Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Tonight's picture was taken in March of 2003. Mattie was visiting my parents for the first time in Los Angeles. Mattie took to Los Angeles like a duck to water. He loved the warm weather, all the fun outdoor activities, and the he enjoyed running around my parents property on his "tot wheels." Mattie had an East Coast and West Coast tot wheels. This was one item that he couldn't do without. It was something that gave him freedom, independence, and mobility. All things he craved at an early age. He kept all of us moving and active right from day one! In this photo my dad was trailing after Mattie and as you can see Mattie's hands were moving and pausing for a photo was borderline tolerable!


Quote of the day: The question isn't who is going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me. ~ Ayn Rand

Today we ventured out to Calabasas, a city in Los Angeles. It is generally accepted that the city's name is derived from the Spanish word calabaza  meaning "pumpkin," "squash," or "gourd." One of the wonderful places to dine in Calabasas is at King's Restaurant. Today literally was in the upper 70s and sitting outside was a treat. The sun was glorious, the birds were singing, and literally everyone and his cousin was sitting outside at lunch time!

While eating on the terrace we were overlooking this wonderful fountain. So you can hear the sound of the water, which is therapeutic in and of itself. 

Even the birds love this spot! We were surrounded by grackles. This fellow perched himself right by our table for a good part of lunch! Of course my mom fed the birds bread, which provided them an incentive to stay!

After lunch, my dad snapped a photo of my mom and me!

Where the restaurant is situated is within this beautiful commons space filled with stores, fountains, and restaurants. What I love about the fountains is that they are filled with turtles. Mattie loved turtles and he would have appreciated this special treat. Because how often do you find a fountain filled with turtles??!!! Another feature I love is located in the center of the fountain. If you look closely there is a statue of a boy in a row boat. Every time I see this statue, it reminds me of Mattie.

On our visit to the library today, I couldn't get over this amazing Crape Myrtle tree blooming at the entrance. To me it was noteworthy and deserved a picture. Particularly because it is FEBRUARY!!!!

This beautiful tree is a Ponderosa! Ponderosa is a large coniferous pine tree. The bark helps to distinguish it from other species. Mature to over-mature trees have yellow to orange-red bark in broad to very broad plates with black crevices.


This tree is so HUGE it seems to take over the entire parking lot and provide shade to the space. On the East Coast I know I have heard of the Ponderosa, but never saw one in person. 

This great white beauty is another Crape Myrtle. It almost looks like there is snow on this tree. If it was on the East Coast that would indeed by possible. This tree is just bursting with flowers and it can't help but capture your attention even from way across the street!