TODAY'S TOP TEN THINGS I WILL MISS ABOUT QUINCY.

Let me qualify this entry from the beginning… this is my list of the top ten things I will miss when I leave la Quince. It is not in any particular order, specifically, it is not in order of “missing-ness” nor importance etc. They are listed in order of their appearance in my mind as I sit in front of my laptop at 4 o’clock in the morning.  Since, with a very few notable exceptions, I will miss everyone I have met in the last three years, I also refrain from listing people unless they are integrally attached to my top ten.

1. (or 10) Babs and the Drunk Brush.

If you aspire to a career as a housewife with a drinking problem you need a place you can call home that serves alcohol. I have spent my fair share at the Brush and do not regret a single penny nor moment.

2. (or 9) The gals at Plumas Arts.

Geez, what do you say? The staff, the gallery, the Town Hall, the generosity… not to mention their fear of having an empty square in their annual calendar.  And all of it free or pennies on the dollar.  Not gonna find that in the big city.

3. (or 8) Traci & Lina at Quincy Thrift

A happy mix of laughter and bargains… Any more the term “thrift store” has lost its meaning… hell the Salvation Army has a high end collectables store these days, so it’s a treat to have this one in town. I stocked my home from there and then they graciously took it all back when I began packing.

4. (or 7) Le Coq

You often hear of high profile chefs talking about tossing it all and opening an intimate, homey restaurant in a small town. Since the supply often exceeds demand, talk, as they say, is cheap. And even when they pull it off it’s almost never your home town. I think I ordered off the menu the first time we ate there, but quickly succumbed to the endless list of nightly specials until I learned that you could say, “Just have Patrick make me something good…” What a treat.  I’m sure there are nice restaurants everywhere but few better than this gem.

5. (or 6) Them BLTs

Since we first heard them at the Chester Art Fair 3 years ago we have been hard-core addicts.  Goofy, talented, versatile, and happy, they always put a smile on your lips and a tap in your toes… and besides, they let me sit in now and then.

6. (or 5) The big, yellow Southern Accent trailer

Hummm… a lot of it seems to be about food, eh? I am surely gonna miss Bug & Blinky and their BBQ. They are two tons-o-fun to hang with and the boy can whup up a pot of soup that would make the Gods on Mt. Olympus dump their ambrosia down the toilet.

7. (or4) The road to Meadow Valley

I accept that some people use this highway to actually get to and from work and have to make time. That being said, if it was up to me the speed limit would be 35 mph the whole way.  I love watching Spanish Creek pop in and out of view and one of our simple joys that first summer was to snag Tama from work and, five minutes later, have a gin and tonic below Snake Lake bridge with our camp chairs ankle deep in the cool creek water.

8. (or 3) The 10-2

What can I say? I like to eat and, if you check out some earlier postings, you’ll see that this is one of my favs.

9. (or 2) Working at Casa Fulton

After years of remodeling bathrooms and kitchens, it is all too seldom that you stand before a project and hear the words, “ I’d like… uummm, I think… Oh hell, just do what ever you want.” From the love shack to the chicken bordello this is the best job I’ve had in ages.

10. (or1) The Plumas County Museum

I have always had a penchant for history and volunteering and this was one of the best opportunities to mix them both together. A great resource, an inside track on the local history factoids and a chance to spend time with people who are creative, dedicated and a laugh riot.

So there’s my boo-hoo list as I order a dumpster delivered and await the arrival of the movers.

If you take exception to any entries or feel slighted by your absence I can only suggest that you start your own blog where you can write any opinions you want.