Cinnamon Thoughts

Happy New Year 2012

2012-01-01T10:18:00.000-08:00

If it's New Year's morning, it must be time for a Mimosa.

* * *

Happy New Year

Town and Country

2011-10-16T16:44:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Will and I visited the country town of Julian, CA.Home to rolling hills and apple orchards and a small town out of the 1870's. We picked apples at the Raven Hill Orchard and had lunch at Soups and Such, visited the Pioneer Museum and a one room schoolhouse, we walked up to the hilltop cemetery, browsed the bookshop and art shops, all under a glorious blue sky.

On the way out we strolled those rolling hills in the Wildlife Sanctuary.Today I made a Granola Apple Crisp with the Empire apples we picked. It's topped with Apple Cinnamon Granola and Honey Crisp Pecans from the Julian Cider Mill.
More photos on Flickr

Ever Gentle on My Mind

2011-10-01T15:49:00.000-07:00

There was something so deeply intimate about being there in Troy, going through my Uncle's space, a space now empty of his physical presence, and yet he was everywhere. In the look on Rusty's face, the notes left on the table, a book on the nightstand, boots kicked off and laying on the floor.His ashes are heavy in my arms. And just like he did with my Grandpa before him, with my bare hand I lift the ashes out and let them fall through my fingers to the gentle wind, to the tall grass, to the river rocks, and to the wild river.There's deep sorrow and a calming peace in doing so. He's where he wanted to be. And I look at the bend in the river and tears of joy might stain my face, and the summer sun might burn me till I'm blind. But not to where I cannot see him walking on the back roads, by the rivers of my memory, ever smilin', ever gentle on my mind.
Those song lyrics have been in my head and I take a moment to say goodbye before I rise from the riverside, and return to the others.

I Come From a Family of Fishermen

2011-09-05T11:47:00.000-07:00

I've wanted to fish all summer long, and it seemed there was a reason this feeling consumed me. I come from a family of fishermen, says my Mom, and so it is with thoughts of my Grandpa fishing the rivers of northern California's Shasta county, with a bond so strong and a connection everlasting, that another member of those fishermen was dying.

I learned in July that my Uncle Jimmy had terminal cancer, and by Saturday morning, September 3, 2011, he was gone. Jim passed away, quietly, at home with my Grandma.
Thinking about it all summer long, Will and I were up early yesterday driving east to the San Gabriel River. The sun rising before me, tears in my eyes, and my fishermen on my mind.
I didn't catch any fish (this time). But I connected with my fishermen, and had my husband at my side.

Will and I stood on the banks of the river, casting our lines into the current, practicing more than expecting to catch anything more than twigs. And with the cool rushing water circling my legs and the warmth of the sun on my shoulders, I thought of my Grandpa and my Uncle Jimmy.

Jim was a mountain man living in northwest Montana along the Kootenai River. Smart, strong, a master craftsman, always with a dog by his side, sometimes troubled and made mean by drinking, yet loving and loved deeply. I will miss him in my life.
Rest in peace Jimmy.

OMGoats Are Cute

2011-08-07T17:38:00.000-07:00

The goats are clearing the brush on the slope around and under Angel's Flight downtown. After going to a movie we thought we'd stop by and say "hay". They are just about about the cutest ever.More Goats on Flickr

What's Goin' On

2011-07-04T13:35:00.000-07:00

This long weekend has been spent taking advantage of California's outdoor weather. A walk to the Silver Lake Farmer's Market always turns into photo ops.Exploring the nearby Big Tajunga Canyon was a very pleasant surprise. Yellow wildflowers exploding everywhere and a river running through it.

Weeks past we've been enjoying classics on the big screens of Los Anagles' grand theaters on Broadway.
As well as a jaunt out to Ojai for the Lavender Festival.

Whew. Summer's here.

The Wonders of the East

2011-04-03T20:13:00.000-07:00

Just back from our whirlwind trip to Thailand and Cambodia, my husband and I were with a band of travelers, compliments of my super great boss. This trip was packed with so many beautiful and interesting destinations, and photography, no matter how stunning or ordinary, can't begin to capture the reality, beauty, or scale of the places we visited.

But that didn't stop me from blazing through my memory cards and snapping 2,217 images.
One of my favorite days happened when we broke away from the group, and with like-minded travelers Miles and Maryann (in the tuk-tuk ahead of us as we approach the gates of the Bayon Temple above), we ditched the luxury bus for a couple of tuk-tuks and hit the road for the countryside and some temples.

I've uploaded a selection to Flickr. Notes and captions still to come.

Random Rat

2011-03-05T16:11:00.000-08:00

When my computer is sleeping my photos slide across the screen. They're random. And after an African sunset the next image may be Ranger as a pup, then a downtown mural. This one is really fantastic. Seen as we were driving down the streets of Los Angeles and of course had to stop and take a look. Wonderful.

Market Basket

2011-01-23T09:14:00.000-08:00

It's been unusually rainy and chilly these past few months. Unusual for Los Angeles. But there's been a turn in the weather and things seem back to normal around here, which makes a walk down to the local Farmer's Market on a Saturday morning a must. I fill the market basket with lettuces, leeks and lemons. With my husband by my side adding broccoli, beets and baby carrots. Life is fresh and life is good.

Merry Christmas to ... ME

2010-12-12T08:01:00.000-08:00

I have lived with a utilitarian refrigerator, about the only one that fit in the 30" slot between the sink cabinet and a wall, for more than 10 years. While I was single it was ok. But with my husband and a whole produce section required for Buster's greens, peppers, carrots, butternut squash and other assorted vegis, it was becoming just a huge pain in the butt.As I began designing the upstairs renovations I also wanted to re-do the kitchen. However, the kitchen had to be placed on the back burner (I hope to be able to get to it the year after next). So any dreams of a 36" wide counter depth french door refrigerator were also placed on the back burner.

Until...somewhere along the line, more than a year after the upstairs was completed, we realized there might be an interim solution. We could replace the pantry unit next to the stove with a refrigerator, and replace the old refrigerator with a new pantry unit. It's not ideal, but it's doable. Very doable. So the search began in earnest. I read consumer reports and narrowed my search down, I went to show rooms to touch and feel refrigerators, I came away with a clearer idea of what I wanted (and what I didn't want) in a refrigerator. I searched again and went to Best Buy to touch and feel the Samsung rfg237aars. I read more reviews, searched the Internet near and far for the best price, and with my selection made and my husband's endorsement I pressed the Check Out button. And with my dear husband managing the delivery and installation I came home Friday to the most beautiful refrigerator I have ever owned.
I gave it (and my husband) a big hug this morning.

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T11:08:00.000-08:00

The Menu

Turkey's going in the oven in a few minutes. I made the pie last night.

Update: The evening, like turkey, is done. Here's a few shots of dinner.

The spread.
The bird.
Preparing to feast.

Search Engine

2010-11-20T10:06:00.000-08:00

Trying to remember what we did last thanksgiving... I know we were in Yosemite for Christmas. But I wasn't finding Thanksgiving in my memory bank. It's a good thing I had my camera with me. So I went to My Photos and OF COURSE! We were traveling in the camper-van through Death Valley. WONDERFUL trip. Remember?

Halloween - The Day After

2010-11-01T20:04:00.000-07:00

After making apple pie on Saturday and preparing for trick-or-treaters on Sunday I just wanted to throw a couple of photos up of our pumpkin carvings. So here's the pumpkins.* * *

Will's got more photos here.

Apple Pie

2010-10-31T09:30:00.000-07:00

I'm no pastry chef, that's for sure. I know it's all in the crust and my crusts have tended to be heavy and dense, not light a flaky. But with the abundance of apples gathered from our day trip out to Yucaipa's Oak Glen Apple Orchards AND the November issue of Better Homes and Gardens' feature of Alan Carter with his pie pastry recipe AND an Apple-Cranberry Pie recipe to go with the pastry, well it was clear that I would be making a pie.

Of course I could have opted for a ready made crust, but with Mr. Carter's recipe, including his secrets for a perfect pastry, I had to give it a try.

With everything ready I began making the pie from its pastry bottom to pastry top.
Though certainly inexperienced hands rolled it, the pastry was indeed flaky. And the cranberries really added a nice tartness. It turned out to be an altogether yummy pie.Will's apple orchard set here.
Mine here.

Family Visit

2010-10-24T16:39:00.000-07:00

Meeting my Mom in the middle between where she lives on the east coast of Myrtle Beach, SC and me on the west cost of Los Angeles, CA we made our way to the beautiful mountain town of Troy on the Kootenai River in northwest MT at the end of September.

Mom and I met up at the Denver airport and caught the twin engine prop to Kalispell, picked up a car and drove the 2 hours on the 2 highway passing rivers, lakes, meadows and mountains, arriving at Grandma and Jimmy's house by mid-afternoon. Neither Mom nor I had the street address but as long as you're on the right side of the main street and left of the railroad tracks, who needs an address.

With no agenda other that to visit with my family I settled in to the sofa and conversation. I see my family so seldom. We're few and scattered around a bit, and when my Mom told me she was planning a visit I told her to let me know when and I'd be there.

