Thursday, January 3, 2013

THE CUTEST PATTISERIE IN TOWN

HI everyone,

It feels really good to be back to blogging again.  It seemed like I was in a bit of a blogging funk for a couple of months. However, yesterday, I finally decided to pull myself out of my creative rut and just start writing again.

Today I went to Whole Foods for coffee. Then after that my dad and I drove by the post office to get some photos. Oh, NOT photos of the post office, but of the Parker-Lusseau patisserie right next door. 

One of the things I love about Monterey is it's Spanish heritage.  During the holiday time there are these really cute adobe Christmas angels hanging up all over the downtown area.  I'm not sure if that's what they're really called, but that's the name I'm giving them.  Here are a few pics of the bakery, too.  It's housed in a historical building that used to be the home of General Fremont. He plays an important role in the early history of California.

So here are the pics. I took them on my mobile telephone since it was easier than using my "big girl" camera this morning:









































Just looking at the sign posted on the side of the patisserie makes me smile. It's got some serious vintage charm.  If a sign were cute enough to convince me to fall off the gluten free wagon and sink my teeth into a tasty croissant, this sign would definitely do that.  I really do love what they did to the look of this building, for sure.
































This is the patisserie, as seen from across the street.  The sun was super bright this morning.  You can see two of the adobe Christmas angels still hanging up above on the second floor balcony. Aren't they really cool?










































I'm not sure why I like this Christmas angels so much.  These really enchanted me when I first moved here and they still do :)  I think it's because they honor the Christmas season and the Spanish/Mexican heritage of this area.  It really is beautiful.  There are at least 8 different version of these angels that I've counted so far. Maybe even more than that, too.


































This is a view of the patisserie from street level.  It is a really small space inside, but I never go inside. I just like staring at the outside of the building.


































All of the historical buildings in town have some sort of sign that says something about the history of the building and/or who it belonged to. In this case, this was General Fremont's place.  There's even a street named after him in Monterey.










































Here's a close-up view of another of the adobe Christmas angel's. 










































This is the side area where people can sit, enjoy a cup o'joe or whatever else to drink and a nice, tasty good pastry :) :) 

Well, that's about it for today. I hope you enjoyed this mini view of Monterey today. 

The weather has been really, really beautiful today. It is cold.  People forget that "sunny California" doesn't also mean "warm", especially when there's an ocean in the backyard ;) :) :)  I think I'm going to head out to the library and check out some DVDs and books on tape.

Oh yeah, another piece of BIG NEWS...TWO pieces of big news:  I got my driver's license on October 5th. I can officially drive now...YEAH!!!! The next piece of news is that we no longer have any tv service of any kind.  Yes, it's true. That's why I only watch DVDs and listen to books on tape now, especially while I"m crafting. That'll be a story for another post.

That is the news from the ocean shores of California today.  Extra love and hugs to you all and Happy New Year 2013, Heather :) :) :)

12 comments:

Patti said...

First of all, Boise now has a Whole Foods! Yeah!! It opened in November. My daughter and I went there on grand opening day...need I say that it was a madhouse! But we loved it and intend to shop there fairly regularly.

Like I said, I am glad you are back to blogging. I am only writing on my classic film blog nowadays. Trying to keep up with 2 blogs was too difficult, so I deleted my "beautiful things" blog a couple months ago. Since you only watch DVD's, if you are looking for recommendations of some great films (many of which are out on DVD, or which I would be happy to record to disc from TCM), pop by my blog.

Those adobe angels are lovely. I love their bright colors! The entire bakery looks delightful. A cup of tea (or coffee) and a baked good in that setting would make a lovely treat.

Have a great day.

Love,
Patti

Trails of Grace said...

Welcome back!! This certainly looks like a place I would love to visit!! Happy New Year!

Anonymous said...

It is good to see you blogging again. I really enjoy the way you take photos and what you choose to take them of. Sharing your perspective teaches others a new way to look at the world. Everyone gets so busy and focused on their destination that they can easily miss the details in the world around them. I know that I appreciate your efforts and am sure that I am not alone in this. :)m

Grandmabeckyl.blogspot said...

Heather, it's good to hear from you again! Congratulations on your driver's license. I enjoyed your post and would love to go to that bakery. Too bad they don't do gluten free products so you can enjoy it. It could happen. I have often thought of getting rid of our cable but it seems to stick around.I watch it sometimes but not enough to keep it. Will see. I'd miss a bit of it but not alot. Hugs and Happy New Year to you as well!

Astrids dragon said...

Welcome back! How wonderful about your driver's license, freedom!

Your pictures make the town look lovely and I like the angels too.

Happy New Year!

Carol J. Alexander said...

Beautiful photos, Heather. Glad to have you back.

aimee said...

LOVE Whole Foods, bakeries and those adobe angels!
Congrats on getting your driver's license :)
Blessings,
Aimee

Parisienne Farmgirl said...

Heather - the movie is right on the sidebar of the link in my post - we don't have tv either but it's right there online and super easy to enjoy!
Blessings,
Ang

Beth said...

Beautiful shots, Heather! Congratulations on getting your driver's license! I know that will make life easier for you. I've missed you and am glad to see a couple of recent posts.
May 2013 bring you much joy, peace, prosperity, health, and hope.
Beth

Cara @ Gardenview Cottage said...

Have you been to the Forge in the Forest in Carmel? Hopefully it's still there? Fun little place to go to especially at night where you can sit by the fire outside and have a drink. We always went for yummy hot cocoa but I think it's a bar inside? One of my favorites!

Heather's Blog-o-rama said...

Hi Cara,
So cool to see you here at my blog. I haven't been to the Forge in the Forest in Carmel. I didn't even know about it...but I'll look it up and see if it's still there. When I have a chance, I'll swing by and get a photo for you :) :) I have an appointment with my orthodontist at the end of this month in Carmel...so I'll be in the area then :) :) I love a nice hot cocoa...and outside would be really fun :)

Rebecca said...

Wow! Your pictures are so Very Interesting & Well-Shot. I don't know what brought me to check if you were back. I'd given up some time ago - but now I see I've missed a lot. So I'm starting back in January and trying to catch up. Hope to hear about your new job....but I'll just keep scrolling upwards :)