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The Lake County Bloom
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    • WITTER SPRINGS CHRONICLES by GENE PALENO
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    • COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE INSIGHTS
    • OBITUARIES
  • CALENDARS
    • THE BIG CALENDAR
    • THE PARTY CALENDAR
  • PRESS RELEASES
  • ART AND LIT
    • ART
    • LITERATURE
      • POETRY
        • ROOTED IN POETRY
      • FICTION
        • SHORT STORIES
        • THE RED SEDAN by CHANCE MOON
      • BOOK REVIEWS
    • MUSIC
      • LAKE COUNTY MUSIC GUIDE
      • LOCAL MUSICIANS
    • THEATER
  • FOOD AND DRINK
    • RESTAURANTS AND BARS
    • WINERIES
  • HISTORY
    • LAKE COUNTY HISTORY by GENE PALENO
    • LAKE COUNTY TIME MACHINE
    • LOCAL HISTORY
  • COLUMNS
    • HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE
    • EDITORIALS
    • THE NEIGHBOR YOU NEVER KNEW
    • COMMUNITY NEWS
    • ROOTED IN POETRY
    • STRESSLESS CAMPING
    • WITTER SPRINGS CHRONICLES by GENE PALENO
    • WINDOW ON LAKE COUNTY
    • FEATURED LAKE COUNTY BUSINESSES
    • COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE INSIGHTS
    • OBITUARIES
  • CALENDARS
    • THE BIG CALENDAR
    • THE PARTY CALENDAR
  • PRESS RELEASES
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February 19, 2021  |  By Trudy Wakefield

What’s Up This Week in The Bloom 2.19.21

Happy Friday! This week, we’re excited to promote two local poets, Melissa Bentley and Sama Morningstar. Plus, we’ve got a new favorite restaurant: Live Oaks Grill. Owners Jennifer and Jamie Taylor create incredible food, and we can’t recommend them highly enough. Seriously, they’re worth visiting several times. Lastly, we’ve got some almost “normal” news. Crab […]
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February 12, 2021  |  By Trudy Wakefield

What’s Up This Week in The Bloom – 2.12.21

Valentine’s Day weekend is here! I can’t think of a better excuse to celebrate locally. Whether it’s picking up a bottle of wine from your favorite winery, planning an evening in with food from a local restaurant, or picking up a gift for your loved on at one of our great local shops, it’s an excellent time for us to support our local businesses once again. This week we’re excited to share a review of a new business: Mix in Lakeport. It’s a great place to pick up a healthy smoothie. Plus, we have some Valentine’s poetry from poet Joyce Anderson for you to enjoy. So kick back for a few minutes and enjoy this week’s Bloom.
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February 5, 2021  |  By Trudy Wakefield

What’s Up This Week in The Bloom 2.5.21

And just like that, Spring is back! Even though we’ve still got a few piles of snow left in the shadows, this week we picked our first manzanita blossoms from the top of our property, and hummingbirds are looking for their feeder on the back porch. I couldn’t be happier. Thanks to your contributions, we are excited to publish our first paid articles in the Bloom, a poem and powerful column by Lake County Poet Laureate Georgina Marie. And we’re looking for more writers. If you enjoy telling a good story, you might be able to make a few bucks on it. We’re currently looking for restaurant, winery, and small business reviews. For more information, click on the “Submit” button at the very top of The Bloom’s homepage. Whatever Spring is bringing to your corner of Lake County, I hope you get a chance to enjoy our gorgeous weekend.
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February 4, 2021  |  By David Wakefield

Got Some Writing Skills and Want to Make Some Cash? The Bloom is Looking for Restaurant and Winery Reviews

The Bloom seeks quality restaurant and winery reviews. If you love Lake County’s food and wine and have the ability to tell a story, get in touch with us. We’re looking for storytellers, not reporters, and consider the ability to communicate an experience of vital importance. For more information, check out our submission guidelines.
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January 29, 2021  |  By David Wakefield

What’s Up This Week in The Bloom 1.29.21

How about some snow? This week brought some needed moisture, especially in the mountains. We ended up with fourteen inches at our place, turning it into a winter wonderland. This week we’re re-releasing an article on the Wholly Bowl, a great restaurant hidden away in Lakeport. If you haven’t been, give it a try. Jenn Allen-Malinowski is always up for a good meal and conversation. We’ve got more moisture in the forecast, so kick back with a cup of tea and enjoy your weekend.
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Photo by Rees Wakefield
January 22, 2021  |  By Trudy Wakefield

