american west, california, Hiking, outdoors, Travel, Uncategorized, writing

Wild Winters Melt into Springs

Enjoying the cool mist from the Brown Mountain Dam waterfall The wild weather of the past several months in California is yielding some lovely results. While technically not a 'superbloom' in many areas, the superfluity of water has sprouted many beautiful blooms across verdant hills in southern and central California. I enjoyed the drive up… Continue reading Wild Winters Melt into Springs

american west, california, Hiking, outdoors, Style, Travel, Uncategorized, writing

Jones Peak, revisited

The view toward Mt. Wilson and the San Gabriel range Jones Peak, one of the front peaks of the San Gabriels, offers up lovely views of the San Gabriel Valley below. The last time I hiked Jones Peak, the day was shaded by the gloom of the May grey. Last Saturday yielded a gloriously mild,… Continue reading Jones Peak, revisited

california, coffee, holidays, new years day, Style, traditions, Travel, Uncategorized, writing

The Year of the Rabbit- updated

Trigger Warning: Gun violence The Rabbit in the Chinese zodiac is said to embody gentleness, empathy, and calm. This is according to the Economic Times, as well as a number of scholarly, entertainment, and news sites. We are at the beginning of the Lunar New Year, and I am looking forward to a year that… Continue reading The Year of the Rabbit- updated

american west, california, Family, holidays, new years day, Style, traditions, Travel, Uncategorized, writing

Live From Pasadena: The 134th Tournament of Roses Parade

The state of Illinois submitted a float decorated with over 30000 roses, depicting familiar icons. On this beautiful Monday, the day after New Year's Day, we rang in 2023 with a clear day in between stormageddons and the Rose Parade. While the parade, along with the Rose Bowl game is typically held on January 1st,… Continue reading Live From Pasadena: The 134th Tournament of Roses Parade

american west, california, Family, Historical sites, Museums, Opinion, Style, Travel, Uncategorized, wine, writing

The Hollywood Bowl

The LA Phil gets ready to perform There are few things that are so quintessentially LA than summer concerts at the Hollywood Bowl. This historic 17,500-seat amphitheater has been an icon since its founding in 1922. With its distinctive bandshells built at the base of the Hollywood Hills and the famous Hollywood sign in the… Continue reading The Hollywood Bowl