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Pope Francis pays a visit to the U.S.

I’m happy that the Pope is visiting the U.S. today. I admire him. I was raised a Catholic, although I have not considered myself to be such since a young man. This Pope seems much different than most during my lifetime. Pope Francis appears more humble, thoughtful, and less imperious. I find him inspiring. Last year we toured the Vatican on a somewhat rainy day, and I was lucky to capture some very nice photos. I thought the occasion of his visit a good excuse to look them over again.
Below, we pose in St Peter’s Square, where the Pope addresses crowds.
Kary and Skip at the VaticanThere was so much gorgeous art and architecture at the Vatican, it was overwhelming.

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From Wikipedia: “Throughout his public life, Pope Francis has been noted for his humility, his concern for the poor, and his commitment to interfaith dialogue.” A much needed spirit for our times. Welcome to the U.S, Pope Francis. We are blessed by your presence.
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Redding Beer and Wine festival today

The photo I took of the Redding Beer & Wine Festival and posted here a few years back has become iconic for the event. It is one of my favorite Redding events, and one of my favorite photos too. See you there!
Beer and Wine 2011

Event Details: Redding Beer & Wine Festival 2015
Admission: $35-40
Times: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
September 19, 2015
http://www.vivadowntownredding.org/

Location: Market Street Promenade, Downtown Redding
1501 Market Street, Redding, CA 96001

Details:
Each year – just as Redding begins to cool down, numerous local restaurants, wineries and brewers come together with local artists, gathering with friends to experience regional food and drink samples, great cooking demonstrations, music, and fun with your friends. $35 Raley’s locations in Redding & Red Bluff $35 online via Cascade Theatre Box Office (+$1.50 process fee) $40 at the door (if available). Have a great evening out in Downtown Redding!

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A pop up Parklet and Market Hall in Redding

We stopped by the Pop Up Parklet and Market Hall on California Street in Redding and snapped a few images. This event goes on for just 3 days, Sept 17-19, so be sure to stop by and catch a glimpse of a perhaps more friendly urban Redding street.

WHAT IS THIS EVENT?
It’s a temporary, community-led project to look at downtown Redding from the perspective of community members and business owners and pilot new ways to build the community we want – today!

We will get creative, share new ideas and create immeasurable goodwill for local businesses and the downtown district.

The three-day event includes

A people-friendly outdoor seating area creating a parklet and a bicycle corral, with other living streets features such as creative wayfinding signs. This is a public park, and is open all day to the public.
A culinary and local business pop-up offering local gourmet foods and gifts. The Market Hall will be open from 7:30 a.m to 10:00 p.m. each day, with breakfast, lunch, and an evening reception each day.

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Parklet 6Click on the image above for more info.
A glimpse of a more people-friendly downtown. That’s Really Redding.

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Big benefit BBQ today by Redding Asphalt Cowboys

These images below are from a few years back, but they give you some idea of the fun and food available today at Caldwell Park in Redding. All for a good cause.
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“The grills are fired up and the Asphalt Cowboys are ready for the 63rd Annual Community BBQ. Join us today from. 11-6pm for Tri Tip, Chicken, World Famous Cowboy Beans and all the fixins.”

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bbq1BBQ5BBQ4Benefit BBQ in the park. That’s Really Redding.

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Shasta County mental health resources

Mental health issues affect everyone.

Listen to the stories of these local brave faces and their journeys.

If you, or anyone you know can use help, there are resources at Shasta County:
To access mental health services 24 hours a day, call (530) 225-5252.

If you are considering suicide and need to talk to someone, call 800-273-TALK (24-hour national line) or (530) 244-2222 (local).

Here is a link to a county resource website:
http://shasta.networkofcare.org/mh/

Stand against stigma

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Jack’s Grill, a Redding institution

For more than 75 years, Jacks Grill has been serving Redding. The iconic standalone structure is a throwback to California Street’s rough and ready past. Jack’s longtime popularity and staying power is exceedingly scarce among Northstate restaurants. I regularly see patrons lined up at opening time daily, as below.

We hadn’t been for a long while. Let’s go.Jacks GrillI’d heard they recently turned up the lights, and so diminished some of the charm. Hmm. Jacks1

Well, if they did indeed turn up the lights, then my vision has only gotten dimmer. It looks no different to me than it did 40 years ago.

Okay. Minus the thick fog of cigarette smoke, back in the day.Jacks7The darkened setting lends Jack’s mysterious ambiance. Jacks9This bar is usually full. A place to see friends and to be seen.

Below,  the legendary salad.  Straight-up ice-cold iceberg lettuce drenched in bleu cheese.Jacks6Jacks3No question, the lovely Karry’s fried prawns were perfection on a plate. My New York steak was nicely done. I asked for rare, and that’s what I got. The baked potato sour creme and chive accompanied by pats of butter are EXACTLY as I remember it, circa 1978.Jacks5Jacks4
Looking for trendy cuisine? Or hipster nouvelle? Get outta here. Go away. #BlankStare.Jacks11
The bill arrives with a flashlight. I needed it.

Care for a slice of 1940, served up like smartphones exist only in sci-fi novels?

Yeah, Jack’s.
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Way back before the internet, and when I was working for a mega-corporation, whenever a bigshot manager or corporate executive came to town, they all wanted to go to Jack’s. Famous even then. It has always so perfectly exemplified the full-on Redding – California Street experience.

No, this isn’t Applebees. Nor is it the Outback. Nope.

Jack’s is seriously just about as Really Redding as you can get.