Oscar-nominated and winning live action and animated short subjects will be screened in Reno Friday and Saturday, March 26 and 27.  Evening shows at 7:30 pm will screen at the Joe Crowley Student Union at UNR and a 2 pm Saturday matinee will be shown in room 108 of the Sierra building on the TMCC Dandini campus. www.renofilmfestival.com

Mar. 27- Susanville, CA: Susanville Eskualdunak Basque Club “Annual Lamb Stew Feed.” Michelle Zubillaga at michelle.zubillaga@yahoo.com

Mar. 28- Chico, CA: Chico Kite Day. 12pm-4pm. An afternoon of free fun is in the air! There will be prizes for the best homemade kites! All kite flyers will receive a souvenir, compliments of Bird in Hand, and music will be provided by Oldies 102.1 FM. Celebrate spring at the end of a string! Bird in Hand at 530-893-0545

Apr. 1- Chico, CA: NeverShoutNever. Doors 6pm. Show 6:30. Rockstar Energy Drink AP Tour. Special guests: The Cab, Hey Monday, Every Avenue, & The Summer Set. Senator Theater. Tickets $15 in advance. http://www.senatortheatrechico.com

Apr. 3- Greenville, CA: Annual  Indian Valley Chamber of Commerce Easter Egg Hunt. 11:00am. Greenville Elementary School.  530-284-6633

Apr. 8- Quincy, CA: Words and Music. Morning Thunder Cafe. Featuring Johny McDonald and Friends. Open Mic following. 530-283-3402

Apr. 10- Quincy, CA: Taste of Plumas.  530-283-3402

Apr. 10- Portola, CA: The WP Railroad Museum opens weather permitting. 530-832-4131

Apr. 15- Blairsden, Ca: 4^th Annual Tea Advance Ticket Sales. This year the theme is: “Plumas Pleasures” to be held at the Mohawk Community Resource Center, Blairsden on May 1st.  It is important to get your tickets now by calling 836-0446 or stop by the Center at the corner of Hwy 89 and 70.  Tickets will be sold to individuals or entire tables.  The Mohawk Community Resource Center (corner of Hwy 89 and 70), a service of Plumas Rural Services in Blairsden. http://www.graeagle.com/marketplace/mcrc/

Apr. 16- Portola, CA: Words & Music. 7pm. Featuring Code Bluegrass. Sponsored by Plumas Arts at the Feather Community Arts Center. Sign at door for open mic. 530-832-4518 http://www.plumasarts.org

Apr. 16-18-Susanville, CA: The Susanville Symphony Society “Silk Road”, Fri 7pm, Sun 2:30pm. Assembly of God Church. Advanced general admission $20, Preferred seating $25. Info/tickets Marlene 530-310-9211 www.susanvillesymphony.com

Apr. 17- Portola, CA: 18th Annual Quilt Show. Sponsored by the Cabin Quilters. Sat.10am-5pm.; Sun. 10am-4pm. Memorial Hall. 530-832-0446

Apr. 17- Susanville, CA: City of Susanville & Sportsman’s Club ” Annual Fishing Derby.” 5am-3:30pm. Followed by awards ceremony. Mae Sherman 530-257-1031

Apr. 17- Susanville, CA: Pheasants Forever “Annual Banquet.” 5pm. Jensen Hall, Lassen Co. Fairgrounds. Jim Brown 530-257-6464

Apr. 22- Earth Day

Apr. 22- Chester, CA: Words & Music. Coffee Station. Featuring Chester High Drama Class. Open Mic following.  530-283-3402

Apr. 24- Susanville, CA: Lassen County Chamber of Commerce ” 4th Annual Home & Garden Show.” 10am-4pm. Lassen Co. Fairgrounds. 530-257-4323

Apr. 24- Susanville, CA: Susanville Eskualdunak Basque Club “Annual Mus Tournament.” Michelle Zubillaga at michelle.zubillaga@yahoo.com

Apr. 27- Maybe, CA: Taco Tuesday. 5pm-7pm. Sponsored by the Calpine Elks Lodge.Highway 70. 530-832-5785

