The boys of summer

Okay, so it's still the middle of winter. But these guys will be out of school by the time summer rolls around so they need to get their practice in now.

The Warren High School freshmen baseball team practices at the ballparks next to the Columbia Space museum. Seeing them makes me think back on my days of all the practice before getting to play in a game. I knew I would never be a Willie Mays, but I sure loved playing the game.



Getting to wear the cap meant you were part of the team.

Behind the scenes

I know, a concert is all about the music. No music, no concert. But as a photographer, I often find that I am more drawn to what goes on behind the scenes.

Near the stage at last night's concert by the Third Marine Aircraft Wing Band, several military vehicles were on display. This jeep with its mounted weapon (don't ask me what kind!) was like a magnet for all the young boys in the vicinity.

A different kind of magnetic appeal was going on near the jeeps. What could be more appealing than a man in uniform? How about a princess? (Past and present Miss Downey participants are on hand every week helping to fundraise for the Downey Rose Parade float.) These two were sharing a mutually enjoyable moment.

And last, I was drawn to this backstage display. Of course the band members wore their caps. And of course, they must remove them while playing. And artfully stack them amid their trunks and water bottles.

Ready for Christmas

From lights on the tree to fake snow in the yard, everyone is getting ready for Christmas. Every day at work I see old men with reindeer on their sweaters and little kids with antlers on their head. Well, my cousin Jake, however uninitiated of course, is no different. He is so cute though.

Blue hat

Watching a group of seniors enjoy a "picnic" lunch, I spotted this little lady with the blue hat. I thought she was adorable. I loved the hat!

I'm one of those people who think they are "hat people." I buy hats because I love them and think they look cute when I first buy them. But sadly, I almost never end up wearing them. This lady was a natural. 

With a red hat which doesn't go

Meet some of the Rosy Reds, a local chapter of the Red Hat Society. The ladies were killing time, as I was, in the beautiful lobby of the Embassy Suites Hotel until the start of "Funny Girl" at the Downey Theater next door.

Queen Aloha Lindi of the Rosy Reds

In Society parlance, the woman who starts the local chapter is known as the queen. The queen of the Rosy Reds is Queen Aloha Lindi.

The Red Hat Society gets its inspiration from the poem Warning by Jenny Joseph, written in 1961. Here is an excerpt:

When I am an old woman I shall wear purple
With a red hat which doesn't go, and doesn't suit me.
...
But maybe I ought to practice a little now?
So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised
When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple.

You can read more about the Red Hat Society at  How it started.

May I take your order?

Tropicana Bakery and Cuban Cafe has been in Downey since 1999.

It is charming and lively — always busy. The service is prompt and gracious. I love the new "uniforms" with the hats! The hardest part of stopping by is deciding what to have. The desserts always get me... which one do I choose this time?



I may have to stop by again later this week.

Christmas is just around the corner

As the holiday season rolls around, I'm seeing so many new family photos. My fridge will soon be filled with them. I took this photo for a family at Wilderness Park, which apparently is a favorite spot of mine.