Nights Of A 1000 Lights At Sherman Gardens 12/8/2016 (Page One)
Sherman Gardens was illuminated with a thousand holiday lights and festive decorations. Each section of the Gardens had unique lighting and decorations ranging from a canopy of twinkling stars over an enchanted evergreen forest to an underwater oasis in the Conservatory.
The centerpiece of the display was a grand 20ft. Christmas tree surrounded by an eye-popping display of flowers. The Tea Garden was glittering in gold in honor of the Library & Garden's 50th anniversary.
Antique toys and a classic Christmas scene were on exhibit in the Adobe.
This special evening featured live musical performances by a jazz trio, a delicious assortment of hors d'oeuvres and desserts prepared by Chef Pascal Olhats. Wine, champagne and beer were available for purchase.
Menu For The Evening
- International Cheese and Smoked Salmon Platter with Fresh Berries
- Grapes, Nuts, Olives, with Dijon and Creme Fraiche
- House Crackers and Crostini
- Pascal's Beef Bourguignon (braised beef in red sauce with mushrooms/white onion)
- Savory Crepes (tarragon chicken with mushrooms)
- Sweet Crepes (sweet butter sauce with strawberry jam and chantilly cream)
- Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
- An Assortment of Bars (brownies, 7-layer magic and shortbread)
We Are Off For A Wonderful Evening
It's going to be a great evening...
Our little orchid has come to life!
Thank you Jennifer!
We had front row seats at the bar... Reserved!
Tuckie makes us a special drink!
Note the ice cube!
Flaming orange peel
Did You Know? - Use dried orange peels instead of newspaper to start a fire. Orange oil is flammable and lights easily which makes it an excellent fire starter. Burning orange peels in your wood burning fireplace is supposed to remove any creosote that's inside your chimney too. Just use caution because you are playing with fire in this tip.
Although you'll probably need a little supplemental help from another source, orange peels are perfect fire starters! The oil in the skin fuels the fires and in the process they release less creosote than traditional paper. It will keep your chimneys cleaner in the process and leave your home smelling like roasted oranges — take that Febreze!
He runs a knife across the skin leaving the pith so the oil is easy to get to...
The he rubs the rim of the glass with the orange oil!
A lighter comes out and stand back!
Making sure he has enough!
"Who has the marshmellows?"
We all spilt a mushroom pizza
Perfection but now it is time to move on!
(NOTE: Brian said the pizza at Cucina Enoteca was the best he ever had!)
California.... See the cuckoo in the tree?
We were right on time and got in before the crowds
The grounds were beautiful
Let's find a table quickly
The music was super this evening...
Plenty of goodies for all
We stayed outside... Too noisy inside!
We had a table right next to the bar and the music...Life is good!
Tummies are now officially full! ... Again!
Gloves and warm jacket... She is ready for a walk
(p.s. Sue is planning to audition for Frozen)
We are about to walk...
Mr. Claus adjusts his bonnet
Did You Know? - Every year, as Christmas rolls around, one will commonly see people wearing red pointed hats. They sometimes have little white balls on top, and they usually have a band of white around the bottom, but they are always red and always pointed. They are often called a Santa Hat in today's world, but this hat has been called by many other names throughout history.
Remember, in pagan culture, the names and associated meanings often change, but the ritual or tradition remains very much the same. This is the case with the Santa Hat. It has been known throughout history as the Pileus, Phrygian Cap, Cap of Liberty, Freedman's Cap, Cap of Mithra, and has only recently taken on the name Santa Hat.
Santa is smiling... What did he do?
Jan assists Brian with his cap! Perhaps it needs a chin strap?
Do you notice something a little strange?
Handsome devil!
The fun done begun!
The evening gets off to a riotous beginning...
