A good roll in the grass
Happiness is a contented dog.
September 01, 2010
August 23, 2010
Death Panels
Aunt E: Mia, how old are you now?
Niece Mia: Six!
Aunt E: You know, in a few weeks, I'm going to be 86!
Niece Mia: And then you are going to die.
Apparently Mia is anxious for her inheritance.
See, these are the moments that make me want to have children, just so I can have stuff to blog about forever.
August 17, 2010
Full Moon
Went to pick up some frozen yogurt to soothe a sore throat, peeked into the canal and saw literally hundreds of moon jellys. The jellies are common sights in the harbor and certainly one of my favorite reasons to live here, but to see so many in one spot - incredible.
I only wish I had more than an iPhone to shoot them with.
August 16, 2010
Arizona.
Four days in Arizona. On the first day alone, I spent time with friends I had known for 99 years collectively. I ate too much fattening food and drank far, far too much tequila. I drove from one end of the state to the other and saw so many of my favorite people. I celebrated a wedding and rode 25 miles of trails in the town where I first learned to ride. I drank good, strong coffee and spent a lot of time outside in both the relentless summer sun, and the warm, comfortable desert night. I even managed to do some real work for a change.
I started in Tucson at Dave's house. We helped his boys beat the August heat with the help of a handy garden hose and mild, friendly, masochism dispensed through a power sprayer. This in combination with the fading desert light gave me some of my favorite photographs maybe ever.
That night and the next day I found myself in Scottsdale. A nuclear afternoon, ready access to ten or twelve bottles of tequila, a heap of Plywood and an unsecured BMX bicycle led to an ingenious, if juvenile solution to this problem.
Finally, on Saturday, sunburned and hungover, I escaped the desert for the mountains for a 12 mile trail ride up Mount Elden, followed immediately by Steph and Jay's glorious wedding.
How I managed to ride another 13 miles of trail on Sunday morning is testament to the power of modern pharmaceuticals, good coffee, and a complete disregard for my well being.
I am home again. Nursing a head cold undoubtedly brought upon by my burning my candle with a flamethrower, and am trying to wade through a work day clouded by Sudafed and Benadryl. I have posted all the photos to Flickr. Links below. Enjoy.
August 10, 2010
Unhappy buddy...
Josh has a couple ulcers in his left eye. Possibly from sand. Possibly from the claw or tooth of one of his pals. Either way, it clearly hurts, and his not terribly scientific solution was to grind his face into the sand on the beach.
He's sweet, but maybe not so smart.
As such, until otherwise directed by the Godfat... I mean vet, Josh has been coned.
Needless to say, he's displeased. But I think he can pick up the satellite signal of Animal Planet with that thing, so maybe all isn't so bad.
August 09, 2010
Windows
Sometimes I feel like I spent half of my thirties sitting in an airport or an airplane.
And then sometimes I think that perhaps that wasn't a bad way to spend them.
August 01, 2010
Local Color...
Life on the harbor...
Not much to look at on the land, but when they cruise the swells in tight formation, wingtips mere inches over the water, absolutely spectacular. Now and always, my favorite birds.
Neighbors
The Kruszewski boys came back to Newport after an eight year hiatus, and happily I was able to introduce their eldest to my most interesting neighbors.
They left the peninsula properly hopped up on ice cream and french fries. I have heard no reports of Anaheim burning today, so we must have done a reasonably good job of wearing them all out.
July 28, 2010
Inhale...
Dear Ms. Smokey McPuffsalot:
Although I can't understand the obsessive compulsive neuroses that causes you to sit and chain smoke a pack of Virginia Slims on the corner of 16th and Mother's Beach every week, crushing and relighting before you have finished each cigarette, but I and the rest of our neighbors here on Mother's Beach would greatly appreciate it if you would simply and graciously toss the spent and properly extinguished butts into the big, green trash receptacle sitting a mere nine inches to your right.
I have been cleaning up after you for the better part of a year, and frankly, picking up used butts grosses me out more than picking up my dog's shit after a meal of rotten chicken tamales in rancid adobe sauce.
I know I might be asking a lot considering your obviously compromised mental/emotional state. However, I do warn you that it's not impossible that SOME residents MAY begin to teach their dog(s) to poop precisely where you sit and smoke. It's certainly a possibility.
Thank you for your prompt and courteous consideration of this important matter.
Sincerely,
The residents of Newport Harbor.
July 26, 2010
Pics...
Finally, a Farmer's Market on the peninsula. Rainbow Swiss chard, a whole pile of different cherry tomatoes, thai chillies, organic yellow beets, and a big box or organic figs - goes great in plain yogurt with almonds and honey.
The box of figs reminded me of The Figmen of Imagination and Synonamess Botch. And if you know what I'm talking about, you are undeniably a nerd.
In other news...
Here are some pictures of a sleepy old mushy faced dog and a relentless and occasionally annoying young one.
