Not "June Gloom": May Gloom

We've had heavy fog and some light rain the last few days.  It seems like "June Gloom" has come a few days early.

Ecological Brush Clearance

We had a lack of winter rain so we're experiencing a drought. The brush in our area is a fire hazard once the weather warms up and it dries out.  A popular way of eliminating this hazard is the use of goats.  This herd, right by a major street, is fenced in by an electric fence while they do their clearing job.

Backyard Bonfire!

We had some rotten wood that need to be gotten rid of.  So we had a backyard wiener roast-- complete with marshmallows, but no s'mores.

Point Fermin Marker

Enjoy!

This is the view along the cruise ship promenade for the Port of Los Angeles.

Grandmother and Grandson

My friend was crouched down feeding one of her grandsons a snack between church services.  They looked so happy together. 

Memorial Day 2009

On Memorial Day it's traditional to remember those who are no longer living, but who contributed so much to our world- the war dead.   I like these images for this day:  the U.S.A. flag in late afternoon and a polling booth sign in three languages and a handicap access symbol.

Peace Sign

This marker is dedicated to Thomas Mc Fadden, the former president of Marymount College.  He was also our down-the-street neighbor.  I walked past it on my way to vote.  It's a nice message for every day, but especially for an election day.

The Servant

This bronze depicts Mary Magdalene washing Jesus' feet.  It is inside of the cafeteria of Marymount College.

Visitor Parking

My polling place this past Tuesday was at Marymount College, a  two-year Catholic college, within walking distance of my home.  I was intrigued by the top of the visitor parking sign.

More Jacaranda Views

The jacaranda tree has these beautiful purple blossoms.  Depending on the lighting they range from light lavender to deep purple.  They are somewhat of a nuisance to keep adjacent to any paved surface, though.  Some streets have trees on both sides so you drive through a purple haze.

Jacaranda Time, 2009, #1

Jacaranda trees are blooming all over Los Angeles County.

Reflections of MOCA

Excited Teenagers

These teens who had just seen a musical were enjoying the fountain.

Sunflowers in View

I spotted these sunflowers while standing on the plaza of the Los Angeles Music Center looking over at the City Hall building.  I was surprised to see them as part of the well-maintained urban landscaping.  You can see some of the county courthouse in the background.

Student Art at the Library

New Sign

This new sign was installed at our local college-- Marymount College.  It's an attractive addition along with their new information sign.

Ride Your Bike to Work Day!

This quick snapshot is of a man who must have ridden his bike to work today-- "National Ride Your Bike to Work Day."

Lines and Shadows

Isn't Geometry Grand?

Not Totally Unfit!

There's a lot of coverage about the lack of exercise done by California teenagers.  Not all of them are unfit, though.  These bikes belong to students who ride to school every day.

Happy Mother's Day

Here's my 83 year-old mother.  Happy Mother's Day, Mom!

Jacaranda Before the Flowers

Some of the jacaranda trees in our area are just starting to bloom.  This tree, for example, has very few blooms.  The ones are my school, on the other hand, are in full bloom.  Check by next week for some photos of those with a lot of purple flowers.

Sierra Club Hke

This is part of one of the Thursday night conditioning hikes sponsored by the  Palos Verdes branch of the Sierra Club.  We were walking uphill through a field of mustard flowers.

Something for My Daughter

My adult daughter owns a Honda motorcycle which is in storage.  This own was parked next to my car.  It reminded me of her even though she lives in a different country.

A Decorative Fence

These sculptures completely change the appearance of this "plain-jane" fence.

A Brave Soul!

I was running and walking along PV Drive South when I saw this man riding his unicycle.  I couldn't see how he managed what my granddaughter and I call "The Big Dip," but I hope he managed to avoid falling.

Trip to Carlsbad

These ranunculus fields are in Carlsbad, near San Diego, not in my city, but they are very lovely.

Another Warning Sign

Here's another sign that we saw recently.  

Another Shadow

This lovely alligator lizard was enjoying the California sunshine when I took a picture of him and his shadow.

Shadows - May Theme Day

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