It is amazing to look back and remember what the town of Oakhurst use to be like.  Twenty years ago when my family and I moved to the small mountain town in Eastern Madera County it was much different than it was today.  There was, or course, Raleys and next to Raleys was a Stride Rite.  This was the only shopping center in town.  I think there may have been one stop sign at that time and half the amount of cars in town.  Today Oakhurst resembles more of a little city than a small mountain community.  Over the years hotels were built, more stops signs were added which now have turned into stop lights, and the roads have widened.  Although the economic boom is great, it is sad to see how much this once quaint little town of Oakhurst has developed.  For me, the small town feeling is gone but it is exciting to see all the new changes that have taken place.  Oakhurst still remains a great place to live.  It now provides more opportunities for all ages which are something it lacked twenty years ago.  Oakhurst is not the only little mountain town to have changed.  Coarsegold, Bass Lake, and Mariposa have also undergone many changes.  We have to let go of the past and be excited about all the new changes these communities have experienced.    

Best Burger in Town

Who has the best burger in town?  What makes a burger remarkable?  Some people say it is its taste, others believe it’s its size and plumpness, or its sauce, its toppings, or the way it’s cooked?  Oakhurst and Coarsegold are no strangers to delicious burgers.  The Forks burger, found at The Forks Resort in Bass Lake, has always been a local favorite.  With its juiciness in every mouth watering bite was sure to be a winner.  However, there is a burger out there that could be leading the competition, the Miller’s burger.  Miller’s landing is home to what is described as an exquisite tasting hamburger.  We are sorry McDonalds, Jack-in-the-box, and Burger King but your burgers don’t stand up to its Bass Lake competition.  Enjoy lunch at the lake and you be the judge.  Like they say on Foxx news-WE REPORT; YOU DECIDE.

Yes, BEEF it’s what is for dinner

Have you stopped lately to smell that beautiful rose in your yard?  Have you taken the time to look at the landscape around you?  We often are so rushed in life that we forget to stop and enjoy the beauty around us.  We would be so much happier if we would stop and take a minute to enjoy our surroundings. 

I am talking about the smell of the fresh mountain air, the pine trees, the salty ocean, the first rain, or delicious aromas from the kitchen.  What about listening to the waves crashing on the shore, the wind whistling through the trees, the crackling of thunder and striking of lightening across the dark sky, the sweet singing of birds, the laughing of a young child, the churping of crickets in the night, the pounding of rain on the roof tops, or the running of the creek out back? 

How often do we forget to stop and be thankful for what is around us?  Have you stopped and looked at the beauty of the sunset or sunrise, the vast mountains, the distant mountain ranges, the sea of blue, or the rolling fields? 

My challenge for you today is to stop and take a minute out of your day to take a deep breathe and look around.  What do you have to be thankful for?

Hands-Free - It’s the LAW!!!

Yesterday, July 1, 2008, marked the first day of California’s new cell phone law!  We no longer will see drivers with one hand on their wheel and the other holding the phone.  Will this hands-free law cause less distractions for drivers?  I hope it will.  I personally cannot stand driving behind someone when they are talking on the phone and not paying attention to the road.  I think this law will make a difference and have a positive impact on reducing the number vehicle accidents.  Watch out because local law enforcement agencies, CHP, Sheriff, and Police, are looking for those with the phone to their ears.  Madera County Sheriffs and Highway Patrol said they would not be giving any warnings, you will just be cited. 

***Texting is also no longer allowed while driver

***Remember if you have a child under the age of 18 they are not allowed drive while using a hand-held device.