High Above It All

And we're not even at the top of the Mt. Hollywood trail.

In fact we took this as we were coming back down.

Loving the cloud cover in the a.m.. Keeping the temps in the 70's.

Nice.

Bitch on Wheels

No not me. Although I'm certain the term has been used for me in the past.
No, I am referring to the woman in the photo below.  The 65-if-she's-a-day-and you-think-would-know-better woman who berated the latino parking attendant when he informed she couldn't park in the handicap space with out a placard, did anyway and then stormed off into the bank.  Such arrogance pissed me off so I waited for her to return to her car. While waiting I realized she'd left her car idling. Having just been in the bank I knew there was line of people waiting to be helped. I strolled over to the entrance and peered inside. Sure enough she had by passed the line and was gesturing at a teller.  Unbelievable!!! Walked back to her car and sooooooo wanted to lean on the slick black Mercedes but didn't. Only two minutes had gone by when she ambled out of the bank and as she approached I asked in a loud voice, "Why are you parking here without a sticker? It's illegal?"  Her answer, "I couldn't find any shade, I have a 14 year old dog in car and I needed to keep the AC running for her."  Never being one to couch my thoughts I looked at her and yelled, yes yelled, "Are you fucking kidding me.  You parked illegally for your dog's convenience!!!???" As she got into the front seat she looked out and said, "here's another handicap spot, you could park here."  And with that she pulled out and was on her merry way.

Can anyone out there run this woman's plates?

In Training

Last year I decided that for my 60th year on the planet I'd climb the back of Half Dome.  Have gotten my reservation through the National Park's lottery system and am scheduled to do this on Friday, October 7th.  As I huff and puff during my daily climbs up to the Griffith Park Observatory and to Mt. Hollywood above it I think to myself, "Are you nuts? These hikes are nearly at sea level. You're still are sucking air and you've been doing these jaunts for a year.  What's it going to be like as you climb 4800 feet in elevation that day?"  

Big difference between Mt. Hollywood and this!!!! And this part is after a 12 mile hike from the Valley floor to get to it.

To be truthful I am a bit fearful of failing and disappointing. Then again, dear friends have already secured reservations for the stay and although none will accompany me on the trek they will be there for moral support. What more can I ask for? All I can do is give it my best shot. So I'm officially in training.  Adios carbs, chocolate, and beer.  Time to shed a few more pounds.  Is that the Rocky theme I hear? Wish me luck!

Doom

This and others like it appear all over LA as today....

I'm amused because as "it all ends," this city awaits carmageddon, a.k.a the closing of 10 miles of the 405 freeway this weekend.  The closure dominates the newscasts.  Even caused Jet Blue to offer a $4 fare from Long Beach to LA.

Can you say hype? Over reaction? Y2K? 

And what is this about the end of the world in 2012?

And so it goes.......

Doug Flutie

He was strolling on the south side of the new W hotel this morning.  Not as short as one is led to believe and definitely a cutie patootie!  As in drop dead handsome! Wonder why he's in LA?  Must be some sporting event? Maybe the ESPYS? Anyway besides getting watermelon at Trader Joe's seeing him made my day.  Told you. Easily pleased.

5,4,3,2,1 WE HAVE LIFTOFF

They are being wished God's speed. The countdown has resumed. Main engines are in start position. Fuel center arm is being removed. T minus 2 minutes to go. Solid rocket booster cameras being activated. T minus 1 Minute. Anticipation!!
31 seconds we have a failure. Something about a camera not fully retracted. Check, double check. Need verification. Copy. We are ready to go! Countdown resumes......

GO BABY GO!!!!!

T Minus 9 Minutes and Holding

This a built in hold to check the weather at the Cape and elsewhere in case of emergency.  Spain is clear and is the preferred emergency landing spot.

Years ago I was there to see an Endeavor launch. Got a fabulous VIP tour and still treasure the moment we were bused out to the launch pad at 3am in the morning to take pictures of the Shuttle. Mother nature wouldn't play ball that day so I wasn't able to stay to see the launch which took place days later. However, just to see where the likes of Gordo Cooper, John Glenn, Robert Crippin and Sally Ride created history was a special journey

Getting Closer

20 Minutes And Counting

I am watching the live NASA feed.  There's a conversation about a reset of a switch that needs to be done before launch.  I adore watching these launches and now this part of our great Space program is coming to an end.

Makes me sad.  

Moments That Make Me Smile

Been remiss is posting.  Had nothing to say really. Got a gig and free time was minimal. It's the 4th of July. Have the time and making an effort.

The Griffith Park Bear on The 4th of July!

The National League West Standings!!!