Friday, May 28, 2010

Dropping into Homer’s World


In a few hours, George and I will be sitting in one of these...



...and be flying down to Homer’s World to spend a long weekend there.



Tucson, Arizona

Our most gracious host will pick us up from the Tucson airport and show us his world.

It’s George’s first time to Arizona but I’ve been to Tuscon many times before. But I didn’t know Homer then. It’s going to be so much more fun this time around.


Have a save Memorial Day weekend, ya'll!




Friday, May 21, 2010

It's A Zoo Out There

Another week has passed and we have really nothing new to report. Work has been once again out-of-control and George was busy with his studying on top of that. I suppose we will be enjoying a nice quiet weekend and try to recover from a busy work week.


Or try to re-energize for this coming work week which promises to be another out-of-control one. But next weekend will be a long one, due to Memorial Day.


Finally, our last official holiday was New Year’s Day, for crying out loud.


George and I will be flying off to spend that weekend in Tucson, Arizona. To visit everyone’s favorite archaeologist, to be exact. We’ll be staying at Homer’s casa and also get to meet all the infamous kitties. And apparently now there’s also an infamous bunny.


It’s like a zoo out there!


Here are some random photos, taken on the Las Vegas “Strip” a few weekends ago.


The Miracle Mile shopping mall inside Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino


George in front of the huge facade of Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on the Las Vegas “Strip”


Looking southwards along the Las Vegas “Strip,” with parts of the new City Center, New York-New York and the Mandalay Bay towers visible



Friday, May 14, 2010

La-la-la

Last weekend was spent in Los Angeles once again. The main reason for this trip was the Peter Gabriel concert at the Hollywood Bowl.


At the main entrance to Hollywood Bowl, getting ready to see Peter Gabriel in concert

It was one of the most amazing performances I’ve seen in my life. That man is 60 years old and he’s still got it. It was absolutely mind-blowing. Or maybe it was the weed that was smoked all around us.


Hollywood Bowl as the sun was setting


Another highlight of this trip was meeting a fellow blogger. We met Robert and his partner Alec for dinner at Canter’s, one of the more traditional deli’s in the Fairfax District. Afterwards we strolled through the Grove and walked over to Farmer’s Market to enjoy some deserts and drinks. They’re both the most wonderful people and quite fun to be around. George and I will be back in Los Angeles over the long 4th of July weekend and hopefully we’ll see them both again.


Fellow bloggers, unite! Myself, George, Robert and Alec at the Farmer's Market


Another fabulous weekend was spent in La-La-Land. We didn’t want it to end. Everything was perfect.

We love L.A.!

Below are some impressions from last weekend.



Ain’t he cute? George waiting for his breakfast special at the Alcove in Los Feliz


At the Alcove Cafe & Bakery, one of our most favorite places in Los Angeles.


The high rises of downtown Los Angeles, seen from Hillhurst Avenue in Los Feliz


Most of these tree roots are buckling and rising the concrete plates of the sidewalk in Los Feliz


Beautiful old trees in Los Feliz


At the Pacific Palisades in Santa Monica


Overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Santa Monica, CA


Seems like a no-go here. Lots of red lights on Wilshire Boulevard



Along the sandy beaches near Venice, CA



The PCH, with slow moving traffic crawling towards Malibu



Inside the Broadway Deli on the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica. They make the best Opera Cake.



The old merry-go-round at the Santa Monica Pier, built in 1922


Thursday, May 6, 2010

Shock the Monkey



New Blood. Orchestra. No Drums. No Guitars.


That’s what George and I will be seeing tomorrow evening.


In the City of Angels, surrounded by the dream factories, under the stars.


It will be amazing.



“You can blow out a candle.
But you can't blow out a fire.
Once the flames begin to catch.
The wind will blow it higher.”



Monday, May 3, 2010

Chicken, Horses, Lanterns...and a Cuban

Chicken, horses, lanterns and a Cuban...that’s basically what our first weekend of May entailed. On Saturday George and I were at his mom’s place where she grilled marinated curry chicken to perfection. While we waited for the chicken to be done we were sitting outside in her backyard just chatting away and enjoying the sun, the gentle breezes and a real Cuban cigar. Later, we would follow the Kentucky Derby horse racing on TV and further stuffing ourselves with delicious ice cream.

Grilling the marinated curry chicken breasts

The portions were huge


Enjoying the sun, gentle breezes and good conversation

On Sunday morning, George had to meet some of his class mates to discuss an upcoming school project. In the meantime I had a nice chat over the phone with one of my friends in Germany. When George got home after his meeting we treated ourselves to curry chicken leftovers from the previous day. We were debating if we should hang up the colorful outdoor lanterns amid the strong desert winds that were howling through the valley for most of Sunday. For the sake of checking another chore off the list, we hung up the string of lights and attached the lanterns. It took us a bit longer than anticipated but the payoff is a festive looking patio. We love it.



Another weekend well spent. Next weekend we’ll be in be Southern California.



What can I say? Life is good.


Our lanterns are all lined up on the floor, waiting to be hung

Our own backyard is filled with flowers and blossoms

More flowers

Ta-dah! The lanterns are up. When is the next party?
One of countless snail vine blossoms