September 2001

deb@lightpatch.com

Festivals for Travelers, Sites of the Month, Special Feature, Quotes, Opinions, Rants, Praises.

The Artsy Site Of The Month: Todos Santos Tourism A quiet art colony in Baja is slowly becoming a tourist trap.		Handy Site Of The Month: Conversion Tables European to United States conversions for solids, liquids, clothing.
Web Page Design Site Of The Month: Webgraphics A new weblog (blog) for those who do web design.		Seasonal Site Of The Month: Star Party Calendar for September View the sky with others at Aumnal Equinox time.
Just Fun Site Of The Month: Hawaiian Name Generator Translate your name to a Hawaiian one.		Downright Serious Site Of The Month: Job Strain As Bad As Smoking Unhappy at your job? It's as dangerous as a pack of cigarettes.
Historical Site Of The Month: Al-Biruni I never learned of him when I was growing up, but he made great contributions to the sciences.

Much more than a card shop. Click on the logo to see for yourself!

Think you know it all? Prove it at Frenzi.com. And if you don't know something you can get some answers there.

Buy great spices at great prices

September Events

For September Travelers

September 1-2, 2001 Millbrae Art & Wine Festival Broadway Avenue, (between Victoria Avenue & Meadow Glen), Millbrae, California	100,000 attend this annual event, which includes 250 artists, food and wine, farmers market (on Sept. 1 only), events for children, and lots of music. More information: Call 650-697-7324.
September 1-2, 2001 Blackberry Festival unknown venue, Bremerton, Washington.	Car show, fly-in, berry fun run, Tour De Kitsap, Mainstreet Cinema, traditional festival foods as well as blackberry treats (including scones, pie and shortcake), and entertainment by Linder & Brock, Madhatters, Clave Con Jazz and others. More: Call 360-377-3041.
September 1-3, 2001 Milan Melon Festival Town Square, US 250 & State Route 113, Milan, Ohio	Celebrate melons and enjoy arts and crafts, rides, lots of food, and entertainment. More information: Call 419-499-2766 or 419-668-5231.
September 1-3, 2001 Hick Festival Camp Kidd, Parsons, West Virginia.	Turkey calling contest, lumberjack contests, gospel sing, pageant, crafts, horseshoe pitching tournament, barbecue, fiddle contest, banjo contest. More: Call 304-478-2660.
September 1-3, 2001 Tapestry In Talent Almaden Boulevard-Park Avenue area, San Jose, California.	Around 300,000 people typically attend this event, and the weather is usually pretty warm, so take sun protection. 350 artisans participate, plus there is food and entertainment, and there are usually civic and business exhibits as well. More: Call 408-494-3590.
September 1-16, 2001 Moab Music Festival various venues, Moab, Utah	There are many music festivals in the United States, but this one's big draw is the backdrop. You listen to the sounds of classical and jazz tunes in a tent or grotto with red rock scenery surrounding you. Ticket information: Call 435-259-7003.
September 2-3, 8-9 2001 Begonia Festival Wharf Road (and other venues), Capitola, California	Nautical parade with beginia-covered floats, fishing derby, sand sculpture contest, . More information: Call 831-476-3566.
September 4-8, 2001 Wellston Coal Festival various venues, Wellston, Ohio	Tour a working coal mine, enjoy Coal Miner Olympics, enter the "coal dust" sundae eating contest, browse arts and crafts, and enjoy entertainment, rides and food, more. More information: Call 740-384-5141.
September 5-8, 2001 Reynoldsburg Tomato Festival Civic Park, Reynoldsburg, Ohio	Midway, pony rides, fried green tomatoes, tomato exhibits, pageant, talent show, entertainment, free senior bingo, Grand Champion Tomato Contest, events for children, arts and crafts, relaxation tent. More information: Call 614-TOMATO (614-866-2861).
September 6-8, 2001 Popcorn Festival Downtown area, Marion, Ohio	Softball and volleyball tournaments, pageant, bike tour, 5k run, fine arts, concerts, commercial booths, more. More: Call 740-387-FEST.
