December views, day 6

After the HSL (housework/shopping/laundry) was done today, I offered Lauren some suggestions of places we could go this afternoon. A Kwanzaa festival. A Festival of Lights celebration. The Local World's Fair. She looked at them all and said, "How about a hike?"

Absolutely, my dear. I gave her the book to pick one, and off we went.

It was just lovely, strenuous and beautiful. And on the way home ...

...serenaded by love songs from the back seat...a wonderful sunset.

August 7

Friday night. Home alone ... ahh! I thought my weekend was mapped out, but have suddenly found that it's not.

Shawna and I had our calendars crossed, so we won't be going to the Maloof House tomorrow after all. And my very exhausted Josh (who, being a super fabulous dad, is taking Lauren to see the Jonas Bros on Saturday night) has asked that we please not have guests for dinner this Sunday.

So, after a very stressful day, these twin realizations have left me feeling very free. What to do with a suddenly open weekend?

HSL. Yes, of course. But apart from that ...
Hike. But maybe it's too hot for that. Unless I go beachward.
Sew. I've have the material for a satin camisole; that could be fun.
Paint. Time for some more faces.
Read. I just started a new book.
Garden. Harvest the Swiss Chard, cut back the tomatoes, plant some beans.

Any other suggestions?

How luscious, that I have so many choices. Life is good.

June 27

My Saturdays are usually spent doing HSL (housework/shopping/laundry). Today, I blew it all off, and decided to take Lauren (who has been away for a week with grandmothers -- I misssed her!) and go check out the Palos Verdes Peninsula instead. I had vague thoughts of whale watching and maybe a short hike; but mostly just escaping to a cooler clime and hanging out with my girl.

First stop was lunch in a cute little garden café.
While waiting for the food, Lauren wandered off to photograph this fountain. On downloading the photos just now, I was bemused by the women -- I've seen water pouring from stone mouths and penises before, but never from nipples!

We sauntered along the bluff for a mile or two. We've missed the grey whale migration -- again! How come I've lived here for 12 years and never got it together to see a whale? Next year, next year.

Then it was a crawl back up the 405 to the west San Fernando Valley, watching the car's thermometer steadily rise from 72° to 102°. Ah, the joys of living in the hottest part of the city. Remind me again, why am I here?