Day in the Life - Nina's hues

Setting sail to a happy 2012

2012-01-02T13:42:00.000-08:00

Traditional Irish Blessing

May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
The sun shine warm upon your face
The rains fall soft upon your fields
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of his hand

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T00:02:00.000-08:00

Ring in the new.....

and here's to a new spark for a new year!

Happy 2012!!!

Whizzing by

2011-12-17T13:15:00.001-08:00

When you work with kids...everything goes whizzing by....Kids don't amble, they motor to their destination.

Our last day at school involved sleeping bags, PJs and Polar Express beamed on the wall and an auditorium full of young learners. We turned the school into a cozy living room for the day.

Cuteness factor - 10
Joy factor - 11

new dawn

2011-12-03T20:33:00.000-08:00

December for openers....

is a hellapalooza for holiday hoopla.

I say it's time to rest up!

Gobble gobble

2011-11-24T15:17:00.000-08:00

Gratitude is the way to joy....says my very wise friend

and many thanks for so much.

Rosey red to foggy bog

2011-11-17T23:22:00.001-08:00

Rosey reds

simmering down the day

Elongated lines woosh through the lane

on over to bridges and moats of dimming light

To foggy waking

and driving on

down the turns

by the foggy bogs

over to straw stalls.

Halloweenery

2011-10-31T20:03:00.001-07:00

All them sweets - pouring out of this bakery.

Makes it hard not to love jimmy covered spiders,

bats with huge ears

and a parade of chocolate rats hurtling towards you.

Oh, Halloween is about all treats, isn't it?

Pacific Standard Design - La County Museum

2011-10-26T20:40:00.000-07:00

LA County Museum is part of the state-wide Pacific Design shows this fall.

Enter into this green shower if you dare.

At the Design
show - an air stream -

studebakers, consoles to listen to Chet Baker

and a wide
array of other LA Cool.

And zodiac signs greet you on the way out.

Hallow's eve nights

2011-10-17T09:38:00.000-07:00

Moonlight fills the autumn air

Trees are canopied over it's glare

All the while the goblins circle,

Far beyond the gravesites in heavenly purple

Cooking lesson - UnCurry

2011-10-09T16:48:00.000-07:00

Spent a few hours learning about Indian spices

via Kaumundi's UnCurry class held at Surfas
restaurant supply.

Fresh cumin seads, mustard seed - that you are supposed to suffuse in hot oil, then add aromatics - onions, ginger......then to the vege, or meat.

Our class made brussel sprouts, lentils with garlic and a fab yogurt-saffron dessert.

Who's not a fan of Indian fare.

Westside Foodbank

2011-10-01T13:12:00.001-07:00

Our school volunteers in the community.

The Westside Foodbank serves food up to local pantries, homeless shelters and the like.

We loaded up fresh oranges into boxes for delivery - fruits and fresh vegetables are donated from local farms.

Funds come from Fema
and from local markets,
and from volunteers like us.

One kid noticed how genius the tinkering table looks

"Wow, look at this...someone is building something really cool."

building robots from metal scraps.

Along the way, someone picked up a lost $20 bill, and we laughed when we saw these words on the sidewalk.

Funny you know we just added to it.

Even the rain of the late afternoon didn't dampen the good or fun we had doing our community service.

Last day of Summer

2011-09-19T07:39:00.000-07:00

Shirtless guises

among carefree conversations

with toes unbound....

how sad to know that summer's end is near.

Electric outposts

2011-09-17T11:09:00.000-07:00

Imagine yourself plugging in for an electrical fix....

It's not so far off....

http://www.calcars.org/

Towers in the water

2011-09-11T21:18:00.000-07:00

We were enveloped by the harsh memory of 9/11 for so many days.....

Today, 10 years later the reality of that day got submerged into the pools of water .... I saw water flows and images that reminded me of the towers.

Calm waters help to evaporate the horror of that forbidden day...but I know no one can ever forget.

May those who were most harmed be healed over time....and a nation regain her strength.

Going to the Midway

2011-09-10T16:13:00.001-07:00

As of last week, we were in summer....

Reminders of
long days

kettle corn

and wizzing around the midway, savoring the taste of summer.

Artful posers

2011-09-06T18:49:00.000-07:00

Pelicans

who squat and preen

can be seen as contortionists extraordinaire.