September 6-9, 2001 Yellow Daisy Festival Events Meadow, Stone Mountain Park, Stone Mountain, Georgia.	More than 400 craftspeople and artisans gather to show their wares at this event, and there are activities for kids, plus plenty of entertainment and foods. Admission is free with park entry. More information: Call 770-498-5633. Note: We used to live near Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Stone Mountain is a nice ride from that area. It's only about twenty miles from Atlanta. So if you are going to be anywhere in those areas, do find the time to take in its unique scenery.
September 6-9, 2001 Kelso Highlander Festival unknown venue, Kelso, Washington	Scottish and Celtic clans compete in heavyweight games, piping and dancing. There are arts and crafts vendors, a fun run/walk, golf tournament, dinner, parade, food and entertainment. More information: Call 360-423-0900.
September 6-16, 2001 Harwich Cranberry Festival various venues, Harwich, Massachusetts	A Taste of Harwich, pet show, kids' events, yard and book sale, cranberry breakfest, yacht race, fire department demonstrations, pancake breakfast, band concert, carnival, music, arts and crafts, food, fireworks. There is an admission charge for those over age 12. No strollers in tents, please. No pets on grounds, please More information: Call 508-432-1600.
September 7-8, 2001 Fall Creek Heritage Fair Falls Park, Pendleton, Indiana	Over 200 arts and crafts booths, food. No admission is charged. More information: Call 765-778-3876.
September 7-9, 2001 Mantua Potato Festival Buchert Park, E. High Street, Mantua, Ohio	Food, rides, entertainment, games, 15k Potato Stomp, one-mile fun run, parade, children's events, bucket brigade, crafts. More information: Call 330-274-3464.
September 7-9, 2001 Camel Races unknown venue, Virginia City, Nevada	This festival is based on an old newspaper hoax, but 42 years later, the real tradition continues. In actuality I suppose it isn't even a festival, in the real sense of the word. But who can resist the sight of these untrained desert beasts in their mad dash for the Camel Cup? (Oh, I mean the jockeys. I doubt the camels could care less.) When it all gets to be too much, you can always enjoy the tourist trappings of the fair Viginia City, with its "Old West" atmosphere. More information: Call 775-847-0311 or 800-NEVADA-8.
September 7-9, 2001 Clinton County Corn Festival County Fairgrounds, Wilmington, Ohio	Antique farm machinery displays and demonstrations of wheat threshing and meal grinding, quilt display, entertainment, crafts, food, apple butter making, foods made from corn, more. More information: Call 877-4-A-VISIT.
September 7-9, 2001 Pekin Marigold Festival various venues, Pekin, Illinois	Golf tournament, pageant, carnival, Art in the Park, chess, food, sand volleyball tournament, petting zoo, climbing wall, more. More: Call 309-346-2106.
September 8-9, 2001 Jubilee Festival Downtown area, (good parking at hwy 98/Whispering Pines Rd), Daphne, Alabama.	Lots of arts and crafts and kids' art. (unable to grab more info in time for publication). Additional information: Call 251-621-8222.
September 8-9, 2001 Maize Fall Festival various venues, Maize, Kansas.	Carnival, barbecue, pageants, dance, kiddie tractor pull, ice cream social, bed races, car show parade, talent show. Additional information: Call 3116-722-7561.
September 8-9, 2001 Greek Festival Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 4011 N Pennsylvania Street, Indianapolis, Indiana.	All the tasty ethnic treats to munch on are yours at this event, plus there is an arts and crafts bazaar, and children in costume will demonstrate folk dances. More information: Call 317-283-3816.
September 8-9, 2001 Mountain View Art & Wine Festival 8 blocks/Castro Street area, Mountain View, California.	If you want to see a lot of arts and crafts in the Bay area, this festival is my personal recommendation. There are 650 artists and craftsmakers (you will find some near-duplication, but the variety is still very good) at this event, plus food and wine (and a few restaurants are open as well). The event opens at 10 a.m., so if you want to avoid sun, go early. There is a Kids' Park and a music stage for entertainment. Please leave your pet at home. Additional information: Call 650-968-8378.
September 8-9, 2001 Chocolate Festival Ghirardelli Square, (near Fisherman's Wharf), San Francisco, California.	Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate, from noon until 5 p.m. You pay six dollars for five chocolate "samples". The proceeds from this event benefit project Open Hand. More information: Call 415-775-5500.