Sources:

http://plumascounty.org/Events/events.htm#October

http://www.lassencountychamber.org/calendar/calendar.html

http://www.chamberorganizer.com/easternplumaschamber/V_Calendar.php

http://www.chicochamber.com/Event_Calendar/View_Calendar.html

http://www.montbleuresort.com/events.php

http://www.sierranevada.com/bigroom/calendar.asp

http://www.crystalbaycasino.com

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Spring in the mountains is time to race our dirt bikes, wander the outdoors on our ATVs, climb some hills and sling some mud with our 4×4s but where to go? Here are some hot spots in Northeastern California and Northwestern Nevada that we found and a few more we plan to visit.

Northeastern "Read On[...]"]]> By Melissa Wynn

Spring in the mountains is time to race our dirt bikes, wander the outdoors on our ATVs, climb some hills and sling some mud with our 4×4s but where to go? Here are some hot spots in Northeastern California and Northwestern Nevada that we found and a few more we plan to visit.

Northeastern California

Motocross Tracks

• Modoc County Fairgrounds

Nearest Town: Alturas, Ca

Contact: Modoc Motorsports Association, Inc

Phone: 530-708-0116  or 530-233-4325

Fee, Membership and Schedule info: www.modocmotorsports.com

• Honey Lake Motocross Park

Nearest Town: Doyle, Ca

Contact: Honey Lake Motocross Park

Phone: 530-837-2639

Fee, Membership and Schedule Info: www.honeylakemx.com

4×4 prohibited

• Fingerlake Raceway

Nearest  City: Red Bluff, Ca

Contact: Fingerlake Raceway

Phone: 530-529-4777 or 530-356-1022

Fee, Membership and schedule Info: www.fingerlakeraceway.com

No ATV Restriction

• Cycleland Speedway

Nearest City: Chico or Oroville, Ca

Contact: Cycleland Speedway

Phone: 530-342-0063 or 530-624-7431

Fee, Membership and Schedule Info: www.cyclelandspeedway.com

Outlaw Kart and Modified Midget Races also hosted

4×4 and ATV Riding Areas:

• Seneca Canyon & Butt Lake

Nearest Town: Canyon Dam, Ca

Where to Go: Leave Hwy 89 on Seneca Rd just outside Canyon Dam across the Hwy from PG&E Beach at Lake Almanor

This road is accessible again closer to Chester,Ca from the turn off to Butt Lake

Tips: Very Narrow dirt road going in, no services other than summer weekends, go prepared and be aware of several private roads and no trespassing areas

• Little Truckee Summit OHV Staging Area

Nearest Town: Truckee, Ca

Where to go: about 15 miles north of Truckee on Hwy 89 turn West onto Jackson Meadows Rd, signs  mark the way

Tips: A lot of dirt roads, great views and some creek crossings, far up the main road is Fordyce Jeep Trail for experts only which is rocky and challenging for ATVs motorcycles are not recommended in that section

• Little Potato Butte

Nearest Town: Old Station, Ca

Where to Go: Follow Brains Way off of HWY 89/ Hwy 44  just outside Old Station for about 5 miles

Tips: This area has a little something for everyone, climbing challenges and easy flat scenic rides as well. Old Station services are limited. Hat Creek Resort offers lodging near by and guided ATV or Motorcycle tours at this location.

Northwestern Nevada

Motocross Tracks

• Mustang Motocross

Nearest City: Sparks, NV

Contact: Mustang MotoCross

Phone: 775-750-9063

Fee, Membership and schedule Info: www.mustangmotorplex.com

• Fernley/Wadsworth Lions Club International Raceway and Stead Motocross Track

Nearest Town: Fernley, NV/ Reno, NV

Contact: Nevada Old Timer’s Motocross Club

Phone: 775-575-0660

Fee, Membership and Schedule Info: www.otmx.com

This group also has the Stead MX track in Lemon Valley eight miles up from the Lemon Drive Exit off US 395 North from Reno.

4×4 & ATV Spots

• Hungry Valley Recreation Area/Moonrocks

Nearest City: Sparks, NV

Where to Go: I-80 east from Reno to 445 North 8 miles past Spanish Springs then left on Winnamucca Ranch Rd. Follow 5 miles until road turns to dirt. 1 mile further then left, staging area about 1/2 mile.