What’s Up This Week in The Bloom 1.22.21

This past week, we took our first walk of the year at Anderson Marsh State Park. It was sunny and warm, and we enjoyed our first picnic. I am thankful to live where there are many incredible outdoor adventures to enjoy safely. This week we are excited to share some good news with you. Thanks to your donations and support, we are now able to pay our writers! If you’ve got a good idea or story, send it in and see what happens. Whatever your plans are, we at The Bloom wish you the happiest of weekends.
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January 15, 2021  |  By Trudy Wakefield

What’s Up This Week in The Bloom – 1.15.21

If the calendar didn’t say it was January, I would think it was already spring in Lake County! My guess is that many of us will be enjoying the great outdoors this weekend. Traditionally, our family has our first picnic of the year on Clear Lake’s shores or in the nearby National Forest, making the most of living in Northern California in the winter. This week we’re re-releasing an article on Beaver Creek Winery. If you haven’t had the chance to meet Martin and Tara, and try some of their unique wines, this might be a great time to make the trip to Middletown and give them a visit.
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Photo by Rees Wakefield
January 8, 2021  |  By Trudy Wakefield

What’s Up This Week in The Bloom 1.8.21

Happy January! The holidays are officially over. the decorations are put away leaving our homes a little more spacious than before. The best part of winter is having all of Lake County to ourselves. The pleasant, cool temperatures make it the perfect time to hike and explore your favorite outdoor spots whether it’s Mt. Konocti, Boggs Mountain, Highland Springs or Cache Creek. No matter where you live, there’s a scenic destination not far. This week we’re happy to share a review of Betty’s Tacos in Clearlake Oaks. It’s a great place and a chance to get out and take a drive around our amazing lake. Have a wonderful weekend!
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January 1, 2021  |  By Trudy Wakefield

What’s Up This Week in The Bloom 1.1.2021

Happy New Year! Looks like we made it through 2020. . .whew. As we move into January, we’re going to start promoting local restaurants and wineries. Our first is Cache Creek Winery, a great getaway for an afternoon. And it’s your last chance to read up on the great local businesses in our Holiday Shopping Guide before it’s gone. Thank you everyone for supporting Lake County’s small businesses (including us); there’s no better place to call home. Here’s hoping 2021 is a brighter year for us all. We wish you health, happiness, and well-being in the New Year.
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Photo by Kendall Hoopes
December 25, 2020  |  By Trudy Wakefield

Merry Christmas from The Bloom!

Wherever today finds you, we hope that you are surrounded by those you love, even if it a four-legged friend. Considering today is Christmas Day, we thought you might enjoy reading one of our favorite holiday stories. “A Child’s Christmas in Wales”, a short story/poem by Dylan Thomas, tells the story of a Christmas over one hundred years ago. It’s a good way to kick back for a few minutes and enjoy the season. Plus, we’ve got more history and good news for you to peruse. We at The Bloom wish you the Merriest of Christmases. We will see you next year!
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December 18, 2020  |  By Trudy Wakefield

What’s Up This Week in The Bloom 12.18.20

There’s still time to support your favorite local businesses, restaurants, and wineries this holiday season. This week, we’re excited to share with you two more great local businesses! Lakeside Arts and Gifts is the perfect place to pick up a few last-minute gifts, and if you are looking for fun family nights, be sure to swing by The Game Hub to pick up something for hours of enjoyment. Plus, if you plan your holiday shopping just right, you can enjoy a scenic view of the entire county. What a great time of year to see our local communities all decked out for the Holidays! Thank you for your part in supporting the fine small businesses of Lake County. We at The Bloom wish you the happiest of holidays.
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Image by Annette Meyer from Pixabay
December 11, 2020  |  By Trudy Wakefield

What’s Up This Week in The Bloom 12.11.20

The good thing about a COVID Holiday is it gives us time to do ALL our favorite at-home traditions. We’ve made a list of our favorite holiday cookies, movies and meals, and books. We may be spending more time at home, but we will be busy. Whether we like it or not, this may be one of the coziest holidays ever! We’re excited to share with you more local businesses you can support, The Painted Bird Gallery and Two Sisters Antiques, hidden in the courtyard in downtown Kelseyville. Also, don’t forget to share some holiday cheer: check out our calendars and find a toy drive nearest you. We at The Bloom wish you the merriest holiday season.
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December 4, 2020  |  By Trudy Wakefield