September 8-9, 2001 Greek Festival Saints Constantine and Helen Gr Orthodox Church, 3459 Manchester Avenue, Cardiff, California.	Greek foods and pastries, music and dancing, crafts, games for children, and entertainment Small admission charge for those over age 12. Additional information: Call 760-942-0920.
September 8-9, 2001 West Virginia Honey Festival City Park, Parkersburg, West Virginia.	Honey baking contest, beekeeping demonstrations and classes, music, pageant, kids' events, honey and wax contest and auction. More information: Call 800-752-4982 or 304-428-5835.
September 12-15, 2001 American Soya Festival unknown venue, Amanda, Ohio.	Square dancing, music, soybean seed spitting contest, big wheel race for kids, contests, rides, games, foods containing soy products, parades. Additional information: Call 710-969-4525.
September 13-16, 2001 Kerman Harvest Festival Kerckhoff Park, Kerman, California	Parade, music, children's activities, talent show, baking contest. Admission is free on Thursday only. More information: Call 559-846-6343.
September 14-16, 2001 Wizard of Oz Festival unknown venue, Chesterton, Indiana	This is the 20th year of the festival, and events include autograph parties, a showing of the 1939 film, a raffle, 5k Run To Oz, arts and crafts, character look-a-like contests, town criers competition, music, parade. More information: Call 219-926-5513.
September 14-16, 2001 Detroit Festival of the Arts 20-block area downtown, Detroit, Michigan.	75th Anniversary Original World Market (ethnic and old world crafts), music, Shakespeare-in-the-park, Children's Fair, Avenues of Art. Details: Call 313-577-5088.
September 15-16, 2001 Oklahoma Scottish Games and Gathering Chandler Park on W. 21st, Tulsa, Oklahoma.	Athletic games, dancing and music, demonstrations and entertainment. More information: Call 918-499-2585.
September 15-16, 2001 Oldtime Farming Festival Hilliar Twp. Memorial Park, Centerburg, Ohio.	Antique farm machinery show, square-dancing tractors, arts and crafts, kids' events, food concessions, music, horticultural show with grower competitions, ciphering match, more. Additional information: Call 740-625-9413.
September 15-16, 2001 Capitola Art & Wine Festival Capitola Village/Esplanade area, Capitola, California.	Local restaurant, caterers and 13 area wineries present tastes, plus there will be music and over 200 artists' booths. Please leave pets home. More information: Call 831-475-6522 or 800-474-6522.
September 15-16, 2001 Seafood Festival Point Cadet Plaza, Biloxi, Mississippi.	My husand lived in Biloxi for awhile as a kid, and says the seafood was always wonderful. Biloxi celebrates with Jambalaya, Seafood Quesadillas and other treats. This is the 20th year of the festival, and events include kids activities, free admission to the Seafood Museum and J. L. Scott Marine Education Center, a boat show, arts and crafts and lots of musical entertainment. More information: Call 228-374-2717.
September 15-23, 2001 Leaf Peepers Festival various venues in Tucker County, Davis, West Virginia.	Archery, 5k tour, crafts fair, food, golf tournament, darts, camping and riding events (you can have breakfast with singer Michael Martin Murphey--for details on this event see frontierfest.com). There is also a silent auction, hiking, breakfast bike ride, dog show, duck race, and lots of lovely fall scenery to enjoy. Details: Call 304-259-4218.
September 18-22, 2001 Apple Festival Downtown, Jackson, Ohio.	Homemade apple butter, apple pies, candy apples,four parades, rides, displays, games and contests, food concessions, car show, quilt show, sporting events, crafts, entertainment. Additional information: Call 740-286-1339.
September 20-23, 2001 Clay County Golden Delicious Festival unknown venue, Clay, West Virginia.	Quilt show, duck race, chili cooking contest, clogging, apple butter making, parades, carnival rides, fireworks, outdoor drama, baking contests. More information: Call 304-587-4455.
