Never had I imagined to find one of these classic British cars running around in Los Angeles:
This is a Riley Elf MK III, a variation of the Mini. These cars were only build for four years (1965 – 1969), the total output was 30.000 cars and today only 800 are believed to be still around.
And one of them lives right here in the neighborhood. Fantastic!
Lions and tigers can be tamed and made to perform. Then why not smaller cats?
Julchen has already learned to stand upright like a little tin soldier. It only took some patience and some special treats.
Iko-Chan is still resisting doing something as undignified as standing on her hind legs. Could Siamese cats have more willpower than lions and tigers?
Last night a mockingbird practiced his scales near the house – so loud that I woke up. A quick check of the time told me that it was just before 4 o’clock in the morning. Wow, I thought, that mockingbird seems to be wooing his mate along the lines of: “I’ll sing for you until the earth moves.”
And then the earth did move… At 4.04 this morning we had a 4.4 earthquake!
No more sleep after that; I always feel a bit uncomfortable for several hours after a “shaker.” Instead we had an early breakfast and then took a walk – and who did I see still doing his little song and dance act on a telephone pole near the house?
Bingo! Our friend the mockingbird.
Young man, as much as I admire your efforts to attract a mate, don’t overdo it again, right?
Six more days to go until the official beginning of spring. But who cares about dates?
With clocks switched over, the air outside like silk, freesias and orange blossoms scenting the air and mockingbirds starting to practice their scales, spring is already in full swing.
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!
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.