Through my entire adult life, and before, we would all get together at Grandma and Grandpa's house for Thanksgiving. Every year, year after year. My Mom used to pay for my flight when I was still a young adult and making my way on my own. I treasure those memories and still find myself trying to adapt to the new calendar of my life. And to my family that is less one important person in my life.

Lot's of things will make me think of my late Grandpa, and my thoughts of him are always, always, deep and calming and I brim with my memories of him. We all do.

So when I have the chance to see my family, even if only for a day or two, I'm there. I'm always there.

New Destination #2 - The Getty Villa

2010-10-09T16:46:00.000-07:00

For my Mom-in-law's birthday we made a day of it and went to the Getty Villa, had dinner at Moonshadows on the ocean, and went back to the Getty Villa amphitheater for the spectacular performance of Sophocles' Elektra.I especially enjoyed the herb garden at the Getty Villa. Plucking sprigs of rosemary, basil, and mint, I held them up to my nose breathing them in, oh, heaven.

What a wonderful museum. And an amazing collection of marble and bronze sculptures and artifacts from the Romans, Greeks and Etruscans.

New Destination #1 - Sequoia Kings Canyon NP

2010-10-03T11:09:00.000-07:00

It was a wonderful September filled with new destinations. The first was a trip to Sequoia Kings Canyon NP over the Labor Day weekend. We scored Cabin #9 in Grant Grove Village which was the perfect location for our first trip to the sprawling park. We finished each day on the porch of our cabin with a cold beer looking out on our own pretty meadow as the sun set.

There were so many amazing areas and such a diversity of landscape, from the depths of the marble caves to the towering sequoias. Spending our first day to the North in Kings Canyon we hardly saw another vehicle on the road and rarely passed a person on the trail. It was a tranquil and leisurely day that included Boyden Cave, Zumwalt Meadow, Roaring River Falls and Grizzly Falls, along with Hume Lake and many many canyon vistas.On Saturday, upon emerging from Crystal Cave we quickly became mired in the tourist onslaught in the Giant Forest area of Sequoia NP where the General Sherman Tree is located. After viewing it's magnificence we had planned on scaling Moro Rock and strolling around Crystal Meadow, but we quickly skedaddled to a quiet creek for a picnic lunch, kicked off our shoes, and got our toes wet.

We found that, like Yellowstone, there may be a bazillion people in the park but it's easy enough to get away from them just by getting out early in the day or getting on a trail. So, returning to Sequoia the next day early enough to avoid the incoming waves of people, we did scale Moro Rock and walked the trail from there to Crystal Meadow (where we saw two bears). Then we took our new Ford Escape off the beaten path to a steep and rutted dirt road leading to the base of Buck Rock. We climbed the switchback of about 200 metal steps to the working fire lookout perched on top of the rock.The cinnamon giants (aka sequoias) are so beautiful and the meadows are like a dream, the waterfalls take me back to a time when I was free-spirited teen, and it's all right within a few hours drive. We will be going back again.

More photos (with more to come) on flickr.

Bird Inspired

2010-07-05T16:24:00.000-07:00

When I was a young 'un I liked to paint and sketch. As I got older I turned to other joys; cooking, travel, my love. And although inspiration is virtually everywhere, absolutely everywhere, I haven't done such things for quite some time. Alas, it is time that is my barrier, or so I ration.

I love and admire art in so many of it's forms. Color, space, texture. Wherever I travel I look for something of art to bring back home. I have paintings by local artists from my trips through the enchanting Alsace region of Strasbourg France, the medieval treasure of Venice Italy, and the colonial gem of Guanajuato Mexico.

I've been framing some photos from our trip to Africa for the bedroom as well as keeping an eye out for bird prints for the bathroom. The frame store where I've been shopping also has a small art supply section and as I walk the isles I've been looking at brushes and watercolors. For so little I can get a variety pack of brushes, an 8 color watercolor set and a 9x12 pad of heavyweight paper. While I didn't get them the first time, the second time I went to the frame shop I did.

For my first attempt I thought I'd try a folk art style bird.
It's not really a style that I have experience with but it's a style I love and I think I'll continue to practice it, but it didn't quite come out like I pictured.

My next attempt was a more realistic, but still unrefined depiction of the winged, and modeled after an image I found online, it turned out looking closer to how I wanted it to. It's been a joy to mix the pot of eight basic colors to varying shades and hues. This one might even make it to frame and hang with the other birds in the bathroom.

And now while the days are long and the light is with me I can squeeze in the time to paint and I can't wait to begin the next one. Soon enough I'll have to fight time as it relentlessly turns those days against me.

Mango Salsa with a Brief Update

2010-06-06T18:05:00.000-07:00

I made Mango Salsa to go along with grilled steaks for dinner tonight.
I know. I've been neglecting my blog. It's just that I find it hard to keep up with. It's not that there's nothing going on, because there certainly is. We've had a wonderful rainy winter and the garden is blooming big time. The Easter lilys were bigger and there were more blooms than I've ever seen. The Jasmin is full and fragrant. The Rosemary, well oh my goodness, aromatic heaven.

Sadly, Skip, one of our three tree frogs, died a couple of weeks ago. Now there's just Hop and Ajump. Skip was my favorite. He was always the first one to come down when I was tapping crickets in for them to hunt. We wrapped him in a paper towel and tied it with ribbon, and buried him in the garden under the water dish in which sits an iron frog from Guanajauto, Mexico.

There have been wonderful weekends and visits to LACMA where I had a nice chat with a woman from South Africa while I waited for my husband. We biked the Art in Historic Places, a self guided tour through West Adams District to view local artists work and their historic homes.

We're enjoying plenty of warm afternoons on the porch with the dogs, watching a hummingbird fly in and out of her nest, sipping sangria, mojitos, or just tea.

Time to get the steaks an the grill and pop open a cold Corona.

Is It April Already

2010-04-05T18:08:00.001-07:00

Just back from camping in Death Valley and seeing a spectacular showing of wild flowers. While it may be true they were more like patches than blankets of blossoms, I would still say they were spectacular. And while a patch of purple and yellow flowers may get you to pull over and take a look, what you'll see are more wonderful flowers than you had imagined there would be. We also had the pleasure of taking Will's cousin, Nathan, with us. So we thoroughly enjoyed spring in DV and the company of a very nice young man to boot.

Spectacular Spectacular

2010-01-23T14:09:00.000-08:00

My husband woke up before the sun and said a-walking we should go. He said he could see stars in the pre-dawn sky and it would be a beautiful morning to hike Mt. Hollywood from the Griffith Observatory. So we did just that. And after 5 straight days of an onslaught of downpours, hail, and end to end rainbows, the skies on this day were clear giving us spectacular views of the snow line and our fair city.

Flickr Set

Christmas in Yosemite

2009-12-27T13:38:00.000-08:00

I have just spent Christmas in the most wondrous of places I could imagine. We had perfect weather with a blanket of snow on the ground and ice cycles hanging from eves and rocks and branches. With ice and snow crunching under foot we walked through the meadows and along trails to falls, cliffs, and the banks of the Merced River.

My photo set here, and Will's here.

A Merry Campbell Christmas

2009-12-22T21:10:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas everyone.

My husband and I will pick up Casey, my mom-in-law, and hit the road to Yosemite tomorrow morning. I hope we arrive before dark and maybe see some sights or catch the sunset as we cross Tunnel View. We have the entire day Thursday and Friday to explore. I picture snowy domes and strolls down tree lined lanes, walks through meadows in crystal clear and chilly air with my sweetiepie. I'm sure I'll be bundled up and wearing my wool cap most of the time, but we are packing our formal evening wear for the Bracebridge Dinner on Christmas. My husband is very dashing in a tuxedo.

A Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-30T20:46:00.000-08:00

As the sun sets on our last night in Death Valley this Thanksgiving my wonderful husband is out happily riding his bike to an abandoned structure in the distance, and Ranger, tuckered out and licking tender paws, is snug as a bug in the camper, I point my camera at the lake and know that the images I am able to capture can in no way depict how truly wondrous Death Valley is and the love and the joy they all bring to my life.

Hey. Froggy.

2009-11-01T10:13:00.000-08:00

My husband poked me this morning and suggested I update my blog. I know it's been a while. There's been a lot happening since our trip to Bug Sur soooooo many weeks ago. The newest addition to our family are three tree-frogs. We call them Hop, Skip and Ajump. They're hard to photograph but I finally got a pretty good one here. They have settled in real nice and when they bark the dogs don't bark back anymore. Just part of the family. And I get endless enjoyment out of watching them catch them crickets.

My Mom came to visit a couple of weekends ago. She made the trip West and her first stop was my Brother's in Reno, then on to Grandma's in Redding, and the final stop was me. Will was in San Diego at a conference until early Saturday evening so Mom and I were able to hang out just like old times. She used to come visit me (before I was a married lady) every May, and I'd go visit her every Thanksgiving. My agenda for her visit was pretty loose, we sat on the porch, went to a craft fair and farmer's market, strolled a couple of shops in my Silver Lake neighborhood and ate really good food. I often wish she weren't so far away. It'd be nice to call her up and go do something together. There's so much we have in common. She's better than any best friend I've ever had ('cept my husband). We are two peas, that's for sure. Will also treated me and both our Moms to the Mark Taper to see "Parade". And that was about the best play I've ever seen.

