Everything is waiting for you, Downtown




Last week, we had a wonderful time at the soft opening of our new public market! This Friday, we’re excited for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, which coincides with the city tree lighting. It’s sure to be a nice community event, and we’ll be enjoying a fun "date night" with Navy and Sara as well.  





I absolutely love this Market! It’s a unique specialty grocery store filled with Northern California produce, meats, cheeses, and so much more!


Perfectly timed for holiday entertaining.

Given the prices, it will just be my husband and me savoring these delights on special occasions.











Conical Cabbage - a milder cabbage





Swiss Chard




Downtown in the 30s and 40s was a bustling hub! During that time, the Shasta Dam was being constructed, enhancing our area with essential water storage, flood control, and renewable hydroelectric power.  Then it faced challenges during the timber wars of the 1990s, which had a significant impact on our logging community. Many towns struggled, and sadly, our downtown fell into disrepair with closed businesses.


So I’m excited about the stunning restoration of historic buildings, paired with beautiful new construction. Our town is truly experiencing a vibrant renaissance. We have lived here 17 years, and this is the first time I have ever seen so much going on. 





I liked this tile work, with its vibrant colors and pattern.





I thought this chandelier was pretty - its lights beautifully casting a warm glow across the room. I bet it looks really pretty at night. 




How would you like to live in one of those condos to the side of this market?


I don't know...






Today was my husband's birthday, and I nearly let it slip my mind! Thankfully, a friend texted him, and it jogged my memory. I confessed, and he was completely understanding. His birthday always sneaks up on me. 

So we went out for brunch - 


I’m excited to return to BSF tomorrow and can’t wait for Isaiah on Thursday! Our church fellowship meets every other week, and this Wednesday evening, we’ll dive into Acts. Yeah, it's a lot of studying. It is not by accident that all three studies blend into one another, so it has actually given me more insight. I do enjoy it. 


Keeps me out of trouble!😏



Just a couple of minutes ago -


My husband put up the outside lights - 
The tree will probably go up on Thursday. 




So, I've already taken command and said NO to two upcoming events. 


As the holiday season unfolds, a whirlwind of sights and sounds clamors for my attention. I focus on what feels right for me! I’ve already said NO to two evening Christmas Parties that just didn’t spark my excitement - Although those gatherings are nice,  I prefer daytime events, if I'm driving alone in the dark, in the country with no street lights. NO thanks!




Just a couple of minutes ago...

I'd rather be home with my husband anyway. 💓





I'll close with this: I just finished Ezra 7-8, and we were asked this application question: 

What truth about God from this week's lesson resonates with you? 

His sovereignty, faithfulness, guidance, grace, and call to holiness inspire us to trust in His abundant provision. Embracing His will, confident that He is continually working for our good and His glory. 


See you when I see you...

Debby












 

Comments

  1. I love your shot of the moon behind the lacey tree. Conical cabbage!!! I have never heard of it! Or seen it. Good for you for saying NO! The chandelier is gorgeous!!! I, too, would love to see it in the dark.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Maybe this Friday evening when we're there I will see it all lit up.

      Delete
  2. I have had to say no already too. Happy birthday to your hubby. I started reading the book of James this morning - small but mighty!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh I love James! In actuality, I love all the books in the Bible

      Delete
  3. Hi Debby, that market sounds so nice. I have not heard of conical cabbage. I prefer cooked cabbage compared to raw cabbage. I am almost through decorating. Happy Birthday to your husband!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good for you. We're doing it a step at a time. I bet your place looks lovely

      Delete
  4. Happy Birthday to your husband.
    I like the Nativity scene in your garden. Wishing you all a wonderful Advent.
    God bless you always.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Never heard of that cabbage before. Interesting. Wish we had an indoor veggie and fruit market near us. Very nice that the town is starting to come back. I hate seeing small towns fade away. They have so much charm. Happy belated birthday to your hubby. Janice

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I do too. It really is exciting but there are always some who are against moving forward.

      Delete
  6. the produce is gorgeous, and I am with Ginny, first time on the conical cabbage. I love cabbage. Daddy grew our food and there is nothing like fresh grown veggies. good job on saying NO. I don't go out at night and its not just because I am old. I have been an early bird riser my entire life and for 40 years, Bob and I go to bed early and get up in the dark. by the time evening comes, people are partying while we sleep. I like your nativity and sounds like you are almost done with decorating. for the first time in my life Christmas things are not out on the day after TG.. I sat the tiny tree in the nook, but can't seem to make myself decorate it. the hospital bed in the living room doesn't lend its self to decor

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm not a night owl. I pack so much into my day by rising before the sun rises.

      Delete
  7. What an engaging, interesting post.

    ReplyDelete
  8. The conical cabbage is national cabbage king here in the Netherlands and rather cheap (€1,25 each no matter the weight). It's softer than white cabbage but quite as tasty, affordable and available all year round, great for making lovely stirfries stews and salads.
    But your conical cabbages are expensive!
    I'd rather call them ve-GEM-tables.....:>)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's California. Everything is expensive here.
      Thanks for the info on the cabbage. I am looking forward to trying it soon.