Tides and flooding beaches in the Playa

2011-09-01T15:12:00.001-07:00

All the way from New Zealand, a large swell coming from that direction is wreaking havoc
on California's shores.

While it may be surfer's heaven, the bike path that runs by the coastline, was suddenly covered.

Not a problem for these young boys...

And quite a spectacle for the rest

Hardly a tsunami - even though coincidentally an earthquake did come in at 4.5 today

A day even a crow would crow about.

Signs along the way

2011-08-19T06:07:00.000-07:00

Well if you say what you mean....

Then you have peepers inside that truck....

And for some reason, these vendors should be in jail.

Oh, by the silvery moon

2011-08-12T19:29:00.001-07:00

what a glorious sight....

San Francisco museum visit - Picasso & Stein shows

2011-07-16T15:37:00.001-07:00

On a quick break up to San Francisco, I got to see two museum shows -

Newly rebuilt - DeYoung had the Picasso show.

Works from his own collection

Museum was as artful a place as I'd seen. Luscious ferns....

Stunning views

Along the same theme, SF Moma had a show about the Stein family in Paris.

They were rabid collectors of Matisse, Picasso and so many others.

A fascinating tour of life in the 20's and 30's as well seeing those museums' grand designs.

Outside the locals enjoy the beauty of the park and do their morning routines.

Dog day LA

2011-07-15T20:41:00.000-07:00

Hey there....

just a day in the life

everybody looks good in LA!

Streetlife

2011-06-27T20:49:00.001-07:00

Life in the streets is full of history and personalities....

Downtown LA is splendidly
vibrant.

"Sunset Blvd" was playing at one of the old theatres - The Palace.

Once vaudeville ruled....now
there is street theatre.

Blue man group appeared...

almost darting out
of their custom
van.

A peek at Beverly Hills - cameras flickering.

A hawk perches on 3rd balcony....

he's very much a local says the parking attendant.

Fine time for a respite.....

albeit hairbender coffee....direct from Portland, OR

Vera

2011-06-06T20:00:00.000-07:00

Vera, a tortoise shell tabby was a very sweet cat. At 17, she grew weak with kidney problems, common for older cats. I had to put her down today - which makes it a very sad day.

She was a gift from a stranger and an uncommonly kind cat...

She is sorely missed. I'm wondering how many days of looking out from underneath my feet to really recognize that she's gone.

Candles are burning....may she rest in peace.

Foggy Maine day

2011-05-27T18:39:00.001-07:00

The fog can lull you in....

allow you to retreat with abandon.

All the while, offering ripened colors for the eye to feast upon - like the splendid lilac

Fog suits me fine.

LA Bookfare - Patti Smith & Dave Eggers

2011-04-30T20:29:00.000-07:00

The LA Times annual bookfare had a few sell-out crowd crazy events - Patti Smith and Dave Eggers was one. I missed getting tickets but just stood in standby and got in!

Patti Smith's book "Just Kids" won the National Book award..... I read it last year and so loved it.

She is sweet, self-effacing and a remarkably talented woman. Almost with a girl-crush, I walked up to get my book signed. We both were born in Philly and agreed it was a wonderful spot.

Dave Eggers, has got a multitude of followers....from his earliest work -"A Heartbreaking work of Staggering Genius, " the quarterly McSweeney's, as well as the screenplays of "Wild Things"
and "Away we Go." Perhaps it is the sensitivity of any artist, but his work is extraordinarily original.

Both felt it such a blessing to work at craft that they love....truth seekers, warm souls and hopeful for a better world if you can act on it.

I was a bit mixed up being downtown near the new location, USC...but I got to see some
unexpected sights.....

Since wedding season has begun, I joined the cart lady to watch the newly weds. She remarked only "bonita."

Yes, bonita, truly bonita!

Heading home

2011-03-04T02:46:00.000-08:00

Just getting back into normal takes a bit of time, feels like we've been tunneling through this dark, nervy, and unfamiliar landscape.

I know there is light at the end of the tunnel....but it's gonna take some time to get there.

Peace be with you.

Last camellia

2011-02-24T15:59:00.000-08:00

I found the fallen flower on the doorstep today

a beauty, really....

but today was the day my mother succumbed to sickness and found a tranquil resting spot.

She planted the magnolia tree in the front yard after a big Oak had toppled. I loved seeing it's budding beauty, even on this cold and rainy February day.