Halloween was a success. We added to our graveyard collection of bones and skulls, tombstones and ghosts. Really nice turn out and the neighbor kids came by to check it out. Photos on Flickr.

Big Sur Coastline

2009-09-06T18:10:00.000-07:00

Taking a few days off leading into the Labor Day weekend, we headed to Carmel and Big Sur for a brief and welcome break. So many wonderful sights and beautiful trails along rocky creeks and redwood forests. Ahhhh. A wonderful mash up of land and sea indeed.

More on Flickr

Master Shots

2009-08-03T11:27:00.000-07:00

Shots of the mostly finished master bedroom and closet. The beginning

Ahhh. Me and hubby sharing space w/room to spare

shot from the left

shot from the right

shot w/cat

Lion in Wait

2009-07-18T13:14:00.001-07:00

My Mom and her husband, Lorne, both retired, sold their house in Reno, and hit the road in an RV oh about 6 or 7 years ago. As Mom scaled way back the plan was to furnish the RV with what was necessary, sell or donate what they didn't want to keep, and pack up what they wanted to keep and store it at Grandma's house in Troy, MT.

When Mom asked me if there was anything I wanted I said "The lion picture". I've long coveted that lion picture but I have also been satisfied with seeing it over the years when I would visit Mom in Reno. I've never really asked about it. I think I've just assumed it was a yard sale or thrift store find. But there it always hung over a table with a lamp and a short stack of books, and I found my eyes always being drawn to it. So, the lion picture got packed up and shipped to Grandma's in Troy, MT , which is some 1,343 miles away, awaiting the day it would be mine.

During our road trip in 2007, Will and I were at Grandam's house in stunning Troy, MT, for the 4th of July. A small town along the Kootenai River, and a stones throw from Glacier National Park, it's also where my Uncle Jim and the lovely Elva live. Since we were driving the plan was to take the lion picture back home with me, but it was not to be found and I reluctantly left without it, not knowing when I would have the opportunity to get it again.

Grandma finally traded in the hard winters of Troy, MT for the more gardening friendly climate of our native Redding, where I grew up. Now Redding is about 543 miles away and when Mom and I flew up there to visit, the picture was presented to me before leaving and I wrapped my arms around it and wrapped it up in some paper, stuck it in a plastic garbage bag, fashioned a handle using duct tape and carried the lion picture with me on the plane and home. Not knowing where I would hang it, the lion picture was propped up on my dresser, not being shown to its best advantage, but where it has stayed for over a year.

It was then again put in a box with some other frames and taken down to the basement where it lived through the renovation this year. This morning, as I sat here waiting for my new washing machine to be delivered some time between 12:00 and 4:00 I did some furniture arranging in the conservatory, pulled my old trunk out and dusted it off, stacked a trunk that Will found curbside on top of it, and on top of that an old thrift store suitcase that still holds my TSOL and Social Distortion records in the silk pockets inside. Next to the trunks is a rattan end table used as a phone stand on one side, and an old iron chair on the other, and on top of the suitcase the hat I wore to Africa in 2001.

Then staring at the big blank wall I went looking around the house for some artwork to hang. The space above the trunks was telling me it was a good spot for that lion picture. Down to the basement I went and pulled the lion picture from the box along with another old frame that had previously hung on that wall. In the old frame I inserted the mat, cut a piece of wrapping paper to attach a photo from our trip to Africa in 2005 of a male lion sitting in profile, mane blowing in the wind. Now I have the lion picture I've longed for and a lion photo together. With some help from Ranger it now looks like so.

Happy Snails

2009-07-12T11:36:00.001-07:00

After an early morning jaunt to a construction site to pick up some long coveted wood with my sweetie pie, we then drove through McD's for a couple of Egg McMuffins to take with us up to the top of the world for a panoramic Los Angeles breakfast. There are three ways to get to the overlook; 1) drive up to the visitor center's parking lot and it's a short trail to the overlook; 2) park at the bottom and take the meandering and gradually inclined 1 mile switchback trail; or 3) face the bazillion steps and march straight up the dang thing.After finding the gate leading up to the visitor center's parking lot locked up until 8:00 am (40 minutes nigh) we parked on the road at the bottom and headed straight on up those steps. And these are no 7 x 11s, they are 18" plus, which is a big step.

Once we got to the top (yeah, we made it to the top) we chatted with another early bird. One woman who scaled the hilltop ahead of us, in breathable cotton knit active wear, and a colorful print scarf around her head topped by a straw hat, carrying hand weights, headed back down after looping the hilltop trail, and did it all over again. I don't know how many laps she did but she made the climb several times while we were there. And she was no spring chicken.

What does all this have to do with happy snail? Well, we saw a lot of them perched everywhere along the trail on stalks of fennel and other flora, and well, they seemed happy to me.

The 4th of July

2009-07-04T12:42:00.000-07:00

What a gorgeous summer day in the city. No really. I mean it. See.
We've got steaks for the grill, corn on the cob, macaroni salad, watermelon, cherries and peaches. All set. Oh yeah and beverages; a box o' Chillable Red, Coronas, and Lemonade.

I have a couple of photos of what we did to soffit the duct in the dining room nook. The nook was a catch-all space with a few inadequate shelves and no trim. So unsightly that I just put up a tension rod and draped it. So I decided to wrap it in bead board. Well not me, as in I built it, Jesus built it, but it was my idea...In progress.
And add molding and trim like the existing built in next to it. Oooh. How nice it turned out. Now a place for my cook books, and silver pieces, crockery from Germany, and linens from France.

Time Travel

2009-06-21T10:33:00.000-07:00

For as long as I can remember all my adult life my Mom and I have talked on the phone every Sunday morning. Rarely did a week go by that we didn't talk. Then Mom and Lorne (and their 2 cats) hit the highways and back roads in an RV for some adventure, and we got computers, I got married, the phone calls ended. Now she's settled in South Carolina and though we don't talk on the phone as much we email regularly and follow each others blogs. Modern times.

She emails my brother and uncle and calls Grandma regularly and continues to be our connection to each other. So, she emails me that Grandma's 89th birthday is coming up and that Grandma is becoming friends with the folks at her local Farmer's Market, which I had the opportunity to visit during a trip there last year. So on my list this weekend was to write my Grandma a letter. And in doing so I included a photo of a Farmer's Market that Will and I visited Zanzibar.
And I wrote my Grandma a letter.

Hi Grandma:

Mom emailed me last week with the family news and mentioned your 89th birthday is coming up, so Happy Birthday to you! I turned 50 this year.

As the 4th of July approaches I'm remember our trip to Troy 3 years ago. Will says that was the best 4th of July he has ever had. It was truly memorable for us. And I was so moved to see him riding grandpa's tractor.

The photo I printed to write this note on is one I took at the "Farmer's Market" in Stonetown, Zanzibar 2005. We have a couple of local Farmer's Markets here but I don't get to them nearly often enough.

Will and I went to a dance performance held in a 100 year old church in Echo Park last night. It was a cool and comfortable evening so we walked there (0.8 miles). The performance was a modern interpretation of the story about Eve. Very nicely choreographed with wonderful dancers and live music.

On the way home we stopped at a new bar in the neighborhood and got carded at the door. I guess in the dim light he couldn't see Will's gray hair and the wrinkles forming around my 50 year old eyes.

But, life is good here. We are enjoying our new upstairs space and our animals continue to provide us with much joy. My only wish is to have more time to travel, to visit my family, and to go to Farmer's Markets.

Love,
Susan
XXOO

The Other Side

2009-06-07T09:59:00.000-07:00

We're in!

Friday I got the call from Jesus that they were done. They put one more coat of varnish on the stairs treads on the way out so it was taped off when I got home. I hauled out a box fan and aimed it at the tacky stairs hoping to accelerate the drying process. Finally Saturday evening we wiped down the bedroom furniture, took the bed parts up and assembled them, and moved the bed and night stands up to our new master bedroom. And we woke up this morning with one cat and a dog in the bed and we all watched the sun rise from our second floor vantage point.

Will also scored a great deal on two pair of closet systems from Costco (John Louis Home) saving us a whole bunch of money. I'm not totally in love with the mahogany finish (a tad too red) but it's a very nice unit. That installation project will come another day though. We're going to try and make some order of the rest of the house today.

Getting There Is Half The Fun

2009-05-31T08:00:00.000-07:00

Getting there. After all the uncertainty Charlie presented he really nailed it. We've got us a proper bank of stairs here.

While I went down to Chinatown to stock up on my favorite Ten Ren Plum Green Tea, Jesus and his guy were here finishing up the stairs. The dark walnut stain is a near perfect match for the dark walnut stain of the bamboo on the landings and upstairs. The varnish really brings out the wood grain. He'll be back on Monday to paint the balusters and risers, then complete some finishing touches. So, since we're back to waiting for the paint to dry there will be no moving upstairs this weekend.

Last week also saw the electricians come back for the fixture installations. Ran into a bit of a problem in the shower. One of the electrical boxes was installed too close to the slope so the fixture wasn't sitting flush against the ceiling. Jeff had to come back, cut open the ceiling and move the box over. Jesus was not too happy about his beautifully finished work being cut open. But they'll make it right. Just means it has to be re-done, which is time, which is money.

