Monday, May 26, 2008
Stephen's nephew honored by NASCAR
Click the Title above for the story about my nephew Michael Curtin. It was nice of NASCAR to provide him with this trip while he is recovering from his injuries.
Friday, May 23, 2008
A Rainy Walk to the Market
This morning at about 8:25am, I headed out the door for my walk. This was a delightful time as I continue to develop this healthy discipline. It was cloudy and cool – like a winter day in California. Loved that! Quite cozy.
I walked down to the Farmer’s Market, about five blocks from here. I took $15 and bought fresh vegetables and strawberries. It was so fun to look at all the produce displayed by the farmers and to choose what I wanted for the week (and what I could carry!). The crowd was minimal. The farmers and vendors were glad to see anyone out today. I loved the feeling of supporting local farms and sustainable living, as they say – eating what is in season. Plus, I thought ahead and took a reusable cloth bag to carry the items, so I wouldn't use more plastic bags, a nod to the environment.
I carried what I bought home – extra weight and extra effort. It rained all the way home. I really enjoyed walking in the rain -- a different side of nature. Also, while I walk, I pass others in the community. Saying hello and sharing quick comments helps me feel more connected. All this makes walking fun. I really do love walking. I got good vegetables and fruit and didn't use any gas, too, which is now over $4 a gallon. I'm glad to live in this area and have a local farmer's market to visit on my walk.
I walked down to the Farmer’s Market, about five blocks from here. I took $15 and bought fresh vegetables and strawberries. It was so fun to look at all the produce displayed by the farmers and to choose what I wanted for the week (and what I could carry!). The crowd was minimal. The farmers and vendors were glad to see anyone out today. I loved the feeling of supporting local farms and sustainable living, as they say – eating what is in season. Plus, I thought ahead and took a reusable cloth bag to carry the items, so I wouldn't use more plastic bags, a nod to the environment.
I carried what I bought home – extra weight and extra effort. It rained all the way home. I really enjoyed walking in the rain -- a different side of nature. Also, while I walk, I pass others in the community. Saying hello and sharing quick comments helps me feel more connected. All this makes walking fun. I really do love walking. I got good vegetables and fruit and didn't use any gas, too, which is now over $4 a gallon. I'm glad to live in this area and have a local farmer's market to visit on my walk.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Twas the night before
Saturday and all through the house,
Not a creature was stirring, not even one dog
The doors were all locked, the dogs in their kennel,
With visions of dog food with organic fennel.
Cindi and I all snug in the bed
Alarm clocks all set to wake up without dread.
When out in the street there arose such a clatter,
A four car pile up and only one driver!
We sprung from our beds to see what it was about
Cindi sprinted quickly while I limped with my gout.
The neighbors were groggy they all came to their yards
To find out what happened to tell their own canards
The police came quickly with sirens and lights flashing
to see what and been bashing
The man who'd been driving was really confused
The story he told had words that refused
To make any sense to those of us who listened
Flashing lights all around they just glistened.
So much for the poor poetry. The paramedics and ambulance took the driver away, tow trucks came, and all our neighbors just stood out there chatting till way past midnight. but of the three parked cars, one may have been totaled, its owner was glad he had over-insured the car. Some of the neighbors said that some passengers from the the only car that had been moving at the time of the accident had fled after the crash.
I think we heard the noise just before 10 and got back into the house sometime after midnight. More tow trucks where here late this morning taking away two more of the cars (one, a Prius, less than 6 weeks old). Neither of our cars were touched. But I'll be more interested in parking in the alley from now on.
Not a creature was stirring, not even one dog
The doors were all locked, the dogs in their kennel,
With visions of dog food with organic fennel.
Cindi and I all snug in the bed
Alarm clocks all set to wake up without dread.
When out in the street there arose such a clatter,
A four car pile up and only one driver!
We sprung from our beds to see what it was about
Cindi sprinted quickly while I limped with my gout.
The neighbors were groggy they all came to their yards
To find out what happened to tell their own canards
The police came quickly with sirens and lights flashing
to see what and been bashing
The man who'd been driving was really confused
The story he told had words that refused
To make any sense to those of us who listened
Flashing lights all around they just glistened.
So much for the poor poetry. The paramedics and ambulance took the driver away, tow trucks came, and all our neighbors just stood out there chatting till way past midnight. but of the three parked cars, one may have been totaled, its owner was glad he had over-insured the car. Some of the neighbors said that some passengers from the the only car that had been moving at the time of the accident had fled after the crash.
