My Time

Shambala Preserve

We celebrated Val's birthday this year at Shambala Preserve.  Shambala is a sanctuary for exotic felines who have been mistreated or neglected.  Mostly big cats - lions, tigers, etc.  We did their "Sunset Safari" and it was pretty amazing.  They prefaced our tour with making sure we understood that these cats aren't there for entertaining us, which is good.  These are not trained animals, they are wild animals who have been rescued from some bad situations, and who are being allowed to live their life as nicely as possible.  The preserve just opens up very infrequently to allow small groups to walk through - under close supervision -  and maybe see some of these stunning animals.  Being an owner of housecats, I was not surprised to see that some of these amazing creatures wanted to ignore us (status quo for our housecats).  But we were still amazed at what we did see of the majesty of these incredible animals.  These are some shots of what we did see.  It was a very hot day, even at dusk, and the cats were not very active in the heat.  Still, you can see how stunning -

Just look at those paws!

A serval!  I didn't even know what that was!

Trinity the gorgeous Cougar

 

Pretty she-lion.  The he-lion was there too, but dozing on the side.  they said she is very protective of him.  Good girl.

Front side -
see the rope in the fore-ground?  We just had to stand behind that.  But don't squat down to take a photo ---- that's evidently kitty-speak for "eat me".  Oh yah.
Back side.  

Oxnard Salsa Festival

The Oxnard Salsa Festival was last weekend, and we checked it out.  We are regulars at this festival, visiting most years.  The main attraction for us is the Salsa Tasting Tent.  This is a tent where various vendors display their unique salsas and we taste each and every one.  In past years it was pretty impossible to get to them all, but this year the offerings were much fewer and we easily made our way through them in under an hour.  Not sure why the event seems to be getting smaller.  I hope it can revitalize itself.  Still, a good time was had by all.  We still had Georgia visiting us from Australia so got to introduce her to the hot, hot, hot of the festival, which was fun. 

SkySpace Los Angeles

This past week we have had Georgia from Australia visiting.  She has kept us on our toes and gotten us out of our usual routine.  We had never been to SkySpace, but Georgia found it and off we went.  This is a see-through slide, on the outside of a 70-story building. The slide just goes down one story, so it's not very long, but it is at the top of the building, at the 70th story.  Eek!

 

 

I opted to forgo the slide, but Val and Georgia both had their turn and were glad they did.  Val said " that's lame" - but only because it was so short (and only after he had finished his turn).  Still, now they can both say they have done this.  Photo proof --

 

This photo has the slide part of the building circled -- 

 

 

If you are ever in L.A. - it's a worthwhile place to visit.  Even if you do not go on the slide, the views from there are stunning.  There is even a little café where you can get a drink and a bite and just watch the view.  

Family Time! Hollywood

One of the things my sisters wanted to do when they visited was go to Hollywood, and of course see the Hollywood sign.  I had recently seen this video that showed a great location to view the sign (that I did not know about before!).  It took some effort driving the tiny, windy, roads of the Hollywood hills, but we made it and got some great photos!

 

 Next stop, we fought the Saturday night crowds and the heat at the Hollywood Walk of Fame.  Then...... the Hollywood Ghost Walk!  We were so excited and we had booked our spots ages ahead of time.  We were ready to learn all the scary ghost stories surrounding iconic Hollywood.  Then......the tour company never showed!  Seriously!  They sent us a text an hour ahead saying be sure not to be late, then THEY never showed.  They didn't respond to texts or calls or emails......Talk about frustrating!  They FINALLY texted 4 hours later saying they had to cancel.  Unacceptable people!  Do not use Best Tours.  Save your money and your frustrations.  I am still trying to get through the red tape of getting a refund.  BUT.....our consolation prize (so to speak)....... we went to the Hollywood Wax Museum!  I had never been there.  I had no idea it would be so much fun!  As you can see for yourself in these pictures.  These are just a small sampling of the fun shots we got........  (and yes, Val is the biggest Ham of them all, which is why most of the photos are of him LOL)

   

 

 
  

 
 
  



  

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Family Time! Warner Bros.Studio Tour

We recently played tour guide when three of my sisters and one brother-in-law visited.  They fell victim to the whirlwind that is ME.  When I travel I tend to cram in as much as I can and crash later.  My visitors were subjected to my scheduling style when they spent a fun-filled week with me.  

First stop - The Warner Brothers Studio Tour.  It's a fun adventure and was a great way to start our week.  Just a few of my favorite photos.

Sisters!

  

Honey, I shrunk Gary!

 

the next President & Chief of Staff ?

 

It's......So.....Heavy......

 

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If you've never done the WB Studio Tour, do it.  It is really a lot of fun.

  

 

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Rise of the Jack O'Lanterns

Have you heard?  The Jack O'Lantern is making a come back.  Descanso Gardens has been overtaken by thousands of intricately carved and creatively displayed jack O'lanterns.  Rise of the Jack O'Lanterns will change the way you think about jack O'lanterns.  And if you carve your own, this is sure to leave you feeling a little inferior.

