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!

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Summer sun

I love watching kids at the beach -


the feel of the water under one's feet and the warm breeze makes it a joyful playground.

It's a safe place just to scamper around....free to move and splash. But mothers always keep a watchful eye on the young, while catching up on their news.

In my day, we were used to seeing the Coppertone Baby ads for sun protection, and I was amused to see a towel with that cute baby on display.
Nothing but that stretch of ocean and the wind in your hair is all that you could ever need.


Saturday, August 25, 2012

Harbor Fish Market and Maine Lobster

On  trip to Maine, you crave having lobster. Harbor Fish Market  with it's iconic red and green  storefront is a stop along the way.



You can order steamers and other delights. For lobster though, you can let them do all the cooking  and you buy by the pound, which can be expensive as seen here.


Lobsters can be bought by softshell or hardshell - the former offering a bit sweeter meat.

We chose well, softshells - bought them by the pound - at a price ranging from $3.90/lb to $5.50/lb which is a bargain at today's prices.




Needless to say, it was delicious - the pulling apart, cracking, and ritual of butter-drawn lobster is sublime.

Wish you were here.

:-)


Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Rodeo Drive by night

Lights and trees light up the scene

Robert Graham sculpture near the Rodeo Dr. enclave

Beverly Wilshire hotel

Sunday, August 12, 2012

Hollywood Bowl - Nora Jones 8.10.12

Nora Jones filled the Hollywood Bowl with her magnetic voice and splendid accoustical sounds.







Nora won 5 Grammies in 2002 at that tender age of 23, and has a flurry of other successes. Her real name is Geethali Norah Jones Shankar...and is the daughter of Ravi Shankar - the noted Indian Sitar player who taught George Harrison a thing or two.

She infuses jazz, blues, pop vocals with a heavenly tone. And is probably the youngest old soul singer out there.

Needless to say, the crowd was filled with chicks....and a very tame but delighted crowd.


Monday, August 6, 2012

Venice BBQ - 8.4.12 - a community affair

Bring out the biggest bbq truck ever, and start up the grill.

Once a year the firefighters gather the community for a big picnic. Amazing that this is a no-holds barred free event - complete with tri-tip, the best ever chicken and hot dogs.





Venice Recovery Center and other volunteers help put up tents, chairs and serving.







The idea is to commune with your neighbor and help the community join in spirit with music, food and fun.






Addie who's been in Venice since 1962....raised 6 boys.