Next weekend. For sure.

Momentum

2009-05-25T10:04:00.000-07:00

The stair re-do should have been done by now. But Charlie needs to get some momentum going, and unfortunately we think his momentum is at the bottom of a liquor bottle.

There's progress. And he certainly knows what he's doing. Charlie has removed all of the stair parts and saved every one. What he has done is good, just tainted by his poor work ethic. He has yet to show up on time (and I don't expect him to at this point), he takes lots of breaks (going down to his truck for a drink maybe?), he continues to complain about re-doing what someone has done wrong while adding "but that's old news" every time.

Too far in to fire him and start over, we are just patiently encouraging him in his progress, "home stretch" and all. So, he'll be back on Tuesday. Will he finish Tuesday? Who knows. If he got here at 8:00 am instead of 12:00 pm, maybe.

So it'll be another week before we move upstairs. Jesus and his crew are completely cleared out. They painted their way down the stairs on Friday. Stopping at where Charlie is still working on his part. Now they have to wait until Charlie's work is done and come back and paint and stain the rest of the stairs.Next weekend we should be moving in upstairs. Really.

Here's a reminder of the stairs before.

Watershed

2009-05-16T14:19:00.000-07:00

This past week saw all kinds of finishing touches happening with the plumbing and fixtures stealing the show (more to see here). Charlie will begin the stair redo next week. The electrician will come back and install all of the outlets, switches and fixtures.

By next weekend the crew should be outta here and we will be moving our bed from the dining room to the upstairs bedroom. Then we can get the dining room table out of the living room and back in the dining room, along with putting everything else scattered throughout the house that is stacked and boxed and on end back in their rightful places.

There's more work to do after the work is done. Closet system, towel racks and accessories for the bathroom, window treatments, etc. Then a cosmetic patch and paint job in the guest bedroom and bathroom.

But we'll be livin' in a complete and whole house that has been divided for 50 or more of it's hundred years. And I'm proud to have been a part of bringing this old house back together.

Stair Parts at a Standstill

2009-05-02T08:04:00.000-07:00

Jesus made a mistake with the stair installation. As the box newels and hand railing were installed it wasn't looking right. We caught it and stopped any further progress in time so that it's not a total loss.

On Wednesday morning before the crew arrived for the day, Will and I took a closer look and determined that the starter step was just too high. Upon closer investigation it did indeed measure a precipitous height of 9", with each following step at close to the 7" mark as drawn in the plans. I called Jesus to tell him there was something wrong with the measurements and to stop all work on the stairs.

That afternoon I came home to talk to him about it. I asked him questions but didn't really get any satisfactory answers. My feeling is that the stairs are beyond his skill level and experience, and he can't admit that. I understand, and I'm sure he can do them and they'll probably look ok, but they're just not right.

I talked to Will about calling in someone else to install the stair parts and said I would call Bill Paul, my guy at Anderson Molding who was so helpful when ordering the stiar parts. Then I would search Angies List if needed. So I called Bill Paul and he gave me two referrals. I called the firts one, Dave Massey, and we set up an appointment for saturday to come take a look at what we're dealing with.

He arrived promptly and assessed the work. We talked about what needed to be done and he expected all the parts could be salvaged and his crew could get it done in a day. We talked about his schedule and I looked at his portfolio. He said he would email me a proposal by the end of day Sunday and we were looking t the week after next to get it done. Since then I have not received the email proposal, I have left 4 messages on his voice mail, and I have not received a return call or email. He just disappeared. I'm very disappointed in this approach. For whatever reason he can't do the job, just let me know so I can find someone else. Jeez.
In the meantime Jesus and his crew are tiling and painting. So it's been an exciting week seeing it come together. The colors are beautiful and they are working well together, just the right amount of contrast between the wall color and the ceiling color. It's transitioning well from the existing downstairs colors to the new stairwell color too.

Of course there's more to see on Flickr

Time to Chill

2009-04-19T16:36:00.000-07:00

Needing a break from the noise and dust and people that swarm the house Monday through Saturday,
Will and I took a little get away and walked down the street to El Casario for a couple of tall, cold drinks out on the patio.
Soothed by the sounds of the fountain pleasantly splashing in the background, a warm breeze, and food for the soul we chimed away an hour or so. Ahhhh.

5 to 7 More Weeks

2009-04-12T14:27:00.000-07:00

More is going in now than coming out. Electrical is upgraded and service panel moved. Heating and A/C work begins on Tuesday. Tile is going up and the shower has nooks. Windows are back in and the trim is being installed. 5 to 7 more weeks.

We're clearing out the basement today so the new furnace and ducting can go in, so I've got to get back to work.

Do You Speak Stair Parts

2009-03-26T19:04:00.000-07:00

Anderson Moulding Showroom Steps

I now speak fluent stair parts. I know my balusters from my banisters, my stringers from my risers. Starter steps, box newels, treads, oh yeah. 7 11s. The whole shebang. I know my left returns from my right returns, rosettes oval and round. Up eases and climbing volutes for goodness sake.

I especially like telling the doof in the Home Depot stair parts section that I'm doing 7 11s and then see her head tilt to the side a little bit like when you ask a dog a question. While that's an adorable trait in a doggie , it only means ineptitude in a human. So's you can be as smug as me, in the world of stair parts 7 11s refer to a commonly used stair design consisting of 7" risers with 11" treads.

Thank goodness Bill Paul at Anderson Moulding gave me a nice little discount on my order, thereby beating Home Depot's price by several hundred dollars. I'd much rather give Bill my business than Doofus. And the stair parts were ready and picked up within 2 days of placing my order. Yay!

Lamenting

2009-03-15T16:36:00.000-07:00

After encountering a major issue with the upstairs project we are back on track. To stop was really not an option. But I needed time to wrap my brain around the increase in price and the decrease in space, and there may not be anything left over to do the kitchen.

Plans have been re-drawn, talk was veering towards giving up the tub and scaling way back, and we're forced to stay within the same dormer walls. I'm not happy about the compromises I've had to make and I told Will that I'm not quite done venting. But we've worked a solution that only eliminates the storage piece between the double sinks, and space. I know in the end it will be beautiful and I'll love it. I remember when Bink was a kitten and I had just brought him home. Shortly after that my bunny Button died. I was so sad for my loss that I couldn't love Bink, and I resented his presence in a way. Of course this is only a bathroom, but still.

So I've been lamenting, and venting, and even crying some. But it will be beautiful. And I will love it. And we are pressing onward with renovations.

Touring The Palace Theatre

2009-03-01T16:17:00.000-08:00

After breakfast at the one and only Clifton's Cafeteria, Will and I walked over to The Palace Theatre for a 10:00 am tour, part of the Los Angeles Concervany's Broadway Behind-The-Scenes tours. From it's basement bowels to the lofty peanut gallery and all it's dusty corners, no place was off limits.One of 12 theatres spanning 7 blocks along Broadway, the Palace is in desperate need of renovation. Even so it is grand. In it's day it was one of the first of Orpheum's Vaudeville circuit theatres where the best acts on the stage performed.

Downtown is certainly coming around again. And there is renewed appreciation for it's history and architecture. This is a great concentration of theatres and with the right plan it could be very exciting. More information on Bringing Back Broadway.

Photos on Flickr

Ponderings

2009-02-08T14:57:00.000-08:00

After dropping off his truck at the shop Will and I walked home along the Silver Lake Reservoir where we spied this lovely tree. It reminded me of the Magnolia Plantation gardens in South Carolina.

On the way we stopped for breakfast at Local and pondered such trivial things as whether or not the homeless are ever arrested for stealing those shopping carts. Will counters that they aren't stealing them so much as finding them. So they are rescuing them I say. And I say, you know they have rolly carts that you can order online. To which he makes a point as to why that may not work since the homeless don't have a ship-to address ... or money ... or a computer.

When The Dust Settles - Day 9

2009-01-31T21:27:00.000-08:00

What can I say. It's going to be really nice stepping under this in the mornings.

When the Dust Settles - Day 3

2009-01-24T09:05:00.000-08:00

We're on the positive side of renovation. Flickr set is up. Lot's of demolition going on. Down to the the bones. And the bones are looking really good. The electrical wiring looks like it will need some upgrading. Which is ok, I figured it was going to be that way.

It started raining when they started on Thursday. But I guess they're used to it. So, all is going well as of day 3. Much more to come.

When The Dust Settles - Day <-4>

2009-01-18T16:08:00.000-08:00

When the container arrives this week to sit curbside in front of the house, the debri formerly known as Joe's apartment will soon occupy it. The first phase of renovation will commence on Thursday 01/22/09 with demolition. The project of transforming an upstairs apartment into a master suite will officially begin. Walls will tumble and light will pour in.

I visited a couple of tile showrooms this weekend to see and touch the vision in my head. Oooooo...I love the tile. At United Tile and Stone on San Fernando there's classic pinwheel, black tumbled marble mosaic, subway and shelf-rail tile. Going deaper into the warehouse showroom I entered a colorful, yet dimly lit hallway leading to a couple of bathrooms. These were virtually big square rooms with basic toilet and sink fixtures, warehouse-high ceilings and large industrial windows. Nothing fancy by any means, but spacious with a cool stripped down feel.I guess it may seem odd that I found these two old bathrooms in any way interesting, but I did. Maybe it's the light, maybe it's the space, maybe it's the imperfections. Sparkly showrooms are alright, but I rather like things a little more lived in.