Tips: This is real locals favorite but has no services or shade so be prepared.

• Seven Mile Canyon

Nearest Town: Virginia City, NV

Where to Go:  US 395  to Exit 57B. Merge on to South Virginia St and follow 1/2 mile and then left at the intersection on to Geiger Grade Rd. Follow 13 miles. Just before downtown Virginia City there is a sign on the right reading “Overnight RV Camping. Turn right at the sign on to Carson St then left on Cemetery Rd about 100 yards up. Follow dirt road 1/2 mile or so to staging area always veering toward the left.

Tips: Road in hugs the hillside.  Close to town. Great family spot. Easy to advanced terrains.

These are a just a few local favorites. Lassen and Plumas Counties, Ca are full of logging roads and many National Forest  areas accessible for off road fun. You can check with local BLM offices for designated offroad areas. The Reno/ Carson City  NV outlying areas are a treasure trove of BLM roads and trails welcoming to all off road activities. Visit us at www.mountainvalleyliving.com and let us know your favorite off road playground.

Sources: For more riding spots visit www.riderplanet-usa.com, Local Chambers of Commerce

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Put on your dancing shoes and let The Blazers set your feet tapping on March 6 at the Quincy Vets Hall.  Ruben Guaderrama and Manuel Gonzales have played together since high school and are known as the “heart and soul” of this group. The Blazers present a unique blend of North American musical "Read On[...]"]]> by Jan Cox

Put on your dancing shoes and let The Blazers set your feet tapping on March 6 at the Quincy Vets Hall.  Ruben Guaderrama and Manuel Gonzales have played together since high school and are known as the “heart and soul” of this group. The Blazers present a unique blend of North American musical styles including blues, surf-rock, country and several Mexican styles of very danceable music. Under the Little Dog label, their critically acclaimed album, “17 Jewels,” is often described as their “crowning achievement while their newest album, “Dreaming a Dream,” is described as “a down-and-dirty masterpiece which defies anyone to keep their feet still.”  Admission for this March 6 event is $15 for the general public; $10 for Plumas Arts members, pre-sale only.  Doors open at 7:30pm.  Show begins, 8:00pm.  Call 283-3402 or contact plumasarts.org for tickets and information. This show is made possible by funding from the John Irving Foundation.

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It is high time in my opinion for the masses to begin looking towards those good old fashioned healthy foods that Grandma used to make. It is amazing how inexpensive and how healthy it is to prepare real old fashioned recipes from scratch. At least that’s what Chris Cannucciari "Read On[...]"]]> FREE ONLINE CLASSES DRAW MILLIONS
By Eileen Majors

It is high time in my opinion for the masses to begin looking towards those good old fashioned healthy foods that Grandma used to make. It is amazing how inexpensive and how healthy it is to prepare real old fashioned recipes from scratch. At least that’s what Chris Cannucciari thought when he began filming his 93 year old Grandma in her kitchen and placed the first cooking lesson on youtube. Clara Cannucciari  became an instant hit as soon as her wisdom hit the world wide web. She even appeared with Katie Couric on CBS Evening News last March.

And wisdom she will give you. “Quit throwing things away!  Fix ‘em.”, she exclaims while telling stories of life during the Great Depression. She shares with viewers the recipes her mom prepared during the Great Depression, still many of her family’s favorites today.

Grandson Chris, Producer of the show, now in its second season, always takes a few moments to interview her about how they all pulled together and made it through the Great Depression. Watch her for yourself at www.youtube.com/user/DepressionCooking. It is a kick. You will leave smiling with a new recipe and will have attained some of Clara’s clever wisdom.

If you missed the first season, not to worry, a DVD of it can be picked up for around $22. She has a facebook page and her own website at www.greatdepressioncooking.com and of course that show, well worth viewing, at  www.youtube.com/user/DepressionCooking.