She was a tremendously loving mother, funny as all get out and I shall miss her terribly. Like any beautiful flower, the color fades but the brilliance of her presence still shines brightly in my heart and mind.

....we come and go....loved and loved some more by our mothers. Mine was a truly sweet one, most of the time. She was deeply caring and a port in the storm for us.

She left today feeling well loved and appreciated.....I will see her in so many forms from now on.....especially in the flowers that surround us in winter.

Waiting to move...transport stops

2011-02-21T20:12:00.000-08:00

I love to watch people - even for a split second.

Skies ablaze with dusky cool and warm colors.

Seems like the sky writing has gone south...

LA Art Show via subway

2011-01-25T20:35:00.001-08:00

LA Art show took place at the Convention Center....with art dealers from all over the country.

Traveling by subway was a easy enough jaunt - 3 stops, 3 subway changes, and four flights of stairs....through a maze of interesting art.

Conceptual artist John
Baldessari's keyboard
with bas relief was amusing.

F is for Finger as G is for Gun

As part of the visual landscape, planes and trains and commercial imagery plow themselves into our mental palette.

Well maybe for myself, not sure about you.

LA County Museum - Broad & Resnick additions

2011-01-17T16:24:00.000-08:00

LA County Museum of Art (LACMA) is full of surprises.

Target is the sponsor on
holidays - so
it is a free
for all kind of day.

Music pounded in the plaza and kids kept the beat -

a la balloon play.

Resnick plaza's first show is Fashion of the 1880's -

quite a contrast to today.

Architectural lines are pleasing to the eye as old and new sections of the Museum are
positioned together...

a striking line going through is the "Renzo red" pillars accentuating the bold look to the new Eli Broad center.

Broad's art collection is housed there.

Bubbles the chimp and Michael Jackson are a crowd favorite.

Along the way sights of helicopters landing and wild mural scapes dot the horizon....

in a brilliant, 75 degree kind of way.

Balmy Beach and the Flight of Nuns

2011-01-15T12:37:00.000-08:00

We've got the weather...

the runners, bikers and

wait for it....

Nuns make an appearance.

Everyone is communing in the wonderful sun and balmy skies.

Find yourself a little oasis and enjoy it!

So long 2010 sunny side down

2010-12-31T10:12:00.000-08:00

As the year comes to a close....time for reflection.

Hope you have had time for some rest.....

May you have work that you appreciate as this vet does caring for birds at a sanctuary....

Food cooking somewhere......

And a bountiful array of colorful sights to enjoy!

Best to you in 2011!!

Winter's wonder

2010-12-19T09:02:00.001-08:00

In mostly sunny California, the days have been glorious except as we round out the year towards Christmas....

rain has come to remind us of how hearty nature can be.

With our small class of 1st graders, we walked over to a nursing home to sing some
carols.....

and the young and the old were humming to the sounds of the holiday, making
spirits high.

Wishing everyone a merry happy time.

Veteran's Day - a call to honor those who served

2010-11-11T21:46:00.000-08:00

It was nice to celebrate Veterans day just looking around the 114 acre cemetery.

Flags were ablaze on the windy day....and really only a few tributes left for the vast number there.

I wonder if Mr. Shababy had a fun nickname during the war.

The vet's have a garden they maintain....and I love going there....

Not only is it open just for the farmer's market, but I got to see baseball being played (UCLA) on the eucalyptus lined field.

A new manager is in there to helping the vets work and tend to plants and maintain their Serenity parrot park. Just seeing long dirt roads and heavily lush areas provides great solace for their post war torn lives.

I'd say it's quite nice for anyone to take a stretch through the verdant green, listening to the craws from the birds in the distance.

Howl-0-ween

2010-10-30T21:56:00.001-07:00

Three days of celebrating Halloween...

It's a kids' bonanza for silly fun, crazy candy getting and long on decorations.

A baby in a monkey costume.....

the cuteness just keeps coming!

Sound of Music at Hollywood Bowl Sing-a-Long

2010-10-12T20:05:00.000-07:00

Got to go to the fantastic Sound of Music Sing-a-Long

It was so packed, and
full of fun...

For the most enthusiastic, a walk through costume procession on stage...

One costume made of yellow velvet was "a golden drop of sun" - winning top prize.

Another fun one were several kids dressed with the number 16 and 17 to suggest "16 going on 17"- one getting on the other's shoulders.

