Lavender in Bloom

The bees are buzzing around the Spanish lavender in the front.  With the new bench being mesh steel, the plants are getting more light and growing better than with the old wide slatted wood one.

New Pipe

 

The visit of the family exposed a flaw in the waste pipe we have.  So W and I dug up what we could yesterday and today, the plumbers are here to replace and re-grade the pipe.  Stress free flushing is on the horizon. The offending section is about 5 ft. long and full of roots.

The sunny is out bright after a day of rain and clouds.  Looking good inside on the desk.

Afternoon Garden

Back Yard Yellow

Seems like everything is yellow in the back..... the popcorn cassia, the lemons and grapefruits. Smells great with all the citrus in bloom.

Winter Garden

Sunset Ranch

Sunday morning, we took the family to the Sunset Ranch in the Hollywood Hills.  Cherine had wanted to see the Hollywood sign so W and I thought the best way would be by horseback.  We chose the 2 hour tour and rode to the highest point in Griffith Park, accompanied by two great cowgirl guides.  After a good view, we ambled back down the trail and happily stretched our sore thighs and legs.
We then shot down to Hollywood and Vine to show Cherine a few of the stars on the Walk of Fame.

Winter Break

My brother arrived with part of his family Friday night, escaping the northeast cold. We took them to our favorite Malibu mountain restaurant, The Old Place.  Afterwards, we motored down to the beach.  As David is apt to be quoting Will Rogers, it seemed suitable to let him test the Pacific waters at Will Rogers State Beach. Their Tunisian exchange student, Cherine, enjoyed an afternoon in weather closer to her native Tunis.

Jane's birthday

 While back in NYC, El, Martina and I had a lovely lunch with fave artist and goulash maker, Jane in a beautifully sun lit Bowery Bar restaurant.