Around Town + Object Love = Succulents

Hmm…I think this post combines two topics, Around Town which I've shared and Object Love which is new. Object Love is like show and tell. It's intended to share objects that I find interesting. Perhaps you will too!

Topic #4…Object Love.

Succulents
Over the holiday weekend, my lovely mother and her wonderful boyfriend hauled a pick-up truck full of succulents, soil, pots and tools to our place for planting [or is it potting?] on our barren deck. The survival rate on our deck for the last 10 years has been grim. It never occurred to me that succulents could be the answer until I was admiring them in my mom's garden. And by all accounts, they don't need much, so they should be well matched with my minimal TLC.

I love these plants. They come in so many textures, shades and shapes. I like how they can be randomly combined or just use one type in different sizes for critical mass.

Mixed succulents

Succulent leaves

Mamma baby cacti

Coincidentally, I've been wanting to visit Flora Grubb Gardens, the namesake of the owner. What a name! Talk about your name reflecting your vocation. Anyhow, I've read articles on the new location and heard great reviews from friends.

So, before we got to planting, we headed over to Flora Grubb's. The design of the gardens and site were amazing. It's an oasis in an industrial part of town. It's modern and simple. The site is propped with an old pick-up truck and car surrounded by plants, great retail strategy. Unfortunately, we didn't get to try the coffee as it was not staffed while we were there.

Flora sign

Flora truck

Flora dome

What I didn't realize was the breadth of succulents and cacti I would find. BEAUTIFUL! They even had bug eating plants…very cool.

Flora plans

I would say it's definitely worth the trip to Flora Grubb, even if you don't intend to buy anything. Get a cup of coffee, wander through the gardens and enjoy touching the plants. Be careful of the cacti though! I got a good piercing that still hurts when I think about it.

Enjoy,
F&N

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Around Town…Presidio Social Club

One of the hang-ups that has prevented me from blogging sooner is the absence of a theme or the lack of a singular topic like books, sake, fly fishing or cupcakes. Unfortunately, I don't have the attention span [or time] to solely devote an entire blog to a single subject, and, as odd as it sounds, I need SOME structure or parameters for any creative endeavor, personal or professional. So the initial thinking for Fiddlesticks & Nonsense is to create 4-5 topics that will enable any or all family members to participate and contribute [with the understanding, of course, I get to art direct].

Here is our inaugural entry for topic #1 Around Town……enjoy!

Sunday dinner at the Presidio Social Club.

Windowidentity

Ironically, I just recently learned about this local restaurant while traveling this summer! I was also surprised to discover that they have been open for almost 2 years [note to self: leave the `hood and explore more of the city!]. The article was complimentary of the food and the photos were great, so we gave it a try.

The building located in the Presidio has an interesting history as the enlisted men's barracks. The exterior gives no clues that the interior is a restaurant, but that's the most interesting element about PSC.

Exterior_psc
Exterior

Drumkit_2
Interior

The bar, cocktails, menu, interior and location were excellent.

Cocktail

Cocktailmenu

Table


They even had "entertainment" for little people! How awesome is this?

Sketch

But despite all the promise, the food was OK as was the service. Would we go there again? Yes, but I would order the really traditional items like mac `n cheese or fish and chips. I would also insist on sitting in the main room as opposed to the back room, where as we discovered is where families are seated. If any of you go, let us know your thoughts and experiences.

Best,
F&N

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