Walking up and down First Street is one of my favorite ways to exercise. Sometimes it’s difficult to get motivated to go out, and am always rewarded with an interesting encounter or sight. I am one of the fortunate ones who lives only a couple of blocks away from this vibrant and charming avenue. Where else do you have access to four bakeries, multiple art galleries, a variety of good restaurants, an independent bookstore, one-of-a kind shops and a fine library all within walking distance? Did I mention the water views?
Today’s walk did not disappoint. Today, Saturday, has been the most beautiful day of the year so far. The air is crisp, the skies blue with a few clouds, and it feels like spring. The Benicia Green and sidewalks are abuzz with residents and their dogs, kids on bikes and skateboards, tourists in for the day, and locals getting takeout or just chatting on the street. It’s easy to forget that we are in the middle of a pandemic except for the masked faces and the economic hardship that these business owners are facing along with so many others.
After a jaunt to the UPS store, as I was crossing Military onto First by the Gazebo, I noticed two teenage girls out in the busy street trying to rescue an injured butterfly which was in danger of being squashed by a passing car. They had retreated to the sidewalk for safety and to regroup. Wanting to help, I waved away cars as the girls captured the butterfly and placed it on a bush out of harms way. Touched by their compassion, I ambled on.
Further down on G Street, I spied the red “Open” sign at Dianna’s Cafe. Walking in the side door of the homey cafe one is overwhelmed by the sight of so many cookie jars filled with a huge variety of cookies and a refrigerated case replete with pies, cakes, tarts, and quiches. A Thiebaud painting passes through my mind. I ordered two slices of the lemon olive oil cake to which I have become addicted. Dianna runs the cafe all by herself since Covid, a tremendous feat of multi-tasking.
Crossing the Street to Farm and Flour, a fairly new bakery and cafe in town, I ordered three baguettes which the friendly fellow at the counter placed in attractive individual black bags. I was lucky as they are sometimes sold out if you don’t get there early. I tucked them under my arm and walked out the door anticipating my next meal.
Further on, I also noticed another shop that has closed, like so many others, white paper blocking the windows. Stopped to chat with Patrick and Jane at the Adobe Second Change Thrift Shop. Often one of them or sometimes both sit on the wooden bench in front, chatting up the locals and welcoming people into the store. A few weeks ago, I spied a pair of gigantic, brightly painted pair of ceramic parrots in front of the store. Do I need these? The answer was “yes” but the next day there was only one. The lone parrot now sits on my terrace searching for its mate. Should have remembered about the early bird and the worm.
As the day wound down, I invited my sister over for a visit on the patio. As she was leaving, we noticed a pretty, chalk green Vespa across the street – a beauty from another era. It had a bullet-shaped side car with a cream colored convertible top and classic Art Deco styling. On the floor of the sidecar was what looked like a vintage touring helmet. As we were admiring it, the owner, Brett, appeared, and told us how he dressed as Santa at Christmas and drove up and down First Street handing out candy canes from his side car. I remembered seeing him and other revelers last December. He proceeded to strap his small black dog into the sidecar, donned his helmet, and stepped on the gas. We waved as they motored down B Street and disappeared at the bend in the road.
Letters From Benicia 