What’s Up This Week in The Bloom 12.4.20

December is upon us, and Covid hasn’t stopped the Holiday cheer in Lake County. Check out our calendar page and see some safe ways you can do to join in the fun! Between holiday decorating contests and toy drives, you’re bound to find something right for you. This is the year to support the community in whatever way we can. On that note, we’re excited to share with you another great business in Lake County, The Soap Shack. Handmade soaps, lotions, bath balms, and even chapstick are the perfect stocking stuffers for someone you know. Whether you are buying local gifts, wines, or supporting your favorite restaurant, you’re supporting local businesses. We at the Bloom wish you and yours a happy holiday season.
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November 27, 2020  |  By Trudy Wakefield

What’s Up This Week in The Bloom 11.27.20

Thanksgiving always comes just as the oaks that surround our home reach their peak colors and fill the entire hillside with bright oranges and yellows that only glow brighter in the early evening twilight. What a sight to see! It’s another fun week in The Bloom: We’re adding to our Holiday Shopping Guide two great Kelseyville stores: Oak and maker. If you haven’t had a chance to visit either yet, now’s the time. It’s certain you’ll find there the perfect, unique gift for a loved one. Also, it’s time to start writing letters to Santa. While you’re in Kelseyville visiting Oak, be sure to drop off your Santa letters at Hometown Consignments; he said he’d write back! You can read more about that below. And if you’ve got some extra free time, be sure to read artist Helen Kate McAllister’s profile: Lucid Dreaming. Best wishes to you, and a Happy Holidays from The Bloom.
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November 20, 2020  |  By Trudy Wakefield

What’s Up this Week in The Bloom: 11.20.20

Now that we have settled into fall, we can sit back and enjoy the red-gold leaves falling around us. The air’s crisp and clean, and we’re heading into the holidays. What better time to shop local? Today The Bloom launches our Holiday Shopping Guide, showcasing some of the best businesses in the county; you’re sure to find the perfect gift. This week, we’re excited to introduce you to Koontz Mercantile. If you haven’t already been, you’ll find that there is a little something for everyone. Also, in the spirit of the season, we’re happy to share a review of a Thanksgiving story written by local author Lori Armstrong. The book may be intended for children, but the message is for all ages. So no matter what your plans may be this year, we at The Bloom wish you a safe and happy holiday.
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November 13, 2020  |  By Trudy Wakefield

What’s Up This Week in The Bloom 11.13.20

This happens to be one of my favorite times of the year in Lake County. Some rain in the forecast, the first cozy wood stove fire of the season, a great book, and a puzzle on the table make these shorter days a refreshing change of pace. This week The Bloom sets off our shop local for the holiday season! If there ever were a year to support our local businesses, this would be the year. We are excited to share just a few gems with you. This week we will feature some of our favorite wines in the county to accompany your holiday meals and small gatherings. We hope you find something new; thank you in advance for supporting our local wineries. So sit back for a minute and enjoy some time with The Bloom.
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November 6, 2020  |  By Trudy Wakefield

What’s Up This Week in The Bloom – 11.5.20

And just like that, it’s already November. With Halloween behind us and Thanksgiving still a few weeks away, it’s the perfect time to catch the best of the beautiful fall colors and enjoy the great outdoors. No one can deny, this is the calm before the hustle and bustle yet to come. Something we’re excited about is the “Mum Madness 2020 Show,” presented by the Clear Lake Garden and Trellis Club. It’s all digital; just visit their Facebook page or read more about it in The Bloom. It’s a chance to see some vibrantly colored mums. If the Holidays aren’t coming soon enough for you, the Moose Lodge will soon be hosting their annual Craft Fair, and word has it, you can preorder your Thanksgiving desserts! Check out The Bloom’s calendars for more details. Until then, sit back and take a few minutes to enjoy The Bloom as David shares more about the history of Loch Lomond Resort and an evening we spent with a couple of lovely Italian ladies. Whatever your plans are for this beautiful fall weekend, we wish you the safest and happiest of times.
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October 30, 2020  |  By Trudy Wakefield

