Join Eleanor For Roseville Holiday Shopping, House-Touring

Moving to a new neighborhood can be fearful or fun. I opted for the latter.

After 40 years as a Crocus Hill resident in St. Paul, the move to Roseville might have been daunting. I could have said, "I don't know anyone here" and hunkered down.

But my new neighbors were so welcoming that there was no nostalgia for my former digs, and I was soon enmeshed in Roseville events, organizations and good times.

Let me tell you what's coming up that will keep me busy through November and into early December. I hope you all will partake.

One of the many positives about being a Roseville resident is that my commute to Peggy's Holiday Boutique is about a mile instead of eight miles through traffic.

At 9 a.m. Saturday, throngs will be lining up at the Roseville Skating Center, 2661 Civic Center Drive, to get first crack at the designs of nearly 150 crafters, artists and goumet food producers. I will be there signing copies of my cookbook, "Always on Sunday Revisited."

If you can't be first in the door, don't despair -- the show runs daily until Sunday, Nov. 13, its 34th annual appearance.

I was there with earlier books when the show was known as Schultz in Stitches, organized by fabric artist Diane Schultz who, for 30 years, showcased the artistry of her creative friends. Just like me, the show moved from Diane's home in Crocus Hill to Roseville, and she and I pounded our way up Lexington Avenue to get there.

Four years ago, Peggy Bonneville, who had marketed her rosemalling through the Schultz show, decided to take over so Diane could retire. Peggy has made the show even more sparkling and refreshed. She and her husband Ken scout art shows throughout each summer, looking for new designers, and she maintains a waiting list of those who are eager to participate.

This year, about a third of the 150 booths will showcase new artists and their merchandise, including pottery, clothing, giftware, jewelry and foodstuff.

Peggy mentioned a new biscotti assortment, and a jellymaker who has, among more traditional flavors, a root beer version. The Chocolate Goddess wlll be bringing new sauces. Sampling is encouraged, and Christmas shopping is the mission. 

"I feel a responsibility to the artists to have a good show," Bonneville said. And she encourages repeat visits because new craftspeople are often added in mid-boutique.

"We have one customer who comes daily for the baked goods," she said. For details about hours, go to peggysholidayboutique@comcast.net

Friends of Roseville Parks has further involved me since my move. I sit on the board, and help with projects that raise funds to beautify the community's green spaces. Our next event, also a November tradition, is the Holiday Rose Home Tour Friday, Nov. 11(10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and Saturday, Nov. 12 (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

Two stunning homes, nearly adjacent to one another, both overlooking Lake Owasso, will be open for oohing and aahing, not only over the architecture and furnishings, but also because of the holiday decorations throughout, staged by area interior designers, florists and gift shops.

The $30 ticket includes an elegant lunch served at St. Michael's Lutheran Church, 1660 W. County Road B, Roseville. During that respite from house touring, participants will be treated to a style show by Baglio's of Afton, and can shop at a silent auction and bake sale. Tickets are available at Roseville Parks and Recreation office in City Hall, or from FOR Parks members.

I won't give you the exact addresses of the two home because you will be shuttled to them from the Resurrection Lutheran Church parking lot at Victoria and County Road D. On that short ride, prepare yourself to be dazzled by the lakeside house that has just undergone it's third ("and last," the owner swears) major remodeling, building in all the niceties that living in the house for a long time inspired.

Pay special attention to unique bathrooms featuring river rock, slate, mirrored vanities and luscious colors. Kitchen cabinetry is pristine white, enhanced by acres of granite and redundant appliances. Imagine -- three dishwashers!

The other house is more rustic, with a woodsy back view and deep woodtones throughout. The kitchen, here, is also a knockout, with several countertop choices and upscale appliances. It is an intimate, comfortable, Craftsman-style home, with a soaring fireplace and easy room-to-room flow.

A dynamo named Nancy Robbins has become a friend since my Roseville move.  I met her through her work at the Harriet Alexander Nature Center (HANC), and now, she's a sister FOR Parks board member, on track to be president. Where will she find the time?

Nancy stages an array of events at HANC, including the autumnal Wild Rice Festival, and she has invited me to participate in several of them, signing my book. I will be at the HANC holiday craft fair just one day this year, Sunday, Dec. 4, from noon to 4 (the event starts on Dec. 3, but I will be at the Landmark Center holiday event downtown St. Paul that day and the two previous). Two floors of Roseville City Hall will be stuffed with creative gift items, many of them at enticing prices.

Since moving to Roseville, I have learned what a vibrant community this is, so much to do. I hope you'll enjoy these three events with me.