Illumination Installation

2009-01-11T17:04:00.000-08:00

My handyman (aka my husband) installed lights along the hand rail leading up the front steps to the house today. Doesn't take a whole lot to make me happy. And my sweetie pie doing stuff like this around the house makes me very happy. The sun is beginning to set and I can see them from my desk next to the window in the library, illuminating.

Realization

2009-01-03T11:41:00.000-08:00

My life is like... this wandering map of roads leading to places I've never been before. I have a way though, of seeing where I want to be and finding the road that will get me there, which is not always a straight and paved road. Nor do I have a clear sight-line to the road's end. It is mostly made up of bends, and I don't know what's around those bends, but they keep drawing me in.

And if I stray, which has happened plenty, I will eventually find my way back to the road that leads me to where I want to be. I have a decent sense of direction.

Yesterday, I realized that I will turn 50 this year. What, you say!?! Yup, I say.

Now, it's just a number, not a milestone, not a significance. No hoopla required, believe me. It was just a realization that I now find occupying my thoughts for some reason. Not sure why. I'd reason that it definitely has something to with the number itself. I do admit it is a big ol' round one.

Santa Dog

2008-12-24T16:37:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas Eve ;)

Milk Man

2008-12-21T20:33:00.000-08:00

Not finding the Broguiere's Egg Nog on the super market shelves yet this season we made the drive to Montebello's Dairy to get it straight from the source. My Milk Man is holding a carton containing bottles of Milk, Chocolate Milk and four bottles of Egg Nog.

Happy Holidays!

From an Office Window

2008-12-19T07:25:00.000-08:00

After the rain this week I've got a pretty view from my 12th floor office looking north to the Hollywood sign and the Griffith Observatory. Good weather for hiking the Ferndale Trail up to the Observatory.

La Mano Press

2008-12-07T17:33:00.000-08:00

Will and I took a trip downtown to stop by La Mano Press' art sale. They're shutting down the Los Angeles shop. I picked up a piece by Emilia Garcia printed on an alter candle, and Will a great piece by Artemio Rodriguez himself.

The day was cool and we had just left Costco where we bulked up on pet food, litter, and Diet Pepsi. The place is always, always a nightmare of clueless drivers clogging up the traffic flow in the parking lot. I really never ever cease to wonder why some people will sit there with three cars stacked behind them and wait for someone to unload and pull out of their space, rather the park in a spot that would require them to walk a little bit. So, as we inched around just such a tardo, and drive on back to the rear of the store, there are literally dozens of available parking spaces.

With that chore done and behind us as we passed a Christmas Tree lot with day-glo flocked trees lined up against the chainlink fence Will scolded me for not having my seatbelt on, which caused me to then miss my shot as we shot by the day-glo flocked Christmas trees. Recovering I "click it or ticket" and we continued our way across the bridge to the artists space near the San Antonio Winery. No tardos, no hassles, no lines at the check out. Just art and artists, and a bowl of Reeses penut butter cups, and Chicklets gum, and my sweetie pie. Happy days.

Thanksgiving at Home

2008-11-29T08:12:00.000-08:00

Will and I stayed home for Thanksgiving this year. The only other time we haven't been traveling together for Thanksgiving was 2005, the year we were married. Since then we've been going to my Mom's in South Carolina. And last year we extended the trip and went to Charleston for a few days. I like getting over to the east coast and there will be future trips there along with diversions to N. Y., or Atlanta, or New Orleans. There's lots in the east, south and north, that I'd like to see.

Dinner this year was cooked by Casey and me. All of my recipes came from Sunset magazine: cranberry and meyer lemon relish, herb rolls, chard and sausage French bread stuffing, plus spicy pumpkin soup which is an old recipe from Oprah's magazine. The first time I made that soup, Will and I were still dating. Casey made the leg of lamb and roasted vegetables, sweet potatoes with caramel sauce, and berries creme brule for desert.

Casey's friend and neighbor, Nancy, came to dinner too and once the dogs, well Ranger, stopped acting like there was a demon inside her, the finishing touches were put on the dishes, wine bottles were uncorked and we all sat down at the table to eat. Casey is a really good cook, and she made enough to feed 12. My dishes all turned out really good too, and I only made enough to feed about 8.

I didn't take any photos after Casey and Nancy arrived and only snapped a few of the table, but the food not only tasted good it looked good too. We snipped fresh rosemary sprigs from the backyard shrub and the house smelled heavenly. The dogs calmed down and were laying at our feet under the table as we ate and drank wine and talked.

I'm so thankful for all I have and all I have accomplished. In a time when so many people are facing such difficult and uncertain times, I'm thankful for the love and stability I feel in my life and my home and my family.

While I cleared the dinner dishes, Casey sprinkled sugar on her creme brules and berries and put the torch to them. While they cooled in the fridge I put the coffee on. After coffee and desert we soon said goodnight to our guests and Will and I were left to collapse on the sofa. And before we went to bed Will had all the dishes done and everything was put away.

Where a River Runs

2008-11-23T08:11:00.000-08:00

I sure like traveling, but I like coming home.
Denver was great. I never did need that winter coat though. It was 78 on Tuesday and the evenings were also comfortable. It wasn't until the day I left that a cold front had moved in overnight and temps dipped way down to freezing. I think I saw some things I wouldn't have if I didn't have that Sunset article too.

With the conference and time constraints I could only stick to the downtown areas. Couldn't get over to the Rockies or any country trails. I've always loved a downtown that has a river running through it. Reno (yes Reno), Redding, Chicago. Accessible rivers with trails, parks and activities; more of a feature of the city than something that is considered to be a problem area by its officials.

Maybe someday the Los Angeles River will be like that. Maybe I'll have to get more involved in the developments here. I know there are local advocates for the Los Angeles River and plans underway to develop the riverfront areas. Progress being made as the people of the city become more involved in its direction.

Denver Photos here.

Winter Coats

2008-11-16T16:41:00.000-08:00

Denver circa 1898

I'll be traveling to Denver on Monday for work. I've never been there so I'm looking forward to it.

I don't own a winter coat so I went out this weekend and bought one. Now it looks like it's going to be in the 60's, and even in the 70's on Wednesday. I was hoping for snow, or at lease chilly weather. That's hardly even long sleeve weather. I'm packing that winter coat anyway.

I came across an article in the October issues of Sunset with a 3 mile self guided walking tour so I tore out the pages and I'm bringing them with me. I'll be staying right across from the convention center in downtown Denver so I should be able to see quite a bit while I'm there. All my batteries are charged and my gear is packed.

Photos to share when I get back.

Thinking and Sketching

2008-11-09T09:03:00.000-08:00

Not much to report on this weekend. Leaving Will at home to watch the Alabama game on Saturday, I thought I might make a trip to Chinatown to stock up on some Plum tea. Also in need of a tea bob and thinking about holiday "stuff" I headed downtown. Nice day for it too. With last weekend's rain and the strong breezes we've got some blue blue skies.

Last week we signed our loan docs and picked up the big check. Now I'm looking at some of the details of the renovation project. We're starting with the upstairs where most of the work will take place transforming the cramped space in the dormer to a generously sized bathroom, and I've been thinking and sketching some floor tile detail. I found a black and white tumbled marble pinwheel tile for the shower floor and I will also use it as a border on the bathroom floor, which is a white and black pinwheel tile. Then we'll have subway tile along the sink wall and inside the shower walls, and this mammoth 75" pedestal tub.The work is scheduled to begin in January. And I think about how fortunate I am to be in a position to take this on right now, when so many people are over their heads in debt and losing their homes. I worked hard to get here and I don't take it lightly. I know this is an old house and that we may encounter problems along the way. We're ready for that and I've built allowances for it, as much as possible, into the budget. I've got a sensible plan and a reasonable budget and a good contractor to make it all happen.

Election Day 2008

2008-11-04T07:31:00.000-08:00

* * *

Now we wait.

It's Halloween Time

2008-10-30T21:50:00.001-07:00

BOO!

A Peek Upstairs

2008-10-25T08:50:00.000-07:00

Redirecting the majority of the work towards the back dormer, we're widening it and taking some space from a bedroom to install a generous master bathroom, and turning the bedroom into a master closet. Although the balcony was cut from the plans because of the budget we'll have a large window at the end of the bathroom to bathe the space in light and create a breezeway from the front dormer through to the back dormer.

Work potentially scheduled to begin January 2009.

Kitchen Palette Reveal

2008-10-19T14:00:00.000-07:00

After meeting with the cabinet lady earlier this week I have all of the kitchen materials and finishes chosen and my husband has given his "ok by me".

From floor on up they are:

Floor - 12" terra cotta tiles set on the diagonal with a 6" border.
Cabinets - Maple recessed panel doors finished in canvas glaze with steel bar pulls.
Counter top - PaperStone in Slate. A recycled product made out of paper using a cashew nut resin. It has the look of Soap Stone and cuts much like wood.
Wall Color - Goldfinch.

