A Weekend Stroll

Here we are ~ one of the old neighborhoods in our town, Modesto, California. Modesto is the home of George Lucas (the creator of Star Wars - mom even went to High School with him...) and the home of the world famous Gallo Winery. We are located in the Central Valley of California, about 70 miles southeast of San Francisco, two hours from Yosemite and Carmel.

This particular neighborhood has a variety old homes - from Hansel and Gretel cottages to Craftsmans, Old Castles, Georgian Style and Cape Cods. So, put on your comfie shoes and lets go for a walk. Ok Doogs, you can get out of the car now.
We will start with one of the neatest old homes...
...an old castle that is just fabulous and has an old slate roof and lush gardens.
Some refer to it as the "haunted castle" so I did a little special touch below...
...looking kinda scary now....
Come along now...

...one of my favorites with the wrap around porch...
...cross the street, but look out for cars......love the flag...
...ornate reliefs on this beauty..
...oh look, a pink hydrangea!...
Very European looking...
One of many homes that are honored as a Historic Home. Sweet manicured yard.
Another view of this charmer. Lovely boxwoods and privets outline the neatly maintained porch.
Another Georgian style home that is another Historic Home.
A pretty touch to a gate.

Neat old rock wall! It really is quite different.
Great old 1920's Craftsman Bungalow. There are many in this neighborhood, however this is one of the nicer ones.
Come along....there are more to see.....

Let's go down this street where there are some charming Hansel and Gretel homes.
This sweeeeeet home is the home of my friend, Shirley. They added the match stick picket fence and the arbors. A few years back they received The Garden Of The Month Award from our local Garden Club. Always a treat to walk by to see their lovely yard.

Extra wide streets and look, no cars!

My husband's favorite home. There used to be handpainted squirrels under the eves. This charming home has recently been updated and has a yummy chocolate brown paint with a fabulous red painted porch.
Love the porch swing and white rocking chairs. Now where is the parade?
So inviting. They did a superb job on this grand home.
...Tired yet?....We're almost done....

Below is a cool old light that is on a home that looks as though nobody lives there. Now if any home were thought to be haunted, it would be this one. There never seems to be anyone home........


A hands-down charmer ~ and on my favorite homes list. This old salt box is the sweetest and the yard is always delightful with colorful flowers.

A little yellow Victorian sits comfortably next to a cozy Craftsman.
Yup....God Bless America!

Wonderful privets with the best architectural detail!
.....Where are the chairs? We need to sit and rest after this little walk!

Ah well, best get in the car and get Doogs some water. Little guy is tuckered out!

Thanks for coming along with us! If you would like to see more adorable homes in our town, click here.

This coming Tuesday, our sweet friend Melissa is hosting a Worldwide Drive by on her blog!!! It sounds like a wonderful way to get to see what other neighborhoods around the world look like! Here are her links:

http://theinspiredroom.wordpress.com/2008/05/20/drive-bys-the-outdoor-room-edition/

http://theinspiredroom.wordpress.com/2008/05/29/introducing-drive-bys-around-the-world/

If you would like to participate, drop Melissa an email or comment.

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I also want to tell everyone thank you for the comments you have left about our son and about our yard. You are all so very kind and we appreciate each and every one of you! And yes, I do dry our hydrangeas and use them in little bouquets here and there. They love shade, however there are a few varieties that don't mind the sun. We just use regular flower food on ours and don't cut them back in the winter. We do remove the old buds, but never cut the stalks. To get a blue hydrangea, you can buy a certain product to add to the soil to turn them blue. Honestly, they are one of the easiest plants to grow.

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ta ta for now!