Pleasanton, California, Jan. 3, 2013

Good evening from Ruby Hills. It has been a beautiful day here. It started off a little below freezing this morning but we won't tell the Chamber of Commerce. I went with Janice to run errands this morning with stops at UPS, Post Office and others. Then we went to the High Tech Burrito shop  to eat lunch. Some of the water fountains that had standing water in them had a little layer of ice and it was around 11:30 A. M. This is a place that really knows how to make a burrito. We both had the Godzilla burrito. Boy is it good and huge. Those folks back east need to come out here to learn how to make a burrito. Downtown Pleasanton is much like Downtown Livermore with quaint little stores and streets that give you that old town feel which I love and it makes for a very lively downtown.
After lunch we drove out to the location of Corey and Nicku's wedding which is about 4 1/2 miles from Bami & Janice's home. It is a beautiful combination of a winery, restaurant and golf course. The setting is perfect for a wedding and reception. The setting is such that the event can be inside or outside. I know it is going to be a grand affair which I eagerly look forward to.

Well my time in California is fast coming to a close. I have tonight, tomorrow night and fly out to Tulsa Saturday. I will start doing my packing tonight to see if I can get everything to fit into the suitcases. I will try to get another posting out tomorrow night. It just depends on what we do tomorrow. Until then I love you. Grandpa Bill.



Pleasanton,California, 1/3/2013

Happy New Year. So far I have succeeded in writing the correct year rather than the old year. Today has been another busy day around Janice's home. Bami has taken another day off and worked partly in his home office and partly trying to get things unpacked and put away. That is the big issue. The unpacking is easy the finding a home for what ever was unpacked is not so easy. I think we did a lot of moving stuff from one place to another without finding permanent homes for a lot of things. Janice and I spent a few hours working in the downstairs guest bedroom. It had been a place to wrap Christmas presents and in general just a catch all place to put boxes to be opened later. Well later came today. Tonight that bedroom is about 90% ready for a guest. Actually it is ready provided the guest is not very picky. After a late lunch I was left alone to watch some of my staple old TV shows and went to sleep doing so. I got up from that easy couch and did my laundry. You know how domestic I have become. By this time it is nearly dinner time and I offered to take them out to eat. They about broke their necks getting coats on and into the car. We went to downtown Livermore, California to the CASBAH, Mediterranean Kitchen. I walked in expecting to see some middle eastern dancers but there were none. The downtown section where this restaurant is located and is a very lively spot and to me very attractive with that old time town feel. There is a good mix of small stores, bars & grills, all sorts of small shops. None of the big box stores. Very quaint. Love it.  The Casbah has a wide range of entrees and salads. Entrees include Lamb, Chicken, Beef, Fish, Pasta, Stew as well as Vegetarian & Vegan. I had a Greek salad and a Greek chicken kebab served with white rice, carrots, Persian cucumbers, broccoli and other delicious things. Very satisfying time and meal that was moderately priced.If you are in the area I recommend the CASBAH.
 Must close tonight and rest up for what ever tomorrow brings. As always remember that God loved us so much that He gave His only Son,           Jesus Christ, to die for our redemption from our sins to all who accept Him as Savior and Lord. I love you. also.

Grandpa Bill

Beauty Around Ruby Hills, Dec. 31, 2012

In this posting from California I want to show you some beautiful things before I fly back to Tulsa Saturday. Most of the time the sunrises and sunsets here are outstanding. Some mornings the fog down in the valley is gorgeous. The following photographs tell the story better than I can.

Sunrise

Sunrise

Sunrise

Sunset

Sunset 

The residence of Ruby Hills have their homes decorated in all sorts of lights and lighted lawn ornaments. Most of the people hire contractors who specialize in putting up decorations. At any rate they are beautiful and the following are just a few of what I saw.

Christmas Lights

Christmas Lights

Christmas Lights

Christmas Lights

Christmas Lights

Bastani Christmas Tree Viewed From Outside 

Valley At Night

Thousands Of Windmills Generating Electricity In The Surrounding Hills

 

Acre After Acre Of Grape Vineyards In Hills Around Ruby Hills

Grape Vineyards

Hills Around Ruby Hills

Rolling Hills Around Ruby Hills

Lonely Trees On Hill Side

Last night all were tired after taking down all the Christmas decorations in the house and did not want to fix dinner at home so we went to one of the few dining places near Bami and Janice home. An Italian place with  a couple of party rooms, large dining area inside and a large dining area outside. Outside there are fireplaces and other heaters and the area is covered but the sides are open so you are outside. The name of the place is Compo Di Bocce of Livermore. It has several Bocche Ball Courts inside and out side. This is a very popular sport around here with individual and team competitions. There were several groups playing last night. When I saw this I said I have to get some pictures to show Charlie and Joyce in Long Island. We had a very delightful meal. 