We got to see Ray Villafane  carving an especially intimidating creature.  It was mesmerizing to watch him work. 

There's been an alien invasion!  Yes people - these are all intricately carved pumpkins.  AKA Jack O'Lanterns!!!

Amazing?  RIGHT!

The Aliens view of earth as they approached ---- (earth and the sun!)  I told you it was incredible.

 

They had the best skeletons -

And some downright spooky faces

There were Monsters -

And Ghosts -

And Story book characters -

Before I continue, take a moment and look back at these photos and remember that these are Jack O'Lanterns.  That means these are carved pumpkins people.  Just think of the creativity here.  Now that you've let that sink in a bit - I'll just let these last photos speak for themselves.

 

Amazing right??  That's only a smattering of what's there.  So incredible.  If you get the chance to go -- DO IT!!

 

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L.A. Food & Wine Asian Night

This was our first year to attend the L.A. Food & Wine Festival.  I say first year, because we will definitely attend again.    There were so many events that made up this festival, in different locals all over the city, it was hard to pick. 

We ended up chosing Asian Night.  It was held on Grand, in front of the Disney Concert Hall.  The street was closed and red-carpeted, and just beautiful.  

We had so much fun - and Val got to see his long-time idol, Iron Chef Morimoto!

We cannot wait to try more of the events next year!  Who wants to come with us?
 
 

 

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Chill at the Queen Mary!

Things got a bit chilly last weekend at the Queen Mary.  We finally made it to CHILL, which is dubbed "Southern California's frozen holiday adventure".  But I think it's really just Southern California's answer to sunny 70 and 80 degree weather at Christmas!!

Well - it was definitely chilly, once we got in.  We waited in line around 90 minutes for a 20-minute walk through the frozen wonderland.  Given that when they sell tickets, you are required to pick a time and purchase a ticket for that time, it seems that this system could have worked a lot better. 

And while we were waiting to get into this "chilly" ice land - we were all either holding or wearing our winter gear and burning up hot.  For a long time!

I am sounding negative here - but I want to be clear that this was an amazing creation.  So much work went into these ice sculptures.  It was an incredibly elaborate telling of the nutcracker story.  Notice my soldier in the middle here?

My disappointment was that much of the things that are advertised for kids were not in the icey part.  It seemed in the commercials that people were playing and having fun in an icey play land.  Not so much.  Inside the ice wonderland you cannot touch anything - not that you would want to - it's just admiring the display.  The tiny kids I saw weren't enjoying that so much.  My "kid" did try to get himself into a bit of trouble - and YES, there are signs that say to not lick the ice!

I do think Val was having a good time!

There was an ice slide inside the ice area - which was very cute and the kids were loving that.  And ice tubing was inside the igloo but apart from the rest.  All else - the snow globe jumper and such - were all outside.  Not trying to say it isn't still a very cute and different thing to go do.  But now - I've been there, done that!

I'll leave you with more photos of the georgous ice displays!  (they were incredible).

  That Queen Mary replica was made from ice!

 

Festival of the Trees

I had wanted to visit the Festival of the Trees for years but the timing never worked out.  This year we finally made it!  The festival benefits the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Clarita, and features immaculately decorated trees that will then be auctioned off to benefit the Boys and Girls Club charity. 

 

We saw a little bit of everything.  Traditional trees, with the abominable snowman causing a bit of havoc.

 

There were ginger bread houses, and other traditional table top decorations.

There were some pretty elaborate wreaths for sale as well.

 

 

 

 

There were other less-than-traditional trees, like this one searching for "Jolly Men Bearing Gifts".  Sure - we all want one of those right?  Santa, I've been good!!!

 

We also were lucky enough to be there while several local dance schools were performing, so we stopped and watched for a bit.  There are some pretty talented kids in the Santa Clarita Valley! 

 

This was definitely a great way to jump start our Christmas spirit.   

 

 

 

 

But I think perhaps most important thing to note is that the reason for the season had not been forgotten.  This chalk drawing was also in the auction - and I think it is ust beautiful.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Earth, Wind & Fire at the Hollywood Bowl

Another late post but still worth sharing.

Who remembers Earth, Wind & Fire?  Our Hollywood Bowl season ended with a concert by this legendary group.  And let me make it clear - they still have it!    I could not believe the energy on the stage and spreading through the crowd! 

And the music - the music that helped define an era.  Boogie Wonderland, Shining Star, Let's Groove Tonight, Sing a Song, After the Love has Gone.  You could not help but be grabbed by this music.

This was quite possibly the best concert we have seen at the Hollywood Bowl.  And in true Hollywood Bowl style we had fireworks too!  If you ever get the chance to see Earth, Wind, & Fire - do it!

 You know the songs are floating in your head now.   So go ahead, watch this youtube video of Boogie Wonderland.  Try to do it without shaking that bootie.  I bet you can't!

 

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