Alternatives

We live in a desert.

The only reason we have green grass and lush landscaping is because we pipe the water in. And now (in spite of yesterday's unusual May rainstorm), California is facing one of the most severe droughts on record.

Drought-resistant landscaping has been around for a long time, but I've noticed a definite trend around Downey toward saving water. This strip mall recently replaced their grass with this water-saving alternative.

Humans of Downey - Donell

"My mother, I'll use this particular quote she gave me when I was in between two situations at the same time. She said, 'You can't be in something and out of it at the same time.'

"I thought that was very good. My mother's been very caring and really fun. She influenced me to take on those traits. Like art and things like that, so I took on poetry. From my mother's side of the family we had musical people in our groups. She was a great influence on me by being a leader in our clubs when I was younger."
~ Donell

The other zoo

I was walking through Stonewood Center and noticed these animals penned up. They were pretty active for that time of day, just hovering above the ground. I think they were waiting for someone to take them for a walk before dinner. I also think the bunnies were the leaders of the pack. They usually are.

Early morning at the LA Zoo

Downey doesn't have its own zoo, but the good thing for us is that the LA Zoo is relatively close. This Sunday morning they opened early for members only. It is the best time to go. Many of the animals were more active than usual.

One of my favorites is the cats. Hubert is a new lion for the LA Zoo. He and his mate Kalisa (who have been together for 10 years) came from a zoo in Seattle this past March. Hubert was quite active as was this Sumatran tiger, Castro Jr., who also recently came to the LA Zoo. They both seemed like they were ready for breakfast.



It was fun to watch some interaction with the giraffes. This zoo worker was feeding the giraffe branches with purple flowers on them.

And then, there was the bear. He was so cute and cuddly-looking. We watched him for a long time. He looks a little ferocious here, but he wasn't growling, he was actually yawning. 

The leaning thing

My friends and I see a lot of life through the filter of movie quotes. And one of our favorites comes from a scene in While You Were Sleeping, where Jack and Lucy discuss the meaning of "leaning." Here's an abridged version of the scene. 

Lucy: What do you mean by "the leaning thing"?
Jack:  lt was a lot different than hugging. Hugging´s very different. Hugging, that involves arms and hands, and leaning is whole bodies moving in, like this. Leaning involves wanting...and accepting. Leaning--
Neighbor: Hey, Luce. ls this guy bothering you?
Lucy: No, no.
Neighbor: Are you sure? 'Cause it looks like he´s leaning.

Well, these trees are "leaning."

Don't disturb those tenants!

Until recently, this lot held a tire store called Just Tires. Now, it's an empty lot waiting for someone to build something new.

Meanwhile, don't disturb the squirrels! Or rats? Or mice?

A perfect night for a stroll

Today I went to a friend's house for a housewarming and close to the end of the day, we decided it was time for a walk. Their charming house is in the Orange Estates.

For those of you who do not know, Orange Estates are the homes that are located around Furman Park. The old estate homes (1920s-1940s) are located between Rives Ave. and Paramount. The new estate homes (1950s and 60s) are located between Rives and Old River School Rd.  I just know it's a nice place to take an evening stroll with a few good friends.

"Few people know how to take a walk. The qualifications are endurance, plain clothes, old shoes, an eye for nature, good humor, vast curiosity, good speech, good silence, and nothing too much."  
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

A tisket a tasket

Today is May Day, and I got to be home when the kindergartners from Rio Hondo made their annual delivery of May Day bouquets. (You can read more here at May Day.)

Both sides of the street were filled with kids excited to be passing out the baskets that they had worked so hard on. Two boys knocked on my door, handed me this basket, and the whole group yelled "Happy May Day!"

Thanks, kids, for brightening up my day.