It's not too early to get your reservations for a wonderful Valentine's Day dinner at several of our restaurants in town (we're sure there are more ... just call and find out). Mallards at the Empire Ranch Golf Course is having a multi-course dinner with dessert and wine for $32.50 each (885-1019); The Basil will be open with a taste of Thai at 4:30 p.m. for the Valentine's crowd (841-6100); Garibaldi's will be pulling out the stops also, with special additions to its menu (884-4574); ZBistro will have you oohlalaing with its dinners (885-2828); and Adele's will be serving delectable treats as usual (882-3353). Call your favorite restaurant and celebrate the day with the ones you love.
•••
D'Vine Wine has its fresh salad bar back, Mondays through Fridays, along with live music on Friday evenings (882-7766). They are also stepping up to the plate by having a fundraiser for Haiti on Saturday, Feb. 6, from 4-8 p.m. Proceeds will go to the Red Cross. Tickets cost $20 in advance, $25 at the door, that includes one drink and appetizers. Another restaurant, The Firkin & Fox, is remodeling its bar to make room for more patrons. They are open during the remodel and hope you stop in to see the new look.
•••
Don't forget, next Sunday is the Super Bowl (Ravens and Jets. Naaaaaah ... just seeing if you were paying attention; it's the Colts and Saints) and Mallards is having a super party at 3 p.m. with an $8 all-you-can-eat buffet, and $8 all-you-can-drink (885-1017 to reserve a table). Quite a deal.
•••
By the way ... if you need a job to pay for all this, the U.S. Census Bureau is looking for some good people. It's paid training, temporary part-time 2-10 weeks, $10.50-$15.50 per hour paid weekly, mileage reimbursement and flexible hours, call 1-800-861-2010, or go to www.2010censusjobs.gov. Good luck.
•••
Congratulations to all the terrific actors in the upcoming Wild Horse Theater's "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee," scheduled at the Children's Museum in April. The likes of Tom Strekal, Rod Hearn, Robin Cato, Leony Berg and Maggie Jesse ("somebody's" relative), plus other good actors, will be featured. More later. Also, congrats to Ev Jesse and Larry Wright on getting older this week. May you get lots of presents. And many congratulations go out to Karen Williford for receiving an award from the Nevada Department of Transportation for her 40 years of service (and still going strong) with praise and thanks. Now THAT'S dedication.
•••
Don't forget St. Teresa's Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball on Feb. 14 from 7-11 p.m. (for those of you who are ignoring Valentine's Day). Tickets cost $5 each, or $20 for the entire family. Entertainment and good food, too. Call 882-4788 for details.
•••
Finally, if you didn't read the Sheriff's Log in the Nevada Appeal last week, you missed this story. As if we don't have enough to worry about, now we have to worry about the cult that comes to Carson homes and just sits there. They don't do anything, but they won't leave, either. The Sheriff's Office responded, but found out they were invisible. Now, they may be in your living room and you won't know it (or maybe you will) ... so beware ... "they" are among us. Just letting you know.
•••
And, while you're watching your back, you should know that Asteroid 2009 UN3 is making a close approach on Feb. 9. If you want to know more about it, join the Star Party at the Jack C. Davis Observatory on Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. (or hide in your basement and hold your breath ... right).
•••
As an old friend told us ... "When Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?" We certainly hope so. Brrrrrrrrr.
• Carolyn Tate and Maizie Harris Jesse are longtime Carson City residents. They can be reached at editor@nevadaappeal.com.