Janice And I At Compo Di Bocce

Indoor Bocche Court

Indoor Bocche Court

After dinner we came back home and watched some TV and waited for the new year. An advantage at least for a sleepy head like me when you are on the west coast you can watch the ball drop in New York City at midnight and see it at a decent time of 9:00 PM. So that is what we did . We had our little new year hats on and our little horns and we properly welcomed the new year and then went to bed. Now in my book that is the way to do it.

Today being Jan 1, 2013 we watched the Rose Bowl Parade which was beautiful.  I have always loved the Rose Bowl Parade. After that I helped Bami put up shelves in one of the garages. Still a lot of unpacking to do to get a car in the one garage. The other garage may not see a car inside it for a long time in the future. After that we watched some football bowl games and had a delicious meal prepared by Janice. Corey and Nicku came over for a visit and ate with us. The main course was duck with red cabbage and black eyed peas. There were lots of snacks around as well. That lady can cook. Tonight we snacked on left overs and watched part of the Orange Bowl and we all gave up a little after half time and came to bed. Tomorrow will be another busy day for sure. I trust all of you had a joyous Christmas and happily welcomed in the new year. 2013, It doesn't seem possible. I will say good night and I love you.

Grandpa Bill



Home In Ruby Hill, December, 2012

I love to know the history of places I visit and I know that the State of California has a rich history and heritage. I have learned that Pleasanton, California is reputed to be the jewel of the Amador Valley, and is located in the eastern portion of the San Francisco Bay Area. The geographic location has been one of the major factors in shaping the past and will continue to shape the future based on the rapid growth and expansion occurring daily.
                
A Natural Wonderland
Two hundred fifty years ago, meadowlarks graced the valley with their beautiful songs. They were joined by elk, grizzly bears, cougars, salmon, coyotes, reptiles of all kinds, a true cornucopia of wildlife. Oak trees, sycamores, buckeyes, California bunch grass surrounded a large lagoon which nourished tulles, sedges and a myriad of aquatic life.
                
The Ohlone
The Valley was also part of a permanent settlement of Indians who came to the area approximately 4,000 years ago. The Indians, now called the Ohlone, called themselves the People. Their settlements along Pleasanton Ridge and the lagoon were part of the largest concentration of native Americans in North America. Their remains and relics have been found all around what is now Pleasanton. Their descendants today look upon this place as a very special one, to be revered and remembered and celebrated.

Spanish Settlement

The arrival of the Spanish in 1772 brought enormous changes to the People and the Valley. Mission San Jose, the fourteenth California mission, was founded on June 11, 1797, by Father Lausen. The Ohlone were aggressively incorporated and absorbed into the life of the mission. The Valley became the mission's pasture lands. Cattle were raised not for their meat but for their tallow which earned hard currency for the mission. In 1821, Mexico won its independence from Spain. The new "Secularization Law" intended for mission lands to be shared between Mexican citizens and the Indians, but it was not followed. By the late 1830's the vast majority of lands had been granted by the Governor to loyal Mexican politicians, soldiers and supporters.
Gold!
The huge influx of Yankee gold seekers, squatters and settlers, and the admission of California to the United States on September 9, 1850, quickly brought an end to the Spanish/Mexican period of California's history. Alisal, as Pleasanton was known at the time, was located on one of the main routes to the gold fields and quickly became a mercantile stopover for miners seeking their fortune in the Mother Lode.

