OK - it's started

Today the weather is what SoCal is famous for. A balmy 75° in the afternoon was perfect for putting hands in ice cold rain water to clean tile prior to cutting for the huge wall project. Since I use a lot of castoff used tile, and store it anywhere it'll stack, it all needs to be cleaned prior to actually putting on a surface. I like to scrub down before I cut it too, because it reduces the amount of dirt in the tile saw water pump. 

Now, I don't intend to show every single step of the wall mosaic, but I did manage to get the outline of the central design done yesterday because the weather was absolutely perfect for working on it. However, ignore the scribbling within. What started as one idea has morphed into something different (I think -- maybe). It will probably change a dozen times before I actually get it done. At least, that's been my M.O. with every project so far. 

Of course, at this point, nobody can tell where we're headed with this. I'm not even sure I know....

Stonehenge in SoCal

Rambling around the neighborhood is good for the soul in so many ways. I'm nuts for dogs, so if I pass one I either have to give her an ear scratch or have a pleasant conversation with those talking to me (some quite loudly and enthusiastically) from behind a fence. I've discovered that most dogs who sound fierce are usually just seeking acknowledgement and generally settle right down if you tell them how gorgeous they are. But I digress.

Today was an especially fun ramble. I went far further afield than normal, seeking new streets to meander, and came upon a one block street hidden off a more major throughway. Couldn't resist a peek. First stop -- a beautiful dog who demanded to know who I was and what I was doing in her area. That brought out Mom and daughter who tried to calm her down. No worries, I said. I love dogs, she's beautiful, and do you think she'd like a biscuit? Why yes. And then all was kumbaya. Mom and daughter chatted for a bit, the dog sidled up for a head scratch, we parted amicably, and I went further down.

I noticed some large decorations being put up and realized they were a Mardi Gras theme. The two men working on the set-up had the additional good taste to have the sweetest little dog who was very excited to meet and greet, especially if it meant a superb ear rub. (And yes, now that you ask, I give terrific ear rubs. And butt scratches. For canines only). Again, a bit of a chat, where I ascertained they (the men, not the dog) were not from New Orleans, but liked to do an annual party, that during this age of the scourge, they reduced to a couple of tables in the front yard. I didn't take photos of their work because a. that would have been intrusive, and b. they weren't done yet. You'll just have to take my word that it was all shaping up to be very festive. 

Realizing I had wandered a bit too far and it was going to be an all uphill climb home, I frankly didn't look too hard for little yard treats, but came upon two that compelled me to stop for a moment. The first is a mosaic house number post. As you can no doubt tell, I'm drawn to all things tile and mosaic. Frankly it took me some time to figure out there was a number, and then what that number was, so if you really wanted the fire department to find your house quickly, that post wasn't going to do it. However, if you simply said there's an awesome mosaic post near the driveway, that would do the trick.

Almost home, and I've passed this house a million times, but it struck me that they had created a mini-Stonehenge. Well - not really, but the boulders could reasonably pass for a Druid circle. Stuck as they are in the otherwise flat lawn, for some reason it has a dynamic I found interesting. 

And thus ends another ramble that ends in lunch and a long nap. But tomorrow the weather is perfect to begin the mosaic on the long wall. Since rain is eluding us this year, might as well take advantage of the warm, dry weather.

New street, new discoveries

While walking around in perfect weather (sorry East Coast), I heard a bird cry that was unfamiliar. Looking up into the trees, I couldn't spot any birds and was about to move on when I noticed activity on a power pole. Turns out, woodpeckers -- yes, you read that correctly -- woodpeckers had made homes in holes in the pole and a young one was crying out for mama. Fascinated, I watched for a few minutes as mom and dad worked making new holes for nesting (I presume), and made sure baby was OK. Frankly, it was riveting, but, alarmist that I am, I could only think of the toxins in the pole since they are treated with creosote to protect them from insects and weather. Given the advanced age of the pole and number of holes, I can only hope/assume much of the poison has worn off and the woodpeckers know what they're doing. It was amazing treat to see birds one doesn't see that often in a city and see them thriving.

Further along on the walk, I stumbled on a yard that captivated me, less for any artistic content, but the sheer exuberance of the collection of dogs, deer, obligatory flamingos and other little statues. They are lined up in no particular order, and some of them are just so captivating. By all means click on the pictures for a better view -- some of the expressions are priceless.

