The Other Pasadena

New year's day is a big deal here in Pasadena. The Tournament of Roses Parade. The Rose Bowl Game. Just three more days.

White-Suiters, those insiders in the ToR organization who volunteer countless hours for the planning, organization and implementation of these events, sometimes grow up in the tradition, and their children follow after them. It is time-honored stuff, almost as old as Pasadena itself. I know people who've never missed a Rose parade.

I might see one myself some day, though I haven't done so yet. Crowds, noise and cold are not my cup of tea.

Alas, I blaspheme.

At least for the next few days I live in "the other Pasadena"--the one seeking a route to the grocery store without bumping into a parade float, hiking in the mountains north of town on game day, and looking for a restaurant so far from Colorado Blvd. that only the locals know about it.

And that's fine. In fact, it's downright fabulous. I want everyone to have a wonderful time! I look forward to the pictures!

Cold is Relative

How cold does it get where you are?

It got up to 61 degrees Fahrenheit here yesterday, and I know that's warm for this time of year if you live in, say, Fairbanks, or Antarctica, or Norwich. But that's not counting the wind-chill factor. It was so breezy it felt like 55! It gets into the low 40's by the wee hours. Brrr.

There's a pay-off: clear, blue skies and white clouds. Fast clouds, speeding across the mountaintops like puffy space invaders.

Okay, I'm ready to hear about the snow now.

I Love a Grainy Night

Christmas isn't over 'til everyone takes down their lights. A stroll in the neighborhood last night told us that's not going to happen soon. I like the nostalgic glow, but I think it's lost on Boz.

Post-Prandial Perambulation

Our Christmas day walk on the upper path, east side of Hahamongna Watershed Park.

I did not saturate the colors in this photo. When we get rain, we get green.

Considering how we've been eating, it's going to take a lot more walking.

Christmas Wishes

Peace, serenity, tolerance, beauty, prosperity for all...just a wish list. Much like yours, I imagine. May Christmas day and every day hold all of these for you and yours.

Zen Monday: #226

It's Christmas Eve and Zen Monday. What to do? If I must choose (and I must, because I don't have a Zen Christmas Eve photo), then I choose Zen Monday.

Wreath

I like walking in Bungalow Heaven because:
It's quiet (no main drags);
It's got big trees;
It's nicely-groomed, for the most part;
It's historic;
Folks are friendly, if and when you see folks;
It's not far from my neighborhood, but far enough that I feel like I went somewhere.

Twenty years ago I was happy to live in Hollywood near Fairfax and Beverly, close to a TV studio and a popular shopping district. Now I crave quiet, serene calm.

Welcome to middle age.