L.A. Is My Beat: July 2010

Babies - Vintage Photo Friday

Crying Baby Photo, found on the internets

I do not have any children. I like them OK, but not when they're squirmy, smelly or crying. I guess it's a good thing I'm not a mother!

Everytime I hold a baby, I think they are confused. You can see it on their little faces. They must sense my indifference.

Elena and Ellen, Easter 2010. Elena seems rather bored!

I do, however like it when smiling, happy babies visit me while I'm yarning it up with my pals at the Original Farmers Market. Last night, the handsome Charlie Miller dropped by the West Hollywood Stitch 'n Bitch group along with his parents, Kendall and Danny.

Charlie, Farmers Market, 2010

Baby Charlie in his fetching knitted ensemble, 2009

Awhile back, I'd gifted Mr. Charlie with a little sweater and hat combo. He has totally outgrown the tiny sweater, but Mom Kendall says he stills wears the little hat. I think it's time that I whipped up another ensemble for this happy little boy!

Oh yeah, Charlie is definitely suspicious of Ellen!

Labels: Friends, Los Angeles, Vintage Photos, yarny stuff

Walkway Improvement

Diggin'

Larry met the deadline! Yayyy! We wanted to have a cement walkway poured next to our driveway, in addition to a landing and new step, approaching our front door. Everything was completed before July 20th. Larry also had the plumber replace our old 1928 pipes leading to the City hook-up.

Before the new walkway is poured

Framing for the cement pour

Completed walkway, stair and landing

Now, the beautification begins. We need to landscape a bit, paint the house and trim and then maybe someday, our house will look like this:

Does anyone want to gift me about $10,000?

Labels: Architecture, At Home, Los Angeles

Johnnie's Pastrami

Johnnie's Pastrami on Sepulveda Blvd., near Washington in Culver City has been operating since 1952. The food is fine...not fantastic, but good. The pastrami is not the most flavorful or leanest in town (try Langer's Deli), but the French fries are really good and the cole slaw is crunchy fresh! The place is clean and well-run.

You know my motto, "you can't eat atmosphere," however, Johnnie's is loaded with just the type of atmosphere that I love. The building is pure roadside-fabulous with it's perfect signage, tilted roof, big windows and fire-pit patio. Inside, each table has it's own mini-juke box. The sound system is pretty good too. This is not a new restaurant trying to look retro. It's an authentic '50's California-style diner. I've been going to Johnnie's since the early 1970's and it has not changed.

We were there last week for a quick dinner. We ordered the Johnnie's Deluxe Pastrami Plate and split everything. One-half of a sandwich on a nicely toasted bun, cole slaw and fries was plenty to eat. The somewhat fatty pastrami is piled high.

There are a few different kinds of mustard too. Lots of people were ordering bowls of chili and it looked delicious. Must try that next time.

We were too full to try the pie, but it looked mighty tasty sitting on the counter in it's special, vintage pie display rack.

Once again, Mr. Larry is the star of my blog. He's very photogenic.

Labels: Architecture, Food, Los Angeles

Fun @ The Farmers Market

Oh yeah, my WeHo SnB group does have a good time at our weekly Thursday night meetings at the Original Farmers Market, 3rd and Fairfax. We meet in the upstairs dining area from 7-9pm. This past week we had lots of visitors from out of town and some new L.A. faces too. Join us sometime!

Lauren, testing Natalie's new cardigan

During the summer, the Market is full of tourists, so parking can be challenging. You can usually find a spot in the North Lot, near Chipotle. Two hours free parking with Market validation! Of course, there are numerous food stands and two bars where you can purchase a delicious dinner!

Labels: Fashion, Food, Friends, Los Angeles, yarny stuff

Vacation Over

Ken & Ginny sent me beautiful "Martha" Flowers!

My one week "staycation" is over. Sigh. I accomplished quite a bit, including doctor's and dentist appointments. I shopped a lot! I celebrated my B-Day with friends and family. I was very busy crocheting and knitting too.

Rhoda brought cupcakes for the Ladies' Luncheon

I crocheted some spa cloths and paired them with fancy soaps as party favors for the ladies' luncheon.

Much yarn was gifted too....among other faboo items. Details to come.

Thanks to everyone for helping me celebrate!

Labels: At Home, family, Food, Friends, yarny stuff

I, Housekeeper

Today is Vintage Photo Friday. All I have on my mind is cleaning and organizing. I'm having just a few of the yarny ladies over tomorrow for a post-B-Day yarn-a-thon and luncheon. I must scour the house clean, clean, clean.

The one thing about having a house filled with collectibles (clutter) is that I don't trust an outside person to come in and clean. I only want to blame myself if the 80 year-old Roseville vase is broken or if the vintage tiki collection is harmed. Of course, there are only two of us in this house so I really don't understand how it could possibly get so unruly so quickly! Oh yeah, I know! We're busy, creative folks that don't take the time to worry about details like dust and such (slobs).

After the cleaning is done I will commence the cooking. It's hot, so I'm only preparing cold dishes. After all of that hard work, I think pink champagne is in order, don't you? Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

Labels: Art, At Home, Food, Friends, Vintage Photos, yarny stuff

I Found a New Group!

Los Angeles Memorial Library

I'm so excited! I found a new-to-me Stitch 'n Bitch group! Heavens knows I really don't need to join anymore groups....yes, it's an addiction.....knitting and/or crocheting with friends!
This group has been meeting for awhile. In the back of my mind, I knew about them but really just didn't have a chance to join.

Last Saturday at 10am I drove the short distance to the Los Angeles Memorial Library on Olympic at Rimpau, across the street from L.A. High.

Michelle and Marla

The building was erected in 1930 as a memorial from the LA HS class of '30 to those who lost their lives in World War I. There's a nice park in front of the Library too. It's a beautiful old building and a very sweet little library.

Marla's pincushion project on top of her granny square

When I arrived, only two ladies were present. Eventually, 4 or 5 more showed up. I really like this group. The location is convenient, the ladies are lovely, the library has a good craft section and it's easy to park! I won't be able to attend every single Saturday morning, because I have other SnB obligations on the second Saturday of each month, but I'll try to attend as often as possible. Won't you join me?

Los Angeles Memorial Library Knitting (and crochet) Circle
Saturdays from 10am-noon
4625 W. Olympic Blvd. @ Rimpau
Bring your own supplies. Beginners are warmly welcomed.

Labels: Art, Fashion, Friends, Los Angeles, yarny stuff