By popular demand, Clara’s Great Depression recipes have been archived by Clara and Christopher in their newly released cook book, published by St Martin’s Press. Clara’s Kitchen: Wisdom, Memories and Recipes from the Great Depression is available from local book stores.

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McCarthy Point Lookout Begins Taking Reservations March 15th

If you are looking for a wildly different vacation that can offer a memorable experience and happens to cost way less than most vacations, this "Read On[...]"]]>

On active lookouts like this one, one person is employed from late June to late September. photo: Peg Leg Lookout by Jack Coverdell

McCarthy Point Lookout Begins Taking Reservations March 15th

If you are looking for a wildly different vacation that can offer a memorable experience and happens to cost way less than most vacations, this may be for you! Located about 3600 feet above sea level and tucked in the dense Lassen National Forest, McCarthy Point Lookout, an old fire lookout in the middle of nowhere is available during summer for your vacation accommodations. It sits on the southern edge of Mill Creek Rim facing North. It overlooks the scenic Mill Creek Canyon and into the Ishi Wilderness which provides many miles of hiking trails and fishing streams. This wilderness is named for the last surviving member of the Yahi Yana Indian Tribe. Information on hiking the Ishi Wilderness area is available from US Forest Service Almanor Ranger Station in Chester.

McCarthy Point lookout was constructed in 1936 by the Conservation Corps and was used as an observation point for detecting fires from 1937 until the mid 1960’s. During World War II, lookout personnel were also trained to spot aircraft in addition to watching for fires. This war time occupation was part of the Aircraft Warning Service (AWS) which organized aircraft spotters all along the west coast.

Because of the improved technology available in fire prevention and detection today, McCarthy Point is no longer needed as an active lookout. Due to the site’s remote location, several years of sporadic use and vandalism, the lookout had become run down. In 1994 the Forest Service hosted a Passport In Time (PIT) project to refurbish McCarthy Point Lookout and return it as closely as possible to its original condition. Unlike most lookout towers which are man made to heights allowing ample viewing, this one is a cab perched atop a high rock which naturally provides outstanding visibility. The Forest Service and crews of PIT volunteers worked three years to complete the project which is now available for private rental.

A two room cabin with kitchen and bedroom, it has overhead propane lights, two sleeping platforms about the size of twin beds and six old style army cots. The sleeping area boasts views from windows on three sides. and a deck provides a large wooden picnic table and barbecue. Indoors there is a wood stove and a propane cook stove where you will need to heat your own water, and yes, there is running water to double sinks in the kitchen.  An approximate 1,000 foot paved trail leads you to the parking area where the restroom is also located. The lookout and the road going into it are kept locked at all times and directions are given at time of rental.

The cost of all this luxury is just $75 per night with a two night minimum stay. The opportunity to take a step back in time and rough it a little is a great reason to consider this vacation, not to mention the price. Serious hikers will also enjoy this back woods experiencee. Reservations can be made after March 15th by calling Recreation.gov at 1-877-444-6777 or visit their web site at www.recreation.gov. Be sure to review the safety tips before your trip!

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By Melissa Wynn

The balcony view from our room #9

After being cooped up in the house through a seven day series of Sierra snow storms, my sister and I decided to cross the mountain. We were in search of some fun and sunshine in Nevada’s famous "Read On[...]"]]> Visit the Old West at Gold Hill Hotel & Saloon

By Melissa Wynn

The balcony view from our room #9

After being cooped up in the house through a seven day series of Sierra snow storms, my sister and I decided to cross the mountain. We were in search of some fun and sunshine in Nevada’s famous Comstock Lode.  It is only about 15 miles from the US 395 exit 57B to Virginia City, but that short drive is like a time tunnel that carries you from the modern hustle and bustle of Reno back more than a century to the simpler times, reminiscent of the 1860’s.  In those days, gold and silver miners filled the saloons of Virginia City by day and many spent their nights a mile down the road at the Gold Hill Hotel & Saloon. We also spent the night in this nostalgic, official historic site that claims the title of Nevada’s oldest operating hotel.  Gold Hill Hotel & Saloon first welcomed boarders as the Riesen House around 1859 and remains a most warm and inviting place to hang your hat for a night or two. We arrived  excited,  chattering about our earlier visit to downtown Virginia City where we met members of The First Regimen of Fort Churchill.  Colonel Ringo, Sergeant Whiskey Rivers and his  brother Brigadier General GB Rivers were three of the characters in Civil War period clothing who relive the old west here every weekend. What fun! The feathery hats, floor length dresses, parasols and uniforms made us feel like we were really back in those days.  Hotel Manager Melody Reynolds gave a knowing smile as we oooed and ahhhed at the memorabilia on the office door from the Cartwright boys and the Ponderosa.