A little update on how things are progressing: No problems refinancing to pay for the renovation, but Jesus' initial estimate was way too much so I started eliminating and scaling back the scope of the upstairs project. I hope to have a revised number from him by tomorrow so I can give the bank a final number. This could fund by the end of the month.

This weekend I combed through my list of products and materials (appliances, tub, vanity, sink, etc) and through scaling back and even eliminating items that don't effect the overall integrity of the design I've been able to shave 13% off of my bottom line. Now, let's see how much Jesus was able shave off and we'll be on our merry, dusty, disruptive, construction zone way.

A Nickel For Your Thoughts

2008-10-12T13:55:00.000-07:00

My wonderful husband and I drove downtown to have breakfast at the recently opened Nickel Diner. I ordered the 5th and Main; BBQ Pork Hash with Poached Eggs. While it sounded good in theory, the BBQ sauce completely overwhelmed the plate. I pushed the saucy pork aside to get it away from the perfectly poached and very fresh eggs. I wish I had tried something else. Oh well, some choices I make in my life are better than others. And in the whole scheme of things this one wrong decision is certainly not likely to be the cause of any great catastrophy. The place itself was really great with a wonderful menu, I just selected the wrong dish.

We had high winds yesterday making the skies over Los Angeles today a deep and clear blue. We marveled at the blueness as we passed the beautiful old Rosslyn Hotel and spied a couple of cats in a shop window where we were met by Stella, the shop's owner. She invited us in to her unique "gallery" of art, dresses, hats and a variety of furnishings, props and cats. A delightful lady with an accent I couldn't place. Something sounding kind of German-ish to me, she had her Best of Downtown awards and other notable mentions and articles on a shelf and hanging on the wall near the back of the shop.

It felt very comfortable to me. Her shop. It was filled with the things she obviously loves, including a few cats, and in all her creative and quirky splendor she has carved her place in life.

Now that I'm home with my Sweetie pie, doing laundry and dealing with a few work issues, and crunching numbers on the house renovation, I think about the day when my days may be spent welcoming passersby into a shop, my husband tinkering on bicycles, and a dog and cat or two nearby.

Photos on Flickr

Our Own Young Lions

2008-10-05T08:19:00.001-07:00

The color of dry grass, lions blend into the landscape. I suppose that's nature's design enabling them to remain unseen as they stalk their prey, and disappear into their surroundings should an enemy be near. While exploring the floor of the Ngorongoro crater on our safari honeymoon through East Africa and Rwanda in July of 2005, seeing any of the big cats was the most thrilling and wonderful thing. These three young lions rested with their mother nearby. It was early and the crater's rim is cloaked in fog. Their fur is damp.

Sometimes I'd like to throw it all into the wind and leave possessions behind. Simplify, get out of the city, depart. I feel that day will come, but first there are excursions to be made, renovations to embark upon. Responsibilities. My home is here, mine and my husband's, and our own young lions to watch over.

Found

2008-10-04T16:49:00.000-07:00

I've found my dear friend Cari again.

We will weave in and out each others lives with the passing of time. This time it happened as she left a comment to my post. And of course I hit the link to her blog. I see that there has been a recent wound to her heart.

As one who has found love, and the stars aligned perfectly in order for our love to grow, I am comforted and filled with joy that I will spend the rest of my life with the one I love.

And I feel for her. It seems he could have been that one for her.

Tripping Back in Time

2008-09-20T10:27:00.000-07:00

Returning from a weekend trip up to Redding I am filled with the wonderful images and memories of my years in Northern California.

Written on the back of this photo: L to R Gampa, Grama, Aunt Debbie, Me, Mom, Mike

1974 New Years Eve

Mom flew in from South Carolina on Friday, after weathering Tropical Storm Hanna the Friday before. We met at LAX and caught the Horizon Bombadier to Redding to visit my Grandma at her new house. My Uncle Jim arrived earlier that week after driving 16 hours straight through from Troy, MT. My brother and his wife, Lynda, were having car trouble and were unable to make it.

My family are early risers and I was always the last to get up at about 6:30, cowboy coffee on the stove and watermelon in the fridge. We all came and went throughout the weekend, together then apart, taking our own roads then coming back together. It was an easy pace with no real agenda to follow.

Mom, grandma and I walked to the Farmer's Market and picked up some produce (tomatoes, cucumber, herbed goat cheese, fresh basil) and home baked garlic herb bread that we had later for dinner. Jim did some yard work and went to the library. Grandma and I walked over to the park along the river. I walked over to the library, and mom and I walked to the corner store to get some ice cream. What was so great about this visit, among so many things, was just being with my family.

The weather reports were indicating hot and sunny, with temps above 100. And right away I felt like I was 16 and it was the end of summer at Lake Shasta.

My friend Peggy on the left and me

We drove past The Shack, a burger joint downtown, that I remember going to with my friends and ordering fries and a coke after summer school. We drove past a string of motels on Miracle Mile where I used to pool hop on summer days while making my way home from Whiskeytown Lake.

We all have our own memories wrapped around the town of Redding as it has been a big part of our lives, and going back there is always like going home again for me. Although Grandpa is gone it seems like he is still there because every story we tell includes him. He could be sitting right there, with a little black dog in his lap.

The End of Summer Vacation, For Some Of Us That Is

2008-08-31T12:01:00.000-07:00

This weekend being the last summer holiday, and the veritable end of summer, I get an email from Mom who takes the opportunity to rub it in and let it be known that she's on vacation every day.

Will and I decided to make a late afternoon trek to the California Science Center yesterday to use up a couple of VIP passes to the Body Worlds exhibit. Entering the Science Center we headed towards the winding line of ticket holders where a purple-shirted attendant checked our tickets and said "follow me". I didn't know what was happening at first but our VIP status tickets worked like magic. The velvet rope was swept aside for us alone and and we got to go right in.The exhibit is on two floors and as we left one exhibit hall and topped the escalator to the next to be confronted by another winding line of ticket holders, we walked right up to that rope and found a purple-shirted attendant and the magic worked, again we were ushered in. Score!

Unless you're a surgeon or something you've probably only seen text book diagrams or motion picture and television scenes of the body's internal organs and everything else that holds us together. So this was a weird look inside of me. Not only was every part opened up and sliced in pieces, it was positioned in extremely unusual ways. Definitely not your textbook diagram. Unfortunately no photos were allowed inside.
Afterwards we strolled through the Rose Gardens and then headed across town to R23 for Japanese dinner. This is the first time I've been to R23 and I was really looking forward to fulfilling a recent craving I've been having for soft shelled crab. In reading some of the customer reviews it appeared that the crab salad was a must, so I added that to the list to be ordered.
We arrived there plenty hungry and while Will ordered a Soporro beer our server was so helpful when I asked him to help me select a Saki. It came chilling in it's own glass carafe with a little ice chamber, it's taste on the sweeter side of the spectrum. Then we had just about the best crab salad ever. Plenty of crab and fresh greens and a light and fresh dressing with ginger in its ingredients. We also had soft shelled crab that was hot and crispy in its tempura batter with a smoky dipping sauce on the side. That was followed by a variety of sushi then shrimp tempura. For desert I had green tea ice cream.

Nice.

What's up with the Renovation

2008-08-24T17:37:00.000-07:00

We have completed the house renovation design and planning stages and made decisions on all flooring, finishes, design elements etc. I've had an HVAC company come out to give me an estimate on central heat and air. I met with Jesus and went over the plans to start getting some cost estimates together for the construction. We're waiting for the number$.

It is timely that the Anaheim Home and Garden Show was this past week and through the weekend so I could go see and touch some of the materials. On the way I stopped at SimpleFloors in Commerce to look at some Bamboo floors and pick up some samples.At the Home show I saw the pedestal tub we plan to use in the master bath. Saw all of the recycled product counter tops, including PaperStone. Checked out closet systems and lots and lots of kitchen cabinets. There is still a long way to go but it's going.

A Dog and A Ball

2008-08-10T10:04:00.001-07:00

Sweetamus Dogamus
aka Ranger

I Told You You Were Gonna Be On The Internet

2008-08-03T13:54:00.001-07:00

We saw lots and lots of dogs in Mexico. A pack of them guided us through the Toltec Ruins of Tula, and we saw them everywhere we went in Guanajuato.

This little girl though, really stole my heart. I would have packed her up in my suitcase if I could have. She lives in a really nice part of town though and I think she is well cared for. Although not wearing a collar, which I don't think is that unusual, when we reached a certain distance from where we first saw her she stopped following us and turned towards an open shop doorway and stayed there.

Thinking of Truco7

2008-07-27T10:51:00.000-07:00

Meeting up with fellow Angelino, Jonathan, while in Guanajuato (he's studying at the University of Guanajuato), was really unexpected. We bumped in to him on several occasions along the way, in the halls of the Hotel Posada Santa Fe, at an outdoor cafe at one of the many plazas of the city, and repeatedly at Truco7.
He pointed us to Truco7 early on for their Turkish Coffee, and the bohemian-y spot, with moody beatnik jazz from back in the day playing in the background, instantly became our first and favorite stop of the day for breakfast and coffee. One day Will tried the Vietnamese coffee, which was a small tin of espresso dripping into a glass of ice and condensed milk, making the yummiest iced coffee ever. Somehow I'll have to find a way to recreate that here at home. It would be really good on a warm summer morning like today. I'm sure that somewhere in this melting pot of our City of Angels I'll find what I need.

