Last month we at Go Platinum Lending were handing out free pumpkins to past and future clients in a celebration of our anniversary. This month we’re teaming up with Montecino & Associates in an effort to help the Marine Corps Reserve collect “Toys for Tots”. Toys for Tots has been around for 61 years and all the toys and money that we collect here in Eastern Madera County will be given back to the children in Eastern Madera County. We understand that many people are struggling financially this year – but if you are able to spare a few dollars for a new toy, think about the difference you can make for a child when they too have a present to open on Christmas day.

Christmas should be a happy family time – and by no means should it be measured in materialistic wealth. But Christmas should also be the time for joy and smiles. The way “Toys for Tots” works is that the Marine Corps Reserve will distribute the toys to the parents of the needing children. By donating a toy, you will make Christmas a joy for a child or two and also support our Marine Corps reserves.

The new and unwrapped toys can be dropped off in our Coarsegold office at

35285 Highway 41 # C. The gifts can range from $1 to $20 – the children receiving them are all ages from newborn to teens.

The last day for donations is December 12th so don’t wait.

We thank you for your support.

Last month we at Go Platinum Lending were handing out free pumpkins to past and future clients in a celebration of our anniversary. This month we’re teaming up with Montecino & Associates in an effort to help the Marine Corps Reserve collect “Toys for Tots”. Toys for Tots has been around for 61 years and all the toys and money that we collect here in Eastern Madera County will be given back to the children in Eastern Madera County. We understand that many people are struggling financially this year – but if you are able to spare a few dollars for a new toy, think about the difference you can make for a child when they too have a present to open on Christmas day.

Christmas should be a happy family time – and by no means should it be measured in materialistic wealth. But Christmas should also be the time for joy and smiles. The way “Toys for Tots” works is that the Marine Corps Reserve will distribute the toys to the parents of the needing children. By donating a toy, you will make Christmas a joy for a child or two and also support our Marine Corps reserves.

The new and unwrapped toys can be dropped off in our Coarsegold office at 35285 Highway 41 # C. The gifts can range from $1 to $20 – the children receiving them are all ages from newborn to teens.

The last day for donations is December 12th so don’t wait.

We thank you for your support.

Today I took my children to the Historic Cobb Ranch located just North of Fresno off of Highway 41.  When we arrived I did not realize that it cost $5.00 just to enter.  My first thought was to turn around, go to another pumpkin patch, and save that $5.00.  I paid the measley $5.00 and was glad I did.  It was such a cool experience for the children.  The Cobb Ranch really knows how to entertain its guests.  The grounds are unbelievably tidy, there are animals to see, a corm maze to get lost in, a hayride, a train ride and many others attractions.  My children had such a blast.  I was happy to support such a wonderful place.  I know their Christmas Tree Farm is just as exciting and wonderful. 

I remember my first haunted house.  I was scared out of my mind!!!  I vowed I would never go in another haunted house.  After many years, when I was at college, I went with a group of friends to FRIGHTMARE.  This haunted house was in downtown San Diego and it was SCARY.  I will never forget being at the back of the line and feeling our way through the dark.  After screaming the entire way through the haunted house we saw a light at the end of the tunnel.  As the light grew larger and larger we figured we had survived.  That was until a man in a freaky mask came up from behind us and fired up his chainsaw.  My friend and I went from the back of the line to the front of the line in less than 1 second knocking over everyone who was in our way.  As we stumbled over the last person we looked up and saw the busy street of downtown San Diego.  We stood up looked at eachother and turned our heads back towards the exit of the haunted house just in time to see our other friends flying out the door of the haunted house.  We all caught our breath and just started laughing.  From that moment on I was hooked.  Each year I look forward to all the great haunted houses.  As Halloween approaches I can’t wait to go to a haunted house. 

 On that note.  the Sierra Lions Club of Oakhurst is hosting their 2nd Annual Haunted House at the end  of October.  Not only can you attend and get scared out of your wits but you can also sponsor a tombstone.  Let’s join together and help the Lions Club raise money for their organization.  I can’t wait to go! 

Happy 4^th of July!!! 

I wish everyone a safe and happy 4^th of July as we spend time with our family and friends.  Here is a great

holiday recipe to make with your children that everyone will enjoy!!!  Ingredients:2 Cups blue Powerade, Gatorade or Kool Aid1 Cup frozen Cool Whip1 Cup Vanilla Yogurt2 Cups Cran-Raspberry Juice12 Craft Sticks12  5-ounce disposable plastic cups  1.      To make the pops, equally divide the blue juice among the plastic cups, then place the cups in the freezer until the juice is partially frozen, about 30 to 45 minutes.

2. Mix together the whipped topping and yogurt and divide this mixture among the cups.

3. Set a craft stick in the center of each pop and return the cups to the freezer for approximately 45 minutes.

4. For the final layer, add the cran-raspberry juice to the cups and place them in the freezer until solid.

5. To remove the pops, run warm water over the outside of each cup.    

The Greeting Card Association has found that Valentine’s Day is only second to Christmas in the number of cards sent each year.

