Paseo, Simply

At Paseo Colorado (or simply the Paseo) a couple of weeks ago, this construction surrounded the movie theatre. I like it because it's all symmetry and angles. Simple, but complicated.

As open-air malls go the Paseo's pretty nice. Frankly, the only thing I don't like about it is the parking. The lot itself is okay, but every time I've had a question or problem (okay, twice) I've been told to call the office. I get voice-mail. I leave a message. No one calls me back. Simple.

Sunbaked Hero

I admit this picture doesn't look like much until you click to enlarge it. I hadn't planned to post it at all, but after reading yesterday's comments I decided to go ahead. I mentioned the man who dug stairs into the path above Las Flores Canyon. Altadenahiker said, "I've been told the stairs were originally dug by the fire fighters several years ago. But my hat is off to the gentleman who is doing this renovation in the heat of summer. Wonder who he is."

I've often seen L.A. County park rangers on the trails with their maintenance equipment. The area trails I know are well-maintained; it must be a constant project to keep them clean and passable for hikers. Most regular hikers are respectful, but I take a small bag when I hike so I can pick up what trash I see. It's worst after a weekend.

The Sam Merrill Trail, which I was hiking when I took this shot, is across the canyon from the stairs in question. That day, the shoveling man and I were the only ones crazy enough to be out in the infernal heat. I could hear the dig and scrape of his shovel. He was working his way uphill.

Who is he? No park ranger uniform. Just a dark T-shirt. No hat. I hope he was wearing sunscreen.

Summer Colors

These would be fall colors in the Midwest, where I grew up. Here, as seen from the Sam Merrill Trail, browns and golds are summer colors. Bits of gray, green and orange enhance the palette of the scrub's subtle beauty. It's not what I'd call a riot of color but it's hugely varied. Along the many nature trails here you'll also find wildflowers any time of year: red, yellow, even bright purple.

In the background of the photo a path leads uphill through the area that burned almost a year ago. I don't know if the path is new or if it was always there and was revealed by the burn. Lately a man has been out there shoveling in the hot sun, making the path into a stairway. I tried to get a picture but he was far away, and it was crazy enough for me to be there. The scrub is beautiful but not as tall as trees, and it doesn't provide much shade.

Got $7.733 Million?

Pasadena has a Frank Lloyd Wright house. Just one. And it's on the market.

It's called "La Miniatura," and it's considered one of Wright's masterpieces, according to this article. That can be good or bad for me, should I decide to buy it. For instance, I wouldn't want tourists lining up in my driveway and peeking around my fence every day. But the house is tucked away in a ravine above the Arroyo Seco. It looks lovely and quiet from the street, and unless you're willing to trespass, you can only peek onto the grounds. Click the article link above and scroll to the bottom for more photos.

Alice Millard, one of Pasadena's early arbiters of taste, paid $17,000 for the house when it was built for her in 1923. It was an expensive home in its day.

The house is called "La Miniatura," but I think I'll have room for all my stuff in 4,000 square feet. Maybe not. You know how things accumulate.

Colorado Street Bridge At Night

Maybe not my definitive shot, but I do like this one. Taken at the east end of the bridge, July 19th 2008.

Zen Monday: Crime Scene

East end of the Colorado Street Bridge, just off the walkway.

Zen Monday is the day you tell me what the photo's about, rather than me telling you. While on vacation I may not be willing or able to respond quickly to comments.

Chambers' Nighttime Chambers

I took this photo of the Richard H. Chambers U.S. Court of Appeals Building the same day as yesterday's, an hour or two later, while at the annual Colorado Street Bridge party.

I couldn't find much on the web about Richard H. Chambers himself, except that he was the judge whose idea it was to bring a Federal courthouse to Pasadena. There's plenty of information about the building, however. Here's a nice gloss on the place, with photos and information. Even a map.

I'm currently on vacation, so responding to comments may happen in an untimely fashion, which means I may not be quick about it and I'll probably be wearing something that's way out of date.