Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Sky show

PCH
Sunset PCH
West on Fallbrook
West on VenturaThere are many places known for their awesome skies. Los Angeles isn't really one of them. That's why it's always a thrill to get a big-screen show like tonight's.

I'd reveled in the view from Pacific Coast Highway, and was in Topanga Canyon, when I got a call from Josh in Hollywood.
"It's pouring rain here," he said. "Can you see the rainbows?"
I couldn't. But when I turned onto Ventura Boulevard, heading west, I passed a woman behind her parked car, taking photos of the sky behind me. I quickly pulled over and did the same.
East on VenturaAwesome, indeed.

Monday, September 27, 2010

L.A.'s hottest day ever

Sunset, Pacific Palisades
Sunset, Topanga
How hot was it? The National Weather Service's thermometer downtown reached 113 degrees for the first time since records began being kept in 1877 — and then stopped working. So we really don't know.

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Runaway green card

When Pip dropped me at Sydney International terminal last Tuesday morning, I lined up at the check-in counter, my electronic ticket and passport in hand.
"How long are you staying in the States?" the nice Qantas lady asked me.
"I live there," I replied. "I have a green card."
"May I see it, please?" she asked.
"Certainly," I replied, opening my passport wallet. "It's right ... er ... um ... it seems to be missing."


It was not in my handbag. It was not in my suitcase. My green card was gone.

I weakly offered her my US Social Security card as a consolation prize.
"Sorry," said Nice Qantas Lady. "I have to put your green card information into the computer here. Without it, you can't enter the U.S. without a return ticket."

Deep breath. "OK, so what do I have to do?"

"If you want to fly today, all you can do is go over to the sales office and buy a ticket from the U.S. back to Australia. Get a fully-refundable one. Then go over there to that computer terminal and apply for a visa. If you're quick, you'll still make your flight."

"Right," says I, and headed off to do just that. While waiting in line at the sales office, Nice Qantas Lady ran up to me with a little card in her hand. "Is this it?" she asked. "Someone handed it in."

YES! My green card! Whew! It must have fallen out while I was standing in line. Thank you, honest person who handed it in!

So now I keep the green card sleeve upside down inside the passport wallet, so that the card cannot easily slip out.

It seems that Rhea is not the only one who loses important documents when travelling.
:-)

Thursday, September 23, 2010

lovelovelove

September 23

Tuna & White Bean Dip
I ate some awesome food while I was travelling. In fact, I don't think a day passed without something fabulous crossing my palate. But I have to say, while it's lovely to eat meals lovingly prepared by others, it's nice to be back in my own kitchen. Planning for a work pot luck tomorrow, I whipped up this Tuna & White Bean Dip. It's delicious tonight, and I expect it to be more so by tomorrow afternoon. Mmmmmmmm.