Left to right: Sergeant Whiskey Rivers, Colonel Ringo, Brigadier General G.B Rivers of the First Regiment Fort Churchill

Now there was a piece of Virginia City history from our own childhood.  The flowing drapes in our beautiful, antique furnished room framed an amazing view of the sun setting pink, gold and orange over the rolling, sage dotted hills. The ancient head frame of old Yellow Jacket Mine stands tall next door and I stood there wondering how many miners left this very room for a long day’s work beneath the ground.  A fire was laid in our room’s stone fireplace and the copper oil lamp on the thick wooden mantle spoke of days before the light switch was installed. My sister and I sat before the fire awhile wondering about the host of outlaws and celebrities that must have ventured here over the last 150 years.

The Saloon at The Gold Hill is still slinging drinks so we headed downstairs to check it out before dinner. Another roaring fire was burning in the Great Room when we passed through on our way to the tiny full service bar where dollar bills decorate the ceiling. Our charming host, Gold Hill Hotel & Saloon owner Bill Fain, was at his regular post in front of yet another fire, eating his lamb chop dinner and visiting with patrons as if we were all old friends at a planned get together. Everyone felt right at home. My sister ordered a cocktail and I ordered coffee, remarking that I would be driving after dinner. Mark, the bartender, changed my mind by telling me about an extraordinary local gentlemen that shuttles folks around Virginia City, working for donations with no set fee.  His name is Grant Smith and he is a great big beautiful doll.  Every business in town knows who he is and how to contact him–the friendly neighborhood designated driver. This town rocks! “A little Irish cream in my coffee please.”

Keith James and Danielle DuBois of Reno, NV enjoy a meal at the hotel.

A stroll back through the Great Room and down the hall brought us to Gold Hill Hotel & Saloon’s own Crown Point Restaurant that specializes in gourmet dinners. We were greeted by Executive Chef Randy Bryant. Not only is Randy an excellent chef, he is a delightful barrel of laughs.  We asked about the menu and learned that if the ingredients are in the kitchen, Randy will prepare any meal you choose and with a weeks notice he will make sure that the ingredients for your chosen dishes are in the kitchen. Now that is down home service. My sister and I both love sushi so when we saw the Homemade Sushi Rolls Combo ($15), we ordered up.  This appetizer included my favorite California Roll with crab and avocado, a Majuro Roll with spicy Ahi Tuna and Ami bi Sweet Shrimp all served with Soy sauce and a wonderful cucumber wasabi sauce that was both cool on the tongue and hot up the nose, a delightful way to start our meal. Next came two fresh green salads topped with a very creamy homemade blue cheese dressing that I would love the recipe for and a warm basket of fresh baked bread. MMMMMM. Our empty salad plates were replaced by a scoop of  raspberry sorbet to ready the palette for entree treasures yet to come. My sister had the thick and juicy 10 oz ribeye cut right off the prime ($18) served with sauteed fresh spinach, grilled spaghetti squash and a huge baked potato fully loaded with scallions, butter, sour cream, grated cheese and bacon bits. She took over half of it back to the room in a box. I let Chef Randy choose for me and was delighted when our lovely server brought me a thick Halibut fillet ($22) topped with diced tomatoes, calamara olives and a tangy, buttery sauce, Randy’s own secret creation. He finished my amazing meal with cheesy au gratin potatoes and the same spinach and squash of the evening. As light and flaky and delicious as that halibut was, I still couldn’t finish it all but I gave it noble effort…one more bite. Oh goodness, very stuffed.