I think we heard the noise just before 10 and got back into the house sometime after midnight. More tow trucks where here late this morning taking away two more of the cars (one, a Prius, less than 6 weeks old). Neither of our cars were touched. But I'll be more interested in parking in the alley from now on.
Monday, May 05, 2008
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Volunteer
This lovely thing volunteered in our back yard. If you can't tell, it is at least 4 feet tall. I just noticed it this morning. Any idea what it's name is?
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Though I've grown accustomed to riding my bike in the hills that overlook Whittier, I have taken to riding my bike to various destinations around the city. The other day I rode to Olvera Street, downtown, and I brought my camera.
It seems that the original street of La Puebla de Los Angeles has become (or perhaps, always was, though unnoticed by me) a popular destination for So-Cal day-trippers, and maybe some folks from out of town. What used to be a thrillingly exotic scene to me, is now kind of boring (what, with all the white folks walking around with cameras, and such :) ).
But along the ride there, I went down Cesar Chavez Boyle Heights, merely a few blocks up the street from Olvera. This street is not a tourist spot, but has most of the things you can get at Olvera, plus the essentials and with little to no English spoken. The bustling boulevard is a truly isolated Mexican enclave.
The greatest charm of Cesar Chavez (formerly known as Brooklyn Avenue, named by Boyle's original Jewish inhabitants) is the buildings, nearly all of which have some kind of lively artwork on their faces.
The art usually looks endearingly amateur, as if the business's owner actually whipped out some paint and scrawled what came to his or her head first.
Much of the art is professional, and sometimes there is an inspirational message.
Though I've driven down the street many times, it is a far superior experience on two wheels, which facilitates up-close examination. Especially for this building, which is a giant color-collage of broken ceramics.
...as well as this giant mural on the face of the White Medical building.
(Photo taken in 2005 with my old camera)
These pictures represent a mere fraction of the neighborhood. It will take me quite some time to get my fill of the eye candy adorning Cesar Chavez and the surrounding streets of Boyle Heights.
It seems that the original street of La Puebla de Los Angeles has become (or perhaps, always was, though unnoticed by me) a popular destination for So-Cal day-trippers, and maybe some folks from out of town. What used to be a thrillingly exotic scene to me, is now kind of boring (what, with all the white folks walking around with cameras, and such :) ).
But along the ride there, I went down Cesar Chavez Boyle Heights, merely a few blocks up the street from Olvera. This street is not a tourist spot, but has most of the things you can get at Olvera, plus the essentials and with little to no English spoken. The bustling boulevard is a truly isolated Mexican enclave.
The greatest charm of Cesar Chavez (formerly known as Brooklyn Avenue, named by Boyle's original Jewish inhabitants) is the buildings, nearly all of which have some kind of lively artwork on their faces.
The art usually looks endearingly amateur, as if the business's owner actually whipped out some paint and scrawled what came to his or her head first.
Much of the art is professional, and sometimes there is an inspirational message.
Though I've driven down the street many times, it is a far superior experience on two wheels, which facilitates up-close examination. Especially for this building, which is a giant color-collage of broken ceramics.
...as well as this giant mural on the face of the White Medical building.
(Photo taken in 2005 with my old camera)
These pictures represent a mere fraction of the neighborhood. It will take me quite some time to get my fill of the eye candy adorning Cesar Chavez and the surrounding streets of Boyle Heights.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Not that you can tell--
but this is Tyler Hamilton just the same.
He was just 5 feet from us before the start, but I didn't know what to say, and Dad didn't realize it was him until he was walking away.
In the first 3.8-mile time trial up Glendora Mtn Rd, he was unofficially 23rd out of 134, 34 seconds behind the winner (his team mate), who took 13min 5sec.
He was just 5 feet from us before the start, but I didn't know what to say, and Dad didn't realize it was him until he was walking away.
In the first 3.8-mile time trial up Glendora Mtn Rd, he was unofficially 23rd out of 134, 34 seconds behind the winner (his team mate), who took 13min 5sec.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Monday, March 24, 2008
Remember Tyler Hamilton?
According to SoCalCycling.com, he will compete in the San Dimas Stage Race. It starts Friday in Glendora with a short time trial up Glendora Mtn Rd. (He'll probably start in early afternoon.) I won't be part of the race, but I might be there on my bike.
Easter in Placerville
We had a quiet Easter. David came for dinner and he met Aidan. MomaBeth helped Brianna with her new dress. Brianna enjoyed her Easter Basket and the good company.
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