| Everyone is always sharing about their trips on Facebook so I can only hope that my friends did not think that I was bragging recently when I shared my excitement: Joe surprised me with the news that he's planning a trip to the Proberta Mall for our upcoming 20th anniversary! For those of you who have never heard of the place, it's a spa/resort with an authentic feel of the old west. I tried to protest the extravagance of it all, but he said that it’s no more than what I deserve. Excerpt from the travel brochure: The Proberta Mall/Spa/Resort is located just off the highway, close to local attractions such as Goodin's Rock Garden and Flanagan's Auto Transmission Museum. One nearby home boasts a collection of vintage campers dating back to the 50s but the majority of these highly collectible pieces appear to be from the 70s. Stroll down the highway and feel the rustic charm of Proberta! The Mall was often the inspiration of the highly acclaimed poet Robert Frost, who would travel through the area for who knows why. Here is one of his writings which was inspired by where the old highway splits off onto Gerber Road: "The Road Not Taken" By Robert Frost Two Roads diverged by the Proberta Mall, and sorry I could not travel both And be one traveler, long I stood, Where the two roads diverged, and I, I decided to stay at the Mall. And that has made all the difference. All this Tehama County culture and more awaits you... ************************** Whew! I can hardly wait until May =) Oh yes...my apologies to Robert Frost. It's just that kind of a place, one that sticks with you. It's one of those places that when you see it, you feel like you're home. You look at it and get this sinking feeling that says, "I will return here again someday in my old age, destitute and bewildered." Its sign boasts that it's a mall, but really, it's just one store. That kind of ambiguity adds to its overall mystique. Once, I stopped inside to get the kids some snacks and it was so dark that I could only see the store items nearest the door, because that is where the only light source was. I did a Helen Keller sweep of the place and stumbled to the back counter. Later, I emerged with some snack foods with odd brand names. So he said, "the Proberta Mall, unless you can think of a better place." For us, I really can't think of a better place. I love sarcasm, it's been the super-glue that has kept us intact, or tacky, if you want to view it that way. I think we've stumbled upon just the right avenue for anniversary ambiance. Here's to 20 years of marital bliss, coming our way in May. I still have a confession to make of how I've been wasting my time... I'll post it next week! Be a fan on Facebook |