      Delete
  9. What a fun downtown market. I'd love to go there. Your title reminded me right away of the song "Downtown" by Petulia Clark. Love that song. That is a neat old photo of the 30's and 40's. Our California produce looks wonderful. The chard made me smile, as my dad grew chard in his garden. I'm with you on all the social gatherings. I would rather spend special moments with my family. The lit-up Nativity is beautiful. The one verse that is so meaningful to me is.......

    ~Be Still And Know That I Am God.~ Psalm 46:10

    ~Sheri

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh it is, Sheri. I think you might like it. There is a nice gift shop there and a small boutique - and a few small cozy restaurants. Ice cream, shop too. They're calling it, Redding's Meeting Place.

      One of my favorites scripture! Being still in a loud materialistic world that shouts at us - God doesn't have to shout. His sheep know His voice.

      Delete
  10. The market looks amazing! I've never heard of conical cabbage, it's so unique.
    Happy Birthday to your hubby.
    I love the truth you shared!

    ReplyDelete
  11. After reading your title I've had Petula Clark singing "Downtown" in my head all morning :-)

    ReplyDelete
  12. I love the market, how I wish one would make a go of it here. Sadly, we tried, but it fell apart. It is interesting to me the cycles communities can have. Sadly, mine is in decline, but I know it has a lot to do with leadership.
    Your husband and I share a December birthday, mine is the 12th.
    Love, Carla

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's always sad when a town is on a downward trend. I do think if it can survive the depression, it will come back.

      Delete
  13. The ladies Bible study group at church went through Acts a few years ago and it was soooo good. The pastor's wife taught the class and she 'knocked it our of the park!' I love a good study. That produce looks so fresh and healthy, I'm afraid I would probably over purchase. Hope you're enjoying a great day.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh I love a good bible study. I'm a bible nerd! 🤓

      Delete
  14. Looks like a cute market and sounds like you have an amazing town. Happy birthday to your husband! In church our pastor has been preaching from Acts for awhile. On my own, I began reading through Luke since it's Christmastime. I'm with everyone else on the conical cabbage, never heard of it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's great Dawn that you are studying Luke. What a gift God gave us, with His Word.

      Delete
  15. We never drive anywhere at night if we can help it, Debby. The new market is such a great addition to Redding; I love to see old towns restored and alive with new people and businesses. Happy Birthday to your hubby! Danny's is on December 19th and I best not forget it - LOL! Blessings!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My husband does the driving at night if its unfamiliar territory, or those dark country roads! Or steep mountainous terrain. I used to love to drive, too.

      Delete
  16. That market looks lovely. Have a great time on Friday. How lovely that your town is experiencing these new things. That tile is very pretty and the chandelier too. The condo building looks nice. That is all we see going up these days are condo buildings and apartment buildings. Happy Birthday to your husband.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. High density housing is the thing now days in populated cities. Many younger people like living in town where they're near nightlife, and entertainment - all within walking distance. It has it's merit for some.

      Delete
  17. Gosh, just one look at your title and the little record player in my head began playing Petula Clark's 'Downtown!" (lol).
    I'd love to visit that fresh market ... armed with my cell phone 'lens' feature to identify some of that produce. Even our Publix features some I'm at a loss to wrap my head around. Right there with you about saying "No" to those things that don't spark joy in your heart ... starting with driving alone after dark.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That was the whole idea! 😁 Saying NO is the name of the game!

      Delete
  18. I'm an OLD Native Californian but never heard of Conical Cabbage. I think I would like it. The Swiss Chard reminded me of my kid days. We grew it in our garden and Mom would marinate it into a sweet/sour side dish. Haven't thought of that in simply ages. I actually don't know how she made it but its tweaking my drool right now.
    We are just finishing up on Luke ( a 2 year journey) at church. Next is Acts and I'm really looking forward to it. Going to read Ezra 7-8 today. Wondering what the Lord has for me there.
    The tree lighting sounds like fun and a perfect date.
    Enjoy
    Sue

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I like Swiss chard.
      Acts is good and of course as a Bible nerd, I love all the books of the Bible. They're all my favorite.

      Delete
  19. The market looks great!!
    Happy Birthday to your husband.
    No condo living for me. I'm spoiled living in the woods. :)

    ReplyDelete
  20. I would be too! 🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲

    ReplyDelete
  21. The market does look great ... haven't enjoyed a conical cabbage (I call them pointed cabbage) for a time, must look out for one when I next shop, I may be fortunate to see/buy one!
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pointed_cabbage

    Happy birthday to your husband.

    All the best Jan

    ReplyDelete
  22. The market looks wonderful and that cabbage is very interesting. I have never seen one of those before.
    Happy Birthday to your Hubby.

    God bless.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Can you set your phone to remind you of his birthday? In the calendar side of it? Dunno. Maybe. Or have his bday next to his name in your phone. I have everyone's bdays in my phone. Works really well.

    Nooooo, I would not want to live that close but also would never want to live in a condo, if I'm honest.

    Wishing you a wonderful rest of your weekend.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Thank you so much for being here and commenting. Please allow a few hours for your comment to be moderated.
I read them all, and I comment back because I enjoy the dialogue. Sometimes you will learn more about me just with my comments back to you. You don’t want to miss those, do you??

Only those who have a google account will be able to comment -