Hooray for Home!

When we flew back from California, we arrived early enough that we could pick up Flash that same day. In the kennel he seemed unenthusiastic about seeing us, and I thought perhaps he was sad at leaving his friends. (Some of the young women there fuss over him.)

On the way home, I looked over the seat to see how he was doing and he had definitely perked up.

 It's been a while since I posted a squirrel picture so here are two shots of a squirrel on a big pine tree. His color is pretty good camouflage.

After he saw me, he went into his hole in the tree, but he kept looking out at me. No doubt he was hoping I would leave! Eventually I did, of course, and I suppose he went back out to gather some nuts.

Walkway, Torrance Beach

Frank and Deborah

Five from the Reagan Library

One of the places we visited in California was the Reagan Presidential Library. I was interested in seeing a special exhibit on the Titanic, and Frank's sister was looking forward to a drive in scenic Simi Valley. The setting for the building is beautiful. 

Sharing with Willy Nilly Friday, Skywatch, and Floral Friday

The landscaping is very pleasant. I noticed this topiary representing an elephant, the mascot of the Republican Party.

Weekend Greens

Here we are reflecting on the Preamble of the Constitution.

Weekend Reflections

After touring the Titanic exhibit, we went through an exhibit on Reagan's presidency during the Cold War and a room devoted to his ranch life, which was set up for a photo op.

By this time my feet were hurting, so I sat in the lobby while Frank and his sister went off to see Air Force One. I wasn't a fan of Reaganomics but Reagan was dignified and respected, which I can appreciate in retrospect.

Click on image to see a larger version.

Last Week at Redondo Beach

By the Pacific Ocean.

We had lunch at Kincaid's. I was disappointed because I had told my waiter "no spice" on my salmon but it came out with spice including pepper. I had to send it back so that my allergy would not lead to uncontrollable coughing

I was startled by a painting that reminded me of some pictures I took in July at Virginia Beach (left).  Well, great minds think alike!

Wordless: Flowers in California

Where are the Men in Black When You Need Them?

Murals and More, Los Angeles

These pictures are already 8 days old. When I go on a photo-intensive trip, it takes a while to catch up on posting pictures.

After I spent a couple of days with Marie, we met up with Frank and his sister at The Last Bookstore in L.A. Marie had to go to work the next day and I spent the remainder of my time in California with Frank and Deborah.

Downtown Los Angeles is a busy place! There are plenty of murals, perhaps because the mild weather means people spend a lot of time outdoors.

Sharing with Monday Murals and Mosaic Monday

Not all of the city is pretty. Actually, most of it isn't, at least to my eyes. We even saw a couple of blocks where tents filled the sidewalks, sheltering people who cannot afford apartments.

Light and Shade at Wayfarers

Wayfarers Chapel was designed by architect Lloyd Wright, son of Frank Lloyd Wright. Not only is the chapel stunning, the grounds are delightfully landscaped. Since this is Southern California, there are flowers and greenery everywhere. There are spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean far below. 

Wayfarers in Monochrome

Wayfarers Chapel, Rancho Palos Verdes, California

I've posted pictures before of this beautiful chapel previously. It's one of Frank's favorite places.

California Critters

I didn't take many animal pictures during our short visit to California, but here's what I do have. I'm sharing them with Eileen's critter linkup and Anni's Bird Depot.

The cute white dog lives with Frank's sister. His name is Bobby.

There are two huskies in the next picture. It's easy to miss the sleeping one.

More Pictures from Mt. Wilson

Yesterday I posted pictures of Mount Wilson Observatory in California. The location is named for Benjamin Wilson, who built a trail to the top in 1864. He was seeking wood for wine casks but the trees did not prove suitable and the trail was mostly abandoned for over a decade. The mountains there are rugged but eventually citizens of nearby Pasadena started exploring them. In the 1880's, an observatory was built on Wilson's Peak but was abandoned due to harsh weather and the isolation of the site.

In 1903, astronomer George Hale chose the site for a new observatory due to the excellent view of the skies there. He secured funding from local philanthropists and the Carnegie Institution.

You can read more about the history on mtwilson.edu.

Marie and I enjoyed our visit there. It was a beautiful day. I wound up walking more than I intended and got sore feet, but it was still a great experience.

Linkup note: My Town Shoot Out has changed its schedule; check it out! I'm also sharing this post with Skywatch Friday and Weekend Green.

Haramokngna Indian Cultural Center

Big Tujunga Canyon Road

A Visit to Mount Wilson Observatory

On Saturday Marie and I drove up the Angeles Crest Highway to Mount Wilson Observatory. It's a scenic drive up a winding road.

Sharing with Fences and Signs, Signs

 I was pleased that my National Parks pass gave us free parking.

There are many communications towers up there. I was surprised to read that your remote car opener may not work very well because of radio interference. You can work around this by holding it over the left rear window (on a car) or front window (truck).

There are six telescopes on Mt. Wilson connected by light tubes. You can read about this remarkable technology on the observatory website.

I have a few more pictures that I'll put in the next post.