What’s Up This Week in The Bloom – 10.30.20

Halloween 2020 is something I’ve looked forward to more than in years past. It’s not because we’ll be doing all the same traditional things: far from it. However, it is a promise we still can make many good memories this year. As we get used to the new normal being the new normal, our Lake County community has once again risen to the challenge to make this Halloween a good one. If you haven’t made plans, no worries. Check out The Bloom’s Big Calendar, and you will find more than enough COVID-safe things to do. If you can’t wait until the evening for the fun to get going, begin your day in Middletown, where the festivities start at noon! From there, you have the entire county offering trunk or treats, scary drives, and corn mazes. And don’t forget the Drive-in in Lakeport. This Halloween they’re showing the Rocky Horror Picture Show, always a fun time. In the meantime, The Bloom has some great reads this week: we’ve got short fiction from Jennifer Mills Kerr, poetry from Marilyn Hung, and one more installment of the history of the Prather Family and Loch Lomond. So sit back, relax, and take a few minutes to enjoy The Bloom. As always, please be safe, and don’t forget to set your clock back one hour Saturday night so that you can enjoy some extra sleep Sunday morning.
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October 23, 2020  |  By Trudy Wakefield

Your 2020 Lake County Halloween Guide

It’s not too early to start planning your Halloween adventure! With so many drive-throughs this year, it is quite possible to meander around the entire county, making 2020 a fun and memorable Halloween for the family. Check out The Bloom’s Calendars to find out how many stops you can make in an evening. If you don’t have kids and still want to have some fun, Haunted Lake County’s Scare to Save the Fair is a worthy cause and fun for all ages. And while you’re there, check out Lakeport’s Pumpkin Decorating Contest. If staying at home is more your style and you still want to get into the spirit of things, Kelseyville is hosting an online pumpkin decorating competition with prizes! So, don’t despair; this year’s Halloween can be one of your favorites. Until then, take a minute to read more of David’s history of Loch Lomond and catch up on some of the things happening in our community. Enjoy this beautiful fall weekend, and be sure to follow all health guidelines as you make your plans.
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October 16, 2020  |  By Trudy Wakefield

What’s Up This Week in The Bloom 10.16.20

Last weekend I traded in my afternoon iced tea for a cup of hot mint tea, and I have to admit, I kind of like the change. Cooler temperatures bring some of the happiest memories to our home. But it would seem that Summer isn’t over yet as we have another warm weekend ahead, making it the perfect time to fit in one more barbecue. If you don’t have plans for the weekend, here are a couple ideas. If you feel like being out and about, there’s still live music: check out the Lake County Music Guide. We’ve got things going on, but stay safe out there. If you’re in the mood to take in some fall colors, now would be the perfect weekend to follow the quilt trail and see the season change in our beautiful county. It always makes for a pleasant drive. But for now, sit back and enjoy another story about the Prather family and Loch Lomond. In this week’s article, David talks about Ruth Springston Moody, the woman who named Loch Lomond, worked there for decades, and would back down to no person. She was quite a character; it’s worth a read. As always, have a safe and enjoyable weekend, no matter what your plans may be.
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October 9, 2020  |  By Trudy Wakefield

What’s Up in The Bloom This Week: 10.9.20

Bright Fall days and cool evenings make fall an excellent time to be outdoors in Lake County. This is the time of year when our family trades swimming and days at the lake for walks and hikes, taking in the beautiful fall colors. Clear Lake State Park is a great spot for that; if you haven’t been recently, bring a picnic and make a day of it! Don’t forget the Wildhurst Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze if you’re looking for fall adventures. Also, Running Creek Casino is having their annual “Oktoberfest” event this weekend, promising great German Food, beer and music. Check out our calendars for other great live music in the county. In the meantime, take a few minutes to enjoy the second article in David’s series on Loch Lomond and the Prather Family. This week, we interview Bob Prather, who shares his 90+ years of memories. As always, be smart and follow all social distancing protocols to ensure your family stays safe while you have fun.
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October 2, 2020  |  By Trudy Wakefield

What’s Up This Week: 10.2.20

Its Friday! The good news is that we are one week closer to our first rain, and that will be a day worth celebrating. Until then, here are a few things we are excited to share. Today The Bloom’s releasing a several-part history of Loch Lomond and its founders, the Prather family. It’s something David’s been working on for months, and we can’t wait for you to hear the stories we’ll be sharing over the next several weeks. Don’t forget: Farmers’ Market is happening in Middletown tonight and in Lakeport Saturday morning. It’s a great way to support local farmers and artists as well as listen to live music. Talking about music, be sure to check out The Lake County Music Guide. We’ve got it on The Bloom, and you can follow it on Facebook. That way, you’ll never miss the fun. And if you haven’t visited Ely’s Stage Stop for the Fiddler’s Jam, this is a great weekend to go. These are just a few fun things happening in the county; we’ve got more on our calendars. As always, please keep safe by following all CDC and social distancing guidelines while making your weekend plans. And thank you for supporting your favorite local business during these unprecedented times. For those of you affected by the fires, please know our hearts and prayers are with you.
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July 24, 2020  |  By David and Trudy Wakefield

