Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Shake, Rattle & Roll

Quake '08

Sorry folks, didn't feel a thing. I know it's crazy, but I'm disappointed. All my friends felt it, but I was driving the road and didn't even know it happened until someone in Dallas sent a text.

Monday, July 28, 2008

Painted the town RED




Dad and Lois came to see me for a week for my birthday. I can't tell you how much fun we had.

We were in the audience of Deal or No Deal (held captive for 6 hours -- no deal), the Tonight Show. Explored Venice, Santa Monica and Santa Barbara (Dad's favorite). Hung out in Hollywood, drove through Beverly Hills and more.


Here's a pic of Lois and I on Venice Beach. And a pic of the mission in Santa Barbara. We had so much fun...did I mention that already?

Saturday, July 5, 2008

Happy 4th!!!

OK, so it wasn't fireworks along the Charles River, but still LA has a groovy July 4th scene. The options were endless. Fireworks in Malibu, at Marina del Rey, picnics here and there. I opted for a party at a friends house. (Truth be told, I'm pretty sure I was only invited because they LOOOVVVEEE my salsa recipe).

Nevertheless, it was a blast. Totally LA -- I even left with someone's business card that was basically a headshot and a website. It was actually really fun. Did I mention it was a mansion? My friend is a nanny and lives in the nanny house behind the pool house. It was a part of LA I'd never been to...Antonio Banderas is their neighbor.

But I must say this. The owners of the house, who own a TV production company, also grow their own tomatoes, strawberries, lemons and apricots. The woman even does her own canning...now that was unexpected.

Monday, June 2, 2008

desert life

Signs of life in such a dry place. It's a blooming cactus. Personally, I think the plant is reaching for the sky to get a better look of the ocean. The picture doesn't do it justice...it's so beautiful here.

Santa Barbara Monastery

Here a few picks from the monastery in Santa Barbara. It is such a beautiful place, but I have not grasped the discipline of contemplative thinking. I was absolutely stir crazy after 4 hours. Even still, it was good for my soul.
Here is a view from my car. The mountains before me, the ocean in my side mirror.

Solvang California




The largest Danish population in the US. It was cute -- touristy -- felt like I was at a section of Epcot. But when I'm 60 I plan to come back and have a really good time here.




Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Hybrids and a Higher Power

I made it to the monastery in Santa Barbara. It's beautiful! I'll post pics soon. Have you ever wondered what kind of cars a brotherhood of monks would drive? I have the answer....I saw them leave in a Prius. I was very proud of them.

Karen Morris, this reminds me of where we celebrated Easter a few years back...except in the mountains, on the ocean, with a gentle breeze blowin...not freezin' our tushies off!!