FrogBlog | Translating Los Angeles

If I were a mouse, this perspective would probably make me squeak and run:

Somehow I am glad that I am a bit taller than mouse size…

Law 12 of the International Rugby Laws: Charge Down

If a player charges down the ball as an opponent kicks it, or immediately after the kick, it is not a knock-on even though the ball may travel forward.

Too complicated? Not at all – this is a perfect example:

Descanso Gardens is not only a delight for lovers of flowers, but also for connoisseurs of architecture and interior design. Overlooking the garden area sits the “Boddy House,” built by the Los Angeles architect James E. Dolena, well known as the “architect to the stars.”

In 2007 Boddy House was completely renovated and restored to all its glory. Interestingly each room was done by a different interior designer with only one rule applying: The redecoration had to be done in “Hollywood Regency Style.”

The result is nothing but spectacular. Hollywood Regency is all about the glamor. A design style from the early 60s, this style has the minimalist details of modern design, infused with ornate and classical details. It is the perfect meeting of the minimal with decorative scroll work, shiny metals and opulent fabrics.

Boddy House is a place I would not mind living in!

Foyer

Salon

Formal Diningroom

Every corner is just so beautifully done

With the weather being what it is in SoCal, flowers are blooming all year round. Some, however, can only be seen in winter. One of the most spectacular displays of camellias one finds in Descanso Gardens, famous for its display of 34,000 plants on 20 acres. A walk through the Camellia Forest is probably as near to walking through an enchanted garden as one can get.

This snoozing hippo was not the only one totally disinterested in the sporting event of the year.

After the rush to the stores to stock up on chips, dips, beer, wings, pizza and related foodstuff essential for a Superbowl Sunday the streets emptied out and the town was all ours.

Unamerican? No, nice!

Junior took a peak. So much to see!

After a few minutes Mom gave him a pat on the head and Junior returned to the safety of the pouch.

Mom is always right, little one, better safe than sorry.

Before the rains the L.A. River looked like this:

After four days of rain and storms one could see this:

Once the rains stopped the mountains looked like this:

I have never seen that much snow up in the mountains – it is simply amazing. In the ski resorts everybody is happy – skier, snowboarder, they all put the chains on their vehicles and drove up to enjoy the freshly fallen powder snow.

They are having fun up there, while we down here in the Flatlands are enjoying the lush green sprouting everywhere.