September 22-23, 2001 Corvallis Fall Festival Central Park, Corvallis, Oregon	170 arts and crafts booths, flower and bulb sale, farmer's market, bookmobile and History Channel Bus, 5k and 10k run, food, and entertainment by (among others) Little Charlie and the Nightcats, Kathy Walker, Amadan, and Ballet Sangamar. More: Call 541-752-9655.
September 22-23, 2001 Moon Festival Chinatown, San Francisco, California	Parade, entertainment by performers from the Pacific Rim countries, activities for children, "thequot; Moonfest dragon, arts and crafts and food. More: Call 415-982-6306.
September 22-24, 2001 Scarecrow Festival unknown venue, Wanatah, Indiana	Scarecrows on display, arts and crafts, car show, toy show, entertainment, dances, games and food. More information: Call 219-733-2183.
September 22-29, 2001 Persimmon Festival unknown venue, Mitchell, Indiana	Enjoy persimmon pudding, a baking contest, arts and crafts, antique cars, parade, pageants, carnival, sporting events, and entertainment by Endless Summer, The Marlins, and Sonshiners Quartet. More information: Call 800-580-1985.
September 27-30, 2001 Barnesville Pumpkin Festival Downtown, Barnesville, Ohio.	Parade, car show, arts and crafts, rides, games and contests, farm machinery, food, display of gourds and pumpkins (the 1999 pumpkin winner weighed almost 800 pounds!). Additional information: Call 740-676-8481.
September 27-30, 2001 Buckwheat Festival Kingwood Volunteer Fire Dept. Fairgrounds, Kingwood, West Virginia	This festival is in its 60th year. Celebrate with parades, arts and crafts, antique car show, rides, buckwheat cake dinners, entertainment. More: Call 304-864-4601.
September 27-October 2, 2001 Tahoe International Film Festival unknown venue, North Lake Tahoe, California	The festival seeks to take the best of modern film and highlight the kind of media that acts as a positive force in our world. This year's theme is "Women of Story, Women in Film". More information: Call 530-583-FEST(3378).
September 29-30, 2001 Old Pecan Street Fall Arts Festival East 6th Street, (between Congress Avenue & I.H. 35), Austin, Texas.	250 juried artists, plus food and beverages, and plenty of musical entertainment. More information: Call 512-441-9015.
September 28-30, 2001 Ohio Swiss Festival unknown venue, Sugarcreek, Ohio.	Authentic Swiss costumes and music, dancing to polka bands, parade, Swiss athletic events, tastings of Swiss cheese from eleven cheese-making plants. The town's business section is alpine in its look. Additional information: Call 330-852-4113 or 888-609-7592.
September 29-30, 2001 Italian Festival Center House & Seattle Center Pavilion, Seattle, Washington.	Appearance by Bianchi Bicycle Racing Team, cooking demonstrations by Michael Chiarello, Bolla Grape Stomp, Paglia Pizza Toss for kids, Bocce tournament, Taste of Italy, entertainment by Julie Cascioppo, Due Ballerini, and the Italian Choir of British Columbia (among others), Italian film festival, including showing of Ossessione (directed by Luchino Visconti). More information: Call 206-282-0627.
September 29-30, 2001 Geneva Area Grape Jamboree unknown venue, Geneva, Ohio.	Lots of grapes and grape products dominate this event. Parades, arts and crafts, grape cooking contest, food booths, farmers market, antiques, rides and street dancing, sports events, exhibits. Additional information: Call 740-466-JAMB.
September 29-30, 2001 Pacific Coast Fog Fest Palmetto Avenue, Pacifica, California.	Parade, 150 arts and crafts booths, giant sandcastle, kids' events, music, classic car show. Please leave Fido, bikes, scooters, and skateboards at home. More information: Call 650-355-8200.
September 29-30, 2001 Duluth Fall Festival Main & W. Lawrenceville Streets, Duluth, Georgia	Parade, scarecrow contest, 5k road race, booths, entertainment. More: Call 770-476-0240.
September 29-30, 2001 Mississippi Pecan Festival in orchard, Hwy 15, south of town, Richton, Mississippi	Mule pull, talent show, demonstrations, arts and crafts, music. More: Call 601-525-3792.
It's always best to call ahead to verify festival information. Please tell them you saw the information in Deb's Monthly Review. Please, please don't write and ask for personalized information on upcoming festivals, (well, unless you want to hire me!) I just do not have time to do free searches for everyone who asks.

