Who let the dogs out?

Okay, so they didn't get out, they were actually in — the Rio San Gabriel dog park, that is. The dogs were having the time of their lives and we had a lot of fun watching them play. Specifically the Great Dane and the little brown one. They made great playmates. They would race around the "big dog" area with the small one trying to keep ahead of the chase and the Great Dane who was so careful not to squash the little one.

Every time they would stop, the Dane did this playful bow. It made him seem regal and sweet all at the same time.

Upstairs, downstairs

When James Rives built his mansion in 1911, his plans of course allowed for his live-in kitchen staff. From the small bedroom on the second floor that overlooked the grounds in the back, the servants were summoned by these bells at the top of the stairs. The narrow stairs led them directly down to the kitchen.

For more posts about the Rives Mansion, click here.

The silver lining that comes with the rain clouds

The occasional view of the San Gabriel Mountains, especially after the rain has washed away the smog and left the mountains covered in snow, never ceases to take me by surprise. (See my post from about this same time last year.)

Let them eat cake!

I'm back at Tropicana and I can't decide. The cakes are so amazing... almost too pretty to eat. I curse my New Year resolution to eat healthy. Who can resist these beauties? I think I'm with Marie (Antoinette) on this one. I say we should all eat cake!

Dining in style

My first thought upon walking into the dining room in the Rives Mansion was, "I want to have dinner here!"

The rich dark oak paneling, the beautiful built-in cupboards, the original lighting fixtures up above, the elegantly set table, and the garden view through the French doors all combine to make the dining room one of the loveliest rooms in this old house.

For more posts about the Rives Mansion, click here.

The little mermaid

I read somewhere that a mermaid's tail splits in two when she becomes 30 and can then walk on land. This one was showing her age while pointing toward the heavens with her shell.

For more posts about the Rives Mansion, click here.

Cartozian, the man

If ever you needed to know someone in this town, it would be Mr. Kirk Cartozian. Not only does he know just about everything there is to know about Downey, he can also name the houses we have been dying to check out all around Downey. Downey has kept some of the turn of the century houses pretty much as they were and Mr. Cartozian has made it his business to get to know these families. He's invested a lot of time into it and has a lot to show for it. He loves Downey and it shows. It felt like we were his paparazzi.

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.