Friday "My Town" shootout--INCONGRUOUS!

This week's theme for the Friday "My Town" shootout was chosen by Mary in Kansas...

INCONGRUOUS: Meaning: Out of place, ridiculous, inconsistent, contradictory

This one gave me a bit of trouble.... there's not much around here out of place! Dublin's city planner do fine work and have a great vision. Double that with the exhaustion of the first week of school (compounded by the "discovery" that my teaching schedule had changed and was teaching a different class than I was told, at a different TIME than I was told, which left three months of planning to be done in three DAYS) and this week has been one that has seen me crash on the couch each night. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to find something!

As I was driving home the other day, I saw it!!

A while ago, Dublin was wanting to expand a shopping center (there was talk of even having an IKEA here!), and some of the infrastructure was placed to help this change happen. Unfortunately, the IKEA plan didn't happen, so there were some, shall we say, "loose ends" left...

I think there's not a soul in town that will have trouble missing this stop sign. ;)

Friday "My Town" shootout--funny signs!

(sorry I'm a day late this week... school starts Monday and I'm going CRAZY!!!)

This week's topic for the My Town Shootout was chosen by Si in Virginia--funny and/or amusing signs!

I have only one photo to contribute this week; a local establishment had one that was HYSTERICAL but was taken down a while back (probably because someone got offended... lighten up, people!). It was for a dry cleaner in town, and the sign out front said "Drop your pants here--receive prompt attention". Brilliant!! Alas, it's not there anymore. :(

Here it is. Yes we're in the SF Bay Area, but we're NOWHERE close to the Golden Gate! We have to travel about an hour to it!

Friday "My Town" Shootout--Relaxation!

When Dubliners want to relax, we head outside!!

This is a local trail that runs beside a creek. Should you feel so inclined, there IS a trail on top of that hill! Bikers and walkers abound on this trail around twilight each day--as to wildlife! On this particular evening, there were many egrets, dove, and quail out.




Local parks are also a popular place. People hanging out with their families, fathers pushing their kids on the swingset, and local canines are out socializing!


Lastly, on the left, are a father and daughter playing a little one-on-one!

A morning at the Farmers' Market!

The Bay Area is a melting pot; while there are many towns weaved around the hills, Bay Area people aren't hesitant to head to another town for something!

So this morning, I headed over to neighboring Pleasanton to the WONDERFUL Farmers' Market that runs year-round, rain or shine, on Saturday mornings.

In addition to the market, our local animal shelter, the Tri-Valley Animal Rescue, sets up an adoption event with numerous dogs and cats looking for forever homes.

I only wish I lived in a house and was home more often; I'd adopt one in a SECOND. I miss having a dog around.

An Australian cattle dog cools off in the shade with a TVAR volunteer.


This is Lenny, a pitbull mix who's just a big softie!


This is Doobie, a chihuahua/terrier mix. I'd call him Dumbo, since his ears are ENORMOUS!!


A shy chihuahua mix looks for shelter under a volunteer.


You can just hear his thoughts... "Please take me! I love you!!"


"Here's my best side!"


On to the market... peppers are in season!!!



Some beautiful flowers...


And some yummy strawberries! The flat on the right came home with me... and I have a cobbler recipe waiting! These berries are going to join the peaches and blueberries I also bought this morning and make a great dessert!

Friday "My Town" shootout--power!

I'm pretty much done moving (but still don't have a couch! I bought a new one and it'll be delivered Saturday), so.... back to the pictures!

This week's theme for the Friday My Town Shootout was chosen by J9--Power!!

Power can be in many different forms. The area around Dublin is home to the Altamont Pass Wind Farm, which has almost 5,000 windmills taking advantage of the marine layer and the bay breeze.

But what about other forms of "power"?

Some use sex appeal for power... (and this place is ALWAYS busy.. and the hot wings can't be THAT good!)


Sun is always powerful, whether it be converted into solar energy, or the sun is powerful enough to put the burn on fair-skinned individuals like me!


The folks at City Hall are powerful, making decisions that shape our lives...


Some believe youth is power... and they're exerting their power at soccer practice!


Some like horsepower!! (and yes, this is my baby. :) )


Lastly, I consider KNOWLEDGE to be power! Here's Dublin's library!


One of the sculptures out front:


And... we can't forget about the healing power of time...