It’s Easy to Help Out: Support The Bloom and Watch Us Grow

We want to thank you for being a part of our vision. It’s you, our readers, who make what we do possible. And we’re succeeding! In our first two years, we’ve shared our vision with over 104 countries and tens of thousands of different people. However, our mission still needs some love to grow. With your support, we can add more columns, write more restaurant reviews, profile more of our best businesses, and showcase the tremendous outdoor opportunities our county has to offer. That’s why we’ve set up an option to support The Bloom financially. It’s a great way to help promote our positive message and further The Bloom’s vision. We’ve set up donations to be simple: starting at $5/month, you can help us move forward. Once you donate, then comes the fun part: watching us grow. The Bloom has lots of plans in the works, and your support will allow them to become a reality. We believe that when we help each other, we will all succeed. Financially supporting The Bloom will not just help us grow; it will also help our local economy, as we are all about encouragine local businesses. We are a community-focused organization, and none of our efforts would be possible without the help of people and businesses like you. Your support is greatly appreciated and will make a difference. Thank you for being a part of our community and our story. TO SUPPORT THE BLOOM, VISIT https://www.lakecountybloom.com/support
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June 12, 2020  |  By Trudy Wakefield

The Thankfulness Game

Right now, our nation is being challenged. At times it seems like our current crisis can bring so much division that we forget what we have in common. We all want a roof over our heads and food on the table. We all search for happiness. We all want to feel hope. Even so, we are in the midst of racial, health, and political issues that have yet to resolve. Each day seems only to stir the pot more. These in-between moments when everything is uncertain are the most discouraging. It’s hard to stay happy with so much fear, anxiety, and anger happening in our world. On the days our family gets down, we like to play the Thankful Game. We call it a game, but it’s more like an idea. The only rule is to think of things we’re thankful for. No, it doesn’t solve the world’s problems, but it helps us remember the good things we do have while we address the stressful issues happening in our society. Here are five things that we at The Bloom are thankful for, in no particular order: 1. We are thankful that we have the right to gather in peaceful demonstrations. No matter what we believe, we have the right to be heard. 2. We are thankful that as a community, we have looked out for small businesses and supported them when they might have otherwise closed their doors permanently. 3. We are thankful for our essential workers making sure our basic needs are met. 4. We are thankful for countless volunteers who look out for those who are most vulnerable. 5. We are thankful for you, our readers. We realize that the Thankful Game doesn’t change anything, but it does remind us that we still have hope. It shows us that beauty and goodness can speak just as loudly as hate and fear. It shows us that even though the world is in turmoil, we can still find peace. We are surrounded by beautiful things. Let’s not lose sight of that.
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May 29, 2020  |  By David Wakefield

Happy Graduation, Class of 2020

This year turned out differently than all of humanity planned. Who would have thought that instead of watching our daughter march and get her AA, we would be standing with her on the side of the road, hoping that people would show up? Instead of a huge graduation party, we hauled a table and a bunch of balloons down to the edge of our driveway and set up decorations and chairs. Soon people started showing up, and each gave her something special. A new mother came by to congratulate Emma and wish her a happy future. Emma’s former employers showed up. They had taken Emma in with no experience and watched her grow up inside their business. They loved her more like family, and blessed her into a bright tomorrow, filled with success. Neighbors came by, each bringing flowers, balloons, and well wishes. Old friends sat in their cars with their windows down and cheered Emma’s graduation. And my daughter’s smile filled her face. We’re not alone in our experience. Schools all over the county have had drive-by graduations and parades with people waving and honking their horns, celebrating the class of 2020. Isn’t it amazing? We still have each other. We have friends, neighbors, and relatives who go out of their way to drive by a person’s house on a Saturday afternoon or to honk as they pass by a home with a “Class of 2020” sign in the front yard. It’s the best of who we are in a hard time, coming together to share in each other’s joy. Class of 2020, it may not be the graduation you expected, but we’ll never forget it. It’s the one where our community came together to cheer you on. Happy Graduation, class of 2020. Your future is bright.
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