The Old Modesto Gang

In the 1980s and 90s, a healthy chunk of the homes on the San Carlos mountain cliffs (locally refered to as “the caricol”) were occupied by Modesto citizenry. Approximately fifteen central valley families – many from the agricultural community - built large, grand, ornate homes here on the caricol. A neighborhood away from home evolved, with many of the folks spending up to six months of the year here.

Sport fishing, boating and hunting were favorite activities, as evidenced by the large sailfish mounted on the living room wall. The potluck dinners were to die for. There was a lively social atmosphere.


The Berryhill home was of course one of these homes. Another home was owned by Betsy’s uncle. Last week Betsy and I were having dinner at Piccolo’s Restaurant. Piccolo’s serves Italian food and was a favorite of many of the old Modesto Gang. At another table two old friends ran into each other. We overheard their conversation. They were remininscing about the good old days, back when “both Berryhills” lived up on the caricol. We chuckled.

Times change, people grow old, sell their homes, move away, pass on. An era ends.

Saturday morning the phone rang and it was one of the old gang, Janice. She and her cousin Adele had just arrived in town. They noticed Betsy’s car parked in “the Berryhill house” and wondered which Berryhill was in San Carlos.

Janice and Betsy had a delightful chat on the phone, and the four of us planned to have dinner at Piccolos that evening. Betsy and I stopped by Janice’ home – five doors down – at 5:30 and visited with Janice and Adele for a bit. It’s interesting to see the inside of some of these homes. Janice’s house was grand and immaculate. They have a similar view as the Berryhill house, but sit a bit further back on the cliff, so they have room for a large fenced yard with a lawn.

Janice and her cousin Adele are just the nicest ladies! Adele is from Virginia but is in the process of moving to Modesto to live with Janice. Both ladies are recently widowed. Janice is in town to begin some of the preliminary paper work to sell the San Carlos house.

At Piccolo’s, the owner Magua was delighted to see old friends. When Janice’s husband was ill, Magua made his favorite dessert – flan - and delivered it to their home.

Much of the dinner conversation was about catching up on who was where and doing what from the old crowd. Some had passed away. Many had sold their homes, no longer having the physical ability to travel and/or maintain a large second home. The San Carlos/Modesto neighborhood has dwindled.

There were a few emotional moments during dinner. It seems that all four of us have recently lost someone close. And yet through a few tears, there were bright hopeful smiles that held the joy and knowledge that you DO get through it and go on. The “good old days” cannot be recaptured, but their sweet memories live with you forever.

I found myself thinking about m;y own “good old days.” Somehow we don’t ever seem to remember the times when there were hassles or problems. And that’s just fine.

Dinner ended on a joyous note. Janice drove us home in her large Suburban after we got the waiter to move a car that was blocking us in the makeshift dirt parking lot. Janice and Adele are planning their new lives. Betsy and I are here starting new projects of our own. Life goes on. Our memories, sorrows, and joys sustain us without weighing us down.

Life is Good!