The deer with the dog family underneath was a particular favorite:

Of course, the flamingo peeking out adds a special flair.

Then there is the dog at the end of the row who looks like she's about to get up to some mischief:

While flamingos are certainly expected on a lawn, I thought the 2 herons were an interesting touch:

It was hard to tear myself away from the all the cute little wonders, but moving on was necessary (didn't want to look like a peeping tom). And moving on paid off in another, far more subtle little treat. Coming upon a house that had wonderful tile work and stone work that would have been at home in Mexico, I noticed an odd tile on the steps. Closer examination (without my glasses no less) yielded a tile with 2 sugar skulls. It's always a delight to discover little oddities like that. Again, click on the photo to get a closer look.

 

Mardi Gras anyone?

While most people are thinking about Valentine's Day tomorrow, one person has a completely different holiday in mind. I guess this is as close to New Orleans as they're gonna get:

More gifts to the street

Feeling energetic (and regretting that impulse later), I went for my daily ramble, powering past a film crew taking up two enormous parking lots, and decided to strike out in a new direction. TBH, mainly I was just trying to avoid heading into the setting sun. Turns out, it was a good choice.

This time, the gifts to the street were a bit more subtle. Don't exactly know what drew my attention to the yard, but whatever it was revealed the most delightful pair of birds I've ever met.

Their expressions are quite cheeky. And then the next surprise, almost missed because of their placement. Say hello to bears and foxes:

It's really too bad the homeowners didn't cover the big pipe, but it's nice to know all the critters get along so well. (And yes, I am totally aware they are statues and not alive...but a girl can dream).

Halfway there...

In spite of dire warnings to the contrary, we were able to get our first dose of the Pfizer vaccine today. The process was so smooth I almost couldn't believe it. Our appointments were at 1:15 and at 1:30 we were out the door and headed home. The hospital even gave people coming for the vaccine free parking. FREE PARKING! 

Ours was a walk in clinic as opposed to super sites which use the drive through method. Every step had a guide and it was clear that cleaning procedures were strictly followed just as distance procedures were adhered to. What struck me was how gracious everyone was, from the parking lot personnel to the last person assigned to check on you during the 15 minute wait after the shot was given. 

I'm afraid I was so pumped I was even more of a chatterbox than usual, bouncing in my seat for joy and grinning like a fool behind my mask. My partner in crime merely sat there quietly, sort of like an adult, through the process. 

The best part is...wait for it...the appointment for the second dose is already made. ALREADY MADE. We just have to show up. No navigating forms or websites or going crazy hoping we don't get beat out by someone quicker on the keyboard than we are. No worrying about whether there will be enough doses. The powers that be worked that all out in advance. Someone thought ahead. How cool/responsible is that? 

Not that I believe for one minute that our need to wear masks, keep away from crowds, and maintain good hand washing techniques will magically go away. I'm one of the we-have-to-adapt-to-a-new-normal group. Viruses don't magically disappear just because vaccines are invented (think flu) and of course, as we have already seen, viruses really seem to enjoy mutating. In fact, viruses seem to get a real kick out of keeping people guessing what new incarnation is coming down the pike. But all in all, even a small layer more of protection feels really good right about now.

WOO HOO!

One more ramble...

While rambling around the neighborhood isn't the most productive thing I should be doing, it sure is entertaining. And given the weather still needs to warm up a bit to justify ducking under hedges and sitting in awkward, and some might say painful, positions, the work on the wall mosaic is not currently happening. Plus, the rambling has the joyful promise of running into neighbors and dogs that I otherwise would not get to see. Today was beautiful with full blue sky, clear air, and warm enough to be comfortable, but cool enough to encourage walking a distance. 

Fun as it is, walking the same streets over and over was starting to feel a bit monotonous, and "been there, done that" became a refrain that hummed in the brain. And then I saw them. How did I not notice these magnificent creatures before? After all, this street is very familiar and I've posted a couple of the more entertaining yards, that oddly enough were right across from these giants. 

Two enormous topiaries, which show patience and skill, not to mention a great sense of whimsy, were RIGHT THERE in the front of the house and somehow I just breezed by. Doh!

OK, this is an elephant. Can't see it? Go to the next picture:

I adore elephants and spent so much time with them when I was in Nepal. Washing them down in the river, feeding them, just talking to them...but I digress. The next topiary is even easier to identify:

And there we are. Who knew an elephant and a giraffe lived on a California street?