A full moon rising from the east added to the sparkling evening.

Full bowl aglow with Captain's rendition of Edelweiss.

And a pass though down and out Hollywood - the midway deep in the wilder parts of town.

Last concert on the Santa Monica pier - Dr. John

2010-09-15T22:22:00.001-07:00

Last free concert on the pier - brought out the New Orleans crowd, and those who like to hear live music.

Dr. John has a drifty, funk - and oftentimes, his lines just repeat themselves.

Check out the red, white and blue group!

Great night to be hanging.

Velaslavasay Panorama - Moving images

2010-08-13T00:08:00.000-07:00

Inside the outsider's Los Angeles lies the
Velaslavasay Panorama Society.

The evening provided moving painted images on a large scroll narrated from the 1900's and the gold rush - a pivotal time in California History.

This is not any night of a retelling of history, but a track back to history in the day of the slowly moving imagery, hand-turned and tales spun.

Cool, right?

Facelifts - The Encounter/LAX and Santa Monica Place

2010-08-12T23:42:00.001-07:00

LA is ever keeping up appearances.

The space age restaurant at LAX called the Encounter got a refurbish.....looks pretty spacy, right?

And look at what has arrived in Santa Monica - super high end shopping.

It started with views......and an open feel to it...

Completely drenched in mannequins who are oddly ganged into sectional standing areas.

They serve to applaud the ability of all of us to adorn ourselves and pose happily with ourselves in our shopping spots.

Surely there is more of a reason for them to loiter around the mall, but
I think they just are a bunch of wanna be's, in a carefree Bloomingdale's world.

Twilght Dance series - Rickie Lee Jones

2010-08-05T23:04:00.000-07:00

Off to another fantastic concert at the Santa Monica pier - Rickie Lee Jones did not disappoint.

Darth Vader and friends

My friend Suzanna is a perennial pier goer and I imagined this wacky shot taken by Justin.... must give credit where it's due.

Santa Monica PIer Thursday nite - Bollywood!

2010-07-31T21:00:00.000-07:00

Thursday nites on the pier brings welcomed music from afar....

Tonight from Bollywood, Kailish Kher came up on stage - and made joyful music~

Half the crowd goes to listen by the ocean on the beach, but I much prefer being up close to see the action.

A very community-oriented and happy night for all who could attend.

and next week brings Rickie Lee Jones.....of the "Chuck E's in Love" fame.

High Noon under the full moon

2010-07-26T20:04:00.001-07:00

"High Noon" with Gary Cooper & Grace Kelly

Night out at Hollywood Forever -

a night of full moon and lot's of avid filmgoers...LA Style.

Throughout the melodramatic movie, we gazed at the 89 % full moon and were absolutely starry eyed being above, below and watching the stars!

Colorado Bridge celebration July 2010

2010-07-13T18:24:00.000-07:00

The Colorado Street Bridge in Pasadena was the site for a community party.

Food, vintage cars, a few bands who are a perennial favorites -

Snotty Scottie and the Hankies.....yes, you got it - gave 'em their vintage best.

Mercy and the Meerkats - funked it up with some great tunes made for dancing.

Pasadena Heritage uses this venue as a fundraiser....and it was delightfully packed!

Boats, Bikes and Booms!

2010-07-05T19:52:00.000-07:00

The 4th of July brings out the patriot in all of us.

Went out to marina nearby

Strong surf injured some
swimmers today.

Police were streaming through.

Bikers stream by....

The barge where the fireworks sit.

Pow!

Boom!

A full spectrum of lights, sounds and smells .....

Until it ends.....

And we all push on into the night air.

Happy 4th!

2010-07-04T08:32:00.001-07:00

Happy 4th of July...

Caught up with our history by watching 'John Adams' yesterday - what we consider 'inalienable rights' were hard won.

Stay safe and enjoy!!!!

Angelino Heights

2010-07-03T16:17:00.000-07:00

Got to see Angelino Heights -one of LA's first suburbs built in late 1900's - sitting on a hilltop, flush with Victorian houses.

Other styles entered the neighborhood. This stucco style housing with hydrangeas caught my eye.

We were welcomed inside some of them - with all sorts of old, dark interiors...

Carroll Avenue sustains itself with some 'historical zoning.' preserving the look of these first houses of LA, complete with iron carriage hookups on the sidewalks.