More than half this calendar year has past, and now that we are trying to enjoy the final days of summer, all that some of us can think of is that we have gotten very little done in 2001. The truth is, you have probably accomplished more than you think. You have probably also spent more money, fixed more broken objects, hugged more friends, seen more scenery, and learned more lessons than you realize. It all depends on how you look at things, and how you count up the done and the undone. Let me show you what I mean. Statistics are a great way to take another look at the American way of life. You can make statistics say almost anything you wish. And you can argue against almost any statistic with great success. I selected a few "facts" from various places that collect data on Americans. Only about 30 per cent of Americans can flare their nostrils. (I find myself in this strange subset of humanity, possessing a talent which I can now look forward to using sometime, some way.) Eighty-five per cent of Americans will eat some Spam this year. (I am happy to count myself among the minority). Fifty-three percent of U.S. women claim they will not leave the house without wearing makeup. (These women have obviously never experienced an earthquake as large as the 1989 Loma Prieta shaker. I haven't talked to one female who stopped to apply mascara before covering her head and bolting for open spaces). About seventy-one per cent of Americans admit they will eavesdrop. (If my door is closed and I can still hear you airing your dirty laundry in loud voices from half a block away, it's not eavesdropping).

Now, if you are the type who chooses to thrive on worry, here are some "facts" that could keep you up nights, if you let them. The tendency to have ingrown toenails is hereditary. (Let us not forget that genetics is almost as manipulative a science as statistics.) A shark can grow a new set of teeth in a week. The single most common chronic disability nationwide seems to be hearing loss. Most career burglars have been to college. Deer like marijuana. (so, that explains how they end up standing in the road with your headlights showing off that glazed look in their eyes.) Nutmeg is poisonous if injected intravenously. (Easy to remedy, folks. Just say no.) Your nose and ears never stop growing. (Okay, it's a little disconcerting. But if you're into piercings, it means more canvas for adornment!) The average person is about a quarter of an inch taller at night. (If you're just the worrying type, you'll stay up all night measuring yourself, so what can I say?) The Neanderthal's brain was bigger than yours. (And he still managed to become extinct.) When people in court "testify", it is said to have come from Roman courts, where men swore on their testicles. (I wonder how we transitioned from that particular practice to that of swearing on a Bible?) It seems that non-dairy creamer is flammable. (If you light up a cigarette to have with that cup of coffee, you may give a whole new meaning to the phrase "cigarettes can kill you." Lightning strikes somewhere on the planet about 6000 times a minute. (You know that favorite isolated tree you like to sit beneath and have your lunch...?) Well, after all that gloom and doom, these "facts" may cheer you up a bit. Butterflies are cannibals. (well, it means they leave us alone.) More people are killed annually by donkeys than die in air crashes. (Until some government agency finds a way to regulate donkeys.) You cannot kill yourself by holding your breath. (Never underestimate the power of silly humans to undermine the autonomic nervous system.) Some insects can live up to a year without their heads. (the bad news is that most of them are working in our nation's Capital.)

And these "facts" may give you pause to think. Or not. The Declaration of Independence was written on hemp paper. (At least they didn't roll it up and smoke it. That would have put a real damper on the whole project.) The product called White Out was invented by Bette Nesmith Graham, Mike Nesmith's mother (Mike used to be a Monkee.) A polar bear's fur is not really white. It's transparent. (So, I guess if it wants to hide, it will need some "Transparent Out".) Anthropologists report that couples on Trobriand (near New Guinea) do not eat together until they are married. But it is quite common for them to bite off one another's eyelashes. (Ouch, ouch, ouch! If you'd ever seen my fringe up-close, you'd know I just found another reason to be glad I'm an American.) Earth is the only planet not named after a god.

