Who is that?

At the California ScienCenter. Testing Tyler's body heat. I love that you can totally tell it's him and he's wearing glasses. :)

Lomo

My cousin Hannah loaned her Lomo camera which is explained in Lomography. I have the Action Sampler version that looks like a toy. Clear plastic with different pastel yellow, pink and blue. Think disposable camera. It has 4 lenses which take a frame 1/4 second apart that will give it a unique and fun look.

I went to Target because the darn camera needs film. Yes, film. I almost whispered my question because digital is so common, "Excuse me, do you carry camera film?" He pointed me in the right direction and sure enough, I had 2 choices along with several disposable choices. It took me a while to figure this camera stuff again since I'm no expert. Oh yeah, line up the film, close door and wind away.

I took it to pick up the kids the other day. Just holding the thing brought curious children asking me what it was and can I try it type questions. No, I firmly told them, it's not a toy although it sure looks like one. I have to flip up 2 little plastic pieces on top to "activate" the viewfinder! It is so cheesy yet so cool...I've taken several of both boys and we're eager to see what develops. I have 24 exposures and 3 rolls total so that's a lot of fun this summer.

Night

Some of my pictures from Sunday night. It was pretty cool to walk up to the garden then follow the path on the second level. We ran into one couple up there otherwise it was empty.

Wonderful architecture and just a gorgeous place.

Oh, in case you didn't know where I was.

Foodie time

Last night we had Peruvian food at Intiraymi, a little hole in wall place right in between Chinatown and Olvera St.  Hannah found it on Yelp which my newest resource for food. Thankfully Hector agreed to go with me because he knows downtown from the good ol' days and Peruvian food piqued his interest. Also, Hannah and I planned a night shoot which can be a tad sketchy so I was happy he offered to be our driver.

Okay, back to the food. We read the reviews and Hector ordered the lomo saltado which is beef sauteed with onions, tomatoes and french fries served with steamed rice. It was very flavorful and salty which Hector refers. Good thing he took pictures of everything because he demolished it.  I had a bite and it was tasty.

I ordered the pescado frito which is fried fish with steamed rice and salad. My salad consisted of some cucumbers, sliced tomatoes and a big mound of slivered, pickled red onions. The green sauce (jalapenos) was very spicy so use sparingly unless you like having your mouth on fire. :) My fish was good but would have preferred a more traditional salad like the menu showed.

Hannah ordered a fish dish too, pescado sudado which is braised fish in a wine sauce with tomatoes, onions and steamed rice. Hector will be the first to say that he is impressed with the speed that Hannah can eat. A very useful skill indeed! :0

Overall, I think we were pretty happy with our food. The portions were large and tasty. Entrees ranged from $7-12. Lots of different selections in the beef, chicken and seafood categories.

I also have to comment on the Inca Cola that is a bright almost neon yellow-green color soda. Reading the reviews on Inca Cola made me want to try it and assume it was black or ink color. Hector, of course, pointed out my dorkiness and it's INCA. Not inka. Duh! Thanks honey.

Downtown

Did a nice walkabout in downtown LA with my cousin Hannah and Hector. We got there a bit early so H and I headed toward City Hall. If you ever have the time, Hector will tell his City Hall story.

It involves this bell near the top.

A lovely old building.

More later...

Prepping for Summer

Can't wait for summer and both kids are looking forward to lots of fun and NO SCHOOL although I'll sneak some stuff in. No definite plans but we'll do our usual Soak City passes and VBS.

We'll see you around.

Holy Guacamole

Here is my lopsided avocado tree. It has been compensating because the neighbor's dogs destroyed one half of it last year. If you think it looks kind of sad now, you should have seen it before. It was scraggly and barely there. I read that I should pinch off some leaves and it will bush out.

Well, it worked until the dog incident and now we have about 7-10 avocados.

Don't strain your eyes. I'm not sure how much time these tiny things need before they are ready to be picked. But I'm watching them closely. Also I read that I need to protect them from rodents and squirrels.

Great. We have lots of squirrels roaming around so hopefully they don't know what is growing in my yard.

I can't wait to try them to make some guacamole along with some salsa.