Monday, December 31, 2012

Round and Round we go - Fiscal cliff

Can we keep going around in circles......



and not get close to a fiscal answer?


Well, maybe another look into our crystal ball, says that the 2012 election sent a message to those in Washington that we want a change.

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Christmas around Maine

Snow came on Christmas morning....only an inch or so.

The yearlong Chocolate moose - Lenny of Len Libby's fame stands in his lair with wreathes around him. How he has stood solid- without a nibble for years is a feat unto itself.

Here's to a Happy New Year - now that we're just past Christmas!

Friday, November 16, 2012

Julian, CA - homemade as apple pie

Entering the small town of Julian, one is struck by the historic presence of a bygone era. Once a bustling town, at the forefront of the expansion west, it is now more of a quaint spot to get a great apple pie and homemade goodness


This is the pie from Julian's pies and it is delectable - soft and sweet.

A competing bakery called Mom's was similarly built for large quantities of pies.

A quick 10 minute walk around the edges of town you can see some fanciful wild turkeys scurrying through to another stomping ground - the cemetery.



On the way out of town I saw some fruit stands and places where you could buy Ostrich or emu eggs, but I left with some apples...


.....and of course a pie.


Monday, October 22, 2012

Pasadena Humane Society

Pasadena has a wonderful Humane Society - a place you go to enjoy the tranquil housing for these wayward animals. From bunnies, snakes to small kittens, it is a virtual nest for the smaller kingdom.



Beautifully laid out with large cages and loving volunteers to visit with them.

 Cats get lots of attention and I was told that all of them get adopted....a lucky spot for them indeed.


Sorry...but the cuteness just keeps coming.

Monday, October 1, 2012

LA Art Platform



In an airport hangar, LA Art Platform - art fair took place this past weekend. Buyers, and art appreciators were all over as were the multitudes of art dealers.




Stand out pieces include these swimmers series -



 One of the funnier sights was to see an all american diner....set up in mock-sincerity, with waitresses gabbing away, and offerings of pie and coffee - in the form of pellets. Funny indeed.




Unusual to think where you might place this in your abode!


Wonder where all your pencils are going? They are used to construct these figures. Bold and original.

But not so bold as this sight

Art wear....

Cheetah hair....

And a jet tour....

In the land of can you top this, this was the penultimate in ultimate!






Friday, September 21, 2012

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's Endeavour


Los Angeles welcomed the Endeavour today and as a special treat, we could watch it sweep through our fair city.



Somewhere between it's launch today and noon, Angelinos were out in force to get a gander at the piggy-backed Endeavour.

  


Leave it up to JPL to get the shot...cool runnings for a cool spaceship


now grounded with us!

Sunday, September 16, 2012

A rumble in the Venice jungle

Police presence should not surprise anyone in Venice Beach - a place where the homeless hang and nefarious trades are made.



Vendors line the streets ready to sell or just hang their flag.


You may need a quick shower but that is for paying customers.


Anywhere you go, art is exploding off the walls - like these amazing, funny murals I saw.

Then at 20 Westminster St, I saw this vampirish, baroque looking house called "El Bordello de Alexandra," and I don't know if they have paying customers....but it looks forboding doesn't it?
The history of Venice Beach goes back to the developing of Venice Beach by Abbott Kinney some 100 years ago. Today it has the feel of amusement, and a scarier, fringe element.

Well worth a check out.

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Main Street Farmer's Market

 A fun Sunday is in store when you go to the Santa Monica Farmers Market.






There is sweet petting zoo and pony rides.




and even a balloon man adding to the festivities.

Here the band which got many foot a stompin' and hands a clappin' -  Masanga Marimbas



But I was intrigued when the NBC Today show arrived and started filming the organic tomatoes.





There's a rumor out there that they are not worth the hefty price - organics that is....and from what I read the organic movement is saying that a bunch of quack scientists are making this up.

Oh, well....people will buy what they will, and come out for the festivities anyway!

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Paddling the LA River

You don't think of the flood control waterway, known as the LA River as a place for kayaking. Oftentimes, this river is sunken in concrete and runs the side of the freeways.
 


There is a move on to use the river in a recreational way...and each summer, small groups are allowed to kayak for half or whole days.  As part of a pack of 10 we ambled down the calm waterway.

Wearing light waterproof clothing and doing paddle-lite work, I enjoyed watching osprey swoop and cormorants speed overhead. Not to mention about 5 varieties of dragonflies....my favorite.

Tickets were gone within a couple of hours....but if you get a chance to go....go for it!

 Paddle the LA River

Monday, August 27, 2012

Deer in the tall grass

I could have been in the deep wilderness in the upper reaches of Maine...but not a chance.

This fellow belongs to a homestead in Tarzana, CA.

Thought I'd share this fun sighting!