I leave you with a short poem I wrote, and a wish that you might see the beauty of color in this fall, the turn of happy events that balances the bad, the honesty in those whose hand you shake in business, the good traits in those you seek as friends, and the truth in places where the Devil would rather have you see a lie.

Once upon a time there was a man with a gentle voice and quiet charm. He made several movies and worked in a TV show playing a character who rode a motorcycle from town to town, touching lives, and singing a little here and there. Then some of us didn't hear much of him for awhile. We wondered if he would ever come to sing for us again.
Michael Parks is not only singing, but he recorded 17 songs for us to enjoy. If you haven't closed your eyes and dared to dream for a long while, take heart. These are songs to dream by. And you'll believe he sings just for you. This one was worth waiting for. Take a trip to Listen Recordings where you can order your copy.

We're pleased to host the work of artisan Joan Garnand on our little patch of light on the web. Joan's creations are finally finding their way out of her Tennessee community and into the hearts of admirers everywhere. Check out Joan's zucchini/squash casserole recipe. This busy lady also began her TV stint this past spring, and is sharing her cake decorating and candy-making skills on a local Chattanooga station. She has spent this summer doing face painting and hand-painted stationery at Tennessee festivals.
Are you ready for some big weekend breakfasts this fall? You might like to try Cinnamon French Toast Sticks With Spicy Cider Syrup. And there is also Overnight Coffee Cake. For something savory, try Crustless Quiche Fantastique. If you are not big on the shrimp and pork products, you could always substitute turkey ham or just add more veggies to the mix.
Most of us seek a good night's sleep when we look for a bed and breakfast inn. But with the season of Halloween coming up next month, some of you might just be in the mood for a bit of unrest and hearing things that go bump in the night. Take a look at this list of Haunted Bed & Breakfast Inns, which is maintained by the Internation Ghost Hunters Society. I don't live very far from Brookdale Lodge, and can tell you that if staying overnight is too daunting a thought, you can go and just have dinner in a lovely mountain setting, with babbling brooks and dark, towering trees, and--well, you get the idea. And here's an idea for those of you who have been dying (sorry) to have your own home and felt you could not afford one, why not buy a haunted house?		Most of the more recent mainstream movies have not lured me in to view them, but I can at least get a sense of what a film is about by visiting The Trailer Park. No, no, not that kind of trailer park. This site has links to trailers for new (and some older) films. (Back in the "old days" I] think we used to call them "previews".) The site works best if you have a good sound card and fairly fast computer, of course, but if you have only an average system, you can still have a lot of fun there.
Do you remember when Charles Osgood wrote some verse in an attmempt to romanticize the term "POSSLQ"? The term was originally invented by some person (or persons) in our U.S. government trying to categorize a portion of the population which was falling between the cracks when it came to demographics, tracking, voting and (ah, yes) collecting taxes. If you ever wondered what became of all the POSSLQs in the world, take a look at How Does POSSLQ Measure Up.

Find great restaurant reviews and more at DINE.com

Taking a trip? These folks have gear for people going places. AJ Prindle & Co., LLC		Rubber stamp collectors! Did you send for yours yet? Anne-Made Designs has a 258-page catalog. To get yours, you'll need a check for $8.50. (if you are new to stamping, I should tell you it's a common practice to pay for catalogs) This will get you a full catalog and supplements, plus first-timers get a 3-by-5 card of assorted unmounted stamps to enjoy (Anne's choice).
Why pay full price for new clothes?		Send your $8.50 to: Anne-Made Designs Anne Olney PO Box 697-D Erwin TN 37650 You can tell Anne I sent you, but she'll give you prompt, professional service anyway--it's just her style.

Graphic Hunters, take note! All graphics on this page (except the links to other sites, the Home and the email graphics below) are original. If you want to use any for your non-commercial page, please do. A thanks on your page and a link back to this page would be great. Do drop me a line or two of email so I can see and enjoy your page.

Deb's Monthly Review is copyrighted! Do be a dear and ask before you lift whole portions of the Special Review or something. Remember! Those of us who publish on the web are not saying our work is in the public domain. When in doubt about your use of someone's else's writings or graphics, ask! If you want to use graphics or text on a commercial page, contact me first, please, and we'll work something out.

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