Happy National Dog Day!
This was an exciting week for me, because Tuesday was National Dog Day. My publisher and human companion (HC) promised to take me out for a very special celebration. I could not believe my nose when we pulled up to Moxie’s—Alameda’s premier steak house. Oh, the smells.
Donna and the gang are now offering outdoor Happy Hour snack service between 3 and 5 p.m. on their patio, making this whole celebration possible. As you know, dogs are not allowed inside of restaurants in the United States, and Moxie’s never served outside before. This was a perfect place for a dog day afternoon celebration. Here is a link to the menu: Moxie’s Menu—I got the two beef sliders, which were yummy.
In addition to the typical Alameda street scenes I report on, this week proved to be rich in unusual sightings. Take the appearance of a Jedi on Central Avenue around 9 at night. I was really concerned about them waving around a fully charged lightsaber. Do you think they had an exposed carry permit from the Alameda Police Department?
Last weekend, I walked by a house that was having something called a “toga” party. There was a big sign rating the toga length. I wondered why so many people were wrapped in sheets, and figured it must have been a slumber party.
Over on Lincoln Avenue near Eighth Street, individual brass letters spelling out MASTICK are embedded in the sidewalk. I know there is a Mastick Senior Center, a Mastick Court, and a Mastick Elementary School. Is this the Alameda version of Mr. or Mrs. or Ms. Mastick getting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame? Editor’s note: You forgot Mastick Park, Mouf!
On Encinal Avenue, there is a painting on a fence commemorating the Red Lines of Alameda Circa 1939. Apparently back in the day, Alamedans got around the island on trains. I hope to have some time to connect with Alameda Post historian extraordinaire Dennis Evanosky and do a special report on the rails of Alameda.
Normally, I would not classify a turkey sighting as an unusual event, but I had not seen a rafter of the critters for weeks. Glad to see that they are still around Central Avenue.
As fall approaches, the city’s vegetable plants and fruit trees are beginning to produce. I found a huge squash plant that extended across the walkway. It was full of beautiful yellow blossoms that will develop into veggies in the coming weeks—a visual reminder that Halloween is just around the corner.
I wanted to give a shout out to the person who made the yard sale sign with the changeable date plaque. Much easier to just have to change the number rather than make and put up a whole new sign.
I was sad to see the huge tree in the side yard of the house on Central Avenue near Grand Street come down. I have no information as to why it was taken down, but I am sure there was a good reason to have it removed. If it had come down on its own, it could have caused a lot of damage.
To close out this week’s report, I will share the Fox Mulder moment I had this week when I saw this warning sign.
Mouf, Roving Reporter
Bear’s-Eye View of Alameda
Mouf and his human companion can be reached via [email protected]. Their stories are collected at AlamedaPost.com/Jeff-Cambra/. All photos and videos by Jeff Cambra.