Danielle Dubois and Kieth James  made the short drive from their Reno home to dine at Crown Point  as well and we so enjoyed their company. Chef Randy made Danielle a custom Alfredo dish filled with fresh veggies ($15) and topped it with chips of aged parmesan cheese. Kieth savored The Buffalo Filet Mignon($38), just one of the specialty game dishes served at Crown Point Restaurant. It is wrapped in apple-wood bacon and topped with Chef’s Jack Daniels Red Bell Pepper Sauce. Did I say oooo yummy? Excellent food, service and company, what more can you ask for?

With our tummies full we ventured back to the Saloon and made that call to Grant for our ride to town. We made our $10 donation and decided since we were staying at Nevada’s oldest hotel that we might well get dropped off at The Old Washoe Club,Virginia City’s oldest Saloon. We danced the night away with the locals and a few other visitors to the rockin’ tunes of Road Dawgs, an excellent band that played all our favorite classic rock and kept the crowd lively to the very last song. When the music was finished and the lights came up we saw Grant sitting at a corner table sipping a 7Up, waiting patiently to safely deliver us back to Gold Hill Hotel & Saloon. What a guy!

We drifted off in our soft and comfy bed, dreaming of Comstock adventures. This was a great getaway and rates are  very reasonable beginning at just $55 a night for the double bed rooms on a weeknight and topping out a $225 for a weekend night in the Brewery Lodge, a private 3 bedroom residence across the way. Virginia City always has some thing going on. If you would like to visit, you can learn more about Gold Hill Hotel & Saloon and Crown Point Restaurant by visiting goldhillhotel.net or just give owners Bill and Carol Fain a call at 775-847-0111. Tell them Mountain Valley Living sent you and have ball…we did.

photo courtesy of: The Road Dawgs from Reno, NV

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Hop on over to the kitchen to prepare these cute as can be cupcakes. Perfect for spring celebrations, Easter, baby showers and birthday parties.

Makes 12 (1 cupcake) servings.

Prep Time: 30 minutes INGREDIENTS

1 container (16 ounces) vanilla frosting

McCormick® Assorted Food Colors and Egg Dye or McCormick® Assorted NEON! Food Colors and Egg Dye

2 cups flaked coconut

12 "Read On[...]"]]> Bunny Cupcakes

Hop on over to the kitchen to prepare these cute as can be cupcakes. Perfect for spring celebrations, Easter, baby showers and birthday parties.

Makes 12 (1 cupcake) servings.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
INGREDIENTS

1 container (16 ounces) vanilla frosting

McCormick® Assorted Food Colors and Egg Dye or McCormick® Assorted NEON! Food Colors and Egg Dye

2 cups flaked coconut

12 unfrosted cupcakes

12 plain donut holes

12 large marshmallows

6 pink jelly beans, halved crosswise

Chocolate sprinkles

Miniature semi-sweet chocolate chips
DIRECTIONS

1. Tint frosting pink or blue, using 4 drops red or 4 drops NEON blue food color. Place coconut in resealable plastic bag. Add 4 drops red or 4 drops NEON blue food color to coconut in bag; shake until coconut is evenly tinted. Recipe courtesy McCormick

2. Spread top of each cupcake with tinted frosting. Press each cupcake into tinted coconut to cover top completely. Spread donut holes with remaining frosting. Press a donut hole into top of each cupcake to form the bunny’s head.

3. For the ears, cut a 1/4-inch slice off the flat ends of each marshmallow to make 24 slices. Dip cut sides of the marshmallow slices into the coconut until completely covered. (Reserve remaining marshmallow pieces.) Attach 2 marshmallow slices to the head of each bunny with frosting to create ears.

Courtesy McCormick® Spice Company

Bunny Cupcakes Courtesy McCormick®

4. Press a jelly bean half into the face for the nose and sprinkles for the whiskers. Use the chocolate chips for the eyes. Press the plain marshmallow pieces into the cupcake for the belly.

Test Kitchen Tips:

* To make 6 each pink and blue cupcakes, use 2 drops of each food color in each half batch of frosting and coconut.

Recipe Courtesy McCormick®, For Bunny Cake and more great recipes, visit mccormick.com.

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