The Main Attractions

2008-07-20T18:43:00.000-07:00

It took me all day (off and on) to go through and edit, crop, and correct photos. Then it will take some more time to select images for Flickr. I won't put all 1900+ up. But the main attractions are:

Tula's Toltec Ruins

* * *

Queretaro's Aquaducts

* * *

Just About Everything In Guanajuato

There will be plenty more to come...

Summer Swing

2008-07-06T16:13:00.000-07:00

With summer in full swing the flowers are popping. Bursts of color everywhere.

I've been checking my cameras this weekend and making sure I have batteries charged and ready for our summer holiday in Mexico. We're looking forward to our trip through the colonial towns of Queretaro and Guanajauto and the Toltec ruins of Tula.

The house renovation process continues. We've made decisions on all of the design elements (cabinetry, counter tops, flooring,fixtures, etc). When we get back from vacation I'll start the process to permanently remove the rental units from the market and return this old house to a single family home. Floor plans are being drawn by Jodi of It's An Art, and the wonderful Jesus is on board to do the work.

Tomato Harvest

2008-06-21T18:22:00.000-07:00

They're ripening on the vine. Our first two maters and they were really good tasting and firm-fleshed. There's another one on the window sill waiting for tonight's dinner. We'll just slice it and eat it.

Anniversary #3

2008-06-15T19:21:00.001-07:00

A traditional 3rd Anniversary gift is something of leather, and there are my Italian leather, cashmere lined, red gloves. The modern 3rd Anniversary gift is something crystal, which is represented in a set of Paris styled tumblers. This one filled with my new favorite Plum Tea.

We also went back to our favorite local restaurant, Cliff's Edge, to celebrate. The place always reminds me of lodge dining in Africa. And we talk of going back again, to Africa.

Not For All The Tea In Mexico

2008-06-01T19:49:00.000-07:00

I discovered a wonderful tea that is absolutely great iced and I can't find it anymore. It's TADIN Mango Green Tea. I believe this tea company is based in Mexico and they distribute out of a plant in the City of Commerce. I don't like the the flavored teas on the supermarket shelves these days, they are too heavily flavored and sweet, and buying them by the bottle is way too expensive. I'd rather brew my own. And at $4 box, 25 tea bags gets me 4 pitchers of iced tea. I placed one order of 10 boxes of tea on Amazon and when I went back to reorder my second order only shipped 2 boxes, the rest on back order for forever. Then I found another site that carried them and ordered 10 boxes and only received 1, the rest back ordered for eternity.
So I'd been thinking about going to Chinatown to find a good replacement tea. Something light and fruity but not "flavored" and "sweetened". I googled and found that Ten Ren's Tea is the place for me. I found the small shop at the butt end of a crazy shopping center, and the woman on duty was very nice and helpful. One side of the shop is for traditional teas, the other side has a boba tea counter. No mango green teas in the traditional tea side but I bought a Plum Tea, Rose Green Tea and Hibiscus Green Tea. At the Boba tea counter I ordered a Mango Green Tea Cooler, without the boba. it was really really good.I haven't tried my tea bounty yet, but I hope they fill the void until all the tea in Mexico makes its way across the border and on to my local supermarket shelves again, or Amazon fills their back orders.

Flickr Set

Biking the San Buenaventura River Trail

2008-05-26T09:56:00.000-07:00

After reading a short article in Sunset magazine's March issue about the Ventura River Bike Trail I tore the page out and added it to my "places to go and things to do" pile where it rested until yesterday.

It was a lovely Sunday morning drive up through the valley and the really quaint Santa Paula with its agriculture and roadside produce stands, and on to San Buenvaventura and the sea. We had breakfast at a small downtown diner and visited the Mission before entering the bike trail. Although the trail started off kind of bleak, with the highway to the left and industrial yards to the right, there are interesting art installations along the way. Once we passed through trumpet vine covered fences the highway disappears and the river finally appears and the trail winds along a more quiet and peaceful stretch of land.

There we passed an abandoned oil refinery, crossed over an old wooden bridge and peeked through a vine covered chain link fence at a back lot set of some bygone era street scene. We reached Foster Park where a nice bridge crosses the river and two lions at the gate guard the front.We rested there for a bit and watched the river run before turning into the headwind and biking our way back to where we began.

Flickr set here.

Angelino Heights Open House

2008-05-18T16:58:00.000-07:00

When we left the house this morning at about 9:30 it already felt like it was 90 degrees outside. We stopped at Masa for breakfast and walked on up Douglas to Carrol Avenue in Angelino Heights to be looky-loos for the Trolley Line Open House Tour. The houses, Victorians and Craftsmans, were built from 1886 to 1909. The largest house came in at over 9,000 square feet and the cost of construction...$11,500.
More on Flickr

Who are You?

2008-05-17T17:59:00.000-07:00

These are cute but they're eating the leaves of my Tomato plants. I haven't been able to ID them with any online searching. But then I'm no bug expert by any means. I flicked one and it flew off.

Tomato Invaders have Arrived

2008-05-04T17:36:00.000-07:00

I've been very light handed with the organic bug spray on the vegetable garden, and now I'm paying the price for it. The tomato invaders have arrived. As I was watering the tomato plants and getting ready to stake them out some support to hold their heavy boughs, I spotted a plump green caterpillar on the top soil. I checked my one little green tomato and something was poking its little brown caterpillar head (or bottom??) out. Dang. I plucked the plump Caterpillar from the ground and then plucked my little tomato from the vine. Looking through the green leaves I found another little green caterpillar, got the spray out and doused the plants but good. Take that tomato invaders.

Tomato !!

2008-04-28T18:39:00.000-07:00

What's that?!?*

Is it? *

A Tomato!!!

The Countdown

2008-04-26T11:52:00.000-07:00

Deciding to walk this morning to the new LAMill Coffe e Shop (oops, coffee boutique) for breakfast and a reeeeealy good cup of Joe, I was looking forward to having one of their specialty coffees prepared uniquely at the table using an ancient Japanese syphon brewing method. We arrived before 9:00 and were told table service for breakfast didn't start until 9:00. So we opted to take a walk through the neighborhood, up to the dog park, wind our way up a side street, and take one of the stair streets back down, taking photos along the way.Getting back to LA Mill at about 9:10 or so we were greeted by the hostess and given the option of a table inside or out. We opted for a table for two outside. We were seated, given menus, water, place settings. Then it all came to a screeching, stomach growling, where's the damn waitress, halt. Once we decided what to order, we waited...and waited...It's now 9:30. Will sets his watch timer for a five countdown. I got up and went inside to find the hostess and let her know we were ready to order. She looked at her wrist and said something about "maybe the waitress doesn't know it's 9:00 yet". Whaaaat? If your table service stars at 9:00 don't you think you know when the clock strikes that hour of the morning and start serving? And there are certainly other customers and they have coffee, and dishes are coming out of the kitchen, people are behind the counter brewing and pouring. I said "It's beyond 9:00 and we're waiting to place our order". She asked where we were sitting. I pointed to the table just on the other side of the floor to ceiling / wall to wall plate glass window, where...she...seated...us.

Returning to the table I told Will what the hostess said. She came to our table a minute later and told us the waitress would be right out. We waited some more and then Will's wristwatch said "times up", and up we got, and left.

See ya!

Some Days

2008-04-20T16:54:00.000-07:00

Some days are just lazy like that. And some weekends too. With nothing more to do but chill out and you know, do laundry, go to the market, clean the bathroom, watch a movie, take pictures of flowers, marinade a couple of Ribeyes, and generaly just meander around the house and the yard with those I love and live with. Days can be sweet that way.

Harvest

2008-04-12T10:26:00.000-07:00

It's been really mild and in the cooler upper 60s. So Spring. But we're getting hit with a wave of heat today. Temps are supposed to be in the low 90s this weekend with the Santa Ana's blowing.

The side garden is getting a good soak and the vegetables are basking in the sun. I harvested some spinach this morning and added the dark leafy greens to the tomatoes and onions in our breakfast scramble.Can't wait to see the tomatoes sprouting on the vines. Nothing yet but little flower blossoms.

Miss You

2008-04-05T11:16:00.001-07:00

I'm missing him so.

And the dogs will hear something out front and think its him. They both run to the door, tails fiercely wagging, joy in their little faces. They wait, look back at me, and wait. As they look towards the door and he doesn't come, their tails slowly stop wagging and droop. They mope around looking at me like "Where's dad?"

I think about him in everything I do. Make coffee (just enough for one). Getting ready for work in the morning. Coming home at the end of the day. This morning I went to get the newspaper and someone had stolen it from the front steps,an empty blue bag is all there was. And see, I filled the water dish, scooped the poop, brought the trash cans up. See...

I can't wait until he comes home.
But, maybe I'll leave some dishes in the sink. He'll like that.

