Year of the Tiger - Chinatown, Los Angeles

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

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.