Several of the houses were in decline - but most of the really swell places had wonderfully painted exteriors, fresh green lawns and lots of detail work.

What an amazingly different time it was....and still exists in much the same way today in it's genteel splendor.

Things that look like summer

2010-07-02T18:22:00.000-07:00

Summer just sings with fresh everything....

Sublime by Poolside - Marion Davies retreat

2010-06-23T09:41:00.000-07:00

Marion Davies left the Santa Monica Gold Coast in 1947, but some of the grandeur she envisioned lingers on.

Her tiled pool was resurrected by the Annenberg family, opening it up last year for use by the
little people.

Her guest house remains and it is open to all to sit and visit 6 days a week.

You see that visitors like George Bernard Shaw, Charlie Chaplin and of course Randolph Hearst were the company that she kept.

Incredible views, sumptuous interiors with amazing woodwork and a white picket fence still there.

Lakers win and soccer mania

2010-06-21T21:12:00.000-07:00

Lakers win doubles the frenetic mania.

This guy has got it all covered....go lakers, mexico
..

Some just are freaked out in Los Angeles....and this urban man keeps on walking - white face keeps him out of bounds.

Los Angeles Zoo - Gorillas, Orangutans and us

2010-05-31T18:07:00.001-07:00

A trip to the zoo is well like a barrel of monkeys -

Hilarious and ticklish to watch.

The Western Lowland Gorillas - a family canoodle here.

An amazing rainforest setting for the Orangutan's

Who has the best time....well, maybe I did.

Legoland - All aboard

2010-05-29T19:30:00.001-07:00

A special trip to Legoland marks the school year end...

and despite the early departure and FULL day, it was a blast!

Most everything is built with Legos, and they have quite a sense of humor about
it....

Geared for lots of kids, we careened around boats, sky cruises and rolling roller coasters.

Hollyweird and Ripley's Believe it or Not!

2010-05-14T21:43:00.000-07:00

Hollywood gets thousands of visitors daily...

Weird and full of irreverence....it is well worth a trip.

Grauman's Chinese Theatre to Ripley's both buzzy tourist traps...

Lady Gaga in Candy...

Strike a pose - then lights flash....

it'll appear against the wall.

A Siamese Piglet....

Be proud....

Wear it loud!

Los Angeles Festival of Books

2010-04-29T06:52:00.000-07:00

It's a annual event...LA turns out for books at UCLA.

While turnout for the vendors has dwindled, with an obvious nod to recessionary times, the independents came out in a strong way.

I got to see two speakers. Bill McKibbon, an environmentalist
who is pushing for 350.org (350 parts per million of Co2) in the atmosphere.

Sebastian Junger spoke about Afghanistan and told of life in the military there. He wrote the Perfect Storm, he said because he need to recupurate from a gash in his leg.

And for the ladies, (mostly) Alice Waters of Chez Panisse gave a demo on making a basic vinagrette...add more vinegar to about one half proportions.

Some titles are rather fun...

Nascar appeal makes
Math fun!

The day is full of things to discover and be part of a community, which LA has in fits and starts.

Presidential landings and Mars rovers

2010-04-26T21:34:00.000-07:00

I know, you don't expect to walk down the street and see Air Force One. (click on image for bigger picture)

The prez came in for a fundraiser, and no fool he, they helicopted him over LA traffic to his destination.

I got to see both the naval 'copter chop overhead....at the exact time NPR told me he had landed.

And further orbital sightings, took us to
JPL

- Jet Propulsion Laboratories.

Fantasy land in the crew area - jumping in white zoot suits and an inch of eye space to
look through.

Don't know about the future of our space missions...but these guys here make a rover that keeps
on roving....

Last estimate for time the Spirit should stay on Mars....5 months....Actual time it's been up there....over 5 years.

Now that's the spirit.

THINGS to take a look see

2010-04-04T22:07:00.000-07:00

Taking in a warehouse of whatnots has its allure.

But I see very little that appeals....which is unusual.

Is it possible to be be now the looky-loo and not that rabid hoarder of stuff, I wonder???

I walk out with nothing....just pictures!!!

My mother would be so proud!

Note: As I am posting this I am watching TLC's Hoarders, I am relieved that I'm not THAT bad.....still have a love for stuff....but to the 2nd degree and not to the nth.

