Pumpkin Post

Here's the crazy cast of characters that emerged from this year's pumpkin carving bonanza:

And some closeups:

Sighted in the neighborhood

That's a big pumpkin!  (I'm talking about the one on the left, obviously.)

More to come, shortly!

random jabba

it's not every day that you come face to face with JABBA THE HUTT.  but last weekend, i did.  in our very own neighborhood.  had he been life size, i would say that it's not the kind of neighborhood i'd want to hang out in.  but given that he was miniature and plastic and tucked playfully into someone's front yard, this is exactly the kind of neighborhood i want to hang out in.

apologies for the terrible phone photo.  hopefully it's clear enough to see that he is waving to passerbys. 

potentially parklet

it looks like the 40th street parklet is finally on its way.  here are a few photos from last week (although the parklet seems to be in essentially the same shape this week...i fear that our little 'hood is getting a reputation for great ideas, built up anticipation, and delayed delivery).  hopefully it will be finished in time to enjoy the last few warm weeks of fall.  kudos to subrosa and manifesto for getting one of oaklands parklet pilot permits and raising the funds.

compare and contrast: dogs

compare and contrast:
llh and eg's dog:

bonus room dog:

cac and jc's dog:

suspiciously similar, don't you think? ...

rumor cycle

We heard a rumor a few weeks ago that the former laundromat at 40th and Opal was being considered as a site for a new beer hall and pretzel establishment.  Yesterday, our neighborhood email list added to the speculation, with someone reporting that the new place will specialize in pork sandwiches and beer!

Picture courtesy of Google street view, circa 2010/11?

We wandered down to the establishment this morning, and yes, there is definitely work in progress!  We were excited to see that they have expanded beyond the confines of the old laundromat (it would have been quite intimate if they hadn't).

 

Even more exciting is the hint about the brains behind the new establishment: Abe Froman Enterprises.  Will the Sausage King of Chicago's arrival to the neighborhood be the kick in the pants that Kasper's needs to reopen?

 

temescal rising

The Northern CA Sunset Magazine October issue features Temescal spots on three pages.  Michael Chabon shares Telegraph Ave favorites in celebration of his new book release (neon highlighter hearts added).

And "the alleys," previous featured in the NY Times, get special mention on another page.   Crimson and Esqueleto are my favorite shops there.

The final feature was on bagels and included Beauty's, but that deserves a post all its own (coming soon).

wheat paste randomness

Sometimes I come upon pasted moments of randomness like this while walking in the neighborhood.   They are SO random, it feels like there must be a meaning....what do you think it is?!

come back kaspers!

Kasper's Hot Dogs, at the intersection Shattuck and Telegraph, is one of the most iconic buildings and signs in our neighborhood.  We've been hoping, dreaming, pining for it to re-open ever since we moved to Oakland.  Not only is it a darling building, and a hot dog stand, it has great sidewalk space.  Can't you see the kids sitting out there, sunning themselves?!

Kasper's had a brief and temporary revival to kick start one of the many, many city council campaigns in District One.  This is a voting year where there are so many candidates and so many initiatives, the ballot is dizzying!

compare and contrast: pantries

We are lucky to have kitchens with good storage space - including a pantry that we added in the old water heater location.  Her's a compare and contrast of that space.  First, CAC and JC's pantry.  The outside fittingly features information on meat.  The inside is where all the precious bread ingredients are stored, as well as the "medium dog" toy that CAC bought for Marla, the 14lb dog.  Sometimes Marla gets to play with it (she loves it), but only for a short time lest she give herself a concussion with the oversized balls.

Next, llh and EG's pantry.  The outside is the original chalkboard paint project with a decal from Shanna Murray.  Inside, there are knitting projects, tools, and lots of dog toys stuffed into the dog travel bag that Marla refuses to even consider (imagine a 14lb dog completely spread eagle and rigid as we attempt to lower her into it....not pretty....she's definitely not having it).

Other than dog toys, what do these two spaces share?  Shopping bags, step ladders, and vacuums!

Compare and Contrast; light fixtures

One of the few fixtures that differs apartment to apartment is the light fixture above our breakfast counters.  The comparison is quite representative!

CAC, JC

LLH, EG

Shrubbery Randomness

One of the things that I love, love about our 'hood is the opportunities for randomness.  For example, last weekend, we were walking down the street and found this amazing shrubbery ball!  I can't decide if I want to cover it with white Christmas lights and treat it like an disco ball or dress it up like Oscar the Grouch for Halloween.  What do you think?

I Dream of Sharrows

When the City of Oakland came by to repaint the street markings, I was so excited.  I thought our sharrow was going in.  Alas, not yet.  Eventually, 40th, which goes right by BART, is supposed to be a super sharrow.  At present, it's still just a dream....

contrast and compare: BROTHERS!

 Last weekend there was the sibling convergence equivalent of a solar eclipse: both cac and llh's brothers were at Fort Ruby!  Here they are, two awesome guys who have helped us through many steps at Fort Ruby:

BC in front of CAC's bonus room door

KLH in front of LLH's bonus room door