Bloom where you are planted

I didn't see the creative hands that worked to plant these imaginative "flowers." I simply came across the display while walking around Furman Park recently.

Now, some people would have walked past this and not even noticed. But, I think it is important to recognize and appreciate the ability of some people to take mud, a stick, and some color and be able to create something. I don't know who did it, but I wish I could thank whoever did, 'cuz it brought a smile to my face this morning.

"I must have flowers, always, and always" 
~ Claude Monet

The Honorable Del Clawson

Near the Downey Civic Center flag poles is a small memorial to Del Clawson, who served eight terms (1963-1975) as our representative in the U. S. House of Representatives.

After his retirement, he lived in Downey until his death in 1992.

Humans of Downey - Fausto

"I chose Downey because it's a nice city to live in. I've been here now for fourteen years and I just like the area. People around here live in nice areas. Downey is coming up. The parks are in better condition, there are more shops in Downey than when I moved here fourteen years ago. A lot of people talk about Downey, that they want to move in to Downey.

"In my family there are six of us total. Three of my sisters live in Downey. They own houses. I have, how many, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 nephews in Downey. Everyone gets along here in Downey. My oldest sister moved here to Downey first and we all just followed."
~ Fausto

Humans of Downey - Andres

"When I was three years old I got in a car accident. When I was four, I got in a major one. I'm hoping to not get in a third because they say, 'three strikes and you're out'."
~Andres

A good workout

I normally see people working out on the new exercise equipment at Furman as I am out walking my dog. This past week, I noticed a couple of guys just hanging out on the equipment, chatting. I like that the park is a social gathering place. Maybe having a conversation here is almost as good as the exercise itself.

"My idea of exercise is a good brisk sit." 
 ~ Phyllis Diller

Kitty in the window

On a beautiful spring day in southern California, everyone wants to be outside. Even the cat.

Mother's Day lines

In a scene replicated in every restaurant on this Mother's Day afternoon, lines go out the door as people wait to enjoy a meal with family. These patrons line up outside of the Tropicana Bakery and Cuban Cafe (one of our local favorites).

"Mothers hold their children’s hands for a short while, but their hearts forever."
~ Author Unknown

Gravity

Heading to Costco today, I passed McKenna BMW and noticed this Ultimate Driving Machine on the back side of the building. It certainly got my attention.  It also had me just a little concerned about how it got up there and what was keeping it from falling.

“Gravity is a contributing factor in nearly 73 percent of all accidents involving falling objects.”
 ~ Dave Barry