Keeping young with the elders

2010-03-23T21:57:00.000-07:00

I won't pussyfoot around it....we're all going to get there...

so when I got to visit this well staffed nursing home, I was pleased to see our elders enjoying several rounds of Bingo,with sharp-eyed ladies on every count.

Most were getting too old to enjoy life, but their quiet rectitude and keeping to their scheduled fun, seemed to do the trick.

And to have a quiet loving companion, named Mignon - a 6-toed furball, so Hemingwayesque!

what could be better?

Getting back in the game....

2010-03-20T21:27:00.001-07:00

Winter can be a little quiet...

Fall into winter, dropped leaves

and finding
yourself stuck in a no go zone.

We've got it made in the shade in California winterwise.

Camelias

and magnolia bursting forth.

Get me to the Vet's garden for a bird visit
and some greens or 'vore for the locals.

This pesky little squirrel zipped in n' out, with a fast dash

seconds flat.

Since this vet's garden is on government property, it becomes a sub station for the police who I think were gearing up to tell the LAUSD workers just where to take their protest.

And it is a little like, 'Don't ask, don't tell them what to do...'
Law always wins.

Year of the Tiger - Chinatown, Los Angeles

2010-02-17T22:07:00.000-08:00

The Chinese New Year is celebrated sometime mid - January to Mid February, because it follows the lunar calendar.

The Chinese celebrate with food, dragon parades and the exchange of red envelopes for prosperity.

The Year of the Tiger is this year's motif.

Sweet flowers for Valentines Day.

My tiger, Vera does not have any of the Chinese characteristics - suspicious, emotional but remains a calm and humble cat, albeit supremely content in the sun.

Twilight to evening for a glorious long weekend...

Ballona wetlands tour

2010-02-07T22:09:00.001-08:00

The Ballona wetlands are preserved marshlands adjacent to Playa del Rey - a wonderful landing spot on the Pacific flyway.

In 2003, the state purchased 192 acres and also got 291 acres from the Playa Vista development. A comprehensive restoration plan by the Coastal Conservancy was created.

From their dunes to the walk through to the tidal areas where plovers, great egret, and blue heron, we walk and talk with volunteers.

Biologists serve up plankton

and draw us into

Lemonberry, sagebrush and a selection of the natural

phenomenon....ladybugs included.

El Niño

2010-01-20T21:33:00.000-08:00

I'm not complaining really....but El Niño is definitely drenching us.

Not that the 20 inches of rain is insignificant,

far more than a drop, I'd say.

and so gently filling our water basins...

It's the pile on effect....and the slides we may expect as we wend our way through an accumulative state 'o rain.

Ok, the really sad thing is .... aside from the utter devastation in Haiti...is that it killed my camera....

One last burst into the elements and poof, it went down.

To be continued....

Malled

2010-01-17T21:15:00.001-08:00

A large addition to the mall has enhanced daily life for many....

the big box store Target has something for everyone.

A tigress-hair sectional is very unique!

Featured valentines bears...

Massages by the dollar...

We combine school and workability needs to navigate our way through this maze.

An amass of colors, lights, and tunes

sets in motion the business of the day....

browsing,

socializing and eating.

After hours, I walk by the nearby baseball field - LAX adjacent and find planes launching
skyward.

I like finding new adventures...however local it is.

Off to the races....

2010-01-12T21:15:00.000-08:00

Well into the first month of

20-10

and we're off....

Like these fellas...surely there's a joy in the camaraderie, but not sure I want to be goin' at this speed.

Well, just noting that we're supposed to be having fun, no matter the speed.

Blue moon and rose parade

2010-01-01T19:18:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year...

Surreal lighting recasting an evening full of "Day for Night."

It was the year that left with pigs flying...

and bulldogs perfecting sledding at 70 degrees.

May you stay warm and bright throughout the year!

Couldn't we get Pedro a home before 2010???

2009-12-31T20:33:00.001-08:00

Rain hung in the air and knocked out the lights at Vons....

Strangely comforting to hear chatter amongst the avocados in the produce area.

Lights always go off when it rains....

A bit of an inconvenience....but then again, it never rains in sunny California.

Local anchors are trying to find a good home for a special little chihuahua, "Pedro."

A Shout out - "Hey, Pedro..."

But tell him I live in cat country...

Awaiting the advent of an upcoming new year.....

Let's make it a good one...

To all a good night

2009-12-27T23:55:00.001-08:00

My mother doesn't cook....so she opts for a night out

especially on Christmas eve.