Birthday Wishes from the Carolinas

2008-04-04T07:23:00.000-07:00

My husband calls to wish me a happy birthday this morning from the trenches of the convention center in Charlott, NC. I pick up the call from the kitchen and he directs me to the library cupboard where there is a bag o' goodies for me! I love you sweetie pie. And OMG, this is one of the best of the bunch:
Then Mom calls from Murrells Inlet, SC to wish her daughter happy birthday and catch up on family news and how OLD we all are. I forgot to thank her for the lovely card she made for me:Thanks Mom.

Tomato Plant 21 Days Later

2008-03-30T15:56:00.001-07:00

First planted on March 9th (above) our little vegetable garden is growing well.
March 30th (above)

Blessing of the Animals

2008-03-23T11:16:00.000-07:00

A scene from Blessing of the Animals

After dusting Buster off and getting out the sombrero, we were off to the Blessing of the Animals at Olvera Street. The afternoon grew very warm so the bath courtesy of Cardinal Mahoney was refreshing to big dogs, little dogs and people alike. And the the Sangria's at the cool Colima restaurant especially hit the spot afterwards.

Picture Perfect

2008-03-15T10:56:00.000-07:00

Mom sent me a picture this morning of Grandma and her dog (gosh I think her name is Millie) at the Sun Dial Bridge in Redding, CA.What a really wonderful picture. And thanks to my Uncle Jim for getting her there and taking care of her while she was sick (flu, bronchitis, verging on Pneumonia). Although she left the stunningly beautiful country town of Troy, those Montana winters have got to be long and hard. I'm glad she's back in Redding where the weather suits her better and she can get out and walk and she can garden all year round.

I planted Basil in my little garden this morning and all of the other vegis are doing good. Now grow, grow, grow.

Star Power

2008-03-09T17:11:00.000-07:00

Figurines from the bucket at Coco's.

After going to the garden center for a couple of trellises and some basil to add to the vegetable garden we stopped at Coco's, an exuberant little mish mash of a shop brimming with an odd combination of Kit Cat Klocks, small plastic toys and colorful kitchen ware among the pure water, brooms and bicycles.

Owned and operated by the delightful Mister Jalopy who came out and talked bikes with my sweetie-pie while I browsed the isles and took some pictures. Will couldn't wait to try the Hamster's Lunch snack and I got a bell for my bike.

Victory Garden

2008-03-02T18:18:00.000-08:00

We talked about planting some vegis this season. Some of our favorite things. Tomatoes, ruby lettuce, spinach (and basil to come). There's a perfect size plot that gets some decent sun along the north fence that Will had already terraced. Small enough to try it out and still hopefully bring us a nice little harvest this summer. All it needed was weeding and some work on the slope a bit so I would have level ground leading up to it. So I tackled it today using our stock pile of brick and river rock, filling in with mulch.We'll see how it does and maybe expand it next season.

Bee in the Rosemary

2008-02-24T14:26:00.001-08:00

We're getting some good rains this winter and the yard is just soaking it up. Grass is green and new growth is popping open everywhere. Weeds are growing, well, like weeds. I pulled some up from the rain soaked dirt and thankfully the roots came easily too. With the new growth and the rain I went into digital macro and cought some close-ups.

Raindrops on a blade of grass
***

Bud
***

Bee in the Rosemary

***

Going to Hollywood

2008-02-17T13:36:00.000-08:00

It was a good morning for a bike ride so we saddled up and hit the road to Hollywood.8.4 miles round trip from our house to the Hollywood Farmer's Market. We haven't been in a while and it sure is a bustling place, but has maintained it's charm while continuing to deliver top quality foods. We bought some greens, including some heavenly basil, some blueberries and organic honeycomb. After eyeing the berry cobblers we stopped at the gourmet tamale stand for a bite and a drink of lemonade. On the way home we stopped at the Army Surplus store and picked up a bag and belt for Sweetie and a cap and bunjee cords for me. I need to find a nice basket for my bike so I can attach it the the rear rack. I'm thinking something like a small pic-nic basket.

More on Flickr

Watch Dogs

2008-02-10T17:34:00.000-08:00

One patrols the front...

The other's got the rear.

Perimeter secured.

The Happiest Place on Earth

2008-02-04T20:15:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I wasn't as gung ho about the idea as Will was, but when I saw how much he wanted to go and how much he wanted me to want to go, well, I said "I can be ready in 20 minutes". And about 30 minutes later we were out the door and on our way to the happiest place on earth. As we expected, February is not peak season at Disneyland. Even more so on a cold and rainy day that just happened to be Superbowl Sunday.
It's probably been at least 15 years since I've been there and it's still the same beloved place it's always been. Thank goodness. I only wish It's a Small World would have been open. Then we could have left with that song in our heads. Instead it was the Enchanted Tiki Room song.
It is really a very beautiful park and the tulips were unreal. We walked on to most of the rides and the longest we probably waited in line was 20 minutes. I remember as a kid not wanting to leave, but being so tired at the same time. And it was still hard to leave.

Architecture Buffs

2008-01-27T10:49:00.000-08:00

At least that's how the L. A. times described the 1,000 people who were lucky enough to get a rare tour of Frank Lloyd Wright's first of four "textile-block" houses that he built in the hills surrounding Los Angeles. And sweetie and I were among them. Photography wasn't allowed inside the house, which is too bad because it was really a beautiful space, but we snapped away outside.

Photo set on Flickr
and Will's are here

Work Around

2008-01-26T07:06:00.000-08:00

After telling my sweetie about spying two beautiful hawks soaring from my 12th floor office window with late afternoon clouds dramatically hanging in the sky and NOT having my camera, his comment was "Have you learned nothing?" So in my purse my camera went and although I saw no hawks outside my window there were rain clouds and rainbows.* * *

And at a red light there was this painted city utility cabinet .

OK, How Much is That Doggie in the Window

2008-01-20T19:08:00.001-08:00

Sorry, I couldn't resist. While I was along the side of the house checking my bike's tire pressure and getting ready to roll downtown, my Ranger was looking down at me from the bay window.
See, how could I resist.

With calm winds and mid-sixty temps it was a perfect day for a ride. Sweetie suggested we go see the matinee showing of Cloverfield, head over to the Library for a photo exhibit, then check out the art installation at MOCA's Geffen Contemporary, and wrap the whole thing up in Margaritas at Olvera Street before the roll home.

While L. A. is mostly flat, and I have demonstrated that I can manage some of the city's inclines, it was still a somewhat ambitious ride for me. We left the house at 12:00 for a 1:00 movie, giving me pleeeeenty of time to get there. Well, we got there, in 20 minutes.

I biked 9.2 miles. Yay!

Photos from today on Flickr.

A Fine Day

2008-01-13T17:07:00.000-08:00

A fine day for a bike ride around the reservoir.At the end of the loop we stopped at the Back Door Cafe for breakfast and a cool down. Will told me this morning that their owner and business neighbor has evicted them and today is their last day at this location. Lot's of people there to support them, along with their doggies.

More on Flickr

Rainy Days and Sunshine

2008-01-06T13:44:00.000-08:00

What to do on a rainy day. Goof on the computer. Go to the market. Do some laundry. Change the bed linens. Play ball with a muddy dog. Take pictures of raindrops. Watch a little football.

Now Playing:

Catherine Russell

Nice sountrack for a lazy day.

Happy New Year 2008

2008-01-01T09:18:00.000-08:00

At the beginning of each New Year I wonder what surprises will come my way. Where I will travel to, what I will encounter, and ... where I will get the strength to fight my battle. Fortunately my battle is, what, I was going to write "small". But is the battle with my weight small? Is this where I pick up the phone and "call Jenny"? I know what needs to be done and I know why. It's maintaining that effort, because it is a huge effort, that is so tough. And those who have never fought this battle can never really know how much it takes to take it on. My opponent.

However, I will take it on. And I will lose weight and the benefits of that will be apparent. I will ride my bike and have the stamina and strength to roll more than just a 2 mile loop. I will hike the trails and cobbled streets wherever it is I travel to and handle the elevations with relative ease. I don't want to always be the last one up.So, on to a happy and healthy 2008. I'm ready for whatever comes my way. The wondrous and lovely daily adventures and delights, to the difficult decisions and challenges of life.

A Place in the Sun

2007-12-30T13:35:00.000-08:00

Sitting at the cafe table in the kitchen looking out the window at the back yard and watching Ranger play with her ball, I noticed Jiggy on the roof of the neighbor's shed next door. This old shed is as dilapidated as they get, rusty nails poking out of the shingle layers, cracked and pealing paint, it's beautiful. Jiggy likes to hang there and catch some rays. Like so...

* * *

The Falmingo and The Arches

2007-12-26T10:24:00.000-08:00

Four Arches 1973
Calder Sculpture at the Bank of America Plaza, Los Angeles, CA

Heading downtown to see a movie on Christmas Day (after taking my super spiff new bike out for a ride along the L. A. River) I said to my sweetie that I'd like to see the Alexander Calder public sculpture (above, bathed in beautiful late afternoon light) known as the Four Arches.

Before seeing the one in Chicago this past November (below, bathed in beautiful late afternoon light) known as the Flamingo, I didn't know Los Angeles had one.

Flamingo 1973
Calder Sculpture at the Federal Plaza, Chicago, IL

Christmas photos on Flickr