Yummy!

Freshly picked

unto the plate.

Amongst simple but delicious dishes a Caprese Salad ranks high. Prepared with freshly picked tomatoes it turns into goodness on a plate.

To get hold of something that yummy one only needs: A few feet of ground, some tomato plants and a neighbor with very greens thumbs and a love for sharing.

Thank you, Collin!

Family Addition & Nest Invasion

This was the scene four weeks ago: Mom sitting on the eggs, dad patrolling the pond, hissing and snarling at everything and anybody he deems dangerous for his family.

Yesterday the cygnets were already two weeks old and paddling around. Mom kept a watchful eye on them and dad patrolled the pond, hissing and snarling at everything and anybody he deemed dangerous for his family.

And what was happening behind the back of Cygne Père? Someone sneaked in and test-sat in the nest.

I assume that around bedtime there was some loud hissing and snarling to drive the pesky intruder away.

Moat Seating Only

A trip to San Francisco is always fun: Walking along the streets, hopping on buses, going down to the Bay and…

Sushi Boats in San Francisco

…yes, having sushi at my favorite restaurant in SF – Isobune in Japantown.

Not only is the food delightful, eating at Isobune is just fun! Sitting around the moat, watching the boats with their tasty morsels float by, grabbing one and then waiting for the next little dish which is just calling out to you…

As a kid you were never allowed to play with your food – here the eating experience is playtime in a big way!

Up And Running

Yes! Today was THE day! First Tom LaBonge, Councilmember for the 4th District, gave a short speech and a shout out to all those who helped to get the much needed and long petitioned for traffic lights up and running.

trafficlight1-blog_3603

Then we had a short blessing ceremony – never a bad idea.

trafficlight2-blog_3613

trafficlight3-blog_3631

Finally the big moment came – one, two, three and hit the switch!

trafficlight4-blog_3658

The first family to cross the street safe and sound.

trafficlight6-blog_3719

Yes, our little corner has become a much, much safer place for all who live here.

I Want To Be Under The Sea

Nothing easier than that!

LBaqua2-blog_3330

A trip to the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach brings one right into the most spectacular octopus’s gardens imaginable.

LBaqua5-blog_3428

LBaqua3-blog_3337

Swimming jewels.

LBaqua6-blog_3434

What Old Grumpy and friend are lacking in color, they more than make up in size.

LBaqua1-blog_3317

If that isn’t enough, one can always pet a Manta ray or a shark.

LBaqua4-blog_3344

Now I can distinguish a shark (small) from a Manta ray (huge) by touch alone – and yes, it is a completely different tactile experience.