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.

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?

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.

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.

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!!