Agricultural Heritage

Blessed with rich soil, Pleasanton soon became the agricultural center for the Amador Valley and home to the oldest horse racing track in the nation. Even today, famous horses from around the country continue to be sent here to showcase their speed because of the excellent soil and facilities. The hops grown here were sought by many of the largest beer producers in the United States and Europe, making Pleasanton internationally famous.
Small Town America
After being chosen as the background for the movie, "Rebecca of Sunny brook Farm", starring Mary Pickford, the town served as the location for many films because of its historic downtown and rural environs, eventually becoming known as the "Hollywood of the North".
A Commercial Center
Pleasanton's rural character was maintained through the late 1950's while other cities in the Bay Area grew rapidly, often routinely bulldozing blocks of historic buildings in the name of "progress." It was only a matter of time until developers made their move on Pleasanton and the 1960s and '70s brought drastic increases in both our boundaries and population. Located at the intersection of I-580/I-680, Pleasanton became a magnet for retail/commercial developers. Several business parks were constructed including Hacienda, which is the largest in northern California. Jobs multiplied rapidly. By the mid 80s, Pleasanton was the third fastest growing city in California.

Ruby Hills

Ruby Hills is a  private gated community on the eastern flank of Pleasanton.  The Ruby Hills Golf Club is a Jack Nicklaus Signature Course surrounded by exceptional homes and estates amid the rolling hills and vineyards of the Livermore Valley. The view allows you to see cattle grazing on the beautiful hills and overlook acre after acre of grape vineyards
and at night a spectacular of lights across the valley.

Lights In The Valley

Typical Rolling Hills Near Ruby Hills

Premia and Ascona are semi-custom homes developed by Signature Properties. Premia, built in 1995-1996, features homes between 2200 and 3000 sq ft on 8000 to 15,000 sq ft lots. Ascona was built in 1997-1999, with 8000 to 10,000 sq ft lots. These homes feature unique exteriors, ranging from Italian to Country French. All have 3 car garages.

Ruby Hill has over 500 custom homes that have been developed, starting in 1995 and continuing today. Typical custom lots in Ruby Hill are in the 1/2 acre to 2/3 acre range, with premium lots over an acre. Many have golf course views. The homes are of styles such as Formal Italian to Country French to Craftman.  Ruby Hills has a total of over 860 homes and space for more. The area has a number of major winery's such as The Ruby Hills Winery which dates back to 1887.

Ruby Hills Winery

Home is where the heart is I have always heard. Jan and I used to say that where ever we happen to be that was home whether that was in a small house of a relative, an apartment, tiny house in Japan or our first home we owned. Home - that word has such a beautiful sound to it. In this case I want to talk about the current home of Bami and Janice here in California. Just like her mother Janice makes wherever she and Bami are living - home. A place of warmth and love with a welcome for everyone.

Bastani Home

Back Of House And Pool Area

 

Looking At The View From One Of The Six Balconies. 2nd One Is On The Left

Back Yard And Pool

Pool area And Hot Tub From Upstairs

Side Yard

Side Yard

Garage

The Other Garage

Matilda At Home In Her Garden

Inside Looking At Front Entry

Coming In The Front Entry You See The Cinderella Staircases

Entry Looking Into Dining Room

Entry Looking Into Living Room

Entry Chandelier

Looking Into Living Room

Living Room

Looking Out Of Living Room

Looking Into Living Room

Back Stairs. Bami's Office Is Straight Ahead. Spare Bed Room On Left

Bami's Home Office

Entry Looking Into Dining Room

Dining Room

Dining Room Looking Toward Entry

 

Serving Area Between Kitchen And Dining Room

 

Part Of Upstairs Library

Other Part Of Upstairs Library

Exercise Room

Upstairs Bedroom

Blue Bedroom

Blue Bedroom

 

Another Upstairs Bedroom

Janice Office - Still Unpacking. Craft Room Is In The Back Left

Janice Office - Still Unpacking

 

Master Bedroom

Master Bedroom

 

Master Bedroom Looking Toward The Master Bath And Closets

Kitchen Dining Area

Kitchen

Kitchen Looking Into Family Room

Closer View Of Kitchen Looking Into Family Room

Looking From Kitchen Across Kitchen Dining Area Into Family Room

Family Room

Family Room

Family Room

Latest Two Members Of The Bastani Household. Tuff/Tuft On Left Because Of His Bad Hair Day and Orange On Right

Awaiting The Arrival Of 2013

Just A Few More Hours - Then 2013

Yes we are anxiously awaiting the arrival of the new year and all the promises hopes, and prayers for a happy and healthy new year. We are also mindful of the blessing God showered upon us in 2012 and we are thankful for that and we pray that we will be worthy servants for Him in the new year. To all my friends and loved one Happy New Year. I love you.

Grandpa Bill