None of us carve ice sculptures, but low and behold we get a bite out to eat and we get ice sculptures. Pretty good for a warm climate like Los Angeles....!

Needless to say, I stuffed myself.

Did I mention Macaroons?....I lassoed them.

And those eclairs, well, they didn't have a chance either.

Follow that up with a nice Christmas story...

something my cat Vera might enjoy.

But I swear, I saw Santa's sleigh go by.....really quick....BUT it sure seemed so!

See it moving between the gates.......

Hope you had yourself a Merry something....

It's always sunny here...

2009-12-23T07:08:00.000-08:00

Aside from the one day of rain here, it is pretty much very sunny....

Dancers practice in the parking lot at the Madison Campus at Santa Monica College - devoted to the arts.

Winter white - camelia

Dashing through an utterly astounding array of light and clouds....

Through the greens and complementing reds of the holidays.......

Out to LAX....

And the rush to get home....

It's getting to look a lot like Christmas

2009-12-22T22:44:00.000-08:00

Gearing up and getting decorations, presents
and going to the annual Santa Monica College

Student art sale.....

Color stripes
permanent candy canes

Menorah and plants in sculptured clay...

Time for warm and fuzzy...

Ho...Ho...Ho....

Birthday week - Hollywood Bebel and Cirque du Soleil Kazoom

2009-12-13T20:58:00.000-08:00

December is birthday month...got to celebrate for a full week.

From Hollyweird to hear sweet Brazilian music, Bebel Gilberto

The Capital Records building a glow in red lights.

Rain and then bursts of sun,
brought people out.

"Kooza" has a 10 year run that Cirque du Soleil performs.

Balancing acts and feats no human can really try at home.

A wickedly funny circus enchantment at Santa Monica Pier....

and I relished the roar of the greasepaint and the smell of the crowd....

albeit one year older.

Rain hangs

2009-12-08T22:03:00.001-08:00

Dreary day.....

Lights on the inside...

Rainy day in LA....

Mall stop

Pools of light.....ahhhhh

Downtown - Nickel bites and Panorama bits

2009-12-06T21:21:00.001-08:00

Night on the town...downtown LA at the fab Nickel Diner....

Swirl of veges topped off with parsnips strips...
say that fast 5 times.

Sas vrs. Birch root beer....
I'm partial to Sarsparillo.

A hallmark of theirs, aside from the Cher dessert, is the Bacon-maple donut...A load crunch and sweet, that was not so delish...

Even our waiter, applauded us for leaving off after one bite.

Wouldn't you know...man stand in at the line up.

Union Theatre for some Georgian enchanting songstress'

with rhapsodic
harmonies and accordian rifts.

Outside in the garden...looking up there's a bit of dachau-looking menace.

But delightful full growth
amidst the sprinkle of winter droplets.

Our super proficient driver, Suzanna at the helm...careened around downtown like nobody's business....a head for directions that could stifle any GPS.

I liked our final stop to eat up some luscious red velvet cake....

Need I say more.

Busy....and moving....

2009-12-03T20:49:00.001-08:00

Busy all day....

Kids, rehearsals, buses, birthday parties....ahhhh so busy.

Stopped to watch the sun setting into
a cloud bank....

Newsman said it was fuschia....

I just saw yawns...

Long days and views - pt. deux

2009-11-28T19:27:00.001-08:00

November is the start of the holidays -

chill in the air, starry lights....

full of short days and long on hopeful cheer.

Always biking weather.

Thankful for the lush greenery

Public Library downtown

Cornicopia of fall colors

A favorite stop for me is Hashimoto - a garden center on Sawtelle.

It's a little strip of Asian
proprietors...

Buddha busts
pose with serene
and chuckle faces...

A bucket load of narcissus

that sweeten
the cool winter air...

A fury of icelandic poppies brilliant in the sun.

Down in the Playa....

the lagoon has lots of birds, and ebbing tides....

Winter slides....and contrasty light....

Sunny cool fun.

In the swirl and on the berm

2009-11-22T22:17:00.001-08:00

A weekend of busy and slow....

Bar Mitzvah gathers all sorts - at once celebrating spirited passion

and at the next moment complete frivolity.

But whether your preference is to go the quiet way

or be in a 'group pile' as the movie, "Where the Wild Things Are" put it...

Either way....

There was fun to be had