There are many reasons why a card is the communication of choice. (Or, perhaps I should say, why it has been the communication of choice—perhaps everyone wil soon be sending text valentines…)

More people used to send hand-written notes and letters, until postage became much more affordable. By the time the 18th century rolled around there were more options because printed cards were more readily available. The first mass-produced valentines came out in the 1840s.

Some people lament the lack of personal touch that comes from sending a pre-printed message, but they haven’t taken into account the culture at the time these pre-printed cards hit the market. It was not necessarily laziness or callousness that lead to people’s willingness to use an already printed message; it may have been out a desire to say things that they would not normally say. Even now when people are free to say just about anything, some people hold back. In the 1800 and 1900s people were not at liberty to say all that was on their minds, so cards made it possible. Plus, even when writing handwritten notes, people often quoted poetry or literature.

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY TO YOU AND YOURS

Today is the first day of the Chinese New Year. Unlike our New Year celebrations, which are concentrated on one day, Chinese New Year is celebrated for a month.

The date for Chinese New Year changes each year because the Chinese calendar combines aspects of solar and lunar calendars. The calculations are complex, so I’ll just say that Chinese New Year occurs on the second new moon after the winter solstice. Two years ago, in 2006, there was a Leap Year in the Chinese calendar, but instead of just an extra day, they got a whole extra month!

The year we refer to as 2008 is the year 4706 on the Chinese calendar. It is the Year of the Rat.

According to legend the Chinese New Year began to celebrate how an old man got rid of a beast that was torturing people. Others say that is a spring celebration, the kind that people all over the world used to have to welcome in a new season.

For many Chinese in China and all over the world, it is a time to get together with family and friends to express gratitude and celebrate life.

The Madera/I-Lan Sister City Corporation works to continue Madera’s ties with I-Lan, its Sister City in China and they host a Chinese New Year Dinner every year.

The poinsettia was named for Joel Roberts Poinsett, our country’s first ambassador to Mexico. Poinsett saw the plants in Mexico back in the 1820s. Already somewhat of a botanist, he sent some of them back to his home in South Carolina. Poinsett grew and cultivated the plants to send to friend and botanical gardens. He saw the potential of the plant, even if he wasn’t aware at the time that the poinsettia would become the official plant of the Christmas season.

Although they are much loved at Christmastime, poinsettias can be kept alive all year long. If you take good care of your poinsettia plant, it can remain beautiful for several months after Christmas, but it will lose its color.

If you manage to keep your poinsettia alive past Christmas and into the new year, you can, with some effort, get it to regain its color again for Christmas the following year.

You’ll need to begin the process in the fall, something that is not always easy to remember to do. Beginning at the end of September, you will need to put your poinsettia plant out in full light each day. Then, you have to put it in the dark at night. To do this you can place it in a closet or some other enclosed space that is away from the light. This process must be repeated daily for six to eight weeks. We weren’t kidding when we said it takes effort. But you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that you’ve not only kept your plant alive, but that you also helped in regain its seasonal beauty.

If you are looking for a wonderful place to celebrate the New Year, consider dining at Three Sisters Café.  They are currently accepting reservations for the 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. seating times.  Dinners are $65 per person and will include your choice of delicious meal selections.   The menu choices are:

Veal Chop with Brandied Morel Cream

Roasted Stuffed Breast of Chicken

Broiled Filet with Wild Mushroom Sauce

Grilled Halibut with Papaya Chutney

Your New Year’s dinner will also include a glass of champagne and the chef’s special dessert.

This wonderful restaurant boasts Chef Richard Beyerl, who was named one of “America’s Outstanding Chefs” by the National Registry, Chefs in America.  He was also selected by “Sterling’s Who’s Who“, for his high standards.

If you are unable to enjoy their special New Year’s dinner, you will surely enjoy the breakfast menu which includes Crepes, German specialties, as well as traditional breakfasts.  Diners can also feast on their delicious lunch menu featuring Crepes, salads, sandwiches, Panini’s and various seafood choices.

The Three Sisters Café considers itself “a charming San Francisco Cafe serving professionally crafted sauces and creative entrees”.  They are located minutes from Yosemite National Park.  Their display of beef, pork, lamb, fish, and pasta; as well as vegan and vegetarian dishes are sure to delight all types of taste buds.

The Three Sisters Café is located at 40291 Junction Drive, Oakhurst, 93644.  To make your reservations, call (559) 642-2253.

At holiday time, we hear a lot about Santa and his counterpart St. Nicholas.
Somehow St. Nicholas and Santa have become combined in our hearts and minds, when really they are not always portrayed as being the same person. Legend has it that the original St. Nick was a real person, unlike Santa, the fictional character who lives at the North Pole.

In several countries, including Germany and in the Netherlands, gifts are given out on December 5th or 6th. This is because in those countries, they celebrate St. Nicholas Day to honor a generous man who is the patron saint of children.

According to one tale, St. Nicholas was a bishop who lived in what is now Turkey. When he heard about a poor man whose daughters could not afford to get married (because they had no money for dowries), he wanted to help. St. Nicholas threw bags filled with gold down the chimney of the man’s house. The bags landed in the girls’ stockings (which were hung by the fireplace to dry, not in hopes of presents). Because of his kindness, the girls were able to get married.

Christmas celebrations vary around the world, but no matter how you celebrate…

HAVE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!