Category: Photos

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Crazy Beach Discovery

Only in Venice? How to explain the fact that a deceased seal (or sea lion?) was dressed in clothes on the shore at Venice breakwater today? Hmmmm. We saw a lifeguard vehicle race across the sand with its siren on and we spotted several police cars parked near Windward. By the rocks, three yellow lifeguard vehicles were parked on the sand and surfers, joggers, and bikers were gathered by the graffiti wall to see what the fuss was about. This did not look good. Then the officers stopped on their way back to their cars to tell us what they found, explaining that it was a prank (and not the first time they’ve been victim to a prank like this). Obviously, we were all relieved to find out that no person was hurt, but the discovery that a seal was dressed in pants and a shirt left us perplexed. Who would take the time to find clothing for–and actually dress–a dead mammal?

Now, I cannot resist this: Here is Seal singing “Crazy.”

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Hoorah for Spring



The first day of summer is one of my favorite days of the year, but the first day of spring is almost as celebratory. Growing up on Long Island, the arrival of summer meant it was time for some fun: School’s out! Let’s hit the beach! But before carefree summer days, we had the warm-up. When spring came, there was always a sigh of relief. After months of freezing temps, bitter wind, and rain and snow, we were ready for a break. Come on, bring on the sunshine and warmth. Let’s see some green and those flowers. The seasons are less defined in Southern California but it’s still exciting to know that spring has sprung. Weeeeeeeeeeee.

The song for the day comes from Mr. Tom Waits:

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The Great Outdoors: Books




I’m still new enough to California to try to wax poetic about the weather. I will say this: it’s heavenly. And this: It’s sunny and warm enough year-round that the climate can support an outdoor bookstore. An outdoor bookstore! Bart’s Books in Ojai is an independently owned shop open since the ’60s that has charm in spades, with open-air bookshelves and an honor system to pay for those bargain books stacked on the outer wall shelves during off-hours. (There is an inside as well, where you’ll find a protected section for first-editions and other collectible tomes, plus cookbooks in a room that was once a kitchen.) Sunshine overhead, a citrus tree dangling fruit above the shelves, and books galore (worth adding: this visit was in January).